Page 64 of Evidence of Secrets

“They’ve taken him up for X-rays to ensure there are no fractures. He complained of a headache and was dizzy. The doctor wants to keep him overnight to watch him.”

“Oh, Nancy, I’m so sorry this happened.” Laura reached for her hand. “We’ll get to the bottom of this.”

Hank heard familiar voices in the hall. When he turned he saw that Sam, Hailey, and Danny had arrived.

Sam scooched down next to Laura. “Are you doing all right?”

Laura shook her head.

Hank introduced them to Nancy, who was clutching her side. Perhaps this many people was making her nervous. Levi wasn’t back from the X-ray yet.

“Laura, how about going to the cafeteria for a cup of coffee?” he asked.

“I don’t think so. Why don’t you all go ahead? I’ll stay with Nancy.”

Hank gave a chin thrust towards the cafeteria to Sam. She nodded.

“We’ll be right back,” said Sam. Laura nodded. She was talking quietly with Nancy when they left. Hank hated to leave her, but Laura needed the time to process what was happening.

The cafeteria was busy even though it was early afternoon and the lunch crowd had left. But when wouldn’t it be busy? Injuries and sickness didn’t have business hours.

The hospital had recently gone through a renovation. Floor-to-ceiling windows had been installed, overlooking a cheerful garden. There was a living wall of green plants on the opposite side. Big, round balls of lights that looked like a moon hanging from the ceiling completed the peaceful atmosphere. Although the underlying scent of disinfectant never disappeared, always reminding a person that they were in a hospital.

“Anyone want a sandwich or something else?” asked Sam.

“No, Danny and I are fine. We’ll grab a table if you grab me a diet soda,” said Hailey.

“Will do,” said Sam.

Hank grabbed a tray, and they filled cups with soda and coffee. Hank thought Nancy and Laura would appreciate it even though they said no. Sam got a diet soda for Hailey. They paid and sat down by the window.

“What the hell is going on?” asked Danny. “First, the pastry chef is stealing, and Laura’s strapped for cash.”

“Don’t forget she’s filling in and making pastries because she can’t afford to hire someone,” said Hailey. She inserted a straw into the soda cup and took a sip. “And now this. Levi will be out for a few days, at the very least.”

Sam shook her head. “It sucks. Hank, will you look at the security tapes today?”

“Sure. I’d love to know what happened.” He tapped his fingers on the table. So many questions. Why was this happening to Laura? Were any other restaurants or shops targeted? Why would a thief attack Levi?

CHAPTERFORTY-SIX

Laura hugged Nancy goodbye. Levi was staying in the hospital overnight because the doctor was concerned about a concussion. He was sleeping now, and Nancy would remain for a few more minutes and then leave.

Hank and the group were in the cafeteria, so she followed the signs and spotted them sitting by the large glass windows. The spacious, peaceful place did nothing to help her beating heart. The sights, sounds, and scent of the hospital brought back painful memories of her mom lying small and weak in a hospital bed just before she died.

“Laura!” Hailey waved. Danny pulled over another chair to the table.

“Sweetie, how’s Levi?” Sam hugged her.

Laura sighed. “He’s sleeping. The good news is nothing is fractured. He’ll be here overnight, then a week or so at home.”

“Is Nancy still upstairs?” asked Hailey.

“Yes, but she’s leaving soon.”

Hank pushed over a Styrofoam cup of coffee. “It should still be hot. If not, I’ll get a refill.”

She gave him a small smile. “Thanks.”

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