Free Sacrifices of the Siren [Sirens and Sailors 6] (Siren Publishing Allure) by Bella Settarra Page B

hand, and didn’t look happy.
    “We’ll wait outside,” Farris said, nodding to Blandon.
    Blandon reluctantly followed the large dark-haired sailor into the corridor, where they both paced up and down until the door opened again. It was only about fifteen minutes, but it felt like hours to Blandon, whose head was swimming with possibilities about what was in those notes.
    He followed Farris back into the office and took his seat, all the time staring at Dr. Jay. The young doctor ran a hand through his blond wavy hair and sighed.
    “I think we may have found out what Mel’s been keeping from us, and why she’s the way she is,” Dr. Jay began.
    Blandon felt his mouth go dry and his heart hammered as he waited, with bated breath, for the outcome.
    “They did an assessment of her wounds when she was brought in and they’ve noted some scarring. It looks like Melantho may have had a caesarean section.” Dr. Jay was very calm and quiet as he explained the situation.
    Blandon felt his own jaw drop and he stared at the young doctor in disbelief.
    “Have you any idea when?” Farris’s voice was low and placid.
    Dr. Ernaut frowned. “Fairly recent, I’d say, maybe a couple of years or so.”
    “But how? I mean, where’s the baby?” Blandon’s mind was in a whirl as he spluttered.
    “That’s what we need to find out,” the elderly doctor explained gently. “I’ve got someone checking through the medical records, but she doesn’t seem to have anything documented at this hospital. My staff are going through general computer records and ringing around to see if they can find out anything. So far we’ve got nothing, but if the child was born in hospital—which it must have been as she had surgery—there will be a record somewhere.”
    “Even if…?” Farris was obviously unable to say the word.
    “There would be a death record,” Dr. Jay clarified.
    The room was silent for a few minutes while the news sank in.
    “We’ll know more when she wakes up,” Dr. Ernaut said at last.
    “And there would be a paper trail if it was adopted, right?” Farris inquired.
    Dr. Ernaut nodded. “Oh yes, most definitely.”
    Blandon suddenly felt relieved. This was the best he could hope for. The baby could be alive and well and living with a new family somewhere.
    “She’s quite a melancholy little thing,” Dr. Jay said. “This might explain why. They’re going to organize some counselling for her when she’s had a good rest.”
    “Can I stay with her?” Blandon asked hopefully.
    “I’m sorry, son. She needs complete rest and when she wakes up she might not want to speak to anyone for a while. It depends what’s happened recently and in the past. We need to get to the bottom of it so we know how to deal with it. The main thing is that she needs time and space. We have to respect that.” Dr. Ernaut looked sad as he spoke.
    “She’ll get the best help there is,” Dr. Jay said, standing up. “The best thing we can do is be around if and when she needs us. Until then we do this on her terms.”
    “So we just leave her here?” Blandon was horrified.
    “She wouldn’t want to come where we’re going, bro,” Farris said grimly as he stood up.
    Blandon didn’t want to stand up and leave, but thought he’d better follow suit. “Where are we going?” He frowned, puzzled.
    Farris snorted. “To find some answers.”

Chapter 6

    Blandon left the hospital with hope in his heart. Doing something practical was uplifting, even though it meant facing Hermandine again. He was certain this was the “hold” the old crone had over his beautiful girl. What has she gone through? Why can’t she talk about it? Who is the father? His mind whirled with questions and he was sure as hell the old woman had the answers.
    The three sailors marched down the drizzly street to the little house in Harbor Grove. The curtains were still drawn and a dim light shone through.
    Farris’s large fist hammered angrily on the gray door.