Shrouded In Silence

22





When a bright ray of sunlight fell across Michelle's face, she awoke but nothing made any sense. She pulled her arm over her eyes to shield them from the brightness and only then realized she was in a strange bed. Rising slightly, she stared at the face that didn't seem to fit.

"It's me," the man said. "Donald Blake."

The man's features slowly took a familiar shape. "F-Father Blake," she stammered. "Where am I?"

"Your in the hospital, my dear. You've been unconscious for several hours."

Michelle lay back down. "The hospital? What am I doing in a hospital?"

"You got hit in the head and received a concussion when the house exploded. They stitched your head, but you've been unconscious for some time."

"Concussion?" The idea didn't make any sense. "What house?"

"Your offices," Father Blake said. "Don't you remember any of what occurred?"

"I remember leaving to go to my car, but nothing more."

"A bomb went off underneath your building," Father Blake said. "Did you have any idea or warning the explosion was coming?"

"A bomb?" Michelle struggled to grasp what the priest was saying. "A bomb?"

"Caught you by complete surprise?"

Michelle pushed herself up and stared at the man. Nothing was making any sense. She didn't know what to say.

"OK," Blake said. "I think I have your answer."

"You're here?" Michelle said. "Where is Jack?"

"Jack was in the house," Blake's voice sounded grave. "I came here with you in the ambulance."

Michelle lay back down and tried to think. Jack should be here with her. Why hadn't he come in the ambulance. Maybe he and Dov were still talking. Busy. Yes. Preoccupied.

"They were having a conference," she said. "He and Dov. "We were talking . . ."

"Yes," Father Blake leaned forward.

Everything felt too heavy. She could feel her eyelids fluttering as if they were independent of her control. Michelle couldn't finish the sentence. That was the last thing she remembered.