Chapter 8

James was listening to Georgia as she explained what had happened in Angela's house. He always considered himself a very tough person who wouldn't get emotional easily but when Georgia described what had happened to Angela he felt the sudden need to throw up. He could kill Nick if only it were legal.

It would be so simple. He would place his hands on that man's throat and he would press until he couldn't breathe anymore. While Georgia was speaking more and more ways of committing a murder crossed his mind.

The waiting room of the hospital was empty. It was just the two of them sitting and whispering together as if they were afraid that Angela could hear them somehow.

"I wanted to thank you for coming here", she said and he shrugged. He couldn't tell her the truth that he was scared to death when he realized that his Angela was beaten so savagely. Her half-brother had almost killed her and he would have succeeded if it weren't for the taxi driver. That poor man heard her screaming and he yelled causing a fuss in Angela's building. Nick of course had gotten away because he was too intimidating to be stopped by a few scared people.

"I didn't want to wait alone. I hate hospitals and I fear for her", Georgia explained and touched his hand gently. "What's the matter with you? You don't look so well".

"I'm just tired", he replied hoping that she would believe his pathetic excuse. "I was rehearsing with the guys when you called and I need some sleep".

"James I'm sorry for forcing you to keep me company. I didn't know who else to call".

"Don't apologize Georgia. I really like Angela and I'm worried". That much he could reveal without being afraid of hurting Georgia's feelings.

A door was opened and a young but exhausted doctor approached them. They both got up at the same time looking terrified.

"Are you Miss Granger's relatives?", he asked focusing all of his attention on Georgia.

"She has no relatives doctor. We are her friends".

The young doctor smiled in an attempt to calm her.

"Well, your friend is very lucky. She could have died but for the taxi driver. He got there just in time. She doesn't want to press any charges but maybe you could persuade her otherwise".

"I'll try", she promised. "But how is she? Will she recover?"

"We expect that she will. However she has a very serious concussion and several other less important wounds. We are worried more about the concussion so we are going to keep her here for a few days".

"Thank God!", Georgia exclaimed and the doctor grinned. Another five minutes and he would follow her everywhere like a lost puppy.

"You can see her now but only one person at a time. Two or more people will exhaust her".

"Thank you so much!"

"I'm just doing my job. By the way my name is Adam Johnson and if you need anything you can find me in my office at the third floor", he said and he walked towards the elevators.

"The poor doctor is smitten!", James remarked laughing.

"Oh please! Are we going to be friends now?"

"Why not?", he retorted. He realized that he liked Georgia and that there was no reason to behave like they were divorced or something. "I don't think that what happened between us is irreparable".

"Indeed it wasn't. But don't think, even for a minute, that I am stupid. I know that you didn't change your mind out of the blue. Something must have happened and I'm guessing that that something is another woman".

No reply came out of his mouth but his face told her what she needed to know.

"That's ok James. Honestly", she assured him. "Right now I have bigger problems". She pushed the door to Angela's room gently and she got in.

Her friend looked terrible as if she had fought a battle and lost. Her skin was pale and grey and covered with bruises in most places. A bandage covered her head and she had trouble focusing on Georgia.

"This damned concussion!", was the first thing she said. "Blur eyesight, headaches, what next?"

"Oh honey ... I'm so sorry!"

"You? Don't be silly Georgia. I should have been more careful with Nick. Now I know better", she sighed.

"When the hospital called I nearly fainted. Don't do that to me again. Please?"

"Georgia, if it was up to me I wouldn't have done this to you in the first place".

Georgia giggled and sat on the bed next to her. She examined her for a few moments but she didn't ask her any questions. She knew Angela very well and she was certain that she would need time before she talked about Nick.

"How long have you been here?", Angela asked.

"A couple of hours but I wasn't alone", she confessed.

"And who is with you?" She knew the answer to that question but she hoped that it would be different.

"James". Georgia looked at her friend who didn't seem to be happy at all. "Come on Ange! Don't be silly. I wanted company and..."

"It's ok", she cut her before she could continue. "He's your boyfriend after all".

Just when Georgia was ready to explain that James had broken up with her the cute doctor entered the room and their conversation was stopped.

"Miss Granger I have your test results", he announced.

"Tell us doctor", Georgia replied feeling suddenly very nervous.