“No. The general of the ICU just ordered us to sit!”
“She can be a bit of a tyrant. But it helps me believe that Laurel’s in good hands. That nurse takes her job very seriously, which is good in my opinion!”
Lt. Meer stepped toward Brodie wrapping her in a warm hug. “Are you okay?”
Brodie was aware of the “no touching” policy for people in uniform. Laurel had impressed this on her. So, she was doubly touched by Caroline’s demonstration of affection in front of the other uniformed men. Squeezing her back, she said, “I had a hot shower and a bite to eat. I’m a new person!”
John Staley leaned forward to press her arm as she stepped back from Caroline. “Laurel is okay, all things considered?” He said the last part of his sentence with a shrug as they all recognized how serious her condition was.
“Yes, John. We talked a bit a couple of hours ago, and I understood that you all were allowed to see her around 6:00, if she’s awake.”
As if on cue, half of the double door to the ICU was opened. Nurse Leila appeared with great dignity. “We can allow two of you at a time for ten minutes.” She nodded toward Brodie, giving an approving smile. “Of course, that doesn’t mean you, Dr. Black. You can go right on back.”
Brodie smiled back. She likes me? I don’t believe it. She felt positive the woman disapproved of their relationship. “Thank you. I’m on my way.” She slipped by the round woman.
Nurse Leila held up a commanding hand. “The patient has just woken and knows you are all here. Please, be gentle with her.”
Deputy Clark winked at the formidable apparition. “You bet, ma’am. We’ll be quick. Just a few questions.”
The nurse couldn’t help herself. Curiosity got the best of her. “Do you know who did this to her?” Bytoona was a small town. This kind of thing just didn’t happen in the small community.
“We do, ma’am. At least we are pretty darn sure. Hearing it from Laurel Grey will make all the difference.”
Leila visibly softened. This policeman could melt any woman’s heart. She almost simpered for a second, as a cupid smile graced her face. She held the door open as Deputy Clark and Lt. Carolyn Meer walked through.
Brodie gave Laurel a quick kiss on the forehead before she pulled a chair into a corner of the tiny area. Observing Laurel’s pale face, she asked, “Are you ready for the troops?”
Laurel attempted a smile but winced. The area under her chin was too tender. “Bring them on!” These words came out like a strangled croak from a dying frog. She added, “That sweet nurse just told me I would be moved to a room on the second floor tomorrow morning.”
“That’s good news! Means you’re doing well.” Brodie sat in her chair as the two law enforcement officers were ushered into the room. Although representing two different agencies, Department of Environmental Protection Law Enforcement and the county L.E., they were accustomed to working together. Many were the times the park’s L.E. wasn’t available to come when needed, as their department was spread very thin over the state of Florida. As little as 87 uniformed personnel in the Bureau of Park Police enforced the law on close to 800,000 acres.
Laurel held out a hand to Carolyn as she entered the room, “Thank you for being there.”
The lieutenant wiped a tear from her eye, as she took her friend’s hand. “You silly goose! As soon as the call went out on the radio with the words female ranger attacked, I knew it was you. I made the trip from the northern part of Timucuan Springs to the main use area in record time.”
Carolyn looked at Deputy Clark and explained. “Laurel and I have worked together for over three years. She is one of my dearest friends.”
The deputy smiled at Laurel, “I understand. Laurel, we will make this very short, at least on my part.” He gestured toward the curtain at the foot of her bed and lowered his voice to a whisper, “That nurse scares
“She can be a bit of a tyrant. But it helps me believe that Laurel’s in good hands. That nurse takes her job very seriously, which is good in my opinion!”
Lt. Meer stepped toward Brodie wrapping her in a warm hug. “Are you okay?”
Brodie was aware of the “no touching” policy for people in uniform. Laurel had impressed this on her. So, she was doubly touched by Caroline’s demonstration of affection in front of the other uniformed men. Squeezing her back, she said, “I had a hot shower and a bite to eat. I’m a new person!”
John Staley leaned forward to press her arm as she stepped back from Caroline. “Laurel is okay, all things considered?” He said the last part of his sentence with a shrug as they all recognized how serious her condition was.
“Yes, John. We talked a bit a couple of hours ago, and I understood that you all were allowed to see her around 6:00, if she’s awake.”
As if on cue, half of the double door to the ICU was opened. Nurse Leila appeared with great dignity. “We can allow two of you at a time for ten minutes.” She nodded toward Brodie, giving an approving smile. “Of course, that doesn’t mean you, Dr. Black. You can go right on back.”
Brodie smiled back. She likes me? I don’t believe it. She felt positive the woman disapproved of their relationship. “Thank you. I’m on my way.” She slipped by the round woman.
Nurse Leila held up a commanding hand. “The patient has just woken and knows you are all here. Please, be gentle with her.”
Deputy Clark winked at the formidable apparition. “You bet, ma’am. We’ll be quick. Just a few questions.”
The nurse couldn’t help herself. Curiosity got the best of her. “Do you know who did this to her?” Bytoona was a small town. This kind of thing just didn’t happen in the small community.
“We do, ma’am. At least we are pretty darn sure. Hearing it from Laurel Grey will make all the difference.”
Leila visibly softened. This policeman could melt any woman’s heart. She almost simpered for a second, as a cupid smile graced her face. She held the door open as Deputy Clark and Lt. Carolyn Meer walked through.
Brodie gave Laurel a quick kiss on the forehead before she pulled a chair into a corner of the tiny area. Observing Laurel’s pale face, she asked, “Are you ready for the troops?”
Laurel attempted a smile but winced. The area under her chin was too tender. “Bring them on!” These words came out like a strangled croak from a dying frog. She added, “That sweet nurse just told me I would be moved to a room on the second floor tomorrow morning.”
“That’s good news! Means you’re doing well.” Brodie sat in her chair as the two law enforcement officers were ushered into the room. Although representing two different agencies, Department of Environmental Protection Law Enforcement and the county L.E., they were accustomed to working together. Many were the times the park’s L.E. wasn’t available to come when needed, as their department was spread very thin over the state of Florida. As little as 87 uniformed personnel in the Bureau of Park Police enforced the law on close to 800,000 acres.
Laurel held out a hand to Carolyn as she entered the room, “Thank you for being there.”
The lieutenant wiped a tear from her eye, as she took her friend’s hand. “You silly goose! As soon as the call went out on the radio with the words female ranger attacked, I knew it was you. I made the trip from the northern part of Timucuan Springs to the main use area in record time.”
Carolyn looked at Deputy Clark and explained. “Laurel and I have worked together for over three years. She is one of my dearest friends.”
The deputy smiled at Laurel, “I understand. Laurel, we will make this very short, at least on my part.” He gestured toward the curtain at the foot of her bed and lowered his voice to a whisper, “That nurse scares
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