FIFTY

“WHERE am I?”

“A safe place . . .”

I felt a soft bed under me. Warm covers over me. There was a fire crackling somewhere, and something squeezing my arm, then a whoosh of air, and the tightness released.

“Your blood pressure’s better.” The deep voice was quiet but firm. “You’re doing well.”

Looking up, into the man’s eyes, I lost my tongue for a moment. Azure blue like that you didn’t see every day. “Who are you again?”

“A friend. A good one. You’re safe with me, Clare. Just close your eyes and rest.”

“Ressst . . .”