Deadly Obsession Read Free Page A

Bureau?”
    “Fifteen,” said Gage.
    “Right out of college, huh.” He smiled, dodging around a rush of interns. He took several more steps and then stopped in front of a set of large, glass doors. “Have you been married long?”
    “Ten years next month.”
    Nick nodded. He reached out and touched Gage’s shoulder. “I realise you’ve seen…” His voice trailed off. “It’s different when it’s someone you love.”
    “I can handle it.”
    Nick sighed, opening the doors with a gentle whoosh of air. He walked straight ahead, stopping at the bed second on the right. “Judging by what I know about Federal Agents, I suppose you’ll insist on staying.” He smiled at Gage’s guarded nod. “I’ll clear it with the nurses…see they don’t try to kick you out at two in the morning. Just do me a favour and try to keep out of their way. And for God’s sake, stay back if they have to treat her.”
    “You mean bring her back to life when she dies in front of my eyes?”
    Nick patted him on the shoulder again. “I’m hoping it won’t come to that.” He moved aside. “You can hold her hand, talk to her…whatever you like. I, for one, believe it helps.”
    Gage brushed past the man, stepping up to the side of the bed. He looked down at Brooklyn’s head peeking out from beneath the covers and nearly fainted on the spot. Her face was the same colour as the sheets and the ends of her hair were still matted with blood. There were lines and tubes sticking out of both arms, and it looked as if she wasn’t even breathing.
    Nick moved behind him, positioning his arms as if he intended on catching Gage when he fell. Gage grabbed the bar of the bed, steadying himself for several seconds before finally releasing it. Nick sighed and stepped to the edge of the bed.
    “I’ll check in on the two of you later. I’ve got my pager and instructions for the staff to beep me if anything happens. Try to get some sleep.”
    He left, leaving Gage alone with a ghostly version of his wife. He stared down at her again, fighting the sudden dizziness, as he reached out and touched her cheek. Her skin was cold and didn’t bounce back when he removed his finger. His chest tightened and tears burned his eyes. He sat down, cupping her hand in his. Her fingers were small and delicate, and for the first time since he’d met her, she seemed fragile. He brought her hand to his face, kissing her fingers as he stroked her skin. Then he lowered the railing, placed his head next to hers, and waited.

Chapter Two
     
     
     
    The dream returned.
    Gage pulled into the driveway, his heart racing, his anger barely contained beneath the surface. The house was dark, quiet. She must be asleep. His fists clenched at the thoughts that seared his mind.
    Brooklyn naked. Another man’s hands caressing her body .
    He felt…
    Damn, there was no way to describe how he felt. He cursed, stepping out of the truck as he headed for the door. He shouldn’t be there, not when he wasn’t certain how he’d react when he saw her. He opened the door and stepped inside. He could smell the sweet scent of her perfume lingering in the air. Lavender, mixed with a hint of rose. He felt a stab of pain stake through his heart.
    Turn around. Turn around before you do something stupid.
    He headed for the stairs, turning right at the top. Their bedroom door was closed, a faint gleam of light filtering through the small crack by the floor. He fisted the handle, stilling the need to bounce the damn thing off the wall, and slowly inched it open. She was sitting on the bed, her laptop open across her legs. But she wasn’t working. Her head was bowed to her chest, slightly angled towards her right shoulder, and her hands were resting beside the keyboard.
    Had she been writing? Or waiting up for him?
    He stepped inside, tossing his coat across a chair, as he watched her. Her breathing was slow and steady, gently raising her breasts, and her mouth was frozen in the beginnings of a