UNINVITED

Chapter 32

Diary of Rachael Woods

30TH MARCH, 2024

Dear Diary,

Today at Murphy’s Inn, Elodie asked if I wrote HELP ME on the windowpane, and I denied doing it. Now she doesn’t trust her memories. Great.

     I’m annoyed too. The man I sent to stab Alec failed. He couldn’t weaken him. I’m left with no choice but to take my chances. My only hope is for Elodie to hear my screams and come to my rescue. This is for you, Marie. If I get caught trying to avenge your death, at least I know I tried.

3RD APRIL, 2024

Dear Diary,

I failed miserably. Elodie came to my rescue as anticipated, but I couldn’t kill Alec. She tried to stop the bleeding. Now I’m beginning to hate her. She’s ruined my plans. I should have used a gun instead and shot his heart. He’d have died by now and Marie’s soul will rest in peace. And if Alec’s Mom pressed charges against me for murder, I’d argue self-defense. Elodie will be my witness. Perfect Plan. Except it wasn’t. Elodie jeopardized it.

     But it isn’t too late. I’d have to go to the hospital and complete what I started. This time... I won’t fail you, Marie.

     Slowly, I covered my mouth with my hands. What did I just read? Amy... She lied to me from the beginning. All along I had thought I was studying her, but I had been wrong. She was studying me. God! How could I have been stupid? I let my emotions cloud my judgment. Amy used me. I wanted so badly to believe she was in an abusive marriage just like I was that I ended up believing a lie. She explored me and found my weakness, then used it against me. Alec! I have to help him.

     I turned around and dashed out of the room, then bounced on the staircase to the living room. Sighing softly, I walked out of the house to my front porch and unlocked the door. Clara ran toward me and wove through my legs.

     “Clara, not now,” I said and went upstairs to the bedroom, then neared the nightstand, taking out the card Sheriff Hunt had given me yesterday.

     I retraced my steps downstairs to the kitchen and grabbed the telephone on the table. With trembling fingers, I punched in the numbers on the card. There was a long beep, then a voice filled the line.

     “Hello, you’ve reached Sheriff Hunt. How may I help you?”

     I inhaled and exhaled before I said, “Sheriff Hunt, this is Elodie. Elodie Grant. You gave me your card yesterday. There was an—”

     “I remember you. Is everything all right? You sound worried.”

     “No, Sheriff. You need to go to the hospital right now. Amy... she lied to me. She lied about everything. She wanted to kill Alec.”

     “Do you have proof?”

     “I found her diary. That’s how I know.”

     “We can’t arrest her based on a diary you might’ve obtained illegally. How sure are you is hers?”

     “I’m going to give you proof soon. Just come to the hospital. I’ll see you.” I hung up and placed the telephone on the table, darting out of the kitchen to the porch. I locked the door, dipped the keys into my pocket, and hurried over to my car.

     Fifteen minutes later, I walked toward the front desk of the hospital. I didn’t see Amy in the waiting room. I didn’t want to think of where she might be. There was no sign of Sheriff Hunt too. He didn’t think it was urgent.

     The petite woman behind the desk looked at me with a soft smile. “Good day, ma’am. How may I assist you?”

     “A patient by the name of Alec Berger was brought in yesterday. He’s had surgery done and is recuperating at the moment. I need the number to his ward.”

     “A moment,” she said and turned toward the monitor screen. She buried her hands in the keyboard and then clicked the mouse twice.

     “Yes. Alec Berger. Dr. Charlie is in charge of him. He can grant you access to Mr. Berger’s ward.”

     I said frantically, “Where’s Dr. Charlie?”

     “He’s performing surgery right now.” She glanced at her wristwatch. “He should be out in twenty minutes.”

     I didn’t have twenty minutes. I peered at the nurse. “I need to see Mr. Berger. It’s urgent.”

     “Are you a relative of his?”

     “No. I’m his friend,” I replied, leaning forward, “I don’t have twenty minutes. This is a matter of life and death. Please, tell me his ward.”

     “You sound serious. Give me a minute.” She consulted the monitor again, then turned to the clipboard on the desk. “He’s not supposed to receive any visitors at the moment. Dr. Charlie’s orders.”

     “I just need his ward number to confirm something. I’m sure you could do that.”

     She reconsidered, then said, “All right.” She glanced at the clipboard and gave me directions to Alec’s ward.

     I thanked her and walked away. I felt her gaze on me, but I didn’t turn to look at her. I increased my steps. Amy might be in Alec’s room, and I hoped I wasn’t too late.