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he appeared when he did.”
    “Appeared?”
    “Yeah. After the accident the driver of the car said it was like the guy came right out of thin air or something.”
    “The driver,” Carlita replied, “didn’t want to admit he’d been too busy stuffing his face with coffee and doughnuts to watch the road.” She heaved a sigh. “But whatever. This isn’t my business. I’m just warning you, this guy sounds like trouble. I don’t want you to get taken into some crazy scam or something, that’s all.”
    “Thanks, but I’ll be fine. All I want to do right now is figure out who this guy is and where he comes from.” I explained about my online search of all the missing persons databases I had been able to get into. “There’s no record of anyone who sounds remotely like him disappearing from the Baltimore area yesterday,” I finished.
    Carlita shook her head. “Why should there be? Think about it. If this guy is serious—and I’m not saying he is—and he honestly hasn’t contacted any of his family from the hospital, that doesn’t mean they’re out there searching desperately for him yet. I mean, it’s only been a day, right? Besides, maybe he lives alone. Suppose his people are all out-of-towners like yours? They could go without hearing from him for a month and not suspect anything’s wrong, you know?”
    “Makes sense,” I admitted. “But if nobody’s reported him as missing, what other options do I have for finding out who he is?”
    Carlita shrugged. “I dunno. Guess you’re right back where you started.” She glanced at the microwave clock. “It’s getting late. I’ve gotta’ get some sleep. Some of us still have a long work week ahead of us.” She hopped down off the counter. “And look at you,” she added. “You need to crash. You look half dead.”
    “Thanks,” I said dryly.
    “Welcome. Night-night, Meggs.” She gave me a brief hug and was gone.
    I forced down my burrito—it was cold by this time—and turned a weary eye to the stack of job applications peeping out of my purse. I shook my head and went to the bathroom for a long, hot soak instead. On the way past my room, I caught a glimpse of Noble Hearts resting on my nightstand. Snatching it up, I took it with me. Maybe I’d do a little reading in the tub. Even tired as I was I couldn’t leave the duke and his lady stranded where I had left them last.

Chapter 7

    When I stepped off the hospital elevator the next morning I had my hands full. I carried a box of doughnuts tucked under one arm and a cardboard drink carrier with two cappuccinos.
    I hesitated with my load outside room three-eighteen. Suppose he wasn’t here anymore? Or even if he was, maybe he’d be weirded out by my showing up like this again. After all, he’d already thanked me for my help. As far as he was concerned there was probably no more to be said.
    I bit my lip and dredged up the determination I had felt last night when I’d made this decision. I had questions that begged for answers. Once he satisfied them I’d be on my way, but not before. Besides, I had a good excuse. I’d been too abrupt yesterday. Practically rude. It was perfectly natural to drop by and offer an apology and a couple of doughnuts as a peace offering. Wasn’t it?
    Still…Staring at the closed door in front of me, I admitted to myself that wild resolutions made during the restless hours of the night looked a lot less rational after a few hours sleep. I wrestled with myself for another minute before finally setting aside my doubts and knocking on the door.
    There was no answer. He probably wasn’t in the same room anymore, I decided. If he hasn’t already been released from the hospital . I balanced the cup holder on top of my box of doughnuts and turned the knob.
    “Dr. Barnes will be in later to talk to you,” a strange voice was saying, as I pushed open the door. Mystery Man wasn’t alone today. A heavy man in green scrubs stood over him, chatting as he checked the IV