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when a Ms. McFarland, rather than the detective, had phoned to let him know his daughter was in hospital. Sick, but safe.
    The woman had sent an essence through the phone line he couldn’t describe. He had to confess that his curiosity had been aroused. For several reasons, he knew it would be a long time before tomorrow afternoon rolled around.
    Colt wasn’t sure he could wait. If he talked to Allie in the morning and didn’t hear improvement, then he’d fly to Salt Lake with Matt as planned.
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    K ATHRYN HAD SET her watch alarm for six-thirty. After she got up from the cot, she checked her patient’s vitalsigns. Everything looked good. Her temperature was down to ninety-nine. While Allie still slept, she stepped outside to use the restroom and freshen up. She ordered breakfast trays for both of them, then put on a new surgical mask.
    As she reached the room, the E.R. doctor was just coming out. “She’s doing fine. Keep her on the IV until you’re ready to transport her.”
    â€œI’ve arranged it for this afternoon.”
    He nodded his approval before walking away.
    Kathryn went back in the room. “Good morning.”
    Allie looked happy to see her. “Hi.”
    â€œThe doctor said you’re coming right along. Let’s get you up to the bathroom, then you’ll feel even better.”
    â€œI’ve never had to go so badly.”
    â€œThat’s what an IV does to you.” She raised the head of her bed, then helped her get up and walk to the bathroom while she rolled the IV stand. “Do you feel dizzy?”
    â€œNot really.”
    â€œGood, but I’m still going to stay right outside the door. If you start to feel funny, just tell me.”
    â€œOkay.”
    When Allie came out again, she said, “I feel ten pounds lighter.”
    Kathryn laughed. “You probably are. Need help getting back to bed?”
    â€œI don’t think so.”
    To her relief, Allie made it without support. “Do you feel any nausea this morning?”
    â€œNo. I’m hungry.”
    â€œI’m glad to hear that.” She helped ease her backon the bed. “Our breakfast should be here in a minute. While we wait, why don’t you call your father. I promised him you would.”
    â€œI’m afraid to.”
    Kathryn made a face. “Afraid? Of the most wonderful father in the whole world?”
    â€œBy now I’m sure he knows I asked Jen to lie for me. I think Dad hates lies more than anything else.”
    â€œBut he loves you more than anything else, Allie. Once you tell him the reason behind this incident and let him know you’re sorry for not being honest with him, he’ll understand and love you all the more.” She pulled out the phone and pressed his number. “Here. It’s ringing.”
    With reluctance Allie took the phone from her. Almost immediately she said, “Hi, Dad. It’s me.” Whatever he answered in response caused the tears to roll down her cheeks. “I miss you, too. I’m so sorry for what I did.”
    Kathryn slipped out in the hall to give them privacy. The trays eventually arrived. She took them in the room and put them on the table that slid over the bed. Propping herself on the stool, Kathryn reached for hers and devoured her toast and eggs. In a few minutes, she heard Allie saying goodbye.
    â€œI love you, too. Here she is.” She extended the phone to Kathryn. “Dad wants to talk to you.”
    She took it from her and put her empty tray on the side table. “Good morning, Mr. Brenner.”
    â€œIt is now.” His voice sounded deeper.
    â€œAre you grounded yet?” she teased.
    He chuckled. “Almost. Like you said, it will take hugging her to convince me completely.”
    â€œThe doctor says she can go home. If all goes well, we should be in Bozeman by two.”
    â€œThat’s even earlier than I’d hoped.”
    The man