“It’s no problem. Please let us know if you need anything.”
“I will.”
They entered a room that was in complete contrast to the rest of the hospital. Instead of a typical institutional beige or grey, the room they entered was painted a cheerful soft peach hue. Lining the walls were plush leather sofas. And near the window there were large recliners. Against the wall, there were cabinets that stored pillows and blankets. In a far corner was a small kitchenette with a sink, fridge, and coffee maker. But with all the comforts the hospital tried to provide, nothing was going to make them feel better about the death of Mrs. Montgomery's husband- Taylor’s dad.
Niyah looked over at Taylor’s mom. She looked tiny while enveloped in Lucas’ arms. He walked her over to a sofa and helped her sit. “Are you cold? Do you want a blanket?”
With sad eyes, she looked up and gave him a child-like nod.
Bella hurried over to the cabinet and grabbed Mrs. Montgomery a blanket. She spread it over her and sat down next to her. “Mrs. Montgomery, are you hungry? I can get you something to eat.”
“No, baby. I’m not hungry.” She curled up in the corner of the sofa and pulled the cover over her head.
Bella rubbed her back and swiped a tear from her own cheek.
“I’ll make some coffee,” Donna volunteered.
Tabitha Creed walked over to Niyah. “Come with me, dear.”
Niyah followed Dr. Creed into the hall. Before she could close the door, Lincoln, Lucas, and Xander pushed their way through. The doctor glared at her sons. “I didn’t call any one of you.”
“I know, Mom,” Lincoln acknowledged with a weak smile. “But what’s up?
Tabitha rolled her eyes and turned to Niyah. “Would you be willing to assist in the autopsy?”
Xander appeared confused. “Why are they doing an autopsy?”
“Because he was murdered,” Niyah responded for the doctor. “I mean… I saw him get shot, but I don’t know what caliber was from what kind of weapon. I do, however, know how to properly preserve any evidence discovered during the examination.”
Tabitha nodded. “Yes, and I would prefer you were present.”
Niyah looked at the doctor. Surely, she saw the confusion behind her eyes. “Dr. Creed, I don’t have privileges at this hospital.”
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll get you privileges.” Dr. Creed spoke with an assuredness that left no doubt.
“Well, I’m here for whatever you need.”
Tabitha gripped her shoulders and smiled. “Thank you.”
“Of course.”
If it wasn’t clear at first, it was now clear and well-understood that Dr. Creed was a big wig at UI Health Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis.
When they went back into the room, Dr. Creed stayed behind. Bella was still rubbing Mrs. Montgomery’s back. Soft whimpering was muffled beneath the blanket. Niyah’s face burned with sadness. Her vision blurred from tears welling in her eyes. Sorrow covered them all like a dark cloud. It was all so unbelievable. Mr. Montgomery was gone, his wife was suffering from an immense amount of grief, and his daughters had yet to be told about his untimely death.
Trauma is what they’d experienced. At least it had been traumatic for Niyah. She had seen a lot of death, even by violent means. Afterall, she was a forensic pathologist. Death had become routine, even clinical to her. However, seeing a man shot and killed right before her very eyes was nothing short of horrifying. And being in the center of a violent and deadly home invasion was traumatizing and so was the thought of being in the room when Taylor found out that her dad had been murdered.
Xander walked up and cupped the back of her head. He pushed a stray loc from her face and whispered, “You sure you’re okay with this?”
Niyah looked up at Xander and nodded. “I wanna help in any way I can. And this is what I do.”
“Come on. Let’s sit.” Xander ushered her to a corner out of the way and urged her to sit. “Do you need anything? Water? Anything?”
“Nah.” Niyah sat and Xander took a seat next to her.
“This shit is crazy,” Xander whispered. “I’m still not sure what this was about.”
Niyah glared at him with wide eyes. “I don’t know what the fuck is going on. I mean really, who does know? Bella? Linc? Donna? Who can tell us why that woman’s husband is dead?”
