Page 6 of Question Everything

At the same moment that he turned to exit the space, the curtain parted, and an older nurse appeared holding a bottle. She wore a stern expression, and her eyes narrowed when she saw Kyle at the foot of the bed.

“Detective Walsh, I didn’t realize you were back at work. Maybe you can fill in the blanks for our patient. She can’t seem to remember much about who she is or the accident.

Ignoring the small detail of him not being back at work yet, Kyle said, “I plan on trying to figure that out as soon as possible, Pattie,” he said. He’d tangled with the stern woman many times over the years. She was all business and no nonsense in her approach.

“You better make it quick. The doctor is working on her discharge papers now. I think some of your colleagues were trying to figure out where to send her, but I didn’t see them outside. Doesn’t much matter. She can’t stay here. The ER is slammed.” Then she turned toward the woman in the bed. “How’s your head feel?”

“It hurts.”

“I can give you something for the pain. You’ve been prescribed Tramadol if you think it might help.”

“Tramadol? I’m still breastfeeding.”

“Never mind, then. You can have more Tylenol if you’d like.”

“That sounds good. I have to be able to feed the baby,” she said, struggling to sit up straighter.

“No, you don’t for right now. That’s why I’m here,” Pattie said. “I fed her formula earlier and she drank it, no problem. I changed her diaper as well, and I can do that again.”

“Or I can do it,” Kyle chimed in.

Both women looked at him, but the nurse spoke first. “I won’t refuse that offer. I’m handling as much as I can right now.” She passed the bottle over to him. “I assume you remember how to do this, right? How old is your youngest nephew?”

“He’s almost a year old now. And yes. I’ve got a ton of experience with littles. Piece of cake.”

“Great. I’ll be in with home care instructions in a bit. In the meantime, Kyle, there are diapers in the bottom drawer of that portable crib. Wipes as well. And thanks for the assist.”

Kyle thought that Pattie almost smiled, but instead just turned to leave. For the first time since he’d entered the space, he looked over at the baby. She was kicking her legs and sucking on one hand, not making a sound. His nephews were loud; his first thought was that girl babies and boy babies were very different. He put the bottle down on the side table near the bed, then he reached in and picked up the infant.

There was a chair fitted tightly in between the wall and the crib. He sat down, nestled the little girl in the crook of his arm and reached for the bottle. Once settled, he put the nipple in her mouth, and she eagerly began to drink.

“I have to admit, you do look like you know what you’re doing,” the woman in the bed said.

“I told you. I’m a pro. My sister has four of these little people running around her house. We’re a loud and expanding family.”

“Did you mean what you said earlier. That you really wouldn’t mind if I recuperated at your place with a baby for a few days? Or at least until I can drive again. And get a new car.” She paused. “What about your wife? Will she be okay with you bringing me home”

“No wife, just me,” he said simply, and he looked down at the baby who was drinking at a steady pace. “We’re going to need to figure out exactly who you are. You can’t go anywhere until you come back to yourself and know where you were going.”

She looked at him and for a moment, he thought he saw something flash across her eyes. He hoped it was a memory of who she was and not pity for his single status.

“What is it?” he asked. “Did you remember something?”

“No. It’s nothing. I think I will take that Tylenol when the nurse comes back.”

“Right. When I’m done feeding this one,” he said, using his chin to point at the baby, “I’ll call my sister. She has a car seat installed in her minivan that the baby can ride home in, if that’s okay with you.”

“I don’t see that I have another choice,” she said, her eyes flicking to his and holding his gaze with an intensity that he didn’t anticipate. “Thank you for wanting to help me,” she added softly.

“It’s in my blood,” he said, hoping to convince this woman that she was safe with him. “I come from a long line of public servants. Almost my entire family has served as a firefighter or cop. It’s what we do.”

“Well, I wish I could tell you what it is I do. Maybe it will all come rushing back to me.”

“I’m sure it will. In the meantime, rest some more. As soon as the paperwork is done, we’ll be on our way.”

He turned his attention back to the baby. It felt good to have a purpose, even if this particular type of responsibility was exactly what he’d been avoiding his entire adult life.

CHAPTER 4

---