Vinny: Alvarez Security Series by Maryann Jordan Read Free Book Online

person.”
    “Was?” he asked, curious, then instantly hating the sadness that flashed through her eyes.
    “She died about five years ago. I had just finished the music conservatory when she lost her battle to cancer.” Lifting her gaze back to his, she added, “But she did get to hear my senior recital. They wheeled her in from the hospital just so she could be there.”
    “That must have meant a lot to her. And to you,” he said simply.
    Nodding, her gaze was unfocused, years away in her mind. “Yes,” she agreed softly. “She said…” her voice broke and she swallowed several times to battle back the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.
    He sat perfectly still not wanting to interrupt, but watching her carefully. He saw her battle back the tears and lift her chin a little higher. She does that, he realized. When she’s steeling herself for strength, she lifts her chin.
    “She told me,” Annalissa said, her voice stronger, “That listening to me play the harp was like listening to the angels welcoming her into heaven.” Neither of them spoke for a moment and then she added, “The next day, mama died peacefully.”
    He looked down at their clasped hands, not even remembering when he reached over to take hers. Her tiny, yet strong fingers, were intertwined with his. When was the last time I held hands with a woman? He could not remember, but this felt right.
    Rubbing her palm, he began to feel the tingles of electricity jolting between them. Her gaze shot up to his and he knew she felt it too. Jerking his hand away, he cursed himself. Keep your mind on the job. But damn, I didn’t even give her time to finish telling me about her music. Glancing back over, he saw her turn to the window effectively blocking him out.
    Disappointment flooded her as she felt him his hand move away. Turning she looked out of the window again, the clouds below them, and wishing once more that her mom was still around for her to talk to.
    *
    Vinny saw that Annalissa had finally fallen asleep and leaned his head back as well. Movement to his left caught his attention as the older man in the seat across the aisle loosened his tie, grimacing. His complexion was pasty and Vinny was instantly on his feet, his Army medic training kicking in.
    “Sir, do you have chest pain?”
    The man nodded as Vinny assisted him in removing his tie and unbuttoning his shirt. The man’s wife began to panic, trying to grab her husband while Vinny spoke to calm the woman. The flight attendant moved over quickly and said, “I’ll alert the captain,” before moving away. Another attendant came to assist and Vinny barked, “Get your AED.”
    Annalissa was instantly alert, watching the activity across the aisle from her, wishing there was something she could do. Seeing the wife getting in the way, she maneuvered past Vinny in the aisle and moved to the empty seat behind the woman. “Ma’am, please come back here so your husband can lay down.”
    In her panic, the woman appeared unable to understand, crying and grasping at her husband. Annalissa stood and placed her hands on the woman’s arms, pulling them away. Speaking sharply, she continued to talk and pull the woman back. The wife finally turned and looked at Annalissa, fear in her eyes.
    “I’ll help you, but you must move to let them help your husband,” she said, more gently. As the woman finally understood, she allowed Annalissa to assist her over the back of the seat. It was rather undignified, but with the help of a gentleman in another row, they managed to get the wife settled where she could see but not be in the way.
    Vinny glanced at Annalissa as he laid the man down across the double seats, shooting her a look of gratitude. By then the attendant returned with the AED. “The captain needs to know if you have done this before.”
    “Army Special Forces Medic,” Vinny answered, gaining a nod of approval from the attendant. With Vinny attending to the man, Annalissa sat with her