Chapter 2 #2
Trevor debated calling Doug or Griff about his concerns regarding the crash, then decided against it.
There wasn’t anything either of them could do now.
He had to trust the Cody crime scene techs would do a good job of examining Bailey’s SUV.
He really needed to call her brother Miles but hesitated to do that until the OB doctor had examined Bailey.
He’d rather call Miles with good news, on the heels of the bad news of the crash. With Alaska being two hours earlier than their current time, he didn’t have to rush to make the call.
“Ms. Adams?” A man in his mid-fifties entered the room. The way the guy glanced first at the fetal monitor, confirmed his thought that he was the OB doc on call. He then turned his attention to Bailey. “I’m Dr. Dailey. I understand you were in a car crash?”
“Yes.” Bailey’s voice was soft. She turned to look at the doctor through narrowed eyes. Trevor realized the light was making her head hurt and jumped up to turn it off. There was enough ambient light from the other rooms to see clearly. Bailey flashed a grateful smile. “Thank you, my head hurts.”
Dr. Dailey glanced at Trevor, then back at Bailey.
“I’ve taken a moment to review your chart.
Your scans are clear, no signs of internal bleeding, which is great news.
And from what I’m seeing here, your baby’s heartbeat appears stable.
Maybe a tad higher than normal, but that could be related to your anxiety. ”
“I’m trying to stay calm.” Bailey’s brow furrowed with concern. “It’s not easy, but I’m doing my best.”
“Oh, I know you are. It’s not your fault.
Once the adrenaline wears off, I’m sure your baby’s heart rate will return to normal.
” Dr. Dailey removed a stethoscope from around his neck and listened to Bailey’s heart and lungs.
Then he moved the diaphragm to her abdomen.
He listened for a while, glancing at the fetal monitor, then nodded and straightened.
Draping the stethoscope around his neck, he gently palpated her abdomen. “Let me know if anything hurts.”
“It doesn’t.” Then she winced. “Except for that area. It’s tender where the seatbelt was.”
“I noticed a bruise forming on her lower abdomen, where the seat belt had been.” Trevor stood to join the conversation. “I’m hoping that won’t cause any issues for her or the baby.”
Dr. Dailey smiled. “Yes, I can imagine there will be bumps and bruises from the crash. The good news is that the baby is well cushioned with amniotic fluid. Your wife and baby will be just fine.” Before Trevor could correct his assumption, the doctor turned to Bailey.
“I want you to let me or your regular OB doctor know if you experience any sharp pain or bleeding, especially over the next few days. That could be an indication the placenta is pulling away from the uterine wall. If that happens, you need to get to the hospital as soon as possible. It’s critical we deliver the baby immediately. ”
Bailey’s wide eyes darted to Trevor’s. Trevor nodded in understanding. An abruption of the placenta was an emergent condition covered in his EMT training. “We will absolutely get back here if there’s any change in her condition.”
“Good.” Dr. Dailey took a step back. “I consider your condition to be stable. Just be sure to pay attention to any new signs or symptoms.”
“Does she need to stay on bed rest?” Trevor asked.
Dr. Dailey looked thoughtful. “Not necessarily, but don’t do anything crazy like run a marathon or do jumping jacks. Take it easy for a few days and I’m sure you’ll be fine.”
“Thank you.” Bailey’s eyes still held a note of alarm. “I don’t run or do jumping jacks, so that shouldn’t be a problem.”
Dr. Dailey smiled and patted her hand. “You should follow up with your own OB doctor in a few days.”
“We’ll make sure of that,” Trevor agreed. At this point, it was easier to play along that they were a couple. He didn’t intend to leave Bailey’s side. “Thanks for coming in.”
“Not a problem.” Dr. Dailey turned and retreated from the room. Since Bailey still looked upset, he went over to take her hand. Archie stood, stretched, and came to stand beside him.
“You’re going to be okay, Bailey. I’m trained as an EMT and know what to look for. You just need to do your part by paying attention to what your body is telling you. If there’s any change at all, you need to let me know.”
“Okay. But what about my memory?” Her blue eyes were full of anguish. “When will that return to normal?”
“I’m not sure.” He frowned and glanced out to where Emily was chatting with Dr. Dailey.
“I’ll ask for a neurosurgery consult. They’re the experts in treating concussion and amnesia.
” He couldn’t fault the staff for making Bailey’s physical condition and that of her baby a priority.
Now that life-threatening injuries had been ruled out, he was anxious to understand what the treatment recommendation would be for her memory loss.
If there even was a treatment option.
“Trevor?” Bailey’s hand tightened on his. “Where’s my husband?”
His gaze sharpened on hers. “You remember Clark?”
“No, but I assume I’m married.” She splayed her hands over her abdomen. “I wouldn’t be pregnant if I wasn’t.”
She sounded sure, which again proved her basic personality hadn’t changed. “He died about seven months ago.”
“Oh. So that’s why I’m not wearing a ring.” She frowned, then asked, “What happens if they discharge me? I don’t even know where I live.”
“I do. And don’t worry, Archie and I will be staying with you for the next few days.” He glanced down at Archie, glad he always kept an overnight bag, along with extra food for his K9, in his SUV. “We won’t leave you alone.”
“I appreciate that. I can’t lie, I’m afraid to be alone.” She grimaced and shifted positions on the gurney. “I don’t even know where I work to call in sick tomorrow.”
“I’ll help you with that.” He pulled out his phone. “I need to call your brother to let him know you’re okay.”
“I have a brother?” Her voice rose in agitation.
“Yes, Miles. He’s two years older than you are.” He cupped her hand between his. “Remember, I told you I was good friends with your brother at the scene of the accident. That’s how I know you.”
“That’s right. You did say that. But I feel like I should know my own brother.” Her distress tugged at his heart.
“Take it easy, try not to stress. Remember what Dr. Dailey said.”
“I know, I know.” As if to prove it, Bailey took a slow deep breath. “Go ahead and call him.”
He held her hand for a long moment before releasing it. He took a step back, almost tripping over Archie. “Stay, boy.” He dug his phone out of his pocket, then thought better of making that call in front of Bailey. “Actually, I need to take Archie outside. He may need to get busy.”
“Okay.” A small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “He’s so pretty.”
“That he is.” He knew Bailey had always loved Archie, and seeing her react the same way now was heartening. “Come, Archie.”
He headed out of the emergency department, stopping briefly by Emily. “Bailey still has amnesia. I assume you’re getting a neurosurgery consult for her?”
“Yes, Dr. Kline is on the way.” Emily frowned. “I have never cared for a patient with amnesia. It’s rare.”
“I know, me either.” He grimaced and gestured to Archie. “I’m taking him outside to feed him and to make a few calls. I’ll be back soon.”
“Okay.” Emily leaned over to pat Archie. “Seeing him makes me miss Bear.”
“Bear is in good hands with Owen.” Trevor continued through the department until he was outside.
He led Archie to his SUV and opened the back.
He opened the container of dog food and filled a collapsible bowl.
Then he made Archie sit. His dog stared up at him, waiting for the signal.
It was part of their training that the dogs only ate when their handler allowed them to. “Go get it, boy.”
Archie pounced on the dish like he was starving.
Out of all the K9s on the ranch, Archie ate the fastest. It was almost comical how the dog attacked his food as if it might disappear if he didn’t gulp it down fast enough.
Normally, Trevor used a dish with grooves in it to force Archie to slow down. But he hadn’t packed it.
“Easy, boy.” He bent to pat the dog. Archie looked up at him for a moment, then went back to scarfing down his food. When he’d finished, Trevor led him to a grassy area so his K9 could get busy. With his dog cared for, he pulled out his phone. Miles answered on the first ring.
“Hey, Trev, what’s up?”
“I’m calling because Bailey was in a car crash. She’s okay,” he hastily added. “Her scans are clear; she has no internal bleeding or fractures. The OB doc was here to see her as well. He examined her and has deemed her baby is fine.”
“That’s good to hear, thanks for letting me know the good news. But what happened?” Miles asked. “Bailey is such a careful driver. She wouldn’t risk driving on slippery roads without a good reason.”
Trevor stared out into the darkness, trying to decide how much to tell his friend.
He didn’t want Miles to worry, especially since he was so far away.
He didn’t want to bring up the fact that Bailey may have been rammed off the road or that she was still suffering from amnesia.
“I’m not sure, but I will stay with her for the next few days.
Thankfully, our SAR calls have slowed down a bit, so it won’t be a problem. ”
“Do you think I need to quit my job and fly home?” Miles asked.