Dangerous Conditions by Jenna Kernan

Author:Jenna Kernan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2019-09-23T16:23:42+00:00

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THE MORRIS FAMILY was transported to Mill Creek Medical Center for treatment by the Hornbeck volunteer fire department in the new EMS vehicle purchased by Rathburn-Bramley for the village. Paige was treated for smoke inhalation, scorched nasal passages and had first degree burns on her hand where she had touched the doorknob. That touch had likely saved her life, along with the help of her mother, who had run for help, Logan and his father, who arrived moments before the fire breeched the door, and the volunteers who had transported her and her daughter.

Lori had carbon monoxide poisoning and was on oxygen overnight in the emergency room. This facility was small, with only ninety beds, and all of them were currently occupied. Paige and Lori slept on gurneys in the same ER examination room, side by side, their oxygen flowing into the uncomfortable clear plastic masks. Sometime very late in the evening, they were moved to a room. Lori barely roused, but Paige took the opportunity to shower before putting on a fresh hospital gown. Despite the scrubbing, she still smelled faintly of wood smoke and ash.

In the morning the oxygen was removed, and their breathing checked. A short time later they had a visit from volunteers from the American Red Cross. They had bathroom kits for both her and Lori, and a pink stuffed rabbit for her daughter. Lori clung to the bunny with a fierceness that worried Paige. Her child was growing past the age where such toys held her interest, but if anyone deserved the plush comfort of a stuffed animal, it was Lori.

They were also given bags of clean, new clothing and underwear. Lori was furnished with brown corduroy pants, bright purple fuzzy socks, new snow boots, a turtleneck, fleece jacket and snow coat, all in shades of pink and purple. Seeing the unfamiliar clothing laid out on her daughter’s hospital bed only brought home to Paige that they had likely lost every personal possession in the upstairs area. The grief was lightened only by the realization that they were both alive.

Paige took the contact information from a volunteer who, before departing, assured her that they had plenty of donated clothing and household items and could help with temporary housing.

“Where will we live now, Mama?” asked Lori.

Where indeed.

“Let’s check with Grandma on that one. All right?”

Lori’s eyes held worry and her neck was still streaked with soot.

“Would you like a shower?”

Lori’s face brightened as she nodded.

Rabbit stayed behind on the hospital bed as Paige helped her daughter get her shower going, handing in the tiny shampoo, body wash and conditioner bottles. As Lori washed, Paige cleaned up in the sink, using the hand soap, comb, toothbrush and lotion.

She left Lori in the bathroom to towel off and brush up, while Paige found a nurse, borrowed a pair of scissors, then snipped away the singed hair. Then she explored her bag of clothing. Paige found she had blue jeans, a tailored white blouse and a soft, fuzzy forest green sweater with a crew neck.

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