The Betrayal Read Online Free Page A

George helped him towel off and dress, deftly disconnecting the IVs long enough to get the scrub top over his head.
    The nurse appeared unable to suppress a smile.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œYou look like a nurse who’s been shot.”
    â€œThank you, Dale Carnegie.”
    Boone carefully rolled his IV pole next to a side chair and sat, crossing his legs. He tipped an envelope, and out slid his watch, ring, wallet, and the leather bracelet he had fashioned with buttons salvaged from his late wife Nikki’s top the day she died. “I believe I’m ready to entertain,” he said somberly. “If I can just keep my eyes open. George, thanks. This was above and beyond the call.”
    The nurse waved him off as he left.
    As the sunlight through the window changed colors and muted, Boone noted that the Indian summer had gone as quickly as it had come. The thermometer had plummeted again, and the temperature was forecasted to hit as low as twenty overnight.
    Soon he was nodding, then dozing, yet ever aware that Haeley would soon be there.

4
    Agitated
    No surprise, Ambrose and Lucy Drake were the first to arrive. “You’re looking good, Son,” Boone’s father said. “A lot better.”
    â€œWhere are your own clothes?” his mother said. “Is that even a man’s outfit?”
    â€œI don’t know,” Boone deadpanned, watching her adjust the blinds and drapes. “I got it from a man.”
    â€œWe could have brought your clothes.”
    â€œYou could bring me my car.”
    â€œYou’re not able to drive. We’ll handle that.”
    â€œYou won’t be here when I’m released.”
    She stopped and faced him with a sigh. “Your father blamed your nastiness the other day on your condition.”
    â€œI’m sorry, Mom. Really. I don’t even remember your being here.”
    â€œYou were pretty articulate.”
    â€œNot really,” Ambrose said. “Doesn’t surprise me he remembers nothing. Now, Boone, what do you need your car for?”
    â€œIt doesn’t take two hands to drive. I want to drive myself. And as much as I appreciate that this has to be hard on you too, I really want to recuperate on my own.”
    â€œWith shoulder surgery looming?” Lucy said.
    â€œAgain, I’m sorry, Mom, but I don’t want caretakers.”
    â€œCare givers .”
    â€œWhatever. I would like you to bring me a set of my own clothes and my car. Can you do that?”
    â€œOf course,” Mr. Drake said. “Whatever you want.”
    â€œAmbrose!”
    â€œHe’s a grown man, Lucy.”
    His mother stalked into the hall, calling back, “How many are we expecting?”
    â€œThe doctor and Haeley Lamonica.”
    From somewhere she found enough chairs. “We met her, your coworker. Was she named after Hayley Mills?”
    â€œNot likely. It’s H-A-E-L-E-Y.”
    â€œWhy is she coming anyway?”
    Boone hesitated. “Same reason you and Dad are here. She loves me.”
    â€œShe seemed very nice,” Ambrose said.
    â€œOh, honey,” Lucy whispered. “We only talked with her for five minutes.”
    â€œBoone seems to care for her. She must have something on the ball.”
    Lucy looked away. “Well, where is she?”
    â€œShe’ll be here,” Boone said, looking at his watch. It wasn’t like her to be late and not call. “Might be looking for someone to watch her son.”
    â€œHer son?” Lucy said, shooting Ambrose a look.
    Boone shrugged. “She’s a single mom. Precious little guy.”
    When Dr. Duffey arrived carrying a large envelope, Ambrose and Lucy immediately rose for greetings and pleasantries. Boone asked if the doctor would mind waiting a few moments for Haeley to arrive.
    Dr. Duffey looked at his watch. “How about I continue my rounds and you buzz the nurses’ station when she arrives?”
    He left the envelope,