Annie's Rainbow - Fern Michaels [139]
Annie backed up and entered the coffee shop. It smelled almost as good as Elmo’s old drugstore. She ordered soft drinks and two sticky buns to go.
Jane was crying into a wad of tissues when she entered the waiting room. “Did something happen? What’s wrong?” Annie demanded.
“Nothing’s changed. Elmo’s doctor came out to talk to me. It was only for a minute, then he was paged in emergency. He’s as old as Elmo, and he’s still practicing medicine and taking care of patients. It doesn’t seem fair.”
“He’s not as old as Elmo, Jane. What did he say?”
“He said Elmo made a lot of strange requests and they were working on them. His minister is on the way. You know doctors never commit to times or anything like that. He left me with the impression the end is a matter of hours.”
“Can we go in?”
“Not yet. There are a lot of people in there. I don’t know if they’re all for Elmo or the man in the next unit. Dr. Quinlan said the nurse would let us know when we can go in. Sticky buns, Annie?”
“There wasn’t much to choose from. I think I just bought them to have something to do. If you don’t want them, toss them in the trash. Clay took Daisy back to the hotel. He’s going to take us up on the job offer. He said we were nice people.”
“We are nice people,” Jane said smartly.
“I hope Elmo isn’t in any pain. Do you think he is, Jane?”
“No, I don’t think so. The doctor said he was resting comfortably. He slips in and out of consciousness. That’s usually the way it works in books and movies. I don’t want to cry anymore, but I can’t help myself. Who are those people?”
“Who cares?” Annie muttered.
Annie heard her before she saw her, the white oxfords squeaking on the polished floor, the rustle of her starched uniform. For some reason she thought nurses today wore soft nylon and tennislike shoes. Then she looked up. This nurse was from the old school and still wore her starched cap. That had to mean Elmo was in good hands. She heard Dr. Quinlan’s name over the loudspeaker.
“Come with me. Quickly, ladies.”
Annie ran, Jane right behind her.
Annie pulled up short when she entered the room. Damn it, who were these men? She voiced her question in a snarling voice. “Who are you? What do you want? What are you doing in here? Visiting in ICU is just for family members. Get out of here now!”
“Annie, Jane, I invited them here,” Elmo whispered in a barely audible voice. “I want you to listen and to be quiet.”
Annie bit down on her lower lip as her right hand reached for Jane’s left hand. She could feel her body start to shake. She listened, her face full of horror. She felt rather than saw Jane’s knees start to buckle. She grabbed for her. This wasn’t happening.
“This isn’t true! Elmo isn’t the one who found the money. It was me!” Annie shouted. “Elmo, take that back.”
“Miss, Mr. Richardson gave us his statement thirty minutes ago. His doctor was here as a witness. It’s been signed and witnessed. I’m Police Chief Tobias.”
“You just tear that statement right up. Elmo Richardson never did a wrong thing in his life. I’m the one you want. Not him,” Annie snarled. “Why won’t you listen to me?”
“No, it’s not Annie. It wasn’t Elmo either. It was me,” Jane said in a strong, forceful voice. “You tear that confession up right now. I’m confessing.”
“Mr. Richardson said you would say what you both just said. We have no other choice but to go by his confession. He’s provided every single detail.” With that said, the small army of men left the crowded ICU room.
Annie threw herself on the bed, tears flooding her eyes and rolling down her cheeks. “Elmo, do you know what you’ve just done! You can’t do this. Take it back. Please. I can’t let you do this,” she pleaded. She felt his hand on her head and felt him beckoning her closer. She had to strain to hear his words.
“Let it alone, Annie. Go on with your life. You’ll all be safe now. Don’t you see, it was all I could do for you and Jane. I promised the two of you I would always take care of you.”
“How did you know, Elmo?” Annie whispered.
“I always knew. You changed after that day. You were never the same.