Under a Hunter's Moon

By Natalia Rae

Alena Pearson’s life as an emergency room nurse at the Camden Community Hospital keeps her too busy for a social life. At least that’s what she tells herself. Until now, she has managed to avoid romantic entanglements, but life as she knows it is about to change.

Detective Liam Weston came to New Jersey in search of answers. He closes cases at work, but he’s unable to solve his own personal mystery. While investigating his current case involving an unidentified girl wandering the streets, he is given a new opportunity to uncover his secrets.

Despite Alena and Liam’s rough first encounter, an unexpected connection develops as they attempt to rescue a young girl trapped in a perilous situation. Alena becomes invested in assisting Liam explore his past, leading to more adventure and danger than she could ever have expected.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Mar 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9798385014330

Natalia Rae

Natalia Rae is a registered nurse and nurse practitioner who loves writing about her experiences and bringing a realistic view of the world of nursing to fiction. Life was never dull as she grew up in a large family with eight siblings. Rae enjoys hiking, kickboxing, and target shooting and has traveled to more than twenty countries.

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Under a

Hunter’s

Moon

NATALIA RAE

Copyright © 2024 Natalia Rae.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

844-714-3454

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 979-8-3850-1431-6 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-1432-3 (hc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-1433-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023924271

WestBow Press rev. date: 02/15/2024

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Epilogue

Chapter 1

Alena rushed through the halls of Camden Community Hospital and entered the seemingly ever-crowded emergency room. She was starting to make a habit of arriving just in time for work. She burst into the staff lounge to grab her stethoscope and headed to the nurses’ station. On the way, she passed two paramedics pushing a girl strapped to a stretcher. The confused and frightened expression on the child’s face stuck with Alena. Only a police officer accompanied her. Odd.

An army of nurses was already gathered among the computers and paper charts to receive their group of patients from the night staff. Alena was pleased to encounter her friend Riley in an animated discussion with another nurse. Riley and Alena had attended nursing school together almost ten years ago. Although they had initially gone their separate ways after graduation, they had been coworkers for five years now.

Alena? Is that you?

Alena spun around to determine the owner of the slightly familiar voice. Tiffany. Great.

Did you hear? Tiffany held up the back of her left hand, wiggling her fingers to accentuate the large diamond on her ring finger.

Wow. That’s beautiful! When did you get engaged? Alena asked. When was the last time she had even seen Tiffany?

Two weeks ago. The wedding is next spring. Isn’t it wonderful?

Congratulations, Tiffany. Alena tried her best to sound sincere. She turned around, hoping to find the nurse who would be giving her report, but apparently, Tiffany wasn’t finished.

What about you? Are you seeing anyone? You are close to thirty, aren’t you?

That didn’t take long. Alena didn’t think Tiffany tried to be insulting, but she usually succeeded. Look, Tiffany, I need to actually start working.

Tiffany gave Alena a disingenuous smile. I’m sure we’ll have time to talk about this later.

Alena shrugged and moved away, but inwardly she groaned. She knew avoiding Tiffany for the next twelve hours would be impossible.

Alena finished receiving a quick rundown on the group of patients in her section and headed off to check on each of them. As she entered the last room, she met the face of the same girl who had been wheeled in several minutes earlier. The girl laced her arms across a tattered and stained T-shirt.

Alena glanced at her notes, but the child’s file contained limited information. A concerned citizen had found her wandering alone on the streets and called the police. The police hadn’t noticed any obvious injuries on the girl, but they thought it best to bring her in to be examined, especially considering her appearance.

I don’t think she speaks English, the female police officer at the bedside said. She hasn’t said a word to anyone.

Alena’s nostrils clogged with the scent of human filth as she stepped closer. Were you able to find her parents?

The officer frowned. No.

Alena turned to the child and put a hand over her chest. I’m Alena. She pointed to the girl. What’s your name?

The girl hunched her shoulders and shifted her eyes to the police officer.

Alena crouched down next to the stretcher. It’s OK. We’re not going to hurt you.

The child gazed at Alena for a few moments and then whispered, Reyna.

Alena smiled. Reyna. That’s a pretty name. Do you speak English, Reyna?

Reyna shook her head, demonstrating at least a basic knowledge of the language.

Alena finished her examination and sprinted off. She paused at the nurses’ station and asked the secretary to summon a Spanish interpreter.

She returned carrying a pile of towels, washcloths, soap, a basin of water, and a comb. By the time Alena finished, Reyna was transformed into a beautiful young lady with clean skin and glossy black hair.

Alena backed away and sighed. She had a burning desire to discover more about this mystery child. Who was supposed to be watching out for her? And who had allowed her to deteriorate to such a condition?

What’s going on with your patient in room 7?

Alena moved to the edge of her seat, ready to jump into action. Why?

Riley smirked, dispelling Alena’s sense of urgency. There’s a bunch of people in her room.

She’s the kid who was brought in by the EMTs. I’m still waiting for the interpreter so I can figure out what happened.

Well, you may want to get in there. I think some of them want to talk with you.

If a natural disaster had thundered through the next room, Riley would have delivered the news with the same amount of concern. Her friend was made of steel.

Alena returned to Reyna’s room. The female officer was speaking with a social worker a few feet from the door.

Alena tapped her on the arm. What’s going on?

The officer cast an aura of displeasure at Alena. Detective Weston is in charge of the case now. She nodded her head toward two police detectives who hovered over the girl.

The detectives glanced up as Alena approached.

Good morning! I’m Alena, the nurse caring for Reyna. How’s she doing?

I thought that’s what you’re supposed to tell us. The older detective with a pleasant face and salt-and-pepper hair chuckled.

Alena smiled. I’m not sure how much I can tell you. I haven’t been able to find an interpreter.

We can help you with that. I’m Detective Carter, and this is Detective Weston. He gestured to the younger man.

Weston held out his hand. He seemed young for a detective. It wasn’t unusual for Alena to interact with the police in her line of work, but she was sure she had never met this man before.

Alena accepted his handshake. What have you been able to find out?

Weston eyed Reyna. Would you mind if we asked you some questions outside?

Alena nodded.

She hasn’t told us much, Weston began once they had all migrated from the room. According to Reyna, she became lost and doesn’t know where she lives. She refuses to answer any questions about her parents.

It’s not just shyness, Detective Carter added. She’s terrified. We’ve seen similar cases, and we often find the victim or family is being threatened in some way.

Alena peeked into the room. Reyna smoothed down her crisp hospital gown and stared back at Alena from where she perched on the side of the bed.

Alena wondered how much trouble this girl could be in.

Did you change her appearance in any way? Weston’s brown eyes bore into Alena’s as she turned back to him. She seems really clean.

Alena dipped her chin. Yes, I gave her a complete makeover.

Weston frowned. You shouldn’t have done that.

Alena crossed her arms, a twinge of shock and irritation grabbing her. Why not? She was a mess. Her clothes were filthy, and her hair was matted and tangled!

Exactly. You should have let us assess her first and collect evidence. We may be dealing with a case of physical or sexual abuse.

Alena dropped her gaze, knowing there was some truth to what the detective was saying.

Don’t you have protocols in place for these situations? Weston asked.

Alena willed herself to remain professional.

Detective Carter placed a hand on Weston’s arm and addressed Alena. What’s done is done. I know you want what’s best for your patients, and I’m sure Reyna is more comfortable now.

Alena swallowed. She ventured a glance at Weston. He stared at Carter, his lips pressed together.

Anyway, she only has a few scrapes and bruises, but they’re not particularly suspicious or evident of abuse, Alena said.

We should have experts take a look, Weston insisted.

Alena’s muscles stiffened. You don’t believe me?

Weston narrowed his eyes. It’s not that I don’t believe you. I just don’t want to miss anything.

Alena sighed, trying to ignore the criticism and focus on her patient. She peered over at Reyna, who was watching them closely. What should I do with her? There’s really no reason to admit her to the hospital.

We will have Child Services take her as soon as she’s medically cleared, Weston answered. They can hold her until we’re able to find her parents and get to the bottom of this.

It made sense, but Alena couldn’t help but let disappointment burrow into her heart. She wished she could be there when they found Reyna’s parents. She wanted to ensure the child would be OK. She wanted to help solve the mystery and watch the happy ending. But this wasn’t a fairy tale.

Alena smiled at Detective Carter. I’ll have the doctor come and talk to you. She glared at Detective Weston and turned to walk away.

One benefit of working as a nurse was that Alena never had to take the job home with her. That was the theory anyway. Alena found it wasn’t always true, especially tonight.

It was past eight o’clock by the time Alena trudged up to the second-story apartment she shared with her sister. Alena dropped all her belongings inside the door and plopped down on the sofa next to Hailey. How was your day?

Hailey glanced up from her book. Fine. Tommy tried to fake a case of the chicken pox in an attempt to get sent home, but otherwise it was a fairly normal day in the second grade.

Who knew seven-year-olds could be so clever? Alena laughed.

Yeah, it wasn’t really that clever. I’m not quite as gullible as you.

Alena rolled her eyes. I don’t know how you put up with those kids every day.

It’s not like I actually have to raise them … though I wouldn’t mind. I’ve always wanted kids.

Seventeen of them?

Hailey swatted her with a nearby pillow. Don’t be silly. There are only fourteen. She turned back to the biography she had been reading but gazed over the top of it. To be honest, I’ve been kind of jealous of Jessica for having the life I wanted.

Alena had guessed as much. Jessica was the only one of the three sisters who was married, and she now had twin boys.

By the way, she called me today.

Alena put her feet up on the coffee table. And?

The restaurant across from her hotel opened today.

Jessica didn’t exactly own the hotel, but she had been managing it for six years and the whole family spoke as if she did.

It did? Alena jumped up. We should go! How about tomorrow night?

Hailey grinned. I guess that would work. She returned to her reading.

Don’t you want to hear about my day? Alena sat back down and began taking off her sneakers. It was rather interesting.

Your days are always interesting. Hailey’s eyes still flitted over the pages.

Yes, but there was this little girl and these detectives … Alena threw her shoes across the room, earning a look of disapproval from Hailey. And one of the detectives was so annoying. Alena stood up and stomped the few feet to the kitchen nook. He criticized how I did my job. He has no idea how hard I work. She pulled a container of leftovers out of the refrigerator and slammed it down onto the counter. He didn’t even look old enough to be a detective. She popped her head out of the kitchen to see if Hailey was still listening. She found her sister staring at her.

Hailey pursed her lips. Why do you care so much about what this detective thinks?

I don’t! Alena scoffed. She returned to the kitchen and dumped the chicken and rice into a saucepan on the stove. Imagine how Hailey could come up with such an absurd idea!

Could have fooled me.

He’s proud and arrogant and … Dedicated and handsome, she added mentally. No, no, no! Where did that come from? Alena swept these thoughts out of her mind.

Then why don’t you just let it go?

Typical Hailey—always the voice of reason. Right. I can do that. It’s not as if I’ll ever see him again. But why did she have the feeling it wasn’t going to be that easy?

Chapter 2

If Alena had known what would happen at the restaurant the next evening, she would never have chosen to wear her bright green dangly earrings.

Alejandro’s Mexican Grill was alive with Latin music and a bustling atmosphere when Alena and Hailey arrived. A young girl with a strong Hispanic accent and a face overshadowed by stress and exhaustion led them to a table. Alena breathed in the mixed scents of fried foods and sizzling meats as they took their seats across from the kitchen. The door to the kitchen swung open, and the clanging of pots and pans drifted out with the waitress who approached their table.

We’ve been so excited about trying this place, Hailey told the waitress, who had introduced herself as Claudia. Our sister runs the hotel across the street. We’ve been keeping an eye on this restaurant, waiting for it to open.

It’s quite popular already, Claudia said. The lines etched around her eyes hinted at a difficult past, but Alena thought she was quite beautiful with her dark wavy hair and brilliant smile.

What’s with the fancy earrings? Hailey asked once the sisters had ordered their drinks and Claudia disappeared back into the kitchen.

Oh, you like them? Alena flicked her hair aside to make the earrings more visible. I just felt like dressing up.

Hailey picked up the menu in front of her. It’s funny what you consider to be dressing up.

What do you mean by that? Alena glanced down at her own menu and then back at the kitchen.

Well, you rarely wear makeup, and every once in a while, you decide—

Alena held up her hand.

What?

I thought I saw something. Alena had been watching the staff going in and out of the kitchen carrying various platters of food. As a waitress pushed through the door, Alena took another look. She observed a child in the back carrying a large stack of plates. The girl actually looked familiar. The doors closed, obscuring Alena’s view, but she was certain she knew who the child was.

What is it?

The surprise and recognition must have registered on Alena’s face because, when she

turned back to her sister, Hailey was staring in the same direction, attempting to detect what had captured Alena’s attention.

It’s a girl I treated in the ER yesterday morning. Alena’s mouth had gone dry. She was taken by Child Services. I wonder what she’s doing here.

Hailey rubbed her chin. A girl? How old is she?

Maybe ten? Alena guessed.

And you’re sure it’s the same kid?

Yes. Was she washing dishes? Why would she be working here at her age? Alena tried to think of a reasonable explanation. Maybe her parents were employees or even owned the place. For all Alena knew, Reyna’s dad could be Alejandro himself—if there was such as person.

Hailey shrugged.

Alena had to do something. After all, Reyna had been her patient. Didn’t she have some sort of responsibility here? Maybe I should try to talk to her.

Hailey raised her eyebrows, but before she could protest, Alena rose from the table and headed toward the kitchen. Just as she reached the door, a burly man with slicked-back hair and a pointed goatee appeared in her path.

Can I help you, ma’am? Contrary to the offer, the loud and demanding voice did not convey a desire to be of any use.

Alena fidgeted with her hair. Um, yes. I thought I saw someone I recognized in the kitchen and wanted to say hello.

I’m sorry. I can’t allow that. The staff is extremely busy and can’t be bothered while they’re working.

She couldn’t give up so easily. But it was a little girl.

The man frowned. Impossible. We don’t allow children here.

What about the children of the employees or the owner? Maybe they hang out here …

A fleeting expression of concern crossed the man’s face. "I can assure you, I am not aware of any children hanging out here."

What if he was lying? What if he did know what was going on? What if it was something illegal? She certainly didn’t want to get on the bad side of this guy. Oh. OK, maybe later. Thank you. The words flew out of Alena’s mouth.

The man didn’t answer or move from his position in front of the door, so Alena stepped away and returned to the table where Hailey was waiting, now with wide eyes and a look of disbelief.

Alena slipped into her seat, her heart pounding. She put her hands up to her face and slid them toward her ears, feeling the metal and plastic of only one piece of jewelry. I’m missing an earring. She scanned the seat for it.

I think it’s over there. Hailey pointed her head toward where the manager was still standing. So are you going to tell me what that was all about?

Sure enough, the bright green earring glittered on the floor at the foot of the manager. She was not going back over there. I’m not sure. But he really didn’t want me to go in the kitchen.

Hailey stared at her with narrowed eyes.

You would think he would have better people skills, with him being the manager and all, Alena added. And don’t you think it’s strange how quickly he was just … there?

We should get out of here, Hailey said as she thrust her phone into her purse.

But we haven’t had our food, Alena protested, not that she was eager to stay either.

Hailey grabbed her bag and stood up. Yeah, but this place is giving me the creeps.

Once they retreated to the safety of Alena’s car, Hailey insisted they phone the police. Alena agreed and informed the officer who answered about Reyna’s situation. The

officer promised the police would investigate further and call Alena if they needed any more information.

Nothing unusual occurred at work the next couple of days, and Alena heard nothing from the police about Reyna or the restaurant. On Friday, she woke to what she thought was the alarm on her phone, but when she went to turn it off, she realized it was actually a phone call.

I heard you have off work today, her sister’s voice rang out as soon as Alena accepted the call.

Although Alena had to suffer through long twelve-hour shifts on the three or four days she worked, it was worth it to have off the rest of the week.

Can you come over and help me? Jessica asked. The boys chattered in the background.

Alena rolled out of bed. Good morning to you too, Jessica.

Sorry. Good morning. It’s just that I’m short-staffed, and I could use someone to watch the twins.

Alena didn’t have anything planned for the day and always enjoyed spending time with her nephews. "Sure, Jess. Let me get