The Postman Always Purls Twice Read Online Free PDF

thought she was already on the set?”
    Before anyone could answer, a young woman wearing a dark blue windbreaker with a red cross symbol on the back ran up to Jennifer, obviously a medical technician of some kind.
    â€œNora . . .please check Jennifer first,” Maggie heard Alicia say as she stepped aside so that Jen could be examined.
    Finally, the med tech turned to Alicia and examined her hand. “This is nasty,” Nora said, checking the cut. “I don’t think you need stitches, but I’ll put on a few butterflies.”
    She took out a box of first-aid supplies, cleaned the wound, and applied the bandage, while Jennifer looked on, holding two ice packs, one in each hand, apparently not feeling any aches or pains yet.
    Maggie turned to Suzanne. “Thank goodness no one was seriously hurt. Jennifer jumped under the table just in time. I don’t even want to think about what we could have just witnessed.”
    Suzanne quietly agreed. “It’s a miracle. Let’s not even think about it.”
    Before the friends could say more, Suzanne stumbled to one side and glanced over her shoulder. Someone had pushed her, and rather rudely, as they stomped by.
    Maggie caught sight of a tall man with broad shoulders and long, thick, silver-gray hair combed back straight from his forehead.
    â€œIs she hurt? Did anyone call an ambulance?” the silver-haired man shouted. “Out of the way! Idiots,” he grumbled.
    Just as quickly, he was gone, rushing toward the accident like a heat-seeking missile. Several more people followed in his wake, all talking into their headsets as they trotted after their leader.
    â€œNick . . . for goodness’ sake, calm down. You’ll have another heart attack,” Jennifer greeted him.
    â€œThat must be Nick Pullman.” Maggie could tell from Suzanne’s tone she was quite impressed.
    â€œHe probably calls everyone an idiot. Or worse. I won’t take it personally,” Maggie whispered back.
    â€œUnder the circumstances, I’ll let it slide this time, too,” Suzanne agreed.
    They watched Nick hover over Jennifer alongside Alicia. He conferred with Nora Lynch a moment, then spoke to his wife again. Although Maggie couldn’t hear what he said, it was obvious that he was trying to be certain she wasn’t hurt.
    He held her face in his hands and examined it with narrowed eyes and slow scrutiny. A gesture of cherishing adoration? Maggie wondered. Or was he checking his property for damage, as if she was an expensive car that had just been in a fender bender?
    What a cynical thought, Maggie scolded herself. Of course he’s worried about her safety. Anyone would be, and he’s her husband.
    The medical technician was dismissed and Jennifer was left with the ice packs.
    Maggie heard Jennifer laugh. “I guess you won’t be satisfied until I stick these on something. How about on you, Nick? You’re our fearless leader. You can use some epaulets.”
    Jennifer rose and draped an oblong blue ice pack on each of her husband’s shoulders. Then laughed.
    â€œVery funny.” He stared down at her, unsmiling. “Are you sure you didn’t hit your head?”
    Jennifer mocked an apologetic expression. “A little joke, honey. To lighten the mood? It was an accident. I’d rather get to work and forget all about it.”
    â€œWe have to change the schedule now,” Nick replied sharply. “And find out who hooked up that equipment,” he barked at an assistant nearby. “I’m going to fire their ass.”
    He glanced at his watch. “Damn it . . . look at the time.” He glanced around at the crew, most of whom were staring at him, awaiting instruction. “Close this set and clear this mess away.”
    Several crew members had already started cleaning up, and a few followed Nick like confused goslings as he stomped off, his flock of assistant