Rick wanted me to stay in the hospital another night for observation but Isaid enough.
He laid on all the medical authority but nothing helps in the face ofindustrial-strength obstinacy. I called a taxi and checked myself out, carryinga goody bag of painkillers, anti-inflammatories, steroids, and a small-printlist of dire side effects.
Robin had been by earlier. Allison had called once but hadn’t shown up sincethe first time.
“I got to know her,” said Robin. “She’s lovely.”
“Female bonding?” I said.
“She’s nice, that’s all.”
“And you talked about the weather.”
“Egomaniac.” She stroked my hair. “I called you Wednesday because I decidedto move back. Still want that?”
“Yes.”
“Allison’s okay with it.”
“Didn’t know we needed her permission.”
“She adores you,” said Robin. “But I love you.”
I had no idea what that meant. Had regained enough coherence not to ask.
“I told her to feel free to come by to visit you but she wants to give ussome time together. She feels horrible about what happened, Alex.”
“Why?”
“Leading you to Hauser.”
“He had a knife to her throat, she didn’t have much choice. I’m sure Hauserasked around, found out we used to…hang out. Knowing me endangered her. I needto apologize.”
My eyes brimmed with tears. What was that all about?
Robin wiped them. “It’s no one’s fault, Alex, the guy’s obviouslyunbalanced.”
“Now he’ll be an unbalanced cripple. Wonder when the police are coming b............