Page 76 of The Forsaken (Echoes from the Past #4)

SIXTY-FIVE

London, England

The day had been unusually warm for September.

Even with all the windows open, Quinn was perspiring.

She took a cool shower before going to bed, one of the few activities still permitted during her period of bedrest, but she was flushed and couldn’t get to sleep.

The lace trim of her silky nightie chafed her skin, and she longed for something comfortable and soft.

Quinn turned on the bedside lamp and swung her legs out of bed, determined to get a cotton T-shirt.

Rummaging in her drawer, all she found were tops more suited for work, and she realized Gabe had forgotten to do the laundry.

Household chores had been piling up since Phoebe returned to Northumberland once Emma started school and Gabe returned to the institute for the new semester.

He’d accepted the promotion and all talk of moving north had ceased for the time being, making Quinn a happy woman.

She shut the drawer and turned to Gabe’s side of the bureau.

He had a plethora of cotton T-shirts, which he wore year-round.

She pulled out one of her favorites, a lime-green V-neck that had no annoying tag to scratch her skin.

The glow of amber at the back of the drawer caught her eye.

She knew she shouldn’t, but the urge was too strong, and Quinn reached for the plastic bag containing the rosary before she could talk herself out of it.

Gabe hadn’t bothered to hide it well, trusting her not to go looking for it, but she’d been cooped up in the house for the past month, and she was expiring of boredom.

My blood pressure is perfect, there’s no protein in my urine, my ankles are as trim as a ballet dancer’s, and I haven’t had a headache in weeks , Quinn thought proudly.

What harm could a brief glimpse into Kate’s life do?

It would be a welcome distraction, and hopefully, help her get to sleep.

She listened carefully. The only sound in the flat was the low hum of the TV.

Emma was fast asleep, and Gabe was watching a film in the other room.

He’d had trouble sleeping lately, and often came to bed after Quinn was already asleep, climbing in beside her and resting a protective hand on her belly.

She climbed back into bed, turned off the lamp, and drew the rosary out of the bag. Kate’s face instantly swam into view, her green eyes wide with anxiety.