"I… ah, I haven't spoken with my father in quite a while," Kim stammered. "What I said at the airport, about our being so close… it wasn't exactly true."
"It's okay," he said, nodding understanding. He paused, thinking. "There're some decent hotels around here. Of course, the closest ones are pretty expensive."
Kim hesitated. Her airline ticket had cost her almost all the money she had in her savings. Maybe she should just stay at her father's house. As long as… well, as long as there wasn't anyone else already livinp there. "Is he… uh, my father… Is he married or anything? I mean, I haven't seen anyone around here, but I wasn't sure…"
"No. Your father's definitely not married. And as far as I know, he's not dating a
nyone. At least, no one I've heard of. And I make it a point to stay on top of hospital gossip," he joked.
The elevator arrived and the doors opened, but Tbny ignored it. "Cmon," he said, nodding toward the waiting room. "Why don't you grab your stuff and we'll go find a computer."
He followed her into the waiting room and picked up her suitcase.
"You don't have to…" she began, uncomfortable that he was carrying her luggage.
"I've got it," he said, motioning for her to follow him. He led her out of the waiting room and made a left. "This way," he said, heading toward the nursing station. "Hey, Melva," he said, smiling at the pretty brunette nurse who was sitting behind the desk. "Look up Dr. Risson's address for me, will you?"
She walked to the computer and leaned over, typing in some information. "222 Sycamore Street."
Kim exhaled. Easy. "That's where we used to live. I guess he never moved." She looked at Tony and smiled. "Is there a place where I can rent a car around here?"
He shook his head. "They won't be open today. If I were you, I'd just drive your father's car."
"I don't have keys."
"Hey, Melva," he said, calling the nurse back. "Where are Dr. Risson's valuables? His keys and stuff. Do you guys have them? If so, cough 'em up."
She raised an eyebrow. "Why?" she asked suspiciously.
"Because I want to go to his house tonight and rob him. I figure it's a good time since he'll be busy for a whle."
Melva shook her head as she put a small plastic basket in front of him that held a wallet and a set of keys. "If anyone's head rolls because of this, it better be yours."
"I'm taking full responsibility. By the way," he said, fishing out the keys. "Have you met his daughter?"
She nodded, making it clear by her cold, stony stare that it made little difference that it was his daughter who was taking the belongings. She was still holding Tony responsible.
Kim smiled politely. She had seen the nurse quite a few times, but she had never introduced herself.
"Nice to meet you," Melva said curtly.
Thank you for doing this," Kim said appreciatively.
"Yes, thank you, Melva," Tony said, pushing the little plastic basket back toward her. Melva raised an eyebrow as if she definitely did not approve.
"Do you know which car is his?" he asked, focusing his attention back on Kim.
Kim looked at him blankly.
"C'mon," he said, nodding toward the elevator. 'I’ll show you. You cant miss it." He led her to the elevator and caught it just as the doors were closing. They stepped inside and he pressed the button for the lobby.
Her eyes wandered toward his ring finger. No band. When she glanced back up at him, he was looking at her with a little smile that let her know he was fully aware of what she had been trying to determine. Embarrassed, Kim glanced away and busied herself by focusing on a piece of lint on her pants.
"You must be exhausted," he said quietly.
She nodded as she picked lint off her sweater. "It's been a rough few days."
"I bet" He paused. "Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?"