No Business of Mine

Chapter Fifteen

Crystal was saying, “You may think it odd I should have married such a wreck, but he didn’t always look like that. When we first met, he was almost handsome.”

I opened my eyes, found I could scarcely see, stared up at the ceiling. There was a smell of antiseptics and flowers in the room. I felt as if I’d been run over by a steam-roller, but the bed felt fine.

A woman’s voice said, “You may sit with him for a little while, Mrs. Harmas. He should recover consciousness any moment now, but please don’t excite him.”

Crystal said airily, “Oh, we’re old married folk now. He doesn’t get excited when he sees me, worse luck.”

A door shut, and Crystal, looking cute in a blue and white check frock and a white turban, moved into my vision. She drew up a chair, began to put her bag on the bedside-table.

I reached out, pinched her. She gave a sharp squeal, jumped, turned.

“I’ve recovered consciousness,” I announced.

“Oh, darling, you gave me such a fright,” she exclaimed, furtively rubbed the spot where I’d pinched her, “and you really shouldn’t do a thing like that. It’s very uncouth.” She took my hand, fondled it, looked down at me with adoring eyes. “I’ve been so worried about you, precious. You’ve no idea. I’ve been simply frantic.”

“That makes two of us,” I said, squeezing her hand. “I’ve been simply frantic, too.”

“Oh, Steve, I do seem to love you,” she said, kneeling beside me, and rubbing her cheek against my hand. “Whatever’s happened to your poor face?” She blinked back tears.

I struggled up in bed, grimaced as pain rode through me, looked around the room. It was obviously a private ward in a hospital. I sank back with a grunt of disgust.

“How did I get here?” I demanded, “and how did you find me?”

“Now, you mustn’t excite yourself, darling,” she said, patting my pillow. “A very kind, thoughtful man telephoned me. He found you on Wimbledon Common, discovered my telephone number in your wallet, called me and an ambulance, and here you are. But, please, Steve, what happened? Whoever did this to you?”

I ran my fingers tenderly over my face, grimaced.

“I had a fight,” I said. “Some thugs picked on me and this is the result.”

“But why should they pick on you?” Crystal asked, her eyes opening. “You’re such a nice boy. Did you say something to annoy them?”

“I guess I must have done,” I said, deciding that it wouldn’t add to her peace of mind if she knew Bradley was at the back of this. “What was that you were saying about being Mrs. Harmas?”

She looked embarrassed. “Oh, dear, did you hear me?” she returned. “Well, it was the only way I could get in to see you. You’re not angry, are you, precious? We can always get divorced when you’re better, can’t we?”

I patted her hand, tried to smile, but my muscles were too stiff.

“That’s okay with me,” I said. “If I was the marrying type, I couldn’t think of anyone I’d like to marry better than you — if I was the marrying type.”

She nodded, looked bitter. “That kills me — if you’re the marrying type! Maybe, you’ll have to marry me.”

“Don’t let’s get sordid,” I said hurriedly. “Tell me, how long have I been here?”

“Two days.”

I moved my legs and arms. After the first twinge of pain, they moved easily enough.

“Well, I’m not staying here any longer. I must get up and out of this.”

“You’ll do no such thing,” Crystal said firmly. “There’s no question of you getting up until you’re quite well.”

“Well, okay. That’s something we can argue about when we run out of conversation,” I said. “Do the police know what’s happened to me?”

She nodded. “I’m afraid they do. You see the hospital reported your arrival. There’s been a great, hulking policeman sitting by your bed since you came. I managed to persuade him to wait outside this time. He’s out there now.”

“Wants a statement, I suppose,” I said. “Well, maybe you’d better send him in. We can’t keep the Law waiting, can we?”

She looked uneasy. “He worries me. I don’t think he believes we’re married.”

“That shows he’s a good cop, but I’ll convince him. Tell him to come in, honey, and stick around. You do me good.”

“Do I really?” Her face brightened. “I’m so glad. I was beginning to think I was bad for you.” She bent over and kissed me tenderly.

I patted her.

“Get the cop, sweetheart, or I’ll be dragging you into bed.”

“You wouldn’t have to drag me,” she returned, went to the door.

I heard men’s voices, then Corridan entered, followed by Crystal who looked scared.

“I didn’t ask him in,” she said, hurriedly. “He was outside with the other man.”

Corridan came over and stood looking down at me. A fatuous smile lit his dour face. It was the first time I’d ever seen him look really happy.

“Well, well,” he said, rubbing his hands. “They certainly made a mess of you, didn’t they?”

I scowled at him.

“What do you want?” I asked irritably. “You’re the last person I hoped to see.”

He drew up a chair, sat down, positively beamed at me.