The Mysterious Stranger (Triple Trouble) Read Online Free PDF Page A

shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, bathing suits, nightgowns. She picked up a white filmy nightie. “You wear this to bed,” she said.
    The woman smiled. “I remember that.” She stood and approached the bed. A bright floral-print sundress lay to one side. “I was going to pick this one. What do you think?”
    Anna Jane tilted her head to one side and studied her. “It’s nice. You can wear your hair up on your head with some curls loose around your ears.” She pointed to a big red-and-purple flower right in front. “That one matches your bruises.”
    She’d spoken without thinking, and instantly covered her mouth. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled.
    The woman laughed. “Don’t be. You’re exactly right.” She cleared her throat. “Bruise wear,” she said in a low voice, as if a commentator on television. “What all the models are sporting this summer in the tropics. Fall down and be fashionable.”
    Anna Jane giggled.
    The woman plopped down on the bed and pulled Anna Jane down next to her. “You don’t laugh enough,” she said, putting her arm around her. “I can tell.”
    “Really?” Anna Jane asked, and leaned close. The embrace made her feel warm inside. “How can you know something like that?”
    The woman’s humor faded. “I don’t know.” She scrunched her eyes closed. “Isn’t that strange. I can remember some things and I know you’re not laughing very much these days, but I don’t remember my own name.”
    “What’s that like?”
    “Scary,” the woman said, looking at her. “I don’t know who I am. I could be anyone.”
    “A princess?”
    “Wouldn’t that be nice. I’d like to be a princess with a beautiful castle.”
    “And a handsome prince.”
    The woman paused. “I’m not sure a handsome prince is always a good idea.” She whispered in Anna Jane’s ear. “Sometimes, when you’re not looking, they can turn back into ugly toads.”
    Anna Jane laughed and the woman joined in.
    “What’s so funny?” a male voice asked.
    Anna Jane looked up. “Uncle Jarrett! What are you doing up here?”
    “I came to check on our guest.” He turned to the woman and gave her a polite nod. “How do you feel?”
    The woman’s humor faded and her green eyes darkened. “Fine,” she answered as she rosé to her feet. She adjusted her terry-cloth robe, tightening the belt and tugging the V of the collar closer together.
    Anna Jane slid off the bed. Uncle Jarrett was very angry. She could tell from the stiff set of his shoulders and the way his mouth straightened. It wasn’t about her. That much she could figure out. Which left only the mystery lady. But why would she upset Uncle Jarrett?
    “I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced,” he said, offering his hand. “I’m Jarrett Wilkenson.”
    “I know.” The woman took the hand he held out and shook it quickly. “John, ah, Dr. Reed told me.” She released him and clutched at the ends of the belt. “I appreciate your hospitality. I know I’ve inconvenienced you, but I promise I’ll be on my way in the morning.”
    “On your way to where?”
    She frowned. “Um, I’m not sure. John mentioned a hotel.”
    “The resort is about four miles from here.”
    “That’s the one.” The slender blonde smiled faintly. “At least if I had to lose my identity, I picked a beautiful place for it to happen.”
    “How convenient.”
    His voice said it wasn’t convenient at all. The undercurrents in the room made Anna Jane uncomfortable. “Can you come downstairs for dinner?” she asked, blurting it out in an effort to distract them.
    The woman looked startled. “That’s so nice of you,” she said. “I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
    “You wouldn’t. Uncle Jarrett’s very busy. I usually eat alone.”
    “Oh.” Their guest nodded. “I’d like that, then.”
    Jarrett had to admire her abilities. The woman’s confusion was so real it was nearly tangible. If he hadn’t already been suckered once by a woman, he might have