“No. Ted—” She broke off with a gasp. “Teddy Brighton gave it to me. Do you think—”
“That Teddy slipped you a mickey?” His lips twisted in a frown. “It wouldn’t surprise me. When I taught at the university, we had quite a problem with some young men slipping ‘roofies’ to the young ladies.”
“The date-rape drug?”
“Yes. I don’t mean to overstep my bounds, but did you suffer a blackout?”
Sam choked. “Yes. How did you know?”
“A common side effect, along with a reduction in one’s inhibitions, which could account for you bursting into song.”
“Is there a test?”
“There is, but I imagine too much time has elapsed.”
Sam’s face fell at his words, then brightened. In a way, she was angry that the little shit had drugged her, but in another way she was relieved that there was a reason for her behavior other than withdrawal.
Observing the emotions play across her face, Fritz cocked his head. “You seem almost happy that you were drugged . . .”
“I’m not,” she said with a shake of her head. “It’s just—” She gave a rueful laugh, but it ended with her voice cracking. Clearing her throat, she continued: “Anne has told me how fast the stories fly around here. How much do you know about my injuries?”
“I heard you were attacked and suffered a head injury,” he answered gently.
“Yes . . . and it put me in a coma.” Sam gnawed on her bottom lip and grasped the porch railing. “And when I woke up . . . nothing was the same. My left leg didn’t work right; I couldn’t go outside without feeling like I was being watched; I’ve had nightmares—”
Fritz placed his hand over hers, but said nothing.
“But lately, I’ve been getting better,” she continued in a firm voice. “My leg is stronger; I’m not as afraid as I was; and the nightmares aren’t as frequent—” Her voice dropped and her eyes filled with tears. “When Jackson told me how I’d acted at your party and I couldn’t remember doing any of the things he said, it scared me.” She swiped her eyes. “I thought I’d had a relapse.”
“But if Teddy drugged you, there’s an explanation.”
“Exactly,” she replied with a sniff.
He looked at her with sadness in his eyes. “You poor dear. You’ve suffered so much.” His face tightened. “And now that young man plays an evil trick on you—it’s inexcusable. I’ll speak to Irene.”
Sam’s hand shot out. “No, please don’t. We can’t prove it.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to say anything?”
“Yes,” she said, letting out a long breath.
She felt as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Thanks to Fritz, she could stop taking her nightly medication without guilt. Jackson was wrong—the blackout hadn’t been caused by withdrawal—she was sure of it. But the mistake wasn’t his fault. Teddy had made a good impression on him. He would never have expected that kid to drug her. And she couldn’t wait to tell him—he had to be as relieved as she was when he learned that there was a logical explanation.
W
alking back to the cabin, Anne noticed the change in Sam’s mood. She gave her a sideways glance. “I’m guessing that you apologized to Fritz?”
“Yeah, and he was very kind about it,” Sam said with a frown, then related the whole conversation. Finished, she looked over at Anne. “You look skeptical. You don’t agree?”
Anne waited before speaking. “It’s possible. I wouldn’t put anything past Teddy—but Dr. Van Horn seemed so convinced it was a reaction—”
“Anne, I only took the nightly pill sporadically at the beginning, and now I haven’t had any for days,” Sam insisted. “And while I’m being honest, I’ve quit taking the antidepressants.” Her chin went up a notch. “
And
I’ve felt better without them.”
“But—”
“Can we give it the rest of the week and see what happens?” she pleaded. “If I have another episode, I’ll go back on them.”
Anne tugged on her lip. She believed a patient’s input was an important part of her recovery, but not to the point of disregarding her doctor’s orders. And Dr. Van Horn had been insistent that Sam continue the medication. Her memory went back to the first day she’d met Sam. She’d wondered if Sam’s lethargy had been a result of the medication.
“Please? If you’re worried it will get you fired, don’t,” Sam said, rushing the words. “I’ll take full responsibility.”
With a sigh, Anne made her decision. “Okay, you can skip the pills tonight, but you have to agree to an appointment with one of the doctors at the hospital. Then, if they say it’s okay—”
“Thanks.”
“I’ll try and get you in tomorrow.”
“Okay,” Sam replied, wandering over to the dying plant by the porch steps.
As she neared the plant, Roxy let out a low whine, but Sam ignored her.
Surprised, Anne followed and watched as Sam bent and stroked one of the dying leaves.
“Poor thing,” she said softly while her eyes seemed to lose their focus, “you’ve been neglected, haven’t you? Love Lies Bleeding—so beautiful . . .” Her voice trailed away as she continued to finger the leaves.
“What did you say?” Anne asked, lightly touching her arm.
Sam snapped back from her reverie. “Nothing. I—ah—just wondered what kind of a bush this is.”
Anne cocked her head. “You called it Love Lies Bleeding.”
“I did?” She fingered Roxy’s leash. “Oh, I probably saw a picture in some magazine and recognized it.” Sam took a small step onto the porch, her eyes avoiding the plant. “I’m hungry. Are you hungry? Why don’t we—”
She stopped abruptly at the sound of a car coming down the road. Anne turned and, shading her eyes against the setting sun, watched a black Town Car slowly roll to a stop in front of the cabin. Sam groaned when the driver exited the vehicle.
“Dad,” she hissed. “Jackson didn’t waste any time calling him.”
With purposeful steps, Lawrence Moore crossed the yard, his eyes hidden behind aviator sunglasses. At the bottom of the steps, he stopped and whipped off the glasses. “Anne,” he said tersely before turning his attention to Sam.
“Hi, Dad,” Sam said with false brightness. “What a surprise.”
The air grew heavy with tension as his lips curved down in a frown. “Is it?”
Sam stiffened, and Roxy, sensing her unease, moved closer to her side while a low growl rumbled deep in her chest.
Lawrence, noticing the dog’s reaction, took a step back. “I heard about
that,
” he said, waving a finger at the dog. His eyes shifted to Sam. “Really, Samantha. Tomorrow you’ll take it back to wherever you found it.”
“No, I won’t.”
His eyes flared at Sam’s defiance. “What?”
She stood her ground. “I said no. I love that dog and I’m not giving her up. I’m keeping her whether you like it or not.”
“Fine. We’ll discuss the dog later,” he said, striding past Anne and his daughter and into the cabin.
The two followed him, but once they were inside, Anne was struck by Lawrence Moore’s presence. It was as if he filled the small cabin, sucking the air right out of the space. She dreaded what was to come.
Pulling out a chair, he sat down and, leaning back, glared at Sam. “Do you want to explain what happened last night?”
“Why? I’m sure Jackson has already told you. It’s why you’re here, isn’t it?”
“Jackson is concerned. He told me that you’re not living up to your end of our agreement. You’re not following through with your medications and no one’s guaranteeing that you are.” Leaning forward, he raked Anne up and down with his eyes. “I’m worried we made the wrong choice in your therapist.”
Anne’s stomach dropped. Great—she was getting fired for sure. She opened her mouth to defend herself, but Sam’s hand on her arm stopped her.
“I think I was drugged last night, Dad,” she spit out.
He snorted derisively. “That’s not the story I heard from Jackson.”
“Jackson didn’t know all the facts—”
“Which are?” he interrupted.
Sam crossed her arms over her chest. “I had a run-in with a teenager—Teddy Brighton—and I believe he slipped—”
“Wait.” He held up a hand, stopping her. “Ted Brighton’s son?”
Sam nodded.
“Nonsense,” he answered dismissively. “I know the Brightons and they’re a fine family.”
“Have you met Teddy?” Sam asked, arching an eyebrow.
“No, but I know Ted, and his son wouldn’t do that.”
“His son is a juvenile delinquent.”
“You have proof?”
Sam squirmed. “No, but I’ve been told—”
“Gossip,” he said with a jeer. “You’re judging a young man based on rumors.”
When Sam sagged against the counter at her father’s dismissive words, Anne felt the need to step in.
“Mr. Moore,” she interjected, “it’s not rumors. Sam’s right—”
A look from Lawrence Moore stopped her in her tracks. Helplessly she turned toward Sam. Lawrence Moore had made up his mind before he’d reached the cabin and he intended to bully Sam until she agreed to whatever his demands were. Dropping her chin, Anne stared at the floor. Sam had come a long way during the past week, but she didn’t think the girl had the strength to stand up to her father. Hell—Anne wondered if
she’d
have the guts if she were in Sam’s position.
Satisfied that he’d quashed the both of them, he sat back in his chair. “Since you’re not making the progress
we’d hoped,
” he began, slipping in a dig at Anne, “Jackson has suggested that we try a residential facility that specializes in helping people with your type of problems.”
Sam gasped, bolting away from the counter. “You want to have me locked up?”
“Really, Mr. Moore, I don’t think that’s neces—”
“You weren’t hired to think,” he broke in, focusing on Anne. “You were hired to take care of my daughter, and by not monitoring her medications, you have failed.”
The blood rushed to Anne’s face. Who did this guy think he was? Question her professionalism? Her hands clenched at her sides, she took a step forward and a deep breath, ready to let him know in no uncertain terms exactly what she thought of him and his heavy-handed ways. But before she could take a second step, Sam’s arm blocked her.
“You seem to have forgotten I’m an adult, Dad,” Sam said in a calm voice.
Anne’s attention flew to her charge’s face in surprise. Sam looked composed and her thin body seemed to be relaxed as she stared at her father.
“You can’t force me,” she continued. “Ever since I came out of the coma, I’ve allowed you to control my life, but the control stops now, Dad.” Her eyes shifted to Anne. “I’m staying here.
Anne
and I will decide the best course to take from here on out.”
Lawrence Moore jerked back in his chair. At first, shock was written on his face, but his expression shifted suddenly. He gave Sam a conciliatory smile. “Princess, I’m only thinking of what’s best for you,” he said smoothly. “We can’t have you suffering another blackout and hurting yourself.”
“I’m not going to have another blackout.” She bent and patted Roxy’s head, who’d stayed glued to her side. “I’m staying here, I’m keeping my dog, and I’m working with Anne.” Straightening, she cocked her head and met her father’s stare. “Any questions?”
His smile vanished. “Humph,” he choked out in a tight voice. “And how are you going to pay for this?”
A wry grin appeared on her face for an instant before she sobered. “You forget—you’ve paid me very well over the years. I can afford to stay here as long as I want.”
“And you forget you gave Jackson power of attorney over your affairs after you came out of the coma.”
“Yeah, I can change that,” she blurted.
Mr. Moore swiftly rose to his feet. “If you expect to resume the life you had before your accident, you’d better listen to me,” he threatened.
“Or what? You’ll fire me?” She shook her head as she turned toward the door. Crossing to it, she opened it and motioned for her father to leave. “I have a degree. I can find another job.”
“Making a pittance compared to the salary I’ve given you,” he shouted, striding over to her.
Squaring her shoulders, she stared up at him. “I can sell my artwork.”
Placing a hand on her arm, he leaned toward her. “Samantha, don’t be difficult,” he said softly. “I’m your father and I love you.”
“I think I’d be happier if you loved me a little less,” she said, dropping her gaze to the floor.
His hand rubbed her arm. “I can’t let you throw everything you’ve worked for away. I want nothing more than to have you back at my side at the agency, where you belong, but right now you’re not thinking straight and you have to listen to me.”
Sam’s head lifted. “I
am
thinking straight. Go back to the Cities, Dad.”
His hand dropped. “Samantha,” he said sternly, “I know what’s best for you.”
Swinging the screen door open, Sam glared at him. “That’s what everybody has been saying. No more.” She tapped a finger on her chest. “From now on
I’m
the one calling the shots.”
He drew back as if she’d struck him. Taking his sunglasses from his pocket, he shoved them on his face. “Samantha, you are clearly not in a state to have a rational,
adult
conversation. This discussion isn’t over,” he said as he stomped out the door.
Anne was speechless. She shook her head in amazement. She never thought Sam would take on Lawrence Moore like that. “Wow,” she began before noticing that Sam’s legs had started to tremble. Rushing over, she grabbed the girl’s arm and guided her to the nearest chair. Sinking down, Sam looked up at her, her eyes wide.
“Oh my God,” she said breathlessly as she covered her face with her hands, “I just kicked my father out of my house.”
“Yeah,” Anne replied, still stunned. “And how does it feel?”
Sam’s hands fell away and her lips curled in a smile. “Good.” Her smile dropped. “But I think I just lost my job.”
“Do you care?”
“At the moment, no.” Rising, Sam walked down the hallway and opened the closet door. Taking out her paintings, she propped them against the wall and studied them for a moment without speaking. Finally, she glanced over her shoulder at Anne. “Is there an art store in Pardo?”
The examination was over and together they sat waiting for the doctor’s verdict. Sam had cooperated, patiently answering his questions. She’d been uncomfortable talking about her attack, but Dr. Douglas had gently prodded her into giving a description of that horrific day. It was the first time Anne had heard the story in such detail and from Sam’s perspective. No wonder the poor girl had problems, she thought, feeling a stab of guilt over the times she’d minimized Sam’s fears. To have your life stripped away like that. To have any sense of safety ripped away. Anne felt she now had a better understanding of why Sam had been so paranoid, so reluctant to leave the cabin, and vowed to be more patient with her in the future.