Sisters - By Patricia MacDonald Page 0,65

to.’

Alex and Brian both looked up.

Dory stood in the doorway to the room, watching them coolly. ‘I can stay with her,’ she said.

TWENTY-THREE

‘Excuse me, but who the hell are you?’ said Brian.

Alex smiled. ‘Unce Brian, this is your niece. Dory Colson.’

Brian struggled to control the expression on his face. ‘Really?’

‘Dory, this is Brian Reilly. My mother’s brother. Your uncle.’

‘How do you do?’ Dory asked coldly.

Brian looked somewhat chastened. ‘Nice to meet you.’

‘How did you find me?’ Alex asked Dory.

‘The cops came around,’ Dory said bluntly. ‘They were looking to blame me for this mess.’

‘I told them it wasn’t you,’ said Alex.

Dory shrugged. Then a little smile played around her lips. ‘I hear that Remus saved you?’

‘It’s true,’ said Alex.

‘Told you he was a good dog.’

‘You were right.’

‘So, if you want, I’ll stay in the house with you for a while. I figured you’d be pretty freaked out after this.’

‘I don’t want you to have to do that,’ Alex said.

‘I’m not gonna beg,’ Dory said irritably.

Brian looked pleadingly at Alex. ‘It’s nice of you to offer but I think Alex would be better off at our house.’

‘Whatever,’ said Dory. ‘I just came to make sure she was OK.’

Alex smiled at her. ‘Dory, if you’d be willing to stay with me for a few days, I’d really be grateful.’

‘I said I would,’ said Dory.

Brian shook his head. ‘Alex, I can’t stop you, but I really wish . . .’

Alex took his hand and squeezed it. ‘I know you’re concerned about me. And the truth is that I would feel apprehensive to be there alone. But I’ll feel safe with Dory in the house. Dory and I will be fine together.’ She looked up at Dory. ‘Won’t we?’

The next morning Dory came to the hospital and picked Alex up in Garth’s pick-up truck. ‘I’m not that used to driving anymore,’ she said.

‘It’s like riding a bicycle,’ said Alex. ‘You never forget how.’

‘I’m getting the hang of it back,’ said Dory. ‘I drove my Dad to work this morning and he gave me the truck to use. He said he can take the subway to work for a few days.’

‘Doesn’t he pick things up in his truck?’ Alex asked.

‘He’s got guys who work for him,’ said Dory.

‘How does your mom feel about this?’ Alex asked as she carefully climbed into the cab of the pick-up and settled herself, gingerly fastening her seat belt over her bandaged torso.

‘She feels fine,’ said Dory.

Alex nodded. Probably glad you are not in the house, she thought. ‘Well, thank you for coming for me.’

‘No problem,’ said Dory, concentrating on finding the entrance to the highway exit to Chichester.

Alex had to admit to herself, as the truck bounced along on its worn-down shocks, that she was a little more feeble than she had realized. She had been eager to get out of the hospital, but putting on the clothes and boots which Uncle Brian had brought her had proved to be a challenge. She was exhausted by the time she was dressed. Dory hadn’t been impatient, but she also hadn’t babied her at all. Instead of bringing the truck around for her, Dory had expected her to walk down to the garage and meet her there. It had taken a little doing, but Alex had managed. It was better that way, Alex told herself. Being self-reliant would help her to recover.

Now, as they pulled into the driveway, Alex felt a positive longing to crawl upstairs and into her bed. Just getting released from the hospital and making this short trip home had worn her out.

‘Watch your step,’ said Dory as they descended onto the walkway which they had shoveled, but which was still somewhat packed with snow.

Alex took one step and slid. She managed to keep herself upright but the sudden, jerky motion had caused the wound in her back to throb. She took a deep breath and then looked up. Dory extended a hand to her. Alex took it gratefully, and together they made their way up to the house.

Once she got into the house and managed to slowly climb the stairs to her room, Alex fell onto the bed and into a deep sleep. She was awakened by the sound of someone buzzing the front doorbell. She heard Dory answer it and there was a murmur of voices interrupted by barking. Remus was back. She had asked her uncle about the dog and he explained that Laney Thompson had kept Remus at her house while Alex was in