Page 98 of Her Dom's Secret Past

“It will soon stop. You’re going to get better.”

I sat sort of half-lying with my face as close as possible to Anabelle’s. Later in the morning, we both raised our heads as Becky and Cass came into the room. Becky held out a bag.

“I brought you some stuff.”

Inside were toiletries and clothing.

“You left these at my place last month and I figured you’d need something to go home in. Don’t know what happened to your clothes or your shoes. Guess the ambulance people cut them off you.”

At those innocent words, Anabelle burst into loud sobs. None of us knew why and we stared at each other as I tried to calm her.

“Sweetie, what is it?”

She waved a hand, trying to get herself under control. When she finally stopped crying, she rubbed her nose carefully.

“I’m okay. I … It’s … what he did to my clothes.”

My heart plummeted. I never thought. When I’d seen she was naked, I’d made the same assumption that the paramedics had done it.

I whispered, “Hush, forget him. It’s okay.”

Becky gasped. Horrified she said, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“It’sokay, Becks. I guess I’ll be doing this crying lark all the time for a while.” Anabelle sniffed and tried to carefully dry her eyes.

Becky was still mortified and Cass gave her a hug. I could see tears in her eyes, that she’d unwittingly caused her friend more pain. I got up and gave her a kiss, telling her it would be okay. When I sat again, Anabelle nodded to her friend through her tears.

“Honestly, Becks, it honestly is okay. How on earth would you have known?”

“But I should have, I should have thought.”

“Stop it, please. Can we change the subject?”

Becky sniffled, nodded, and then gave a watery grin. Cass pulled over a chair and she sat down while Cass put the things away and out of sight.

“Belle, when do they let you out?”

“They’d better let me home Sunday.”

I was worried she may not have recovered enough as I said carefully, “Sweetheart, if they have to keep you longer it’s because you need it.”

“They said Sunday and I’m going home Sunday.”

Her voice dared anyone to contradict her. I kept quiet but crossed my fingers nothing would go wrong. I thought she’d explode if the staff insisted she stay longer. The four of us talked about nothing in particular with Anabelle snoozing on and off until her lunch was delivered. We got a message from Inspector Clemson, saying he’d be in sometime tomorrow. He’d been delayed but would go over things with Anabelle. She looked worried, but I told her I’d be there the whole time.

In the evening, Justin and Charlie arrived. Charlie told her he’d changed the booking with the reporter for four weeks’ time.

“She was fine with the change. She’d read the papers and asked if you were okay.”

“Papers?”

“Sorry, Belle, you made front page news.Bridal Boutique Owner Kidnapped. Mind you, we’ve had about a dozen calls asking for you to design their wedding outfits. I guess some good always comes from bad.”

“I’d much rather not have that sort of publicity.”

“Anyway, the reporter is fine with having to wait. She said she’ll get the article together and you can actually approve it on the day rather than after.”

“Oh, that’s nice of her. She seemed lovely when we spoke at the Expo.”