Debby Giusti - Plain Truth

“I thought you’d stepped outside to make a phone call,” she said as she unwrapped the sandwich.

“Actually, a number of calls. The first was to CID headquarters and the second to Corporal Powers’s unit to ensure they knew what had happened.”

“And did they?”

“He called them on his way to the hospital.”

“Did you learn anything about Mary Kate’s condition?”

“That was my third and final call. She remains critical and in ICU, but her husband is there, and so is her father.”

“Maybe they’ll offer each other support.”

Ella and Zach ate the sandwiches, and by the time they’d finished their coffees, another tap sounded at the door.

“I’ll wait in the hallway.” Zach left the room as the doctor entered.

“Did I scare him off?” the physician asked.

Ella appreciated Zach’s thoughtfulness in leaving so she could talk to the clinician, who seemed oblivious to the importance of patient privacy.

“I’m sure my labs were in normal range,” she said, to get the doctor back on track. “But what about the CT scan?”

“You have a slight concussion, so I want you to take it easy for the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Continue to ice that lump on your head. You might have headaches for a day or so. Expect muscle soreness, especially where you were kicked. Ibuprofen will help or I can prescribe something stronger.”

She held up her hand. “That won’t be necessary.”

“I don’t know if you’re a churchgoing woman, but I believe in God’s benevolence. He was watching over you last night.”

His comment took her aback. She’d never had much of a relationship with God in her youth and had stopped asking for His help when her marriage had fallen apart.

“You were fortunate not to have broken ribs,” the ER doc continued. “Or something worse. If anything changes, don’t hesitate to come back. I doubt you’ll have to wait as long next time.”

“I’m hoping there won’t be a next time.”

“We’re short staffed right now, Dr. Jacobsen.” He tapped her file. “If you are looking for some weekend or evening work, I’m sure the personnel office would be happy to accept your application for employment.”

She smiled at the job offer. “Thanks, but my patients keep me busy.”

“I’m sure. We don’t see many Amish at the hospital. Every once in a while we’ll set a broken bone or tend to some farm injury. As you probably know, the plain folk usually tend to their own medical needs. I know they probably appreciate having you in their area.”

“Some do. Some don’t.”

He nodded. “That’s always the way. I wish you the best with your clinic. Let us know if we can be of help.”

Ella appreciated his comments almost as much as she was grateful for the clean bill of health. She found Zach in the hallway, and after receiving her treatment notes from the nurse, hurried with him to his car.

He opened the door to the passenger side and held her arm as she settled in the seat. She wasn’t used to such attention, but wouldn’t do anything to dampen his enthusiasm or good manners.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” he said.

“Just a little tired, which I’m sure you are, as well. Thank you again.”

“No problem.” He was silent until they turned onto the main road leading to the Amish community. “I need to know a bit more about Mary Kate, if you feel up to talking.”

“I don’t know much about her family. She mentioned an older brother in Atlanta.”

“Any family history of violence?” Zach asked.

Ella looked down at her hands folded in her lap and weighed what she should tell the special agent. She needed to be truthful, but she also worried about the young family, who seemed to have so many problems.

“Her husband was recently diagnosed with PTSD.”

Zach kept his eyes on the road, but pursed his lips before he asked, “Do you know if he’s had any volatile incidents?”

“She mentioned a few problems, but nothing about any outbursts on his part. Still, she might have glossed over the severity of their situation.”

“One of the CID agents from post plans to question him later today.”

“Is he a suspect?”

Zach shook his head. “Not at this point.”

“You’re sure? Because if you do suspect him, then I’d be worried about the twins’ safety.”

“After I drop you off, Doc, I plan to pay the grandparents a visit.”

“We’ll go together. Their house is on the way.”

“Didn’t the ER doctor prescribe rest?”

“A house call won’t tax me unduly. Plus it will ease my mind to know the girls are all right.”

“We’ll make a short visit. Then you’re going straight home.”

“Aye aye, sir.”

He laughed. “You’re mixing branches of the service.”

“Whatever works.” She smiled. “But do me a favor. My first name’s Ella.”

“And I’m Zach.”

She pointed to the upcoming intersection. “Turn right. Then make another right at the four-way.”

She stole a glance at his sturdy shoulders and strong hands. Quin had been a small man. Zach was the exact opposite. He was all brawn and muscle, with deep-set eyes that continued to glance at her.

The strange ripple of interest she felt surprised her. Her marriage had been a failure. She wouldn’t try again with any man. Her clinic and her work provided everything she needed. And more.

“There’s the house. On the left.” She pointed to the two-story colonial with a circular driveway.

“I don’t want you to overdo it,” Zach cautioned again.

“I’m okay. Really. Ensuring the twins’ condition has improved will be better than any meds the doctor at the hospital could have prescribed.”

After Zach parked, Ella stepped from the car. Together, they walked to the front door, and he rang the bell.

Lucy Landers, the twins’ grandmother, cracked open the door. Her hair was pulled into a bun, and she wore a white apron over a calico dress. “Yes?”

“Mrs. Landers, I’m Dr. Jacobsen from the Children’s Care Clinic. I’ve been treating the twins and wanted to ensure they were feeling better.”

“Oh, forgive me, Dr. Jacobsen. I didn’t recognize you.” She opened the door wide. “Come in, please.”

Ella introduced Zach. “Special Agent Swain is from Fort Rickman. He’s investigating what happened at my clinic.”

The older woman’s eyes filled with tears. “My husband has been at the hospital all night. The doctors told him the next twenty-four hours are so important.”

Ella reached for her hand. “The medical personnel know what they’re doing.”

Mrs. Landers sniffed. “I hope you’re right.”

Ella glanced around the living room with its simple furnishings, and peered into the hallway. “What about the girls?”

“They’re still sleeping.”

“Did either child run a temperature in the night?” she asked.

The woman shook her head. “I checked them often. They stayed cool.”

“May I see them, Mrs. Landers?”

“Of course.” She motioned for Ella and Zach to follow her, and stopped at the threshold of a small bedroom where the twins lay sleeping.

Ella quietly approached the double bed and touched each child’s forehead, relieved that both girls felt cool and afebrile. One of the twins blinked her eyes open.

“Hi, Stacey.” Ella smiled down at her. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine.”

“Does your tummy hurt anymore?”

The little girl shook her head. “I’m hungry.”

Ella glanced at the grandmother. “Seems Stacey is ready for breakfast.”

“I’m so glad.” The woman held out her hand. “Come on, sugar. Let’s go into the kitchen. I’ll fix you a soft-boiled egg on toast. Won’t that taste good?”