“Then the accident,” Auralia added, “and sailing off a bridge into storm-raging, ice-cold waters. That’ll lower the core temperature pretty good. Oh, and then, Dad escaped the SUV, but left her there to die. Shocking. And then the surprise of being saved. Then, seeing her mom pulled out unconscious. Then back into the ice-cold water, which lowered the core temperature again.”
“My poor baby girl.”
“Physically and emotionally, Brandy’s in shock. Shock can be deadly,” Auralia was using her reporter's voice. It was calm, respectful, and presented facts.
“Deadly, how? I mean, we warm her up.” Creed and Gator saw the guy turn and look over at the fire pit.
“Cellular oxygen deprivation means that Brandy’s not processing the air she’s breathing in. Without oxygen, cells die, and she can go into organ failure. That can also lead to brain damage or coma. The damage can be irreversible. She could die.” There was a flicking sound. “Don’t even think of starting a fire,” Auralia commanded. “First, the woods are on fire, and we’re only safe because of the water buffer. What’s dry over there isdry over here. And second, if she’s oxygen-depleted, warm isn’t going to help. An oxygen tent at the hospital will help.”
“This is Shane’s truck right there. We could get her in and crank the heat.”
“The truck is a very good idea.”
“You’re that reporter woman.”
“I’m the woman who saved your beloved twice. And I’m going to help you lift her into the truck. Do you have any medical training?”
“No,” he whispered.
“Then I’m going to be the woman who keeps fighting to save Brandy’s life. Does that sound like the kind of person you need on your team?”
“Yes.”
“Then could you get the gun out of my face?” Auralia asked.
“Mystery solved,” Creed whispered to Gator. “That’s why she didn’t run.”
“Do you want to check you didn’t kill that guy when you stomped on his face?” Auralia asked Kendal.
“Nope.”
“Can I go check on him?”
“Nope.”
“All right. Here, help me get Brandy up into the front seat. Do you think it lies back? Are there keys? Turn it on and get the heat going on high.”
“Ma’am, you’re going to do that. Remember, my gun is on you. I’m a damned good shot. Like I said, I’ve been to war.”
“Were you a Marine? My brother is retired from the Marine Corps. My fiancé, too.”
Good woman, build that relationship. You’re on the same side.Creed sent his thoughts winging to Auralia.
“My fiancé was on the security team,” Auralia continued. “He said that so far this wasn’t the worst traffic accident in US history, but it might make the top ten, given the topography of the land and the rain, making it hard to see.”
“A lot then? I mean, from this side of the river, there are a few cars that hit.”
“Do you think there are any blankets or extra clothes?”
“He’s got a jacket shoved behind the seat. You can’t trick me into taking my eye off you. You can pull it out.”
In the silence that stretched out, Gator put his mouth right next to Creed’s ear. “We can’t get around to them. Set out there in the middle like that. The dark of night isn’t going to give us no cover, what with those streetlights. I’m gonna see if Iniquus can’t get them switched off.”
Creed lifted his thumb to signify yes.
Gator was typing out a text to Jeff.
Creed didn’t move his eyes off the scene. He barely blinked.
