AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ugh. Do I come clean with her and hope she believes me? Do I go to security and tell them I’d forgotten to turn it in? How have I let myself make so many stupid decisions lately?
The devil on my shoulder immediately answers:Because he was hot as hell, and you were more interested in a chance to see him again than doing the right thing.I’m about to pop off to my imaginary companion when I’m interrupted.
“I’m sorry to cut our conversation short, Jillian. That was my daughter. I need to go pick up my grandson from school. She’s out of town. My son-in-law is on duty at the police department, and his teacher contacted her saying he has a fever.”
“Oh, no. I’m sorry to hear that. I hope he’ll be okay.” My concern is genuine, yet despite this my eyes fall to the piece of paper, wondering if I can manage to snag it without her looking.
“I’m sure he’ll be fine. There are so many germs floating around that school. It could be anything,” Anne says as she reaches for the note and slides it into her pocket.
Darn it.
She leans in for a hug as we stand and head out of her office.
I walk away, biting my lip in consternation, wondering how I’ll manage to get this necklace back to Luke or Luca or whatever he goes by, and reach for my phone.Hmmm.I wonder if Georgia is here. She was working the registration counter yesterday. Maybe she’ll remember him and be able to look up his number in the system.
But when I glance up from my phone, I see Roslyn staring down at my feet.
Where a gold chain is lying across my shoe.
CHAPTER FIVE
Jillian
Shit,shit, shit. What is happening to my life right now?
“Jillian? Is that yours?” There’s no missing the accusatory tone in Roslyn’s voice.
“Yes. Oh my gosh. That was close. I would’ve been so upset to have lost it.” I quickly squat down to scoop up the chain and immediately pull it over my head. The medallion hangs low, almost between my breasts.
“That’s funny. I’ve never seen you wear that here before.”
“I, uh, don’t usually wear it to work. Wouldn’t want anything to happen to it.”
Her stare is almost sinister. But how could she possibly know it’s Luke’s? I mean, these types of necklaces seem to be very common.
“Hey, Jillian. Are you working today?” Meghan asks as she pushes a stretcher down the hallway.
“No. Just stopped by to see Anne.” This statement elicits a little more stink eye from Roslyn.
“Jealous. It looks pretty out there. Enjoy your day.”
“Thanks. I’ll see you Friday.” I wave to Meghan. “Bye,” I direct at Roslyn before spinning in the opposite direction and rapidly striding down the corridor. The heck with Georgia. I need to get the hell out of here. I’ll worry about the necklace on Friday. I’m determined to get as far away from this place as possible. I just pray she’s working when I return and can help me locate Mr. Barrett. Even if it’s only an address, I could at least try to send it by certified mail.
As I return to the front of the hospital, where I’d parked before this wild goose chase began, I chastise myself for how I’ve behaved with regards to this man. I should’ve never allowed him to leave the ER with an IV in his arm. I mean, someone could’ve found him dead from an overdose. Sure, he seemed nice enough. But if my marriage to Dillon has proved anything, it’s that you never really know anyone.
Now I’m walking around with stolen property. Sure, it was simply an accident, taking it home with me. I never considered I’d not be able to get it back to its rightful owner.
One hot as sin, with eyes that could melt my panties off, rightful owner.
Haven’t I learned anything about my attachment to men? It always blows up in my face. I should’ve just taken the extra time to fill out the paperwork and turn the darn thing in to security.
Reaching my car, I plop into the seat as my frustration builds and turn on the ignition. Before backing out of the parking space, I slide the chain from around my neck and take a closer look at the gold medallion as it shines in the light of the sun. Multi-colored prisms dance along the inside of my windshield as I peer down at the image of the archangel and the words engraved below him.
Saint Michael. Protect Us.
Reaching for my phone, I open my browser and search for the Saint Michael pendant.Hmm. Apparently, it’s believed thatwearing the Patron St. Michael will provide protection from evil. St. Michael is generally considered a good fighter. He once led an army of angels to defeat Satan. It says here many police officers, paratroopers, and military personnel wear the patron saint around their necks.
I never thought to ask his occupation. Could he be a police officer? I wouldn’t think he’d be in the military. Hanover doesn’t have a big Army base like Fort Lee near Petersburg, the Marine Corps base in Quantico, or the Department of Defense in Williamsburg. But I guess he could commute.
