Chapter 11 - The Word She Could Say
The alarm sounded because Claire's breathing had become rapid while she struggled to speak. The nurse adjusted her position, checked the readings and asked Daniel to give her space. Within minutes, her pulse steadied.
Dr. Shah arranged for a speech therapist to help Claire communicate without exhausting herself. At first, Claire could manage only a few words. Sometimes she pointed to a picture on a laminated card. Sometimes she shook her head and cried when her fingers wouldn't obey her.
The next morning Daniel brought an album of photographs from Emma's preschool class. Claire studied one picture for almost a minute, then managed a crooked smile. Her right hand trembled when she reached for the page.
"Em," she whispered.
"Emma is coming to see you after the therapist says it's all right."
"Sorry."
"No," Daniel said at once. "Don't apologize for being hurt."
By afternoon she could write two uneven words with her left hand on a small pad: TOLD ME.
"Mallory told you something?" Daniel asked.
Claire nodded once. Her eyes filled. The therapist suggested a break, but Claire pushed the pad toward him. One more word appeared beneath the first two.
STAY.
Daniel thought of the message on Claire's phone: WEAR THAT CROSS AND YOU'LL REGRET IT. Mallory had not acted on a sudden flash of surprise. She had threatened Claire before the service.
Then the therapist took the pad gently and asked Claire whether she wanted to continue another day. Claire nodded, exhausted. Daniel kissed the back of her hand and stepped into the corridor.
May you like
His attorney was waiting near the elevators.
"The prosecutor has formally filed an assault charge against you," Monroe said. "We need to talk about what you can admit and what you still want to fight."
