“What I know is this. The Ladling curseisreal. Because you believe it.” Gentle tone, harsh words. He kissed her brow. “But I’m determined. I’ll prove the curse has no power over you.”
No. No! He was wrong. Or possibly right? Maybe? She did believe the very wise words Grandma Lily once told her, when she’d come home from school crying because no one wanted to be her friend.Jay Bird, you can’t make people like you. But you can be the best possible you. One day, your kindness and generosity will come back to you. Everything always comes back.
But, but…this wasn’t the same. It couldn’t be. Could it? No, no. It couldn’t. Next Conrad would repeat what Fiona often told her. That fear fueled the Ladling curse, making it a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Jane opened her mouth to protest, but no sound emerged. Argh! So part of her remained unconvinced in his wrongness, okay? But the other part of her was much smarter. Loss equaled pain. Intelligent people avoided pain.
He must have detected the resistance in her expression because he heaved a heavy sigh and pressed his forehead against hers. “Everything will be all right, sweetheart. I’m determined. The curse is our dragon. We’ll slay it and create our own personal fairy tale.”
That. That did it. She had already picked out a name for their fairy tale and everything. The Cemetery Maiden and the Prince of Spices.
Relief showered her, and she melted against him. “Our tale will inspire the masses for eons to come.”
“Probably longer.” He placed a light kiss on her lips. “Dragon slaying is my specialty. You might not know this, but I’m a pretty scary guy. I’ve already frightened the sheriff into recovering faster.”
Jane gave a little snort. Realizing she’d found humor in a non-humorous situation, she pursed her lips.
“It’s okay to smile and laugh, even at times like this. Especially at times like this.” Conrad continued on before she could respond. “I spoke with the doc before I came to the room, and he assured me Raymond is walking out of here. He’ll need to make some lifestyle changes, but he’s a resolute man. With Fiona by his side, he’ll be more dogged than ever.”
“You’re right.”Of courseeverything would turn out well for Fiona and the sheriff. They were too wonderful not to get their happily ever after.
Someone cleared her throat, alerting Jane to another presence.
Conrad eased his face from hers, but retained his hold on her. “Yes?” he asked the intruder.
“I’m here to check your grandfather’s vitals,” the woman said to Jane.
Ah. A nurse. Her ID badge read Mindy. The fifty-something heroine of medicine wore pink scrubs and a kind smile as she motioned to the door Jane and Conrad now blocked. Oops. But, uh, grandfather?
The special agent didn’t correct the assumption, so neither did she. What a perfect opportunity to further the case! Did Emma have access to these facilities? For that matter, had any opioids been reported stolen lately?
“I’m a granddaughter, yes,” Jane stated. Not a lie. Both of her parents possessed a father, and those fathers, though deceased, were her grandfathers. “I’d like to know what medications you’re giving our patient.” The questioning had to kick off somewhere. “Any opioids?”
Mindy blinked. “I’ll have to check his chart. My shift just started, so this is my first examination of him. But, if I had to guess, I’d say no. For a myocardial infarction, we usually start with aspirin and nitroglycerin. Is there a reason you ask? Is he allergic?”
Conrad lightly pinched Jane’s chin before releasing her, letting her know her sleuthing hadn’t gone unnoticed. “No allergy to our knowledge,” he told the nurse, straightening and opening the sheriff’s door. “You deal with the sleeping patient. I’ll handle the curious granddaughter.”
Without another word, Mindy soared past them and entered the room. Fiona and Beau exited soon after, the sheriff’s grumbles following them. “Enough with the poking and prodding already.”
At the sound of his gruff voice, Jane grinned. Yeah, he was gonna be all right.
Their group relocated to a waiting room, where chairs were scattered about. Two other guests sat before a TV mounted on the wall, watching what looked to be a home renovation show. In the opposite corner, next to a drink station and vending machines, was a round table topped by a half-finished puzzle. A chest of plastic toys rested against one of the legs.
Beau helped Fiona into a seat and eased beside her, patting her hand. Jane took the spot on her other side, with Conrad plopping next to Jane.
“Tell me why you want to know about the sheriff’s medications,” the agent commanded for her ears alone.
And betray client confidentiality? “No, thank you.”
“Very well. I’ll guess. You’ve spoken to Miller’s ex-wife.”
Dang it! Nothing got by this man. Rather than confirm or deny it, she said, “Do you know if any opioids have been reported stolen from this hospital? Or Aurelian Hills Medical Clinic, for that matter.” Emma’s place of employment.
He peered up at the ceiling, as if praying for divine guidance. “I shouldn’t tell you. But I will because the information can be gleaned outside of GBH thanks to the Headliner. And because I won’t be able to come by the cottage tonight as planned. I have to return to the office. This can serve as my apology.”
“In that case, apology accepted.” When had he decided to stop dissuading her from investigating and start encouraging her? Because she liked this development. “Ifthe information is juicy enough, of course.”
“Of course. Brat,” he huffed with affection. “The clinic doesn’t keep any opioids on hand. However, Pinetum Regional does. Last week a vial was, in fact, reported stolen. The same drug found in Miller’s system. And before you ask, Nurse Miller doesn’t have clearance here. Dr. Garcia and Dr. Price do. They attended your party, as well, so they are being interviewed today.”