Peter didn't have to tell Jennifer the drive from the hospital to his apartment tired him. She watched him creep from the car to the elevator holding his body stiffly, fighting the pain in his chest.
In the third bedroom, Jennifer dragged the twin beds together.
"A shower will make you feel better. Then, get into bed," she reassured him.
Gently, she tugged him to the bathroom. "Do you need help?"
Peter was too tired and too sore to make a comment. After showering, he studied his face in the bathroom mirror. He saw the scar running from his left eye past the corner of his mouth. It was an ugly, red, barely healed, crescent moon and made shaving difficult. He didn't like the scar but he could do nothing about it.
He snarled at the gaunt, battered face staring back from the mirror.
"What's the matter?" Without bothering to knock, Jennifer rushed in looking anxious.
"This scar looks as though I've been in a duel. I must get it removed."
"You'll do nothing of the kind. That's my scar." Standing on tiptoe Jennifer stretched up to kiss it lightly. "That's mine. You got that believing you were rescuing me. It stays."
She put Peter to bed.
That night Jennifer appeared in a pair of her own pajamas and, declining his offer to share his bed, she slipped into the other bed and reached across to hold his hand.
"A girl wouldn't be safe in your bed," she smiled knowingly.
During the following days, Peter enjoyed lying back in bed having Jennifer fuss over him. When he felt comfortable sitting, they sat together on the balcony holding hands and watching the comings and goings on the harbor.
All the while, she remained so particular - demanding he eat a little, slowly and often - yet somehow she always knew when he was drowsy and she'd lie beside him until he slept. When he awoke, she was ready with something to tempt his appetite. Peter knew he was getting stronger when he was no longer hungry for anything but her.
Then one morning as he lay in bed, Jennifer, definitely the boss, brought him back to the present.
"Make yourself decent, you have visitors."
Although it was very early morning, Peter believed he must have been dozing, as he hadn't heard anyone arrive.
"Come on. Sit up!" As Jennifer fluffed the pillows behind his head, she didn't struggle as Peter grabbed her and rolled her over on the bed with him.
"That's unfair!" She smiled up at Peter. "Let me up. I might hurt your ribs."
"By the look in his eyes you'd better break the rest of his ribs and," Bob was chuckling, "both his arms."
As Jennifer struggled to untangle herself from Peter's arms Bob strolled across to the bed, closely followed by Ted.
Jennifer sat up and pushed her hair back from her face.
"I'll get us all a drink."
"Make mine a beer." Ted was quick to place his order.
"You'll have an ice cold fruit juice and like it." Jennifer called back from the kitchen. She was relaxed and comfortable, even with Peter's two friends.
"Well, well." Ted examined Peter's scar. "You don't do things by halves do you? Missing for the week, then a phone call from Joe. We drove to the hospital where the Sister in charge threw us out. She told us next-of-kin only.
"Of course, we were as welcome as pigs in a synagogue so all we could do was go home and wait. Next, we get a phone call from your girl here and one from Susie to say you're home."
Ted patted Jennifer as she handed him his drink then sat on the bed close to Peter.
Noticing Ted's attentions did not offend her, Peter caught her quick smile as if to say, 'Men! They can't keep their hands to themselves. Don't worry, I'm yours and they know it.'
"Don't know what Jennifer's done to you." Bob pointedly stared at the twin beds pulled close together. "Must be magic. Must try some myself."
"Doctor's orders, Bob." Peter reached out to tug Jennifer closer. "My medicine is for me only."
"When are you going back to work?" Good old Ted, the bean counter, was always thinking about profits but Peter was not interested in returning to toil back at the workshop just yet.
"He's returning to work when I say so!" Jennifer interjected firmly. "Not a minute before. It certainly won't be earlier than the New Year."
"But that's over three months away and the work is pouring in." Ted's words died, cut short by the ferocious glare that flashed across Jennifer's face.
"Peter's coming home with me." It was obvious Jennifer wouldn't argue. "Mum will make certain he's fit, rested and well fed before he returns to work."
"Well, Peter, explain what happened." Ted was anxious to change the topic.
"All I know is that I tried to rescue a woman from a burning car. I was knocked unconscious and woke with my fingers in Jennifer's hair."
Jennifer began her story.
"Oh yes, I got a phone call, but I don't know how she got my number." As Jennifer continued, Bob just shrugged innocently. "She talked for such a long time. When I hung up, she even rang back."
"Who for heaven's sake? Who?" Ted was still uncertain.
Grinning, Jennifer patted Peter's hand.
"My best friend and Peter's adopted mother, Susie Williams. She ordered me to Peter's bedside as he was on life support. I thought it was all a conspiracy until I saw him lying there so still and almost lifeless."
Jennifer smiled broadly. Grinning at Peter she continued, "You were supposed to be in a coma and almost on the point of dying. What rot! You fooled everyone - you were only waiting."
"How did you reach that conclusion?" Suddenly Bob was interested.
"Well, the moment my lips touched his," Jennifer reddened from her hair to her finger nails, "this beast flicked his tongue across my lips." She wasn't used to putting such ideas into a conversation.
"Oh my God." Ted rolled his eyes in mock modesty and roared with laughter. "It's a wonder the filthy beast didn't try to drag you into his hospital bed. You know he's an insatiable sex maniac."
"To be truthful, I think that was his intention but he just slept. I ended up falling asleep with my head on the bed and the nurse had to pry his fingers out of my hair."
"I wasn't going to let her go." Peter grinned at his friends.
"Don't blame you. You're a lucky man." Bob had lost that 'win some, lose some' attitude. He sounded almost wistful, as though he recognized their deep feelings for each another.
Listening to the banter between his friends, Peter realized how much he depended on each one. He was enjoying his rest and recuperation.
Suddenly the realization that he may not be at work for the next three months forced him to comprehend that he had to make some arrangements with Ted. He knew he could no longer hide behind the façade of being almost an Alice in Wonderland when it came to business. If he continued his pretence of being weak and unable to gauge people's motives he would gain nothing and instead, stood to lose a lot. From the depths of his mind came the acceptance that he could no longer conceal his competence.
The time had arrived to reveal he was stronger in business acumen than his friends suspected. He had to abandon that veneer he had hidden behind.
Grinning at the thought of how he would shock Ted, he looked at his friends.
"Now, everyone out except Ted! I have some business to discuss with him." Peter was suddenly serious.
As Ted sat on the edge of the bed and the door closed, leaving them alone, the two men discussed the forthcoming bonuses to be paid. Ted was noticeably surprised at the size of the bonuses, especially the generous bonus for Joe.
He was even more astounded when told to pay five thousand dollars to both Bill and Susie as something special in the way of a Christmas present to them both, especially as they would soon be parents.
To alleviate Ted's concern, systematically and patiently Peter took him through the full implications of his wealth and his business empire. By the time Peter had completed his explanation, Ted was astounded.
"But I thought you are - "
Quickly Peter interrupted, "You thought what I wanted you to think. However, this little fracas has made me realize I have to allow you into my business affairs. I can no longer put out a smokescreen of weakness and lack of education. You look shocked but there are more revelations to come. Alongside the workshop is the BMW Dealership, which I own."
Ignoring Ted's reaction, Peter continued blithely.
"I am the major shareholder in your company and, by some strange co-incidence the major shareholder in the insurance company employing Jennifer.
"In fact I am a billionaire. However, all this news is confidential. I'm sure I can trust your integrity."
Ted could only stare at Peter and nod.
"Now, thanks to your suggestion, I also own the motel down the road. Between the motel and the BMW Dealership is a Lexus dealership, which hasn't been doing too well. I had heard the owner wants out, so buy it at the lowest price possible. I want to own all the businesses facing the main road because I have plans - big plans."
Still in shock, Ted could only wipe his glasses as he stared at Peter.
"As you'll be paying cash, the price will be especially low. I will be arranging to pay two hundred million into the shop account and you will have authority to spend."
Peter couldn't help teasing Ted, who had turned white at the huge amount Peter blithely mentioned as though it was just coins in a piggy bank. He continued, "Just give me your passport and don't try to flee the country."
Ted could only grin and gulp helplessly.
"Now, your thoughts. Would Bob be better at managing the Lexus dealership or the motel?"
