Free Madeleine & the Mind by Felicia Mires Page B

time. His eyes didn't seem focused on the task at all.
    When Steven finished reviewing the stack of papers, he disappeared into her room. Madeleine started yanking out cushions and seats from his sofa and chair. She looked behind frames on the wall and went through his medicine cabinet. She found nothing unusual.
    She stood in the middle of his room, wondering where to look next when Steven bumped her in the back. She whirled around. "What is it?"
    He handed her a poetry book from the library…love sonnets. It was opened to one in particular with her red rose lying in the spine.
    Madeleine took the book and looked at the poem. "My love is like a red, red rose…"
    She laughed. "Very clever. Sometimes, I wonder if the real Dr. Faraday might have a wicked sense of humor." She tousled the hair on his head and sat down in a chair. "Do you want me to read this? I really don't think it's your bag, but I like it."
    He sat back on the bed and watched her. She read the entire poem before she looked up at him. He was watching her intently, and his eyes burned with intensity.
    Madeleine froze a moment as he stared at her. Then she looked down at the next poem. After that, she didn't dare look at him. Love sonnets made you imagine things that weren't there. And he was a patient.
    When her voice grew tired, she closed the book. "I think I'll go to my room now. If you need anything, come and get me." She left the room with the book under her arm.
    Madeleine left the dividing door just barely cracked. She'd be able to hear if he tried to leave or if someone entered his room.
    She locked the door to the bathroom while she got ready for bed. Knowing Steven, he was apt to come wandering in her room just as she undressed, and that would be dreadfully embarrassing.
    The stack of library books waited beside her bed. She could read for a while. Her hand hesitated over the books then she changed her mind.
    Steven's fiancée arrived in the morning. She wanted to look her best. Even if her best was borrowed scrubs and no make-up.
    Madeleine turned off the light and lay down. At least scrubs were just as comfortable as pajamas. She'd add a gown to her shopping list.
    Some time later, Madeleine awoke to complete darkness, her senses instantly alert. What was happening? She looked at the dividing door. Someone was backing through the door. There was a slight click as the door shut.
    She glanced at the clock. One in the morning. Who was up and walking around?
    She jumped out of the bed and padded to her door. As quietly as she could, she opened it and looked out. Steven stepped through the doorway to the stairs.
    She ran back and grabbed her key then followed. Her bare feet were silent on the stairs as she crept down. She couldn't see him, but she heard him stop at the second floor. She paused before continuing.
    When she stepped into the second floor hallway and looked around, Steven had disappeared from sight. It would be easy to find him. There were only three rooms on this floor, the library, exercise room, and the lab, and each one had glass windows in the door.
    Madeleine skipped down the hall until she reached the door of the library. Through the small window, she peered into the darkness. No movement inside. She tried the door. Locked.
    The exercise room was also dark. Only the lab remained. Nearly the entire outer wall consisted of glass so she crept forward. She didn't want Steven to see her before she could see what he was up to.
    When she reached the corner of the room, she glanced inside. It was dark, but someone flashed a penlight. She backed away from the window. How did he get past the security? If he could remember to take his security pass to get into the lab, what else could he do?
    How irritating. What is going on?
    She got down on all fours to crawl to the door. Maybe he'd left it ajar. She could sneak inside.
    He had! He'd even blocked the door open. He wants to make a quick get-away.
    Madeleine entered the room when he had his back