The Mysterious Stranger (Triple Trouble) Read Online Free

she’s in great shape.” He stared expectantly, as if waiting for Jarrett to comment on the double meaning in the last comment.
    Jarrett ignored him. Yes, he’d noticed the mystery woman had a nice body. So what? Thousands, hundreds of thousands of women had nice bodies. That didn’t mean he was interested in any of them.
    “She needs rest,” John continued when Jarrett was silent. “I’m sure you want her gone as quickly as possibly, but resist the urge to throw her out until tomorrow.”
    “I’m not completely inhuman,” Jarrett said frostily.
    “Nice to know. Sometimes I wonder.”
    Jarrett ignored that comment, too. “Is she faking?”
    “The amnesia?” John shrugged. “It’s hard to tell. Head injuries are tricky. We understand so little of the brain and how it heals. Often this kind of amnesia is bought on by a traumatic incident. It’s usually temporary and disappears on its own. On the other hand—”
    “Of course she’s faking,” Jarrett interrupted. “And she conveniently lost her identification or left it behind.”
    “That would be your professional opinion?”
    “I know women.” Jarrett stared out the window, forcing himself to see the blue sky and glittering water beyond. While he didn’t appreciate the view as much as he should, at least he could focus on it instead of the past. Anything was better than remembering.
    John took another swallow of Scotch, then sat in the chair in front of Jarrett’s desk. “If you know she’s faking, why bother with me?”
    “I’ve been down this road before. I won’t be played for a fool.”
    “Ah, I understand.” John smoothed a hand over his thinning hair. “I wasn’t aware you were being stalked by a series of women who had lost their memories. Under the circumstances, then, you would definitely have more insight into this problem than I do. I bow to your superior knowledge and experience.”
    Jarrett narrowed his gaze. “You’re not the least bit amusing.”
    John grinned. “Hey, I think I’m funny and, in the end, isn’t that what matters?”
    Jarrett kept his expression cold.
    John sighed. “All right. We’ll do it your way, but I think you’re taking this too much to heart. It is possible that the mystery lady is just that, a mystery. Not a stalker or a woman out to trick you into a relationship.”
    “I can’t afford not to be careful.” He stared at the man who, despite Jarrett’s natural inclination to hold the world at bay, had become a friend. “You know some of what happened in my past, John, but you don’t know everything that happened. I have to assume the worst. Especially now that Anna Jane is with me. Her safety is my responsibility.”
    “Do you want her to come stay with me tonight?” he asked.
    Jarrett raised his eyebrows. “She’s only nine, John. You can’t leave her alone.”
    “I know that.” John sounded hurt. “I’m a doctor. I wouldn’t mind staying in for the evening. I could use the rest.”
    “With your schedule, I’m not surprised.”
    John’s exploits were legendary. His beachfront home had played host to a legion of lovely ladies. Most were resort guests who stayed with him for the length of their vacation. Some were hotel staffers. He never claimed to want more than a passing affair, and the women seemed pleased to comply.
    “Anna Jane will be safe enough here,” Jarrett continued. “You said the woman can be moved in the morning.”
    “All she needs is a good night’s sleep. Besides, you can use the time to figure out if she’s faking or not,” the doctor said. “If she is, as you said, playing you for a fool, you should be able to trip her up. If she’s the genuine article, then you’ve simply spent a few hours in the company of a lovely lady. There are worse fates.”
    Jarrett ignored John’s last comment. He didn’t share his friend’s desire for constant female companionship. “If the amnesia is real, what will happen?”
    “I’m not sure. Her memory could