Sequoia Valley: Risk (Free Preview)

2

It was almost lunch time by the time Dr. Drake dropped in to check on Aileen, and she was staring at the ceiling in boredom wishing she had reliable friends to bring her books or something to keep her entertained; but she’d learned that any friends she had—all connected to Jeremy in some way—weren’t reliable or trustworthy. She was pulled out of those thoughts by the older, gray-haired doctor who came to her bedside.

“How are you feeling, Ms. Byrne?”

“Better,” she said honestly. She was still in pain, but she could sit up and move. She’d been told it would take at least four to six weeks for her ribs to heal fully.

Just as the doctor was about to reply, Jeremy came into the room. As soon as he saw the other man, he put on his most charming smile and held out a hand. “Jeremy Quinn. How is she doing?”

“Better,” Dr. Drake said. “She’s sitting up so that’s good.”

“Then do you think she can be discharged today?” Jeremy asked, making her break into a cold sweat.

No! I don’t want to go home!

“Well...”

“I’ll take good care of her, doctor,” Jeremy said in a voice that most would think was sincere. She knew better. “She needs to be home with me so I can take care of her.”

The doctor, despite his age, didn’t seem to have Dr. Zakarîyâ’s skills of observation and deduction. “I think it should be alright. But you need to make an appointment for the cast removal. Bring her back if she has any extreme pain.”

“Of course,” Jeremy said, his sincere charming smile still in place.

She knew he wouldn’t. He’d probably sit back and watch if she showed any degree of pain. It was no less than she deserved for making him angry.

“I’ll have someone prepare the discharge papers,” Dr. Drake promised as he left the room.

As soon as he was gone, the smile dropped and the icy, cold eyes she was used to returned. “We’re getting out of here. This had better not happen again.”

She lowered her eyes. “Yes, Jeremy.”

“I’ll go and get your things. They’re in the car.”
When he left, she stared at her hands. It’s too late. I should have let him help me.

Jeremy returned with a change of clothes and the mobile phone that had been left behind at the house when she’d been taken to the hospital. Not that she was particularly attached to it. The only numbers she had in it were Jeremy’s and some “friends” that he approved of. He dropped it all unceremoniously on her lap.

“Go change. And you’d better not forget your phone behind again.”

She nodded. Slowly, she started to edge her way out of bed, but Jeremy had no patience with her slow movements or the pain causing it. He yanked her out of bed so roughly she had to bite back the scream of pain.

“Go. Now.”

She had no choice but to obey. She took her clothes, and the phone he handed to her again, and went in the bathroom.

Changing was a slow, excruciating process when every movement of her wrist and ribs hurt. By the time she was finished, there were several menacing messages from Jeremy.

Damn it, brat!

It doesn’t take this long to change!!!!

I’m in the reception area

Discharge papers are ready

Get here now!

You’ll get what’s coming to you if you don’t listen

You know what happens if you don’t listen to me

Tears of frustration and pain formed in her eyes. But crying wouldn’t solve anything. It would only delay her more and make him more angry. As it was, she didn’t trust him not to take out revenge on the first opportunity.

She blinked back the tears, pocketed her phone, and left the bathroom. When she reached the reception area, Jeremy was charming the nurses with smiles and flattery, but Aileen wasn’t fooled. There was a calculating gleam in his eye that promised she’d pay when he looked at her.

With trembling hands and a racing heart, she filled out the discharge papers and signed. Then she was given a paper of the prescription drugs to take for the pain.

“Let’s go.” Jeremy put an arm around her, guiding her toward the doors. From the outside, it looked sweet and loving; but his grip was bruising and painful. She knew better than to protest.

“Pharmacy,” she said weakly as they reached the doors. The hospital had a connected pharmacy, so why they were leaving the premises before picking up the medication she’d need was beyond her.

Instead of responding, he dragged her out and led her to his parked sedan. Without warning, he slapped her so hard her face turned. “Pharmacy, you said? You want me to spend more money? Do you know how much I had to pay, brat?”

She quickly shook her head. “No, no... I don’t need it.”

He nodded. “Good.” He unlocked the car. “Get in. This had better not happen again. I’ll let it go this time, but next time you will pay.”

Nodding jerkily, she got in as quickly as she could manage. As Jeremy got in beside her, started the car, and backed out, she stared at the hospital, Dr. Zakarîyâ’s words replaying in her mind.

I can help you.

I know he’s hurting you.

You don’t deserve it.

Let me help you.

Talk to me.

I can’t stand by and watch.

Too late, she thought to herself. It’s too late.

She’d wondered if she could trust him. Now she’d never know.