Now the shouting match was between Keith and Chef. Matt didn’t know what to do or who to listen to. The commotion must have been bad, because Bruce came running in and shouted over everyone, taking command of the situation.
“Whatis going on?”
“Thissac a merdegot blood in the food prep sink!” Chef’s face was red and sweaty. It would have been comical if it wasn’t because of Matt.
“A glass broke in Matt’s hand, and he was bleeding all over the place. Damir cleaned up the glass and I wastryingto help Matt take care of his hand in private where the customers couldn’t see.”
Bruce pinched the bridge of his nose and looked at Chef. “Can you use a different sink until we get this disinfected?”
Chef grunted. “I suppose.”
“Thank you. Did anyone call 911?”
Just then the maître d’, Julie, came flying back, followed by two emergency medical personnel. “The paramedics are here. They said there was an injury in the kitchen.”
“Thank you,” Bruce sighed.
Two paramedics came into the kitchen and looked Matt over. They asked his name, his age, what happened. He thought he was going to be sick when the lead paramedic, Ida, dug the glass out of his hand.
“That appears to be everything. Do you want us to transport you to the hospital?”
“Do I need stitches?”
“No, most of the cuts are shallow. Gravity was definitely your friend here.” She chuckled. “If you experience pain, redness, or swelling, seek immediate medical attention. But we don’t have to take you to the hospital if you don’t want us to.” She applied an antibiotic ointment and wrapped his hand in a gauze bandage. He flexed in the bandage. It didn’t hurt. But he really wanted to lie down.
“I’m a little dizzy.”
“Did you fall?”
He shook his head.
“You might want to call for a ride then if you’re not feeling well. Blood loss can make you lightheaded.”
Matt nodded and thanked them. Then he turned to Bruce. “I’m going home.”
Bruce just sighed. “Let me make up the incident report. You can sign it after you call someone for a ride.”
Rosie’s phone rang while she was trying to get caught up onDoctor Who. Pausing the television, she picked up the cell and nearly dropped it. Why would Matt be calling her?
“Matt?”
“Hi. I … had an accident at work, and I was wondering if you could come get me.”
She shot up from the couch. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, the paramedics bandaged me up, but I’m kinda light-headed and I don’t want to drive.”
Rosie was already on her feet, grabbing for her shoes. “Did you call Olivia?”
“Made more sense to call someone who lives in my building.”
She pulled her coat out of the closet. “That’s true. Can you text me the address?”
“Yeah.”
“Once you do that, I’ll be on my way.”
“Okay. Thank you …”
