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He held up his hand to stop the ranger. “I’m fine, just need rest. I want to stay with Ed and we’ll both get help once we get to Rapid, but can we wait here?” This was George’s jurisdiction, so he couldn’t assume they could stay in a locked park.
“Yes, give the car’s description to Barker so he can let your ride in.”
“Thanks.” Now Rod had to hurry.
* * *
Heather feltthe pinching pain of an IV needle shoved into the back of her hand. Muffled talking went on above her. She felt almost as if she was separate from all that was happening, even though she knew they were working on her.
Allen’s voice played through her head as he’d kneeled over her after fighting Micha saying, “I’ve got you.”
She’d been too tired to reply. Too tired to do anything but fight. Life would’ve been worth fighting for before, but now she could see her future and she wanted Allen in it. Maybe they were destined to be friends. Maybe there was more. She hoped there was more.
In her life, there had only been one man who’d ever made her dream of the future. He’d been a deputy with the sheriff’s department, and he’d broken her heart. Not only had he continually put his job ahead of her, which she’d expected since officers had to be that way, he’d also chosen to leave her behind when he took another job. Was she open to possibly getting hurt again?
Was life worth living if she never took a risk?
Being in a state where her life was literally on the line put her thoughts into perspective. She had lived through the pain. It had changed her, made her cautious. The damage to her heart may have also made her hesitant to make friends and even—as with Allen—she’d pushed people away. No more.
Heather focused on breathing, since that was the one thing she could control. Breathe in. Breathe out. In the background, words became clearer as she focused on staying alive.
“She’s going to need a transfusion. Is her father here yet and is he part of her care directive?” a man in the room asked.
“He is here, along with Sheriff Pendleton. They just arrived. I can ask him,” another man answered.
The distinct sound of a computer keyboard filled her ears. “She doesn’t have a care directive on file. We’ll have to trust his word.”
She prayed for life. She prayed for healing. God knew she wanted to live, to experience life and the beauty of His creation again. Even if she didn’t receive a miraculous healing in this moment, He would still be there with her, walking alongside her.
“Her father said to do whatever we need to. ‘Save her life,’ were his exact words,” a man said.
She had to trust the doctors to do all they could. Weakness felt like lead weight on her limbs. They were too heavy to lift. She let the medication win. For now, she would sleep.
* * *
Heather becameaware of voices around her before she opened her eyes. Beeps came from all over the room, constant and steady, not quite comforting. Perhaps they were reassuring to people staring at the machines. Beeps like that meant life.
She managed to open one eye and blurred dull light met her eyes. “Hello?” Her voice was scratchy and not her own.
“Oh, you’re awake. How do you feel?” A woman in bright purple scrubs came over and hit the button on the machine above her. It whirred for a moment and the cuff on her arm squeezed tight.
“Where am I?” She remembered getting knifed, fighting with Micha, and falling to the ground. Everything after that was blocked.
“You’re in recovery. About three hours ago, you came into the emergency department with a deep slash wound to your side. Thank God our doctor was able to repair the damage.”
And praise God, she’d been attended by a believer. “Thank you. Are my father and Allen still here?” She wasn’t sure how she knew they were there, but she was confident they were.
“Yes. Both were seen for minor injuries. Whoever treated the knife wound to Allen’s neck did a good job of staunching the bleeding. Neck wounds are bleeders.” She chuckled.
“Thanks.” Her throat was so dry. “Can I have some water?”
“Sure. You rest and I’ll get a cup for you. As soon as you’re in a room, they can come and see you. I’ll let them know you’re awake.” She headed off toward the nurse’s station.
Heather closed her eyes and felt the haze of medication, knowing it was saving her from a world of pain. Allen’s father self-medicated, but for what reason? Could she help him? With God, all things were possible. She’d seen for herself how helpful Allen’s father could be. He had skills and talents.
The nurse returned with a tall cup filled and heaped above the rim with ice. “Don’t worry, there’s water in there too. I do that because your stomach will be upset from the surgery. Sip, don’t guzzle. Okay?” She smiled as she set the cup down and picked up the call button, placing it in Heather’s hand. “If you need me, I want you to press this. I’ll be here. Your doctor wants to look in on you before he sends you to a room.”
Time seemed to stand still as Heather waited for everyone to do the jobs they needed to in order to get her moved. Then there was more waiting as they got her attached to all the machines in her room. Finally, after what felt like a lifetime, her father and Allen were allowed to see her.