Page 10 of Diagnosis Attraction

Polly thought for a moment. “Don’t tell anyone where she’s gone, but get their name and number and call me.”

“You sound like a character in a spy novel.”

Polly laughed. “I’m being cautious is all.”

The conversation was interrupted when she saw Elizabeth look out of her room toward them.

“Here she comes now. Thanks for your help,” Polly said, wondering if she could rely on Cynthia’s discretion.

Elizabeth looked into the hall. Once again, she’d been hoping to see Dr. Delano. He wasn’t there, and she was annoyed with herself for fixating on him and for feeling disappointed. But that was logical, she told herself. He’d been the only link to her past, although in a pretty strange way. Deliberately, she ordered herself not to dwell on the rest of it.

Polly Kramer smiled as Elizabeth came down the hall.

“How are you feeling?”

“Physically, okay.”

“Good. Let’s leave.”

“Mrs. Kramer.”

“Please call me Polly.”

“Polly, I appreciate what you’re doing for me.”

“I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t feel good about it myself.”

As they stepped into the elevator together, she gave Elizabeth a studied glance. “You look very professional.”

“I was thinking the same thing. I’m wearing a very buttoned-up outfit.”

“You obviously have a job that requires a polished appearance.”

“The shoes are a little dowdy.”

“They’re practical.”

“What do you think I do for a living?”

“You could be a lawyer.”

Elizabeth contemplated the answer. “Perhaps.”

“What doyouthink.”

“A teacher would be closer, but that doesn’t quite work for me, either.”

As they walked out the staff door, Polly said, “Your outfit gives you the look of authority, but it isn’t exactly comfortable for relaxing. I was thinking we could stop at a discount department store, and you could pick up a few things.”

Elizabeth felt her chest tighten. A line from a play leaped into her head. Something about relying on the kindness of strangers. “I don’t have any cash, and I’m already imposing on you by staying at your house.”

“Nonsense.”

“I hate the idea of your spending any money on me.”

As they reached a silver Ford Focus, Polly made a tsking sound. “I’d feel like I was abandoning you if I just left you twisting in the wind.”

“Do you take in stray dogs and cats, too?”

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