Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 137144 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 686(@200wpm)___ 549(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137144 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 686(@200wpm)___ 549(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
“And what has happened to Lily,” Ronan asked.
“When I got her away from her mother, she started panicking. Said she needed her medication. That she couldn’t be without it. She was worried that she might hurt me without her pills.”
Harvey shook his head at the craziness of that statement. As if she could hurt him.
“And what did she need the pills for?” Ronan asked.
“She said they were for her nervous system. That without the pills to calm her down, she could go into a rage and harm somebody. So I sent Gareth into her mother’s house to get her handbag, which had a bottle of medication. Michaela was suspicious of what was going on, and she wanted to get the pills tested to see if they were really what they said they were. Because the label on the bottle said they were just a mild sedative. It turns out they were laced with Devil’s Breath.”
Ronan raised an eyebrow, which was a big reaction for him. “Devil’s Breath? Someone was feeding her Devil’s Breath? Did they know what that could do to her?”
“Yeah, I’m sure they did. They wanted her docile so she’d marry Rick.”
“Who did? Her mother?”
“Yeah, I think so,” Harvey said. “The doctor had to be a part of it too.”
“Seems extreme,” Ronan said.
“She took enough to make her docile, to make her susceptible to suggestion, and to create gaps in her memory. Even now, after detoxing off those pills, she still can’t remember a lot of things, or they’re coming back to her in nightmares.”
“And she’s probably not sure what’s real and what’s not,” Ronan guessed.
“Exactly, and it’s terrifying for her.”
“Who is the doctor?” Ronan asked.
“His name is David Wallace. He owns a private clinic and hospital here in Boston. He’s got a dodgy past. We’ve questioned the doctor. He seems shady as hell. He wanted us to bring her to him and said that he would keep her in his clinic free of charge.”
“In his clinic?” Ronan asked
“Got a very expensive looking place,” Paddy explained. “Strange for a doctor who was forced out of his last job due to rumors of misconduct. Not that anything came of them. We think somebody swept it all under the rug, but he seems to have landed on his feet. Doesn’t appear to have many clients and yet has a small hospital where patients can stay overnight with him as the only doctor.”
“I don’t like that, and I don’t like that one of his patients was taking pills laced with Devil’s Breath. That drug is dangerous and expensive. If her mother is broke, how is she paying for Devil’s Breath? That stuff isn’t cheap. None of it adds up. She has a sister, right?” Ronan asked.
“Yeah, she now lives in Texas and they’re not that close since
Rick was engaged to Clem before Lily. Rick lied to Clem about sleeping with Lily behind her back.”
“Families are complicated,” Ronan said. “Some more than others. That doesn’t mean you can go into a country club and accuse him of things in front of everyone. Those sorts of things are better handled in private.”
Harvey nodded. “I was going to do that.”
Mostly.
“But then he insulted Lily, and it sparked my temper.”
“I’m telling you, it’s that Gallagher temper. It needs to be soothed with sex,” Paddy said.
“My temper does not need to be soothed with sex,” Harvey snapped. “I have perfect control over my temper.”
They both gave him a look.
“I take it you’ve questioned the mother as well,” Ronan asked.
Harvey nodded. “That’s where we just came from. She’s not saying anything.”
“Perhaps you need to send this girl to her sister.”
“That’s not happening,” Harvey told him. “Lily is mine.”
Ronan sighed. “You’re really serious about this? You’re not just attracted to her because of the intrigue and drama?”
“No, Ronan. When have I ever enjoyed drama? Do you really think I would have done all of this if I wasn’t serious? Lily is mine.”
“Then she needs protection,” Ronan said with a firm nod. “And I’ll need to meet her.”
“I’ve got her well protected. And of course I’ll bring her to meet you. Once I’m certain that she’s not in any danger.”
“She won’t be in danger if we take out the doctor and the mother.” Ronan said that as calmly as if he was reading off ingredients on a cereal box.
“We need to go find out what’s going on first,” Harvey said.
Ronan nodded. “Yes, then I’ll meet her.”
Paddy whistled. “Won’t that be fun.” He smiled widely as both men turned to glare at him. “You know, the two of you really ought to listen to me. A bit of sex will put you in a much better mood.”
Ronan just grunted and left the room. Harvey followed behind him, with Paddy whistling once again.
“If we’re finished for the day, I think I might go back and introduce myself to those ladies. They seemed up for a good time.” Paddy grinned.