Protector. Diana Palmer

own ordeal had lasted for two years. She recalled it with bitterness, even on the heels of the apology that had come so unexpectedly. The experience had ruined school for her, despite the kindness of her few friends. She looked back on those so-called carefree days not with joy, but with sadness.

      But, she reminded herself, those days were long gone for her. Now, she had to do for Julie what she couldn’t do for herself.

      She looked up the contact information for Miss Banks and started composing an email.

      * * *

      Hayes was sitting up in bed, looking very pale and gaunt when Minette went up to check on him before she took the kids to kindergarten and grammar school, respectively.

      “Oh, dear,” she said worriedly.

      He grimaced. “I’m okay,” he said. “Just a little dizzy.”

      She moved to the bed and touched his forehead. “You’ve got a fever.” She pulled out her cell phone and called Copper Coltrain. She filled him in on Hayes’s condition and Copper said he’d come out to the house as soon as he got his own kids to school.

      “Thanks, Copper,” she said.

      “All in a day’s work,” he replied. “Lou can fill in for me until I get to the office. Don’t worry about Hayes,” he added. “Sometimes we have these little setbacks. He’ll be fine. I won’t let him die.”

      Minette laughed softly. “Thanks.”

      “My pleasure.” He hung up.

      “No need to look so worried,” Hayes told her when she put the phone away. “I’m tougher than I look.”

      “I know that. But I don’t like losing houseguests.”

      He smiled through the discomfort. “I’m not dying. I’m just sick. Damn, it hurts.”

      She pulled out the meds and gave him what was prescribed. “Copper’s coming by to see you.”

      “He’ll fix me right up.”

      She glared at the prescription bottle. “This antibiotic always works for me.”

      “I have an odd constitution and I’m funny about drugs,” he said wearily. “Copper will work it out. But thanks for calling him.”

      “Sure. I’ll check back with Aunt Sarah later.”

      He nodded. “Be careful. It’s wet out and the roads get treacherous after a rain.”

      “I know.” She smiled. “I’ll see you later. Hope you feel better.”

      “Thanks. Me, too.”

      He closed his eyes. She left him there, but not without misgivings and a lot of worry.