InSight by Polly Iyer Page A

back. “There was something, though. A feeling at the time, but I’ve lost it. It’ll come to me.”
    “We’ll get him, Abby.”
    She wanted to believe him, but how do you find someone who has no motive. “He’s a man with no conscience.”
    “Sooner or later, he’ll make a mistake and we’ll be there.” Luke got up, touched her shoulder. “I’ll be right back.”
    Abby heard him open a door, heard running water, and his footsteps returning. “There’s blood all over your hands.” He scrubbed a soapy paper towel over both hands and another to dry. “That’s better.”
    “Thanks. I’d almost forgotten. I must be a mess.”
    “Nothing a change of clothes can’t fix.” Luke hesitated. “Do you mind if I wait with you?”
    She wished she had the strength to tell him to go, but the words fell uncontrollably from her lips. “No. I’m glad you’re here.”
    He rubbed her neck and massaged her shoulders. His thigh touched hers and his warmth defrosted the icy chill that had settled in her heart. She nestled into the curve of his body and sat that way for half an hour while he stroked her arm. No words passed between them. Whatever needed to be said had already been spoken.
    “Abby?”
    The voice jabbed like a pinprick, pulling her back to the present. She sat up straight. “Yes, Mike?”
    “Daisy’s gonna be fine. She has a laceration on the side of her head. I extracted pieces of wood lodged in the bone and put her on steroids to decrease any possible pressure in the brain. Her pupillary responses are normal, and I don’t see any other neurological signs . There’s no fracture, but I’ll watch for any signs of trauma over the weekend and transfer her to Dr. Daniel Monday morning. We’ll monitor her for a few days to make sure she doesn’t have any seizures. She won’t be ready to lead until then.”
    “But she’ll be all right?”
    “No reason to believe she won’t fully recover.”
    Abby released a long sigh. “Thank God. I thought for sure she was going to die.”
    “ Naw , she has a hard head. Come on in. You can visit, but don’t get her too excited. She’s still a little groggy.”
    “I won’t. Promise.” She stood up and introduced Luke, then he took her arm. “Did you read that? Daisy’s going to be all right.”
    “I did, but I would have known from the smile on your face.”
    They walked together into the back room where Daisy acknowledged her with a series of whimpers. Abby’s smile blossomed.
    “Her head’s sutured,” Mike said, “so keep your hands on her back or stomach.”
    He directed Abby’s hands and she gave Daisy a rub. “It’s okay, Daisy girl. You’re going to be all right.”
    “Do you know who did this, Abby?” Mike asked.
    “No, I wish I did. Why would anyone do this to such a sweet, gentle creature?”
    “The coward should be jailed.”
    “I agree.”
    Luke grazed Abby’s hand as he patted Daisy’s back. They stayed until the dog dozed off, then left.
    “Pete said he’d come back to get me.”
    “I sent him a text that I’d take you home.”
    Abby smiled and reached out her hand. “Thanks for being here, Luke.”
    When they got to Abby’s, Luke checked the house and yard, while Abby collapsed onto the sofa like a bone-tired marathoner.
    “The house is clear. The intruder picked the lock on the fence door. I wedged a big rock against it to keep it closed. I found the stick he used to hit Daisy. The lab will run it for prints, but since you said he wore gloves, I doubt they’ll find anything. I’ve locked the patio door and put the bar in the groove. I’ll come over in the morning to check more thoroughly. It’s too dark now.” Luke paused. “If…if that’s okay with you.”
    “I’d appreciate it. Thanks.”
    “I’ll replace the lock on the fence door and get a key made for the yardman. Remember to put the bar in the sliding door when you come in from outside.”
    “Okay.”
    “You look tired.”
    “Not tired, exhausted.