by KC Luck
Anna let out a long breath. “Okay,” she agreed. “But you must promise to do whatever Alice tells you. Then I will feel better about leaving you.”
A hint of a smile crossed Lexi's flushed face. “You drive a hard bargain,” she answered. “But I promise. Now, go.”
AS MUCH AS SHE HATED to see Anna go, Lexi knew it was the right decision. Not only because she was the only nurse practitioner and the doctor was out, but because Grace was a close friend of Taylor's. Lexi would not let her down after all she did for them over the last few months. In a lot of ways, Taylor was the reason they were all still alive. As Lexi crawled back under the covers of her bed sighing, she put her head on the pillow and sent up a little prayer that Anna would get there in time. Closing her eyes, she was about to drift off to sleep when suddenly Alice was shaking her shoulder. She had not even heard her come in. “What is it?”
she croaked.
“I'm sorry Lexi, but there's another soldier at the door,”
Alice answered.
Lexi frowned. “Different than the last one? And where is Anna?” she asked.
Alice shook her head. “It's not the same one,” she answered. Perplexed, Lexi pushed herself up to a sitting position and paused to let her head stop spinning. She was so tired and wished she could just sleep. But there's always something, she thought as she swung her legs over and forced herself out of bed. She reached for Alice's arm for help, but suddenly Alice was not there. She was surprised the woman somehow left the room without her noticing.
“I'm just so sick,” she thought struggling out of the bedroom and into the hall, only to find the soldier. He was waiting for her but with Joe in his arms. Alarmed, Lexi moved a little faster and reached for the boy. “What are you doing?” she asked. The soldier did not speak, and Lexi started to become angry. “Give him to me,” she demanded.
Again, the soldier did not respond. About to make a move to grab Joe away from him, Lexi suddenly felt Alice's presence beside her.
“They've come to take him to his family,” the older woman said. Lexi blinked and the words slowly registered.
One of her deepest fears was being realized. Somehow, the Army found out Joe was not Anna's child and they figured out a way to find his family.
“No,” Lexi said. “Not before Anna has a chance to say goodbye.” Lexi’s heart was breaking, but she knew it would be harder for her wife. If she never got a chance to say goodbye... Lexi thought. “I won't let you take him,” she said and reached for Joe again. This time the soldier stepped back and Lexi stumbled. In her weakened state, she was unable to catch herself. Falling, Lexi jerked awake and found herself in a pool of sweat in her and Anna’s bed. Relief washed over her as she realized it was a nightmare, but then fear twisted in her chest. Her dream could very easily come true.
LAURA WAS EXHAUSTED. They crossed the bridge late yesterday but pushed on to put distance between them, her attackers, and the cougar. They could not be sure if the pair escaped and was chasing them. By Laura's thinking, it was better to be safe than sorry, so she didn’t disagree when Sam suggested they continue further along the route until they could find a quiet neighborhood and spend the night. It wasn’t as easy as they thought. There was a lot of destruction in the area past the bridge—mostly businesses which were destroyed. It was not until nightfall they found some abandoned houses which would work. Neither one of them slept well even wrapped in each other's arms, and when Sam suggested they get up before the sun rose, Laura agreed. She was ready to get to Oregon City, deliver the letter, and then head home.
Right then, they stopped at a small city park. Sam spread their map on one of the picnic tables while Lester and Honey munched some tall grass nearby. There was a slide, some swings, and even a merry-go-round in the small space. Unfortunately, there were no children or families. Just Sam and Laura and it made her sad. Will there ever be a time when children laugh and play in places like this again?
she wondered. As she considered the future, Sam interrupted her thoughts by tapping on the map.
“If we take this surface street it should lead us to the address on the envelope. It looks like the residence is in a cul-de-sac,” Sam said. “I think we can be there by early evening.”
“Only a few hours from now?” Laura asked, surprised they were so close.
Sam nodded. “Or even late afternoon,” she said, a grin crossing her face. “And then we can go home.” Laura almost clapped her hands she was so happy with the news when suddenly she had a thought and frowned.
“What if no one is home?” she asked and could see a flicker of concern cross Sam's eyes. She's already
considered that, she thought. But did not want to worry me.
“After seeing so many neighborhoods where all the houses are vacant, I know it's a longshot,” Sam answered.
“But I am not giving up.” She lifted her chin and gave Laura a confident look. “Someone will be there. I believe in my heart all of this was for a reason. That Mary March left us the letter and it is our destiny to deliver it.”
Laura tilted her head as she considered what Sam said.
Destiny? she thought. Do I believe in such a thing? Then she considered all the events which happened in her life over the last few months. The solar storm. The arrival of Sam to Astoria. Even something as crazy as a cougar coming out of the woods to save her just yesterday. All of it was so insane, and yet, it was all something which actually happened to her. How can I deny this is my destiny? Stepping forward she wrapped her arms around Sam's shoulders and pulled the woman closer. “I agree with you,” Laura said. “This is what we're supposed to be doing.” Sam smiled with a hint of relief and then leaned in to give Laura a kiss. It was sweet and tender, but with a hint of passion and once again Laura was eager to be home. She was ready to see all her friends and loved ones. She missed them so much, more than she would have imagined considering she hardly knew any of them until recently. But mostly, she missed the gentle quiet and calm of Astoria.
CHAPTER 31
ith Jackie beside her, Taylor walked into the hospital Wand stopped the first nurse she encountered. “Excuse me, but which room is Major Grace Hamilton in?” she asked.
After being pointed in the right direction, they quietly entered one of the classrooms to find Meg asleep with her head on the edge of Grace’s bed. The major was incredibly still and so pale, Taylor's first thought was she was dead.
Then, Meg stirred and Taylor noticed Grace's chest was rising and falling. Thank God, Taylor thought, moving closer as Meg sat up and rubbed her eyes.
“I didn’t hear you come in,” she murmured.
“It’s fine. How is she?” Taylor asked not taking her eyes off of Grace’s pale face.
“She's lost a lot of blood,” Meg answered. “And the bullet is still lodged inside her. No one is quite sure how much damage there is, or if shards of the bullet hit any organs.
They've sent for Anna.”
Taylor furrowed her brow. She wondered why Anna was not already here. Of course, Anna warranted her share of downtime, but it seemed strange that even if she had gone home to rest, she was not back first thing. It just was not like her. Taylor glanced at Jackie and saw a look of puzzlement on her face as well. Things were not adding up.
As she contemplated everything, she saw Grace stir and a look of pain crossed the woman's face. Taylor had no doubt the wound was extremely painful and movement made it worse.
After a groan, Grace opened her eyes, and they landed on Taylor's. “Major,” Taylor said with a nod. Grace swallowed
hard and looked ready to respond but could not seem to find her voice. Meg was up out of her chair immediately and picking up a glass of water. She held the straw to Grace's lips, and Taylor could not miss the tenderness in the woman's actions. She did not know the extent of Grace and Meg's relationship, but she could tell there was something special there. Her heart went out to the ship's captain. This cannot be easy, she thought, knowing if this were Jackie in the bed,
Taylor would be a wreck.
After sipping some water, Grace gently waved Meg away and then looked back at Taylor again. “It's good to see you, Sergeant,” she said. “I was not sure what condition you were in.”
“Never been better,” Taylor replied. “I just want you to get well.” Grace gave a wry laugh but then winced from the pain.
“I'm not so sure that's going to happen,” she said. Taylor opened her mouth to argue the point, but Grace held up a hand. “At ease, Taylor. I'm not stupid. I know this is bad.
Which is why I am glad you are here. I want you to just listen for a minute because I need to apologize.”
Taylor raised her eyebrows. “If you're going to apologize for letting the man bulrush you, I don't want to hear it,” she said.
Grace sighed. “Well, that was partially my stupidity but no, that is not what I was going to say. I wanted to apologize for not being honest with you at the beginning,” she explained. “About my primary objective. And now I may die before I can report back and explain Astoria should not be occupied with military forces.”
Moving forward, Taylor took Grace's hand. “Major,” she said and then paused. “Grace, let’s not worry about any of that right now. You just need to focus on getting better.”
“Yes,” Jackie added from where she stood beside Taylor.
“Taylor and I will deal with the army.” Taylor loved the confident sound in the woman’s voice. Jackie against the US
Army? she thought. Now that would be quite a match to watch. Before Grace could answer, Anna rushed into the room. Taylor was never more relieved to see her. She was no fool and, even as much as she tried to be positive about the situation, she knew Grace was in critical condition. Without electricity and the medical equipment which it relied on, there was little Anna or anyone could really do for Grace.
Taylor never felt more powerless.
SOMETHING WAS DEFINITELY wrong, and Jackie was confident it was not just with Grace. When she and Taylor arrived and Anna was not there, Jackie was surprised. Anna was the most dedicated person to her job she ever witnessed. She was glad to hear her friend was sent for and knew if anyone could help Grace it would be her, but still, something else was going on. Especially when she considered that a couple days ago Lexi didn’t come to town to help with the Saturday Farmers Market. Suddenly a horrible thought struck her. What if this has to do with Joe?
she thought. What else could it be?
While Jackie contemplated ways to find out more information, Anna came rushing into the room. She looked tired and pale and Jackie's worries were confirmed.
Something is definitely wrong, she thought. As Anna greeted everyone on her way to Grace's bedside, it was all Jackie could do not to grab the woman's arm and drill her for more information. The situation with Grace was severe, and she understood that, but she also needed to know what was going on at the farmhouse. Biting her lip, she watched Anna take stock. “Meg,” Anna asked. “Can you go out and gather a couple more lanterns? I'm going to want lots of light while I make my examination.” Meg did not hesitate to move past Jackie and out the door in a flash.
“What can I do?” Taylor asked. Jackie could hear a hint of frustration in her voice. Her woman was all about action and standing around waiting was not working. Anna clearly understood this, too.
“Taylor,” Anna said. “I'm going to need a second set of hands. Can you help me?”
“Of course,” Taylor said. “Anything you need.” Then, Anna's eyes fell on Jackie. Jackie saw the fatigue and worry in the woman's eyes. I know it's not just about Grace, she thought sure something deeper was wrong.
“And Jackie,” Anna said. “I'm not sure you're going to want to stay here for this.” Not that she would faint at the sight of blood, Jackie knew her strengths and this area was not one of them. She nodded, but she was not about to leave until she had at least a few answers.
“I'll go, but only if you level with me, Anna. What is wrong?” she asked. “Is everything all right back at the farmhouse?” At this, Anna paused, and a hint of tears touched the corner of her eyes. Jackie's heart leaped into her throat. She moved across the room and put her hand on Anna's shoulder. “I know we don't have time to get into the details,” Jackie said. “But I need to at least know the basics.”
Anna swallowed, taking a deep breath. “I was going to send Will to find you,” she said. “But then the soldier came and fetched me. I lost track of anything but getting back to the hospital.”
“Have Will tell me what?” Jackie asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
A tear slipped down Anna’s cheek. “It’s Lexi,” she said softly. “She swore Alice to secrecy so no one would worry.
Even I did not know until yesterday.”
Lexi? Jackie thought, caught off-guard by the answer.
Her sister was almost as invincible as Taylor. “What are you talking about?” Jackie asked, her anxiety building. “Why would Lexi want things to be a secret?”
“She has the flu, doesn’t she,” Taylor said matter-of-factly from the other side of Grace’s bed. Jackie watched Anna look to Taylor.
“Yes,” Anna said. “Severely.”
“Oh God,” Jackie said in response. She stepped away from Anna and turned to Taylor. “I have to go.”
Taylor nodded. “Get to the farmhouse and I will come to find you there as soon as I can,” she said as she moved to take Jackie in her arms. “I love you. It will be all right.”
Jackie hugged Taylor back fiercely. She wanted to believe what the woman was telling her, but she knew no one in these crazy times could guess what would happen next.
HOLDING GRACE'S HAND, Meg watched while Anna did her examination. The woman's fingers were deft and agile as they cut away any remaining clothing and probed the wound. She could tell Anna was as gentle as possible, but the grip of Grace's hand in hers let Meg know the woman was in extreme pain. Meg was not sure if the roles were reversed, she would be able to keep from crying out. Grace is the bravest person I’ve ever met, Meg thought with deep appreciation. The combination of strength and femininity was just one more reason Meg was attracted to her. And once we are out of the woods on this, I’m going to tell her so.
Finally, Anna stepped away. “Okay, Taylor,” she said. “You can put out a couple of those lanterns. I've seen all I think I'm going to see.” Meg waited with anticipation of what the nurse practitioner was about to tell them. After a moment, Anna let out a sigh. “Grace, are you ready to listen to this?”
she asked. “Or do you need some time? I know what I just put you through was extremely painful.”
Grace shook her head. “No, tell me now. I need to know,”
she answered. “And don't try to soften the truth.”
Anna pulled off her latex gloves and took Grace’s hand.
“Very well,” she said. “The good news is I am fairly confident nothing compromised your abdominal cavity.
Honestly, and not to be morbid, but it's not so much from my examination. It is rather from the fact that you are still alive. If a major organ had been nicked, well ...” Anna did not need to continue.
“And the rest?” Meg blurted before Grace could respond.
“What's the not so good news?”
Anna nodded. “The not so good news,” she replied. “Is twofold. Most immediately is your extreme blood loss.” Meg glanced at Grace's face. She noticed the woman was exceptionally pale and considered if it might be because of all the blood she lost while Taylor was carrying her to the hospital. Anna confirmed her thinking.
“And what's the other thing?” Grace asked. Anna looked down at Grace, her eyes full of compassion.
“Grace,” she said. “You may never walk again. The bullet has done too much damage to your hip. There was a time not long ago when we could have replaced your joint. But that is no longer an option, or at least not right now.”
Meg sucked in a breath and held it. She continued to squeeze Grace’s hand and even though the diagnosi
s was bad, she reminded herself at least Grace was still alive. And we will find a way for her to have the best possible life no matter the circumstances, Meg thought. There is nothing wrong with being in a wheelchair aboard ship. Grace was quiet and no one said a word letting the woman process.
Finally, she patted Anna's hand, as if trying to reassure the woman, and not the opposite.
“Let's just focus on the immediate problem,” Grace said.
“What will happen if I don't stop bleeding?”
“Well, I think we stemmed any further blood loss,” Anna said clearly appreciating Grace’s need to get down to
business. “Ideally, I can give you a blood transfusion to help restore your hemoglobin levels. Do you know your blood type?”
Grace nodded. “O-positive,” she answered. Meg watched Anna look to her.
“And you?” Anna asked. Meg immediately connected the dots. There were no longer blood banks and stores of blood, but they could work a transfusion between two people.
“I'm O-positive as well,” Meg replied with a smile. “And I will give her every drop she needs.”
CHAPTER 32
exi was awake, but not ready to open her eyes. She was Ltaking stock of how she felt and had the briefest sliver of hope she was a little better. Maybe I can eat something, she thought. She contemplated rolling over and calling for Alice, who she knew was always listening from the kitchen, when her stomach cramped. Or maybe not. Deciding her best bet was to go back to sleep, she sighed and burrowed into the covers. Before she could nod off, she heard a light rapping at the door and then Jackie entered.
“Hello, sis,” Jackie called out. She sounded upbeat, but Lexi could tell it was not a hundred percent sincere. A lot was going on in Astoria and the latest information about Grace was only one more thing she knew would weigh on her sister's shoulders. As glamorous as Jackie was, and as high maintenance as she acted when she wanted to, the woman had a huge heart. She cared deeply for everyone in her life and her town.
