Herman Krause strode into Bunny Hopper’s room at Cedars Sinai Hospital, still ignoring the protests of the flustered nurse.  He walked over to the bed as swiftly as his large girth would allow and, flicking his eyes over the rather flashy redhead standing there who quickly stepped out of his way, he took Bunny’s hand in his large one.

 Forgetting the woman’s presence in his haste to overcome any objections Bunny felt at his being there, Herman began to speak to the patient lying mutely in the bed.  “Bunny, I do apologize for not coming sooner.  I was not at all certain I would be welcome, but I had to assure myself that you are in no danger and that you are being properly attended to.  Is there anything you require?  Would you rather convalesce in a private care facility?  I’d be pleased to arrange that, if you desire.�?/P>

Bunny surreptitiously retrieved her hand.  “Herman,�?she said, “I’m fine.  I’m being well cared for here.  I had an unfortunate reaction to one of my treatments, but everything is fine now.�?/P>

“I’m very happy to hear that, Bunny.  I honestly do care about you…and your sister.  I am so very sorry about that unwholesome incident two years ago.  I know an apology is not nearly enough, but please know that I have sincerely missed both of you and I heartily wish there was something I could do to make it up to you.�?SPAN>   Herman did his best to project total sincerity.

“Herman, your platitudes seem to be most heartfelt and genuine, but I don’t know if I can forgive you that easily.  I’ve lost my partner, and my best friend.  That’s a lot to forgive.  What do you expect me to say?�?Bunny queried.

“I’m well aware of what my actions cost you…and Bunny…and even myself.  I betrayed the trust you girls had placed in me.  Neither of you can possibly castigate me any more than I have castigated myself.  Believe me, dear, I wish I could erase what happened that terrible night, and make things between us as they were before.�?SPAN>  Herman placed his hand over his eyes as though overcome with emotion.

Sighing, he dropped his hand to his side and asked, “Have you heard from Bonny since this accident has taken place?  I simply cannot believe that she hasn’t arrived to be with you.�?/P>

“Bonny has been informed that I am safe and doing well,�?Bunny answered stiffly.  She was aware that her sister must have been suffering terribly, having to stand there silently with her attacker in such close proximity.  “Herman, I really think you should leave.  I’m actually not supposed to receive visitors today.�?/P>

Herman’s eyebrows lifted questioningly.  “Why, then, is this woman here?�?he asked rather huffily.

“She is an important client of mine from out-of-town.  She needed to discuss some important confidential matters with me and she will only be in town today.�?Bonnie replied, smoothly.  “In fact, we were just about to conclude our business when you entered the room.�?/P>

“Well, then, I shall take my leave of you, my dear.  Please contact me should there be anything at all that you either need or desire.�?/P>

As soon as the door had closed on Herman’s heels, Bonny breathed a tremulous sign. “I honestly thought I was going to collapse.  I didn’t know how much longer I could go without giving myself away.�?SPAN>  Her skin crawled as though overrun by a million tiny ants.

“Bonny, you’re going to have to face Herman sometime.  He does seem to genuinely regret his impulsive actions.  But I promise you this, when you do decide to break your silence, I shall be right there at your side.�?/P>

As Herman rode downward in the elevator, he thought to himself, there’s something familiar about that redheaded woman �?the curve of her cheek, the shape of her body, even her scent.  I wonder�?lt;?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>