Falling With Grace

“What for? I feel fine.”

Javier entered the open kitchen as Nadia exited the room with an exasperated huff. “Dr. Navarro is here. What did I miss?”

Shaking his head, Elias assisted his mother by her elbow, guiding her away from the table. “Take Grace to the study, and make sure he examines her chin as well.”

Javier nodded, and I stood.

“Eventfulmorning, I see.”

I recoiled from his touch as we rounded the corner into the study, passing through glass-framed doors. The mosaic-style glass cast delicate rays onto the floor.

Dr. Navarro sat beside a desk crafted from a polished, preserved tree trunk slab supported by thick branches holding the immense weight. He rested his elbow on the desk, his button-up shirt and bolo tie tight against his thick, meaty neck.

He rose from his seat and inclined his head, casting me a curious, distinctive glance. “Buenos días.”

“Good morning.” I nodded and wrapped my arm around my waist, latching my hand on my elbow to keep it in place.

Javier sat behind the desk, hiked his feet up onto the custom table, and placed his hands on top of his head in a relaxed manner.

Dr. Navarro shifted his attention to Javier. “I’ve treated her before.” He wagged his finger as if grasping at a distant memory. Stepping closer, he eased his fingers over my shoulder and took hold of my wrist with the other hand, raising my arm to shoulder level.

I winced and shied away.

“A woman in the city discovered her on the riverbank.”

A cold sweat erupted along my neck, and the air lodged in my throat.

The couple who’d called Andrés’ men…

If he was associated with them…then Andrés could know I’m here.

I jerked away from him, my shoulder tingling and sharp. “No. No. No.” I darted for the closed doors.

Fingers threaded through my hair, yanking me backward, and my scalp screamed.

“Let me go!” I released a high-pitched wail, my hands wrapping around his wrist as I twisted and kicked at his knees.

Javier leaned back from me, the tips of my toes skimming his rough jeans. “Calm down. He’s just examining you.”

“Is this because I didn’t tell him where Andrés was? Why not just kill me?”

His brows scrunched together. “What are you talking about?”

“Him.” I pointed to the wide-eyed doctor. “He knows the couple who turned me into Andrés. Does he work with Andrés too if he treats his sympathizers?”

Javier turned back to Dr. Navarro, his grip unyielding. “Is this true?”

Dr. Navarro shook his head. “I treat many people in the city. If what she’s saying is true, I have no knowledge of it. I’ll give you the couple’s name and address.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a black flip phone.

“He must belying.” I tugged against his tight grip on my hair, my stomach threatening to expel my breakfast. “They said he could be trusted.”

“Be quiet.” Javier jerked me around.

“Careful.” Dr. Navarro took a half-step forward and reached out. “The last time I saw her, she had a concussion.”

My heart raced, and my shoulders tightened. My lungs worked overtime, inhaling and exhaling, while my pained chin trembled.

“You know I’ll bring this to his attention.”