An ambulance blocked his way. EMTs unloaded a gurney. A third carried an occupied infant seat.
Rob glanced at the swollen face of the woman as the gurney sped past. He stared. Even though her face was bruised he knew her. “Patricia.”
The doors closed. His plans for the day changed. He couldn’t leave until he knew why his sister was here, and why an infant had come with her. He looked toward the drive expecting to see a second ambulance. Had his sister caused another accident? He sucked in a breath and entered the treatment area.
“Dr. Grantlan, can I help you?” a nurse asked.
“The woman who just arrived. She’s my sister. Where is she?”
She pointed to one of the curtained cubicles. Rob drew the cloth aside and viewed the scene. An ED physician issued orders. One nurse slid an IV needle into Patricia’s arm. Another placed a mask and adjusted the flow of oxygen.
Rob gestured to the doctor. “Her name is Patricia Grantlan. What’s her condition?”
The doctor turned. “There’s internal bleeding. Dr. Reed just arrived and we’re taking her to the OR.”
Rob stepped to the gurney. He touched his sister’s hand. “Patricia.”
Her eyelids fluttered open. So did her mouth. The mask muffled her words. He leaned closer.
“Hurts…He did…Take care of…”
A nurse opened the curtain. “They’re ready for her.” She hung a unit of blood and stepped aside.
“Do you want to observe?” the ER doctor asked.
Rob shook his head. “I’ll take care of the paperwork and stay in the ED waiting room to hear the news.”
As they wheeled his sister away Rob strode to the waiting room door. What had Patricia meant by her words? Had someone hurt her? Was she in danger? Who should he care for?
He stopped at the admissions’ desk. “I’m here about the woman who just arrived by ambulance.”
The clerk looked up. “Dr. Grantlan, do you know her? The EMTs had no idea. They found no identification, but they left two suitcases I was about to open.”
“Her name is Patricia Grantlan.” At her startled gasp he continued. “She’s my sister, but I have no idea if she has insurance. I’ll handle the bills.”
She passed a clipboard holding several forms to him. “Fill these out as best as you can.”
Rob retreated to a seat at the rear of the room. He added as much information as he could. After returning the forms the clerk gave him the suitcases. He returned to his seat on one of the plastic chairs facing a television tuned to a cooking show.
A young woman with light brown hair entered. A diaper bag hung from her shoulder. She must be the baby’s mother. Relief rolled like a stream released from a beaver’s dam. Patricia hadn’t caused a fatality. The young woman stopped at the desk.
Who was she? Though curious, knowing wouldn’t halt the thoughts galloping through his head. Something about the way she stood with one hand on her hip drew him and made him think he knew her. Her shorts revealed long tanned legs. Would her face match the rear view?
He groaned. She reminded him of Andi Sherman. Why think of her now? He’d ruined any chance of a future with her. Twelve years ago, he’d followed his father’s demands and told her he didn’t love her. Once more the words spoken in a steel-coated voice slid into his thoughts.
You want to go to college and become a
doctor. Though that’s not my choice for you, I’ll accept your decision. Your
brother will have the place I reserved for you. Do you want college?
Yes.”
Ditch Andi Sherman. She’s poor white trash. Members of her family are known criminals. Unless you tell her what she is, forget your plans. Forget any inheritance. Your brother will be near your trysting place and will report to me.
He’d followed his father’s orders. Rob still remembered that evening and the tears in her eyes. He swallowed memories of his failure to face his bullying father.
The young woman turned. She studied the rows of waiting people. Her face blanched.
