Page 10 of No Time for Doubt
“Find a blanket or sit close to calm her nervous system.”
“Okay.”Devyn looked around, but nothing was immediately obvious.In moments like this, she often wished for a gift of healing instead of sight.
Nell lifted a quivering hand.“Cabinet.First aid kit.Emergency blanket.Flat, silver foil thing,” she managed.
Devyn followed Nell’s cues and found the small packet.“Got it.”She unfurled it and tucked it around Nell, from her chin down to her toes.Then she eased down, settling close and putting her arm around Nell.“It’ll be over soon.”
They were still on speaker when the 911 operator gave them an update.“There’s a doctor on staff at the yacht club.I’ve made contact and he’s on the way to you.”
“Great.”That was fabulous news.The sooner Nell had medical assistance, the better.He gave them the name and once he heard the doctor’s arrival and Devyn’s confirmation of the man’s identity, he allowed them to end the call.
She made a mental note to find him and thank him when this was all over.
Dr.Timothy Collins looked to be in his mid-fifties, his hair graying at the temples, his brown eyes compassionate and sharp, framed by crow’s feet.He pulled out a recorder and quickly took in the scene.He made notes and rattled off questions while he started an IV and checked Nell over.
Her ankle was injured and more bruises were starting to show along her arms, throat, and face.After taking photos with his cell phone, he and Devyn helped Nell up to the deck for some fresh air and to elevate her ankle.
“You two rest here,” the doctor told them.“I’ll go meet the police and paramedics.”
When they were alone again, Devyn ignored the curious gazes from folks nearby on boats or moving around the dock.She needed as much information as Nell could provide about Daniel’s attack and plan.And if there was time, they needed to come up with a plausible explanation for how Devyn found her.
“He went crazy, Devyn.I’ve never seen him so angry.”
“I’m sorry.”She pulled the emergency blanket tighter around Nell’s shoulders.Doing her best to blot out the vision she’d picked up at the house, she asked, “How did he get you through the yacht club?”
“Drugged me.At the car.I couldn’t talk,” Nell said.Tears rolled down her cheeks.“Gave me more once he got me down there.”
Devyn adjusted the elevation on her ankle.It helped to keep her hands busy.“It’s over now.You’re safe.”The words sounded strong, which was a big plus, considering the glimpse she’d had of Daniel’s plans to kill his wife.
Of course, the hard part, the major life changes, the recovery from the betrayal and shock from the terrible attack were still to come.
“How did you find me?”Nell wondered.
“About that.”Devyn leaned back and gave her a look.“I’m your psychic, we both know the answer,” she chided gently.The blaring sirens suddenly went quiet.The police and ambulance must have arrived.
“I guess maybe part of me didn’t really believe it was true.”
“I get that a lot,” Devyn said with a smile.“Which is a good reason to give the police something easier to digest, okay?”
“Like what?”
Sticking as close to the truth as possible, Devyn suggested a plausible explanation.“You’ve been my client for some time and we discuss aspects of your life.Including your personal life, general schedule, and Daniel’s obsession with this boat.Let’s say I followed a hunch, knowing you hadn’t gone to the spa today.”
“Because you and I had an appointment.”
“Exactly.”Devyn smiled, pleased with Nell’s willingness to adjust the truth for everyone’s comfort.“You never miss our appointments.”
Devyn didn’t have long to wait before they had to put the story into action.The paramedics came on board with the doctor and got Nell situated for transport.Devyn followed along, but she didn’t get too far before Detective Laurier stopped her.
“Why am I not surprised to see you?”he groused.
“Because you’re intelligent.”She meant it as a compliment, but the scowl on his face proved he hadn’t received it that way.Not something she could correct.
“How did you get here?”
She was tempted to be snarky and point out her car and her driving ability.Something in his eyes tempered that urge.The man was hurting, and although she didn’t want to see it or acknowledge it, she could be kind.
“I knew Nell hadn’t gone to the spa or anywhere else.We had an appointment this morning.”She gave him the rest of the story she’d worked out with Nell.“I mentioned she doesn’t miss our appointments.On the rare occasions when she has a conflict, she reschedules.”
