Edward waved to them, rose and came out as expected.
“How’s she doing?” Wes asked.
“Sleeping like a babe,” Edward said. “I haven’t had a chance to talk to her yet, but she may wake up at any time, so... I’ll be here,” Edward said.
“May I run in while you’re out?” Amelia asked. “They say that sometimes, when people are sleeping or even in a coma, they can hear you. I just want her to know that we all really care. And, Edward! We care about you, too!”
Edward smiled. “Thanks, Amelia. Thanks so much. Um, sure, I’ll chat with these guys for a minute,” he told her, indicating Wes and Chloe.
Amelia headed toward the door to the room. But as she did, Wes lowered his head and smiled.
George had already taken up a new position by Sally’s bedside. Amelia couldn’t touch her or get close without George right there to stop her if she attempted anything even remotely harmful.
“Well, I still don’t get it. I mean, I even knew about Sally’sallergies. She’s so careful. I don’t know how she got hold of anything that had nuts in it in anyway,” Edward said. He sighed. “I called the ship’s main chef. He assured me that they’re very careful these days. An allergy to nuts is apparently far more common than anyone might imagine. And deadly for far too many people.” He looked at Wes. “Someone had something... but not in our group, I don’t think. She mentioned her allergy when several of us were together.”
“Several as in those teaching and speaking for the tech industry?” Wes asked him.
Edward nodded. “I don’t remember exactly who was around, but... I don’t know. From the time I met Sally, there was just something about her. I enjoy her company so much. She’s just nice, I mean, not an evil or mean bone in her body. I’ve spent a lot of my life fighting to get to the top. And I’m around people all the time still fighting to get to the top. Sally has no ulterior motive. She isn’t trying to get anywhere, she just honestly likes me for me!”
“Edward, you’re a nice man. That’s not so shocking,” Chloe told him.
Wes realized that while they were carrying on a serious conversation, none of them looked at one another.
They were all watching through the windows.
Amelia was sitting by the bed with George not even a foot away.
At last, she stood and came out. “Still sleeping! Well, maybe she’ll be okay and up and cheerful in a bit!” she said. “I’m heading on out for the night!”
They bid her good-night.
George was looking through the window at them. He gave Wes a solid nod and Wes knew that George suspected something had been done to the woman.
He probably had the same question.
Why?
But George’s job was to keep watch over her and Edward.
And it was their job to find out just what the hell was going on.
“I think I may turn into a pumpkin soon myself,” Chloe said. “Let’s head on up and get some sleep. Edward, if you need us for anything—”
“I know where to find you. And thank you.”
They left the room and headed for the elevators. Amelia and the others had already disappeared.
“We could go watch Gina and Daniel dance,” Chloe said. “But—”
“But I think we’ve done all that we can for the day. And tomorrow... Well, a dive can be dangerous.”
“Do you really think—”
“Doesn’t matter what I think. Only that we’re completely vigilant!” Wes said, shaking his head.
Stepping out of the elevator, they almost ran into Celia and Jeff.
Wes quickly slipped his arm around Chloe’s shoulders. He realized that yes, it was the gesture of a “married” man.
