Page 37 of Serial Burn

Where was everyone?

James and Cole had probably taken the suspect to the station for booking and questioning—assuming he didn’t need medical attention—but Andrew would have come to the hospital with Nathan. She assumed.

Jesslyn walked to the triage station. “Carly, have you seen Nathan? He was brought in a few minutes ago.”

“He’s back there, but we’re so busy, I think he’s actually in one of the storage rooms.”

“The stor—seriously?”

“I know. It happens sometimes and most people prefer it to have a modicum of privacy.”

“Unbelievable. What happened? Where’d all these people come from?”

“Tour bus heading to Asheville crashed with an eighteen-wheeler, which caused a twenty-car pileup. You didn’t hear it on the radio?”

Jesslyn rubbed her forehead. “No. I’ve been busy with a fire.” And other stuff.

“We’ve pulled in everyone off duty including paramedics and EMTs to help triage people. On that note, I’ve got to go, but from what I understand, Nathan’s not hurt too bad.”

Relief flowed. “Thanks.” Jesslyn started checking rooms and finally saw Andrew in the hallway. “How is he?” she asked, hurrying to his side.

“He’s okay. Lainie’s been with him. When he saw all the people needing help, he tried to walk back out the door, but Lainie convinced him to let her clear him. He’s had X-rays, just waiting for the results. For what it’s worth, Lainie doesn’t think his hip is broken.”

More relief. “Pain level?”

“Manageable. He let them give him something nonnarcotic and said it was helping. I stepped out while they did their thing.”

“That was fast work on Lainie’s part.”

“Once he said he’d stay, she double-timed it.”

Jesslyn huffed. “Afraid he’d back out and leave.”

“I’m sure. We’re both anxious to question the suspect, but he was calling his lawyer. He’ll keep for a few hours. Oh, I called Nathan’s parents to let them know and I think they’re on the way.”

Uh-oh. “Um, okay.”

Andrew stilled and frowned. “What? Should I not have done that?”

“Guess we’ll see. From what I understand, his relationship with his family is good for the most part, but ... also complicated.”

“Complicated how?”

“Not for me to say.”

Andrew held up a hand. “I got it. I’ll go tell him and hope I still have my head if I messed up.”

“Maybe try groveling?” He grimaced and Jesslyn took pity on him. “It’ll be all right.”

“Guess we’ll find out.” He paused. “You want to go in first?”

“Get the lay of the land, so to speak?”

“Am I a coward?”

“Either that or just smart.”

He chuckled and shook his head. “It’s fine. I got this.”

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