Page 48 of Home Team Advantage
“Let’s go,” Matt said. “I’ll drive.”
* * *
The Pine Ridge Hospital ER was brightly lit and not overly busy. Lots of space, potted plants, and comfortable seating with a large, semicircular desk straight ahead. While Faith went to inquire about Mrs. Campbell, Matt scanned the space. He found Anna in the corner, pacing.
He immediately went over to her. “Anna, are you okay? What happened?”
She startled and stared at him like she didn’t know who he was. Her eyes were big, her expression worried. “Matt?”
“Yes.”
She stepped into him and wrapped her arms around his waist. It was so sudden and unexpected that his mind blanked for a moment. By the time his arms started to get with the program, she was already backing away.
“Sorry,” she said, wrapping her arms around herself instead.
“It’s okay.”
“Um, yeah. I’m fine. It’s Mrs. Campbell. I don’t know what happened. She went to lie down, and when I went in to check on her, she was barely breathing.” Anna glanced over at the two cops who were talking with a doctor. “They wouldn’t let me ride in the ambulance with her. They won’t let me see her. No one will tell me how she’s doing.”
Faith joined them. “It’s protocol. They’ll only share information with family.” She took out her phone. “I’ll see if Michael is working tonight.” She moved toward a far corner of the waiting room.
“Who’s Michael?” Anna asked Matt.
“Kieran’s brother. He’s a doctor. He can find out what’s going on for us. Can you tell me what happened?”
Anna took a deep breath. “I don’t know. Mrs. Campbell said her arthritis was acting up and wanted to lie down. When I went in to check on her, she was unresponsive. I called 911.”
“Did she take anything?”
“Yes. Diclofenac.”
“Just one?”
“Yes. Just one. She doesn’t like to take them unless she’s really hurting.”
“Michael’s on his way,” Faith said, returning to them.
Two police officers came out of the doors where patients were taken back and made a beeline for Anna. “Anna Black?”
“Yes.”
“Would you come with us, please?”
Anna went even paler and took a step closer to Matt, as if subconsciously seeking his protection. “Oh God. What’s happened? Is Mrs. Campbell okay?”
“The doctors are looking at her now. We’d like to ask you some questions, get your statement.”
“I’ve already told you everything.”
“It’s routine procedure. Shouldn’t take long.”
“Can’t you do that here?” Faith asked.
“We prefer to do that at the station.”
Anna looked around. Other people in the waiting area were staring and whispering to one another. The policemen were being polite, but it was clear they weren’t leaving without her. She must have realized it too.
“I guess I don’t really have a choice, do I?” she asked.
