Lost and Found Read online

  Lost and Found

  By

  Breanna Hayse

  ©2011 by Blushing Books® and Breanna Hayse

  Copyright © 2011 by Blushing Books® and Breanna Hayse

  All rights reserved. No part of the book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  Published by Blushing Books®,

  a subsidiary of

  ABCD Graphics and Design

  977 Seminole Trail #233

  Charlottesville, VA 22901

  The trademark Blushing Books® is registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office.

  Hayse, Breanna

  Lost and Found

  eBook ISBN: 978-1-60968-790-8

  Cover Design by Korey Mae Johnson

  Images provided by BigStock Photo

  This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this book are fantasies only, intended for adults. Nothing in this book should be interpreted as advocating any non-consensual spanking activity or the spanking of minors.

  Blushing Publications thanks you whole-heartedly for your purchase with us!

  Blushing Books is one of the oldest eBook publishers on the web. We've been running websites which publish spanking and BDSM related romance and erotica since 1999, and we have been selling eBooks since 2003. We hope you'll check out our hundreds of offerings at

  http://www.blushingbooks.com

  You might also enjoy our membership site at http://www.herwoodshed.com, where we offer an exclusive first look at new novels and novellas by some of our most popular authors before they are released anywhere else.

  WOULD YOU LIKE A FREE SPANKING eBOOK EVERY MONTH?

  At http://www.blushingbooks.com, we provide our visitors with a free eBook every single month! That's right, every month we choose an eBook to give to our customers at no charge, both to show our gratitude for your business and also to provide a sample of the content we offer.

  Can you read this free eBook on your Kindle? Yes! Once you’re logged onto our site, it’s easy to send a book right to your Kindle.

  Can you read it on your iPad? Yes! Your Kobo? Yes! Your Nook? YES!

  We provide all of our books on BlushingBooks.com in several formats so that you can read our stories on virtually any reader! Membership at BlushingBooks.com is free, so sign up today and get your free story right now!

  Chapter One

  The young woman sat up on the ground, holding her throbbing head in her hands as she tried to clear her mind of the fog that filled it. She was surrounded by rocks- rocky mountains, rocky soil, and even the dry air felt rocky. Where was she anyway? The bright light hurt her eyes and skin. It burned terribly. She twisted around to see a yellow sign posted just ahead. She knew it said something, but she could not read it. What had happened?

  She stood up slowly, trying to keep her balance. Tentatively, she put one foot in front of the other and tried to walk. The ground felt strange, foreign under her bare feet. It hurt and she struggled not to fall. She did not know where she was going, or where she had been. Two men appeared over the ridge, holding something long and dark in their hands. They shouted at her, but she could not understand them. A shot rang out and, feeling searing pain in her right shoulder, she fell wordlessly to the rocky ground.

  *

  *

  *

  “How is she doing?”

  “She’s wavering in and out, Doctor. Did the neuro results come back?”

  “Yes. No brain damage, thank God. She’s lucky those idiots didn’t kill her,” Lance Callahan growled, sitting on a chair next to the woman’s bed. He peered into her unusual violet colored eyes, then checked her reflexes and listened to her heart. Tenderly, he brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. Poor kid, he thought. Why would anyone do this to such a pretty, little thing?

  “No one’s claimed her yet?” the nurse asked, writing some notes.

  Lance shook his head. “Nope. It appears that Miss Jane Doe here fell out of the sky.”

  “I found this in her pocket,” the nurse said, handing him a silver necklace. The word Noelle was inscribed on it. “I’ve been calling her that. I’m assuming it’s her name.”

  “Either that or she stole it,” Lance sighed. “Ok, let her rest. Get me immediately if she starts talking.”

  “Yes, Doctor. Um, I hope I’m not being too forward, but you look pale. Are you feeling ok?”

  “I’m just tired, Eileen. Don’t worry, I’m healthy as a horse.”

  “Dr. C, even horses can be run dead into the ground. Please, get some rest. You’re going to get old before your time. You’re too young to take on all the worries of the world and way too handsome for those frown lines,” she chided affectionately.

  Lance hugged the old nurse, kissing her cheek fondly, “Yes ma'am, thank you for caring.”

  “Someone has to watch out for you since you’re too busy watching out for everyone else.

  Just because you have the name of a knight, doesn’t mean you have to constantly be dressed for battle.”

  “That’s what you think, my dear. My suit of armor just happens to be white and made of cotton,” he plucked at his lab coat. “As for battles, wish me luck. I’m heading for a nasty one right now.” With an exhausted smile and another peck on the cheek, Lance picked himself up and walked back to the physician offices where he was meeting the management team to discuss the case.

  “Hi, Lance. How’s she doing?” the social worker asked.

  “No changes yet, Meg. Brain scan was clear; CNS findings were normal. Except for the gunshot wound to the right shoulder and an ugly lump on the back of the head, nothing appears to be wrong. Any luck in finding someone to claim her?”

  “Nope. I’m sorry. I have the police working on it too.”

  “We don’t even know if she’s from the U.S. She could be an illegal immigrant,” another voice said gruffly. Stuart Hart, the general surgeon, sat at the head of the conference table and looked bored.

  “I put a request for a missing person report through the Interpol as well as here in the states, Dr. Hart. I know my job,” the social worker said with her eyes narrowed.

  “We can’t keep her here once she regains consciousness and is medically cleared. What are our options?” Lou Black, the hospital administrator queried.

  “Just send her to County and let them deal with her,” Stuart said stiffly, glancing at his watch.

  Lance glared at him. “In her condition, she’d be raped before nightfall. I know that place: I’m the Psych Director. Absolutely not. She’s not a criminal or a mental case.”

  “That you know of.”

  “Now listen here, Hart…”

  “Gentlemen, please. Stu, I agree with Lance. County is too dangerous for a little thing like that. How about a shelter of some sort?”

  “They won’t provide the after-care she’ll need. We’re also calling her Noelle. One of the nurses found a necklace in her pocket with that name on it,” Lance announced.

  “There he goes: Sir Lancelot to the rescue of another innocent maiden! How about we wrap this one in a pretty red bow and give her to you as a Christmas present?” Stuart guffawed.

  “Watch your mouth, Hart, before I forget I’m a gentleman and that there is a lady present.”

  “Lance, please don’t feel you need to hold back on my account,” Meg glowered at the surgeon.

  The administrator held up his hand. “Enough! Stuart, how is she physically?”

  “She’s fine to go. The bullet just grazed her shoulder. She’s severely dehydrated and underfed, otherwise seems to be in decent condi
tion.”

  “Fine. Lance?”

  “Neurologically, it’s still hard to determine the extent of damage she’s suffered with that blow to the head. Brain scan was normal; CNS response good. CBC shows what we’d expect in her present condition. Once she’s awake, I can perform a better neuro-eval.”

  “Ok, so this is what we will do. She’s staying here until she wakes and is coherent and self-functioning. We’ll run an assessment at that time and try to determine her acuity level.

  Meg, keep trying to locate family or friends and an alternate living arrangement that can provide some after-care. Stuart, your job with her is finished. Dr. Callahan will monitor her. I also suggest you review your reasons for becoming a physician, other than the bankroll. Dismissed.” Stuart flipped off Lance as he left the room.

  “I don’t know what’s wrong with that jerk,” Meg said, gathering her papers.

  Lance shrugged. “He’s a spiteful, lonely, insecure old man. Let’s try to ignore him. Do you have any ideas about how to help her?”

  “I do have one. The question is, will you go for it, Sir Lancelot of Callahan?”

  “Very funny. Try me,” Lance said, locking his steel blue eyes to her brown ones. Meg took a breath and presented her idea.

  *

  *

  *

  Noelle slowly scanned the room. The walls were light blue with plain furnishings scattered about. Groggily, she sat up, rubbing her eyes and trying to focus better. Her shoulder protested the movement and she felt tears coming because of the pain. The back of her head hurt as well and she tenderly touched it, feeling the egg-sized bump. She looked up as a woman, dressed in light green scrubs, walked in. She panicked, pushing herself against the head of the bed while pulling the sheets high to her chin.

  The woman gave her a kind smile. “Don’t be afraid, I’m not going to hurt you. My, you are a pretty thing. My name is Eileen. You were injured and brought here to the hospital. Can you understand me?” Eileen asked gently. Slowly, Noelle nodded her head.

  “Do you speak English?” Noelle looked confused. What else would she speak? Just the words wouldn’t leave her mouth. Eileen patted her arm. “I’ll be right back. Can I get you something?’ Noelle shook her head, staring. Eileen smiled and hurried to find Dr. Callahan.

  Lance slowly approached the girl, his rugged face soft with concern. Noelle shrunk back fearfully. He was so tall! Lance noticed her fear and sat quickly in the chair next to the bed. He was used to that look. At 6’7”, and a prior professional basketball player, ‘normal’ people were unaccustomed to his height. Especially smaller women like Noelle.

  “Hello, sweetie. I’m Dr. Callahan, but you can call me Lance. How are you feeling?” Noelle just looked at him, hiding under the covers. He kept his voice soft. “I’m a neurologist…

  a brain doctor,” he said, seeing her confusion. “Can you understand what I’m saying?” Noelle nodded, looking fearfully at Eileen, who winked. “It’s ok to be scared. You don’t know us. Dr. Lance might look like a giant with his head high up in the clouds, but he has a heart of pure Twinkies and tootsie-pops. I promise, we’re here to help you,” Eileen assured.

  Noelle seemed to relax a little with the woman’s words.

  Lance held out his hand. “May I check your pulse? It won’t hurt. It’s just like holding your hand.” Timidly, she stretched out her hand. Lance stroked the back of it gently before pressing his index and third finger to her wrist. “I’m not hurting you, am I?” She shook her head, watching him.

  “Very good. Does anything hurt?”

  She nodded, pointing to her shoulder and the back of her head as she stuck out her lower lip.

  “You are much too adorable. Ok, we’ll get you something to help the pain. Do you remember what happened?”

  She shook her head.

  “Do you know your name? Is it Noelle? How old are you?”

  She shrugged.

  “Do you come from around here?”

  Again, a shrug. Lance frowned, looking at Eileen. “It looks like a case of severe trauma-induced amnesia. I want to see how much she remembers regarding ADLs. Bring occupational therapy and speech up here and have them run her through. Be very careful, she’s terrified.”

  “Yes, Doctor. Diet?”

  “Anything she wants. Let’s get some meat on her before Lou ships her out,” Lance sighed, glancing at the frightened young woman. “Is it ok if I call you Noelle? We found this in your pocket.” He handed her the necklace.

  She slowly took it from him and looked at it closely. “Pretty,” she said.

  Was that an accent he detected? Lance’s face lit up. “Yes, it’s very pretty. Would you like me to put it on you?”

  Noelle nodded. Lance gently latched the delicate jewelry around her throat, pulling her shoulder length light blonde hair out from under the chain. “There you go. I’ll be back in a little while to check on you. Nurse Eileen will get you something to eat. Anything you want? Maybe some ice cream?”

  Noelle nodded. She grabbed Lance’s hand. “Thank you,” she whispered in a little girl’s voice.

  Lance wanted to jump high and grab a basket rim, he was so pleased. The mysterious patient responded! His glee was quickly quashed when Leo approached him in the hall.

  “I hear she’s awake. What did you find?”

  Lance briefly gave him a synopsis of the assessment and response.

  Leo sighed. “I can only justify her staying here for another two or three days, tops. Is Meg still looking for a place to accommodate her?”

  “Yes, we found one,” Lance informed him.

  “Son, please don’t tell me you’re planning on taking in a stray. Last time, Hart tried to get your license yanked for unprofessional conduct.” Leo lifted his eyebrow.

  “Not me, Katherine. And last time, I put the girl into a hotel for a week until her parents were able to claim her.”

  “You are so full of it. Ok, I don’t want to hear about it. Just do what you think is best for that child. Something terrible has happened to her and, until we can find someone to take care of her, we need to be responsible. God… if she were my daughter, I’d be sick with worry.” Lance patted Leo’s shoulder. “You’re a good guy. Thanks. I’m sure Katherine will take good care of her. It would be good for both of them. I think something like this is exactly what both of them need to heal.”

  He ignored the warning chill of his sixth sense.

  *

  *

  *

  “Katherine? Where are you? I’m home,” Lance called out as he dropped his keys on the table in the foyer and removed his coat.

  A tall, pretty woman dressed in running shorts and a green tank top greeted him. She was covered with flour. “I’m baking,” she announced, touching her flour-coated hands to his face as she planted a quick kiss on his lips.

  Lance grabbed her wrists, grinning. “So I see. What are you making?” he asked, smacking her on the backside as she scampered in front of him.

  “Blueberry and apricot muffins. Here, these are done,” she said, handing one to him.

  Lance plopped at the kitchen table, taking a bite. “You, little sister, are the world’s best baker.”

  “You always say that,” she giggled.

  “Keep baking like that for me and I’ll never stop saying that. Where’s Todd?”

  “He’s stuck at the office. Any news on your Jane Doe?”

  “Her name is Noelle. At least, we think it is.” He told her about the events of the day.

  “That’s wonderful! Are they going to let you bring her home?” Kathy looked excited.

  “Sounds like it. Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked her sensibly.

  Kathy nodded with enthusiasm. “Absolutely. Todd still has a month left at the Las Vegas office before we have to go back to Arizona. It will give me something to do other than clean your house and cook for you.”

  “I like it when you cook and clean for me. What will I do when you desert me?” Lan
ce pouted.

  “Either learn how to cook and clean, or you can starve to death and live in a filthy house.

  You could also stop being such a cheapskate and hire a maid and a cook. You have the money.”

  “You’re mean. I thought I was your favorite brother.”

  “No, Alan is my favorite brother. He cooks for ME and he’s not a cheapskate,” Kathy giggled again. She loved her brothers more than the world and was thrilled beyond words when they had instantly adopted her husband, Todd, into their ‘man-circle’. The three had formed an immediate bond and it tickled her to death. “No more muffins, Dr. Callahan, you’ll spoil your dinner. I made chicken and mushroom ravioli.”

  “Yum.”

  His brother-in-law appeared at the front door thirty minutes later. Todd’s custom-made suit was immediately covered with flour as Kathy jumped into his arms to say hello. He walked into the living room with Kathy in his arms, her legs wrapped tightly around his waist.

  “Look what I found at the door.”

  Lance laughed, nodding. At 25, Kathy was seven years younger than he was and never quite grew out of her teenage years. She was free-spirited, funny, intelligent and had a heart of pure gold. Her husband of three years, Todd Makin, was 36, an ex-cop, and a very successful businessman in real estate ventures and financial investments, with a side interest in private investigations. His focus, self-discipline, and determination were the perfect balance for the often-flighty and spontaneous woman. Lance approved of Todd; Kathy could not have done much better. Especially now.

  His sister had been involved in a serious motorcycle accident right after she and Todd had gotten married. She had sustained significant internal injuries and, after three years of trying to conceive, she was informed that the scar tissue was too extensive and would prevent her from having a child. This news had broken her heart and sent her into a deep depression. Todd knew she needed her big brothers around to help heal her heart, and had planned a ‘business trip’ as a means to allow her the time she needed. Lance just wished they lived closer to him and his older brother, Alan, who was in Henderson. It was hard to be as physically supportive as they wanted to be when the couple lived in Scottsdale, Arizona.