Sounds of Silence by Elizabeth White

Author:Elizabeth White
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2005-09-06T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Eli knew he was a goner when Isabel—even dressed in a ’70s-era bathrobe and smelling like an ashtray—could make his tongue fall out of his head. He loved the sleepy eyelids veiling those magnetic dark eyes, the blue-black sheen of her hair, and the tiny beauty mark above the corner of her mouth. He loved her laugh and even the sparkle of tears when she got emotional. He loved the way she fit just under his shoulder when he walked beside her.

He was definitely doing a tango with the L word. However, she was going to explain to him why she’d agreed to stay with Pamela Hatcher.

The pediatric ward at suppertime was a zoo: crying babies, nurses hollering for back-up, carts rattling past loaded with metal trays. And the smells…

Eli longed for the relative peace of a good shoot-out.

“So Pam thinks Mercedes is your niece?” He peeled the top off a container of Jell-O and handed it to Mercedes. She beamed at him and began to eat as if it were her last meal on the way to the gallows.

“I think so. I didn’t correct her anyway.” Isabel stood beside Danilo, watching to make sure he didn’t spill milk all over his hospital gown. They’d already changed his sheets twice.

“I’m impressed, Mrs. Valenzuela. Didn’t think you had it in you.” Eli sat down in a visitor’s chair.

Isabel gave him a look. “I am not comfortable with lying to my friend. How can she pray for me if I don’t tell her—”

“Mom,” said Danilo around his straw. “A superhero can’t reveal his identity, remember?”

Eli grinned. If the small-fry got it, surely he could depend on Isabel’s discretion. He relaxed as much as possible in the uncomfortable chair. “I’ve arranged a safehouse for you and the kids. It’ll be ready in a day or two.”

Isabel’s eyes flashed. “I don’t see why that’s necessary. There hasn’t been one sign that anybody’s actually looking for Mercedes.”

“Can we look for Fonzie before we go to the safety house?” Danilo was looking at his mother, wide-eyed at her vehemence.

Eli sighed. “We’ll do our best to find him.” He picked up the TV remote and found a cartoon station. “Here, squirt, finish your milk and watch your cartoons.”

Isabel accompanied him, her reluctant expression making it clear she didn’t want any more bad news. He turned her to face the window and stood behind her, hands on her shoulders. He bent close to her ear. Whew, she stunk of smoke. He smiled in spite of his worry.

“Okay, here’s the deal,” he said, and felt her shiver. “The fire was no accident. I walked through your house with the fire marshal. He hasn’t had time to file the report yet, but there was evidence of arson.”

Isabel had stiffened more with each word until her back shook against his chest. For propriety’s sake he’d left the door wide open. He knew it wouldn’t look right if he pulled her into his embrace.

So he tightened his clasp on her shoulders and softened his voice.

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