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stifled
a yawn. “I am pretty tired.”
    “You must have had a late night.” Anya
grinned. “Up all night with your boss?”
    “I had a lot of work to get through.” She
spoke more sharply than she had intended. Before last night, she would have
laughed with her sister, but was too sensitive to make light of it right then,
though Anya had no idea her teasing had been spot-on the truth. Seeing her
sister flinch, she softened her tone. “Sorry. I’m just tired.”
    Anya lifted one shoulder. “It’s okay. Just
get some rest.”
    Reluctantly, Phoebe got out of the
sumptuous easy chair and walked over to where her sister sat on the queen-size
bed. She bent to hug her. “I feel bad leaving you here alone, kiddo.”
    “I’ll be fine,” said Anya with barely a
tremor in her voice. “It’s just some tests, and I’ve been through most of them
before with Dr. Collins.”
    After a second hug, she stood up. “I’ll be
back to have dinner with you.”
    “How about breakfast? I’m probably going to
be pretty tired after all the poking and prodding.”
    She nodded out of habit before remembering
Anya couldn’t see the motion. “If that’s what you want. I’ll come back in the
morning. You want me to bring you anything?”
    “Are you kidding? Have you seen the menu? I
was reading through it while you completed the paperwork. It’s a feast.”
    “How did you…?”
    “Braille,” Anya said quickly. “Everything
is in Braille too.” A frown distorted her delicate features. “Makes me wonder
what kind of success rate they have, if their facilities are so blind-friendly.”
    “They have to accommodate everyone.” She
cleared her throat, trying to sound cheerful when she spoke again. “It’s all
going to be fine. I promise.”
    Something that might have passed for a
smile crossed her sister’s face. “I know. Now scoot.”
    Phoebe grasped her suitcase and left her
sister’s room. The hallway was as opulent as the rest of the facility thus far,
making her wonder how much of the exorbitant fee she had paid to get Anya in
went to research, and how much went to maintenance of the surroundings. What
did it matter? She would pay twice as much, and gladly, to have Anya’s sight
restored.
    She had deliberately booked lodging within
walking distance of the clinic, but the case was weighing heavy by the time she
walked the three blocks and found the charming bed and breakfast she had
selected. Since their stay could be a long one, she had chosen a place that
would be more like home than a chain hotel. If they were going to be there for
months, she would see about renting an apartment. In the meantime, Honeywell
House would do.
    Mrs. Honeywell herself manned the desk
according to the nameplate. She was in her mid-sixties, pleasantly plump, with
an infectious smile. As soon as she heard Phoebe’s name, her smile widened
further. “Of course, dear. I have your room all ready.” She came out from
behind the desk and took the case from Phoebe before she could protest. “Let’s
get you settled.”
    “But…don’t I need to register?”
    “No need, dear. Your husband saw to all
that already.”
    Phoebe swayed. “My what?”
    A frown furrowed the old woman’s face.
“Your husband arrived a couple of hours ago. He upgraded your room to the
honeymoon suite.” She chuckled.
    “Oh.” Numbly, Phoebe followed Mrs.
Honeywell up the stairs, idly noting the intricate details on the railing and
each balustrade. “I see.”
    “I was sorry to hear your plans had changed
though.”
    “Hmm, yeah.”
    Mrs. Honeywell shook her head. “I love it
when my guests stay with me a while, giving me a chance to get to know them.
It’s a shame you’re checking out tomorrow.”
    Phoebe’s lips tightened. “He—my
husband—told you that?”
    The older woman nodded, apparently
oblivious to her outrage. “He looks like he works too hard, dear. It’s a shame
his business is interfering with your vacation.”
    “Yes, it is.” She