“He’s very sick. C’mon, I’ll take you to him.” Dean smiled and placed his hand against the small of her back.
She shuddered and walked out of his touch, wrapping her arms around herself. “His family is coming from France.”
“How do you know Mr. Charpentier?” Dean asked.
“He’s my manager. I’ve been his client since I was twenty-one.” She swiped a tear.
“Client? He’s not your boyfriend?” His voice was not as nonchalant as he wanted.
Monique stopped in her tracks. “Excusez-moi? What does it matter if he’s my boyfriend or not? I love him. Let me inside.” Her eyes turned cold, and she lifted her chin in defiance.
Dean pursed his lips and held the door for her.
* * *
Monique could seeAlain in one of the glass enclosed rooms. She slid open the door and closed it behind her. Clasping her mouth, she looked up to the ceiling and back at her friend. “Oh, Alain. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to fight with you. You have to get better.” Her hand slid through the bed rail and wrapped around his.
The door opened. “Hi, I’m Maya; I’m Mr. Charpentier’s nurse.”
“What happened to Dean?” Monique was confused.
“Dean? We don’t have a Dean working here. I’ve been with him since his admission.” Maya checked his IV fluids.
Goosebumps erupted all over her body. “No, he was just here. He wore nurse’s scrubs. I swear.” Monique scanned the area. The bed rail was the only thing keeping her standing. Her breath caught in her throat. “How is he?”
“I can’t tell you anything, but hold on, that’s Dr. Gentry. I’ll get him for you.” Maya left.
Monique rubbed her arms. She texted Jack to ask if he saw Dean anywhere. He responded “no” with a flurry of question marks.
Maya and Dr. Gentry joined her and Alain. “Ms. Lillier, I’m Dr. Gentry.” A confused look took over his face. “I’m sorry, I recognized you.” The young physician blushed.
“Is Alain going to be alright?” Monique had no time for a fanboy.
“We are doing our best, but we have not been able to determine the toxic substance he was given.” Gentry pulled himself together and returned to a professional stature.
“Toxic substance? I don’t understand.” Her legs wobbled.
“Ms. Lillier, we believe Mr. Charpentier was poisoned. We are running tests, but it will be a while before we know anything,” he replied.
Monique reached behind her and grabbed on to the chair, sitting heavily. “Poisoned? Dr. Gentry, I was led in here by a man wearing scrubs named Dean, who said he was Alain’s nurse. Maya said there is no nurse named Dean here. Whoever it was could’ve hurt him.” Monique began to tremble.
The doctor crouched in front of her. “No one came in here. We would notice. It’s very late. Why don’t you give me your number and go home for the night?”
“You promise you will call me?” He nodded. “Thank you, Doctor.”
The wall was the only thing holding her up as she made her way back to the waiting room. Jack pushed by two men wearing suits and ran to her. “Honey, what happened?”
“I…I…” She walked aimlessly into the room. “There is no nurse named Dean. He doesn’t exist. I’m losing my mind.” Her body continued shaking. “Please tell me you saw him.”
“Honey, these men are from Chase Security. Talk to them,” Jack begged.
* * *
His sixth senseroared to life. Taggart Dupart’s suspicions were right: something was wrong. “Madame Lillier, I’m Kieran Chase. For your safety, I’d like to get you out of here.” He removed his suit jacket and wrapped it over her shoulders.
“Thank you.” The faint smell of musk, patchouli and bergamot teased her senses, and his body heat from his jacket warmed her.
“Farmer, pull the truck up front. Ms. Lillier, I’d like to take you back to your hotel. I am aware of what occurred today. Sergeant Dupart’s brother works for me. I don’t want to stress you any more than you already are. I’m aware the sergeant gave you his card, but here is my identification. You can call him and verify my identity.” Kieran smiled.
