for a moment before she spoke again. “You’re right. That’s what you do. But it’s not what he does anymore.”
Seth regarded her with a questioning gaze and frowned. “What do you mean?”
She balled her hands into fists and clenched them at her side. “Uncle Dan hasn’t been a policeman in over twenty years. He shouldn’t have put himself in danger like this.”
Tears flowed down her face, and Seth rose to his feet. “What are you saying, Callie?”
“I’m saying if he lives I’m going to insist on some changes. First of all, I’m sure there will be a long recuperation time. I think it would be best if I took him back to Virginia with me. I can see that he gets all the help he needs, and I’ll be there to take care of him. Maybe there he can put this case behind him.”
Seth shook his head. “As long as there’s breath in Dan’s body, I don’t think he’ll be able to put this case out of his mind.”
“You don’t understand!” she cried out. “I lost my father when he tried to stop a guy on drugs from robbing a convenience store. Now it’s possible this murder that happened twenty-five years ago is the reason my uncle is fighting for his life. I can’t lose him, too, like I lost...”
She stopped, and a look of panic crossed her face. Seth nodded. “Were you going to add me to that list, too? Were you going to say like you lost me because you couldn’t bring yourself to marry a policeman?”
Callie jumped to her feet and clenched her fists at her sides. “This is no time for us to discuss our past, Seth. My uncle’s survival is the most important thing now.”
After a moment, he nodded. “You’re right, Callie. Whatever we once had died two years ago, but I don’t think Dan will give up on this case as easily as you did on us.”
She glared at him before she dropped back in her chair, propped her elbows on her knees and buried her face in her hands. Seth stared at her and then glanced up at the clock. Eight-thirty. He sighed. It was going to be a long night.
Four hours later, Seth stopped pacing the floor and turned toward the door when it opened. Callie glanced over her shoulder, then slowly rose to her feet. Seth moved to stand next to her.
The doctor stepped into the room and stopped when he saw them. Tired lines etched his craggy face, and his wrinkled, green scrubs hung on his slender frame. He pulled the surgery cap from his head and sighed.
Beside him, Seth heard a mewling groan in Callie’s throat, and he grasped her arm to steady her as the doctor walked toward them.
TWO
It’s bad news. I know it is.
The thought wouldn’t quit running through Callie’s mind as the doctor came closer. She wished she could put her fingers in her ears and not hear what he was about to tell her, but that wasn’t practical. She felt Seth grab her arm, but she couldn’t turn her head to look at him.
“Miss Lattimer?”
“Yes, I’m Callie Lattimer.”
The doctor stopped in front of her. The green surgery mask dangled from his hand. “I’m Dr. Singer. I’ve just finished operating on your uncle.”
Callie hadn’t thought it possible, but her heart rate increased. “H-how is he?”
Dr. Singer rubbed his hand across the top of his head. “He made it through surgery, but he’s not out of the woods yet. He’s fortunate that the EMTs arrived so quickly, especially since he almost quit breathing on us. But on the way here they were able to stem some of the blood flow, which is very important in wounds of this nature. Another favorable factor in his case is that the tract of the bullet doesn’t seem to be extensive. There is good brainstem function, which gives me hope that if he survives, his rehabilitation may not be too extensive.”
Seth’s hand tightened on her arm and then released. He exhaled a deep breath, and she knew he was as relieved to hear the news as she. “Oh, Dr. Singer, this is good news.”
He held up his hand in warning. “Don’t get me wrong. There are still a lot of things that can go wrong. We’re moving him to the Critical Care Unit to monitor him. There is some swelling of the brain, and I’ve removed a portion of the skull to relieve the pressure. We can take care of that later if all goes well. The next few weeks are critical.”
Callie nodded. “I understand. When can I see him?”
“Now, if you want to. He’s settled in the unit, and the nurses there will let you in for a few minutes. Then you should go home and get some rest. You’ve been through a lot tonight, and you’ve got some tough days ahead.”
“I understand, Doctor. And thank you for what you’ve done.”
He smiled. “I’m glad I could be of service. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Callie turned back to Seth as the doctor left the chapel. “Would you like to go with me to see Uncle Dan?”
“I would, and then I’ll drive you to Dan’s house.”
“You don’t have to do that. I can get a cab.”
He frowned. “I don’t mind.”
“No, really, Seth. You don’t have to do it.”
He gritted his teeth and raked his hand through his hair. “I said it’s okay, Callie. After all, I promised Dan I’d take care of you, and I’m not going back on my word to him.”
His words snaked out toward her, and she reeled as if he’d slapped her. Of course, he wasn’t doing it for her. It was because he’d promised her uncle. She nodded. “I understand. Thank you for offering to take me home.” They turned to walk to the door, but Callie stopped after taking a few steps. “Oh, I forgot. My luggage is still in Uncle Dan’s car. Is it possible to get it tonight?”
“I’m sure we can. Captain Wilson is on duty. I’ll call him right now and see where they towed the car, then I’ll take you by there to get your bags before I drive you home. Go ahead and check on Dan, and I’ll meet you in the E.R. waiting room.”
“Thanks, Seth. I appreciate it.”
They stopped at the elevator, and Seth pushed the button. When the doors opened, he stepped back to let her enter. “I know Dan will be unconscious, but tell him I’ll see him in the morning.”
“I will.”
As Callie approached the Critical Care Unit, she noticed a room on the left side of the corridor. People, who she assumed to be family members of patients, lay in lounge chairs in the room. A young woman in a nurse’s uniform rose from behind a desk as she entered.
“May I help you?”
Callie nodded. “Dr. Singer told me my uncle has been brought to Critical Care and I could see him. His name is Dan Lattimer.”
The young woman smiled. “Yes, he’s here. I’ll be glad to take you in.”
She
