InSight

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. It’s been a stressful day.” She refused to tell him about the ethics committee, sure he’d feel responsible. Someone was out to get her, and they were using Luke as a means to do it.
    “Email me in the morning when you get up,” he said.
    Abby nodded.
    “Will you be all right?”
    “I’ll be fine.”
    “I’ll stay if you want. On the sofa. In my car. Whatever.”
    Abby laughed and touched his arm. “Thanks, but I’m okay.”
    “If you’re sure. Lock up after me and go to bed.”
    “Yes sir.” She walked him to the door. He put his hand around her waist and kissed her cheek. She let him out, took off her bloody clothes, and fell into bed naked, her nightly beauty regimen the last thing on her mind.

Chapter Eight
    Ethics Be Damned

    A bby awoke Saturday morning and pressed the button on top of the clock. “Ten o’clock,” a clear voice announced. Unwilling to abandon the comfort of her bed, she rolled over and hugged her pillow. She couldn’t run this morning. Every bone in her body shrieked from fatigue. She’d call Jackie and suggest a later time.
    She remembered her first trip to the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, not far from the center of town. Scared to death would be an understatement, but everyone helpfully eased her through the difficult transition, teaching her how to live independently. When Jack Todd discovered she’d been a runner, he arranged a time for her to run the track with a guide. As she segued