Amanda Ashley by Deeper Than the Night Page A

meaningless patterns on the back of his hand. His life had been like that, he thought, meaningless circles that started nowhere and went nowhere. Until now. “What will your grandmother say?”
    â€œIt doesn’t matter. I picked up my car from the repair shop today, and I’ll be moving back to my own apartment on Thursday. I’ll give you my address when I get back.”
    Alexander nodded, although he already knew where she lived.
    â€œYou weren’t born in this country, were you?”
    â€œNo. Why do you ask?”
    â€œIt’s the way you talk. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with the way you talk. Oh, I don’t know how to explain it. It’s just the way you turn a phrase sometimes.”
    Alexander smiled at her. How perceptive she was. English was not his first language, or even his second.
    â€œWould you care to go out Thursday night?” he asked.
    â€œSure. Where shall we go?”
    â€œWherever you wish, Kara. A movie, perhaps?”
    â€œI’d like that. I’ve been dying to see the new Mel Gibson flick.”
    â€œWhat time shall I pick you up?”
    â€œSeven?”
    â€œSeven,” he repeated solemnly. “I should go now. It’s late.”
    â€œSo soon?”
    â€œI’m afraid so.”
    He clenched his fists, afraid to stay longer, afraid the yearning he felt for her would overcome his self-control. The bond they shared called to him, urging him to complete the ritual, to join his body to hers.
    Leaning forward, his lips brushed hers in a quick kiss of farewell. “I shall call you at the motel tomorrow night. And don’t worry. Everything will be all right.”
    â€œI wish . . .”
    â€œWhat, Kara? What do you wish?”
    â€œI wish you could take me.” Except for pickingup her car that morning, she hadn’t driven since the accident. It was silly to be afraid, but she couldn’t help feeling apprehensive.
    â€œI wish I could, too. Unfortunately, I have an appointment tomorrow morning that I cannot break.”
    â€œI understand.” It was like falling off a horse, she mused, and since Nana didn’t drive, there was nothing to do but get back on, only in her case, it wasn’t a horse but a dark green Camry.
    â€œGood night, Kara.”
    â€œGood night.”
    He gazed into her eyes and wondered how she had managed to retain such innocence, such trust, in this day and age.
    She was a modern woman. She lived alone. She had a job, and yet he sensed a vulnerability about her that set her apart. Perhaps it was that very trait that reminded him of AnnaMara.
    Kara stared up at the doctor. His name was Dale Barrett. He was a tall, middle-aged man, with straight brown hair and pale brown eyes that did nothing to invite her trust. “I don’t understand.”
    â€œI’m afraid we don’t, either, Miss Crawford. There’s an unusual antibody in your blood that we’ve never seen before. We want to do some extensive tests.”
    â€œMore tests?” Kara shook her head. “No.”
    â€œMiss Crawford, surely you can see how important it is that we determine the origin of this antibody. At the moment, we don’t know what its effects might be. We must determine if it’s contagious. I don’t want to alarm you, but there’s every possibility that this antibody could prove fatal.”
    â€œFatal! But how could that be? I feel fine.”
    â€œI understand your concern, Miss Crawford.”
    â€œDo you?”
    â€œOf course. I’ve already made all the arrangements. Your room is waiting.”
    Kara jumped off the table. “Now, wait a minute. I haven’t agreed to this.”
    â€œI’m afraid I must insist.”
    â€œDoes Dr. Peterson know about this? Why isn’t he here?”
    â€œHe’ll be coming to see you as soon as you’re settled.” Barrett smiled reassuringly. “Dr. Peterson is a fine doctor, but