Page 40 of Cowboy
As we pull up to a large house, I feel a mixture of relief and apprehension. The man who rescued us helps us out of the car. I'm beyond tired. I want to sleep, but I'm not sure if I can right now. I need to make sure Saoirse is safe.
"This is my boss’ place," he explains. "You'll be safe here while we sort everything out."
I nod, too exhausted to question further. Saoirse clings to my hand as we follow the man inside.
"Make yourselves at home," he says. "My boss has called a doctor to come check you both over. Is that okay?"
I hesitate for a moment, then nod. As much as I hate the idea of being examined, I know it's necessary. Who knows what damage has been done to us over the past year?
A short while later, a young woman arrives. She introduces herself as the doctor, Gráinne.
"Hello, Caoimhe, Saoirse," she says gently. "I'm here to make sure you're both okay. Is it alright if I examine you?"
Saoirse looks at me, fear in her eyes. I squeeze her hand reassuringly. "It's okay, sweetheart. Gráinne is here to help us."
As Gráinne examines Saoirse first, I watch nervously. But the doctor is gentle and patient, putting Saoirse at ease with her calm demeanor.
When it's my turn, I feel myself tensing up. Gráinne seems to sense my discomfort.
"We can take this as slow as you need," she assures me. "And you can stop at any time."
I nod, taking a deep breath. As the examination progresses, I see concern growing in Gráinne's eyes.
When she's finished, she turns to an older man, someone who I’ve yet to see, but he’s watching me with a curious look, one that makes my stomach clench.
As they step out of the room, I pull Saoirse close, trying to ignore the knot of fear in my stomach. What did the doctor find? And what's going to happen to us now?
The door opens and Gráinne returns, her expression somber. "Caoimhe, can I speak with you privately for a moment?"
I glance at Saoirse, who's looking up at me with wide eyes. "I don't want to leave her," I say softly.
Gráinne nods understandingly. "Of course. We can talk here, quietly."
I quickly put Saoirse on the opposite sofa and then take a seat on the empty one. Gràinne sits down beside me, her voice low. "Caoimhe, I'm concerned about some of my findings. You've suffered significant physical trauma. But what worries me most is..." she hesitates, her eyes flicking to Saoirse before meeting mine again. “There are signs of long-term malnutrition. I’d like to run further tests, because it could lead to your body shutting down.”
“What do you need?” I ask, hoping it won’t be too bad.
She glances again at Saoirse, and I know she’s trying not to scare her.
“Saoirse, sweetheart, let’s get you settled for a little nap, yeah?” I say with a bright smile.
The older gentleman appears once again, this time with a smile on his face. “Caoimhe, let me introduce myself. I’m Jerry Houlihan. It was my men who found you this morning.”
I swallow hard. I may have been out of Ireland for a while, but I’m not stupid. Jerry Houlihan has a gang, one that is dangerous. They’re known killers. Why did he find us?
“Let me show you to a room so you can put Saoirse down for a nap, yeah?”
I nod, grateful for his kindness. “Thank you,” I whisper, my voice breaking. I have so much to thank him for. I’ll never be able to repay him for what he’s done for me and Saoirse.
Jerry leads us to a cozy bedroom upstairs. Saoirse's eyes are already drooping as I tuck her into the soft bed.
"I'll be right outside, sweetheart," I whisper, kissing her forehead. "Get some rest."
As I close the door quietly behind me, I take a steadying breath. We’re safe here, for now.
I make my way back to the kitchen where Gráinne is. “Okay,” I say, pulling in a ragged breath. “What do I need to do?”
Gráinne gives me a sympathetic look. "I'd like to admit you to the hospital for a few days," she says gently. "We need to run some tests and start you on IV nutrition. Your body has been through a lot, and we need to make sure there's no permanent damage."
