Read The Collectors Book Two: Full Circle (The Collectors Series 2) for Free Online Page B

take you to one of the best clinics in London in a van?”
    “Point taken.”
    One hour elapsed before Jack, frustrated and cursing every other driver, stopped his car outside Queen’s Clinic.
    “I won’t come in, PK,” said Bear. “I’ll see the ankle-biter after you and Maria have done the mushy bit. You know what I mean.”
    “Hey, if you don’t stick your head in and say hello, she’ll be upset.”
    “Okay. Jack, you go home,” said Bear. “I’ll get a taxi.”
    “No way. I’ll drive round the block and pick you up on the way back.”
    Petros, with Bear trailing behind, strode through the double doors towards Reception.
    As he approached, a young woman with an angular face glanced up and smiled. “Good morning, Sir. Can I help you?”
    “Maria Kyriades. She’s just had a baby.”
    The woman’s deep brown eyes twinkled. “You must be Petros. Your wife said you’d be arriving sometime this morning. Room two ten. Take the lift to the second floor and it’s third on the left. You have a beautiful daughter.”
    His face flushed as a glow of pride grew inside him. “Thank you.”
    He found the door to Maria’s room and opened it. She stood at the picture window, her back facing him.
    “Hi, gorgeous. Sorry no flowers. Didn’t have time.”
    She turned with open arms and held him close as he kissed her passionately.
    “Hi, Maria,” said Bear. “PK insisted I come and say hello.”
    “And so you should.” She kissed him on both cheeks.
    A gentle whimper came from the crib on the other side of the bed.
    “Can I pick her up?” said Petros. “She’s so small.”
    “Shape your arms like a cradle and lift, supporting her head.”
    Nervously he lifted the baby and held her. Her right hand reached out and touched his.
    “She’s like her mother – beautiful. What do you think, Bear?”
    Maria moved beside her husband. “I believe you’re slightly biased.”
    “She’s gorgeous. Good job she takes after her mum,” remarked Bear.
    “Thanks for the vote of confidence. I can feel her as she breathes. She seems so content.”
    “That’s because I’ve just fed and changed her. Alysa has a good voice and is quick to let you know if something’s not right.”
    “Maria, I’ll be off or Jack’ll get a parking ticket.”
    “ Bear, will you and Jocelyn be God-Parents to our Alysa?”
    “I’m honoured, even though I don’t do the God bit, Maria, but it’ll be a pleasure. I’m certain Jocelyn will be delighted. Must dash. See you.” With a haste that defied his size, he spun around and left.
    “When are you coming home?” Petros said, holding Maria’s hand.
    “A few more days. The doctors want to make sure there’s no infection. Talking of home, do you want our daughter living on a boat?”
    Petros gazed at Alysa. “There’s nothing wrong with my boat, plenty of room.”
    Maria frowned. “For me and you but we need room for a cot, buggy and a bath for Alysa, plus somewhere for her clothes. A house would be better.”
    “If you want a house, that’s fine by me. But I keep my boat.”
    Maria hugged him. “We have a year before she starts to walk, plenty of time to find somewhere with a big garden. Oh, I forgot to mention. Your mama has already filled the boat’s lounge with everything Alysa will need for the next six months. I told her not to but I don’t think she listened. Poor Jack has been running all over the place.”
    He laughed. “Little Alysa is special to Mama. She’s part of my father and that makes her different from her other grandchildren.”
    “She has Cypriot parents, and Mama and I want her christened in Cyprus.”
    “Once we’ve sorted a few things out, I don’t see a problem. Your aunt Eleni will love Alysa.”
    “You’re tired. Why don’t you go home and sleep.”
    “I could do with a few hours rest. If there’s something you need, I’ll bring it in this evening.”
    “Go home.”
    He kissed Alysa and placed her into the crib. For a moment, he held