Page 108 of Hell Hath No Fury

A text exchange with Eric provided Nell’s room number. Emma walked in to find Nell wearing a hip-to-toe cast, propped up in bed, and Eric in a blue vinyl recliner. Nell’s bedside table held a food tray with a cup of coffee, a can of apple juice, and a container of orange gelatin. Only the coffee appeared to have been touched.

Emma pointed at it. “You need to eat.”

“That’s what I’ve been telling her,” Eric said with a strong hint of exasperation.

Nell wrinkled her nose. “I hate gelatin. Especially orange.”

“Or green,” Emma said, remembering the faces her sister used to make when their mom served the stuff.

“Please,” Nell said, dragging the word out, “get me out of here.”

“They won’t release you until you prove you can keep food down. Not to mention, you have PT in the morning.”

“But I’m bored.”

“Other than being bored, how do you feel?”

“Not bad.”

Emma scrutinized her sister. Nell seemed wide awake. Her pupils appeared normal.

Nell correctly interpreted Emma’s concern. “No, I still haven’t taken any prescription pain killers. I have to tell you though, my leg hurts.”

Emma tensed, terrified the pain would drive her to asking the medical staff for something stronger.

Nell offered a weak smile. “Don’t worry, sis. I can tough it out.”

Emma noticed an assortment of pamphlets next to the untouched food and approached. “What’s this?” She picked up one of the flyers. “Addiction rehab facilities?”

“A lady from social services was in a little while ago.” Eric lowered the leg rest on the recliner. “She left us some reading material.”

Emma glanced from him to her sister. “And?”

Nell fingered through the collection and selected one glossy brochure. “The social services woman recommended this place. It costs a little more money?—”

“Don’t worry about that,” Eric interrupted. “We’ll figure out a way to make it work.”

Emma took the material from Nell and started reading. The facility was located in Allegheny County, about twenty miles away. It boasted multitudes of five-star reviews and offered a wide range of treatment options, from medical to holistic.

Nell pointed at it. “They even have equine-assisted therapy.”

“And yoga and massage.” Emma had to admit, the place sounded like a perfect fit. “Heck, do they allow you to bring guests?”

Eric snickered. “I know, right? I asked the same thing.”

Emma looked around for another chair and found none. The drape was drawn around the second bed in the room, and muffled voices came from within. Nell’s roommate undoubtedly had company who’d claimed all additional seating. Emma elected to sit on the edge of Nell’s bed.

“Where’s Matthias?” Eric asked.

“Meeting with Trooper Fergusson to get an update on Winslow’s homicide.”

“Wait. What?” Nell pushed herself up in bed and winced. “Patrick Winslow’s dead? When did this happen?”

Emma updated her on what she knew, keeping her voice low and hoping Nell’s roommate wasn’t eavesdropping.

“They better not look at me,” Eric said at a whisper. “I was at home with no car.”

“I’m pretty sure they don’t suspect you took a ride share to the Powell farm to commit murder and arson. Matthias, on the other hand…”