* * *
“Alice!” This time, I made sure it was Len’s voice that was calling me.
“Alice!” How wonderful it sounded! If I could have him calling with that voice and saving me from my faint, I would never mind being thrown by Carmine for another time.
“Alice…” What was at first a shout turned into a whimper. I opened my eyes to meet Len’s handsome face.
“Alice, my goodness, you woke.” There was delight in Bess’ voice.
I turned to look at my friends. Roy almost jumped and Bess could not stop crying. Jim stood next to Len, elated.
“Alice, you scared me to death.” Len said. “I thought...”
“We thought you would die.” Bess wept.
“Carmine almost tore you apart.” Jim said. “You lost so much blood that they said you wouldn’t survive.”
“I don’t believe that.” Len said, tears in his eyes. “If only I could have saved you earlier…”
I reached out for his hand and smiled.
“You saved me, Len.” I said, sitting up. “You did.”