Page 75 of Colton On Guard
The paramedic, or doctor, speaking quietly to her, with a patient smile. She’d found his positivity encouraging, which was exactly what she’d needed. She regretted that she’d never gotten his name. Even as she’d struggled to remain awake, she had felt herself slipping away.
“She’s in shock,” he’d said, speaking to someone else before lightly touching her arm. “Genna, I need you to try and focus, just for a little bit longer. We’re going to need your help if we’re going to get you out of here, okay?”
She’d nodded, immediately wincing at the pain. A stretcher had somehow materialized, no doubt let down by the hovering chopper. Carefully, she’d tried to lift herself up so her rescuer could slide it underneath her. The entire time, she’d had to bite her lip to avoid crying out, mainly because she’d known Parker would hear and she hadn’t wanted him to worry.
The EMT had strapped her in. Heart pounding, she’d stared at him with wide eyes, dreading the moment when the chopper lifted her into the air.
“Don’t worry, we’ve got you,” her rescuer had told her and then given the signal.
Her stretcher had lifted, sending her airborne. Though she’d known the straps holding her in were secured, she’d gripped the sides so tightly her hands had ached. She’d wished fervently that she could black out, because knowing she was suspended by a rope several hundred feet in the air had terrified her.
At some point, she must have lost consciousness, because the next time she’d opened her eyes, she was in the back of an ambulance and on her way to the ER.
Once there, she’d been poked and prodded. X-rays had been taken, her injuries deemed not life-threatening, and she’d been given a small room. A kind nurse had placed her on an IV. “The fluids will make you feel better,” she’d said. “A doctor will be in to see you shortly.”
Genna waited, but no one came. She figured all the ER doctors were busy with genuine emergencies and would get to her when they could. Since she no longer had her phone and had no idea what had happened to it, she closed her eyes and tried to rest.
But with all the sounds and the machines and the way-too-bright lights, she couldn’t.
When Parker walked into the room, she let out a glad cry. “You made it back,” she said, unable to hide her relief.
“Yes.” His smile warmed her to the core. He lifted up a cloth grocery bag. “I brought you some clothes since yours were likely cut off of you. And before you ask, Revis and JB are fine. I took them home and fed them.”
She couldn’t look away. “What about Ann?”
“They lowered a rope and helped her get up. Once she was out, she was arrested. I told them that you definitely wanted to press charges.”
“I do.” Swallowing, she reached for her water and took a sip. “And did they also arrest Chad? I’m reasonably sure she didn’t travel all this way alone.”
“Your ex?” Parker frowned. “I think Eli contacted him to let him know about his wife, but I’ll find out.”
“Thanks.”
He came closer and sat down in a metal chair next to her bed. “What about you? Are they getting you all fixed up so we can get you out of here and back home?”
Home. For no good reason, she once again found herself blinking back tears. “They said I’ll get a cast for my arm, a splint or boot for my leg, and they’re referring me to an orthopedic specialist. I’m not sure when all that is supposed to happen, but hopefully soon. And they think I have a concussion. They gave me something for my headache and said to follow up with my regular doctor within seventy-two hours.”
Taking her hand, he leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I’m glad you’re all right. I have to tell you, there was a moment when I really thought we’d lost you.”
Openly crying, she reached for the tissue box with her free hand and blotted at her eyes. “I never even saw her. One minute, I’m walking June Bug, and then Ann came out of nowhere and shoved me off the side of the mountain.”
“Your little dog’s barking is what alerted me,” Parker said. “After this, I’m guessing you’ll never want to go hiking or camping again.”
Almost against her will, she laughed, even though it made her head hurt. “Not for a long time, that’s for sure.” She thought about it for a second and then amended her statement. “If ever, that is.”
The doctor and a nurse came in then.
Letting go of her hand, Parker got up from the chair and moved out of their way.
Before long, she had a cast on her arm and a clunky walking boot on her leg.
“It looks like just your ankle is broken,” the doctor said cheerfully, pushing her glasses up on her nose. “Hopefully, the boot will take care of it and you won’t need to have surgery. I’ll have my nurse discharge you. Once that’s done, someone will bring a wheelchair around to get you out to your car. Then you can go home and get some rest.”
Genna thanked her.
Once the doctor left, the nurse went over the discharge instructions. Basically, Genna needed to keep the cast dry. They’d send a referral and an orthopedic specialist’s office would be contacting her.
“Here are your discharge papers,” the nurse said. “I just need your signature in a few places, and then you’ll be free to go.”