Bloodborn Read Online Free PDF

with Ben and Martin, seeing her son delight in meeting Mickey Mouse and begging to do the Pirates of the Caribbean ride again. In truth, it was a toss-up as to who enjoyed it more, Ben or his regressed, childlike parents. And Martin had been so affable, she’d almost remembered what had attracted her to him so many years ago—until the need for them to be organized brought his aversion to responsibility to the fore once again.
    She checked for messages and updates from the various people she had worked with while away. A couple wished her safe travels, but nothing else.
    Thankfully, Elaine had cleared the diary for the trial appearances and so Anya was free to rest and try to shake off the fever and chest infection. If she were being honest, it was what her body craved. Working overseas had challenged her in many ways, and now she needed a day to recuperate, stock up on some fresh fruit and vegetables and get back into a routine.
    She filled the kettle, switched it on at the powerpoint, and wondered whether to catch up on paperwork or try to put together the bookcase for Benjamin’s room. He would be back next week and she hoped to have it completed by then as a surprise for his access visit. Besides, the wooden planks supported by bricks were bowing under the weight of his Mr. Men collection and beginner readers. The thought of assembling prefab furniture was a little daunting, though. It might be better for her health to go for a gentle walk to the greengrocer instead.
    Pulling the milk from the fridge, she noticed some fresh vegetables in the chilling drawer and a home-cooked lasagna on the shelf, courtesy of Elaine.
    Her secretary was always quick to criticize her eating habits—going weeks without having “proper food,” the stuff that was unprocessed and free of every preservative and artificial coloring known to man.
    A dedicated foodie, Elaine didn’t appreciate that eating wasn’t high on Anya’s agenda. It provided sustenance and energy, but didn’t have to be consumed with clockwork regularity or even much attention.
    That didn’t matter now, the lasagna was a mouth-watering treat and Anya was touched by Elaine’s thoughtfulness.
    The kettle steamed the window and she felt a shiver. As she pulled her gown tighter, the phone pierced the quiet.
    Anya let it ring a few times. Calls this early were never good news. Ben was not allowed to ring until eight o’clock at the earliest, no matter where he was.
    It had to be work.
    Anya lifted the receiver and instantly recognized the voice of Hayden Richards, from the sexual assault task force.
    “We need you right now for a victim.”
    “Good morning to you, too.” No apology for the hour, Anya noted. For Hayden that was unusual.
    “I know it’s early, but we need you to come in.”
    Anya lifted a peppermint tea bag from a plastic container on the bench into her World’s Best Mum mug and poured boiling water over it.
    “Good news is, I’m not on call. It’s my day off to shake this chest cold. If you hang on, I’ll check who’s on instead.” She leaned over to the noticeboard in the kitchen. A new doctor on the sexual assault roster was listed for this week.
    “Listen, Doc, I understand that, but we want you to do this one.”
    Hayden sounded anxious.
    “I wouldn’t ask if the victim was in better shape. Trust me, it needs someone with your experience.” He paused. “I’ve honestly never seen anything as bad as this.”
    Anya had worked with the senior detective on a number of cases. His experience, knowledge and unflappable demeanor made him perfect for the SA squad. She thought by now he would have seen everything a deranged human being could do to another. Something had to be very wrong. In the background, she could hear muffled voices.
    “I don’t have a good feeling about this. Where are you?”
    “Western District emergency department.”
    The relief in his voice was evident.
    “Liz Gould is with me now and Kate Farrer’s at the