St Martin's Hospital, early afternoon, Vincenzo [closed]
The doctor had said she was getting stronger by the day and they had been gradually reducing her sedation until now she was hovering between sleep and waking. Her eyelashes fluttered against her cheek and her dry lips twitched.
"Any time now," Romana whispered. "Oh come on, baby. Wake up."
Amarie whimpered and her head turned towards them, then her eyes cracked open showing a rim of white. She blinked then opened her eyes properly.
"Hey," Romana said, smiling and Amarie looked from her to Vincenzo with utter incomprehension.
"Hey sweetie," he said. "You were - hurt. You're in hospital. You're getting well again," he explained and reached to touch Amarie's hand. She gripped his fingers weakly then sighed and closed her eyes again but her heartbeat was steady, her vital signs good.
"Thank God," Romana said and fished for a tissue and Vincenzo put his arms around her so she could cry with relief against his shoulder.
The cop by the door watched for a moment then got up and stepped outside to make a phone call. Larry Benedict knew that Chad Kennard would want to know that she had awoken but first he would call Travis. He had promised after all.