by Laura Acton
Turning her attention to the raven-haired man next to her most critical patient, the resident doctor smiled. “You must be Loki, Dan’s teammate, and friend. I’m Dr. Vanessa Chardin. Please call me, Vanessa.”
Loki nodded, wondering at the somewhat nervous tone of the doctor as he waited for an answer.
Dr. Chardin explained, “I initiated MRSA protocols based on what Scott said a doctor told him regarding Dan’s symptoms. The lab technician quit unexpectedly and moved away three weeks ago. We’ve been sending out our lab work to the hospital about forty miles from here until the new hire arrives next week. So, unfortunately, there isn’t anyone to do the cultures to determine if it is, in fact, MRSA. Though it is better to be safe than sorry, and the added coverage won’t create any problems for him since the protocol for sepsis entails many of the same practices.”
Endeavoring to sound reassuring and poised, Vanessa began to list things off in textbook style. “I started him on a vasopressor because his blood pressure is too low as well as corticosteroids and an antipyretic to reduce his fever. We’ll also monitor blood sugar levels and give him insulin if necessary, as sepsis can affect glucose levels.”
Loki’s concern spiked learning they had no lab tech and all the medications she put him on. “Dan doesn’t react as expected to some meds. Wish I could call Dr. Fraser, but I understand your phones are down. Do you have any sort of backup? Satellite phone? Heck, even a CB radio?”
Vanessa frowned. “I’m sorry, I’m not aware of any. I promise to do my best for Dan. More personnel are usually on duty, but with the flu decimating our staff the past two weeks and now the storm, we’re short-handed. I’m the only physician here, and those not ill are stuck in their homes, including Felix, our technical guy. He would know, but alas, we can’t reach him to ask.”
Loki’s whip-smart mind latched on to a potential solution. “Where is your IT or computer room?”
“Why?” Vanessa asked.
“You have power. If your internet is up, I would be able to download a copy of the Proper Care and Feeding of Dantastic manual and contact TRF HQ in Toronto to inform them of the emergency,” Loki said, not willing to sit idle and wait. Dan needed appropriate care, which included providing his medical history and possibly a more experienced doctor.
A spark of hope lit Vanessa’s eyes. “You know technical stuff?”
From his bed, Scott piped in. “Yes, he does. Loki is the whiz-bang techie for Toronto’s TRF Alpha Team.”
Relief flooded Vanessa. “Thank goodness. We’ve been managing, but if you can send out an emergency message, I have a patient who needs care I’m unable to provide. I’m a resident and started in September. I’m not licensed to perform major surgery without an attending physician. Regrettably, mine, Dr. Howard, had to leave early when the bug caught up with him.
“I planned to contact Dr. Lennox to cover for him, but we got a rash of simple emergencies right before the storm, and with staffing stretched so thin, by the time anyone could call, the phones were down.
“Although, if Lennox were here, he wouldn’t be able to help because he is a pediatrician, and his surgical skills are quite rusty. A little boy needs an appendectomy soon, and though I sat through lectures, as well as observed and assisted general surgeries, I have never performed one solo. The parents would prefer an experienced surgeon and are hesitant for me to operate, but I will do so if I must to save his life.
“I wish Dr. Mauja were here, but he’s visiting his family in the Northwest Territories. We’re a small hospital, a stopgap for minor urgent situations which mostly involve broken bones. Most major emergencies go to Mercy Hospital, which has a full trauma center.” Vanessa halted and took a breath.
“How far is Mercy? Perhaps Ron can transport the boy,” Scott suggested.
“Over forty miles, but Ethan can only be moved by ambulance in case his appendix bursts en route, and I would need to go with him, leaving no doctor here to care for the other patients,” Vanessa stated in a disheartened voice.
Scott proposed, “What about Dr. Landry Craig?”
“Doc Landry? I didn’t think of him. Dr. Howard talks about him all the time, but I never met him. I suppose he would’ve done many appendectomies, but he is so old, and Howard indicated he has difficulty standing.”
“He pulled me into his home on a dolly. I’m certain you could figure out something for him. Perhaps he sits and instructs you on what to do. I’m sure Ron would be willing to go get him.”
Loki nodded. “I vote for retrieving this Doc Landry. And while Ron goes for him if someone can direct me to the computer room, I might be able to bring additional emergency services.”
Vanessa smiled. These men arriving dispelled the darkness which cloaked her ever since Ethan’s condition worsened. “Minna, would you ask Ron about getting Doc Landry after you check Dan’s vitals? I’ll show Loki to Felix’s closet on my way to check on Ethan.”
Minna smiled. “Sure thing.”
Hospital – IT Closet
Loki stepped into the tiny room. “You weren’t kidding … this is a closet.”
Giving Loki a shrug, Vanessa said, “Yeah, not quite the big city here. It shocked me too when I arrived in September.”
Scanning the space, Loki moved to an ancient desktop computer and turned the power on. “If I get through, I’ll come tell you.”
Tired, but used to an exhausting schedule, Vanessa took a moment to lean on the doorjamb. “I’ll take excellent care of your friends. I might be new, but I did my internship at Calgary General, the number three hospital in the country, and graduated in the top ten of my class.”
“Then how’d you end up in a rural hospital?” Loki realized how rude his question was and quickly added, “Sorry, no offense meant. Where you choose to do your residency is none of my business.”
“None taken. I’m here because I was a foster kid. I dearly wanted to be a doctor but couldn’t afford tuition beyond my first two years of university. I applied for every scholarship I could find and lost out each time. That is until I submitted an application for the BMH Scholarship. It was set up to help foster kids and rural communities which needed physicians. If I agreed to do a residency and commit to practice in a small town for five years once licensed, the award paid for a full-ride.”
She sighed as Loki rummaged in a box on the shelf as the computer slowly booted up. “I wouldn’t have been able to go after my dream without that scholarship. And I’m finding I like living here. People tend to care about and watch out for each other. A pleasant change from an impersonal city. I think I found a place I can call home and make a difference too.”
Loki halted and turned. “I’m glad you got the chance. My sister received a special one-time award from the Beauty Music and Home Scholarship.” Loki curbed his tongue before blurting out his suspicion that Dan somehow facilitated Sonia receiving the Charlotte Preston grant. Instead, he returned his attention to the box and said, “Wonderful you found someplace to belong.”
“So, you and your sister are orphans?”
“No, not quite … our fathers are deceased, but our ma is alive.”
“Then how did she receive the award?”
Loki hedged, “I’m not exactly sure, but she met all the criteria except for being an orphan. I’m extremely grateful she did because supporting myself, and Ma didn’t leave enough to cover tuition after Sonia’s father died.”
“Her father, not yours?”
Shifting a bunch of cables to the side, Loki responded, “My ma remarried after my pa was murdered.” Realizing he would soon move into dark territory not open for discussion, Loki breathed a sigh of relief when his eyes landed on something which might be a game-changer and allow him to switch topics without divulging more personal information.
Hope glimmering in his brown eyes, dispelling the darkness, Loki pulled out a CB radio and pivoted. “With any luck, if the internet option doesn’t work, I can contact someone with this. The range is short, but perhaps peop
le will leapfrog the message for me.”
Vanessa smiled. “I’ll leave you to it. Need to check on my patients.”
Clearing a spot on a table to set up the radio, Loki nodded. As he sat, he noted the computer login screen displayed. He typed in the most common password, 123456, which didn’t work. Next, he tried 123456789, and he was in. His elation died as he discovered their internet to be down.
Hospital – ER Treatment Area
As Minna spoke to Ron about picking up Landry, Scott leaned back on his pillow, experiencing both mental and physical relief as the medication took the pain away. After the ski patrolman promptly agreed and headed out, the nurse moved to Dan, and Scott noted she rechecked his vitals. “How’s he doing?”
When she finished, not wanting to wake the sleeping patient, Minna walked over to Scott. “Fever is at one-o-three but is down a full degree from when he arrived. However, his blood pressure is a bit low for my liking. His glucose level is in the normal range. I believe the medications are taking him in the right direction.”
A noise from across the room alerted Minna to a change. She turned and found Dan thrashing about. She rushed over as Scott warned, “Careful. Go slow and don’t startle him.”
Minna stopped at the edge of the bed, and from her position, called out, “Dan. It’s okay, Dan. You’re in a safe place.”
The flailing slowed, and Minna spied emotion-filled blue orbs as they opened and peered at her. They appeared glazed with fever and something else. His right hand reached towards her as Minna continued to stare at his striking sapphire eyes, trying to understand the emotions she viewed. Stepping closer, she perceived the windows to this man’s soul radiated intense longing.
She clasped his searching hand, needing to prevent him from straining his previously dislocated shoulder, realizing they should’ve put his arm in a sling. Keeping her tone gentle, Minna attempted to reassure her disoriented and distressed patient. “You are safe here. I will take care of you.”
Dan blinked. She is here and holding my hand. Lifting his other hand, he touched her cheek when she smiled at him. “I love you. You’re my beauty … my turtle dove, my butterfly, my one and only. You dispel the darkness in my world. Please don’t leave me. I need you. I’m lost without you.”
Minna realized Dan was hallucinating, believing she was someone else. Someone he cared about by his expression and words. She caressed his stubbly jawline lightly. “Not leaving you, Dan. You’ll be alright. Rest now. I will be right here.”
A lopsided grin formed. Lexa isn’t leaving me. She came back. She wants me. Dan’s hand snaked behind Lexa’s neck and pulled her to him. He held her close, kissing her passionately, pouring all his love for Lexa into his effort.
Stunned by the unexpected move, Minna at first melted with the onslaught of carnal thoughts created by the sexual prowess of Dan’s sensual lips, but rapidly came to her senses and needed to put a stop to this.
Dan released Lexa when she began to struggle against his hold, which confused him. Lexa never pulled away from me before. Why now?
He stared at Lexa as she backed further away from him. In a pleading tone, one cracking with emotion, Dan begged, “Lexaaaaa, don’t go. Please don’t leave me again. I’m so alone. I can’t live without you. I’m yours … you still have all of me. Please, please, choose me this time.” A film of tears caused his vision to blur as Lexa turned away.
At the heartbreaking words, Minna glanced back at Scott. “What do I do?”
Scott grabbed the cane and hobbled over to Dan as fast as possible, which was slower than he wanted. Coming alongside the other side of the bed, Scott gripped the bedrail. “Danny. Dan, look at me.”
Dan’s head pivoted to his trusted cousin as tears welled and slipped down his cheeks. His tone became gravelly and uneven as he faltered, “Lexa is leaving … again. She said she loved me … but picked the team over me. Why doesn’t Lexa want me? Am I not worthy of … being loved?”
Scott choked on the lump in his throat. Wrapping his fingers around Dan’s left bicep, Scott gave a gentle squeeze. “You are so worthy, Danny. So many people love you.”
“But not Lexa.” His gaze returned to Lexa. “Why isn’t my love enough?”
Tears dripped from Minna’s eyes. Her heart ached for him, and she wanted to wring the neck of this Lexa person. She desired to give him comfort, but she didn’t know what to say. Again, she turned to Scott for help.
“Danny, you are tired. Time to rest, Doppelganger. Close your eyes for me.” Balancing on one leg, unsure how long he could continue to stand, his energy depleted, Scott’s grip on the rail increased. He moved one hand to Danny’s head and stroked his hair in the same manner Aunt Yvonne did to comfort him when Dan was a boy.
As his cousin’s eyelids began to lower, Scott crooned a song he made up when Danny was a toddler, “Rock-a-bye Danny sleeping on the cabinet top. Uncle William bellows for him nonstop. When he’s found, all fear Danny will fall, but our little monkey sits there laughing at all.”
Scott recognized it was not a masterpiece, but when he was eleven, it did the trick to put Danny to sleep, and he hoped it might work in his fevered state too. As he repeated the verse multiple times, Dan’s teary, glazed eyes slipped closed, and his breathing became regular. He sang it a few more times, then met Minna’s gaze across his now settled cousin. “Think he’s out again.”
Minna rounded the gurney and helped hold up Scott when he started to sink. “Thanks. Now, let’s get you back in bed.”
With some difficulty, Minna assisted Scott, and once she situated and covered him, she sank into the chair. Her fingers brushed over her kiss-swollen lips as she replayed the chain of events.
Scott noticed the petite nurse’s strange expression. “Are you alright? Dan would’ve never taken liberties with you if he were in his right mind.”
Minna peered up at Scott as she continued to touch her lips. Lowering her hand, she sighed. “I understand he is delirious. That was so sad. I’m sorry he thought I was her.”
“Did he hurt you?”
Her mouth curved into a demure smile. “No, not at all. Whoever this Lexa is, she is crazy. Geez, I’ve never been kissed so thoroughly and ardently. He’s an amazing kisser.”
Scott chuckled. “I wouldn’t know. I’ll take your word for it.”
Minna blushed, smiled broadly, and her eyes twinkled. “Wouldn’t mind being kissed by Dan again. As for you, you possess a heart of gold and a wonderful set of pipes. Your wife is one lucky woman. Thanks again for your assistance.”
Scott flashed Minna a smile. “I’m the lucky one. The day Lily agreed to marry me, the sun shone brighter, dispelling all darkness from my life. She then gave me two beautiful children. Anna and Jerrell are four months old now.” Scott rambled on about his babies until he yawned about five minutes later, and his lids drifted shut. He succumbed to the need for rest himself, drawn into a partially drug-induced slumber.
All Is Not What It Seems
31
November 24
Snowcat En Route to General Store – 5:25 p.m.
Taking the shorter route between the hospital and the store, Ron cranked up the volume on his radio and sang along with his CD of country tunes. Finding purpose in being able to help members of his community and a couple of visitors, his spirits remained high despite the weather. Three-quarters of the way to the Craigs’ home, as the latest song concluded, the bright headlights illuminated something strange on the other side of the road.
A truck partially in the ditch was not an uncommon sight, especially in winter, but the entire vehicle, except the driver’s side doors and a small portion near the tailpipe, were covered in snow. As he slowed and stopped, Ron noticed the RCMP emblem on the front door. The amount of snow indicated the vehicle must’ve crashed shortly after the storm began.
With no interior light on in the stuck truck, Ron couldn’t tell if anyone was inside. His stomach turned, wondering if he would find a frozen stiff corpse. Common sen
se quelled his worry because if the Mountie were dead, the snow by the doors wouldn’t be recently shoveled. Constables who worked this remote area would be prepared to ride out a few days with the emergency supplies they carried.
After pulling on his full facemask again, Ron hopped out and made his way to the mostly entombed truck. Cautiously, not wanting to startle the cop, Ron rapped lightly on the glass and waited. The ignition turned on, and the window lowered, revealing an alive, yet sleepy constable, which made Ron grin. “Evening, Officer. Perhaps I can be of service?”
Awoken, not sure when he dozed off, he blinked as he took in the man standing outside. His eyes lit on the tracked vehicle behind him.
“You alright, sir?” Ron asked, noting the blood on the man’s jacket.
“Me? Yes. The fella in the back, not so well. I was taking him to the local hospital when I hit a deer and careened into the gulley.”
“He a prisoner?”
“No. No. Nothing like that. Found him about forty miles back. The poor man had been carjacked and left for dead on the road. Whoever took his car shot him. I did what I could, but he’s lost a lot of blood and has been in and out of consciousness. He needs a doctor as soon as possible, or he will die. I’m commandeering the snowcat, and you will drive us there now.”
“No.” Ron’s eyes widened when the officer’s hand moved to his gun. He stammered out, “What I meant is, no, it wouldn’t do any good to take you there first. I’m on my way to pick up a surgeon. He is needed at the hospital, and I’m his only method of transportation. I can take you both with me, and Doc Landry can tend to him on the way back.”
“Okay. Yeah. Help me move him into your snowcat.”
Ron opened the door, and when the man stepped out, he said, “Haven’t seen you around these parts before. Officer …”
“Bartonella. I transferred not long ago.” After relocating the unconscious man to the rear seat, he said, “I better sit where I can keep a closer eye on him. Might be able to find out more info from him if’n he comes to again. Wouldn’t want his family worrying when he doesn’t come home, would we?”
