Mountain Secrets by Elizabeth Goddard (good books to read for teens txt) 📕

Meral, then Jewel’s assailant couldn’t be Buck. Or could Meral be involved, and Jewel was too naive, too blind, too unwilling to see the truth?

Jewel didn’t know if she could handle yet another betrayal. And, yes, she’d felt her family had betrayed her by disowning her all those years ago. But they had believed Jewel was the betrayer, willing to leave them, to leave her inheritance behind for a man—someone without wealth and means. Someone who could never make her happy, they’d claimed.

She’d fallen for Silas because he’d filled a deep need in her that she couldn’t explain. That she couldn’t make her family understand.

Colin’s Jeep hit a pothole and then a speed bump, tugging her from her thoughts. Jewel rallied herself as he turned his Jeep into the clinic parking lot and assisted her out, ushering her quickly into a private room, per his request.

The nurse, Doc Harland’s wife, Shana, appeared, her mouth in a flat line. “I know my husband’s going to be upset seeing you in here again like this.” Her eyes flicked to Colin. “You mind leaving us some privacy, good sir?”

“Fine. I’ll be right outside the door.” He had that demeanor about him as though he would never leave her side, but she knew he had more responsibilities than watching over her.

“Can you tell us about Officer Roberts, Shana?” she asked, believing Colin wanted to know the answer, too.

Shana’s grim expression lifted a little. “He’s going to be just fine. His leg is broken. Got a concussion.”

Again, Shana stared at Colin. “Doc’ll be in soon, Chief. We need that privacy now.”

“Right outside the door, Jewel.” He pinned Jewel with his gaze that told her he hadn’t forgotten she was hiding something, and then he stepped into the hallway, leaving the door open. Across the hall, he leaned against the wall where he could still see Jewel and crossed his arms.

Shana closed the door on him, then turned her attention back to Jewel. “I see you pulled your stitches, hon. Doc’s not going to be happy about that, I can tell you right now.”

Jewel sat on the examination table and let Shana jabber on while she took Jewel’s blood pressure. “Your BP’s a little high, too, but that’s understandable given the circumstances. You stay right here, and Doc will be in with you in a moment.”

She left Jewel alone. Jewel closed her eyes. Quiet. That was all she needed. A moment alone. Jewel thought about Colin’s words. Maybe he was right. She would have to leave Mountain Cove. Maybe even Alaska. But for how long? What if she left for good? She could sell the B and B and live off that money. She’d had a few offers over the years. And somehow she had to figure out how to rid herself of the diamond—the very reason someone was trying to kill her. Or was it? With these new developments, she wasn’t so sure anymore.

Doc Harland entered the room much too soon. Jewel wasn’t up to his friendly conversation. She smiled and nodded the best she could, but she probably reacted more like a zombie to him. She hoped he understood.

When he examined her gash, she winced and let out a soft cry. Then he restitched it in places. “Sorry, if I hurt you. You sure don’t need anything more to add to your pain.”

When he was done, he went to the small sink and washed his hands.

“Despite your pain and torn sutures, I’d say you’re healing up nicely. But it looks like you have some new bruises from the seat belt that likely saved your life.”

Jewel could only nod. She had no energy for speech. No words of wisdom for anyone, especially herself.

The good doctor dropped his stethoscope and stared at Jewel until she focused on him. He had her attention now like he wanted. “Seems to me what hurts the most is in here.” He pointed at her head. “And here.” And then to her heart. “And I’m very sorry, but I don’t have a salve for that.”

Jewel appreciated that he paid attention and saw through her physical pain to what was going on inside. “Even if you had medicine, it wouldn’t work until this is over, if it ever could work.” And if it ever ends. Especially if Meral was involved.

Jewel was beginning to doubt it would end until she was dead.

His left brow arched. “I’m sure you’re right. My only advice to you is to stick close to the Lord. I know you’re a praying woman, Jewel. This is a trying time for you, but never doubt God loves you. Easy enough to see that He sent you a protector. So you only need to stay close to that man standing out in the hallway who cares deeply for you. But by the looks of things, he isn’t going to give you much choice. The good news is that he’ll protect you and maybe offer the healing touch to your heart that you need, as well.”

The look in Doc Harland’s eyes and the deeper meaning behind his words warmed her cheeks. At that moment, Jewel knew that a fortyish widow could blush as easily as a young twentysomething. But she didn’t want anyone to get the wrong idea.

“There’s nothing between us.” The words rushed out.

Doc nodded, his expression reflecting that he didn’t believe her. When he was done, he opened the door. “She’s all yours, Chief.”

Colin stepped into the room. He hadn’t left even to check on Officer Roberts? He squeezed Doc’s arm. “Thank you for taking care of my officer, Doc. I can’t lose another person to this. And thanks for looking after Jewel, paying her special attention.”

“Jewel is a special woman, and don’t you forget it.” Doc Harland winked at Jewel. “Matt Roberts will be fine. His family’s here. They’ll get him back to you as good as new.”

Colin smiled as the doctor left, then he shut the door behind him before pinning her with those stark blue eyes that