Hide Away Read Online Free PDF Page B

didn’t really need me, or he wouldn’t have parked me on this bench and left me to twiddle my thumbs.” He was gazing down at her, his dark eyes glittering, his voice soft, persuasive. “Come on. Nella will like you to be there. I’m just a guy, and she’s missing Mom so bad.”
    â€œI don’t know if I—”
    â€œCara.”
    Joe was standing in the doorway. “And who is this?” His soft voice had a definite edge.
    The boy smiled politely. “Kevin Roper, sir.” He dropped Cara’s hand and turned away. “I guess you won’t want to go to the chapel now.” He was heading toward the elevator. “It was nice to meet you, Cara.”
    â€œGood-bye, Kevin. Tell your sister l’m so sorry.”
    â€œI’ll do that.” He got on the elevator. “She would have liked to meet you.” He nodded at Joe and Cara as the door started to slide shut. “Hope all goes well for Eve.”
    Joe was still staring at the door as the elevator started down. “It sounds as if you two had a cozy chat.”
    â€œHis mom just died.”
    â€œAnd you were going to the chapel with him?”
    â€œNo. Yes. I don’t know. I thought it might not—” She made a face. “I was confused.”
    â€œAnd this Kevin Roper is very persuasive. I caught that from the body language the minute I walked out of the office.”
    â€œHe’d been in the chapel today with his sister, Nella, praying for his mother’s soul. He said his sister needed someone to—”
    â€œAnd you were in pain and could sympathize.” He was taking out his phone as he spoke. “You say he was in the chapel today?”
    â€œYes.”
    He dialed quickly, then was speaking into the phone. “Connect me to the chapel.” He waited and then spoke again, “I need to talk to Nella Roper. Is she there? Yes, I’ll wait.” He covered the phone and spoke to Cara. “It’s a social-service volunteer. Everyone has to sign in when they arrive. She’s checking.” He went back to his conversation. “No? What about her brother, Kevin? They were supposed to both be there earlier today. Not at all? Thank you, sorry to bother you.” He hung up. “And I would bet that Roper had no mother who died in this hospital. At least, not recently.”
    â€œLies,” she whispered.
    â€œVery beautifully executed lies. A handsome young boy who had lost his mother, sits down beside a grieving young girl who needs someone near her own age who might understand what she’s going through. Very clever.”
    â€œWhy would he want me to go to the chapel? I don’t—” She stopped. “He took the elevator down, not up. He told me the chapel was three flights up. He wasn’t going to the chapel, was he?”
    Joe shook his head. “I don’t think you’d have made it out of the elevator alive. I imagine he has a few more skills other than being an expert liar.”
    â€œSalazar. Salazar sent him?”
    â€œThat would be my guess. I can’t prove it yet. There’s a possibility he might be a child molester or some other kind of creep who planted himself in a hospital where a victim is most vulnerable.”
    â€œIf he was sent by Salazar, he was going to kill me?”
    Joe was silent. “Do you think I like to tell you that? But I have to lay it on the line. If I’d come out of that office a few minutes later, I might have missed you. I’d like to say trust everyone, and you don’t have to worry any longer. I’m not going to do that. I don’t know how long you’ll have to be careful, but you’re not safe now. Do you understand?”
    â€œHe … was nice.”
    â€œHe was probably deadly.”
    She nodded jerkily. “I was used to the idea of a monster, I wasn’t expecting someone who looked like one of the guys I’d see around