Honeymoon

Chapter 80

“THERE YOU ARE!”

A startled Emily Barrows looked up from her seat at the nurses’ station to see Nora standing in front of her, looking gorgeous as ever, of course. She hadn’t heard her footsteps. She was too engrossed in her book.

“Oh, hi, Nora.”

“I didn’t see you when I got here.”

“Sorry, dear. I must have been in the bathroom,” said Emily. “It’s just me here this afternoon.”

“What happened to that other nurse—the one you were training?”

“You mean Patsy? She called in sick today.” Emily nodded at the open book in front of her. “Thankfully, it’s been a quiet one.”

“What are you reading?”

Emily held up the cover. A Time for Mercy, by Jeffrey Walker. Nora smiled. “He’s good.”

“The best.”

“Not too hard on the eyes, either, huh?”

“If you’re into tall and ruggedly handsome, I suppose.”

Emily watched as Nora laughed. This was definitely not the tight, dour woman who’d shown up last time. If anything, she seemed in a better mood than she’d ever been.

“Did you have a nice visit with your mother, Nora? Seems like it.”

“Yes, I did. It was certainly better than the last time I was here.” Nora tucked her hair behind her ears. “That reminds me,” she said. “I want to apologize for my behavior that day. I was very emotional. You, on the other hand, calmly took care of things. You were great. Thank you, Emily.”

“You’re welcome, but that’s what I’m here for.”

“Well, I’m glad you were here that day.” Nora glanced down at Emily’s book. “Tell you what, when his next one comes out I’ll get you an autographed copy.”

“Really?”

“Sure. I happen to know Mr. Walker. I did some work with him.”

Emily’s smile was radiant. “Oh God, that would make my day all right. My week!”

“It’s the least I could do.” Nora flashed a warm smile. “After all, what are friends for?”

Figure of speech or not, Emily knew that it was a nice thing to say. Nora finally waved good-bye and headed for the elevator bank.

After Emily watched her hit the DOWN button, she returned to her Jeffrey Walker novel. Only when she heard the closing elevator doors did she look back up. That’s when she saw it.

Nora’s purse was on the counter.

Emily figured that she’d realize she’d left it by the time she reached the lobby. Just the same, she called down to security. Hanging up the phone, she resumed her reading. But before she could finish a sentence, her eyes went back to the beautiful and expensive-looking purse.

She noticed it was open.