The officer holstered his pistol and bent over the fallen young woman, pressing a hand to the wound in her chest in an attempt to staunch the flow of blood. “Better get a surgeon in here,” he said. “She's bleeding real bad.”
“How the Hell did he get in her with a knife?!” growled Early. He knelt on the floor as the orderlies burst in with a gurney. “Louisa, can you hear me?” he whispered.
The young woman moaned softly, her eyelids fluttering. She coughed, spraying the neurosurgeon's face with gore. A trickle of frothy red blood ran from her mouth, pooling around her head.
Sharon Walters stood in the doorway, her cheeks dead white. Early spotted her and waved her forward. “Help us get her onto a gurney,” he ordered. “All right, let's go! Sharon , notify Wilhite that we've got a case for him!” When the nurse hesitated, he gave her shove. “Move, girl! She's got a perforated lung! Tell him we're taking her to OR 4!””
“Dr. Wilhite, OR Four! Dr. Fred Wilhite, OR Four, stat!”
Brackett glanced up sharply when the officer came out of the treatment room. “What the Hell happened in there?!?” he demanded.
The man stared at him. “The patient stabbed her!” he stuttered. “Damn it! Why didn't they search him at the scene?”
“We can discuss that later,” said Kel. His eyes fell on Collins and Sanchez, who stood there, mute with shock. “You boys better get back. Tell the Chief what happened, will you? He'll notify her husband.” He turned back to the base station, cursing under his breath. “I plan to have a chat with whoever was out there and find out who screwed up,” he grumbled.
Rick and Miguel walked out of the ER and climbed into their squad. Neither paramedic spoke as they drove away, each man lost in his own thoughts. As they neared the scene of the rumble, Sanchez pounded his fist on the steering wheel. “If she dies, Rick, I'm personally going to kick someone's ass! Heads are gonna roll before I'm done, too!”
Collins swallowed convulsively, nodding in agreement. “There's McConikee,” he said, pointing. “Man, I don't know how we're gonna tell him about this. Come on before I lose my nerve.”
Chief McConikee looked up when Miguel tapped him on the shoulder. “About damn time you got back!” he growled. He stopped short when he noticed how pale they were. “What's wrong?”
“Our patient was carrying a concealed switchblade when we took him to Rampart, Chief,” whispered Sanchez. “There was an incident when the doctors were examining him.” He took a deep breath and continued. “He stabbed Mrs. Stanley in the chest, sir. They were taking her up to surgery when we left.”
McConikee blanched and swayed on his feet. “God above,” he uttered hoarsely. “What are her chances?”
“No idea,” answered Collins, “but it doesn't look good. I heard Dr. Early say her lung was perforated and she'd lost a lot of blood.”
The Chief scrubbed a hand across his face. “As soon as we get this mess cleaned up, I'll drive over and inform Hank. Go assist 51's with their patient.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Half an hour later, McConikee cornered the police officers who had responded to the rumble, shouting at the top of his lungs. “Why in blazes didn't you guys search those people before they were transferred to the hospital?!?” he yelled, his cheeks purple with rage. “Because of your screw-up, a nurse was stabbed and may very well die! When I get to the bottom of this, some or all of you are going to lose your badges!”
The officers shuffled their feet, afraid to meet the fire chief's eyes. “I take full responsibility,” said Vince Howard, stepping forward. “We neglected to search each man before he was transported, sir. I'll speak to our Captain when we return to the station. Who was hurt?” he asked.
The Chief glared at him. “Go to the hospital and find out for yourself,” he hissed. “I'll be going there myself after I notify her husband. Tell your Captain to meet me there!” he turned away and stormed to his car.
The African-American police officer sighed heavily. “You heard him, boys. Man, Flanagan is going to go ballistic when he finds out what happened.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Hank frowned when he saw McConikee's car pull into his driveway. “What's he doing here?” he wondered. He walked out to greet his superior, his eyes widening when he took in the man's somber expression. He opened his mouth to speak, but no sound emerged.
“I'm afraid I have some bad news for you, Hank,” said the Chief, reaching out to rest his hand on the Captain's shoulder. “You better sit down.” He guided Stanley to the porch steps and sat beside his former engineer. “We were called out to assist the police with a gang fight in Compton ,” he started. “One of the patients had a knife on him when he was taken to Rampart. While he was being treated, he somehow got it out of his pocket and stabbed the nurse who was working on him. Hank, I hate to have to tell you this, but it was Louisa. I don't know exactly how serious it is, but from what Collins and Sanchez told me, she's in bad shape.”
The Captain stared at him, the blood draining from his face. He ran a shaking hand through his hair and stood up. “I have to go over there,” he muttered. “Will you take me?”
“Of course,” replied McConikee.
Hank stumbled into the house and drew Maria aside. “Louisa's been hurt,” he whispered, painfully aware that his children were only a few feet away. “I'm going over to the hospital. Can you stay with the kids until I get back?”
The Latino woman paled and leaned against him for support. “Certainly,” she whispered, her eyes wide with fear. “Call me as soon as there's any news.”
“Call the guys, too, please, and ask them to meet me at Rampart,” answered Stanley . “Whatever you do, don't let the kids know what's going on.” He turned and left the house and got into McConikee's car. The vehicle sped off, raising a cloud of dust as it passed.
Maria jumped when she felt a hand touch her arm. “Oh, Long Feather!” she gasped. “I forgot you were here.”
The Native America medicine man smiled gently and walked away without a word. He stood on the front porch, watching as the dust settled. A chill ran up his spine, filling him with a sense of dread.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Lame Deer, Montana , One Week Earlier
Buck Red looked up when the barn door creaked open. His dark eyes widened in shock when he spotted two men dressed in buckskins and beads. “Strong Bear? Long Feather?” he gasped. “What in the world are you doing here?!?”
The Lakota medicine man offered the foreman his hand and grinned. “The Spirits brought us here to help Moon Flower during her time of need,” he answered, as if he hadn't traveled more than a hundred years into the future.
“Her time of need? What are you talking about?”
Strong Bear nodded a greeting and explained. “We were given a vision, my friend,” he said. “One that was very bad. She will be hurt while she is caring for others. You must get us to her home as soon as you can, Buck. If we do not reach her in time, her husband and children will lose her.”
The foreman paled. “It's that serious? Oh, man, Hank already lost one wife. I don't know if he would be strong enough to go through it again. We better not say anything to the Johnsons about this,” he cautioned. “Richard's heart has been giving him trouble. A shock like this could kill him. Both of you stay here. I'll go talk to Phil and tell him I need to take a few days off. After that, I'll pack a bag and drive you to Los Angeles myself.”
The Lakota men patiently waited for him to return, talking softly in their native tongue. Half an hour later, Buck entered the barn and called out to them. “Everything's all set,” he told them. “I called John Gage and told him that I'm bringing a couple of friends down for a visit. Boy, will he be surprised when he sees who's visiting.”
Los Angeles , Two Days Later
Johnny's eyes bulged when he saw Strong Bear and Long Feather outside his door. “Talk about a blast from the past!” he said finally. “Man, Lou's gonna go nuts when she sees you guys!”
Gage's prediction proved true. Once Louisa got over the shock, she joyfully embraced both men and invited them into her home. She introduced them to her family, clearly enjoying her husband's surprise. “I've heard all about you,” said the Captain, “but I never expected to actually meet you! You're welcome to stay as long as you like, as long as you don't tell the kids who you really are. “Why don't we tell them you knew my wife when she lived in Montana ? We can tell them you missed her and decided to visit.”
“Good idea, honey,” smiled the young woman. “See, I didn't marry you just because you're cute. You've got brains, too!”
Johnny, Strong Bear, and Long Feather burst out laughing when Hank blushed. “If he wasn't smart, he never would have made Captain, Lou,” snickered the paramedic.
“I know that, buster, but not all Captains have such cute………dimples,” she teased, winking at her husband, who turned even redder.
“Keep my dimples to yourself, sweetheart,” he grumbled.
Rampart Hospital , Five Hours Later (Return to Present Time)
The crew of Station 51's A-shift was gathered in the doctor's lounge near the emergency room, waiting for news. Roy and Johnny sat talking quietly while keeping a close watch on their Captain. Hank was slumped in his chair, his eyes glazed and unfocused. Mike and Chet paced anxiously, pausing every few minutes to stare out the window. Marco leaned against the wall with his rosary beads clasped in his hands, praying for his sister in a soft, monotonous voice.
“When are we going to hear something?” exploded Kelly. “It's been hours! Why doesn't someone come and tell us what's going on?!?”
Stoker bit his lip, clearly wondering the same thing. He yanked open the door and stormed into the hallway, searching for one of the doctors. When he couldn't locate any of them, he approached the nurse's station. “ Dixie , have you heard anything?” he asked, his eyes begging the nurse for good news.
She shook her head. “No, Mike, I haven't. I'm sorry. How're you and the rest of the guys holding up?”
The engineer bowed his head to hide the tears welling up in his eyes. “Cap's spaced out and Chet is about to wear a hole in the floor. All in all, we're okay, but if we don't hear something soon, we're gonna flip out.”
Dixie smiled and slid an arm around his waist. “I understand,” she murmured. “I'm a little on edge myself. But, your sister is strong, Michael, and Dr. Wilhite is one of our best surgeons. If anyone can pull Louisa through this, he can. I'm about due for a break. Why don't I buy you a cup of cafeteria coffee?”
Stoker smiled briefly and nodded. “Sounds good to me. Let me tell the others where's I'm going, just in case they get some news while we're gone.”
Chet and Marco, tired of standing around, decided to join them. The Irishman toyed with his spoon, tapping it against the side of his cup until Stoker shot him an annoyed look. “Sorry,” muttered Kelly. “This waiting is driving me crazy !” he complained.
Lopez smirked. “That would be a very short trip, amigo ,” he teased. “But I get what you're saying. I'm surprised Mama hasn't called a dozen times, asking for an update.”
Dixie chuckled. “Only five times, Marco,” she answered. “I know it won't do any good to tell you this, but don't worry about Louisa. She's a tough cookie. Otherwise, she never would have survived all she's been through these past years.”
Then men shared a glance. “Knowing Lou, she'll probably wake up and yell at us for wasting our time in the lounge,” grinned Mike. “I just hope this time she doesn't deck anybody like she did after Gage and Desoto found her in the warehouse after Tom Parker kidnapped her!”
Chet and Marco laughed, remembering the incident. “The guys at Station 36 still tease Roy about that,” chimed in Kelly. “Lou's quite a lady, you know? She can be a real pain sometimes, but I love her like she was my own sister. Who else can out-prank the Phantom?”
“Admit it, Chet,” chuckled the engineer. “You've met your match when it comes to playing tricks. That phony vampire stunt my sister pulled on you was classic!”
“Don't I know it?” grinned the Irishman. “She scared the Hell out of me. Come to think of it, I still owe her for that, too. But, I'll wait until she recovers before I get my revenge.”
“You're all heart, Chet,” joked Marco. He reached out and squeezed Dixie 's hand. “Thanks, Dix, for making us feel better, I mean. We appreciate it.” Mike and Chet voiced their agreement.
“All part of the service,” replied the nurse. “I better get back. Are you coming or are you going to stay here for a while?”
Just then the intercom crackled to life. “Will Michael Stoker, Macro Lopez, and Chester Kelly please return to the ER?”
“Louisa must be out of surgery!” exclaimed Mike, scrambling to his feet. He rang for the elevator, tapping his foot impatiently. “The heck with this!” he grumbled, heading for the stairs, Chet and Marco right behind him. The three of them burst out of the stairwell, startling Carol, who was standing near the door.
When they reached the lounge, Dr. Wilhite and Dr. Early were waiting. Joe smiled as they tumbled in. “What's your rush, boys?” he grinned.
Johnny bent over Hank, whispering to him. The Captain bolted out of his chair, his eyes wild. “Doc, how's my wife?” he asked.
Wilhite took a seat at the table. “It was touch-and-go for a while, but I think she'll make it,” he said tiredly. “She arrested on us a couple times, but we were able to bring her back. I won't lie to you, gentleman. Mrs. Stanley has a long road ahead of her. In addition to puncturing her lung, that boy's knife nicked the right ventricle of her heart. We were able to repair the damage, but she lost a lot of blood. The next forty-eight hours are critical. With any luck, she won't develop pneumonia.”
“And if she does?” asked Johnny.
“I can't predict the outcome,” answered the surgeon evasively. “Once Mrs. Stanley has been moved into the Intensive Care Unit, you can visit her, but keep it brief. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to get cleaned up.”
“Thanks, Doc,” replied Desoto. “I'm going to call Joanne and let her know Louisa's out of surgery.”
“Yeah, I have to call Mama,” said Marco, following him out the door.
Hank let the tears he had been holding back fall. He bowed his head and wept, covering his face with his hands. Johnny patted his shoulder awkwardly, his own eyes moist. “She's made it this far, Cap,” he said softly. “That counts for something, right?”
Stanley lifted his head and nodded, his eyes bright with hope. “Sure it does, pal,” he answered. “I almost lost her once; I'll be damned if that'll happen again.”
Fifteen minutes later, Dixie came into the lounge. “If you'll follow me, I'll take you up to the I.C.U.,” she smiled. She squeezed the Captain's hand tightly. “We're all praying for her, Hank.”
“Thanks, Dixie ,” replied Captain Stanley, wiping his cheeks with the back of his hand.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Stanley Ranch
Emma elbowed her twin brother and pulled him aside. “Something's up,” she whispered. “Grandma Maria has been acting really weird ever since Daddy left with Chief McConikee.”
Matthew nodded. “I know and she keeps calling the hospital.” He gasped when a thought popped into his head. “You don't think something happened to Mama, do you?” he blurted. “It would explain a lot.”
Long Feather stood just out of sight, listening curiously. He, too, had noticed Hank's speedy departure and Maria's odd behavior afterwards. The medicine man's instincts were telling him something wasn't right, but he couldn't put his finger on what made him uneasy. He crept away to look for Strong Bear and voice his concerns. After a brief discussion, the two Lakotas decided to have a talk with Mrs. Lopez.
The Latino woman confirmed Long Feather's suspicions. “You're right,” she admitted. “I'll tell you, but I think the twins should be told, too.” She called to her grandchildren, asking them to come into the kitchen. When they were seated, she began. “There was a problem at the hospital today. A patient your mother was taking care of got out of hand and she was hurt. The doctors are taking good care of her, but I won't lie to you. It's very serious.”
Emma and Matthew huddled together, their eyes wide with fear. Strong Bear cleared his throat and spoke. “How was she hurt?” he asked, his hands clenched into tight fists.
Maria sighed. “She was stabbed. I don't have all the details, but Louisa was in surgery for a very long time. She's in the intensive care unit right now where the doctors can keep a close eye on her.”
Long Feather closed his eyes and murmured a Lakota prayer. When he had finished, he got up, his eyes filled with sadness. “I wish to see Moon Flower,” he said quietly.
Mrs. Lopez shook her head. “I don't think that's a very good idea,” she argued. “It could be dangerous for you to leave here.”
“She's right,” came a voice from the doorway. Johnny stood there, his face pale with fatigue. “Even if there was anything you could do, I doubt the staff would let you in.”
Strong Bear's jaw tightened angrily. “Your modern healers cannot compete with our ways, Swift Wolf,” he growled. “Even now, I can feel Moon Flower's spirit trying to leave her body. We must prevent that! It is not her time to join the Old Ones in Paradise .”
The paramedic shrugged. “I know that,” he answered. “What if I stood in for you, Long Feather? I know most of the old ritual healing ceremonies. Would you be able to tell me exactly what to do?”
The medicine man contemplated that for a moment. “It could work,” he said uncertainly. “But you must not deviate even a little ! It could be the difference between success and failure! I will teach you the right words to use, if the Captain agrees.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Rampart General Hospital
Louisa lay motionless in her bed, the respirator forcing air into her lungs. Hank sat beside his wife, holding her hand. “I'm here, honey,” he whispered. “You're going to be just fine.”
The young woman tried to respond, but her body wouldn't cooperate. Her subconscious mind sensed her husband's pain and her heart ached. An odd sensation filled her as a bright white glow appeared out of nowhere, making her shade her eyes.
**”What in the world?” she thought. Her eyes widened as she looked down on the I.C.U. from above. “That's me, but how can I be seeing this? Am I dead?”
“No, querida , you're not,” said a familiar voice. A hand dropped onto Louisa's shoulder and she jumped. She spun around, gasping when she recognized her father, Armando.
“ Papi ?!? Is that really you?” she squeaked. “But, you're dead! How can you be here?”
Armando Lopez grinned, a chuckle rumbling in his throat. “I've been sent to guide you on your journey, my love,” he replied, drawing her into a warm hug. “There are things you need to see. Come, time is short.”
The young woman stared at him, unable to believe what she was seeing. “Journey? I don't understand.”
“You will,” answered her father gently. He took her hand and lead her along a long corridor. The glare softened and they entered a small room, one that stirred memories deep in Louisa's mind.
“I know this place. It's my room at the orphanage in St. Louis . See, there's the stuffed monkey I used to sleep with.” She gasped when an image of herself at twelve flew in and fell facedown on the bed, sobbing loudly. “I remember that day,” she whispered. “Dennis Tucker cornered me in a supply closet and tried to molest me. I ran from him and hid up here. I never told anyone what happened because I didn't think they would believe me.” She turned away, tears streaming down her cheeks. “He was adopted a couple months alter and I never saw him again until he took a job with the fire department in Los Angeles .” She sniffled, choking back her sobs. “Why did you have to remind me of something I wanted to forget ever happened?” she demanded.
“It is the first stop on our journey, querida .” He pulled her along until they reached another door. “Do you remember this place, Louisa?” he asked.
The young woman glanced around, seeing an open field full of wildflowers. Off in the distance, three teenagers laughed as they chased each other. “It's the meadow behind Tía Carmen's house in Mexico ,” she said softly. “That's me, Marco, and Consuela. You and Mami took us for a visit a few months after my adoption was finalized. Marco cut his hand on a piece of barbed wire and got sick. We had to go home so the doctors could make him well. He almost died !” she cried. “We were all afraid he was going to leave us, but by some miracle, he survived.”
“It was because of your prayer to God, my sweet daughter,” replied Armando. “He heard your plea and healed your brother. You saved his life. After that, your destiny was clear.”
“Destiny? What do you mean? I was fourteen years old! I didn't know anything back then! None of this makes any sense!” She reached out to her father, panicking when he faded away and disappeared. “ Papi !” she screamed. “ Don't leave me ! Come back !”