Gina Cresse - Devonie Lace 01 - A Deadly Change of Course--Plan B by Gina Cresse

I couldn’t see a way to get from the house to the garage without being totally exposed.  I briefly scanned the area, checking for anyone who might be looking in my direction. Once he realized it was my boat on fire, Craig broke into a full run toward the dock.  He was obviously concerned and part of me wanted to call out to him to let him know I was all right.  But I thought better of it.  It was no time to let my heart take control over my head.  I made a mad dash across the brick driveway and back into the shadows of the impressive building, designed to match the stately home it accompanied.
    Uncle Doug was opening the last of three automatic garage doors.  “Take your pick,” he said as he motioned to his collection of company cars.  Parked there in the meticulously attired garage was a red Ferrari Testerosa , a metallic silver-blue BMW Z3 roadster, and a deep forest green Jaguar E-type convertible. 
    “Gee, Uncle Doug.  Which one do you think will be the least conspicuous?”
    “I’d go for the Ferrari myself, but I believe the BMW would suit you better.”
    “ Then the BMW it is,” I said as he handed me the keys.
    “Now, the tank is full and there’s a car phone in the jockey box.  Here’s a credit card for gas and lodging and whatever else you might need.  You be careful and call us as soon as you can.”
    “I will, Uncle Doug.  Thank you so much.”
    I put the computer on the passenger seat next to me and started the engine.  Easing down the long dark driveway, I kept the headlights off until I pulled onto the main thoroughfare.  I passed a parade of fire trucks, police cars, and an ambulance.  The flashing red lights blinded me as they passed.  I cringed at the blaring sound of the sirens as they hurled past my little roadster.  Watching in the rear view mirror as they all turned onto the drive I had just come from, I went through the gears and sped off into the darkness, not sure where I was going.  I finally decided to head north.  I found a small, out of the way motel in San Clemente and checked in.  Exhausted, I decided to try to get some sleep before the sun came up.
    Morning came too soon.  I tried to focus my eyes on the small blue numbers on the digital clock next to the bed.  I think it said seven thirty, but everything was still a little fuzzy.  After dragging myself into the bathroom, I splashed cold water on my face.  I decided to call Jason first — to let him know what happened.  I didn’t want him to see it on the five o’clock news and think I was dead.  I picked up the phone and dialed his number.  A woman answered.
    “Oh, gosh.   I’m sorry it’s so early.  I think I have the wrong number,” I apologized, ready to hang up.
    “Are you calling for Jason?” the woman asked.
    I hesitated.  Jason hadn’t told me about any relationships he was in at the moment, and I wondered who that woman was .  “Well, yes, actually.  Is he there?”
    The woman’s weak voice cracked and wavered.  She sounded as though she hadn’t slept in days.  “Jason was in a car accident last night.  He’s in the hospital.  Are you a friend of his?” she asked.
    “Yes.  Is he okay?” I asked, shocked at the news.
    “He’s in a coma.  The doctors aren’t sure… aren’t sure he’s going to make it,” she bawled.  Once she regained her composure, she continued.  “I’m his sister, Jennifer.  My mother and I just came over to get a few of his things, in case he wakes up.”
    “What hospital is he in?” I asked.
    “He’s at San Diego General.  He’s still in intensive care, so there’s no room number yet.”
    “Do you know how the accident happened?” I asked.
    “The highway patrolman said it was a single car accident.  Apparently, he was speeding when he lost control and drove off the embankment.  It was quite a drop.  He’s lucky to be alive.”  She sniffed and excused herself momentarily so she could blow her nose.  “If he wakes up, who