Read Thursday's Child for Free Online

me?”
    “It’s still too early to tell, but it’s a possibility. We’ll know more once she’s seen Dr. Coleridge in the morning.”
    “Is it all right if I go and sit with her?”
    “She doesn’t want you in there right now. She’s asked for her parents and brothers.”
    “What?” Jared clenched his hands tightly. A hot stab filled his soul as if a sword plunged into it. His voice rose. “She’s my wife. I have every right to sit in there with her.”
    “Mr. Harkin, I know you’re upset, but raising your voice isn’t going to change things. She doesn’t know who you are. I suggest you go home and get a good night’s sleep yourself. She’s out of danger now.”
    “I don’t want to go home. I want to sit with my wife.”
    “She’s my patient and right now she needs peace and quiet and rest. Go home, and come back tomorrow.”
    Jared’s hands fell to his sides and his shoulders slumped, the fight leaving him. He turned and left. It was better to go voluntarily than have them call security and be thrown out. Besides, he was in uniform and didn’t want to bring disrespect on the department. His heart pounded miserable and heavy, and felt like it was breaking. Slow footsteps took him from the building, into a world covered by a heavy, leaden sky and over to a bench.
    Heavy rain drops fell. He slid his jacket on, pulling up the collar.
    Sinking onto the bench, Jared closed his eyes. Tears welled up, but he refused to let them fall. He was stronger than this. His shoulders shook and for a moment he was afraid he was going to lose the battle waging within him as he struggled with the force of emotion bearing down on him.
    Not here, not now. I need to keep a clear head, let the others know she’s awake. God, please overrule here. Why give her back, just to take her away again? I’ll ring Liam, then go to work. They’re not expecting me, but I’ll go in anyway .
    Jared pulled his phone from his belt and then jumped as a hand fell on his shoulder. He looked up at the tall, dark haired, bearded man standing under an umbrella and smiled wryly. “Hey, Liam. Sometimes I wish I had your sixth sense. I was just about to call you. Niamh woke about an hour ago.”
    Liam sat beside him. “The hospital rang and told me. They asked me to come in. It’s great.”
    “I guess so.” Jared studied his finger nails. “She doesn’t remember anything. Oh, she remembers you, Patrick, Mum and Dad, but that’s it. She doesn’t know who I am. She even pulled away from me, told me to go away.” He twisted his wedding ring viciously “Do you have any idea how that feels? To have your wife shy away from your touch, look at you with wide, terrified eyes and have her beg you not to touch her?”
    Jared paused, trying to regain control. This wasn’t Liam’s fault. “The doctor doesn’t know if this is a short term thing or a long term thing. She may never remember me.”
    Liam’s smile faded. “No, they didn’t say anything about that. Are they running tests to find out why?”
    Jared shrugged his shoulders. “She’s seeing a neurologist in the morning. They want her to rest for now.”
    “Then let’s go back to your place and have coffee.”
    Jared scoffed. “Coffee? I’d rather something stronger.” He rubbed his hands over his face. “That shows how stressed I am. I haven’t touched the booze since I met Niamh and God. Not even socially over dinner. I’m sorry. I wouldn’t drink in front of you anyway. That wouldn’t be right. How long have you been on the wagon now?”
    “One hundred days.” Liam smiled wryly. “So we’ll have coffee. Actually the way you make it, I’m surprised you don’t get hung over on it.”
    Rolling his eyes, Jared shook his head. “Thanks, but I’m going to work. The shift starts in a little over an hour. It was you she was asking for.”
    “You’re in no condition to work a night shift.” Liam looked at him sternly.
    “You’re not my boss. Besides, it might be a