Bayou Paradox Read Online Free PDF Page B

didn’t take offense. She would lash out at everyone. Perfectly natural response. “We’re running every possible test to find out what caused these symptoms, I assure you.”
    â€œBut will it be in time to save them?” Her voice caught and she sniffled. “They’re just lying there, wasting away.”
    â€œTanty’s my aunt. Of course, I’m doing everything I can to get to the bottom of this.” His heart twisted. Didn’t Tara realize it hurt him just as much to see his aunt lying there like that? “The medical staff is doing everything it can.”
    â€œThat’s not good enough.” She grabbed his forearm. His muscles tensed automatically and his heart picked up its pace at her touch. “We need to find out who did this to them.”
    She released her hold on his arm, but his heart continued to race. No, he wouldn’t allow himself to be sidetracked from the matter at hand. Couldn’t. Back to the facts. They were something he could control. Black and white. Cut and dried.
    â€œSomeone did this, Sheriff. I know it.” Her voice held a pleading tone. “We need to find out who’s responsible.”
    How could someone have done this, caused two elderly women to just lose consciousness? It didn’t make sense. More than likely, there was a logical explanation. Something the team of doctors would find and be able to treat. Heal. “We’ll know more once the test results are in.”
    A nurse emerged from behind a curtain, her white shoes squeaking against the tile floor, and addressed Tara. “Ms. LeBlanc, we’re moving your grandmother now. You can go up to the fourth floor and see the nurses for her visitation schedule.”
    â€œMerci.” Tara turned back to him, her eyes hard and unwavering. “Fine, you keep running tests and looking for medical answers. I’ll find out who’s behind this on my own.”
    â€œTara, don’t stir up anything.” Wasn’t that what voodoo was all about, stirring up spirits and potions?
    â€œWhat could I possibly stir up, Sheriff? This is all perfectly reasonable, totally logical, right?”
    â€œStay out of it. Take care of your grandmother, and let the police handle the investigation.” He didn’t give her a chance to reply, just strode down the hall.
    Infuriating woman. Yet striking. Strong, but vulnerable. A true enigma. One who, despite his better judgment, seemed to draw him to her.
    In spite of all her rough edges, she loved her grandmother and his aunt dearly. It was only her concern for them that made her act like this.
    At least, he hoped that was the reason. Surely she couldn’t be right.
    But what if she was?
    He strode into the elevator, jabbed the fourth-floor button and waited as the elevator jerked into motion. Maybe the doctors would have some test results back. Ones with definite answers. Ones that would defy Tara LeBlanc’s outrageous allegations.
    Barely waiting for the doors to slide fully open, Bubba marched to the ICU nurses’ station. The kindly gray-haired nurse from yesterday smiled as he approached. “It’s still an hour from your visiting time, Sheriff.”
    â€œI need to know if any of the tests on my aunt have come back yet.” He rested his elbows on the counter, hunching over to get on eye level with her.
    â€œThey’re not back yet. I’m sorry.”
    He shook his head and straightened. “In the meantime, my aunt is just lying there. I want answers, Nurse.”
    â€œCareful there, Sheriff. Sounds like you might be considering that something funny’s going on,” Tara said from behind him. “Sure wouldn’t want anyone to get the wrong impression, yes?”
    He glared at her over his shoulder. “I’m just checking up on my aunt, as well as trying to conduct a police investigation.”
    She lifted her chin. “I wasn’t aware a medical condition