“We’ve got fucking reporters trying to get in,” a doctor snapped at another as they hurried past. Shit, that was something I’d not considered. Those assholes would sneak in and snap pictures of the victims. I spotted a familiar face and called out. Doc Gibbons turned and looked around, confused, before seeing my cut under my search and rescue garb.
“Vortex.”
“Doc, there are reporters outside. It won’t be long before they try sneaking in,” I said.
“I’m aware. We’re moving survivors to a small ward off the ER. It’s for emergency overflow and only has one entrance.”
“Can I help with anything?”
“Are you with a patient?”
“Amy Wright, she walked away from the crash.”
“Ah, the miracle girl, who only seems to have a few cuts and bruises. Get Amy’s bed and begin wheeling it over here. Then stand guard over those coming in. Three patients are in theatre; two have minor wounds. As soon as security arrives, you can rejoin Miss Wright.” He paused, then said, “Vortex, be careful, it’s been leaked that there are six survivors.”
“Seven,” I interrupted.
“Six, we lost a woman,” Doc Gibbons replied. “Her injuries were too bad.”
“Shit,” I murmured. Another family would mourn tonight.
“Vortex. Listen. We’re going to be overrun by relatives and friends. Don’t let anyone in unless they’re accompanied by a nurse or doctor,” Doc Gibbons ordered.
“A reporter could claim to be related,” I said.
“Yeah. That’s why we’ve got the local PD coming out. They’ll run IDs before letting people in.”
“Okay. Why are you here anyway?” I inquired curiously. This wasn’t Doc Gibbons’ usual stomping ground.
“As soon as Drake heard from Klutz, he called and asked me to attend. I’ve privileges here. If any member of the MC was injured, Drake wanted someone he trusted. Tiger and King are coming in, and a couple of others. No major injuries though, which is good,” Gibbons replied.
That made sense. Drake was close to Gibbons and relied on him the most. But we had Doc, formerly known as Doc Paul.
“Is Doc on his way in?” I asked.
“No. Paul’s leading the team in the field. He won’t come in until everyone is found,” Doc Gibbons responded.
I nodded. That sounded about right.
“Get Miss Wright, now,” Doc Gibbons ordered, as there was a commotion from the waiting room.
I glanced over and saw security approaching a man holding a camera. While I longed to punch the fuck out of him, I headed for Amy. She was awake and looking scared, and even more so when I explained why we had to move her.
“Vortex, I don’t want my picture out there. And no interviews,” Amy said.
“Not a problem. Come on, put a blanket over your head and let’s roll,” I teased with a wink. Amy’s bottom lip trembled, but she forced a smile to her lips.
I got Amy to the new ward without difficulty, and within fifteen minutes, the other two survivors arrived. There was a boy who appeared completely scared, alongside a man.
“Don’t leave,” the kid cried, reaching for the nurse.
“It’s okay, Declan. I’ve just got to fetch something. You’re with friends,” she soothed and hurried away. Angrily, I scowled. What was so important that she couldn’t stay and reassure a kid?
“Hey, my name’s Amy,” Amy said, and Declan looked across.
“Declan. My mommy and daddy are missing,” he replied sadly.
“Oh shit,” I muttered. Two guesses where they were. Amy closed her eyes, and when she opened them, I saw the empathy.
