"Because I like your style. You remind me of my daughter when she was your age, sassy, not as clever as you but just as reckless."
"How's she doing?"
"She's mellowed out just fine and I have grandkids."
"You have pictures you can show me?"
"Funny you should ask. Okay, Philly...get better. Let me know when you want to get the car released."
"Thanks, Sarge."
"Don't hang up. Here's your brother. I had him brought up here to the visiting room."
Raymond got on and started in with his regrets for asking her to come to Florida. She brushed that aside and tried to explain what happened. At first, they just yelled back and forth. Eventually, they calmed down and quietly talked for ten minutes. She didn't mention the ultimatum from her employer.
Tests and more x-rays filled the afternoon. Busy people in blue scrubs, fussed around, patted her on the shoulder and told her she'd be just fine. When they wheeled her back to her room, she found an orchid plant from Linda. Sandy would call her later. Another call was more important just then. The law firm in Philadelphia was awaiting her decision.
She phoned Joanna in Philadelphia. A hit and run, she explained without further details. Joanna was aghast and kept pressing for particulars-if it's not serious, then why is she in the hospital? Sandy's boss got on the phone and told her not to worry about hurrying back to work. The company wanted her to get well, not to worry about the expense. They would hold off any decision regarding her employment.
"Ron, that's marvelous and I'm overwhelmed, but I've already made my decision." In fact, she had just decided after talking with Raymond. Helping him was unfinished. No way could she leave town with Moran winning and the murderer unknown. Also, there was the Chip thing.
She told Ron, "I've decided to stay here until my brother is safely out on bail. It's a circumstantial case. It's entirely possible a confused jury would convict him. I'll do what I can. I don't expect you to hold the job open for me. It may take two weeks or two years. In any case, it's something I have to do. After that, if the company still wants me...well, we'll see."
She awoke late in the afternoon. She tried to pull herself up but was too stiff and sore. She thought about her precious Miata, also crumpled and hurt and beyond all possible healing. Of course, she could buy a new car, but she loved the old one. She wanted it back. They had shared some good adventures until that bastard Pirro tried to bury them both together in that country canal. She would crumple and hurt Pirro, if she had the chance. La Familia must be touchy about strangers nosing around, or maybe she was getting too close to the truth.