Page 10 of Stables

The hell?

He lets out a long sigh. “Well, shit. Yea, I’ll be there. What the fuck is wrong with people?” There’s a clunk sound.

Bet it’s his feet hitting the floor.

“I ask myself that question daily. Thank you.” I don’t say goodbye.

We’ve known each other too long for that.

I’m just about done with catching up on my record keeping when there’s a light knock.

“Doc? Radiology’s on the phone for you. And the sheriff is here.” Maggie calls through the hollow wood.

With a grunt, I leave the cubicle and grab the handset from her, while tossing a wave at Wade.

“This is Dr. McCullough.” I hold up three fingers towards the sheriff. It shouldn’t take much longer than that.

Wade stands patiently, leaning over the counter until I finish getting the details from the x-rays.

Damn. She did get knocked around.

I can feel my teeth grind as I hang up the phone.

“That good, huh?” Wade smooths his copper-colored beard while watching me.

“Almost as painful as your shaggy hair. Going for a ponytail with that red mane?” I clap him on the shoulder. “Let me talk to her, then I’ll send you in.” I lean closer and drop my voice. “Thank you for coming so quickly.”

He grins and tilts his broad brimmed hat back on his head. “Of course. I missed the abuse.”

When I pull the curtain far enough to step through, I’m greeted by three sets of blue eyes. A blond woman, taller than Charlotte, and a toddler, both look at me warily.

“I got the results back from your x-rays.” I turn to see Charlotte watching me with a pained expression. “Did Maggie give you a pain killer?” It twists my gut seeing her bite her lip when she moves.

“She did. I think it’s better.” Charlotte takes a deep breath and holds it long enough to shift herself.

Finding the same stool as earlier, I sit low so that I’m not higher than any of them.

“You have two hairline fractures in your ribs. We can wrap your chest, but the truth is, you’ll have to take it easy until your ribs mend. There’s extensive bruising around your knee, but fortunately, given your state, there isn’t anything worse. The swelling should go down with ice, rest, and elevation.” I glance up to see the baby staring at me.

Offering her a small smile, I’m happy to see her return it.

Maybe I’m not too scary.

Charlotte’s mouth thins. “I’ll do my best, doc. But no promises.”

The blond woman reaches out and puts her hand on Charlotte’s foot. “I can come by and help.”

“No, Libby. You’ve already done so much. You have work to do too.” Charlotte reaches down and fluffs the light hair of the little girl. “We got this, don’t we Paisley?”

There’s a part of me that wants to offer my help.

I can’t. Fix. Everyone.

Libby laughs sarcastically. “Yea, right. Feeding twenty-two horses?” She turns and tickles Paisley. “You better get strong, kiddo. Your momma’s gonna have you packing hay all week.”

“Hay!” Paisley shrieks with a giggle.

She reminds me of Sophia as a baby.

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