Alana Candler, Marked for Murder Read Online Free PDF Page B

paired him with Elliott as partners, and since that time, they’d been inseparable.
    Alana saw Chet and Elliott together during their off hours at the tennis courts or out on the golf course. Losing most of the games hadn’t diminished Chet’s arrogant attitude. He let everyone around him know that he thought his specialty— mental strength—was more important than mere physical strength.
    Chet placed his hands on his hips and sucked in a deep breath. “We gotta get back to work, Alana, but if you need anything, let us know.”
    Elliott nodded. “Anything, Alana.” His voice, though quiet, was full of compassion.
    “Thanks, guys. I will.”
    Brad followed them as they walked to the door, and when they were gone, he turned. “I’m gonna check on that doctor and see what’s taking so long. Be back in a minute.”
    Alana sat back in the bed and rubbed her aching head. She’d be glad to get out of here and back home where she could rest.
    Another knock sounded on the door just before Bo stuck his head in the room. “Can we come in?”
    “Hey, Bo. Come on in.”
    Kent pushed through the door behind Bo and glanced at Alana. A slight nod of his head was his only acknowledgement. Then, in a timid sort of way, he retreated to the corner of the room.
    Bo sidled over to the bed. “What do we have here? I hear you’ve been going for joy rides in the lake and skinny-dippin’ in the middle of the night,” Bo said with a grin.
    Alana’s eyes flashed as she stared at the teasing expression on Bo’s face. “Believe me, there was nothing joyful about it.”
    Bo leaned over the bed. “Are you okay?”
    “I’ve felt better, but I’m just glad to be here. Did you talk to the manager at the hotel? Did he confirm I was there?”
    Bo’s expression slipped a little as he answered. “We’re still checking into it, Alana. We’ll let you know, okay?”
    He pasted a smile on his face and nodded toward Kent. “Before we headed out for duty, we just wanted to check in on you—make sure you’re okay. Ain’t that right, Kent?”
    Kent smiled shyly from the corner and nodded.
    “So . . . how’d all this happen?” Bo asked as he sat on the edge of the bed.
    “It’s entirely your fault, you know. If you hadn’t been out of town this week, I wouldn’t have been in Landeville, and I wouldn’t be here in this bed.”
    Bo had the decency to look sheepish. He shrugged. “My cousin was getting’ hitched . . . what can I say? So, you came pretty close to leaving this world, huh?”
    Alana nodded.
    “How were you able to get out of the car?”
    “I was lucky. Some man drove by and saw my car in the lake. God was watching out for me. Most people would have kept on going, or at the most called 9-1-1. Instead, this man jumped in to pull me out. I’m really thankful.”
    “Yeah, I imagine so.”
    “Thanks for coming, Bo. Brad and I both appreciate your friendship.”
    Bo seemed to be embarrassed by the sentiment, and his lop-sided smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. Clearing his throat, he asked quietly, “Did you see your attacker?”
    Alana shook her head. “I didn’t see anything but his eyes—dark and angry.” She shivered and shook her head to rid herself of the memory.
    “Well,” he said absentmindedly, “we’re glad you’re safe, aren’t we, Kent?”
    A silent nod came from the corner of the room. Alana had forgotten Kent was there.
    “Who was the man who pulled you out? Do you know?” Bo asked.
    “No. I never found out, but I’m sure Brad can find out for me. I’ll definitely find him and thank him in person.”
    Bo stood up and stretched his arms to the ceiling. “We better get to work before your brother fires us. Come on, Kent. I’ll race you to the car.” He grinned and turned toward the bed once more. “Let me know if I can help in any way, okay? Do you need a ride home?”
    “No, Lisa’s coming to get me. I’ll probably go home with them for a couple of days, just for some rest. Thanks