Page 8 of Fractured Reunion

“His blood pressure and pulse are a bit high, likely because of his belly pain,” Rachel said. She turned to log into the computer in the corner of the room to document her findings. “But he’s otherwise stable.”

“Thank you.” Maggie settled back in her seat, wondering what would happen next. She didn’t care about missing the rest of the conference, that was the least of her worries. She’d only signed up in the first place because all physicians needed continuing educational credits and she’d been behind in getting her educational sessions in.

But it felt strange to sit here with Joey without knowing what was going on with the rest of the bus crash victims.

Most of them had been relatively unharmed. As Aaron had performed CPR on Pamela Johnson, she’d gone through the rest of the bus to check on the other passengers. Two had sustained broken arms, including the man who’d been sitting relatively close to the bus driver. That man had sustained a concussion, too, as had another victim behind the seat where she’d found Pamela and Joey. Thankfully, none of the other passengers had sustained a life-threatening injury.

Unlike Joey’s mother. It was difficult not to question God’s plan. She didn’t want to give the child the horrible news about his mother’s passing without having something more to offer. Like his aunt, uncle, or someone who would be stepping in to take care of him.

Surely this little boy wasn’t completely alone in this world.

Was he?

The minutes ticked by slowly as she thought about Aaron giving his presentation. She already knew he was a dynamic speaker, having heard him give presentations while they were married.

She still wasn’t sure what had possessed her to attend this particular conference. At some level, she must have thought it would be a good idea to get Aaron out of her head and her heart once and for all.

Yeah, that wasn’t exactly how things had worked out.

Her stomach rumbled with hunger, but she ignored the sensation. Joey hadn’t asked for anything to eat, and she wasn’t sure if that was good or bad.

Rachel popped her head in a few minutes later. “Everything okay?” she asked.

Not really, but Maggie didn’t say that. “I may need to borrow a phone to make a few calls.” She didn’t have her purse or her phone with her; they were back at the hotel. “I need to contact the police to see where things are at with the bus crash victims.”

It took Rachel a second to understand. Then the nurse nodded. “Of course, I understand. I think we have a few landline phones left. I’ll see if I can find one for you.”

“Thanks.” It was difficult not to feel naked without a phone, a wallet, even a credit card.

She didn’t have long to wait, as Rachel returned fifteen minutes later, but instead of a phone, she escorted a heavyset police officer. “Dr. Dall, this is Officer Thomas. He has a few questions to ask.”

“Nice to meet you, Officer Thomas.” Maggie tried to get a hint as to the news he had to share. “This is Joey Johnson.”

“Yes, I heard.” The officer’s eyes were kind. He came farther into the room, then hunkered down beside them. “I’d like to ask Joey a few questions if that’s okay.”

“Of course.” She couldn’t help pressing a kiss to the top of Joey’s head. “Joey, can you answer some questions for the policeman?”

Joey nodded without saying anything. He still rested against her, but some of the little boy’s earlier spunk was gone. She hoped it was more that he was worn out from all the activity rather than the hematoma getting worse.

“Joey, I went to the apartment where you and your mommy live, but no one was home. Do you know where your daddy is?” Officer Thomas asked.

Maggie bit her lip to prevent herself from answering for the boy.

“Don’t have a daddy,” Joey said. “Just my mommy.”

“I see. Do you have an auntie? Or an uncle?” Officer Thomas persisted. “Brothers or sisters? Maybe in school?”

Joey shook his head. “No, just my mommy. Where is she? Can you bring my mommy here?”

The officer’s compassionate gaze met hers. She shook her head, indicating she hadn’t told Joey about his mother.

Officer Thomas gave a subtle nod in return. For a moment, she hoped he’d have good news to share. Then his expression turned grave as he addressed the little boy. “Joey, I’m afraid your mommy can’t come here to see you.” The officer’s words were gentle, but they stabbed Maggie like a knife.

Tears blurred her vision, and she held the boy closer.

“Does her tummy hurt too?” Joey asked.

“No, sweetie,” Maggie said, brushing her lips against his forehead. “Your mommy went to heaven to be with Jesus.”

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