Eye of the Storm (Hudson 3)

"You can call me Rain," I said. She ignored it

and went to the bed to pull back the blanket. "I'm not

getting into bed just yet," I said more firmly. She stopped and looked at me that twitch

flashing once again.

"If you cooperate, things will be much easier

for you and you'll be much more comfortable. Believe

me."

"Why do you keep saying. believe me?" I

asked.

She stared and then nodded. Her eyes blinked

once with her conclusions about me.

"Very well, I'll see to your things. You can do

as you want and call me when you're ready to get into

bed."

She rolled the blanket back toward the pillow.

"I can do that myself anyway," I said,

She straightened up. Her lips seemed to go back

and back, cutting deeper and deeper into her bloated

cheeks until I could see the white of her teeth in

dramatic contrast to her coal black complexion. "Ms. Randolph hired me to assist you because

I've spent the last twenty years taking care of the

handicapped in hospitals and homes. I've worked

closely with therapists and doctors and nurses. I've

had a half-dozen patients like you.

"You've got some high mountains to climb,

girl," she continued her eyes blazing with indignation

at my audacity in challenging her suggestions and

orders. "Mountains you don't even know are out there

yet. Up to now, you've been in a hospital with roundthe-clock attention, people pawing over you, making

you feel like you're the center of the world.