Somebody seemed to be waiting for him. Harry supposed he must have dozed off.
He looked like he was in his thirties. Quite handsome – strong features, chiseled jaw, head shaved to hide a receding hairline. He was wearing a grey suit. It seemed expensive.
"Hello sir. My name is Edward Briggs, I'm a police detective. How do you feel?"
"Okay I guess."
"Mr. Mason, Dr. Kaufmann told me your daughter was missing. That's why I'm here. Could you tell me a little bit about what happened out on the mountain road?"
"I don't really remember much about the crash. Something to do with my head injuries they said."
"Okay then. Why don't we try a description of your daughter?"
"Well, uh...her name's Cheryl and...she just turned seven last month...short black hair. She was wearing a sort of blue and white dress."
"Sort of blue and white?"
"A check pattern. Cheryl chose it. She picks out all her own clothes."
"That's swell. Now look Mr. Mason, I just have to radio these details through and we can get someone right on it. It's important that we find Cheryl quickly."
"Do you think she's okay?"
"Chances are she was just a little dazed in the crash and wandered off. If she's suffered any injuries, we do need to find her quickly so she can be given proper treatment."
"She's all I have left. Please bring her back for me."
"Don't worry Mr. Mason. I'll handle the case personally. Well, as much as possible. I'll see that the best officers are available to assist me."
"Thank you detective. I wish I could help."
"You just concentrate on getting better Mr. Mason. I'll begin the search immediately."
Detective Briggs left Harry slumped on the hospital bed, wishing that this was all just another nightmare.