Identity Unknown by Terri Reed Read Free Book Online

and hurried toward him. He tried not to grimace as he held up his hand. “Can you ask Deputy Martin to come here?”
    Nurse Sarah pursed her lips, clearly miffed by his request for someone other than her. “Sure.” She walked back to the desk and spoke to Audrey, who nodded and headed his way.
    â€œYou need me?”
    He did. For reasons he couldn’t explain she grounded him, anchored him to the moment. When he looked at her, thought about her, he only felt peace, comfort. Strange, considering she’d said they’d only just met. Again that niggling feeing she was keeping a secret from him itched, demanding to be scratched. He let it go, confident he’d get her to open up and tell him. Where that confidence came from, he didn’t know. “I need help with the boots. Bending over to undo the laces is more than I can take right now.”
    One honey-blond eyebrow arched. “All right.”
    She crouched and undid the laces on the right boot and held it out for him to slip his foot into. He watched as her slender and capable hands quickly cinched up the laces and tied the boot snugly.
    After the left boot was on, he stood. The world tilted.
    He swayed. Audrey wrapped an arm around his waist and drew him close to her side. If he weren’t feeling a bit woozy, he’d have leaned in for a kiss.
    He frowned at the thought. Okay, he found Audrey attractive and had some strange connection to her that he didn’t understand, but he’d better keep his emotions in check. He could be married. And he doubted the deputy would appreciate him taking advantage of the situation.
    Was he a man that took advantage? He prayed not. Which led to another question—was he a man that prayed?
    He hated not knowing who he was.
    Some part of his brain said to let go of the past and become who he wanted to be for the future. But that wasn’t really a possibility. Not when there was someone out there willing to hurt other people to end his life.
    He knew deep inside, with a certainty he couldn’t deny, he had a responsibility to uncover the truth and to protect those around him.
    But he dreaded what the cost would be. He hoped and prayed it wouldn’t be the life of the deputy at his side.

FOUR
    S itting in the passenger seat of Deputy Martin’s car, John stared at the passing scenery, taking in the quaint and rustic town. The overcast sky washed the world in a gray light. Signs of recent snow collected on awnings and sidewalk gutters. Colorfully painted buildings added cheeriness. Had he seen this village before? If so, had he liked it the way he did now?
    There were the usual businesses one would find in any town—a bank, a law firm and a real estate office—but the picturesque storefronts didn’t boast any recognizable brand names. Instead, there were places like Melinda’s Bakery, the Java Bean, Ted’s Fill and Eat.
    They passed an Irish pub, numerous fish houses and an art gallery with the name Maine Inspired displaying blown-glass art and paintings in the window. His gaze snagged on the exercise studio advertising dance and fitness classes. He wondered if they had a treadmill and free weights. The need to pump some iron sent nervous energy rippling through him.
    â€œThis is a nice place,” he commented. Despite the threat stalking him, he felt comfortable in this town. Why was that?
    â€œIt’s quiet at this time of year,” Audrey said. “In spring the tourists start showing up and don’t fully vacate until after Oktoberfest. We have tons of festivals throughout the tourist months. Anything to drive up business to sustain us through the lean season. After Christmas most of the shops and restaurants close for vacations. Some people head to a warmer climate. Others hunker down and wait out the weather.”
    â€œWhat do you do?”
    â€œMy job.” She lifted a shoulder in a careless shrug. “Though the sheriff insists we all