Outside, she climbed back into the SUV and found a parking spot. Then she released the back hatch for Bear. Because they’d be in a public place, she put her K-9 on a leash. He looked up at her as if questioning why it was needed. She bent and stroked his fur. “Look on the bright side. Cutie isn’t here to bother you.”
Bear’s tail swooshed back and forth as she led him inside. When she found Jordan’s room, an older physician in a long white coat was examining him.
Hovering in the doorway, she listened as the doctor and nurse discussed the plan. She felt a little guilty over invading Jordan’s privacy, but he didn’t have anyone else she could call to be there for him. She decided it was better for her to be in the loop.
“I’ll order those CT scans.” The doctor looked down at Jordan. “Depending on those results, we may keep you here overnight for observation.”
“I can’t stay.” Jordan stared up at him. “I have livestock to care for.”
“If you are discharged home, it will be on bed rest,” the doctor said firmly. “Find someone else to do the chores. Trust me, your head injury will heal faster if you follow orders.”
“I’ll help.” Autumn entered the room with Bear at her side. “My name is Autumn Riley, and I’m an officer with the Canyon Creek Police Department. I’ll watch over Jordan and help take care of the ranch.”
“Good.” The doctor seemed satisfied with that.
She forced a smile. Okay, so maybe she’d never done a ranch chore in her life and had no idea what she’d just agreed to do. Feeding the horses and giving them fresh water? Maybe cleaning their stalls? How hard could it be?
Then again, the horse that had unseated Jordan had looked huge. And it occurred to her that he still had the saddle strapped to his back. She swallowed hard at the idea of taking it off.
It would be okay. She was determined to do her part in helping Jordan get through this.
Jordan shot her a look that indicated he knew full well she had no clue how to care for the livestock, but she didn’t back down. He could give her instructions. She’d manage.
An orderly entered the room, giving Bear a curious glance. None of the hospital staff seemed upset by the dog’s presence. If anything, Bear had a calming effect on people. “My name is Ethan.” The orderly began disconnecting Jordan from the heart monitor mounted over his bed. “I’m here to take you to Radiology for your CT scan.”
Jordan grunted his assent. Not that he had much of a choice. Autumn stood off to the side with Bear to give Ethan room to maneuver the gurney out of the room. When Jordan was gone, she sank into the hard plastic guest chair and buried her face in her hands. She’d never felt so helpless.
All she could do now was pray.
* * *
His head had never hurt this bad in his entire life. Jordan battled the urge to throw up as the orderly wheeled him through the hallway. He had to close his eyes because the movement and seeing things flash by his line of sight only made him feel worse.
Was the orderly in a hurry for some reason? Jordan wanted to tell the guy whose name he couldn’t remember to slow down. But he was afraid he’d lose his breakfast if he opened his mouth to say the words.
When they finally reached their destination, he relaxed. Until the staff told him to move off the gurney and onto the narrow table.
The slightest movement intensified his headache. He relaxed when he was given a doughnut-shaped pillow. It felt better to have less pressure on the goose egg on the back of his head.
Despite how the table beneath him moved, Jordan fell asleep during the scan. It was only when he was told to move from the table to the gurney that he realized the testing was finished.
Jordan didn’t want to stay in the hospital overnight. He found himself praying the head injury wasn’t bad enough that the doctor would refuse to discharge him.
Would God listen to his prayers? He wasn’t sure and wished he’d asked Autumn more about her faith prior to this.
Praying didn’t come naturally. He did his best, though, and hoped it was good enough.
Lord Jesus, please heal my injuries and help guide us to this person who seeks to do harm. Amen.
His muscles relaxed, partially from the prayer and partially because the orderly had reached his room. He barely noticed as the wires were connected to the patches on his chest. Hearing the steady beeping from the heart monitor was somewhat reassuring.
He didn’t see Autumn, although he vaguely remembered her offering to help him with ranch chores. He doubted she’d ever done them before and had no idea what she’d agreed to.
The darkness was welcome and once again, he found himself drifting off. Only to be awoken what seemed like seconds later back in the ER room.
“Mr. Clarke? I’m Dr. McRory. Do you remember me?”
He didn’t think the answer ofvaguelywould help his case. “Yes.”
