Harper administered her medication and went on to her other patient. The nineteen-year-old girl had severe left lower flank pain. Harper drew her bloodwork and started an IV. Chris examined her with the same soft style as he did Raven. Based on the girl’s lack of understanding of how her body worked, he suspected an ectopic pregnancy.
After the young patient was sent to the OR, Chris sat at the computer. “Everything alright?” Harper asked, seeing the concern on his face.
“No, I’m trying to make sense of Raven’s history, CT-scan and her old electronic medical record. I don’t see any signs of cancer. What I do see is multiple areas of necrotic bowel. She’s going to need major surgery.”
“Could it be the chemo she was receiving cured the cancer?” Harper asked.
“I don’t think so. I put in a call to surgery.”
“Who’s on call?” Harper asked.
“Hello all.” Selma Bryant walked down the corridor, followed by a group of residents and fellows.
“Hey, Doc. Have you met Chris Handler?” Harper asked.
“Chris, I’m Selma Bryant, surgeon and the newly promoted Chief of Surgery. What do you have for me?”
Another new thing, a chief who takes ER call, Harper thought.Kip does move fast.She chewed her lip.
Selma looked at the images of Raven’s abdomen and pelvis. “And the history says primary colon cancer with mets throughout her abdomen and pelvis. Do we have previous scans?”
“No records here,” Chris said.
“Excuse me. She was treated at the women’s health center. Her records would be there if there are any,” Harper said.
“We need those records. But right now, before she becomes septic, Ms. Nairne and I have a trip to the OR ahead of us.” Selma headed out.
Chapter 27
Harper’s head ached. The overwhelming question bombarding her was, did the Sommerstones give Raven and maybe other patients unnecessary chemotherapy? She forgot Zayne asked her to call him when she left the hospital.
She made it to her rental car and dropped her head in her hands as they rested on the steering wheel. With a deep breath, she pulled herself together. Lowering the rearview mirror, she reached into her purse to retrieve a small makeup bag. After running a brush through her hair, she applied a little mascara and lip gloss.
Midmorning, there was little traffic as she headed to Gabriel and Adelaide’s home. The white, three-bedroom Creole cottage with bright red doors had a vividly colored garden leading up five steps onto a small front porch.
Gabriel opened the door before she could knock. “Hey, Harper.” The exhausted man pulled her into a hug.
“Gabriel, I’m so sorry.” She followed him inside. “I didn’t hear about Addy until last night. I was in a car accident.”
“I knew something had to keep you. Addy and you were so close.” Gabriel’s shoulders sagged heavily.
Babette ran to her and wrapped herself around her leg. Harper hoisted Desirée into her arms.
“Aunt Harper, Daddy said Mommy went to be with God,” Desirée said. “I want her to come back.”
Harper lowered herself to the ground so she could hold both girls. “I know you miss seeing Mommy, but she will always be watching over you. She loved you and Daddy so much.” She cradled both girls.
When a noise came from behind her, Harper turned her head to see a woman with Adelaide’s coloring. Stiffly, Gabriel made the introduction, “Harper, this is Addy’s cousin, Serafina. She flew in from Tacoma on the redeye.”
“Hi. Addy always talked about you. She loved you,” Serafina sighed.
“Thank you.” Harper forced a smile. Adelaide never mentioned a cousin.
“C’mon, ladies, let’s go get some lunch.” Serafina lifted them into her arms swept out the door. “Gabe, visit with Harper. We will be back in a couple of hours.”
Gabe’s eyes followed them as they left. “Harper, I have no idea what I’m doing,” he admitted.
“Have you eaten? Let me make something for you,” Harper offered. Together they went to the kitchen. She smiled at the refrigerator covered with Desirée’s artwork.
