She saw that Renie looked confused. “I have to think it
through, really, I do. By the way, did you notice someone moving around in the ICU while we were there?”
Renie made a face. “I don’t think so. Why? Did
you?”
Judith hesitated. “I did, and my first reaction was
that it was a nurse, but there was something not quite
right about whoever it was. Except for all those monitors with their red, green, and yellow lights, it was
completely dark. I could only make out a form. But
now that I think about it, the person wasn’t wearing a
nurse’s cap or scrubs.”
“It could have been a male nurse,” Renie said. “They
don’t wear caps. It might even have been a doctor.”
SUTURE SELF
257
Judith shook her head. “No. The doctors here wear
either white coats or scrubs. Ditto for the male nurses.
I don’t think this person was dressed like that. But it’s
only an impression.”
“Hunh.” Renie stared up at the ceiling. “Maybe it
was an orderly or the cleaning crew.”
“Maybe,” Judith said, but wasn’t convinced. She remained silent for a few moments, then announced,
“It’s eleven o’clock.”
“Yes.” Renie was trying to get comfortable. “So
what?”
“I want to go to the fourth floor.”
“N-o-o-o,” Renie groaned, pulling the sheet over her
head. “Not tonight. Please, I’m worn out.”
“I’ll go without you,” Judith said with an obstinate
set to her jaw.
“Don’t,” Renie shot back as she emerged from under
the sheet. “You’re as tired as I am. You’ll do yourself
some serious harm. The killer may be loose, and out to
get you. Knock it off.
“I can’t go to sleep until I find out more about Joe’s
condition,” Judith declared, then pointed a finger at
Renie. “I don’t think Torchy’s going to be any help.
Would you go ask Mr. Mummy to check on Joe?”
“Mr. Mummy?” Renie looked startled. “I thought
you didn’t trust him.”
“I’m not sure I do,” Judith said, “but I can’t see any
danger in asking him to peek in on Joe.”
“Other than that Mr. Mummy’s probably asleep,”
Renie responded. “It’s not fair.”
“I’ll bet he wouldn’t mind,” Judith asserted. “He’s
always nosing around, and this would make him feel
useful. Can you ask him?”
“No,” Renie replied, “I’m utterly beat. Dial his room
258
Mary Daheim
