To Love a Stranger by Adrianne Byrd Read Free Book Online Page B

months.”
    â€œThat long?”
    â€œI’m sure even our dogs will be interviewed before the whole thing is over with.” Christopher laughed.
    Russell just forced an awkward smile. He grew even more uncomfortable when Christopher’s laughter died and he appeared content to just stare at Russell.
    â€œIt’s really good to have you back home,” Christopher said for the hundredth time.
    Mercifully, a knock sounded at the door and Coleman, the butler, entered the study.
    â€œDr. Rountree is here to see you,” he said.
    â€œYes, yes.” Christopher clapped and rubbed his hands together. “Send him in.” Then to Russell. “It’s time to get this show on the road.”
    Dr. Rountree, a short and robust black man, charged into the room with chunky glasses and a lion’s mane of white coarse hair. His gaze immediately fixed on his patient. Then Russell discovered the doctor had a voice that could be undoubtedly heard in every room of the house.
    â€œMy God, it is you!” Rountree continued his charge toward Russell. “I didn’t want to believe it until I saw with my own eyes. Where have you been, son?”
    â€œIn Canada, if you can believe it,” Christopher answered for him.
    â€œA private dick, Terry Shaw, found him at hospital in Nova Scotia. Said he barely recognized him with this full beard and moustache. Thing is, he doesn’t remember a single thing.”
    â€œAmnesia?” Rountree said the word with wide-eyed wonder. “That’s a rare thing, indeed, despite what Hollywood would lead you to believe,” he added with a laugh that was as loud as a thunderclap.
    â€œWell, I can tell you on this end, it’s not exactly a walk in the park,” Russell informed him. “As soon as we get the blood test back, I’ll at least feel like I’m moving in the right direction.” He caught the flash of disappointment in Christopher’s face and he went on to amend, “Although everyone has been pretty nice to me….”
    â€œHell, it looks like this test is just a formality. I’ve known you since you were born. You and your brother used to gobble up every piece of candy in my office when you came to see me.”
    Christopher perked up again at Rountree’s words. “I told you on the phone it was a miracle.”
    â€œThat you did,” Rountree agreed. “Well, let’s get started. The faster we draw the blood and everything, the faster we can get the results back. Unfortunately because of the holiday, we won’t have the results back until Monday. But again, it’s just a formality.”

Chapter 7
    â€œW hat if it is him?” Madeline mumbled under her breath. She stared into her vanity mirror almost hoping that her mirror image would supply an answer, but all she received was her own cool, blank stare.
    â€œFrankly, I don’t see how it could be,” Lysandra said, perched on the edge of Madeline’s enormous bed. She had arrived while Madeline showered and Cecelia had quickly filled her in on the details. “Why should we believe it’s him?” she continued. “Look how many scams and con artists we’ve been through in the last six years. Why would this time be any different?”
    â€œI agree,” chimed in Cecelia, while she paced around the room. “But there’s nothing wrong with playing it safe. It won’t take long for the blood test to come back.”
    Madeline nodded, but she was quickly developing a migraine. This simply couldn’t be happening. For six years she had been free from Russell Stone and the idea, however small, of returning to captivity was enough to threaten her sanity.
    Madeline took a deep breath and then whispered, “Maybe I should go back.”
    â€œWhere?” both Cecelia and Lysandra questioned.
    â€œTo Christopher’s. To take another look. To make sure.” Madeline stood from the