North Country Family by Lois Richer

Author:Lois Richer
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2014-03-26T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Cassie woke, nose twitching as the aroma of coffee assailed her. Michael lay in the same position on the floor, sound asleep. His slightly improved color did nothing to curb her worry. If she had to, she could summon local help, but Cassie knew they wouldn’t have the equipment needed to thoroughly evaluate and treat her patient. He needed a specialist.

She showered and dressed. On her way to the kitchen she noticed that the winter storm had almost spent itself. Hopefully it wouldn’t be long before the air ambulance arrived.

“Good morning.” Rick sat at the dining table, rumpled-looking, his lined face giving away his restless night. And yet, he still looked as handsome to her as he always had.

“Morning.” Cassie tore her gaze away and poured a cup of coffee. When she sat down across from him, he leaned forward to peer into her face. “How are you?”

“I’m fine.” She sipped her coffee, waiting for the caffeine to take effect. “Is Laurel up?”

“Yes.” Rick nodded. “She’s been on the phone. Apparently there was a disaster at a mine north of here and all the air ambulances have been directed there to handle the victims. Since Michael isn’t in immediate danger, they’ve put him on a wait list.”

“He can’t wait,” Cassie said, frustrated by the delay. “He needs to be assessed immediately, before he seizes again.”

“That’s what Laurel thought. That’s why she’s doing her best to persuade the correctional service to send a plane to take him to Winnipeg. Don’t worry, Cassie.” He reached across the table to cover her hand with his. A second later he pulled his hand away with a strange look on his face.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Cassie asked, confused by his actions. His expressive green eyes looked troubled.

“I’m fine.” There was an edge to his voice she’d never heard before.

Why was he acting so strangely? “I guess I’d better pack a bag.”

“In case you have to go with Michael?”

“I’m afraid he’ll have another seizure on the way. The air ambulance would have medical staff on board, but if Laurel gets a plane and there’s only a pilot…” Her voice trailed away.

Rick nodded his understanding then drew away at the sound of voices in the hall. He probably didn’t want the boys to see them huddled together. For a moment Rod teased him about not helping Teddy shovel the newly fallen snow outside, but he quickly noted Rick’s serious expression. A hush fell as the boys quietly took their places at the table.

“Is M-Michael o-o-kay?” Noah asked in a sober tone.

“Yes.” Cassie explained that he needed to go to Winnipeg, and that she might go with him.

“Michael gets his own plane? Man.” Daniel’s grin flashed. “Like a rich man.”

“That’s me.” Michael’s bitter tone resounded as he strode into the room and sat down. “The guy who gets all the breaks. Brain injuries, seizures—wow, am I lucky.”

“He was just teasing, man.” Rod did his best to make peace.

“I hope the plane crashes,” Michael snarled. He jumped out of his chair, knocking it to the floor.

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