Anytime Darlin' Read Online Free Page A

hadn’t only been beaten and raped, Mike was right, she looked as if she’d been starved. Running his fingers along her too prominent collarbone made him want to hit someone. He didn’t know why, but he felt protective of this girl.
    In two years, he’d treated a lot of kids—runaways, ODs, gunshot wounds, motor vehicle accidents, bike wrecks, drownings. You name it, the paramedics had seen it. They and the cops were the first-line responders. Devlin touched him. When he’d looked into her eyes, those wide, panic-stricken eyes, he’d felt an instant connection, and he wanted to be there for her to make sure that the bastard who did this would never, ever have a chance do it again.
    “Jake, buddy.” Mike called Jake over to the corner. “Cherie needs information. The girl tell you anything at all?”
    “No, just her first name,” answered Jake, “Devlin.”
    Cherie, the young Social Services officer, joined them. She shook her head.
    “Mike said she had no ID on her. I double-checked her clothes. Nothing. She was wearing old tennis shoes. No socks. The Denver Broncos sweatshirt you cut off was a man’s large. Maybe it was stolen from a Goodwill or something. I’d like to ask her a few questions.” Cherie glanced at Jake. “You think she’s up for that right now?”
    Mike answered for Jake. “Think there’d be any harm in waiting twenty-four hours? She’s not going anywhere.”
    Cherie sighed. “No, I don’t have a problem with it. My supervisor might, but I’ll explain the situation, let him know how sick she is. Like you said, we don’t have a missing persons report that matches this kid.” She paused, considering. “Yeah, it can wait. I just don’t like leaving her alone. She might have some family somewhere that actually cares. If so, I’d like to get in touch with them. I’ll see if Shauna got anything. I don’t think there was much, some blood under her fingernails, maybe semen…” Cherie trailed off. “She did get a set of prints. I’ll see if the kid’s got a file. Let you know if I find something,” she said. “You two sticking around?”
    “Nah,” said Mike, “I can’t speak for Jake, but I need to report off and get some sleep. I’m dead on my feet.”
    “Talk to you tomorrow then,” said Cherie as she headed out the door.
    “Jake, you ready to roll?” asked Mike.
    “Give me a minute,” answered Jake, steaming at Cherie’s almost casual mention of Devlin’s rape. “I want to talk to Mary.”
    Mike waved his acknowledgement as he followed Cherie. “Whenever you’re ready. Come get me. I’m gonna crash in the waiting room.”
    Jake checked the monitor before he left the room. Devlin’s heart rate had dropped to ninety, normal sinus rhythm. He stroked her cheek, but she didn’t wake. Reassured, he strolled to the desk, waiting for Mary to finish up with her charting.
    “Who you passing her off to?” he asked.
    “Ray Walters. He’s a good guy. Grandfatherly type. I think she’ll be okay with him, and I’ll look in on her when I come on duty tonight,” she replied. “Listen, I appreciated your help, Jake. You made it a lot easier for her. For me too.”
    Jake nodded. “I’m off the next four days. Right now I need some sleep, but you think I could come back later? Maybe spend some time with her?” He put an affectionate hand on Mary’s arm.
    “She got to you, huh, Jake McKenna?” she teased lightly.
    He surprised himself by blushing. “A little.”
    “It’s those big eyes.” She chuckled. “Yeah, me too. It’s hard to be all business when you see something like this. Don’t worry, I’ll write the order now. You can spend as much time up here as you want. I suspect it will do her good.”
    “How bad is it? How bad…I mean, is she permanently injured?”
    “No,” Mary answered. Jake knew she understood the unstated portion of his question. “Some bruising and bleeding, but nothing permanent. Physically, I think she’ll be all right. It’s