Page 3 of The Demon's Fire
“Keep an antibiotic cream along with a dressing on this for a few days. It’s gonna swell, and you’ve got a pretty big gash there. Watch for an infection. You have minor cuts and abrasions elsewhere. Nothing serious. You were lucky. Apply the salve to the scrapes, too. Now, stay put until we hear about your scans.”
The nurse scurried off to another room, leaving Skyler alone to think about the accident, giving her time to steady her nerves.
Why would someone push me off the platform? Is a psycho who likes to shove commuters into trains on the loose? Or was I the target? No! Why would I be a target?
Dismissing the ridiculous notion, Skyler pushed onto her elbows. No dizziness. But a whopper of a headache was using her temples for drums. After stretching to reach her purse on the chair beside the bed, she rifled around for her cellphone.Found it.And it’s intact.Amazing. She punched in the number for her office.
“Alliance Security Agency. Your protection is our mission. Anna for Chief Legal Officer Maxwell,” said a lyrical voice.
“It’s me. I’ve had an accident.” Skyler removed a compact from her handbag, her fingers trembling slightly as she balanced the phone between her ear and shoulder.
“An accident? Oh my God. What kind? Are you okay? What happened? We wondered why you were late. It’s not like you. So, I called. Left two messages. We were getting…”
That girl can go on.
Her tone brusque, Skyler interrupted Anna. “I’ll explain when I get to the office.” Then she remembered her goal to be more amiable. “The short of it is, I fell off the L platform. I need the company car to pick me up at Rush University’s ER. I’m okay. No one should worry. Just a scrape.”
“I’ll send Allen at once. What do you want him to bring?”
Anna, at only five foot two, compensated for her height by wearing four-inch stilettos. With permed, short blonde hair, cherubic cheeks, and an animated smile which brightened her eyes, she looked too young to be the administrative assistant for the Alliance’s CLO. But she had the goods. A quick wit, spectacular memory, sixth sense when it came to her boss’s needs, and the ability to keep pace with Skyler’s grueling hours. Added benefit? She wasn’t too irritating.
Skyler’s initial act as the newly appointed chief legal officer had been to hire Anna from the clerical pool. The first brilliant decision in what promised to be a distinguished career.
“Yes, have Allen bring me a change of clothes. The works. Suit, shirt, stockings, underwear, shoes. Include my makeup bag. My coat will have to do. I must look a mess. Later, send someone to pick up antibiotic cream along with bandages from the pharmacy.”
“I’m all over it. Hang tight. He’ll be there in a few. I’m sure glad you’re okay.”
“I am. Just get Allen here soon.”
During the conversation, the nurse stood in the doorway, tapping a foot, signaling her patient to disconnect from the phone. Skyler raised an index finger. Once she put down her cell, she reproached the woman. “Can’t you give me a second? I have important business to attend to.”
“So do I. You’re not my only sicky, cupcake. The scan looks good. But watch yourself for a few days. Your shoes are in the bag over there with your suit, blouse, and coat. Everything’s a little scruffy. I hope someone is picking you up.”
“Of course someone is. Now, crank up the bed.”
The frowning nurse pressed a button. “Anything else, your majesty? If not, I’ll be with the peasants.”
Skyler swung her legs over the edge of the mattress, tucking the gown and sheet around her. Still holding the sterling silver compact mirror, she adjusted her hair, sticking errant white-blonde strands back into their proper place. An unattractive bandage covered most of her forehead.
Ugh.
She swiped a cleansing cloth over her face to remove dirt and waited for Allen’s arrival. After a while, Skyler spotted a man wandering the corridor and looking at room numbers.
It sounded as if he found the unpleasant nurse. “Are you here for the lady who fell off the L platform?”
“Yes,” he said.
“Over there. And good luck. I don’t envy you your job.”
“It pays well.” He shrugged.
Despite the open door, he knocked before entering. “Chief Maxwell, I hope everything is okay.” Allen handed her a carryall with fresh clothes, shoes, and a makeup bag.
Skyler’s impatient foot bobbed. Not acknowledging his greeting, she grabbed her things. “What took you so long?”
“Traffic, but I thought I made good time.” He glanced at his watch. “I’ll wait out here.” Allen closed the door.
Skyler changed, sailed through the doorway, brushed by the chauffeur while handing off the bag of damaged goods, and hustled toward the emergency room exit. “Let’s get to the office. I’m in a hurry.”
