Betrayal - Fern Michaels [72]
“I’ll do whatever I can to speed things up with Coleman. Promise me you’ll take care of yourself. You’ve lost weight. I worry about you day and night.”
Alex laughed. “They don’t have the kind of food you make in here. I can get all kinds of candy and chips from the canteen, but I don’t really care to. I’m fine, Kate. Really, the place isn’t all bad. I’m not saying I like it here enough to call it home, but for now, I can tolerate it. Besides, I really don’t have much choice in the matter.”
“I know, I just hate to think of you in here, while I’m at home with all the things you can’t enjoy. Wine, good food, the dogs. Me.” She grinned.
“I’m a simple man, Kate. You know that. I don’t need anything more than the air I breathe and you. If I have those two things, I’m happy. I know I have you, and there is air here even though it’s stale and smells like sweat. But it’s air.”
A bell rang, letting the visitors know they had five minutes before it was time to leave.
“You’re too good, Alex. I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have you. Life would be so . . . empty. I wouldn’t want to go—never mind. I want you to write me every day. I’ll make sure Gertie gets busy breeding the dogs. I’d bet my last dollar you’ll be home before we can deliver a new litter.”
“I hope you’re right. There isn’t anything I’d like more. Now, it’s time to go. I don’t want to see tears, or I’ll have to sic one of these female guards on you. Some of them like women, so you better watch out.”
Kate smiled and managed to keep her tears from spilling over. “I’ll write you as soon as I get home. When I leave, I’m going to drive to Naples to see Coleman. I’ll catch another flight out of Fort Myers if I have to. I’ll say prayers for you, Alex. I love you.” Kate stood, barely able to keep from throwing herself in Alex’s arms. Suddenly, that long parking lot didn’t seem so long. If she could’ve stuffed Alex inside her purse right then and there, she would have, just to have him home again.
“Be careful, Kate. Why don’t you wait and drive over tomorrow. It’ll be dark soon. Alligator Alley is no place for a woman alone. Promise me you’ll wait until morning?”
She really wanted to leave that night. But if it meant so much to Alex, she’d wait. “I can do that. I’ll go back to the hotel and force myself to soak in that deep tub, maybe pick up a Stephen King novel on my way home.”
“You better wait till you get home before you start reading his books. He’ll scare the pants right off you.”
She laughed. “Okay, I’ll stick with romance. Maybe I’ll get something by that woman who writes about those big families in Texas and Vegas. I’ve always enjoyed her books.”
“Just be careful. I’ll worry until I hear from you. Next week I get phone privileges. I’ll call you the minute I can. Be safe, Kate.”
“I will. You too. I’ll write you. I love you, Alex.” Kate wanted to cry so much she could feel the tears ready to flood her cheeks, but she would wait until she was outside in the parking lot.
Alex sneaked his hand on top of hers and squeezed. “Me too. Always. Now get out of here.” Before she could respond, Alex had turned around and was walking toward the guards. He was the first prisoner to leave the visiting room. Kate knew he wanted to follow the rules, but part of her felt angry that he’d left before their time was up. This was stupid. Alex didn’t want to make any waves.
I’m acting like a spoiled brat. Alex knows what he’s doing. He’s the one in prison, not me.
Kate headed toward the car. Dreading another night in the hotel, Kate thought of driving to Naples anyway, but couldn’t bring herself to break the promise she’d made. She would relax in the hotel. She had seen a Super Wal-Mart on her way to the prison. She decided to stop and pick up a few books. Maybe even a bathing suit so she could lounge by the pool. The more she thought about it, the more the idea appealed to her. She would swim, read, and enjoy what was left of the day.
Kate took the cart offered by the elderly gentleman at the entrance. Wal-Mart was packed with families shopping for groceries, clothes, and