Read Accidental Love for Free Online Page A

guess all that matters is that you're alive."

    "Yes, I was very lucky that Miss Cartwright came along when she did. Who knows how long I was lying there."

    "Well, if I could just get your address and phone number for the report, we'll be all set. I have to tell you that there isn't much to go on so don't get your hopes up. Unless this guy is stupid enough to be driving around with a lot of front end damage and admits to being on Madison last night, there's not really much we can do."

    "I understand," Rose said quietly. She didn't expect them to find the man that hit her. "I don't have a phone but my address is 98 Morris Street." Veronica's emotions alternated between relief at having such a disinterested cop investigating the accident and guilt at the fact that she was lying to protect her own skin at the expense of Rose's peace of mind.

    "Well, I guess if there's anything I missed, we can find you here. From the looks of your legs I don't think you'll be going anywhere for a while." Veronica bristled at the comment but Rose appeared unaffected.

    "Thank you," the young woman said. The cop turned toward the door and noticed a friend of his walking down the hall.

    "Hey John, wait up. Ladies, thank you. I'm sure I have all I need right now." He was gone before either could respond.

    "They're not going to find him, you know," Rose said quietly. "I know life isn't like television. They don't even know what kind of car to look for." She shifted slightly, grimacing at the pain that was now her constant companion. "Doesn't matter anyway," she sighed. "The damage is done. Even if they did find him it wouldn't make my legs heal any faster."

    Veronica didn't know what to say and was grateful when the television vendor walked in. "Good afternoon Miss…" She looked down at her clipboard. "Grayson. Would you like your TV turned on?"

    "No thank you," Rose said quickly.

    "Why not?" Veronica asked, although she was certain she knew the answer.

    "I don't like television."

    "Uh huh." The raven haired woman turned toward the vendor. "Turn it on and leave it on for as long as Miss Grayson is here."

    "It's three dollars a day, twenty dollars per week."

    "Fine." Veronica picked her attaché off the floor and pulled out her wallet. "Here." She handed the television woman two twenties.

    "Very well." She made a notation on her clipboard, then reached behind the TV and unlocked the attached box. A few seconds later the set hummed to life with Judge Judy yelling at the defendant on her courtroom style show.

    "There, now you'll have something to help you pass the time," Veronica said after the vendor left.

    "You didn't need to do that," Rose replied, feeling very uncomfortable. "I would have been fine without it. You were in my apartment. You know I don't own a TV." She sighed. "Besides, whatever they're giving me for the pain makes me tired. I don't know how much I would watch. Certainly not twenty dollars worth."

    "Let's make a deal here, okay? You need help and I want to help. Now the television is paid for. You can either accept it and enjoy it or you can leave it off and stare at a blank screen all day."

    The noise from the television interrupted their conversation. "…and if you think for one minute that I believe that some stranger broke into your apartment and stole everything that belonged to your roommate here and left all of your stuff behind then you're a complete idiot. I wasn't born yesterday, Mister Richards. Judgment for the plaintiff in the amount of six hundred fifty three dollars and twelve cents. Case dismissed." Veronica looked over to see Rose watching with complete interest.

    "It's like being in court," the young woman said, her attention never leaving the set.

    "It's a good show."

    "Is it on every week?"

    "Every day, Rose. You can watch it every day at noon." She smiled and whispered conspiratorially. "I'm too busy to watch it when it airs but I tape it and catch up on the weekends."

    "Thank you," the