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“That’s very self-sacrificing.”
    â€œOr very self-serving,” John countered. “I have no desire to die. If being locked up keeps me alive until my memory returns, then so be it.”
    â€œThat’s settled,” the sheriff intoned. “Carol, when you’re ready to release Mr. Doe, I’ll take him to the sheriff’s station.”
    Carol’s gaze darkened with concern. “If you’re sure.”
    â€œI am,” the sheriff confirmed. “It’s best for everyone this way.”
    Audrey made a distinct harrumph noise but didn’t comment.
    â€œI’ll have the nurse bring our patient’s clothing while I process his discharge papers,” the doctor told them. “He’ll need careful monitoring to make sure his concussion doesn’t worsen. If he loses consciousness again or throws up or complains of dizziness, call me right away.”
    â€œWe will.” The sheriff held the door open for the doctor. “I’ll be outside,” he said to Audrey before he followed the doctor out of the room.
    â€œThat went well,” Audrey said on a huff. She offered him a stiff smile. “Sorry you had to witness that little drama.”
    â€œWhat was that about?” he asked. “Are you new to the job?” That had to play into the dynamics between the deputy and sheriff.
    She lifted her chin. “Sort of. I did a year on patrol in Bangor before returning home to Calico Bay.”
    â€œAnd how long ago did you return?”
    â€œLess than a year.”
    Okay. She was inexperienced. The sheriff was being cautious on many levels. John could appreciate that. He’d be the same if he had a fairly new recruit under him.
    The thought stopped him. Recruit? What did that mean? Was he in law enforcement? Or was the thought just a random scenario that had nothing to do with his life prior to waking up in the hospital?
    The throbbing in his head intensified. His stomach cramped.
    â€œHey, you better lie down,” Audrey said, moving quickly to his side. “You’re not looking so good.”
    â€œHeadache,” he said as he scooted back to rest his head on the pillow. “I don’t remember the last time I had food.”
    â€œYou don’t want the hospital’s grub,” Audrey warned. She withdrew a protein bar from the side pocket of her pants. “This will tide you over until we can get you some real food.”
    Grateful for the snack, he took the bar, ripped open the top and consumed it in three bites and washed it down with another glass of water. The bar hit his stomach with a thud, but it stopped the cramping. “Thanks.”
    â€œYou’re welcome,” she said. She rested her hands on her utility belt. “What kind of seafood do you like? It’s the season for crab and monkfish now. But mussels are available, as are scallops.”
    His mouth watered at the thought of some good seafood, but no memory surfaced to support the visceral reaction. “Any of that sounds delicious. You’re related to the doctor.”
    A wry smile curved her lips. “Caught that, did you? She’s my mom, and the sheriff’s my great-uncle.”
    â€œGood to know.”
    She shrugged. “You were bound to find out eventually.”
    â€œI’m not judging. You get flack for being related?”
    â€œSome. But mostly there are those in town who don’t think a woman should be on duty. The world is slow to change here in Calico Bay.”
    He could imagine that was hard for her. She struck him as independent and capable with a soft side that she kept close to the vest. “You said you returned here?”
    â€œBorn and raised until I went to college and the police academy.”
    He admired her commitment to her roots. Did he have roots? He searched his brain until the pain made him back off.
    A brunette dressed in scrubs entered the room carrying two bags. “Your