23 - Frankie
23
Frankie
—
The salty sea breeze caresses my face, and the yacht sways rhythmically beneath me. With each deep breath, I drift a little further away from the horror and pain of the past nine months. If only for a moment.
Monty’s security guards stand nearby, trying to blend into the background. I appreciate them more than they know. Without their watchful eyes, I wouldn’t be able to relax.
Not without Leo and Kody at my side.
I’m too dependent on the constant, vigilant protection of my feral boys, and they need a break from me to enjoy their new freedom.
Leo will flip when he sees Monty’s car collection. Even Kody will be reluctantly wowed. I smile at the thought of them hitting the gas and pushing Monty’s precious toys to their limits. I saw how hard they drove the snow machine and dirt bike.
Monty won’t care. His collection may be worth a fortune, but what matters more to him is having someone to share it with. I was never that person. He wanted me to take an interest, to share in his love for speed and performance. I tried, but I’m not a car enthusiast, plain and simple.
Doesn’t matter. Leo and Kody will do car stuff with him.
I lean back in my chair and let the sun warm my skin. I miss my job. I miss the chaos of the emergency room, the adrenaline rush of saving lives, and the camaraderie of my colleagues. I miss feeling like I belong somewhere, like I’m making a difference.
Lost in my thoughts, I sense someone behind me. I glance over my shoulder, and my breath stumbles.
Standing there, looking as handsome as I remember, is Dr. Rhett Howell.
Dressed in green scrubs, his blond hair slightly longer than usual, he greets me with winter blue eyes and a smile that lights up his flawless face.
“Rhett.” I rise from my seat.
“Frankie.” He spreads his arms wide.
We meet in a warm embrace. The sterile, astringent scent of his skin brings back a flood of memories from the hospital.
“Look at you.” He steps back, giving me a clinical once-over, his expression creasing with concern.
“Don’t say it.”
“You lost weight you didn’t have to lose.”
“Unlike you. Always the picture of perfection.”
“Well, someone has to uphold the standards.” He winks, charming as ever.
“Sit, please.” I gesture to the chairs on the deck. “Can I get you something to drink? Water? Wine?”
“No.” He waves a hand dismissively. “I’m still on the clock.”
“Of course you are.”
“How’s Melanie Stokes working out for you?”
“She’s been great. Thank you for referring her.”
We settle into our seats, our knees brushing as we angle toward each other.
“So how have you been really?” He glances at the security guards, his tone shifting, deepening. “I heard what happened. The news was…well, it confirmed my worst fears. When you didn’t show up for work or answer your phone, I knew.” His jaw flexes. “Monty called me the day after you missed your shift. Said you left him. He…”
“He what…?” I lean toward him with my whole body, willing him to finish that sentence.
“It doesn’t matter. I don’t want to upset you.”
“It’s okay. I’m okay. I’d really like to know what he said.”
“Frankie, he was devastated. Completely destroyed. Could barely string together two words. He called me, hoping I’d heard from you or knew something. That beautiful, cold man was a fucking mess.” He shakes his head. “I don’t know what happened. From what the news is reporting, I can only deduce that it was terrible.”
“A lot happened, but I don’t want to talk about it right now. It’s too fresh. Let’s just say the media got some things right and some things wrong.”
“I assumed as much.” He smiles sadly. “Whenever you’re ready to talk, I’m here.”
“Thank you.” I straighten. “Actually, I wanted to talk about returning to work.”
“Your position is always there for you. Whenever you’re ready to start, it’s yours.”
“I want to start immediately.”
“I thought you needed a period of adjustment.” He curves a brow.
“I adjusted.”
“It’s only been a week.”
“A week too long. I’m ready.”
“Then consider yourself rehired.” He reclines in the chair, exuding contentment and control. “The team will be so excited to have you back.”
We chat about the hospital and the changes that happened while I was gone, and he catches me up on all the latest gossip.
“Dr. Simons finally decided to retire.” He smirks.
“No shit?”
“I think he’s more excited about his new wife than his retirement.”
“Another one? Is this his sixth wife?”
“She’s number seven and barely legal.”
“Sounds about right. What about Nurse Letty? Is she still terrorizing the interns?”
“It’s her life’s mission. Last week, she had one poor intern convinced that the ghost of old Dr. Jenkins still roams the halls at night.”
I burst out laughing. “I miss her.”
We continue talking, the conversation flowing effortlessly. Rhett always has a way of making me laugh, and today is no exception. He tells me about a prank he pulled on one of the surgeons, involving a rubber chicken, a condom, and a very confused patient.
I laugh so hard I’m in tears.
“There’s a new intern who’s already making waves.” He strokes a thumb under his lip, watching me. “She’s incredibly smart, hard-working, and has an obnoxious, rebellious streak. Reminds me of someone I know.”
I roll my eyes. “I wasn’t that bad.”
“Frankie, you were a nightmare.” He coughs. “But in the best way. You challenged everyone, and it made us all better.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere, Dr. Howell.”
“I’m counting on it. But seriously, we’ve missed you. The whole team has. It hasn’t been the same without you.”
“I’ve missed everyone, too.” A lump forms in my throat. “It’s been hard being away. But I’m ready to get back to doing what I love.”
“And we’ll be there to support you every step of the way. You’ve always been one of the best, Frankie. Strong, determined, and ready to take on the world.”
“Thank you.” My cheeks flush. “So what about you? How have you been?”
“Oh, you know me. Just the usual—saving lives, dazzling the masses, and maintaining my impeccable fashion sense.” He gestures at his scrubs.
“Sounds exhausting.”
“In all honesty, though, it’s been good. Busy, but good. I’ve been focused on the new cardiac program we’re implementing. It’s going to be a game-changer for the hospital.”
“That sounds amazing. You’re always pushing boundaries.”
“I try. But enough about work. Tell me about all the men in your life.”
“I’m sorry?” My heart skips a beat.
“According to the photos in the news, that handsome devil you married has an equally handsome brother and nephew. They’re living with you, right?”
Right. Our interviews haven’t aired, but the media has been teasing them. Leo and Kody have recognizable faces now. Maybe not among the tourists coming off the cruise ship. But the locals will know who they are, especially if they’re spotted with Monty—the most recognizable man in Alaska.
When I called Rhett earlier, I didn’t mention the guys were with me. Rhett never stays away from work long, so I expect his visit to be short, hopefully avoiding any run-ins with the Strakh men.
Rhett is too damn perceptive. He used to comment on how Monty and I were always all over each other. He’ll notice that we don’t even touch now.
He’ll also notice the way Kody and Leo look at me.
I’m not ready for those questions. Rhett is my friend, but he’s also my boss. I need to keep my work and personal life separate.
“Yep.” I keep my expression neutral. “They live on the island.”
“Come on, you have to give me more than that.”
No, I don’t.
I don’t have to give him anything.
Sitting back, I cross my legs and meet him stare for stare.
“Still rebellious, I see.” He grins. “Glad you haven’t lost that fire.”
Oh, my fire burns much, much hotter these days.
What would he do if he knew I killed Monty’s brother in cold blood?
Safe to say, that position at the hospital wouldn’t be mine anymore.
As the afternoon wears on, Rhett and I talk about everything from hospital politics to the rise in missing person cases across Alaska. Each time he mentions a murder, boating accident, or tragic event he saw in the news, I know what he’s doing. He’s hoping it’ll make me open up about my own experience.
Instead, I change the subject back to him.
As he tells me about his last surgery, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, expecting a message from Leo or Kody.
Unknown Number: My love for you is an obsession. Your rejection of me is a compulsion. Somewhere between obsession and compulsion is impulse.
My smile falters as I read the words again. They don’t make sense. It must be a wrong number. Or someone’s playing a sick joke.
Then why am I breaking out in a cold sweat and shaking uncontrollably? I can’t seem to draw enough air.
I look up at Rhett, trying to keep my face blank. He’s still talking about his surgery, his eyes on the harbor, completely unaware of the terror unfolding inside me.
My phone buzzes again.
Unknown Number: Keep Dr. Howell out of this. If you want him to live, you’ll put that cherry-red smile back on your face. This stays between you and me, little girl. Not a peep to anyone.
I freeze, every muscle locked in place, paralyzed by horror.
Little girl.
That’s what Denver called me.
“Everything okay?” Rhett glances at my phone.
“Just Monty checking in.” I swallow past my sandpaper throat. “You were saying?”
“Something’s wrong.” He eyes me too closely.
“I’m sorry. I have a lot on my mind.”
“Talk to me, Frankie.”
“I can’t. I’d rather you distract me. Please. Tell me about the surgery. The massive aneurysm was in the ascending aorta?”
“Yeah.” He scrutinizes me, those intelligent eyes seeing straight through me. “It was dangerously close to rupturing. We had to work fast. One wrong move…”
I tune him out, unable to focus.
Peeking at the security guards beneath the veil of my lashes, I keep my movements subtle. Too subtle. They don’t make eye contact.
I don’t know what to do. Whoever sent the message must be watching me.
My hands tremble as I type a quick message back, demanding the identity of the sender. But before I hit send, another text comes in.
Unknown Number: Who am I? I think you know. We share the same heart of frost and scars.
Panic surges. My mind races. Who the fuck could it be? An ex-boyfriend? Monty? Doyle? Sirena? One of Rurik’s enemies? Someone who knew Denver?
Every creak and rustle amplify around me. Shadows twist and loom, transforming familiar corners of the yacht into menacing hiding spots.
An intruder couldn’t be on the boat. Not without the guards knowing. But dozens of other ships bob around me. Boats with darkened windows and shaded alcoves. Perfect for concealment.
Across the dock, buildings border the shoreline, the sunlight reflecting off their glass panes, making it impossible to see inside. But with a pair of binoculars, someone could see me .
If it’s Monty, he doesn’t need to see. He already knows what I’m doing and who I’m with.
My chest gives a sharp pang.
“You’re freaking out,” Rhett says.
“Nope. I just need to deal with this text. Keep talking. I can listen while typing.”
He continues the graphic recount of his surgery while I quickly send a text to Leo and Kody.
Me: Is Monty on his phone?
Leo: Yes. Why? What’s wrong?
My pulse pounds in my ears as I bite down on my tongue, trying to think of a plausible response without alarming him.
Me: I don’t want him ignoring you.
Leo: We don’t need a babysitter, love. You sure you’re okay?
Me: All good. Just be careful, okay?
Leo: Always
Ice shivers down my spine, raising the hairs on my nape. Did Leo check the yacht for cameras this morning? Is Monty watching me on his phone? Or could someone else have planted cameras here?
A quick scan of the area tells me nothing.
Denver hid cameras in my house, and I never noticed them.
“I had to carefully clamp the aorta and make a precise incision to remove the damaged section.” Rhett drops his head back, exhaling. “Talk about stressful.”
“How did you stay calm through it?” My hands shake, slick with sweat, as I reply to the unknown number.
Me: Tell me who this is.
“It’s all about focus,” he says. “You tune out everything else. The room, the noise, even your own heartbeat. It’s just you and the task at hand.”
I hit send and receive an instant response.
Message Not Delivered. The phone number you are trying to reach has been disconnected or is no longer in service.
It takes me a second to process.
They cut communication. There’s no way to contact them. Probably an untraceable number.
Would Leo have noticed Monty using a different phone?
Is someone still watching?
I feel eyes on me, making my skin crawl. My shoulders inch up around my ears, my mind in a state of hyperfocus. Glancing around as discreetly as possible, I try to spot anything or anyone unusual, but I see nothing.
Horror grips tighter, constricting my chest. I’m afraid to say anything to Rhett, terrified of what might happen to him. I can’t risk his life.
Drawing a quiet gulp of air into my lungs, I force myself to stay calm and put my phone away. “Did everything go smoothly?”
“Yep. Everyone knew exactly what to do. It’s moments like those when you really appreciate having such a skilled team around you.”
Leo and Kody are my team, and I need them. But I won’t call them back here and put them in the cross-hairs of this…this…I know exactly what it is.
Not all wounds bleed. Not all scars show. Some live beneath bones, cold and alone. In the chambers of frost, pain is my art.
Denver’s riddle isn’t an empty threat.
“Assembling the right people is one of your strengths.” I force a smile onto my face. “Tell me more about this new cardiac program you’re implementing.”
“It’s incredible.” His eyes light up. “We have some of the best minds working on it. The goal is to reduce recovery times and improve overall patient outcomes. It’s going to revolutionize how we handle cardiac care.”
As he talks, I nod and maintain my smile, but my mind is elsewhere. Every fiber of my being crawls with dread, every shadow and sound taking on a sinister edge.
I keep glancing around, looking for any sign of the person who sent those texts. The security guards stand closer now, their eyes scanning the area.
Rhett doesn’t notice my distraction, too caught up in his passionate explanation. I’m grateful for that. The last thing I want is to put him in danger.
I listen to his words, but they barely register. My thoughts race, trying to figure out who could be behind this.
“Frankie, are you sure you’re okay?” He breaks through my spiraling thoughts.
“Yeah.” I blink, realizing I’ve been staring blankly at him. “Yep. Sorry. Just a little tired.” I hope my smile looks convincing.
“It’s okay. I understand.” He reaches over and gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. “You’ve been through so much.”
He has no idea.
His touch is comforting, though. Different from Doyle’s. I don’t know why. Maybe because I’ve known Rhett longer.
Or maybe because I know he would put the moves on Monty before he would ever cross the line with me.
I squeeze his hand back, grateful he’s here, but I know I have to be careful.
We continue talking, or rather, he continues talking while I do my best to stay engaged.
My phone remains silent, but the threat remains.
I’m being watched.
Someone is out there, waiting for me to make a mistake.
“I should get going.” Rhett checks his watch and sighs. “Duty calls.”
Going? And leave me here alone with two guards I don’t know?
I can’t bear it.
“Don’t go yet.” I lurch forward, clutching my throat, barely stopping a cry from shrieking free. “I mean…if you can stay, please stay.”