Page 55 of Clear Shot

“I just heard from Vaughn,” Jordan says. “They could use some extra hands at the hospital. The ER is overwhelmed and they need help clearing the parking lot so emergency vehicles can get in.”

“I’ll go with you,” Aiden says.

“Me too,” I offer. “I may be able to help inside, even if it’s just keeping people calm.”

Everyone comes up with a plan and we head in different directions.

Aiden and I get on his motorcycle and make our way to the hospital. He drops me off by the emergency area and then drives around looking for a place to park. The parking lot and emergency bays are filled with debris, and there are a handful of people doing their best to clear the mess.

Instead of waiting, I head inside and look around.

“Excuse me, I’m looking for Chloe. Er, Dr. LeBlanc.”

An exhausted looking nurse nods. “She’s here but we’re all swamped. If you want to just find a seat we’ll get to you?—”

“No, I’m here to help.” I look around. “There must be something I can do.”

The nurse sighs. “I don’t even know where to start—Chloe! You have a visitor!” She points and I see Chloe.

“Are you hurt?” she asks, hurrying over to me.

“No. Aiden and I came to help. He’s outside trying to move some of the debris in the ambulance bay. Is there anything I can do?”

“We’re beyond capacity and doing our best to deal with people who are critical… everyone else just has to wait. If you really want to help, there are some kids in the waiting area whose parents we can’t find. If you can keep them entertained, that would be great.”

“Of course.”

She points toward a couple of little girls who can’t be more than four or five. They’re both dirty and disheveled but don’t appear to be hurt so I approach them cautiously. I get down on my haunches in front of them and smile.

“Hi. My name is Hana. Can you tell me your names?”

The one who’s slightly bigger nods. “I’m Kelly and this is my sister, Becky.”

“Do you know where your mommy or daddy is?”

Kelly shakes her head. “No. Mommy got losted in the her-cane.”

“Mommy!” Becky starts to cry and I gently put my arms around her, hugging her tightly.

“We’re going to try to find your mommy,” I whisper, wishing there was more I could do. I’ve never felt more useless, and it’s a humbling experience.

I recognize how lucky I am.

And not just because of Aiden.

I know that Johan would have moved heaven and earth to get me out of here or, at the very least, made sure I was safe either with Mr. Knight or at the arena. On top of that, I literally have nothing to lose other than my car. I have money and a family. I can literally pack up and go back to Bratislava, or move in with Johan, and don’t have to think about damage to my home or where my next meal is coming from.

I’m a little ashamed of my privilege, and though I understand that I work hard and don’t expect any handouts, I came through this disaster unscathed.

Which is more than many of the people here in this emergency room can say.

I’m not sure what else I can do to help others, but I’m going to try my best to give back to those who aren’t so fortunate.

“Hana!” Aiden’s voice gives me pause and I turn, startled to see him hurrying inside, a limp child in his arms. “I need help!”

“Aiden!” Chloe hurries in his direction and gets to him a moment before I do. “What happened?” she asks.

“I don’t know. I found him in the dumpster all by himself.”