Chapter 55 Section VII

Beth's hair was combed neatly, although there was still some sand in it.Her tanned cheeks were less pale, and the dark spots around her eyes had faded.Her blue-gray eyes sparkled again.She was as beautiful as ever. "You don't know how much I worry about you." Decker stroked her cheek. "Hi, I'm strong." "It does. Does it hurt badly?" "The wound was throbbing and painful. Have you found out what happened? Have the police found out who broke into your house?" "Not yet." Decker avoided her gaze. "Tell me everything," insisted Beth.

"I don't understand you." "I should know more about you, though you don't think so," said Beth. "You're keeping something from me." "It may not be the time to discuss this issue." "I'm begging you, don't hide anything from me." Decker exhaled. "The detective in charge of the investigation...his name is Esperanza...he thought it was a deliberate incident, that the people who broke in were here to kill me." Beth's eyes widened. "I can't think of a reason why anyone would want to kill me," Decker lied, "but Esperanza thinks I should be more careful until I find out. A cop follows me, Right out in the aisle, he drove me here. He was like... I guess you'd call him a..."

"What do you call him?" "My bodyguard. And..." "Tell me everything." Decker gazed lovingly into her eyes. "You mean too much to me. I don't want to put you in danger again. In my opinion, after you leave the hospital, it's better for us to not see each other for a while." "Why can't we meet?" Beth curled her legs and sat up straighter. "What would it mean to me if you got shot again? It's too dangerous. We'll have to part ways until Esperanza finds the answers he's looking for, until he declares the danger over."

"But it's absurd." The door opened suddenly.Decker turned sharply, not knowing what to expect, and he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that it was the diminutive doctor he had seen when Beth was admitted. "Aha," said the doctor, straightening his glasses, "Mr. Decker, you must be as happy as I am to see Ms. Dwyer getting better." Decker tried to hide his nervousness in talking to Beth. "Yes, she recovered better than I expected." The doctor walked over to Beth. "Actually, I'm very happy because you can come out of the hospital."

Beth looked as if she had misheard him. "Get me out of the hospital?" She blinked. "Is it now? Are you kidding me?" "It's absolutely true. Why, you don't seem happy?" "I'm so happy." Beth gave Decker a meaningful look. "It's just that everything that happened is not happy..." "Well, now that you have heard the good news," said the doctor, "rest in your own bed, surrounded by familiar things, and you will be happier in no time." "Soon," Beth repeated, casting another glance at Decker. "I stopped by your place to bring you some clothes." Decker handed her the shopping bag he was carrying. "No fancy clothes, just a pair of jeans, a jumper, tennis shoes and socks, and underwear." He felt a little uncomfortable when it came to the last item.

"I asked the nurse to bring a wheelchair," said the doctor. "But I can go," said Beth. The doctor shook his head. "Our security measures will not release you unless you are in a wheelchair. Other than that, you can do whatever you like." "At least, can I get dressed without the nurse watching over me?" "With a broken arm? Are you sure you can do it?" "Of course." Beth noticed that the hospital gown she was wearing was tightly wrapped.So she asked the doctor and Decker to help her out of bed. "Look, I can do it." Beth stood alone, looking a little off balance because her right arm was in a sling. "I can do it."

"I'll help you get dressed," Decker said. "Steve, I..." "what?" "I don't feel attractive at the moment. Honestly, I'm dirty and embarrassed." She blushed. "I want to dress alone." "You have nothing to be ashamed of. But if you really want to get dressed by yourself, well, I'll wait outside in the passage. The police will take us home when you're ready. If you really need help, then ..." "Then I will definitely call you."