BLOODLINES - Chapter 04

Jason checked his email. There was a note from Lila Quartermaine. They had been secretly corresponding for years. She was the only one in the family who was aware that his memory had returned. She had been helping him fill in the blanks. She understood his need for independence and never once pressured him to return home. She was a very special lady.

Jason held his breath as he opened up Lila's email. His eyes widened at her short message.

It's Alexander!

Jason punched his fist against his open palm. "I knew it!" He had forwarded Lila the pictures of Zander that Emily had sent to him, just asking if she recognized the young man. Something about Zander's eyes had been so familiar.

Jason picked up the phone and dialed Lila's private line.



Emily stared at Zander for a few minutes, trying to keep her emotions under control. Zander lay so still and looked so pale. She couldn't understand this at all. He seemed so happy yesterday. They were discussing the future. A happy future. She had even hoped he was imagining one with her. How could this be? Zander wasn't even here because of any illness. He just had amnesia. Then it hit her. The drugs! "Oh, my God!" She nearly ran to her locker to retrieve her cell phone.



"Grandmother?"

"Jason, dear! I'd hoped it was you. How did you get those pictures of Alexander? Do you know where he is?"

"I do. He's a patient at the clinic where Emily works. She sent me the pictures. I'll explain more when I see you." Jason hung up and was about to leave when his phone rang. He cursed until he saw who the caller was. He answered, "Emily?"

"Oh, thank God, Jason! I need help!"

"Where are you?"

"I'm at RoseWood, in the hospital wing. Zander was admitted for attempted suicide. I couldn't understand why he would do such a thing, but then I remembered the drugs. What if somebody drugged him so he would hurt himself?"

"Dammit!"

"Jase?"

"I'll be right over. Don't let on that you know about the drugs. Try to stay with Zander for as long as you can. I'm bringing Max with me. We're getting him outta there now."

"We're in room two-twenty. Go through the south entrance. Please hurry."

"I'm on my way."

Jason called Lila again. "Grandmother, there's been a change in plans. I'm going to get Alexander right now. We'll be at the mansion within the hour if everything goes smoothly."

"Oh, Jason. Do be careful. I have a bad feeling."

"Don't worry. I'll see you soon. I love you." He hung up and went in search of Max.



Emily knew that Jason would be there in a matter of minutes, but she was afraid someone would throw her out before he got there. Zander stirred and Emily rushed to his side. "Zander? It's me, Emily. Can you hear me?"

Zander struggled to open his eyes, and when he focused on her he smiled. "Emily," he croaked. He tried to reach out and touch her face, but the restraints held him fast. "What the hell? What happened?"

Emily moved closer and spoke in a hushed tone. "Zander, listen to me. You're in danger. My brother, Jason, is coming to get us out of here. Just pretend to be asleep."

"I don't understand," he said quietly.

"I don't either. All I can figure is Eddie has been drugging your food, maybe to keep you from remembering."

"Eddie?"

"Yeah. Why else was he always so concerned about you eating all the time?"

"But you ate my lunch! Are you okay?"

"I got a little sick and forgetful, but I'm okay. We just need to stay put until Jason arrives."

Fifteen minutes later, Emily could hear Karen shouting out in the hall, "Sir, this is a restricted area! Sir!"

Emily unfastened Zander's restraints. "Let's go." She helped him to stand, but his knees buckled. "Oh, no! Come on, Zander! We have to get out of here!" She tried to steady him and walk him to the door.

Jason came into the room a moment later. He went to Zander and easily lifted the young man over his shoulders. "Sorry, man, but we're in a bit of a hurry." He ran out of the room with Emily followed closely behind.

They passed Max, who was holding a gun on Karen at the nurses station. Emily quickly apologized as she rushed by. Soon Max joined them, and they made their way to the car. Jason deposited Zander into the back seat, and Emily helped buckle him in. They were flying out of the iron gates a minute later.



Nurse Karen picked up the phone and dialed. When the party on the other end answered she spoke coldly. "The Quartermaines have taken Alexander. How should I proceed?" She nodded at the response. "Yes, sir." Karen hung up and was about to leave her post, when she came face to face with Eddie. "Out of my way, you oaf!"

"I don't think so," he said calmly. In the next instant he had her in a choke hold and was plunging a needle into her neck. "Nighty-night, Nurse Ratchet." He pulled out his cell phone and hit speed dial. "It's Eddie." His tone softened. "Alexander is with the Quartermaines. I think he'll be fine for now. And I found the mole. She won't be a problem any longer. When she wakes up she won't remember a thing." He smiled at the response on the other end. "Yeah, yeah...you're welcome. Take care. I'll see you shortly." He turned off his phone and tucked it into his pants pocket. Then he ripped off his coat and crumpled it up, throwing it into a nearby trash can. "Glad to be outta this dump," he murmured as he strode out of the building.


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