Bonny Hopper's mind was racing as the cab made its' way from the hotel to Cedars Sinai Hospital through the traffic clogged L. A. streets.  Bonny didn't even notice the hustle bustle of the city.  She had other, more pressing, things to worry about.  Uneasily she pulled a compact from her handbag and took stock of her disguise.  The long red wig and green contact lenses certainly changed her looks dramatically, and she had applied much more makeup than normal.  The clothing she had chosen was also very different from the businesslike suits and tailored blouses she had normally worn.  This disguise simply HAS to work, she thought to herself.  I cannot have Herman Krause knowing I am in the city; I would simply not be able to handle that situation at this time.  I need to be able to concentrate on Bunny!

 

Bonny had called the office of Hopper, Hopper & Boyd from the cab and had tipped off James, Bunny's trusted assistant, that she was on her way to the hospital.  James had smoothed things over with the hospital staff so that there would be no problem with her seeing Bunny.  Bonny didn't know how he had done it, but she was ever so grateful that he had.  That boy had proven his worth more than once.  Bunny Hopper had done her homework on James and had found him to be eminently trustworthy.  Bunny had communicated this fact to her twin when Bonny first visited her at the hospital so that Bonny could utilize his skills while in L. A.

 

"Hey, lady, wake up back there!"  The taxi driver's voice broke through Bonny's thoughts.  "We're at the hospital."

 

Bonny retrieved some bills from her handbag and handed them to the driver, directing him to keep the change.  She exited the cab and hurried through the hospital doors.  Heading straight for the elevator, she took it to the floor where Bunny's room was located.  Taking a deep breath, she opened the door to the room and went swiftly to her sister's side.

 

After smoothing back the tangled hair lying there, she leaned down and pressed a soft kiss on Bunny's brow.  Bunny opened her eyes and stared at Bonny with confusion written on her face.  Quickly Bonny said softly, "Sweetie, it's me, Bonny.  I had to wear a disguise in case I ran into Herman.  Please don't try to talk.  I was so worried about you."

 

Bunny croaked, "Well, it's good to see you.  I feel like hell but I feel much better now just seeing your face.  Though I will admit you certainly don't look like my sister!  How ever did you get in here?  I'm really not supposed to have visitors today."

 

"James smoothed things over with the hospital," Bonny replied.  I'm so happy that he has proven to be the godsend to you that he had.  I was so sorry that I had to slip away without being able to tie up loose ends.  And it nearly killed me not to be able to contact you during the past couple of years."

 

"Let's hope that you don't ever have to disappear again.  I can hardly fathom that Herman Krause proved himself to be such a slimy bastard!  I understand that you are unable to face him yet.  But we'll work something out, you can be sure of that!" Bunny rasped.

 

"Don't talk, Bunny!  You really need to rest.  I just had to make certain that you were doing well.  For the time being, let's just keep up the pretense of my being your client," her sister responded.  "I'll go now.  Everything seems to be in order here.  I'll be back later..."

 

Bonny's voice trailed off as they heard a booming German-accented, all too familiar voice saying loudly, just outside the door, "Young lady, get out of my way.  Do you know who I am?  I'll have your job!  Bunny Hopper is practically family and I WILL see her, and I will see her NOW!"

 

Bonny's eyes, wide with terror, met her sister's.  Bunny barely had time to give her twin's hand a reassuring squeeze before the door was flung open and in strode Herman Krause.