Ami shrunk back on the bed and turned her face from the man she so wanted to trust. She didn't want to be kidnapped, or lying in a hospital bed in pain. She just wanted to get back home to her cat Spider and all her books that were her greatest treasures, her friends.

In her quest to find the family she never knew or thought she never had, she only found fear, deceit and turmoil in a land far away from home. She wished she had listened to her head and not followed a dream that brought her to such dangerous liaisons and mystery. All because of the love of a book. Oh, why did she have to buy that book?

Looking squarely at the man waiting beside her bed she fought the urge to cry. Then she spoke, but instead of a soft answer given, out of hurt, frustration and fear she snapped.

"I don't want to be kidnapped. I want to go home! I hate it here! I just want to go home! I miss my kitty, and all that is familiar to me. I don't care about having anybody's money. I just want to get away from this nightmare of a place." then the dam burst as tears flowed down her swollen cheeks.

Johnny was taken back in surprise. He tried to soothe her fears, reaching for her hand, which she only pulled away quickly as if his touch hurt. He spoke softly to her...

"Ami, I'm so sorry, I should never have brought you here. Your grandfather only wanted to see you and make sure you were provided for. I will honor your wishes and leave you alone for now. But, I'll be back tomorrow. I promise!" he leaned in and kissed her softly, only serving to bring out a sob from her aching heart.

When Johnny left and the nurse reappeared, she studied Ami's face with concern. "You alright, girl? That young man didn't hurt you, did he?"

Ami smiled weakly, shaking her head negatively. The nurse checked her vitals and helped Ami to the bathroom. When she helped her back to the bed Ami asked:

"How soon can I leave? Will the doctor release me soon?"

With a concerned look, the nurse replied. "Well, I hear it is being arranged for you to possibly go home tomorrow. You will have to take it easy for a few days with all you've been through. If you feel you are strong enough, I hear your young man plans to take you with him tomorrow. He's quite a catch, that one!" she smiled reassuringly.

"Oh!" was all Ami replied, coming up with a different plan in her head. Having a return ticket that was open, she waited for the nurse to leave before she searched diligently for her clothes. Having carefully climbed back out of bed, she fumbled with the small closet for her case she'd seen Johnny put there. Her head throbbed, her ribs hurt as well as dealing with the aches and pain throughout her body. Waiting an hour for the floor she was on to appear empty, she went into the bathroom and changed from the nightgown. Placing a knit cap on her head, to hide the bandage, she stiffened for what would be a trying, excruciating adventure. When the coast was clear, and only one nurse was visible to the naked eye with her back turned towards the hallway, Ami was relieved to see no security guard at her door while she walked as quietly and quickly as she dared, heading for the first floor and hopefully an awaiting taxi. She carried her small case and wrapped her sweater closely to her, wincing in pain as she moved as swiftly as she could. When she met the fresh air, having traveled down the elevator with only a few stragglers of visitors from other floors, she met the outdoors to find the wind blowing softly around her, and only a drizzle for rain.

Ami looked up and let it fall upon her face. She didn't care what she looked like...she was heading for home...alone! Then she heard it...a man asking if she needed a taxi.

"Yes, please! Take me to the airport, will you?"

"Are you sure miss? You don't look so good." he said out of concern. But, he took her case and helped her into the taxi, when she merely smiled and nodded in response. As the taxi driver weaved through the streets for what seemed like an eternity, she closed her eyes to think of home, feeling anxious to be on a plane and heading there.

The taxi driver finally stopped in front of the airport and upon getting out, retrieved her bag. Tipping his hat in a gentleman fashion, he smiled as she paid him and headed for the throngs of people coming and going from the building. She didn't see any of their faces, her focus only on getting home. She took care of her ticket, and waited for the next flight out for America. The pain seared through her body, which she chose to ignore, along with the many stares given her by strangers who noticed her. She knew it would be a long flight ahead of her, but she would sleep and just make the best of it. When she got there, she would not return to her apartment, but seek shelter from one of her friends from the store. Knowing they would put her up till she could get help to find another place for herself and Spider to live, out of the desire for her own safety.

Ami made it back to America safely only to collapse at the airport terminal. When she awakened, she was yet again in another hospital. Nurses were beside her, one working with the machines they had her hooked up to. The older woman taking her vitals smiled when Ami finally opened her eyes.

"You barely made it home, girl. That's what we were told anyway. What were you thinking? To fly across the ocean that way in your condition?"

Ami's eyes popped open with fear. "Where...where am I?"

"You're in New York sweetie.  Queens actually...Elmhurst hospital. You'll be okay, but you will be in here a few days I'm afraid."

Ami closed her eyes, smiling a bit while relieved she had apparently accomplished what she set out to do...get back to her homeland and security. As the days passed, she got stronger, even calling her friend about her cat. She was reassured Spider was doing well, although missing her.

"Sandy, have you checked my mail? Has anything come in I should know about...something that might be important. Say post marked from England?" she asked her friend, whom she knew she could trust.

Sandy replied. "Ah, yes...it appears there is a letter of sorts from England? Oh...I also forgot to tell you. Your friend stopped by the store today, asking about you. You know...that cute guy you flew off to England with?"

Ami felt panic as she figured it had to be Johnny. "So...what did you tell him?" she asked hesitantly.

Sandy giggled. "I told him you weren't back yet, that you hadn't even picked up your cat!"

Ami breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't want to tell Sandy too much, not wanting to get her involved. Sandy asked.

"You still there, Ami? He also left you something. It appears to be a wad of money. What's that all about?"