She was responsible for her own safety; she didn't need to report her whereabouts to an outsider.
The car moved steadily along the highway to Kingston. Outside the window, the tall poplar trees lining the road blurred into a continuous streak as the sky began to fade from black to a hazy, predawn gray. Eleanor leaned back against the seat and closed her eyes, exhausted. The driver, sensing her need for rest, drove on in silence.
When they arrived at the hotel, the driver was exceptionally respectful. "Miss Sutton, allow me to carry your suitcase up for you."
"That's not necessary, but thank you," Eleanor replied politely.
It was clear he was a professional driver, calm and composed. A thought suddenly struck her. Mansfield was at the base, so the person he arranged must have been from the Secretary of State's office. Could this man be the Secretary's personal driver?
A sense of being unexpectedly honored washed over her. She checked into the hotel. It was already four-thirty in the morning. She decided to rest for two hours before heading to the hospital.
At six-thirty, Eleanor arrived at the hospital. Outside Simone's room, she found Laura asleep on a bench in the empty corridor. Laura stirred and opened her eyes as Eleanor approached.
"Ellie, you're here!" she exclaimed, sitting up.
Laura explained that Simone's sister and niece had arrived and were resting at a hotel across the street. Eleanor sat with her for a while. Seeing that Simone was still asleep, the two of them went to grab some breakfast.
"Ellie, you must not have slept either," Laura said, noticing the dark circles under Eleanor's eyes.
"It's fine. I can manage," Eleanor said, shaking her head.
"I just can't believe it spread so quickly. She seemed fine the last time we saw her," Laura sighed.
"It's okay," Eleanor reassured her. "As long as she has the surgery promptly, she'll recover."
"I feel so much better now that you're here," Laura said.


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