Page 23 of Cryptic Curse

“I see.”Grace takes out a stethoscope, listens to Dad’s heart.“I think he needs to relax now.In his condition, having his pulse and blood pressure go up like this is not good for his health.”

“Of course it isn’t,” Mom snaps.“Just leave him be.He’ll come around.”

I hope she’s right.

“Maybe that’s enough visitation for today,” Grace says.

“I agree.”I’m the first to leave the room.

I walk down the corridor toward the end of the hall, where I see Daniela and Belinda sitting, having a beverage.

I head toward them.Daniela is crying softly while Belinda is just staring into space.

“Hey,” I say softly.

Daniela looks up.

Damn.Even with puffy eyes and tear-stained cheeks she’s still beautiful.More beautiful than any woman I’ve ever seen, I think.Certainly any woman I’ve ever been with, and I’ve been with some gorgeous babes.

People say I’m the handsomest Bellamy brother.I’m the tallest and the only with blue eyes, but both my brothers are also very good-looking.Some women prefer the brooding dark eyes that Falcon and Eagle possess.

Suffice it to say, though, that I’ve taken some gorgeous women to bed.

None of them holds a candle to Daniela.

“I’m sorry.”Daniela sniffles.“Hospitals just bring a lot of emotion out of me, I guess.”

I pull a bandana out of my pocket and hand it to her.

She nods her thanks and wipes her nose.

“She okay?”I nod to Belinda.

“Same thing.She doesn’t like hospitals.”

I nod.“Why don’t I get you two out of here then?”

“We have to wait for Vinnie and Raven.Vinnie’s taking us to dinner.”

“Oh.”

She wipes her eyes.“I’m fine, really.Just a lot of changes.I’m starting culinary school soon.Which is a good thing, of course.I’m looking forward to it.Just my life is an about-face in the last several months.It’s been great.Don’t get me wrong.But it’s a lot to process.”

“I understand.”

“Thanks.”

I sit down next to her.“So we don’t leave the hospital.I’ll take you down to the cafeteria.”

Belinda’s eyes light up at that.It always warms me when Belinda’s blue eyes sparkle.Vinnie told me about the first time he met Belinda at her father’s home.How Declan McAllister trotted her out like a trained seal to play for Vinnie and his grandfather.

And also about how she sneaked a note to Vinnie during their meal asking for his help.

We’re all grateful that she’s safe now and her mobster father is ten feet under.

Then there’s Daniela.

Vinnie’s wife in name only, and the woman I can’t take my eyes off of.