Page 33 of Never Say Never

Chapter Twelve

Cohen

A large, red brick building houses the man who held the power to make or break me. A man who could have changed my life with a single phone call. A shadow—a fuzzy memory of a person I can’t even recall meeting. Brick and mortar is the only thing standing in my way now. A fancy brass plaque rests on the glossy black door that reads: Gracewell House. I hesitate before ringing the bell.

I look around, waiting to be let in. If they even let me in. This place looks like a sprawling country estate, complete with vibrant gardens and a guarded gate, rather than a home for the frail and recovering. It took me nearly two weeks to confirm this is where he was.

Two weeks of searching facilities, trying to find him. Day after day of reaching dead ends, I’m finally here. Days I stayed focused on what I came here for. Days I didn’t see Scarlett as I struggled to keep her out of my mind. Her hypnotizing violet eyes and seductive smile. The way she felt pressed up against me in that bed, curled up like she was safe in my arms. The few times I did check in with her, she was always at work or holed up in her flat. It left very little chance for running into her by accident. I’m sure she’s dealing with some issues of her own, after that weekend. I close my eyes briefly and recall her pale skin under my hands, the way…no, not now.

I shake her from my mind and focus on the door in front of me. It’s really for the best we don’t see each other again. She was clouding my focus, and the connection I felt to her was more than physical. I can’t even put it into words. But I learned enough to know she’s not that way to Piers. I was wrong, and I refuse to rub salt in the wound and use her to get to him. Logic tells me if she’s of no use to me, I need to avoid her, but I’ve never really been a very logical man.

The door opens with a heavy groan and a male orderly stands on the other side. So much for using my charm. This place prides itself on the upmost privacy and discretion. I should know, since I failed to breach their security to add myself to the visitors list. Getting past him could prove to be troubling.

He leads me to a desk where a lovely young redhead sits in front of a computer, and I have two options: tell the truth, confess words I’ve never allowed myself to utter in the presence of others, or do what I’m best at and fabricate a story.

“Hello, miss.” I lower my voice an octave and give her a half smile, dismissing the chap.

I look next to her and find a name plaque. “Gretchen, is it? Hello, love. I’m hoping we can help each other. I’m going to be completely honest with you, I’m here with X-Wire doing a routine security inspection. It’s something we are doing at all our locations that might be eligible for a software upgrade. A couple things have been brought to my attention in the brief time I’ve been on the premises.”

She looks up at me, eyes wide and not saying a word, and the male orderly thankfully disappeared back to wherever he came from.

“While the gate guard checked the credentials of my driver, he did not check mine. That is a problem. Standard protocol seem to be followed at the main entrance when I was buzzed in and escorted to the desk. I’m assuming you could see my face on that security camera up there?”

She smiles, nodding her head in agreement. “Yes, sir. We can.”

“I also see you have a mobile face down on your desk, which I’m assuming is not a company issued mobile, which also breaks protocol,” I inform her, and the smile falls from her face as she remains frozen in her chair. She doesn’t suspect I’m lying. She’s too fearful of being reprimanded. Now that I’m convinced she’ll comply, I continue.

“I’m a consultant who works hand-in-hand with the owners to ensure all protocol is followed to care for and protect our patient’s safety and privacy. If you don’t mind, I’d like to do a sweep of the facility.”

“Well, I really should—” she stutters.

“Gretchen, is everything okay?” A rather distinguished, grey-haired woman calls from her perch in front of a filing cabinet.

“Yes, Lilah. Everything is fine, thank you,” she replies politely over her shoulder.

“This is an unofficial inspection, so I don’t wish to alarm anyone, nor reveal I’ve let you in on our little secret. And as a courtesy, I won’t notate in my report about your personal phone being laid out on the desk. While you’re likely doing nothing more than playing games or talking to your boyfriend, I’m sure a lovely lady such as yourself has a special man in her life…but it’s still a liability having it on the premises.” I lower my voice, giving her my best smile.

She flashes a deep shade of red and begins stammering. “Yes, of course! I understand! I just—”

“I’m not here to criticize, nor do I have anything to do with the personnel. I’m strictly here to check to make sure our system is working properly. That the residents’ rooms are secure. But the system is only as good as the people using it.”

She seems to buy this and passes me through without any further inspection. Finally.

I walk down the long corridor, starting with the north wing. I’m told it’s highly exclusive and only houses a few…patients? Guests? Looking around, I notice this looks more like an upscale townhouse or luxury hotel. Nicer than any of the places we ever lived.

After walking past a large formal dining hall and passing what appears to be a music room, I take a left and see a large brass nautical compass etched in the glossy floor. I follow its prominent point and walk down another corridor, finding the first couple rooms empty.

Suite 30. Nothing.

Suite 32. Nothing.

Suite 34. Nothing.

In Suite 36, I open the door to see an older woman sleeping in dim light and quietly shut the door before disturbing her. That brings me to the last door on this side of the North Hall.

Suite 38. The brass knob feels like ice in my hand as I turn it. Staying just inside the door, I take a breath before walking farther into the room to what I’m assuming is his bedroom. A wall of windows covered in sleek bamboo line the back wall, and in the center of the room, there he lays.

I’m not sure what I expected, but what I find is a large man lying motionless in a state of the art hospital bed. Quiet clicks and beeps are the only sounds aside from my breathing, which has increased.