Undercover Lover Read Online Free PDF Page B

why was she so worried?
    As she walked resolutely down the hallway, she noticed a light was on and the door was ajar in Dr. Mastandrea’s office.
    “Chris? What are you still doing here?” she said after poking her head in.
    He jumped like a cattle prod had poked him. His eyes were wide, and she noticed he was sweating. “What are you still doing here?”
    “That stupid second shift, remember? It’s my night again.”
    “Did you have any patients?” Chris got up from his desk and looked out the blinds in his window.
    “I had a couple rounds to do. I guess it’s helping. The hospice patients appreciate it, if they’re up. Are you feeling all right?”
    “I’m expecting someone. You really should go.”
    “It’s a little late for an appointment.”
    “Pam, really.”
    Something was wrong. Chris was not a nervous person. He was too anal-retentive to leave things unplanned. He looked frightened.
    “I can help.”
    “No, you can only make it worse. Please go before he sees you and you become involved too.” Chris held her arm in an unshakable grip and walked her out of his office.
    “We’ll talk about this in the morning,” she said.
    “Sure thing.” He looked up and down the hall. “Now, just go.”
    Pam walked toward the elevator and pushed the button. She glanced over her shoulder and saw him go back into his office. She crept back down the hall and opened up the janitor’s storage closet.
    “Can I help you, ma’am?”
    Pam stifled an undignified “EEEEK!” and looked up to see a large man in the back of the small room, rising up from a crouched position. The light was dim, but she could easily recognize who it was.
    “Ralphie, is that you?” she said, coming in and shutting the door so just a crack was open. She pressed up against the side of the wall and looked out the opening. “I’m so glad you got a job here.” He wore the janitor’s uniform that the hospital made their maintenance people wear.
    “I saw the job posting after our appointment. Is someone after you? Do you want me to call the police?”
    “Huh?” she said. “Oh, no. Dr. Mastandrea is still here.”
    “That’s pretty late for him, but it doesn’t explain why you’re hanging out with the chemicals.”
    “Are you sleeping here?” she asked, looking back at him. “I won’t tell if you are.” She didn’t see Ralphie’s sleeping bag or any gear in the janitor’s storage room. She’d have to get him something to sleep on. She didn’t like the thought of him lying on the cold concrete.
    He nodded. “It’s only until my first couple of paychecks, and then I can afford an apartment.”
    “Have you noticed anything strange going on at night here?” She kicked off her heels because they were beginning to hurt standing on the cement.
    “I’ve only been here a few days. What are you looking for out there?”
    He moved in closer, and she was stunned that she didn’t feel threatened by his nearness. He was a large man, and this was a small space. He’s a patient , she had to remind herself when the hairs on her arm stood up as he leaned over her to look out. He radiated warmth.
    “Dr. Mastandrea is waiting for someone. I think he might be in trouble.”
    “What are you going to do? Zap the bad guy with some negative energy?”
    He sounded angry, and Pam frowned at him. “It doesn’t work that way.”
    “Why aren’t you calling the cops?”
    “Because he might be meeting a girlfriend or a boyfriend, and I’ll look like an idiot. Not to mention my career would be in the toilet after something like that. Tattling about an illicit affair seldom looks good on your performance review.”
    “And if it’s not an affair?”
    Pam bit her lip. “I hadn’t thought that far ahead. I’ll probably stay in the closet until his visitor leaves and then confront Chris.”
    “Do you think he’s doing something illegal?”
    “I don’t want to say. You can ruin someone’s career with that type of innuendo—and I