Page 13 of Nothing to Deny

ENTERING THE FAMILIAR doors of the ER, conspicuous in black pearls and a dress with a plunging neckline, it wasn’t the first time she’d been called in to roll up her sleeves. Passing the waiting area, she smiled at anyone familiar and got a wave or two, though most seemed perplexed.

At the front desk, Baer was arguing with Rufio, the clerk.

“I need to see ID,” Rufio said. “I’m sorry, sir—”

“I got the goddamn call five minutes ago,” Baer said, strain fraying his tone. “He’s about yay height…” He held out a hand at his side. “Light brown hair, dark eyes—”

“You gave me his name, sir,” Rufio said. “But security won’t allow me to direct anyone to a patient without confirmation they’re next of kin.”

Widening her smile, she set her forearms on the desk, holding her clutch in both hands, and pressed her elbows down to boost her height a little.

“Hey, Rufi,” she said, stretching her smile. “You’re not supposed to work nights… you prefer days.”

“Tell me about it,” Rufio said almost rolling his eyes at Baer. “Who you got in tonight? I didn’t get any flags.”

“I’m here with my friend,” she said, side nodding to Baer.

“He’s a ChilConn kid?” Rufio asked, standing to reach across the desk. “Are you sure? He didn’t say anything.”

Pulling a pink sheet from the bottom of the filing tray, he put a pen on top and slid it across the desk for her signature and initials.

“Is Dennis in?”

“Not tonight,” Rufio said. “You want me to call him?”

“No!” she said, casting her eyes off the form just long enough to see Rufio smile. “I want you to do the exact opposite of calling him.”

Rufio laughed. “Understood.”

She passed him back the form and the pen. “I’m cooking for Narmer and Justine next week… want to join us?”

“What day?”

She shrugged. “Don’t know yet… but I’ll promise not to make chili if you promise to come.”

“You’re on,” he said and picked up a file. “Exam three… You want a ride upstairs?”

“Anyone else in there?” Rufio shook his head. “Just keep it clear and we’ll be fine… We’re not waiting for a bed, are we?”

Rufio shook his head. “No, he’s not critical.”

“Is he being admitted?” she asked. “If he is, I’ll take him uptown.”

“Don’t think so… Zard will come talk to you.”

She nodded. “Anyone else in tonight?”

His smile softened. “I will check the charts.”

Turning, she offered a wave. “Thank you, Rufio.” Nodding past the scowling Baer, she tried not to make eye contact. “End of the hall along there.”

Spinning around, he stalked away, moving faster than she could with his long legs eating up the floor. There wasn’t an obvious pattern to the floorplan, but there was a door plate outside each room that declared its designation.

So it was no surprise that Baer found the room after she pointed him in the right direction. Keeping her distance, she gave him a chance to assess what was going on inside. Anyone could be in there, a wife, other kids, parents.

On coming into the hospital, she been unaware the patient was a child. Institutional knowledge could be useful. All shewanted to do was help. Hopefully Baer recognized that and didn’t think she was intruding on his life.

Getting closer, with no intention of going into the room, she stayed outside the open door, out of view.

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