twenty

Nigel and I changed out of our formal attire and took a quick shower before driving to Cedars-Sinai. There we met with DeDee’s attending physician, Dr. Leah Boht. She was a petite woman with high cheekbones and skin the color of warm caramel. Dr. Boht told us that DeDee had suffered several broken bones in her face, a broken shoulder, and three broken ribs. “She’s a tough lady,” Dr. Boht said. “And damned lucky, too. As bad as it is, it could have been much worse. It’s a good thing that you found her when you did. You saved her life.”

“Is she awake? Can we see her?” I asked.

“I don’t see why not,” said Dr. Boht. “As long as you keep the visit short. However, she may be sleeping. We gave her something for her pain.”

She motioned for us to follow her down the hall to DeDee’s room. “Did she say anything to you?” I asked. “Anything about who did this to her?”

Dr. Boht shook her head. “No, I’m sorry. She hasn’t said anything yet.” She stopped in front of a doorway and motioned for us to go in. “Keep it brief,” she reminded us.

Nigel and I walked into the room. DeDee lay on the bed, her eyes closed. Bandages covered the rest of her face. “Hey DeDee,” I said softly. At the sound of my voice, her eyelids fluttered and opened. Nigel and I smiled at her.

“Hey there,” Nigel said. “How are you doing?”

DeDee’s eyes flickered from Nigel to me and then back to Nigel. “Not so good,” she croaked.

“Well, the doctor tells us that you’re going to be just fine,” I said, taking a step closer to the bed.

“That’s good to know,” she said.

“Do you know who did this to you?” I asked.

DeDee started to shake her head, but the movement caused too much pain. “Where am I?” she asked, her voice groggy.

“Cedars-Sinai Hospital,” I answered as I gently reached for her hand.

“Oh,” she said. After a brief pause, she looked at my hand and then at me, her eyes questioning.

“What is it?” I asked.

DeDee held my gaze. “Well, for starters,” she said, “who are you?”