Page 55 of Sensing Selma
“Damen’s in London. He finished a movie with Roma Lane last year and the premier is tonight...in London.”
A shuddering breath shook me. London. Was it possible? Could she?
As night fell, I’d returned to my room. I’d yet to say anything to my mother for fear of alarming her, but if I didn’t get news of Holly soon, I would have to tell her.
Finally, just a little before midnight, a knock sounded at my bedroom door.
“Yes!”I shouted as I jumped out of bed and ran to open the door. “Yes. Have you found Holly?”
Jai and Ayra stood there.
“Please come downstairs,” Ayra said. “Major Cooper is here. He’s found your sister.”
“Oh, thank goodness. I’ll be right down.”
I returned inside to grab my robe, then hurried down the stairs. “Holly,” I called out. “Holly!”
“Here,” Major Cooper called out from the front drawing room.
I ran to him and saw Holly sitting back on the sofa, an unfamiliar coat wrapped around her. “Holly. What happened to you? Where have you been?”
I glanced back to look at Major Cooper. “Where did you find her?”
“Roaming the streets of London.”
“London?”I looked back at my sister.“Oh, dearest Holly. What in the world were you thinking?”
Her blank stare looked right through me.
“What were you doing in London, Holly?”
“There was a serious downpour a few hours ago. Clearly she got caught up in it.”
“I need to get her into a hot shower.”I took Holly by the arm and tried to get her to stand.
“Please,” Major Cooper said as he came to my aid. “Allow me.” He effortlessly scooped her up.
“Bring her to my room,” I said.
“Lead the way.”
He followed me up to my room and into my adjacent bathroom where he sat her down on the toilette.
“I’m very concerned about her,” he said. “Do you mind if I wait outside your door to see how she’s doing after a good shower?”
“Please do. I would love to talk to you as well.”
He left us.
“Holly, honey,” I said, pushing the damp hair off her forehead. “Please, talk to me.”
She muttered something unintelligible.
I got her out of her damp clothes and helped her to the shower. As I started the water, I realized I’d be drenched as well, but there was no time for me to undress as well.
“Come on, Holly,” I begged. “Hold yourself up.”
She stood there, her eyes dead.
