[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
.'Mrs Baskin?'Her tongue seemed stuck to the bottom of her mouth.'Yes?''My name is Dr Eric Clarich,' the man standing above her said.'You are at St Catherine's Hospital in Hamilton, New York.Do you remember what happened to you?'Laura's line of vision zeroed in on the young doctor's unshaven face.His bloodshot, brown eyes looked down at her with a concern and maturity beyond his years.'Fire,' she managed.'Yes, there was a fire,' Eric said.'You suffered a few minor burns, but you are going to be fine.'Laura uttered one word: 'Judy?'As the doctor lowered his eyes, Laura felt her stomach drop.Dread rushed through her entire body.'She died,' he said.'I'm very sorry.I was very fond of your aunt.She and I were good friends.'Laura's head collapsed back.She looked straight into the air, her eyes blinking spasmodically.Aunt Judy was dead, killed in the fire.Laura tried to recall her last moments with her aunt, the desperate look in Judy's eyes as the blaze crept closer and closer.She remembered tripping over something, banging her head, reaching out to Judy, and then.blackness.'How was I rescued?' she asked.The doctor half smiled.'That is a bit of a mystery.A man pulled both of you out of the fire.For Professor Simmons, unfortunately, it was too late.''But who was the man?''We don't know,' Eric answered.'He called the emergency room and then vanished.''Vanished?''I found it rather strange myself.'Laura tried to concentrate through the grief.The fire was no accident, she was sure of it.Someone had set the fire.Someone had knocked poor Judy unconscious and doused her study with some sort of flammable liquid.Someone had set the fire with the intention of killing Laura's aunt.But who?David's murderer.Laura's head nodded at the thought.David's murderer had done this.Somehow, Judy had learned the truth behind David's demise and had paid for it with her life.But why a fire, especially when a simple investigation would prove it was arson? Why not simply use a gun or a knife? Why go to the trouble of burning down Judy's house if you just wanted to keep her silent.?Not the house.The study.Laura felt a coldness wrap itself around her spine.The study.The fire had taken place in the study.'I spoke to your father,' Eric Glarich said, interrupting her thoughts.'He is on his way.He should be here in a couple more hours.''Thank you, Doctor.When can I get out of here?' Eric smiled and picked up a clipboard.'We'll talk about that a little later, okay? Why don't you get some rest now?'Laura closed her eyes though she knew sleep would not come.She felt scared and so very alone -- a helpless amateur against ruthless killers and arsonists.What chance did she have? None really.And what was she supposed to do next? Judy was dead, silenced before she had the chance to tell Laura what was going on.What had Judy learned that had cost her her life? What had Judy wanted to tell Laura that.?'.to show you, Laura.Show you.'Her eyes suddenly flew open.'.show you, Laura.''Dr Clarich?''.Take it.'Eric stopped scribbling and looked up.'Yes, Mrs Baskin?'Her mouth felt very dry.'My personal possessions.''They're in a plastic bag in your closet.'The blaze had almost been upon them.Laura could still feel Judy press something into her hand, forcing her to pocket the items while the fire moved in around them.'May I have it, please?'Eric sighed heavily.'You really should get some rest.The fire chief is going to want to talk to you later.''I will,' Laura promised.'I just need my things for a moment.'Eric spotted the desperation in her voice.'Okay,' he agreed.'But then I want you to rest.'Laura nodded eagerly.She watched Dr Clarich step toward the closet.Seconds dragged.What did you hand me, Aunt Judy? What was so important that imminent death became merely a distraction?Eric opened the closet, bent down, and came up holding a red plastic bag marked Emergency Room.Laura tried to sit up, each movement of her body rubbing a burn the wrong way.She thought for a moment of how close she had come to being burned alive and wondered once again about the mystery man who had saved her life.Dr Clarich walked back over to the bed.'Here you go.I'll leave you alone now.''Thank you, Doctor.'He smiled gently and left the room
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]