Hurricane Read Free Page B

know. I would have ejected everyone by now. We’re going.” Syneca came into view.
    The woman was in a lab coat with a stethoscope around her neck. Her name card read ‘Locke’. At the sight of her last name Keenan’s suspicion was confirmed. Syneca studied him intently. The scrutiny in her golden gaze would have unnerved, or offended, most people. Instead, Keenan was amused at the thorough checking out he was receiving.
    “Time to go.” Syneca walked towards him and Keenan stepped to the side, opening the door for her.
    “Don’t tire my big sis out, Mr Callaghan.” Syneca’s warning was clear in her tone.
    The others followed her out of the room but three lagged behind the rest.
    “I’m Regina. The other partners and I will be in the waiting room to talk with you.”
    The full-figured woman was not what he would have pictured as the laid-back doctor’s wife. She seemed cold. The look on her dark, honey-brown face was contained and her green eyes seemed to see more than they revealed. She nodded, then went out. Spencer was leaning over, blocking his view of the woman in the bed.
    “We’ll take Rissa back home with us.” A tall man lifted a child against his chest. He turned, and pale grey eyes met Keenan’s. There was a sense of power in the man.
    “Get some rest, Jules. I’ll be by tomorrow to get you, or one of us will. Follow what the doctor says.” The woman had the same cadence in her voice as the woman Spencer had called Syneca.
    She walked towards Keenan, the man holding the child close behind her. The woman had the same look as the other Lockes. The man exited and the woman paused.
    “I’m Noelle Locke, Mr Callaghan. Keep it short.” Noelle nodded and strolled out.
    “Quite a family,” Keenan said softly to Colby.
    “You don’t know the half of it. They’re close. I’ll wait in the waiting room while you question Jules.” Colby took her leave.
    “After Keenan is done, you get some rest,” Spencer said to his patient.
    “I’d rest better if you would let me go home to my own bed.”
    The smoky voice with the musical cadence sounded disgruntled. It was similar to the other women who had spoken, but something about her set all his senses on high alert.
    “You’d sleep well. But I wouldn’t. My needs trump yours. So one night in the hospital it is. She’s all yours, Keenan,” Spencer said cheerfully.
    Spencer exited the room. Keenan’s breath caught as he stared at the woman reclining on the bed. Although she and her family shared similar features, she was exquisite compared to the other women he had seen that she was related to. Her long, dark brown hair tinged with gold framed her smooth face, which was the colour of toffee with a hint of cloves. Her forehead, sculptured high cheeks, slightly flared nose and rounded chin melded together to create a sexy air—she was a vixen. Her lips looked soft and kissable. She blinked, causing her eyelids to shield her golden eyes briefly. The look in her eyes was shrewd and sharp.
    “You have some questions for me, Mr Callaghan?” she said in a lilting tone.
    I want to hear you say my first name as I take you. Keenan frowned at the thought. He was here for work. Never before had anyone made him forget that fact. Scowling, Keenan began his questions.
     

Chapter Two
    Julianne answered him in the same clipped manner as he questioned her.
    Once finished, he said, “If I have any more questions, I’ll be in touch.”
    “When will your investigation be completed? Will we be informed of your findings?”
    “I can’t give you a time frame,” he snapped, then gentled his tone. “When I feel I have everything I need, I’ll have to review it. If it’s not arson, I’ll make sure to let you know what I find. Hope you feel better, Miss Locke.”
    He closed his notebook and left. Outside the door, he breathed out. He had acted rudely, bordering on being an ass. But something about Julianne Locke set him on edge.
    Pull it together, Keenan.