Gates of Paradise (Casteel 4)

"Just take her up," Tony repeated. "Quickly."

"Stop this. Put me down," I demanded. Parsons and the handyman looked at Tony again, but what they saw in his face made them continue.

"Sorry, miss, but if Mr. Tatterton thinks this is best for you, we'd better do it."

"Oh, all right," I said, seeing how I was only putting the servants in a difficult position. "Do what he wants."

"Very good, miss." They lifted me easily and carried me up the stairs.

"You can put me down now," I said when we reached the upstairs floor. "I'll wheel myself to my room."

As I went through the outer door, I pulled it closed behind me. It slammed shut and then I sat in silence, confronting my bed, my walker, my medical facilities. It was all so depressing after being outside. I was determined to end this now. Luke was sure to get my message and come to visit.

And when he did, I would demand he take me home.

And I would leave this place, this house full of ghosts and haunting memories and painful times.

Luke and I had lost our fantasy world, perhaps, but we would have each other. It was that thought and that thought alone that made me determined to leave.

TWENTY A Prisoner's Escape

. Exhausted from my first outing, my efforts to walk, and Tony's dramatic outrage, I wheeled myself to the bed. Just as I lifted myself out of the chair and leaned over the bed, Tony came through the door.

"Annie, you should never, never close your door," he chastised. "How will I know when you need something? And look at you struggling to get back into bed. You should have realized I would be right up to help you." He pulled the wheelchair back and then swung my legs up and onto the bed.

"I can do it myself," I insisted.

"Oh, Annie. You're just like Heaven--stubborn. The two of you could rile up a preacher."

"The two of us?" I swung around. "Mommy's

dead . . . dead!" I screamed. I was so tired and so

mentally exhausted, I had no tolerance for his confusions.

"I know that, Annie," he said softly, closing and

opening his eyes. "I'm sorry, sorry I had to be so

rough with you downstairs, but you did a very bad

thing, and I was just overwhelmed by it all." "It's all right, Tony. All right," I said, not wishing to prolong any discussion. I wanted only to get myself into bed, rest, eat my dinner, sleep, and

wait for Luke's arrival.

"No, it's not all right, but I'll make it up to you.

I promise. You'll see. There are so many things I want

to do for you now, Annie, things I will do, things

could have done for Heaven if only she would have

let me."

"Okay," I said. I closed my eyes and then felt

his hand on my forehead.