The winter of Frankie Machine

83

Jill Machianno balances her ski bag between her hip and the wall as she unlocks the front door of her apartment. She has the door open and is reaching for the ski bag when the tall redheaded woman comes up to her.

“Jill Machianno?”

“Yes?”

“I’m Donna, a friend of your father’s.”

Jill gives her a stare as cold as the snow she was skiing on. “I know who you are.”

“I don’t want to frighten you,” Donna says, “but your father’s had an accident.”

“Oh my God. Is he-”

“He’s going to be fine,” Donna says, “but he’s in the hospital.”

“Is my mother with him?”

“She’s out of town somewhere,” Donna says. “Your dad asked me to find you and take you to the hospital. I’m parked across the street.”

Jill sets her skis and luggage inside the door, shuts it, and follows Donna to her car.