told them she would go home to shower and dress and then be in to sign the papers as person responsible for the bills.
“That’s a real nice woman,” the paramedic said.
The officer grunted. “She can afford to be. Her grandfather left her a fortune and her husband was killed in an explosion that was caused by the carelessness of his employer. She got a nice sum from his death. She was working in a place that made software computer parts.
“Well, I still say she’s a nice woman. I’ve heard how she gives to the needy and helps the underdog. She could have been selfish and stuck up and kept it all for herself.” The young woman jerked her head at the officer as if to say, “so there”.
In the excitement Hannah had almost forgotten about the dog. He was obviously glad to see her and wanted to play and be friendly. He seemed to be healthy, but was a little thin as if he had not eaten lately.
She called Jim Martin, a veterinarian friend and told him of the dog. “He’s young. I’m guessing him to be a little over a year old. He’s a black Labrador and still puppy playful. I’m feeding him and giving him water, but I’d like for you to check if he has a microchip.”
’Sure, Hannah. Bring him in. That tears me up. Some people move off and leave an animal behind because they can’t have one where they’re going. Or sometimes one is stolen and it gets away and wanders in a strange place bewildered and wondering why he isn’t loved. I’ll look at him for you. Are you going to keep him?”
“No. I wish I could. He’s a darling, loving dog, but I’m not always here all day and sometimes I’m gone for several days. It wouldn’t be fair to an animal. Could you please help me find a good home for him?”
“I’ll try. Have you named him?”
“Oh, no. If I name him, it will be even harder to give him up. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She hugged and petted the dog for a minute and then apologized to him.
“I’m sorry little man. I know I just got home, but duty calls and I have to go out again. You’ve been fed and have water and I’ve made you a nice soft bed here. I’ll even leave a stuffed toy with you. Please don’t tear it apart for I’ve had it for years. Be a good boy.”
Hannah hurried into the medical center, her hair still damp from her shower. She had to stop at the main desk and fill out some papers that she would be responsible for the bills for the homeless man. “Have you found out his name?” she asked the nurse.
“No, we haven’t, but the sheriff and the chief of police have both been in. It’s strange, but they seem to either know him or know something about him.”
Hannah thanked her and walked to room 236 on the second floor. The elevator ride up had given her time to think. Why would the two law men be interested in a homeless man? I’ll find out.
Hannah approached room 236 and saw there was no name in the pocket on the door. She carefully opened the door and slipped into the room. The first thing she noticed was the odor. It smelled like a hospital. Of course, idiot. What else would it smell like?
She walked quietly to the bed and looked down at the man who had been hooked up to several machines. The sound of machines working to keep him alive was evident. Hannah wondered how such a young looking man was in this mess. In spite of the injuries from the beating, she could see he was good looking.
He had been shaved and bathed and was now wearing a hospital gown.
He had thick black hair and a surprisingly smooth skin. She jumped in guilt and surprise when his grey eyes opened and he looked at her. She didn’t know whether he was cognizant enough to know where he was.
She placed a compassionate hand on his shoulder and spoke to him. “Hello. You don’t know me. My name is Hannah Rutherford. I have a detective agency and I’ve seen you when I was jogging. I know you can’t talk now, but I don’t want you to worry. I’m paying for your care so you have nothing to worry about except resting and getting better. I won’t tire you out now, but I’ll be checking in again soon.”
He tried to shake his head and made garbled sounds, but no distinguishable words were understandable.
“Please don’t make yourself feel worse. I’ll be in again soon and later when you’re able to talk, we’ll have a good visit. I wish you could tell me if you need, or want, anything.”
He lifted the hand that had an IV needle stuck in the back of it and made motions with his fingers. Hannah finally realized that he was trying to show her that he could write.
“You’ve had enough excitement today. It’s too soon after your injuries, so I’ll leave and let you rest, but I promise to come again soon and I’ll bring a pad and pen for you.”
She gently patted his shoulder while he closed his eyes in obvious frustration. Hannah quietly left and walked to the nurses’ station. A young nurse was looking at information on the computer and writing on patients’ files. “Excuse me,” Hannah spoke softly. The nurse looked up and smiled.
“Can you tell me anything about the condition of the man in 236? I’m not a relative but I found him and am paying his bills. I’d like to know how badly he’s injured and what the doctors are doing to help him.”
“You must be Miss Rutherford. We haven’t been able to learn his name yet. The sheriff and the chief of police have both been in but they haven’t told us anything they’ve learned about him. As to his condition, I’m not at liberty to give you that information. May I call his doctor to talk to you?”
“Please do. Thank you.” Hannah walked over and sat in the cold, green plastic chairs which were far from comfortable.
A few minutes later a man hurried into the room with a white lab coat flapping around his legs. He was wearing a lilac shirt and black trousers under the coat with a grey and black stripped tie hanging loose around his neck.
“Hello. Did you want to see me?”
“Please. I’m Hannah Rutherford. I have the Lost Cause Detective Agency. I found the man in 236 and am paying his bills. Please tell me what you’ve found about his condition, Dr. ---”
“Sorry about that. You wouldn’t believe how rushed I’ve been. We’re short staffed with the flu going around. I’m Dr. Whittaker, Jackson Whittaker. As to my patient, I’m aware that you’re paying his bills, however, you are not a relative and I cannot, by law, tell you much. If Sheriff Murphy will give me permission, I’ll gladly share.”
“All right. I understand. I just wanted to know in case there was anything else I could do for him.”
“That’s kind of you. I can tell you he has amnesia, apparently due to the blunt force trauma to his head. He has trouble trying to speak, but I’m hopeful that all of his problems will clear soon.”
“He signed to show me he wanted to write something for me. I didn’t have a pen and paper, but will bring some to him.”
“Please don’t be in any hurry to bring them. He needs to remain quiet and free of stress for as long as possible.”
“Thank you, Doctor. I need to go to work, but I’ll be coming by often.”
Arriving
