Song of the Blackbird (Albatross Prison #1) (25 page)

Chapter 27

He’d give anything if he could spend the rest of his life with her nestled by his side like this. The incredible feeling of her soft body pressed against his, the rosewater scent from her skin, the way she breathed slowly in and out, her chest expanding and contracting…how precious it all was. He adjusted their bodies so they were lying side by side on the sofa. It was cramped but he didn’t mind so long as she was next to him.

If only he could freeze time and lie here forever with her, his arms wrapped tight around her tiny, perfect body. She’d fallen asleep with her head on his chest. She’d bestowed so much trust upon him, easily curling up against him as if they’d been dating forever and not for mere hours. So she wanted to take things slow. He was fine with that. Sure, it’d be hard not to take things to the next level with the way his body so naturally reacted to hers. But Emma meant the world to him. He was willing to wait forever if that was how long it’d take.

If only they didn’t have to keep their relationship private. It’d been agonizing to pretend she was merely Dr. Edwards to him earlier at the prison. She was so much more and the whole world needed to know it, especially Stewart.

He’d seen how the psychiatrist had behaved around Emma tonight and he didn’t like it one bit. Anyone with eyes in his head could see Stewart was interested in her. And somehow the man had finagled for them to spend time together during the CPT sessions, promising to buy Emma dinner at their next meeting. He trusted Emma.
Sure, she wasn’t interested in Stewart, but why did she have to spend so much time with the man?

If only she could love him a little bit, he’d take care of the rest. He’d shower her with everything she could possibly need and treasure her as she deserved. She was lovely and honest and kind. And generous to a fault. True, she was also stubborn and maddening sometimes, but he loved all of that about her. A big brute like him didn’t deserve her but he was going to try his best to earn her trust and keep her happy. Perhaps he could leave all the bitterness and pain of the past behind him. With Emma by his side, anything was possible.

Maxim woke up the next morning feeling happier than he’d felt in a long time. His head still hurt a little but the dizziness was completely gone. He watched Emma for a few minutes, memorizing every freckle on her lovely face. Her dark lashes eventually fluttered open and she gave him a hesitant smile.

“Good morning.” He leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose.

“Hi.” She glanced at him and then away again, looking adorably shy. “How’s your head feeling?”

“Great. Do you have any plans for today?” He stood and stretched, hoping her answer would be no. He’d love to spend the day with her.

“I have to round in the prison.” She brushed a hand through her tousled hair and sat up.

“The prison? What for? It’s Saturday.” A wave of lust hit him at her sexy and rumpled appearance.
She’d said slower.
Slower.
He retreated a few steps.

“To check on the OHU patients. Make sure they’re doing okay.”

“Oh. Good idea.” Good thing there was something to focus on besides Emma’s bewitching appearance. “I need to talk to ISU about the drugs. And I should meet with the hep C patients, too.”

“I’d start with Rodriguez. He’s the first one who got jaundiced.” Emma got up and walked into the kitchen, looking like a wood nymph just awoken from a deep slumber. She poured water into the coffee dispenser and lifted the lid to put in a filter. It was a mundane, everyday task but Maxim loved watching her do it, knowing it was the first time she made coffee in front of him, for him. He hoped they’d share many mornings like this in the future. Maybe they could try his place next time.

The morning passed quickly enough. Rodriguez, after almost half an hour of prodding, confessed to receiving a tattoo from an inmate named Greely. The other jaundiced patients admitted the same and Maxim had the pleasure of confiscating Greely’s tattoo equipment.

“Thanks for not sending him to the hole,” Emma said on their way up the hill to exit the prison.

“He got enough of a scare from me without resorting to it.”

“What did you do?”

“Nothing as bad as you think,” he said, proud she’d have nothing to complain about his behavior this time.
“Next time we catch him doing tattoos, it’ll be an automatic ninety days added to his sentence.”

“I’m glad you didn’t resort to violence.”

“The case didn’t need it.” He frowned, remembering his discussion with ISU. “The drug situation is harder to control, though. None of the inmates is willing to say anything, even after I offer them protection.”

“You have cameras set up everywhere now, right? I’m sure you’ll catch the dealer soon enough.”

God, to be given such trust
. He sure hoped he wouldn’t blow it.

Emma suddenly stopped dead in her tracks, entranced by a small bird chirping on a branch. “Maxim, that’s him,” she said, her eyes bright as her face broke out in a grin.

“I take it that’s your blackbird.”
Look at how captivated she was.
He couldn’t believe he was feeling vaguely jealous of a bird.

“Yes. I named him Phineas. He’s really rare.” She gestured with her hand. “I know it’s silly but I’m always happier when I see him. He reminds me of my brother. I hope Sam can meet him one day.”

“I can arrange that. Where’s your brother? I’ll get clearance and he can come see your bird anytime he wants.”

“Uh, I don’t think that’s possible.” She lowered her eyes. “Sam’s kind of not free right now.”

“Okay. Let me know when he’s free.”

“Thanks. Believe me, you’ll be the first to know,” she said.

Maxim smiled.
Yes, he’d definitely want to meet her brother soon.

Chapter 28

“A hunger strike?” Emma asked.

“Yes. The inmates won’t eat til they get what they want. Pelican Bay organized it,” Julien said. “They think thousands will join in. Last night, a lot of our Unit 2 and 3 inmates said they’re on board.”

“How many?” Kaye scowled from the head of the table.

Next to her, Maxim’s seat stood empty. He’d missed all their morning meetings this past week because of teleconferences with Sacramento. Last night, they’d talked for hours on his balcony in his lovely mansion up the hill. Emma smiled to herself, feeling all warm and tingly inside
.

She was in love with Maxim; no point in denying it any longer. Her heart practically sang with joy whenever he was near. The past week had been incredible. They hadn’t met at work due to his busier schedule but they’d spent every evening together except for the couple of times when she attended CPT sessions with Sam. Maxim had been amazing…gentle, kind, tender, protective: everything she could have hoped for in a partner. And he’d been patient, too. True to his word, they’d kept it slow and hadn’t taken things to the next level.
Yet
. But how Emma longed for that day to come. Perhaps soon. If only she could decide whether to tell him about Sam.

Her mind was still conflicted. If she told him, he’d either have to do the right thing and separate them or he’d have to go against policy and keep them together at Albatross. How could she tolerate being away from her brother? Yet how could she expect Maxim to jeopardize his job for her? He’d be violating his code of ethics. His very integrity would be compromised. She couldn’t do that to him. But how long could she keep Sam’s secret from him? Emma sighed, no closer to finding the answer.

“Yes, all the black inmates are on strike,” Julien was saying.

“Really?” Emma tensed.
What about Sam?
Despite the last panic attack, her brother had actually improved in the past week. Hopefully the strike wouldn’t set him back. “So they won’t eat til they get what they want?”

“Something like that,” Kaye said. “We’re supposed to see anyone who hasn’t eaten in twenty-four hours. This is going to mess up all our schedules.”

“But we can’t let them starve.” Emma tapped her pen. “What do they want, anyway?”

“Constructive programs for those in the SHU and to end long-term solitary confinement,” Julien said.

“What’s the SHU again?” Emma asked.

“Security Housing Unit,” Julien said. “It’s the isolation facility of a maximum security prison.”

“We don’t have one, right?”

“No. It’s only in Pelican Bay and a few other prisons.”

“And what’s so horrible about it?”

“Come on, Dr. Edwards.” Kaye shook her head. “You’ve been here for a while now and you don’t know anything about the SHU?”

“The inmates are locked in solitary confinement all day in an eight-foot solid concrete cell,” Julien explained. “They get at most ninety minutes to go outside a day. And they go out alone.”

“Don’t know what they’re complaining about,” Kaye sneered. “At least they get to exercise in a yard.”

“But the ‘yard’ is not really a yard; it’s less than twenty feet long and surrounded by concrete,” Julien said. “There’s no view except for a little skylight from way up top.”

“So the rest of the time they’re in their cells?”
No wonder they were striking
. Emma leaned forward. “Where do they eat?”

“Everything’s done in the cell. The food trays are pushed through a little opening for them twice a day and there’s a toilet in the cell. Three times a week they’re escorted out to shower,” Julien explained.

“Do they get to see anybody?”

“The cells are all concrete with metal doors so they can’t see any other prisoner. They can’t see the outside, the sun, the trees, or anything,” Julien elaborated. “Once a week, they’re allowed a visit for an hour but they have to talk through a phone behind glass.”

“I used to work at Pelican Bay,” Dr. Parker chimed in. “The SHU is awful. The men lose their sense of identity and often break down. Many get depressed and want to kill themselves. And the wait-list for mental health is so huge that a lot of them don’t get treated.”

“Don’t feel sorry for them,” Kaye said. “They dug their own hole and deserve everything they get. All of them are dangerous criminals.”

“Yes, probably,” Dr. Parker said. “But it’s cruel to house them like that. They’re like trapped animals.”

“So that’s why they’re striking.”
The inmates had a point, but why did Sam have to be involved?
He was thin already—a few days without food and Emma was sure he’d be a skeleton. “How long do you think it’ll last?”

“Not long,” Julien said. “Usually they go for a few days and then cave in.”

“Are you talking about the strike?” Maxim’s distinctive voice sounded from the doorway.

Emma turned her head, a blaze of happiness surging through her body.
Ridiculous.
She’d seen him last night but it seemed like forever. She smiled and ate him up with her eyes. He looked as striking as usual in a light-blue shirt, blue tie, and a pristine gray suit. His silver eyes scanned the room and stopped temporarily on her before moving on. His face, though, was remote, his eyes showing none of their familiar warmth. Emma’s smile dwindled.
How could he be so good at pretending they were just business colleagues?
She, on the other hand, was a jittery mess.

“Maxim,” Kaye purred from her seat. “We’re so glad you could join us. The inmates are on strike. We need your input.”

“Sorry I’m late.” He sat down next to Kaye.

The CMO gave him a warm smile and placed her hand on his arm.
Why didn’t he shake it off?
Charles had mentioned that they’d dated.
Was he still interested in the woman?
Emma looked away and tried to remind herself that they were at work. Maxim couldn’t very well come over and single her out in front of everyone.

“So how many inmates are on strike?” Maxim asked.

He barked questions back and forth to Julien and Kaye, instructing them to activate the hunger strike protocol. Then he reviewed a long list of policy updates he’d picked up from the teleconferences. The meeting dragged on and Emma had to stifle a yawn. She wanted to see how many meals Sam had skipped. None of what was being discussed was even relevant to patient care right now.

She sighed.
He was ignoring her. But she couldn’t have it both ways, could she
? Business was business and she’d insisted on him not hovering at work. But did he have to look so chummy with Kaye? The two talked about some changes Sacramento had implemented with the TB testing procedure, their eyes only on each other. Finally, the torture ended. Emma packed up her bag and sprang out of her seat.

“Dr. Edwards,” Maxim said. “May I see you in my office?”

“Uh, my clinic’s starting.”
And Sam was waiting
. “Is it important? Can we discuss it later?”

“No. I need to discuss it now,” he said.

He ushered her to his office and swallowed her up in his arms as soon as the door closed. “Maxim!” Emma laughed and shrieked between his kisses.
The man was full of sweet surprises.
“The door! Someone will come in.”

“Right.” He backed toward the door and locked it with one hand, all the while never letting go of her. Emma pulled out of his arms reluctantly awhile later, her body tingling all over.

“We’re so bad, you know that?” she said, straightening his tie.

“I can’t help myself.” He cupped her face with his large hands, his silver eyes aglow with tenderness.

“What about Kaye?”

“Kaye?” His eyebrows shot up. “What about her?”

“You two dated, didn’t you? Looks like she’s still into you.”

“We had one date ages ago.” He chuckled. “And I’m definitely not into her.”

“You’re not?”

“Of course not, Emma. Isn’t it obvious?”

“What do you mean?”

“I love you. How could you think I’d be interested in someone else?”

“Really?” Emma’s breath hitched.
He’d said it.
The three magic words.
Her heart felt like it was going to jump out of her chest. “Are you sure?”

“Completely sure. Nothing will change my feelings.” A hesitant look suddenly came into his eyes. “Is it too early to say it? I don’t want to scare you off.”

“Oh, Maxim, you’re not scaring me off.” Emma wrapped both arms around him and held on tight. “I love you, too,” she whispered against his chest.

His big body tensed as he pulled back, those gorgeous silver eyes locked on her face. “Say it again.”

She did and he tugged her in for another kiss, this time longer and even more passionate than the last.

“It’s going to be tough pretending there’s nothing between us,” he said when they finally pulled apart.

“You did a good job earlier.”

“I had to. But it’s going to be even harder now. You shouldn’t look so beautiful.”

“Aw.” She nuzzled his neck with her nose. She was beginning to love his scent above all else.

“You’re killing me, Emma.” He gave her a hard kiss before stepping back. “Let’s save it for later.”

“Alright.” Emma smiled, amazed that she could affect him so easily.

“Do you need a ride down the hill?” Maxim put an arm around her shoulder. “I’m heading that way to speak to the Unit 3 captain. I can give you a ride if you want.”

“Sure, but no touching, okay? I don’t want people to start talking about us.”

“Alright. Promise. I’ll keep my hands to myself.”

True to his word, as soon as they exited the office, Maxim’s arms stayed by his side. About to get into the golf cart, Emma decided to check on Phineas. Strange but she didn’t see him. He was usually out and about right now, pecking away at insects. She swept her eyes to the nearby bushes, an uneasy feeling stirring in her chest.
Come on, little one. Where are you?
She waited for his familiar birdcall but the air remained eerily silent.

“Maxim, can you hold on for a minute?” Emma gripped the seat handle on the golf cart.
Something was wrong. She could feel it in her bones.
“I need to find Phineas.”

“Your bird?” He raised his eyebrows. “But he could be anywhere.”

“No. He’s usually right here. I know it’s a lot to ask but can you help me look for him?”

Maxim luckily agreed and headed for the farthest bushes while Emma explored the grounds adjacent to the trees. A few minutes later, she spied something black at the bottom of a nearby bush. An ominous sensation prickled at the back of her neck as the uneasiness exploded in her chest. She swallowed against the rising tension and took a couple of steps closer.
No!
Her heart took a nosedive.
That couldn’t be Phineas lying there crumpled on the ground. Not her precious blackbird. Anything but this.

But alas, it was indeed her poor blackbird that lay dying amid the dirt. A jagged scratch mark streaked his chest and his left wing was bent at an abnormal angle. His usual bright eyes were squeezed shut as his breath came in sharp, quick bursts.

No!
Sam hadn’t even had a chance to meet him yet.
How could this be happening?
“Poor baby.” She reached out her hand.

“Wait. Don’t touch him.” Maxim crouched beside her. “You may hurt him more.”

“Okay.” Emma bit her lip, trying to fight back the prickle behind her eyes. “But we can’t leave him here. The cats will get to him. Can you bury him somewhere after he dies?”

“Sure. Where do you want to do it?”

“I don’t know.” Emma swallowed down the lump in her throat. “Just find somewhere safe. Where the raccoons and cats won’t get to him.”

“Alright.” Maxim pulled out a large white handkerchief from his pocket and gingerly scooped up the bird in his giant hand, cradling it with the utmost gentleness. Poor Phineas looked to be gasping his last breath.

“I can’t bear to look at him.” Emma’s voice cracked. “Do you mind doing it by yourself? I’ll head down the hill first. My clinic’s starting.”

“No problem. I’m sorry, Emma. I know how much he means to you.”

“Thanks.” Emma wiped the wetness from her cheeks. “I know it’s silly but don’t tell me where you bury him, okay? I don’t want to think about him lying in the ground somewhere. I want to remember him being alive and free, singing his little song.”

“Alright, darling.” Maxim squeezed her shoulder with his free hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of him for you.”

Emma plodded down the hill. Her feet felt like lead.
How was she going to break the news to her brother?
Sam would definitely be disappointed. But he had a thousand things to worry about every day already. Especially now with the strike. Would Phineas’s death affect him as much as it affected her? She bit her lip, determined not to break down in front of her brother.

***