Page 35 of Truly, Madly, Deeply
“He’d need to be 21 before we’d hire him.” Mike blinked. “Does he know that?”
“Hmm.” Luke imagined Reagan’s relief at the news. “I don’t think so.”
“There are a few states that’ll take him at eighteen. But it’d be a move for sure.”
What would Reagan think about that? Tommy becoming an officer and moving away all at the end of this school year. Luke put the thought out of his mind.
Mike ran his hand over his head. “As for the ride-along program, there are risks.” Mike raised his brow. “We had a deputy from another department do a ride-along last month. The officer he was with got ambushed, and both men were shot in the hail of bullets.” Mike paused. “They both lived, but it was touch and go for a few weeks.”
The news hit Luke hard. He hadn’t considered the possibility that Tommy could get shot on a ride-along. Somehow he had thought the program would be more informative than dangerous. Like when law school interns from IU shadowed Luke in the courtroom for a day. But of course spending a day with a police officer would be risky. Criminals didn’t care if a kid was along for the ride. To them, a cop was a cop.
Luke clenched his jaw. Reagan wasn’t going to like this news. He sighed. “If it’s what Tommy wants to do, I think a ride-along is the best thing. Even with the risks.”
Mike gave Luke a light slap on the shoulder. “Your boy will be okay. And maybe he’ll find out it isn’t for him.” Mike smiled. “Then he can get on with college.”
Luke weighed his friend’s words on the drive to his next stop. A visit with his father. After all, many years ago Luke had thrown his parents a curveball far worse than what Tommy had tossed them last night.
If anyone could help him process Tommy’s announcement and what should happen next it was his dad.
Dr. John Baxter.
REAGAN SPENT THEday running from Tommy’s news. How was it possible that her Ivy League son was choosing a life of law enforcement? Putting himself in harm’s way when he was supposed to be helping people in some medical office or courtroom?
After her workout she drove straight to Indiana University Health Center. She met Annalee’s mother, Donna, in the lobby. The woman had dark circles under her eyes and her smile didn’t last long.
“Annalee’s struggling.” Donna led Reagan to the bank of elevators. “The nausea is kicking in… a couple days early according to her doctor.”
They made their way up to the fourth floor and down a hallway to Annalee’s room. She was asleep whenthey walked in, but it was all Reagan could do to hide her shock. The girl who had always been so vibrant and full of life had seemingly overnight become small and frail. Her face was sunken and her cheekbones stuck out in a way they hadn’t before.
“She’s lost weight.” Donna whispered as she took the chair beside her daughter’s bed. “I think that’s been happening gradually.”
Reagan pulled up a second chair and positioned it next to Donna. “What’s the plan? For her treatment?”
“Her doctor is taking it very seriously.” Donna didn’t look away from Annalee. “Six rounds of chemo, every couple weeks. Three days in the hospital with each session.”
A few years ago, one of the teachers at Northside had been diagnosed with lymphoma, but her treatment was very different. Outpatient, one day a week off and on for six months. Reagan didn’t bring that up. “I’m sure every patient’s plan is different.”
“Yes.” Donna glanced at her and then back at Annalee. “Same with the side effects.”
Tommy’s announcement suddenly didn’t seem that important. Reagan couldn’t imagine being in Donna’s chair, watching her child suffer through chemo and having no idea how things would turn out. Silence fell between them and for a moment, Reagan closed her eyes.Lord, heal her. Please get her through this and let her live.
She put her hand on Donna’s shoulder. “What about the side effects?”
“Well…” Donna kept her voice low since Annalee was still asleep. “She’ll have steroids in the coming week and antinausea medicine.” She looked back at Reagan. “It could take two weeks for her hair to start falling out. It varies.”
Reagan felt her heart sink. Annalee was a beautiful girl by any standard. But she was known for her long blond hair. Hair that other girls longed for and no beauty salon could produce from a bottle. Reagan had assumed Annalee might lose her hair, but now it was certain. The loss would be one more thing the girl would suffer through.
Annalee stirred, and Donna moved to her side. “It’s okay, sweetie. I’m here.”
“Mom.” She moaned and turned her head one way then the other. After a few seconds she blinked her eyes open. “I… don’t feel good.”
“I know, honey.” Donna set her shoulders. As if she was determined to find some untapped personal strength, anything to help bear her daughter’s burden. “The doctor’s getting you medicine for that.”
“Okay.” Annalee looked at Reagan and smiled. “Mrs. Baxter… you didn’t have to come.”
“I wanted to.” Reagan stayed in her chair, but she leaned closer. “We’re all praying for you. That you’ll be better soon.”
“Yes.” Annalee nodded. “Me and Tommy are praying… that same thing.” She closed her eyes and in no time she was asleep again.
