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“Could you let me know?”

“I will. I’ll give you a call in a couple of hours.”

“Thanks.”

Cut Bank Hospital.

I left the trailer park and made my way to the hospital. Upon arrival, I headed straight to the emergency room and asked the receptionist about Tammy Traynor’s status. She informed me that Tammy was in an exam room with a doctor and it would be a while before the doctor was ready to talk to me.

For over an hour I sat in the waiting area drinking bad coffee and wishing I could smoke before the doctor finished with Tammy Traynor and came to talk to me.

“I’m Doctor Palmerston, Sheriff Frost. You’re here for Tammy Traynor?”

“Yes. I’m taking responsibility for her at the moment until I get her status sorted out. I realize she’s a minor but I don’t want county or state people called in. I’ll take care of finding her a safe place through my office. She may need more of a safehouse than a foster home to get her out of the situation she’s currently in.”

The doctor nodded. “I understand, but I have to ask you to sign for her medical expenses at the nurses’ station.”

“Sure. I’ll take care of it.”

“Are you a relative, Sheriff Frost?”

“Tammy is my niece.”

The doctor gave me a sly smile.

“If a man named Tibor Garrison shows up asking where Tammy is, I want to be notified. He’s wanted in connection with her injuries.”

“Do you think he might come for Tammy?”

“I can’t say for sure, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Tammy’s injuries are severe, and according to Tammy’s neighbor, Tibor has a history of violence. He’s not someone to be taken lightly.”

I thanked the doctor, followed him to the nurses’ station and signed for Tammy’s medical expenses. “As soon as I can round up my deputy and ruin his day off, I’ll set up protection for Tammy here at the hospital.”

“That would help us out a lot,” said Doctor Palmerston. “Thanks, Sheriff.”

“Can you tell me how bad the stab wounds are?”

“Not life threatening now that the bleeding has stopped and the stitches are in. As soon as I get Tammy’s x-rays back from radiology, I’ll be able to tell you more about her other injuries.”

“Call my cell when you find out. I may still be in the hospital.”

“I’ll do that.”

On my way up in the elevator to see Savanna, I called Billy. “Where are you?”

“Brenda’s place. What’s wrong?”

“I need you at Cut Bank Hospital. We’ve got a domestic assault causing grievous bodily harm and the bastard might come back for the girl. She’s only fifteen and needs our protection.”

“Jeeze. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

“I’m going to see Savanna for a short visit, but I won’t leave the hospital until you get here.”

“Copy that.”

When I got to Savanna’s room she had improved greatly. She was sitting up on her bed reading a magazine.

“Hey, Travis.”