Free Silent Fear, a Medical Mystery by Barbara Ebel Page A

on a sheet.
    “But we don’t get enough snow or ice anyway,” Mark countered.
    “Nevertheless,” Casey said, “it doesn’t damage vehicles like hail pellets either, which can grow to golf balls.”
    “What about lightning?”
    “That’s separate, like wind. Those aren’t precipitation.”
    “You’ve got this all figured out. You should’ve been a weatherman.”
    “No way. I can’t separate who I am from what I do. They’re one and the same.”
    The automatic doors to the ER opened and a young brunette with a loud purple scrub top came straight to their ambulance. She pushed her long silky hair off her shoulders. “Hi, you all,” she said, smiling at Casey. “Did you just get here?”
    “Pretty much,” Casey said. “We’re three-to-eleven.”
    “I would be telling you the beds are full and we’re on diversion, but the hospital had two early afternoon discharges, so there are two beds available. The desk just got two calls. You better come in. The other ambulance drivers are picking up the slip for the first one as we speak.”
    “Okay, we’re coming,” Mark said.
    Casey’s eyes flickered with enthusiasm when he stepped onto the pavement. The young lady hesitated as her face blushed. She was so close to the paramedic heartthrob.
    “Go ahead,” Casey said. “I’ll wait for the better half of my working relationship.” He winked at her and she left.
    Mark stepped down. “What did you do, encourage her by winking like that?”
    “Heck, Mark. What do you mean ‘encourage her’?”
    “Even if they know you’re not available, they could care less. They’re going to try and lure you in anyway.”
    “You make me sound like red snapper on the end of a line.” Casey shrugged his shoulders then hurried inside with Mark at his heels. Two ambulance workers passed heading out as Casey and Mark greeted them. Casey waited for the ER desk secretary to give them the information.
    “You just missed going on a run for an anesthesiologist who works here,” the husky voiced woman said. “A Dr. Talbot,” she mumbled. “Looks like you’re going a few miles south to the mall. Man with chest pain.” She handed them her note.
    Casey ran his hand over his crew cut and the both of them turned on their heels.
    ----------
    Danny’s cases extended into the afternoon and he still hadn’t seen everyone on the floor. At least his back patient finally stabilized with Dean’s supportive care, especially in the recovery room. Finally, the call Danny anticipated came through. Dr. Patogue had the MRI and waited for Danny in the X-ray department. He bounded down the stairs to the first floor and cut through the emergency room. He hurried faster upon seeing Casey and his partner going down the hallway towards the back door.
    “Are you two on an ambulance run?” Danny asked as he sidled alongside them.
    “Danny, it’s not the time for ambulance wisecracks.” Casey kept heading straight. “We’ve got a guy with chest pain.”
    “I’ve only got a minute myself. I’ll follow you to the back.”
    “Actually, there are two runs.” Automatic doors opened as they neared. Casey pointed to the ambulance backing out. “They’re going for a staff doc.”
    Danny put his hand on Casey’s upper arm. They didn’t slow but Casey’s eyes caught Danny’s concern.
    “Is it Lucy Talbot?”
    “Sure is.”
    Mark headed to the driver’s seat and Casey opened the back as the skies rumbled above.
    “Casey, I have a sneaky suspicion that something is going on because we have a rash of sickness.”
    “That’s not so odd.”
    “No, this is different. I’m glad to know you’re picking up the patient other than Dr. Talbot.”
    “Danny, I’d pick up anybody who needs me.”
    “I know that. That’s your job. However…look, I’m not being an alarmist. You know me better than anybody. I’m going to go look at Harold’s MRI with Bill Patogue. But right now, my instinct is alert and this is just between you and