Page 76 of Loving Lizzy

Kassie reported.

Notify Chase.

He texted.

Done. I’ll meet you at the hospital.

She responded.

Michael put his phone down and approached Diana. “Faith needs fluids and IV antibiotics. Caleb has bronchitis and ear infections in both ears. You’re running a fever. Where’s your mom?”

Diana hung her head as she hugged herself. “She’s in the bedroom.”

A knock on the door alerted Michael to Chase’s arrival and he walked to the door and opened it. Saint and Shadow flanked him.

“We thought you might need help.” Shadow offered as the men all slipped on masks.

Michael turned his attention to Chase. “Her mom’s in the bedroom. She’s running a fever.”

Chase headed toward the room. All three men donned gloves.

Diana sat on the couch, holding Faith and Caleb curled himself to her side.

Saint placed his hand on her knee and spoke in a soothing tone, “Now don’t you get yourself tied up in knots. Dr. Michael and Dr. Chase will have you right as rain in no time. For now, we need to get you someplace where you can rest and get the medical attention everyone needs. If you can help me pack a couple of bags, we’ll be ready to leave by the time they assess your mom.”

“I don’t have any money to pay you,” A tear slid down Diana’s cheek.

Shadow walked over and held his arms out for the baby. “We’re Lizzy’s friends and she sent us to help you. We don’t do it for money. You need to worry about telling us what to pack and getting better.”

Diana nodded as Saint picked up Caleb and asked him questions about his friend in his arms. Shadow took the packed diaper bag and a large suitcase of clothes, diapers, and formula to the car while Michael placed Faith in the car carrier and found Caleb’s jacket.

Chase came out of the bedroom. “She’s changing and packing her bag. We’ll take them to Serenity. Shadow will drive you with the kids and I’ll help Diana and her mother and follow behind you.”

Michael turned to her. “I’m taking you to Serenity. You’ll get the care all of you need and you won’t have to worry about the bills. We’ll start Faith on fluids and Caleb on a breathing treatment and antibiotics. Chase will take care of you and your mom.”

Diana scanned the men in front of her. “Will we be right behind you?”

“Yes, I’ll get the kids buckled in and Shadow and Chase will drive you and your mom. If you need further reassurance, call Lizzy.” He noticed her hesitance in handing over her children to a bunch of masked men. Diana glanced at her children and her mouth firmed. The tired, worn-out mother blew out a weary breath and nodded her head.

Michael turned to Saint as he zipped up the boy’s jacket and they headed to the car. Michael leaned in the backseat and buckled the kids in. Luckily, Chase brought his truck which contained Em’s car seat for Caleb.

Diana helped her mother as Shadow grabbed their bags and Chase led them to Shadow’s truck. As soon as everyone entered the vehicles, Saint pulled out.

Michael called Kassie, who answered on the first ring.

“I have Faith, an infant of six months, with possible pneumonia and Caleb, age six, suffers from asthma, bronchitis, and ear infections.” He turned his head to see the child gazing out the window. “I need him started on a breathing treatment when we arrive. Can you update Lizzy? I need a pediatric IV ready and x-rays for Faith. Chase is following behind with mom and Diana.”

“We’re prepped and ready. I’ll take the child to x-ray when you arrive. Doc already called and gave report. I’ll call Lizzy now.” She hung up. Michael watched Caleb’s eyes get heavier and eventually he closed them.

“Pull up to the doors, I want Faith x-rayed right away. Kassie will meet us and take her, and I’ll get Caleb started. Find out if one of the cabins can be made available for them to use after Chase examines them,” he ordered as Saint made his way through the city.

“Got it,” Saint acknowledged him. “No wonder they fell sick, when we dropped off supplies, the woman kept the kids bundled and she shivered on that poor excuse for a couch. Kassie managed to get the heat turned back on. I imagine it was too late.”

“We’ll take care of them. She deserves a break.” He shook his head.

They rolled up to the doors and Kassie ran out. She threw open the door and removed the child from the car seat in the back. “Take Caleb to exam station one, everything’s set up there.”

She headed toward x-ray as he lifted Caleb from the car seat.

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