“That’s Dr. Rivas. He’s with a patient right now but I’ll let him know you’re here. It’s slowed a bit today.”
“Thank you,” said Angel.
He turned and took a seat next to Miller who was staring directly into the eyes of a young boy with a runny nose. The boy was seated across from him, holding tightly to a woman’s hand. She appeared to be his grandmother but he didn’t want to make that assumption.
“Are you making friends again?” smirked Angel.
“I’m not sure. He’s giving me the stink eye,” smiled Miller.
The little boy released the older the woman’s hand and walked slowly toward the two men. When he was an arm’s length away, he spoke.
“Are you football players?” he asked. Miller laughed, shaking his head.
“A long time ago we played a little football,” he said smiling. “We’re way too old to play now.”
“Do you have a cold?” asked Angel.
“Not me. BeeBee does. She’s been sick for a while now and I told her we had to walk here this morning. My dad works on the fishing boats. I ain’t got no mama.”
“You don’t have a mama,” said Miller gently.
“That’s what I said,” he frowned.
Miller looked across at the woman who hadn’t moved since the boy released her hand. She was staring off, straight ahead and his stomach flipped.
“Why don’t we go get you a snack,” said Angel pointing to the vending machine. “Would you like some chips and maybe a soda?”
“Sure. BeeBee do you want something?” he asked the old woman. She didn’t move, didn’t say anything.
“Maybe she’s tired,” said Miller quietly.
Angel took the boy’s hand and nodded at his friend. Miller stood and stepped forward, kneeling in front of the woman. He felt for a pulse and found nothing at her wrist, then felt at her neck. Nothing. Quickly, he lifted the woman and carried her through the doors.
“Hey, you can’t come back here!” yelled a nurse.
“This woman has been sitting out for there for a while and she’s stopped breathing. Either you get me the equipment I need or I’ll take it.”
“Shit,” muttered the young woman. She pointed to a vacant gurney and Miller lay her on the table. As the nurses and doctor began working on the woman, he turned to the receptionist.
“How long was she out there?” he asked.
“Maybe thirty minutes. She finished her admission form about ten minutes ago, right before you guys came in.”
“Good. Maybe we got her in time,” said Miller.
He stepped back out into the waiting room and saw Angel laughing with the little boy. He’d bought more than a little snack, filling a small bag with treats for the kid.
“Where’s my BeeBee?” he asked.
“She’s back with the doctors now,” said Miller. “They’re going to take care of her.”
“She’s been real sick,” he said shaking his head like a small adult. “Coughing, havin’ trouble breathing, she even messed her pants a few times and she never does that. Dad had to go to work or he’d lose his job.”
“Do you know the name of the boat your dad is on?” asked Angel.
“Sure. The Grabby Crabby. Get it?” he laughed.
Angel nodded, smiling at the boy. They knew that the comms team would be sending a message to the boat that the man was needed.
