Shadows of the Heart

Chapter Eleven

Stella’s eyelids fluttered open. Pain throbbed at her temple, and for a moment the world was impossibly bright. She blinked rapidly, trying to focus, the sterile lights of the hospital room stabbing at her senses. Slowly, her vision cleared, and she made out the dark outline of someone sitting in a chair beside her bed, apparently asleep.

Panic surged through her. She tried to call out, but her throat was dry, uncooperative. No sound came.

Her flailing stirred Shaun awake. He jumped to his feet, was immediately alert, and called for the staff. Nurses and doctors rushed in, swiftly relieving her of the breathing tubes so she could speak.

Stella opened her mouth, desperate, but still nothing came out. Her wide, terrified eyes locked onto Shaun's, and he stepped forward cautiously.

“Hey—hey, it’s okay,” he said gently, raising his hands in a calming gesture. “You’re safe. You were in an accident, but you’re going to be alright. The doctors are taking care of you—see?”

For a brief moment, she seemed to understand, but then terror overcame her again. With a sudden, panicked movement, she lashed out, and the nurses instinctively moved Shaun out of reach. Calmly but firmly, they administered a mild sedative to soothe her.

Shaun pressed his forehead against the cool glass of the round window in the door, watching her as she struggled and gradually sank back into sleep. Her body relaxed, the tension easing from her features over the course of about half an hour. Finally, her breathing evened out, soft and steady.

Outside the room, Shaun gave careful instructions to the bodyguards, making sure she was protected. Sighing, he ran a hand over his face. It had been a long night, and he even needed a rest.

He climbed into his car, the city lights reflecting off the rain-slick streets, and settled back. Just as he was about to start the engine, his phone rang.

The name flashing on the screen made him sit up straight: Detective McKay—Shauns old friend, the one he had called earlier for help tracing the girl’s family.

Shaun answered immediately. “McKay. What’s up?”

The voice on the other end was low and serious. “Shaun… we might have something. You need to hear this right away.”

Shaun’s pulse quickened. Whatever this was, it could finally shed some light on the mysterious girl who had appeared out of nowhere—and the questions surrounding her past were about to get far more complicated.