Pushing Murder Read Free Page B

I said helplessly. “Not one thing.” I explained how mundane the past year had been. Then I added, “You were an astute guy to notice the sugar, Dan. I really owe you.”
    He sat forward. “Actually, it was one of those little pink saccharin packets. I was standing near the rack when they brought the trays up—”
    My eyes had locked with Sadd’s, and Dan picked up on it at once.
    â€œThat’s what you use?”
    I nodded, and at that moment into the room walked Henry, Tina, Paula, and Dr. Cullen. Jolted though I felt, I managed, with Sadd’s help, to make introductions. Then Dan said, “Back to my post,” and went out.
    It was the first time I’d seen Dr. Cullen except through a sort of haze. She was very tall, dark haired, dark eyed, and at the moment very businesslike. She said at once, “Mrs. Gamadge, I’m absolutely opposed to your going home.” She took my hand and held it firmly. “I’m appalled at your situation, but it appears that you’re well protected and I feel it’s essential that you stay here a few more days and be monitored. At your age…”
    She went on to rub it in about my age, and everybody stood looking glum. She ended by saying that she perfectly understood our terrible anxiety and concern, but if they or I insisted on my being removed, she would have to resign all responsibility.
    I spoke up, trying to sound spunky and with it. “Dr. Cullen is absolutely right. I stay.” I looked at my daughter. “And you darling, go at once back to your family.”
    Paula burst into tears and cast herself upon me sobbing that, yes, Henry was taking her to the airport at five but how could she bear to leave when … et cetera, et cetera. I patted and consoled her, promised I would come to Boston right after Christmas, and Tina took her into the bathroom to mop up. No one else had moved, and Dr. Cullen, whom I’d have expected to flee during such a pitiful outburst, had stood motionless and grave throughout. Now she said quietly, “You all have my total sympathy. I’ll be honest—this experience is a first for me. I’ve had some unusual cases, but I’ve never encountered—er—”
    â€œâ€”a nice elderly lady with a contract out on her,” said Sadd.
    I giggled weakly, and Henry looked as if he was trying not to. The nurse came back in with my pill, and Dr. Cullen said, “This tranquilizer should help.” I gulped the huge thing, and she went on, moving toward the door, “We’ve thought it best not to discuss this matter with the floor staff. Sister Agnes has been told that the surveillance is required to protect you from an undisclosed threat—”
    â€œI love euphemisms,” murmured Sadd.
    â€œâ€”and she understands that your meals will be brought up from the cafeteria by your family or the person guarding you.” Dr. Cullen suddenly stopped, briskness gone, and came back to my bed. “I wish there were something I could do.”
    I held out my hand. “You’ve done it, Doctor, and we thank you. May I call you in the middle of the night if need be?”
    She reached for a pad on my bedside table and scribbled. “Here’s my number at home. Call it whenever you please.”
    â€œYou’re a peach.”
    She went out, and as he opened a brown paper bag, Henry said, “Let’s have some wine and then a conference.”
    A corkscrew was produced, Tina and Paula emerged from the bathroom, and I asked them to collect the plastic glasses and rinse them.
    â€œYou’ve been tippling already?” said Tina.
    â€œYes. Sal and Dwight were here with champagne.”
    â€œHow’s the store going?” asked Henry.
    â€œSuper, I’m glad to say.”
    â€œClara’s just had a pill, so she’ll pass.” Sadd accepted a glass from Tina.
    â€œLike fun I will.”
    â€œMom!” Paula had