Page 25 of Lethal Game

"Well, tell your friend to come in."

She didn't have to do that because Jason was already approaching the bed.

He offered her a smile, then turned to her mother. "It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Hunt. I'm Jason Colter. I hope you're feeling better."

"I am." Her mother frowned again. "You look like you've been in a fight. In fact, you look like Alisa does. What happened?"

"We were in a car accident," she told her mother. "We both got some cuts, but we're okay."

"She's right," Jason agreed. "By the way, you have an amazing daughter."

Her mother found the energy to smile at that comment, eventhough it was a tired smile. But it was something Alisa had seen little of in the last ten days.

"She is amazing," her mother said. "I'm so proud of her. Her father and I both are."

"Speaking of Dad. Do you know how I can reach him? I have a problem I need to talk to him about. My car is totaled. He'll know what I should do about it."

"He'll be back as soon as he can. Trust me on that, Alisa."

Her mother had never given her a reason not to trust her. Nor had her dad, for that matter. But something was off.

Before she could say more, Dr. Grayson entered the room.

"Well, this is a much better sight than I saw this morning," he said as he moved to the bed to look at her mother. "How are you feeling, Pamela?"

"Not nearly as bad as I was," her mother said. "I could hardly keep my eyes open this morning."

The doctor checked her chart and looked at the monitors. "You're definitely doing better than you were. How's the nausea?"

"It seems to be gone."

"And your breathing?"

"My chest doesn't feel so tight or heavy," she admitted.

"Good. Very good," Dr. Grayson said with an approving nod.

"Do you know what's wrong with me?" her mother asked.

"I'm getting closer to figuring that out," he replied. "Why don't you rest now? We'll talk more later today."

"I am feeling tired again. I wish I could find some energy."

"You will," he promised. "Rest."

"I'll walk you out," Alisa said, sensing the doctor wanted to speak to her alone. "I'll be back shortly, Mom."

"Don't hurry. I'm going to nap." Her mother gave her a sleepy smile, then turned to Jason. "I hope you'll come back, too. I like getting to know Alisa's friends."

"I will definitely be back," Jason replied.

"Make sure my daughter eats something. She's burning the candle at both ends, trying to work and take care of me."

"I will do that," he promised.

With that, Jason followed her and the doctor into the hallway. When her mother's door had closed, she said, "What do you think is going on?"

Dr. Grayson glanced at Jason. "Perhaps we should have this conversation in private."