Deadline Page 42

Without opening her eyes, Caroline heard Kristy return to the room, mumbling about the icy temperature. She checked the vents, but they were already closed.

  "Why is it still so cold in here?" Kristy complained in a whisper. She tucked a blanket to Caroline's chin to ensure she kept warm.

  "What in the world? Did she get out of bed to do this? I'm gonna rip that girl apart if she did."

  Caroline finally greeted the light, prying open her heavy lids and yawned. "What'd I do this time?"

  Kristy spun around in surprise. "Nothing." Kristy looked back at the dressing table before facing Caroline again with a frown. "Did you get up for anything?"

  "No, why? What's wrong?"

  "It's no big deal, just something. . .strange. That's all. The flowers. . . Don't worry about it."

  Caroline zeroed in on Kristy's confusion.

  "What? What about the flowers? What is it? What'd you see?"

  Kristy stared at the peculiar flowers, seemingly waiting for an answer to the riddle to instantly pop up. "Well, when I came in just now I found three orchids lying in the shape of an F on this dressing table. I hadn't removed them from the cart, and I'm certain nobody else has been in here during the short time I was downstairs. It's just very odd, that's all. No big de—Caroline, what the hell? You're white as a sheet! Are you okay?"

  All the blood had drained from Caroline's face. "No way," she whispered. "It's impossible."

  "What? What's impossible, honey? What are you talking about? Do I need to call your doctor?"

  Her heart pounded so fiercely, Caroline felt she could pass out at any moment. If proof was what she needed, she got it.

  "Caroline Fontenot, you better tell me right now. Nursing is your thing, not mine. Do I need to call your doc—"

  "Rachel," she whispered.

  "What?"

  "It's Rachel. She's here. Now."

  Thirty-One