Page 56

18

“Hold the elevator, please,”I called as I rushed forward to join Dr. Doyle.

He glanced at me, clearly annoyed at the delay, but waited until I was inside to give the computer the floor number.

“Elevator, hold,” I said, copying Mason’s trick, though I definitely wasn’t planning on any fun physical interactions. This time I was prepared as it jerked to a halt.

“What are you doing?” Dr. Doyle asked, eyes wide with panic.

“Nothing sinister. I just want to talk to you in private for a moment.” I batted my eyelashes with innocence. “I have a question. It’s a hypothetical situation, and I need to know if I’m right.”

“Let’s get this over with,” he muttered. “What do you need to know?”

“DSI. Is it real?”

He harrumphed as though I’d truly wasted his time. “Of course it is.”

I blew out a long slow breath before continuing. “Is it common? And the side effects, how bad can they get?”

“Hypothetically?” he asked, narrowing his eyes to let me know he didn’t buy it for a second.

I nodded.

“We don’t know, since we haven’t had a large enough group at this depth yet. But based on preliminary studies and everyone’s medical examination in preparation for the trip, we anticipated only two potential issues that we deemed a possible risk medically. In practice, however, Dr. Lawry has assured me she is on top of the situation.”

My mouth suddenly went dry, and I reached out to place a hand against the glass to steady myself. “Dr. Candice Lawry?” I remembered her threatening me on the ride down. That would explain her attitude toward me and why she didn’t want me near Mason.

“Are you experiencing symptoms?” he asked, stepping up to examine my face.

I sighed. No more pretending. “Yes,” I croaked. “Headaches and emotional rollercoasters.” He didn’t need to know about my sex drive or the blackouts. I was sure at this point they were nothing. Travis would have shown more concern when I admitted everything about my illness to him.

“Elevator resume ride,” he said, stepping away. “I can send you some aspirin for the headaches.”

“Thanks. Doctor.” I grabbed his arm before he exited the lift. “You should look into the other person and check them against my father’s list.”

He grunted his approval. “I will look into everyone, you included, Miss Meadows.”

Mulling over our conversation, I wandered back toward Mermaid’s Cove. I jumped when I felt a hand grasp my arm, but turned to find Alyssa, worse than I’d ever seen her. Her normally bright eyes were dull and bloodshot, and she had tear stains on her cheeks. The vision of her and my father on the dance floor, so in love, shot to mind. But this time, instead of hurt for myself, my heart ached for her. I couldn’t hate her. I tried and I couldn’t anymore. She made a bad choice, and so had most of us. But she truly loved my father, and she was good for him. She came with Bennet Systems and the work that was so much a part of him. She was the balance he needed.

“Sam, I just want to thank you.” She released her grip on my arm and lowered her gaze to the ground. “For defending me back there in Engineering.”

I shrugged, but my voice came out gentle. “You’re doing your best just like all of us. This isn’t your fault, Alyssa.”

Her gaze lifted, eyes shining with tears.

“Come here,” I said and pulled her into a hug. For so long it had felt like doing this would be unfaithful to my mom. But if my mother’s heart was big enough for everyone, so was mine.

“Does this mean you forgive me?” Alyssa whispered over my shoulder.

“Only if you forgive me for acting like a child.”

Alyssa pulled back and squeezed my hands in hers, a smile brightening her face. “You are Tom’s child, no matter how old you are. We always need love and appreciation, Sam, you and I included.”

She let go and turned back toward the nearest building, a small restaurant.

“Where are you going?” I called after her. I’d assumed she’d be headed back to Mermaid’s Cove as well.

“Back to work. I think I’ve had a second wind. Let’s get this asshole.”