Winners by Danielle Steel Page A

all they could for Lily. And sooner or later Bill Thomas would have to face the facts.
    “I’m going to miss you,” Lily said in a small voice and wheeled her chair over to where Jessie was standing, to hug her. And then she choked on the next words: “Thank you for saving my life.” It was something Bill hadn’t been able to say to her. Jessie’s eyes filled with tears as she hugged her. So much had happened since she and Lily had met. It had been a life-altering time for her as well, with her husband’s death. They had both lost a lot in the last six weeks, and the benefits, if there were to be any, and the blessings weren’t obvious yet.
    “Will you stay in touch?” Jessie asked her gently. She normally didn’t ask that, except medically, but Lily had come to mean a lot to her. She was a very special girl, Bill was right about that.
    “I promise.”
    Jessie was glad they had had the opportunity to talk without her father around, which was rare. He seldom left Lily alone in the hospital, and he intended to do the same once they got home. Jessie realized that ultimately his deep concern might become oppressive for Lily, but he was still getting over the shock of what had happened, and it would probably take him a long time, just as it would for her to get over losing Tim. Now, every time Chris drove somewhere, or every time her cell phone rang, she had her heart in her mouth. She knew it would be years before she trusted life again. The worst had happened, and now she was terrified for her kids. Just as Bill was about Lily. It was their burden to bear, and Jessie knew it wasn’t easy for their kids.
    Lily’s departure from the hospital, six weeks after the accident, was emotional for everyone who had cared for her. Nurses came to say goodbye and give her little gifts. The resident kissed her goodbye, Ben wished her good luck when he joined Jessie to see her off. Lily hugged Jessie hard and thanked her again, and there were tears in many eyes, as Lily waved from the window as the limousine drove away to take them to Reno. They were flying to London for their first consultation on the list of four. Bill had wanted to schedule one in Germany as well, but after reviewing her records, the doctor had refused and said he would be wasting their time.
    Lily’s wheelchair was in the trunk of the car, and Jennifer, the nurse Bill had hired, was with them, excited about the trip. She was twenty-seven years old and had never been to Europe or the East before. She had gone to nursing school at USF, and then returned to Lake Tahoe, where she had grown up. This was a big adventure for her, and she and Lily chatted while Bill talked on his BlackBerry. He had let his business slide in the last month and a half and was paying closer attention to it again.
    Jennifer gasped when she saw the plane that was waiting for them in Reno. It was a Boeing Business Jet, and incredibly luxurious once they stepped inside. Bill carried Lily easily onto the plane and set her down in one of the large, comfortable seats. There was a living room, a dining area, and two bedrooms, which Bill had wanted so they could rest. They were expected to be in London in ten hours, which was seven A.M. local time. Their consultation with the chief neurosurgeon at King’s College Hospital was set for the following morning. And he had booked two suites for them at Claridge’s. He had high hopes for the meeting, and was even willing to stay in London, if the doctor suggested treatment there for her.
    Lily watched two movies, and then Jennifer helped her settle into one of the bedrooms. The bathroom was difficult for her to negotiate with the wheelchair, and Bill had to carry her in and out and lay her gently down on the bed afterward. Lily slept for the rest of the trip, she still tired easily, and Jennifer took her vital signs, but she was fine, and did well on the flight.
    They were whisked through customs and immigration at Heathrow, and Jennifer pushed