Page 21 of A Poisonous Plot

“I agree.” The woman extended her hand. “Dr. Laura Redwood.”

“I’m Lily.” She shook her hand. “Can I see Glynis then?”

She nodded and led the way along the corridor. “You shouldn’t stay long,” she said as she went. “But I think a visit might lift her spirits.”

“How’s she doing?”

“She’s stable now, so I’m hoping that with some more rest, we’ll see improvements soon.” She opened the door and gestured for Lily to go in. “Five minutes. Okay?”

“Thank you,” Lily said as the doctor turned to leave. Slowly, she approached the bed.

Glynis’s eyelids fluttered open. “I was expecting Maria,” she said, her voice hoarse. “What time is it?”

Lily checked her watch. “Almost three.”

“I don’t know why Maria hasn’t been to see me.”

“Wasn’t she here this morning?”

“No. She said she’d come, but she didn’t.”

“She’ll no doubt be here soon. The receptionist is a bit of a stickler for the rules, though. She didn’t want to let me in because I’m not family.”

“They said they’d make an exception for Maria.” Her words were slow and her breathing laboured. “It’s nice to see you, anyway.”

“How are you feeling?” Lily asked, forcing herself not to react to how frail she looked.

“A little better than yesterday, I think.”

“That’s good. The doctor seems nice. I’m sure she’ll have you back to your old self in no time.”

“Hope so,” Glynis murmured as her eyes closed.

“I should go and let you rest,” Lily said. “Is there anything you need?”

She turned her head from side to side on the pillow and Lily gave her hand a quick squeeze.

“Oh, there’s one thing,” Glynis croaked, opening her eyes again. “Could you check on Maria? I’m worried about her.”

“Of course. Do you have your phone? I can call and see when she’s planning to visit?”

Glynis’s gaze roamed over the room. “I don’t know.”

After a quick search, Lily located it in a bag in the wardrobe. With Glynis’s help, she found Maria’s number and hit dial.

“There’s no answer,” she said after letting it ring.

“Very strange.” Glynis’s eyes were filled with concern. “I don’t suppose…”

Lily smiled. “I’ll go to the house and check on her.” She also saved the phone numbers for both Maria and Glynis to her phone. “I’m sure she’s fine.”

“Thank you.” Glynis reached out a trembling hand.

“You’re welcome,” Lily said, giving her hand another squeeze, then tucking it back under the covers. “I’ll call you when I’ve spoken to her, or get her to call.” She set the phone on the table where Glynis could reach it. Then she instructed her to rest and closed the door quietly behind her when she left.

It was odd that Maria hadn’t been in touch. At the reception desk Lily wanted to ask if she’d at least been in touch for an update, but the receptionist was on the phone, and a peaky-looking woman was waiting to speak to her.

Outside, Lily tried to call Maria again, hoping she could save herself a trip over there, but again, there was no answer.

---