Blaine paled, then shook off his shock. “Everyone in here saw you assault me.”

The detectives stood in the doorway.

“I didn’t see anything.” Detective Jackson shrugged. He back-knuckle tapped his partner on the arm. “Did you see anything?”

“Nope.” Ianelli crossed his arms over his chest. “I was checking my e-mail. Sorry.”

“Margaret.” Blaine put a hand on her shoulder. “I hope you’ll excuse me. Obviously, I’m not wanted here. I’m going back to the hotel.”

“Wait, Blaine. I’m Louisa’s next of kin. I have the right to make her medical decisions.” Margaret cast a steely eye over Conor. A woman accustomed to getting her way. “I don’t know who you are, but no one else gets in to see her except me. You don’t need to leave, Blaine. They do.”

“Aunt Margaret.” Louisa’s voice was weak but clear. “I’m fit to make my own decisions. You may come in. Blaine can go to hell.”

Margaret hesitated before walking into the room with unsure steps.

“I think you’d better sit down,” Conor heard Louisa say.

Blaine took the cue. Grabbing a fresh pile of tissues at the nurses’ station, he walked toward the exit with hurried steps.

Jackson pushed away from the doorframe. “We’d better go.”

“What are you going to do about him?” Conor jerked a thumb toward the elevator doors, which had just closed with Blaine inside the car.

“We found a traffic camera with a decent view of Broad Street in front of the Ritz.” Ianelli’s mouth twitched. “Old Blaine was right behind Dr. Hancock when she took her spill into traffic. Now let’s go.” Jackson headed for the elevator. “I want to keep him in sight. Soon as he crosses back into Philly, he’s ours.”

After the cops left, Conor turned an ear to Louisa’s door. She and her aunt were talking in hushed tones. He leaned on the wall and waited. Fifteen minutes later, Margaret exited. She blew past Conor without stopping, her chin high, her mouth tight, angry tears shining in her eyes.

He went back into Louisa’s room, expecting her to look worn. Instead, her expression was lighter. “Are you all right?”

“I am.” Her voice and eyes were blurry. “She stands by Blaine. I decided I don’t care. I told her never to call me again.”

“Good for you.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out her pearls. “Oh, I forgot. The nurse gave me these when you first came in.”

“Would you hold on to them for me? They were my mother’s. I don’t want them to get lost.”

“I will.” He squeezed her hand lightly.

Her body relaxed, and her voice faded.