The Survivor by Iris Johansen

Author:Iris Johansen [JOHANSEN, IRIS]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published: 2023-06-06T00:00:00+00:00

“You’re back!” Bailey ran to meet them at the door when Maya and Riley walked into the suite fifteen minutes later. Her face was flushed with pleasure as she reached out to hold Riley’s hand. “We’ve just finished making the stew and while it cooks, Tashi said I could do a sketch of you, if you don’t mind?” She turned to Maya. “Would it be okay? I don’t think they’re going to stay long. I’d like to have something to remember them by.”

“It’s entirely up to Riley,” Maya said. “It would make Bailey happy if you wouldn’t mind sparing ten minutes or so. She’s very quick.”

Riley shrugged. “If you like. It really doesn’t matter.”

“Sit down. I’ll get you a cup of coffee.” Maya disappeared into the kitchen.

Riley smiled at Bailey. “Though I don’t know why you think we won’t be staying long. Your mother just showed me some wonderful Greek vases with beautiful ladies riding fantastic horses. This entire place is very interesting.” She was looking around the apartment, which was charmingly decorated in a colorful Asian/modern fusion. She gestured to some sketches on the wall. “Did you do all these? They’re very good. I’d be happy to join them.” She watched Bailey take out her sketchbook, sit down on the floor with legs crossed, and begin to sketch. “But I’m sorry that I don’t have a horse to ride like that lady on the vase.”

“That doesn’t matter,” she said absently. “I can draw a horse anytime. All I have to do is go down to the stable. But people are almost always different and special once you see inside them. I don’t think Mama would have brought you if you weren’t special.” She was drawing swiftly. “I think maybe you’re like Mr. Cade who knows how to fix things.”

“Where did you get that idea?” Riley asked. “Cade and I are very different.”

“You can’t fix things?”

She thought about it. “Well, I’ve been trained to heal sick people. I guess you could say that’s a form of fixing things.”

“Sure it is.” Bailey looked up with a brilliant smile. “Fixing is fixing. I knew Mama wouldn’t bring you unless you could help.”

“Stop chattering and finish your sketch, Bailey.” Maya was back with a cup of coffee. “You and Tashi promised to feed us lunch.” She handed the cup and saucer to Riley. “Sorry to waste your time. I guess you’ve discovered Bailey can be very driven when it comes to any idea she gets into her head.”

“She doesn’t mind,” Bailey said. “Did you know she heals people sometimes?”

“Yes, I’ve seen her do it very recently,” Maya said. “But she’s not here to do that. We have other, more important things that need doing. Have you finished the sketch?”

“Yes.” Bailey got to her feet. “Thank you for allowing me to sketch you, Riley. If it’s all right with you, I will hang it on the wall. Anytime you come back you’ll see it and know I’ve been thinking about you.”

“What a lovely thought,” Riley said.

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