“Yes,” Ruth began to feel annoyance. “I think it is the skilled, talented doctors that should be recommended, don’t you agree?”
Would he boast of it to others—using the poor health of a man in recovery to elevate himself? She was disgusted, already understanding Alistair’s true intentions. He seemed to care only for himself and was of the impression that the world belonged to him.
Alistair was quiet for a moment and looked as if the thought had never occurred to him.
“Recommend talented doctors?” he guffawed. “Of course, yes. I couldn’t agree more. Why else do you think Laramie County Memorial Hospital seeks my expertise?”
Ruth stared at him, astounded. Did he just leave Daniel out of the equation, suggesting that it was just he who possessed proficiency?
“That is quite an accomplishment, Alistair,” Ruth disguised her revulsion, “but don’t you think Daniel has done well, too? After all, he intubated Richard and saved his life.”
“I am well aware of what he’s done.” Alistair’s tone was dismissive. “But he is still young and has much to learn. I fear that he has no desire to seek my counsel.”
“Perhaps he already knows what he needs to know and does not need your counsel,” Ruth suggested lightly and saw irritation flash across his face.
“May I remind you to whom you are speaking?” Alistair’s expression had changed to offended contempt.
“You’re right, of course, Alistair,” Ruth felt her cheeks heat from anger. “I was only concerned for Richard, that’s all.”
“It’s understandable and forgivable,” Alistair seemed to be satisfied with her answer. “Please excuse me now. I need to replenish the stock that Daniel used.” His tone was annoyed, as if Daniel had been an inconvenience, causing him extra work.
She cast her eyes upward and thanked the Lord for helping her keep her temper. She dug her hand into the pocket where the mercury bottle had been the night before, and realized that asking him about it would have been a mistake. It would be best to speak to Daniel about it, and she was certain the bottle of mercury was safe in his father’s desk drawer at home.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Daniel sat on one of the vacant chairs in the waiting room and looked sympathetically into the faces of Mary and Tom Bloomer. He was happy to give them encouraging news and smiled when Tom’s sorrowful face brightened when he explained the situation.
“When can we go see my father?” Tom asked with hope in his eyes, but there was no smile.
“Not yet, I’m afraid, “Daniel replied honestly. “I’d like to remove the tube first. It. It isn’t a pretty sight and can be upsetting. Let’s see how he breathes without it. You won’t be able to go to his bedside, but you’ll be able to see him through the glass window.”
“It’s better than nothing, Tom,” Mary’s smile was weak, and she placed a hand on her son’s arm to comfort him, adding, “the poor boy hardly slept a wink last night.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I know how worried you both must be,” Daniel pursed his lips thoughtfully. “Tom, it’s important to get plenty of rest and I know you want to be strong for your father,” he said, and Tom nodded. “He would be worried if you didn’t rest properly.”
“I promise, Dr. Grant,” Tom said earnestly. “I promise I’ll rest and be strong for Dad.”
“I’ve arranged for Rose to bring you some refreshments. She’ll be here shortly,” Daniel said and inclined his head. As he stood, he paused. “I understand your worry and your pain,” he said with a small comforting smile. “I’d like to share with you what my father would tell me when I had faced troubled times. He would share verses from the Bible, and Second Corinthians, verse four was one of his favorites. It reminds me that the Lord always comforts me in times of trouble.Rest in Him and He will comfort you, too.”Daniel saw the appreciation on their faces., “I’ll come back for you when Richard is ready for you to see him.”
“Thank you, Dr. Grant,” Mary smiled, comforted.
Daniel left the waiting room and headed for the ward. He was surprised to find Ruth at Richard’s bedside. He admired her courage, dedication, and the way she wanted to help everyone. As a doctor, he knew it was noble but not possible to save everyone. She must know that, too. He felt his pulse quicken the closer he got to the bedside and she looked up at him with her beautiful warm brown eyes that always drew him in.
“I’d like to remove the tube, but first I need to check if the coating is loose enough to remove it.” Daniel saw the worry on her face, and wished he could take that worry away.
He selected his instruments, checked the back of Richard’s throat and smiled. He felt Ruth’s eyes observing him.
“It’s loose,” Daniel reported, and saw her happiness when he gave her a boyish grin. “I can remove it—both the coating, and the tube.”
He gave her a steel bowl to hold while he prodded the coating until it came loose and he carefully removed it from the back of Richard’s throat. A few minutes later, Richard was free of the tube and able to breathe on his own.
“You’re still weak, Richard,” Daniel advised cautiously. “I definitely don’t want you getting up on your own.”
“Where are my wife and son?” he whispered hoarsely. Ruth was quick to bring him a glass of water.
“They’re in the waiting room,” Daniel replied, “anxious to see you, but only through the window. I can’t risk Mary or Tom being exposed. Richard, you’ll need to stay in the clinic for up to two weeks.”
His eyes flew open. “What? Why?”
