Deeper than the Night - By Amanda Ashley Page 0,95

said anything to you?"

"No. She just calls twice a day and asks if I've heard from you. What's wrong?"

"It's better if you don't know."

Cherise blinked at her several time. "You're in some kind of trouble, aren't you?"

"Yes, but please don't ask me any questions, Cherise. I can't tell you anything. Believe me, you don't want to know."

"What kind of trouble?" Mrs. Waite asked. She handed Kara a cup of coffee, then sat down on the sofa. "Is there anything we can do?"

"No. I'm afraid no one can help."

Kara sipped the coffee. On the drive to the Wakes' house, she had contemplated going to the police. She'd imagined the conversation in her mind.

"I want you to arrest Dr. Dale Barrett."

"On what charge?"

"Kidnapping."

"He kidnapped you?"

"Yes. And the author, Alexander Claybourne."

"Am I to understand the doctor was holding you for ransom?"

"No. You see, Alex is an alien whoseblood has the power to heal. . ."

She knew, logically, the conversation wouldn't go like that. She wouldn't have to mention anything about Alex being an alien. But she had no proof that she had been kidnapped and held against her will, and even if the police arrested Barrett, the doctor would deny everything. And even if she could convince the police to search the lab where she'd been held, it wouldn't prove anything. Having a laboratory was no crime. Barrett was a doctor. The hospital in Grenvale knew he had been her doctor, so even if the police found samples of her blood, Barrett would have a valid alibi.

For a moment, she considered going to thegovernment, but then she remembered bits and pieces of stories she had heard about other alien landings, like the one in New Mexico that the government had supposedly kept from the American people in order to prevent a panic.

Perhaps she could call one of those groups that was always claiming to have seen flying saucers. No doubt they would believe her, but what would they want in return? Exclusive rights to tell the story? Worldwide vindication? Pictures, movie deals. And, inevitably, the government would get involved, spouting rhetoric about national security while they dragged Alex off to be examined by a team of doctors and scientists.

She practically jumped out of the chair when the phone rang.

"Yes," Cherise said, "she's here."

Cherise handed the receiver to Kara, and then she and her mother left the room.

Kara's hand was trembling when she took the phone. "Gail?"

"Kara! Oh, Kara. Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. How are you? How's Nana? Where are you?

"We're fine. Nana's much better. She's worried about you, though. Where've you been?"

"Is Mrs. Zimmermann with you?"

"Yeah. We're staying at her daughter's house. Her name is Nancy Ralston."

"Where does she live?"

"In Darnell."

Darnell? Why did that sound so familiar? "Let me talk to Nana."

Moments later, Lena was on the phone. Kara couldn't contain her tears as she heard her grandmother's voice assuring her that she was well.

"How are you, child?" Nana asked, worry evident in her tone.

"I'm fine, just fine. Nana, where's Darnell?"

"It's east of Moulton Bay, about five miles from Eagle Flats."

During the next half hour, she answered her grandmother's questions, telling her everything except the truth about Alex.

"Stay there, Nana. I should be there late tomorrow."

"All right, Kara. Be careful."

"I will. Tell Gail I'll see her later."

Kara felt much better when she hung up the receiver. Nana and Gail were all right.

"Will you stay for dinner?" Sarah Waite stood in the doorway, a kitchen towel over her shoulder.

Kara shook her head, the thought of food making her feel nauseated. "I don't want to be a bother."

"It's no bother."

"Thank you," she said, "I'd like that."

"You look tired. Would you like to lie down for a while?"

Kara nodded.

"Cherise will show you the spare room. I'll call you for dinner. About seven?"

"Thank you again."

"Is Gail all right?" Cherise asked.

"She's fine. She's on vacation with Nana."

"Here's the guest room," Cherise said, opening a door at the end of a long hall. "I'll come for you when dinner's ready."

"Thanks, Cherise."

Closing the door, Kara stood there for a moment, then sat down on the bed and removed her shoes. Lying back, she stared up at the ceiling and took a deep breath. She was safe. Tomorrow she'd see Gail and Nana. She tried to take comfort in that fact, tried to tell herself that everything would be all right, but all she could think of was Alex, at Barrett's mercy again.

She closed her eyes, and her mind filled with images of Alex surrounded by vampires with Barrett's face