Page 10 of Her Cadillac Cowboy
“So you’ll stay?”
“I’ll try, Sara.” He shook his head. “But I can’t promise how long I’ll hold out.”
It wasn’t the answer she wanted, but before she could press for more, someone knocked at the den door.
“Come in,” Donny called out.
The nurse stepped inside. She had her purse on her shoulder and a suitcase in one hand. “I’m certain you understand that I can’t stay, Mr. Carson.”
Donny frowned and looked at Sara, a confused plea in his eyes.
Sara didn’t respond. What could she say, when she didn’t have a complete picture of the circumstances?
“Mrs. Deavers, please don’t leave,” he said. “I promise my father won’t manhandle you again.”
“You have no control over what he will do, young man.”
Donny rubbed his knuckles and turned to Sara once again.
“Surely we can work something out, Mrs. Deavers,” she gave in to this second mute plea. “I’m Carl’s daughter. Won’t you at least stay until we can find someone else?”
“No. I refuse to take physical abuse from any patient. It’s wrong of you to ask it of me.”
Sara nodded. “You’re right, of course. I’m sorry.”
Nurse Deavers turned. “So am I, miss. I’ll see myself out.”
“Thanks for handling that, Sara.” Her brother rose from his chair.
“You’re welcome.” She stared at the space where the nurse had stood.
“I’ll say good night then.” He moved to the door.
“Good night, Donny. See you tomorrow.”
“Yeah, tomorrow.” He shut the door behind him.
Sara returned to the plate-glass windows. “What do I do now,” she wondered aloud, watching the waves creep up the shore.
They didn’t answer.
