Chasing Shadows by Terri Reed Read Free Book Online Page B

molars. The man made the center sound like some kind of prison. Under Ms. Faust’s iron fist, the place certainly felt like one. Kris’s gaze sought help from Gabe but his stony silence was all she received.
    â€œIt’s late and I must check on the residents to see that everyone is back in their quarters,” Ms. Faust announced before marching away.
    With a police escort out of the building, Kris had no choice but to leave.
    But she’d be back tomorrow and she would find outwhat was going on in the retirement center. Her gut instinct told her it wasn’t good.
    Now all she had to do was convince Gabe that she and Sadie weren’t crazy.
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    â€œI can’t believe you did that.” Gabe ran a hand through his hair in an effort to control the frustration beating along his nerve endings. “Someday your impulsiveness will hurt you.”
    He sat across from Kris in a diner near her loft. At this early hour they had the place pretty much to themselves except for a few other night owls. The familiar sounds of Christmas carols played in the background, the smell of bacon filled the air and the vinyl seats of the booth squeaked every time either of them moved.
    â€œShe needed me,” Kris said, her big blue eyes imploring him to understand.
    He understood all right. The two women were nut jobs and he’d do well to walk away right now before the insanity rubbed off on him.
    Searching her face, he marveled at her loyalty. What he wouldn’t give for someone to have that kind of faith in him. But that was a pipe dream for sure. Especially where Kristina was concerned. Even if she had changed since he’d cared for her, they were still worlds apart. That knowledge left a faint disquiet in his gut.
    In an effort to distract himself from his thoughts, he picked up the cream container and poured a bit into his coffee.
    Kris leaned forward. “Look, I know how this allmust seem, but Grams isn’t losing her mind. She’s as sharp as ever.”
    â€œCome on, Kristina, you have to be realistic.”
    She frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    He reached across the table and took her hand. “She’s eighty years old. Maybe she’s not as sharp as you think. You aren’t with her 24/7. Maybe Ms. Faust sees more than you do.”
    â€œNo.” She tried to jerk her hand away but he held firm.
    â€œI know you don’t want to hear this but someone has to say it. She’s—”
    â€œShe’s not senile.”
    â€œHave you talked with her doctor?”
    For a moment she stared at him with argument in her eyes but then she dropped her gaze and her shoulders sagged. “No, I haven’t.”
    He hated to see her defeated but it couldn’t be helped. Enabling her and Sadie in this crazy game wouldn’t be good for any of them. “I think it’s time you did.”
    She sighed. “I guess you’re right.” She lifted her gaze to pin him to the cushioned seat. “And if he says she’s not suffering from dementia, will you take her seriously?”
    â€œI will.” He leaned closer. “And if dementia is setting in, you’ll accept it?”
    Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Will I have a choice?”
    â€œYou always have a choice, Kristina.”
    She sat back. “Really?”
    â€œYes, really.” Knowing she’d appreciate the comparison, he said, “Isn’t that what the Bible says? That God gives us free will? Choices?”
    The tips of her mouth curved up slightly, though not in pleasure. “Choice is a funny thing, you know. We can choose to walk away from those who love us. We can choose to hurt those close to us. But what choice does that leave for the one left behind?”
    He stilled. She wasn’t talking about Sadie. She was bringing up their past. His gut clenched. “To move on. To make the most of their life without the person.”
    â€œI