“I need to ask you one more question,” he said, in a soft tone. I nodded. Nothing mattered anymore. The damage was already done. He continued, “Are you in love with my brother?”
I wasn’t prepared for that question. I’d only admitted to treating an injury. Obviously, my emotional state gave away the rest. “I am,” I said softly.
“I thought so. You’re a damn good nurse. I knew if you broke protocol, it had to be something very serious.”
“I’m sorry. I should’ve told you about it sooner, but he didn’t want anyone to know. I even tried to get him to go to the police, but he refused,” I said.
“Liam is stubborn. Mostly because he’s had to put up with my nagging all his life. Sometimes it’s hard for me to look at him as a grown man and not my kid brother. But right now, we have an issue. Liam is in Tabiq and neither of us knows why. We have to find him.”
“How?” I asked.
“I’ll call Bennett Stone. No one comes to this island without his knowledge. He might not know what Liam was planning to do here, but he’ll know when he arrived.”
“Okay. Can you please let me know when you find him?” I asked.
“I’m not sending you out. He’s not just important to me any longer. He’s important to you,” he said. “You’re free to stay.”
Should I tell him it’s my mom’s birthday and they are expecting me home?I could, but the truth was that I couldn’t leave without knowing Liam is safe even if he’d ordered me to.
“Thank you, Dr. O’Connor,” I said.
“Please, call me Finn. At least when we are not working.”
Finn pulled out his cell and dialed. “Bennett, I’m with Kyleigh Marzon. She hasn’t heard from Liam, either. However, she told me something I wasn’t aware of. Did you know he’d been attacked and stabbed? I didn’t think so. I need to know why my brother came back and where the hell he is,” Finn demanded. “Really? How do you know this?” He nodded. “Okay. Next time, tell me before I ask.”
He ended the call and said, “Liam is okay. He is here for a meeting. I’m sure we will hear from him soon. I’m sorry to have scared you like that.”
“You were just trying to find your brother. I understand that.” I got up and headed for the door. “Please, don’t be hard on him for not sharing everything with you. I know how much he loves and admires you. He doesn’t want to disappoint you.”
“Seriously? I’m blown away with what he’s accomplished. He’s taken the family business and made it more than anyone else could’ve. And to have earned the love of someone as wonderful as you tells me that he’s changed more than I realized. And I think I owe him an apology for that.”
“I think the only thing you two need is to sit down and talk,” I said.
“I have a feeling that goes for you guys as well. Have a good night, Kyleigh.”
It felt strange hearing Finn say my first name, but I found it comforting as well. “You too…Finn.” I opened the door and left his office. Next stop was home.
I can’t wait to talk to you Mom. I’ve got so many questions.
Even though I was running a few minutes late, I had to stop and purchase something from town for my mom for her birthday first. When I got home, I found her sitting at the kitchen table alone. “Hi. Where’s Dad?”
“He went out. And before you ask, he wouldn’t tell me where, or when he’ll be home,” she sighed.
Okay. She’s not in a good mood.
“Mom, it’s your birthday, you should be smiling,” I said.
“I will be when you sit down and talk to me.”
I did and said, “Well, I have a lot to talk about, so guess this works for us both. Should I go first?” I asked.
“Please do,” she said.
“I have a patient who knows you very well. And shockingly, seems to know you better than I do,” I smiled.
“The only person who knows me better than you do is your father,” she said in surprise.
“Hmmm. How about Mr. Greeze, your former teacher?” I asked, dying to see her reaction.