Moments later he passed her, blue lights flashing, and she followed as he sped along the local road clearing the way. Traffic was fairly heavy this time of day when people were heading home for supper, but vehicles scattered before him as drivers pulled over to the side. When an inattentive motorist failed to spot the cruiser and forced him to slow he hit the siren, producing a couple short barks, and the driver quickly moved out of the way.
Lucy found she had to pay close attention in order to keep up as they whizzed along the narrow two-lane road, sometimes pulling into the oncoming lane, and she had to put her worries about Bill out of her mind. She’d never driven like this, weaving through traffic at speeds approaching eighty miles per hour, and she found it terrifying. It was a huge relief when they finally made the turn onto Main Street in Tinker’s Cove and she spotted the illuminated emergency room sign at the cottage hospital. The trooper turned off his flashing lights and drove off, giving her a cursory wave as she pulled into an empty parking space.
Getting out of the car, she was assailed by fear, dreading what she might find. What if Bill hadn’t survived the blast? What would she do then? She couldn’t imagine living a single day without her husband. It would be like losing part of herself. Or what if he was gravely injured and required constant care? How was her life going to change? Was he suffering?
It was that last thought that propelled her forward, toward the plate glass doors that opened automatically at her approach. She went straight to the reception desk where she was surprised to see Babs Culpepper, her friend Barney’s sister.
“Lucy, you’re here,” she said in a bright voice. “Bill’s in that first exam room. Go right on in.”
“How is he?” Lucy asked.
“I’m not supposed to say,” replied Babs. “But he’s in pretty good shape, considering.”
Lucy wasn’t sure how to take that. “Pretty good shape, considering” could cover a lot of territory. But when she opened the door, she saw Bill was sitting up on the gurney, with his arm in a sling. Zoe was there, sitting on a chair, and State Police Lieutenant Horowitz was standing beside him, dressed as always in a gray suit. Lucy and Horowitz had a long history, and while they often conflicted, they shared a mutual respect for each other. She was rather dismayed to notice his hair was also entirely gray, and his pale blue eyes made him look more tired than ever.
“Did you enjoy the escort?” he asked, stepping aside so Lucy could reach her husband.
“Was that you?” she asked, occupied in studying Bill’s condition and deciding if she could hug him.
His face and head were scraped and bruised, as was the hand that emerged from the black sling. He held out his other hand and she grabbed it with both hands.
“What’s the damage?” she asked.
“Broken arm, a few bumps and bruises,” he answered with a smile. “I was darned lucky. I was standing by the door, which happened to be open, and I was blown outside by the force of the explosion. I guess I must have instinctively used my arm to try and break my fall, which is why it’s broken.”
“You should see the place, Mom,” said Zoe. “The entire front wall is gone and there was a lot of damage from the fire. It looks like a bomb hit it.”
“That’s what we’re trying to determine,” said Horowitz, looking very serious. “The fire marshal is investigating whether the explosion was caused by a device or a gas leak. I was just asking your husband if he smelled gas beforehand.”
Lucy couldn’t take her eyes off Bill. She was studying every scab and bruise, and kept hanging onto his hand as if afraid he’d disappear if she let go.
“I don’t remember much,” said Bill, mumbling a bit.
“Does it hurt to talk?” she asked, and he gave her a nod.
“Can you question him another time?” asked Lucy, turning to Horowitz. “He’s clearly in pain.”
“I really don’t know what happened,” said Bill, speaking slowly with effort. “I opened the door and pow! Next thing I knew I was flat on my back in the parking lot and the pub was in flames.” He sighed. “I wish I could tell you more. I really do.”
“Okay,” said Horowitz with a decisive nod. “I’ll be in touch.” He turned to go.
“Thanks for the police escort,” said Lucy, walking the few steps to the door with him. “It was quite an experience.”
“Glad to be of service,” he said, opening the door. “Besides, from what I heard, you were a menace out there on the road.”
“Well, thanks again,” said Lucy as he stepped into the hallway.
Once she was sure he was gone, and the door closed, Lucy had a million questions for Bill and Zoe. She had to wait to ask them, however, as a nurse popped in with a clipboard full of papers for him to sign.
“Once we finish this business you can go,” she announced, flipping the pages and pointing where to sign.
“Good thing it was my left arm,” he said, scrawling his signature where she’d indicated. “I’m right-handed.”
“I’ve got a prescription for painkillers for you,” she said, handing him a blue square of paper. “Don’t try to be a hero. They’re not addictive and you’ll be a lot more comfortable if you take them.”
“Will do,” said Bill. “I’m no hero.”
“I can pick up the prescription on my way home,” offered Zoe.
“That would be great,” said Lucy, giving her the blue slip. “That way we won’t have to stop and can go straight home with your dad.”
The nurse gave him a hand and helped him off the gurney, and then they all walked through the ER and out through the waiting room to the door.
“Safe home,” said Babs, and Lucy gave her a big smile and a little wave before stepping
