Read Online Waking Up in Dixie by Haywood Smith - Free Book Online Page B

Elizabeth’s dead body! She managed to remain calm, but it wasn’t easy. “I know you’re worried about him, Augusta, but I’m his wife, and I think this is the best course for now.”
    Livid, her mother-in-law shot daggers in Elizabeth’s direction. “Come, Patricia. The strain of all this has obviously affected your mother’s ability to make rational decisions. I’ll have a talk with Dr. Clare. I’m sure he’ll agree with me that Howell will get the best care at home.”
    For once, Elizabeth didn’t back down. “It doesn’t matter what Dr. Clare thinks,” she said with deadly calm. “I know you’re frantic for Howe. We all are. But I’m his next of kin, and this decision is mine to make, not yours.” She met Augusta’s anger with quiet conviction. “I want him to go to the new hospital. If Dr. Clare won’t refer him, I’ll find someone who will.” She knew Dr. Clare would cooperate, but wanted to make sure Augusta understood what was what. “There will be no more discussion about the matter. It’s for the best. I’m sure of it.”
    “Oh, you’re sure, are you?” Augusta glared at Elizabeth. “Some
stranger
tells you about this new place, and suddenly you’re sure it’s best for Howell?”
    Charles stepped in to defend Elizabeth with, “I love you, Gamma, but if Mama wants to take Daddy there, we all need to respect her decision.”
    Augusta grabbed Patricia’s elbow. “We’ll just see about that. Come, Patricia.”
    Patricia cast her mother, then Howe, a troubled glance, then did as her grandmother commanded. “I’ll call you later, Mama.”
    Charles regarded Elizabeth with concern. “Why don’t you letme drop you off for dinner somewhere nearby? I’ll come back and stay with Dad. It’ll do you good to get away from here for a while.”
    She could use a nice, big salad, and getting out sounded great. “Good idea, but I think I’d rather walk. Clear my head.” The exercise would do her good.
    Charles’s face clouded. “I don’t know. This isn’t Whittington, Mom. It’s Atlanta, and it’s starting to get dark. I don’t think you should—”
    Though she appreciated his concern, she’d have none of that. “I promise to stay out of dark alleys, but Houston’s is just a couple of blocks away, and there are always plenty of people around. I’ll be fine.”
    He frowned. “Call a cab for the ride back, at least. Please. To quote you, ‘I couldn’t stand it if something happened to you, too.’ ”
    “I’ll think about it.” Which meant no. She needed to walk, to stretch her legs, to make a break for it, no matter how brief. She gave her son a hug. “I won’t be long. Call if you need me . . . for anything.” She paused in the doorway. “Want me to bring you something back?”
    A law book in his hand, Charles settled beside his father to study. “Nope. I’ll catch a buffalo burger later at Ted’s Montana.”
    Downstairs, Elizabeth stepped out into the cold, clean air and exhaled the pall of the hospital, then breathed deep of the scent of pine and fresh-mown rye grass. It smelled like hope. Maybe the new hospital could help Howe and end the state of suspended animation they’d all been in.
    At the end of the hospital’s north wing, she crossed the driveway to the cut-through to Peachtree Street, then took the sidewalk toward Houston’s, the Shepherd Center on her left. It felt good to stretch her legs.
    As she neared the sign for the center, she became aware of pounding strides approaching from behind her. Before she could turn to register the jogger, she was crowded hard against the sign by a tall, hooded male figure.
    Frozen with fear, she couldn’t even scream.
    “Didn’t anybody ever tell you it isn’t safe for a beautiful woman to walk alone in this town?” a gruff, familiar voice demanded.
    “P.J.!” Elizabeth reared back in fury and flailed away at him. “You jerk! Didn’t anybody ever tell you it’s inexcusable to scare somebody half to