Free Hearts of Glass (The Glass Trilogy Book 3) by Arianne Richmonde Page B

for you. Hang on a second, while I find it in my purse.”
    “A gift? Kristin, really , you shouldn’t have.”
    As I lie here, I’m wondering what is coming next. There’s a catch. Kristin is up to something. Whenever she used to give Natasha a gift, there was an ulterior motive. What’s she after, I wonder? She wants something in return, for sure.
    “It’s antique, Bettina, genuine Art Deco. Open the box.”
    “Oh my Lord! Kristin, this choker is . . . I have no words . . . these pearls are simply beautiful! The colors, the tones . . . and look! A diamond clasp! But it must have cost a fortune .”
    “Bettina, you’re family , no expense spared. Do me a favor, though; wait until you’re back in Switzerland before you wear them. You can never be too careful here in the States.”
    “Of course, my dear, if you think that’s best.”
    “Oh, and one more thing before you rush off, there’s something you can do for Daniel.
    “I can’t stay long, my dear, I—”
    Ah, here it comes . . . the catch, the trade-off.
    “I understand, Bettina, it won’t take long. But as you’re not able to be here, as next of kin, you can give me power of attorney to oversee anything that needs attention. Then you can rest at ease, knowing how Daniel will be under my expert care. I could call my lawyer to set it up, if you like—he’s a close friend of Daniel’s, and is only around the corner. He could come right away.”
    “That’s a splendid idea, I hadn’t thought of that.”
    “Oh, and . . . another thing, Bettina, there’s this actress that once did a job with Daniel. She’s been stalking him for a couple of years now. He tried everything to keep her away, but she’s delusional. Thinks they’re in love. Sweet kid, but I’m worried she could be dangerous. I’d like you to forbid her to visit. She’s called Janie something-or-other. Dark hair. Big, Bambi-brown eyes. But don’t be fooled.”
    No ! I’m groaning. Trapped inside my own mind. I try to sit up, but my brain is a whirl of colors and flashes of light. Not able to make me her husband, Kristin has done the next best thing . . . taking control of me through this fucking power of attorney. I see a bright red truck looming in front of me . . . the visions again. I’m spinning, swirling . . . someone . . . anyone . . . let me out of here before I get run over !

14
    Janie.
    I RACED TO the hospital, not even bothering to shower or have breakfast. But before I had even gotten to Daniel’s room, I was stopped by a burly male nurse.
    “Are you Janie Cole?” he asked.
    “Yes.” The second I said ‘yes’ I was aware I’d made a grave mistake. Duh.
    “Sorry, no visitors for Mr. Glass, right now.”
    “No visitors, or is it that just me you don’t want visiting?”
    “I’m sorry, the patient is in no condition to see anyone, he’s—”
    “Has he awoken from his coma?”
    “I’m not at liberty to divulge—”
    “Please!” I yelled. “Can’t you just give me that? Tell me he’s okay?” My eyes were brimming with tears, heat rushing to my face in a flaring rage.
    “Yes,” the nurse conceded, his expression a little kinder now, although he stepped his large frame into my personal space, so I was forced to retreat. “He is stable, but Miss, I’m sorry, you cannot enter.” He crossed his hairy arms with deliberation. A human barricade.
    “He’ll want to see me. Ask him. Ask him if he wants to see me! Daniel?” I shouted out. “Daniel, can you hear me in there?”
    The nurse laid his hands on my shoulders and pushed me away from the door. “He’s awake but not aware. I’m afraid Mr. Glass is not in a fit state to make decisions right now. Please leave, Miss, before I call security.”
    I stomped off, my ears hot with fury. I needed to get something to eat, my stomach rumbling with hunger, my head dizzy. I’d been neglectful with my supplements—obviously hadn’t had them at hand while I was locked up, and