Page 50 of Fool's Gold

Bob nodded. "Yeah, it was a pretty high-tech setup. The kid's a computer major in college."

"Rafe?" Doctor Phillips stood in the doorway.

Rafe turned to look at Mark, who strode toward him.

Rafe tensed, bracing himself for the worst. The painful reality of the situation was like a slap in the face. "How is Sarah doing?"

"I think she's going to be okay, buddy. She's one lucky lady." Mark sat down across from them. "The CAT scan was negative. There's no fracture, no bleeding in the brain. She just has a simple concussion. Now, all we must do is wait for her to wake up."

"How long is that going to take?" Rafe asked.

"That's hard to say. Head injuries are tricky. But I think she'll regain consciousness soon."

Rafe let out the breath he was holding. "Thank God."

"Cheer up, Rafe. At least you didn't have to watch me put in the stitches this time."

Rafe grimaced. Two attacks against Sarah were two too many. He couldn't put her in that kind of danger again. Blackthorn had long tentacles.

Mark glanced at Bob. "Do you think she was hit by the same guy that shot at her last week?"

Bob nodded. "Yes, but we got him this time."

Mark shook his head. "Somebody sure had it in for her."

"It was Blackthorn," Rafe said.

Mark nodded. "I wondered. You two never did get along, even back in school. I remember when you made quarterback on the high school football team and he wound up sitting the bench for most of the season. Still, you wouldn't think an old rivalry would drive him to attempt murder."

"I think the guy's got a screw loose myself," Bob said.

Mark shrugged. "It sure seems that way." He turned back to Rafe. "We'll want to keep Sarah here under observation for a fewdays. We'll be moving her up to her room in a few minutes. The nurse will come out to get you first."

"Thanks, Mark."

Bob patted Rafe on the shoulder. "Well, that's dandy news, Rafe. It's good to hear your wife is going to be okay."

He sighed in relief. "It sure is."

"Oh, before I go." Bob pulled a note out of his shirt pocket. "I did that checking you asked me to. Mrs. Sarah Blake is alive and living in Durham, New Hampshire. I've got her number right here."

Rafe looked at the note. "I had a feeling that old devil was lying. So, Sarah's maternal grandmother is alive."

"I brought it along because I figured you might want to give her a call and tell her about Sarah being hurt."

Rafe clasped the note tight in his hand. This would mean so much to her. "I owe you, Bob."

Bob smiled and stood. "Good, you can pay me back by letting me handle this thing with Nevell Blackthorn. I don't want you interfering with the case we're building against him. Call the grandmother."

"I'm right on it."

Rafe walked into the lobby for privacy. He dialed Sarah's cousin, Pipi's work number first.

"Maxwell and Mackenzie law offices," the cheerful female voice on the other end of the line answered.

Rafe leaned against the wall. This wasn't going to be easy. "Put me through to Phillipa Maxwell."

"I'm sorry," the drone on the other end of the line said sweetly, "Ms. Maxwell is in a meeting right now and can't be disturbed. May I take your name and have her call you back?"

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