The Line by Teri Hall Read Free Book Online

simple slip on the stairs and look what becomes of me. I think I’ve managed to break my leg.”
    Ms. Moore’s reserve had always been part of the backdrop of Rachel’s childhood, a constant in her experience. Today, she had seen her both laugh and cry. It made Rachel wonder again what Ms. Moore was hiding behind her carefully arranged facade. What did she do in the evenings before she went upstairs to bed? Did she wish her life were different? What did she know about the Line, about Away? Rachel had been so busy—working in the greenhouse, learning about orchids—she hadn’t had much time to devise a plan to discover Ms. Moore’s secrets. Her one attempt to quiz Ms. Moore had failed miserably.
    “Of course I’ll stay, Ms. Moore,” Rachel said. She took Ms. Moore’s cold hand in hers.
    Ms. Moore’s leg was broken. Dr. Beller, an ancient man with a stooped back and only about two gray hairs left on his head, wanted her to go to the clinic in Bensen, where she could have proper medical care and rest. Ms. Moore, however, insisted that she would not leave The Property.
    “I can rest as well here as in the clinic,” she said. “Ms. Quillen will be here to see to my needs. I’m certain we shall manage.”
    Once Dr. Beller realized she wasn’t going to change her mind, he agreed to set and cast her leg on The Property. He had what he needed to do it; Bensen was a long way if there was an emergency out in one of the rural areas, so his vehicle was well stocked with medical supplies. He had Rachel help him bring the supplies up the stairs to Ms. Moore’s bedroom, where they had managed to move her after the doctor’s initial examination on the floor downstairs. “I will have to anesthetize you in order to set it,” he told Ms. Moore. “It would hurt quite a bit if you were conscious.”
    “In that case, Dr. Beller,” Ms. Moore said, “I believe we should settle our accounts prior to the procedure.” Dr. Beller started to object, saying there was no need to worry, but Ms. Moore gestured toward the box Vivian had brought to her bedroom.
    “Ms. Quillen, if you could bring that to me, please. And if you would be so kind as to return after the doctor and I have concluded our business, I would prefer it if you were present during the procedure. I will call you as soon as we are ready.” Vivian set the box on the bed next to Ms. Moore and left the room. Ms. Moore took a different key from her chain and fit it into the lock on the box. “I suppose this is going to be expensive, Dr. Bell . . .” she began, and then stopped. She looked at the doorway, where Rachel still hovered. After a moment Rachel realized Ms. Moore was staring at her.
    “Rachel!” Vivian materialized at the door, grabbed Rachel by the arm and pulled. “So sorry, Ms. Moore, I thought she was right behind me.” Vivian tumbled Rachel out into the hall and down the stairs to the parlor. “Goodness, child, she told us to leave! What were you thinking?” Vivian’s hair was escaping its combs, wavy auburn strands flying around her face.
    “I’m sorry, Mom. I was . . . I wasn’t thinking.”
    They heard Ms. Moore call “Ms. Quillen?” from above. Vivian took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. “You,” she said in her no-nonsense tone, “stay here, unless I call you. I shouldn’t be long.”
     
     
    THAT EVENING, WHEN Ms. Moore was resting comfortably and Vivian and Rachel had retired to the guesthouse, it hit Vivian how much her daughter had grown up. Rachel had handled the accident with such great composure, not like the gangly girl Vivian was used to seeing. She was so composed, so caring. Vivian hadn’t thought to get a pillow for Ms. Moore, hadn’t thought of much at all beyond making sure she was alive and calling for the doctor. As soon as that was done, she had run, shaking, to get Rachel. The routine on The Property had made her feel almost safe, for a long time now. Seeing Ms. Moore hurt, not knowing if it meant