Midas Touch by Frankie J. Jones

happening, but Sandra soon tuned her out and again tried to understand why her father had lied to her.
    “And the wolf ate them all up!” Allison said loudly.
    Sandra blinked. “What wolf?” she stammered.
    “You’re a million miles away. You should have told me you were too tired for this. You’re supposed to be resting.” She stood, but Sandra was already lost in her thoughts.
    “Sandra.” Allison was kneeling before her. “Should I call Ida?
    You look awfully pale.”
    “No. I’m fine.” She bit her lower lip.
    “You don’t look fine. You’re pale and trembling. Let me help

    you back inside.”
    Sandra allowed Allison to lead her from the balcony. She needed to talk to someone. Laura, she thought immediately, and experienced a stab of guilt.
    Laura would be upset with her for not calling and letting her know she had been sick. Sandra had thought about calling her, but since she had not actually suffered a heart attack, it seemed somewhat silly. Laura was always so busy.
    “Allison, can you drive me somewhere? Margaret won’t let me leave alone without a major row.”
    “Sure, but do you think you should?”
    Sandra felt her frustration growing. “I’m not sick. I was tired, and now I’m rested. No, I’m bored out of my mind. I need to get out of this room. I want to go spend a few days with a friend. She lives about an hour from here.” Sandra packed a small bag before grimacing. “Now, all I have to do is get past the warden.”
    Allison laughed. “I don’t envy you. She really is very protective of you.”
    Sandra felt like a child again asshe entered the kitchen where Margaret was cleaning the refrigerator.
    “I’m going to go spend a couple of days with a friend. Allison is going to drive me.” Sandra rushed on as Margaret turned to stare at her. “I’ll leave her number on the table for you.”
    “You’re supposed to be restin’,” Margaret reminded.
    “I can rest at Laura’s just aswell as I can here. She lives in the country, so I can sit on the porch all day and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.”
    “Did you ask Dr. Ida?” Margaret demanded.
    Sandra sighed. This was going to be worse than she anticipated.
    Allison stepped forward and took Sandra’s suitcase. “I’m sorry to rush you, but I promised Mom I’d be home early, so we really do need to be going.” She turned to Margaret. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure she’s settled in before I leave her.” Without waiting for Margaret to respond, she pushed Sandra out the door and into the elevator. As the elevator door closed, hiding Margaret’s

    disapproving glare, Sandra pulled a spare car key from the wallet in her purse. “Do you know she actually hid my keys?” she said, taking her suitcase from Allison.
    “She’s worried about you,” Allison said, releasing the bag and resting her hands on the rails around the elevator walls.
    “I know, but it gets a little overwhelming sometimes.”
    “Did you want me to drive your car?” Allison eyed Sandra’s keys.”No. I was afraid you wouldn’t be able to lie well enough to get past Margaret,” Sandra admitted. Seeing Allison’s frown, Sandra moaned. “Don’t you start, too. I’m a medical prisoner.
    I have to get away. I love Margaret dearly, but she’s driving me nuts. I swear I feel fine. I’m eating and I sleep at least eight hours a night. I’ve not experienced any pain since I left the hospital, so please don’t start in on me.”
    “Are you really going to stay with a friend?”
    “Yes. She works out of her home most of the time so she’ll be there in case I need anything.”
    Allison shook her head and laughed. “Think of the story this would make. Sandra Tate, sneaking out of the house like a wayward teenager.”
    Sandra smiled before she replied. “Don’t forget who signs your check.”
    Allison gave a mock salute. “Just make sure you let me know when it’s safe for me to come back. I don’t want Margaret on my butt.”
    Sandra