When the greetings were over, Olivia said, “Ana… to say thank you just isn’t enough, but it’s all I’ve got for now. You’re a big part of the reason Valerie and I are alive.”
“Oh no,” Ana replied. “It was Ben who risked his life. I came along when the worst was over. But I’m sure glad I ignored his order to stay put and followed him to the house anyway.”
“How did you know where to go?” Hugh asked.
“Just lucky. I found a business card on his nightstand with a Spanish address scribbled on it. I didn’t know if that was where he’d gone, but why else would he have it? That was the only clue.”
In a vain attempt at humor, Olivia said, “Perhaps a second career as a detective?”
A collective smile was all they could muster before her parents expressed their appreciation to Ana and shared the new information just received about those involved. She tactfully tried to change the subject— to find out where Ben was and how Valerie was doing. Paris said that of course she needed to know what was going on with Valerie and suggested they go out into the hallway. She then explained about Valerie’s lapse in awareness and the refuge she seemed to be taking in the past. Ana’s expression made it clear that she was concerned, not only for Valerie, but for the situation’s effect on Ben both now and in the weeks to come.
Paris knew immediately what was bothering Ana. She took Ana’s hand, looked her straight in the eye and said, “My dear, you do know that Ben is just doing what the doctor has advised… keeping her calm until she’s a bit stronger and can be evaluated by a neurologist or psychiatrist.” Ana nodded, and Paris added, “Regardless of what’s going on right now, that relationship has been over in every respect for a long time now. Most of their impulsive marriage was a very unhappy time for Ben, but he put forth great effort before admitting it was over and that he no longer loved her.”
Ana looked down and said, “With what Valerie went through I was feeling quite guilty for thinking about myself.”
“Nonsense! That’s just being human. Be patient. Her parents will soon be on their way here to take charge of her care. I’m quite sure that as soon as she’s strong enough they will have her airlifted either to London, or if she’s up to it, the States.” Paris paused for a moment then corrected her statement. “Maybe it will be better to have her in London where she can be seen by the psychiatrist she knows.” She led Ana by the hand back into the cubicle then turned to Hugh and said, “What was her name? Valerie’s psychiatrist?”
“Dr. Locksley… Kate, I think. If Valerie doesn’t snap out of this, Locksley would be their best bet.”
Paris agreed and pointed out that her parents could have an extended stay in London ahead of them. She was sure they would prefer to take Valerie ‘home’ and realized there was no point in further discussion of the matter. Paris sat down on the bed near Olivia and took her hand. Hugh gestured that Ana should take the chair then he settled on the edge of the nightstand and put his arm around Paris. She felt better for having spoken with Paris, who urged her to tell Hugh more of the details of her experience.
Just as she was preparing to bring up the subject, the curtains were pushed aside and Ben came through. The first thing he saw was Ana, who jumped out of the chair like a startled rabbit. He seemed slightly irritated, yet glad to see her in spite of it. Over a week ago he had realized that she was a woman to whom orders would mean nothing— if she had her own agenda. Better that he weigh his words in the future. Perhaps she would be more amenable to the word ‘request.’ And yet that rebellious quality had helped save two lives.
“Ben, I couldn’t sit in that room any longer, again, waiting for the phone to ring,” she said, her tone mildly defiant.
“I get it, Ana, but one of these days you could find yourself in a dangerous situation by not paying attention to someone concerned for your safety.”
Ben’s words made her feel like an errant child, but one who could, when warranted, defend her actions. “Well, this was not one of those cases. I shall, however, take heed of your counsel in the future.”
Her formal choice of language caused everyone to chuckle softly, which diffused the moment of tension between the two. Ben sighed and shook his head in mock frustration. Hugh then pointed out that Ana was a journalist, and waiting around wasn’t in their handbook. Ana felt that the comment was his way of chastening Ben for being cross. Yet she knew that his short fuse had to be the result of this latest complication. They both thought the worst was over, but now there was Valerie.
She longed for that time, not long passed, when in spite of the escalation of violence it was just the two of them—each protecting the other in different ways. Once again she remembered the flowers, the scent of leather as he drew her close—but most of all, the kisses. If she closed her eyes, she could almost feel them again. And the fact was, she liked what he had just said to her. It showed that he cared. But those brief moments of indulgence in the countryside had been their only real physical connection. From that point on, their energies were completely focused on Olivia and Valerie. Throughout, Ana’s main function
