The Witness Read Online Free PDF Page B

recall her, couldn't describe her. Anonymity was what she sought.
     
Last night, when she finally lay down in the bed in Stephensville Community Hospital, she had been more tired than she remembered being in her entire life. Her whole body was sore and throbbing from the accident. The ordeal of getting out of the ravine had left her with cuts and bruises that hurt worse the longer the night wore on.
     
She had desperately craved oblivion, but she had lain awake throughout the night.
     
Who are you? Who am I?
     
He's my husband.
     
The words had echoed inside her head. From her pillow, she had stared with gritty eyes at the acoustical tile ceiling, replaying those words in her mind and wondering if having spoken them would turn out to be fortune or folly. It was too late now to recall them, and even if she could she wouldn't.
     
His amnesia was only temporary. So, while he was locked in forgetfulness, she had to make the most of it. She hoped this would give her time to save Kevin and herself. After all, saving Kevin was the purpose behind everything she had done thus far. Protecting the baby was worth taking any chance, even one this risky.
     
He had caused quite a scene when informed that he had amnesia. His recovery would require rest and relaxation, the doctor had told him. He would have to take it easy in order for his leg to heal, so why not enjoy the unexpected, imposed vacation? The more pressure he placed on himself to regain his memory, the more elusive it would become. A mind under duress could be stubbornly uncooperative. He was continually urged to relax.
     
But he hadn't relaxed, not even when, at the doctor's suggestion, Kendall carried Kevin into his room. The sight of the child had only increased his agitation, which didn't abate until a nurse took Kevin away.
     
The doctor, much more subdued than he had been earlier, had tried to reassure Kendall. "I recommend that we let him rest undisturbed through the night. Amnesia's tricky. Tomorrow morning when he wakes up, he'll probably remember everything."
     
At first light, she had dressed in a uniform one of the nurses loaned her and anxiously returned to his room. His memory had not been restored during the night.
     
When she walked in, he self-consciously raised the sheet to his waist. The nurse had just completed giving him a bed bath, which had obviously embarrassed him. She withdrew, taking the paraphernalia with her and leaving them alone.
     
Kendall gestured awkwardly. I am sure they both made you feel better."
     
"Some. But I hated it."
     
"Generally speaking, men make terrible patients., She gave him a wavering smile and moved closer. "Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?"
     
"No, I'm fine. Are you okay? You and the kid?, "Miraculously, Kevin and I walked away unScathed., He nodded. "That's good."
     
Kendall could tell that even this much Conversation was taxing him. "I've got some things to attend to» but if you need anything, don't hesitate to call the nurses, They seem competent."
     
Again he nodded, this time without comment She was about to leave, when, as an afterthought' she turned back, leaned over him, and kissed his forehead. His eyes, which had closed, opened suddenly. Their impact reduced Kendall's voice to a hushed whisper. "Rest weld I'll be in to see you later."
     
She hastily left his room. Shortly afterward, She approached a nurse and said, "I need to run some errands. Is there taxi service?"
     
Laughing, the nurse produced a set of car keys. "Forget calling a taxi in this town, honey. My car is Yours to use until my shift ends at three this afternoon. Take my raincoat, too."
     
"Thank you so much." She had welcomed this unexpected generosity. "Kevin needs some essentials and I Can't continue dressing in a nurse uniform. I really need to do a bit of shopping."
     
The nurse gave her directions to Wal-Mart, then said hesitantly, "Forgive me for getting personal, hone,". But, seeing as how your stuff,