Page 33 of Target Acquired
“No. We didn’t discuss you. It wouldn’t be ethical.” He paused. “Does she know what you’ve told me?”
Eliza shook her head. “I haven’t had a chance to tell her. And just so you know, I’m perfectly fine with you two talking about me if it means you can put your heads together and figure out a way to get me out of here.”
“I’ll bear that in mind. You asked her to find William?”
She nodded. “She said she’s looked all over for him and hasn’t been able to locate him. She also said that my father has spread the rumor that I’m in Paris living with relatives. I can’t help but think William might have gone there to look for me.” But for four whole weeks? She pushed the doubts away.
Dr. King studied her, then picked up his pen and notepad. “Give me his name and address.”
Just as she finished providing the information, a knock on the door interrupted them and the doctor’s secretary stuck her head in. “Miss Betsy is here for Miss Eliza.”
“Please show her in.”
Eliza couldn’t help but smile at his eagerness. Normally, visitors were escorted to the specified area, but Betsy had special privileges thanks to the doctor.
When Betsy entered, Eliza rushed to hug her. “Thank you for coming,” she whispered.
“I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to come back, but I’ve been searching for William.”
Eliza pulled back. “And?”
“I finally managed to talk to his sister and she said he’s been looking for you. But—” She broke off and bit her lip.
“But?” Eliza gripped her friend’s biceps. “What? Tell me.”
“He’s had the most terrible accident and is recovering in the hospital.”
“What!” Eliza stumbled back as though to get away from the news.
“He’s okay, Eliza, truly. He’s recovering. He was in a coma but woke up briefly to ask about you.”
He was okay. He was asking about her. Her pulse settled slightly. “What kind of accident?”
“His car slid on the slick road and he crashed into a tree. Banged himself up really well. But like I said, he’s okay. I talked to him myself and he’s quite horrified that you’re here. Said to tell you he was coming to get you as soon as possible.”
“Oh, thank God.”
“Um, Miss McCall?”
They both turned at the doctor’s voice. “Yes?”
“How did you know Eliza was here?”
Betsy shuddered. “I followed them here the night her father brought her.”
“What?” Eliza gripped her friend’s hands, appalled that she hadn’t thought to ask that very question. “What do you mean?”
“I was coming to see you the day you were admitted, remember?”
Eliza forced her mind back to that fuzzy day. “Yes. Yes, I do. You were going to have dinner with William and me.”
“Well, I was a little late, and when I arrived, I saw William speed away. He looked so angry. I knew something had happened, so I stood there trying to decide what to do when the door opened and your father came out carrying you. I almost ran to see what was wrong, but I didn’t because everything looked . . . off. You had bandages around your wrists and . . .” Tears flooded her eyes. “You were unconscious. I could tell that right off.” She glanced at the doctor. “Their drive is lined with trees, so I hid behind one and watched.”
“Wouldn’t someone have seen your car?” Dr. King asked.
“No. It’s a wide U-shaped drive and they left on the opposite side of where I was parked. I always leave room to get out in case I need to leave. I don’t want to bother anyone if I have to leave before others are ready. You can’t see the front door from there, and I don’t think anyone noticed my car there when they left.” She waved a hand. “Anyway, I ran to my car and followed them, thinking there’d been a terrible accident and he was taking you to the hospital. When he came here, I was stunned. This wasn’t the hospital I had in mind.” She swallowed. “And then I figured it was because your father was doing everything in his power to keep you from marrying William.”
“Yes,” Eliza whispered.