Hidden Betrayal (O'Connor Girls Book 1)

by Rhonda Brewer

  “I know, but I got this. I’m not hiding anything, but I probably won’t be back for a week or so. Need to make sure she’s settled” Dean had to ensure Peyton was comfortable in her surroundings and meet the staff that cared for her.

  “Kristy is leaving Hopedale,” Keith spoke so fast that Dean wasn’t sure he heard him correctly at first.

  “For good?” He needed to know.

  “Could be. Do you want to know where she’s going and what she’s doing?” Keith baited him.

  “None of my business. Listen I gotta run. I’ll give you a shout in a day or so.” Dean ended the call before Keith could say another word.

  “Was that you’re girlfriend?” Peyton wiggled her eyebrows.

  “I don’t have one of those. It was my business partner.” Dean shook his head.

  “Is he really your business partner or your life partner because mom said you weren’t but I’m starting to wonder because I don’t remember you ever having a serious girlfriend.” Peyton tilted her head and stared up at him.

  “Keith’s my business partner and happily married. I’m not gay.” Dean laughed. “Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I’m most definitely straight.”

  “Hmm, what’s that Shakespeare line… oh yeah, Thou doth protest too much.” Peyton laughed when he glared at her.

  “You’re pushing it, little girl.” Dean got to the top of the ramp and pushed the automatic door button.

  The Directors office was easy enough to find since it was inside the front entrance. Dean rapped on the door and waited for someone to answer. He was about to knock again when a high-pitched voice echoed across the lobby from the other side. A tall, slim woman hurried toward them almost toppling over a couple of times on her stilettos.

  “I’m so sorry; I meant to be here when you arrived. You must be Mr. Flynn.” The woman held out her hand, and Dean glanced at her name tag perfectly placed on the lapel of her jacket.

  “I was supposed to meet with Sophia Frost.” Dean gazed down at Peyton.

  “I’m her assistant, Gemma Grimes.” Gemma dropped her hand. “Mrs. Frost will be here shortly. Can I offer you coffee or tea?” She flicked her long blonde hair back over her shoulder and gave him a look that told him he could have her on her back with a flirty wink.

  Sorry, Sweetheart, not a chance.

  Gemma opened the door and motioned for them to go ahead of her. She followed and gave him a flirty smile, but Dean wasn’t about to encourage her.

  “I’d love tea, Gemma.” Peyton smiled as she slapped her hand against his. “Rude much.”

  “I’ll take a coffee please, Ms. Grimes.” Dean winked at Peyton.

  “I’m sure you and your wife must be…” Gemma had her back to them.

  “D’s my uncle.” Peyton interrupted Gemma, and Dean wanted to groan when the woman slowly turned with a very seductive smile.

  “I’m sorry for the misunderstanding.” She fluttered her eyelashes as she bent over to hand him the cup.

  “D’s wife couldn’t come because she’s taking care of their four children.” Peyton sipped her tea and didn’t show a hint of a smile.

  “Four children?” Gemma gasped.

  “Yes, she can’t travel now because she’s ready to give birth to number five.” Peyton smiled when Dean almost choked on his coffee.

  “Goodness, that’s a big family.” Gemma’s flirtation stopped cold.

  “Yes, it is, and would you believe they want more.” Peyton feigned a sigh. “I tell her she’s out of her mind.”

  “If you're finished discussing my life can we start discussing yours.” Ms. Flirty wasn’t about to find out Peyton’s story was far from the truth.

  “I’ll run and let Mrs. Frost know you’re here.” Gemma hurried out of the room twisting over on her thin heeled shoes as she closed the door.

  “How long do you think it will take her to break her ankle?” Peyton laughed

  “Have no idea, but really? Five kids.” Dean chuckled.

  “I thought six would be a little far-fetched.” Peyton grinned. “She had that, I want to lick him from his head to his toe, look and being your wife was too gross.”

  “Thanks a lot.” Dean laughed.

  “I didn’t realize how quickly I could make up a story like that. Maybe I should be a novelist.” Peyton glided her hand over her head as if she wrote it in the air. “Peyton Decker would be a great pen name.”

  “Not Humphrey?” Dean liked the idea of dropping the Humphrey name but then again it was Ivan’s last name, and Peyton’s father did nothing wrong.

  “Maybe I should use Flynn.” Peyton ignored or didn’t hear his comment.

  “Whatever you want, Pey.” Dean stood when the door to the office opened, and an elegant gray-haired woman glided through the door.

  “My sincere apologies, Mr. Flynn.” The woman held out her hand. “I’m Sophia Frost the Director of Comfort Life Care.”

  Dean shook her hand and nodded. Sophia was tall, slim and dressed very professionally in a black pencil skirt and matching jacket. Her voice was soft but confident.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Frost.” Peyton shook her hand as well.

  “You as well, Ms. Flynn. Your uncle says you’re looking forward to enjoying a little more relaxed atmosphere that we offer our residents.” Sophia smiled as she sat behind her desk.

  Dean liked her and hoped the medical staff had the same professionalism.

  “I’m looking forward to not feeling like I’m in a hospital.” Peyton smiled shyly, and Dean’s heart broke.

  His niece spent most of her life in and out of hospitals and instead of taking her back to Hopedale, he needed to have her somewhere she felt comfortable. Bringing her home would raise too many questions and Eric would expect him to do that.

  This care facility was not anywhere Eric would think to look, because it was out of the city. With Peyton safe, he could figure out who killed Ivan because it sure as hell wasn’t his sister.

  Hannah took care of Peyton's finances and made sure Peyton had everything she needed medically. Peyton was a wealthy young woman, but it didn’t do her any good. No matter how much money she had, the only thing that could save her life was a lung transplant. Her health was deteriorating, and even if a lung became available, Peyton’s body could reject the organ or she wouldn’t survive the surgery.

  With Hannah's arrest, Peyton transferred power of attorney to Dean. Then things got bad. Eric started to send letters to Hannah through her lawyer with threats to reveal her deep dark secret. Hannah swore she had no idea what the threats were about, but she begged Dean to keep her daughter away from him. She also convinced Peyton to update her will to make sure her daughter sent the money where she wanted it to go.

  “Mr. Flynn, did you want to see where your niece will be living?” Sophia asked.

  “I would.” Dean stood up and wheeled Peyton out of the office.

  Dean took in every exit and entrance on their way to Peyton’s room. Sophia insisted the residents didn’t have rooms they had suites as if it was a fancy hotel, but the truth was it was probably where his niece would spend the rest of her short life.

  Stop that train of thought.

  They stopped at the door with one hundred and two written across the ivory wood, Sophia unlocked it and pushed the door open.

  “I hope you find it comfortable.” Sophia stepped back for them to go ahead of her.

  “Wow,” was Peyton’s first response as they entered the massive room taking the word right out of his mouth.

  The entire far wall was nothing but windows that allowed tons of natural light into the room. On the left side, a larger than the typical hospital bed was in the center of the wall. The bathroom door was on the same side and was wide enough to drive a truck through. The right side of the suite was set up as a small sitting room with a couch, recliner, television and a square table in the middle of a colorful rug.

  “I want to make you aware, you can only see out throug
h the windows. Nobody can look in.” Sophia stood next to the door with a look of pride on her face. “We ensure total privacy.”

  “That’s comforting.” Dean wandered closer to the window and checked them.

  “The windows don’t open. The building is fully air-conditioned.” Sophia seemed to read his mind.

  Dean turned toward the bed. That part of the room resembled a hospital with a heart monitor, oxygen tanks and other medical equipment. He didn’t show it, but he was impressed.

  “Everything Ms. Flynn needs to make her comfortable and ensure the best medical care is in this room. We deliver meals to the room and menus are brought to each resident on Monday to make their choices for their meals that week. There is also a dining hall if you prefer to eat there.” Sophia stepped to a part of the wall he hadn’t noticed until she pushed the small door. “This cupboard contains all tubes, needles, ventilator supplies, suction machines, Tracheostomy supplies…” Dean held up his hands to stop Sophia.

  “I’m afraid my uncle may be a little squeamish when we talk about all this stuff.” Peyton giggled.

  “Not squeamish but I feel that’s for the professionals caring for my niece.” Dean did know what a tracheotomy was and the thought that Peyton would possibly need it made him ill.

  “I understand, and it will be. We have four nurses trained for Ms. Flynn’s care. Three of them have been here for some time, and one is new to us but equally qualified and trained.” Sophia closed the cupboard and turned.

  “I’d appreciate if I could meet the staff that will directly be dealing with Pey.” Dean eased into the recliner and steepled his fingers in front of his face.

  “I’ll arrange that for the morning.” Sophia smiled.

  “Who’ll be caring for her tonight?” Dean asked, and Peyton’s sigh told him she was annoyed with him.

  “I’ll bring Ms. Howell in right away.” Sophia hurried out through the door which left him alone with Peyton.

  “Do you have to act like some rich asshole, D?” Peyton rolled her eyes.

  “Don’t start, Pey,” Dean warned.

  “Isn’t the reason I’m here because it’s the best place in the province?” What could he say to that? She was right.

  “Yeah,” Dean nodded.

  “Then the medical staff have to be competent and well trained.” Peyton stared out through the window. “The view here is incredible.”

  “It is.” Dean turned his head.

  “Mr. Flynn, this is Zoey Howell.” Sophia entered the room followed by a young woman. She appeared to be about his age.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Howell.” Dean nodded.

  “Please, we like to make everyone comfortable here, call me Zoey.” The perky nurse practically skipped over to Peyton and held out her hand.

  “So nice to meet you, Zoey.” Peyton smiled.

  While his niece got acquainted with the young nurse, Dean took the chance to speak privately with Sophia. He motioned for her to follow him outside.

  “I assure you, Mr. Flynn, Zoey is one of the best staff we have.” Sophia looked concerned.

  “I don’t doubt that, but she won’t be with Peyton twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.” Dean shoved his hands into his pants pocket.

  “No, we have a four-nurse rotation. They work twelve-hour day shifts from eight to eight for three days then they are off for three, then they work three-night shifts.” Sophia explained. “Unless there’s a staff change, Ms. Flynn will have the same nurses caring for her while she’s here. Zoey and two of the other nurses have been here for a while the other nurse is only here for a few weeks until the permanent nurse returns from leave.”

  “I’m not sure about this new one.” The fact that the nurse wasn’t a current staff member made Dean uncomfortable.

  “I assure you she came highly recommended from a dear friend who would not have sent her to me if she weren’t confident she would be the perfect fit. I saw her during training last week, and I have no doubts about her abilities either.” For some reason, Dean trusted Sophia’s opinion, but he had no idea why.

  “I still want to meet the other three as well as any doctors.” Dean reminded her.

  “I’ll have the night nurse come see you as soon as she comes in and since the other two start their rotation tomorrow, you can meet them as well.” Sophia pulled out her phone.

  “That would be great. You did say I could spend a few days here with Pey while she settles in.” Dean wasn’t leaving until his niece was comfortable.

  “Oh yes. We’ll bring in a cot for you to sleep on.” Sophia tapped into her phone and smiled when she received a text seconds later. “Done.”

  Dean didn’t know how Peyton could sleep with the constant hiss and hum of her breathing machine. It was as annoying as hell and the fact that the night nurse Vivian Jones came in every couple of hours to check her didn’t help his sleep situation.

  At five in the morning, he finally decided three hours of sleep was all he could get. Peyton still slept soundly, and Vivian checked the supplies in the cupboard.

  “Would you mind if I ran out to grab a coffee?” Dean felt the need to ask if it was okay.

  “Mr. Flynn, don’t worry she’s in great hands here.” Vivian smiled.

  He nodded and grabbed his jacket from the back of the couch. Dean took one more glance at Peyton and left the room. Sophia scheduled a meeting for him with the other staff later in the morning. That gave him time to run to the closest Tim Horton’s and check in with Keith.

  The favorite Canadian coffee shop was about fifteen minutes from the care center. Dean proceeded through the drive-thru and called Keith once he’d gotten his order.

  “Do you ever fucking sleep?” Keith grumbled when he answered.

  “When I have to.” Dean chuckled.

  “Wait until you have to deal with a newborn screaming all night,” Keith complained.

  “Yeah, don’t see that happening. Although, dealing with you over the years gives me lots of practice.” Dean parked in the lot and sipped his coffee.

  “Fuck you, Asshat,” Keith growled. “Hang on a sec.”

  Dean heard Keith tell Emily to go back to sleep that it was work related. He laughed when she mumbled something about her hating work.

  Emily gave birth to their first child two months earlier. A little boy with auburn hair and blue eyes. Dean thought the kid was cute as a button, but Keith would lose all intelligent thoughts when he was near the baby. They named him Noah Keith O’Connor he was the second boy born to the O’Connor family in less than a year. Stephanie and John had a second child, Brenden John O’Connor six months earlier.

  “Noah giving mom and dad a hard time?” Dean chuckled.

  “It’s a new phase where he wants to sleep all day and keep us up all night.” Keith sighed.

  “I’m sure he’ll grow out of it.” Dean closed his eyes and rested his head against the headrest.

  “I know you didn’t call at the crack ass of dawn to discuss my son’s sleeping patterns, What’s up, Bull?” Keith knew him almost as well as he knew himself.

  “Can you get Smash do a check on a couple of people for me?” Dean knew Keith wouldn’t agree without some answers.

  “I can, but the question is, will I? Why the fuck are you checking out people? I’m pretty sure that place don’t hire just anyone.” Dean heard Keith sip something.

  “I'm being cautious.” Dean knew Keith was right.

  “Do you have any idea when you’ll be able to come back?” It was shitty for him to leave Keith with all the business shit. He seemed to be doing that on all ends lately.

  “Not sure but hopefully I can get back for a few days once she’s settled.” It was all he could say.

  “You disappeared from Mike’s wedding and tell Cannon the job is over. You should have given me a heads up.” Keith continued. “You know you don’t have to do this alone?”

  “I know, and I’ll fill you in when I get back. Can you get Smash to check out the n
ames I emailed you before I called?” Dean had sent the email before he left the Center.

  “Why not Sandy?” Keith chuckled.

  “Because she’s too fucking nosy and would dig into things I don’t need to know about.” Dean laughed.

  “Fine, but you know she’ll find out somehow.” Keith was right. When that woman wanted information, she got it. Plus, she was probably breathing down Keith’s back for information.

  Dean emailed the names of the staff he’d met so far as well as Eric Humphrey. When Keith asked what other information he had about them, he cursed under his breath. The only thing Dean knew about Sophia, Gemma and Vivian were that they worked at Comfort Life Care. Eric, on the other hand, he had everything he needed.

  “I only know the names and where they work for the three women,” Dean explained.

  “Not much to go on but I’m sure if there’s anything to worry about Smash will find it. You want him to email the results?” Keith asked.

  “Yeah,” Dean finished the last of his coffee and tossed the cup into the nearby garbage bucket.

  “No questions about a certain cousin of mine?” Keith chuckled.

  “You know, you’re spending way too much time with Emily and Sandy. I want Kristy to have a great life.” That was the truth. “I’ll stay in touch.”

  “You fucking better.” Keith was interrupted by the wail of the baby and ended the call before he could lecture Dean about Kristy. He couldn’t involve her in all his shit.

  Kristy or the rest of the family didn’t need any more drama. They’d had enough, and he wasn’t about to put them or her in danger. Dean cared about them too much. Who was he kidding? He loved Kristy too much to ruin her life with him.

  Chapter 4

  Kristy plopped down on the couch and groaned. Her sisters helped her settle into her new apartment two weeks before, but it was lonely.

  Kristy was accustomed to a family member close by, so it was hard when her sisters left to go back to Hopedale. It was too quiet, and she constantly heard every little creak and squeak in the apartment. She couldn’t even sleep in her room because she convinced herself something was in there. She hated it.

  She’d trained all week with three other nurses to care for a young woman with Cystic Fibrosis, an elderly man with dementia as well as another man a little younger. It was a lot to take in at once, but the place was incredible, and she liked the staff she’d met so far.