Nikki sobbed and replaced her head on her sister’s hip and closed her eyes as the tears refused to stop. She had never known that much pain until that moment, and as if in defense, she drifted off into a short sleep.
She startled herself awake a couple of minutes later, surprised that she’d dozed off. The loud beeping continued in the background, but there was no point in remaining through the night. The doctors weren’t hopeful she’d awaken soon, but until then, Nikki would be where Trish needed her most.
She might be in Camano longer than she’d planned.
Nikki called a cab to drop her off at Trish’s house, and as soon as she returned, she climbed into the hot tub. It soothed her body and washed away some of the melancholic feelings.
Half an hour later, she climbed out and donned her sister’s bathrobe. It made her feel closer to Trish and comforted Nikki in a small way.
Paul showed up later that evening, which was a welcomed visit. She didn’t want to be alone with her thoughts, and she was happy to have a familiar face she could rely on.
He told her to relax while he whipped up something for them to eat. It turned out to be grilled salmon, asparagus, and garlic mashed potatoes.
“Wow,” Nikki exclaimed when he presented the dish. “You made this?”
Paul knitted his brows. “You know I’m a chef, right?”
“Oh right, Lot 28,” Nikki said. “Forgive me.”
He chuckled. “Nothing to forgive.” He sat on the barstool next to her by the kitchen island as she picked at the meal. It tasted great, and the salmon melted in her mouth like butter, but she wasn’t of the mind to appreciate it as she should.
“How did the accident happen?” Nikki asked as she slid a stalk of asparagus around her plate.
“From what the police report says, she was slammed from behind, and the force of the impact pushed her into a utility pole. The car sort of wrapped around it. The guy was speeding,” Paul reported. “He didn’t make it, unfortunately, and now Trish is fighting for her life because of it.”
Nikki’s heart grew heavy again after he gave her the rundown. “Wow.”
“That’s the simple way to put it,” Paul agreed.
“What was she like?” She kept her head down as she stared at the plate. She couldn’t believe she had to ask that question about her own sister.
“She was great,” Paul told her. “Everyone loved her. She was kind and giving. She volunteers at the Humane Society. She is so into animals, but she didn’t get one for herself. She is a member of the board, but she’s always giving to the community in one way or another. As you can imagine, everyone is rooting for her to pull through.”
“I can imagine.” Nikki sighed.
“You know, with Trish out for the moment, the board hopes you’ll fill in until she returns. Trish was a big part of this huge event they’ve been planning for next week.”
“I’ll do it,” Nikki said right away.
Paul chuckled. “Really? They’ll be delighted to hear that.”
“I’ll do anything I can while I’m here and for as long as I’m needed.”
“What about your job?” Paul asked with concern.
“I’m a journalist. I can write from anywhere,” she reminded him.
“It’s settled then,” he said and leaned forward on the counter. “I’ll let them know.”
Nikki nodded, happy that she was able to help in some small way.
* * *
Nikki’s curiosity got the better of her when she arrived at Frank Lynch’s office the following day.
"I have to admit I'm a little curious about why I’m here,” she said as the man directed her to the leather chair facing him.
He’d aged a little since the last time she’d seen him, but he still appeared stately, only showing signs of his aging at his temples. His face was solemn and sincere yet gentle, and she appreciated his calmness.
