Cat On The Scent

24

Tubes invaded H. Vane-Tempest's body. Alert but in pain, he lay in the hospital bed counting the minutes until the next shot would bring him relief. What hurt most was his reset shoulder blade.

“Honey, drink a little water. You'll get dehydrated.” Sarah held a plastic water cup with a big plastic bent straw in it.

Dutifully he drank. “Where's that goddamn nurse?”

“She'll be here in a minute.” Sarah checked her watch.

The heavyset nurse appeared, right on time. “How are you feeling?”

“I've felt better.”

She checked his chart and took his pulse.

“He's very uncomfortable. Can't you increase his dosage?”

“No. Only the doctor can do that.” The nurse gently removed her fingers from his wrist. “This will help for now. I know it wears off sooner than you'd like, but Dr. Svarski is a firm believer in getting people up and out of here as soon as possible. If you become dependent on painkillers it's that much harder.”

H. Vane glared at her as she stuck the needle into his left arm.

“What about his sleep? If you give him a higher dosage at night he'll at least be able to sleep right through. As it is now, he wakes up.”

“Mrs. Tempest—”

“Lady Vane-Tempest.” Sarah was testy.

“Ma'am, you'll have to discuss this with Dr. Svarski. I cannot increase your husband's dosage.” She abruptly left the room.

“I hate nurses.” Sarah closed the door, then sat next to him. “Would you like me to read to you?”

He smiled at her. “Thank you, but I can't seem to stay focused on anything. My mind wanders. I couldn't even answer Shaw's questions.”

“He understands.” She lowered her voice. “Henry, it's just us. No repercussions. I understand you don't want to make accusations you can't support. You're exceedingly fair that way. But between us, who would want to shoot you? Is there something I don't know?”

He looked into his wife's imploring eyes. “Sarah, the only person I can think of is Archie.”

“Yes, of course.” She put her hand on his.

“Lately I'd have gladly shot him.” He laughed but it hurt so badly he stopped.

She shook her head. “He's snapped, I suppose. The sheriff can't arrest him until they have more proof. . . . How are you holding up, honey, you look done in.”

“Tired.”

“Sleep. You need lots of sleep.”

“Yes, but it's so boring.” He squeezed her hand and promptly fell asleep.