Dee, Lavada - Nothing to Lose [Blackhawk Brothers] (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Read Free Page A

back. “Okay, enough of the strong, silent, John Wayne scenario here. Who is she, and where did you find her?”
    “I don’t know who she is. Hell, I don’t even know her name. I was coming back from the mall job and was just about to my driveway when I saw her on the side of the road. At first I didn’t know the pile of clothes was a person. Just before I got to her, she managed to get to her feet and tried to get into the woods. When I grabbed her, she fought like a tiger, or I guess ‘tigress’ would be more appropriate.”
    “Who cares about the semantics? Tiger, tigress whatever, don’t muddy the waters. So was there anyone else around? Did you see a car or truck?”
    “No, there were no skid marks either. I thought maybe she might have been thrown out of a vehicle, but from what I could see from my headlights, the bruises look older, like maybe a few days. There’s one on her temple that looks new, but the others are turning a yellowish color.”
    “Well, we’ll know more after I take a look at her.” Grant stood up and came around his desk. When he got even with his brother, he bent down to emphasize what he was saying. “Remember, bro, this isn’t a puppy or kitten you’ve found. Don’t be thinking of taking her home.”
    Cooper opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, Grant held up a hand. “You think I’ve forgotten all the critters you’ve rescued and drug home? Not a chance. You’ve been bringing things home since you were old enough to walk.”
    Chuckling to himself at getting the last word in on his brother, he walked out of the room. Knocking, he entered and forced himself not to whistle.
No, this lady is definitely not what Coop usually brings home.
He forced himself back into professional mode, ignoring the big brown eyes that made a man want to protect and comfort. He didn’t envy his brother. He looked at the chart.
Lynn Moore, passing through
. Yep, things might heat before Ms. Moore healed enough to be on her way. He might be thinking a little premature here, but knowing his brother he didn’t think so.
    Noting the absence of a ring, he sat the chart down. “Ms. Moore, I’m Doctor Grant Blackhawk.”
    Her eyes widened. Strangers usually had a similar reaction to seeing the four brothers, though he and Coop looked more alike than the others. Ignoring her reaction, he felt for lumps in her throat and slowly moved around to her back. At the sight of the bruises and angry-looking wound, he fought to keep his voice even and professional. “You have a serious infection. How did it happen?”
    “I fell and landed on my back in some glass on the floor. I thought that I’d gotten it all out.”
    He gently probed the wound. “There are some good-sized pieces you didn’t get. It’s in a bad place for self-treating.”
    Grant came around so he could watch her reaction while he talked. “Usually if we see a patient in the shape you’re in, we do a complete physical workup.” She started to protest, and he interrupted. “I know if it weren’t for your back, you wouldn’t even be in here. So I’m going to treat your back, or I am after I’ve asked you some questions.”
    His voice softened, and he smiled, trying to help her through answering his questions. “Okay, here we go. First, I need you to tell me the truth. If you can’t, then decline to answer, but don’t lie to me. Can you do that?”
    Lynn nodded.
    He paused and dug out his best bedside manner to help her feel at ease with him. “These injuries weren’t caused by an accident. And I’ll bet if I were to X-ray, I’d find you’ve been in this shape before.”
    “Yes,” she whispered.
    “How long ago did this last incident happen?”
    “Five days ago.”
    “Do you have any blood in your urine or have you had any?”
    “I’m not sure. Maybe the first day, but only a little and only twice.”
    “Good, how about bowels? Any visible blood?”
“No.”
    “Take a deep breath and hold it.” He watched