Page 60 of Grave Peril

The woman dug into a satchel. “Here’s a bit of cash, enough for the bus. I hope you make it, and don’t let him get away with this.”

Lela gave the woman her best attempt at a smile, even though her lips were stiff from the cold. “Thank you so much.” She stuffed the cash in a pocket and wrapped the coat tighter. “I’ll try to get this back to you.”

“You keep it.” The woman had kind eyes. “I was in a tight spot once, and someone gave me a hand. Glad to pass it on.” She reached into the boat. “And put these on. You can’t walk around in bare feet.”

Lela gratefully accepted the rubber boots. She thanked the woman, then hustled away.

*****

Lela made it to the hospital in record time, but she couldn’t go inside the way she looked. So she took precious minutes and went to the bank for cash. Rip had given her the bank card she had in her pocket. And he’d shared his PIN, so she was able to withdraw cash from the machine outside.

She marveled at how he was taking care of her, even while incapacitated. He’d told her the ready cash might come in handy, in the event that he wasn’t around.

Lela wasn’t choosy about clothes. Anything presentable would do. She made a few purchases, then went to the restroom to change. Her hair had dried on the way to the city. But it didn’t matter anyway, since her disguise included a scarf to hide her hair.

She dressed, then tied the scarf under her chin and put on the dark glasses. A glance in the mirror revealed that she’d done well. She’d gone with the Jackie Onassis look, certain to throw off any casual observer.

With the rest of the cash in her newly acquired purse, Lela walked the last couple of blocks to the hospital. It took conscious effort not to rush. She was here to see a relative, and didn’t dare reveal otherwise.

At the administration window, Lela inquired about Ripley McConnell. “I understand that he was flown in not long ago.”

The nurse said, “And you are?”

Lela hoped her brain hadn’t frozen up from the cold dip in the bay. She paused, then it came to her. “I’m his sister Estela.” She was sure that was what Rip had said her name was.

The nurse didn’t hesitate. “He’s in surgery. It will be a while. You can take a seat in the ICU waiting area.” She pointed toward the hall and gave Lela directions.

She found the lounge and a cup of hot coffee from a machine. She looked down as an extra precaution. Then she found a seat in a corner, and sipped her drink with a magazine in front of her face.

Guilt replaced fear. This was all because of her. If Lela hadn’t dragged Rip into danger, he wouldn’t be clinging to life by a thread.

She was grateful that Rip was in surgery. The only reason he was in a hospital was because he’d been unconscious. Otherwise, she was sure that he wouldn’t have agreed to be admitted, injury or not.

There weren’t any cops hovering around intensive care. But Lela had no doubt that once Rip was out of surgery and awake, an officer would show up to interview him about the attack. He wasn’t higher priority, because his connection to Lela was unknown.

And it had to stay that way.

To avoid being caught off guard, Lela moved around. She walked the hallways, then rested in the women’s lounge. For breaks, she drank slightly better coffee in the cafeteria. But she wasn’t far from ICU at any time.

It was late when the doctor came out to talk with her. With a somber look, he led her to a private alcove. Lela’s heart pounded. She hoped it was the doctor’s bedside manner and not bad news that accounted for his concerned expression.

“Please sit down,” the doctor said.

Lela sat on the edge of the seat and clasped her hands together. “Is he okay?”

“Your brother has a strong constitution, and that’s in his favor.” The doctor spoke in an even voice, exuding calm.

Lela held her breath.

“We nearly lost him. It appeared that a long, thin blade was used,” the doctor said. “As a rule, such an implement is wielded to create the most internal damage.”

Lela was dizzy, so clasped her hands tighter. She didn’t want to miss what the doctor said.

“A fraction of a millimeter over, and the blade would have pierced his heart.” The doctor gave her a moment to process what he’d said. “He would have died.” He mentioned a couple of other injuries that might have resulted, impressing upon her the seriousness of the matter. “Your brother had a very close call.”

“Is he…going to recover?” Lela let out the breath she’d been holding.

“He has a good chance for full recovery, if he takes care of the wound and follows doctor’s orders.” The doctor stood up.