“No, to the families of those patients. I saw someone in here, so I came to check.”

“I’m just standing in for her grandson for a minute,” I said.

“You’re a good friend. This is the other lady, right?”

“Xylda Bernardo. The psychic. Yes.”

“She told the law enforcement people about Chuck Almand.”

After a second, I nodded. That was more or less true.

“Yes.”

“What an extraordinary talent,” Simpson said. He ran a hand over his bushy dark hair, trying to tame it, but he didn’t have any luck.

“She’s definitely out of a different mold,” I said. I took a step toward the door. I wanted to report back to Manfred. Simpson stood back to let me pass. A nurse went by us as she entered Xylda’s room. “You again,” she said to Simpson. “Can’t get rid of you today.”

“Nope. My car’s iced in,” he said, smiling.

“Oh, so your stay isn’t voluntary,” she said.

“I’d love to go home.”

So would I.

By the time I reached Manfred, Barney Simpson had continued on with his round of visiting.

“She’s still intact,” I said. Manfred closed his eyes, whether in dismay or gratitude I couldn’t imagine.

“Then I’ll wait in there with her,” he said. “Until she goes.”

“What can we do for you?” Tolliver asked.

Manfred looked at him with an expression that almost broke my heart. “Nothing,” he said. “You’ve claimed her, I can see. But having you two as friends is good, and I’m really grateful you made the effort to get into town to see us. Where are you staying?”

We told him about the lake cottage. He smiled at the story of the Hamiltons. “When you two leaving?” he asked. “I guess the cops have cut you loose?”

“I guess we’ll leave tomorrow,” I said. “But we’ll come by the hospital to check on you before we go. Sure there’s nothing I can get you?”

“Since the hospital still has electricity,” Manfred said, “the shoe may be on the other foot. You can get hot food here. The cafeteria is open.”

The phrase “hospital cafeteria” didn’t sound very appetizing, but “hot food” did. We coaxed Manfred into going with us, and we ate hot biscuits with gravy poured over them, and some hamburger steak, and some green beans. I had to swear to myself I’d do double running the next week.

At the last minute, I almost turned back to stay with Manfred. He seemed so alone. But he said, “There’s no point in you staying here, Harper, as much as I appreciate the offer. There’s just sitting and waiting here, and I can do that on my own. My mother should be here tomorrow morning, if the roads clear. I’ll step out of Grandmother’s room from time to time to check my voice mail.”