After the Storm(70)

            Eve whirled around to see Donovan standing in the now-open door, grim determination locked on his face.

            “I have nowhere to stay,” Eve whispered. “The trailer is gone. We have nothing. Everything I own is in the suitcase you found. It’s all I have to support us and it’s not enough!”

            Donovan’s expression was determined, his lips drawn into a tight line as he stared unblinking at her.

            “That’s not true, Eve. You have me. You have KGI. You and Cammie and Travis will be staying with me.”





CHAPTER 16




DONOVAN watched as the color fled from Eve’s cheeks. She braced herself on the exam table, panic evident in her eyes.

            “We can’t,” Eve protested. “You don’t understand.”

            Donovan shook his head. “I’m really tired of hearing you don’t understand. What I understand is that you and your brother and sister need help. You need a place to stay. You need food to eat. But what you need most is the knowledge that you’re safe and that no one will harm you. I understand your fears and reservations, Eve. I get it. Believe me. But your answer is no real solution to the problem, and if you stopped and thought for a minute you’d know I’m right.”

            He continued on, talking over the protest already forming on her lips.

            “You can’t keep running. It’s no way for any of you to live. And the next place you land in won’t have what you have here. People who care about you. People who will protect you.”

            “You don’t know me,” Eve whispered. “How could you possibly care about me or Cammie and Travis? What you suggest is crazy! People don’t just move strangers in with them. Nor do they make promises when they have no idea what they’re up against.”

            “You’re right. I don’t know. Yet. But you’ll tell me. It’s a conversation you and I are having soon. But right now, my priority is getting you all the care you need and making sure you all rest and recover from your injuries and getting Cammie over her illness. You can’t play around with this, Eve. Cammie is a very sick little girl. You have to think about her and what’s best, not only for Cammie, but for yourself and Travis.”

            “She’s all I think about,” Eve said fiercely. “She’s who I think about every minute of the day.”

            Donovan moved closer to Eve, reaching for her hand, curling his fingers around hers. Her hand trembled in his and he rubbed his thumb over her knuckles, trying to soothe some of the anxiety rolling off her in waves. For a moment she gripped his hand, almost as if she desperately wanted the comfort he offered. He took that as a positive sign that he was finally getting through to her.

            “I never thought for a moment that she isn’t uppermost in your thoughts or that she wasn’t your priority. If I implied that, I apologize. All I’m saying is that you need help and I’m going to give it. I won’t take no for an answer.”

            Eve stared at him in bewilderment. Then she glanced at Maren, discomfort in her eyes that Maren was privy to this conversation.

            “Eve,” Maren began softly. “I don’t want to intrude, nor do I want to step on your toes. But I agree with Donovan. As a doctor and as someone who has a very close connection to KGI and the Kelly family. Cammie is very ill and she needs to be on IV medication. She’s not going to get well overnight. It’s going to take time. And Travis is in no condition to go anywhere but to bed where he can rest and recover. I know you’ve done the best you can, but everyone needs help at some point. I know I certainly did. And KGI came through for me. Just like they can help you. Take it from someone who has been there and done that. On more than one occasion,” she added with a rueful smile. “Donovan—and KGI—is the best. And you need the best. Cammie and Travis deserve the best as well. I would be terribly negligent as a medical professional to condone you going anywhere in your current condition.”