The Phantom of Black's Cove by Jan Hambright Read Free Book Online Page A

search on his adult life. Maybe she could find a gossip column so that at least she’d be up on the buzz.
    She pulled the film for the following year, and returned to the viewer.
    She’d been at it for a couple of hours now and her belly was starting to grumble, not to mention her desire for some fresh air.
    Olivia put the microfiche in the machine and pushed it into the feed. The headline leaped out at her, as she adjusted the focus. Annual Ball to Honor Trayborne Family Loss.
    Scanning the article under the caption, she felt her throat tighten.
    With the tragic deaths of Martin and Caroline Trayborne, in December of last year, and the devastating injuries to their five-year-old son, Jack, the Trayborne Foundation has established a memorial fund in their honor. The proceeds from this year’s masquerade ball will go to help other children with traumatic brain injuries.
    She couldn’t stop her hand from shaking as she retrieved the microfiche, put it back and dug frantically for the right story, calming only after she pulled it out of the tray and turned to the viewer. She put the microfiche in and slid it into the feed.
    Tragic Car Crash Claims the Lives of Local Couple, Leaves Their Young Son in a Coma. Martin and Caroline Trayborne were killed late Monday afternoon when their car slid off a mountain road and rolled down an embankment. Neither one was wearing a seat belt at the time. They were pronounced dead at the scene. Their four-year-old son, Jack, is listed in critical condition at Deaconess Memorial Hospital and remains in a coma. He was riding in a car seat at the time of the accident, which most likely saved his life.
    Olivia swallowed hard and sat back, digesting the information. Jack’s life had been charmed until this happened, but he’d obviously survived.
    Advancing the microfilm reader, she scanned for more information. Near the end of the film, she found what she was looking for.
    Jack Trayborne has been moved to Black’s Cove Clinic by his grandfather, Dr. Martin Trayborne. The boy is still in a coma and Dr. Trayborne feels his grandson will be better served in his private clinic. Young Jack Trayborne has been unresponsive since the December 10 accident that killed his parents, Martin and Caroline.
    A surge of excitement washed over her as she moved the feed back, searching for the date of the newspaper’srelease. Her hand stilled as she stared at the date. Three months before her brother was admitted.
    She swallowed, suddenly overwhelmed with questions. Questions she was compelled to get answers for. This information only added to that need.
    Her brother, Ross, and Jack Trayborne both had traumatic brain injuries as children and they’d been patients at Black’s Cove Clinic at the same time.
    But what did it mean?

Chapter Five
    Olivia tried to relax as she edged closer to the Trayborne estate, focusing on the leaves in vivid oranges and reds, as they scattered around her car. The drive into the estate was long and winding, but her approach with Jack would be straightforward.
    She’d never been very good at playacting. It was a thinly coated lie that always made her feel uncomfortable, but she planned to play it cool. She was simply the curious sister of a patient who’d once been treated at the clinic.
    From everything she’d learned about Jack Trayborne, he was a man who seemed to care about his fellow citizens. The Trayborne Foundation gave generously to worthy causes. He was gorgeous and benevolent…and untouchable?
    A tinge of guilt colored her thoughts and for the first time, she found herself hoping that maybe, just maybe, he was everything he appeared to be. Then she wouldn’t have to vet him along with the truth. Whatever that might be.
    The road narrowed just past the turn into the clinic.Olivia shuddered, remembering her last trip down that road. The fire had been ruled arson. She’d read it in the Gazette this morning and there was an investigation. She prayed the blaze had