Free Miss Julia to the Rescue by Ann B. Ross Page A

don’t. Did you say you’re going to West Virginia?”
    “Yes, I did. I’m going to see about Mr. Pickens.” Then I went on to tell her the whole story, including Hazel Marie’s anguish at not being able to leave the babies, Coleman’s schedule that would keep him from going right away and Sam’s being halfway around the world. “It’s down to you and me, Etta Mae. I figure he’s going to need some nursing care, which is where you come in. Between the two of us, we’ll get him back here where he can be taken care of. That bunch up there, starting with the sheriff, does not inspire the least bit of confidence, especially with Mr. Pickens suffering a gunshot wound in a hospital room that doesn’t even have a telephone.”
    “Gunshot wound! Good grief, is he hurt?”
    “I expect he is, Etta Mae, as I would be if somebody had shot me. But apparently, it’s not all that serious, although it’s serious enough to keep him in the hospital. That’s why it’s vital that we get up there and see what’s going on.”
    There was silence on the line for a few seconds, then Etta Mae said, “Ah, Miss Julia, I hate to tell you, but I’ve never nursed a gunshot wound. I might not be much use to you.”
    “Don’t worry about that. You’re more capable than any of us. Besides, you can bring your nursing book and read up on it as we go. Will you do it, Etta Mae? I really need you.”
    “Well, if you’re sure, of course I’ll go. This is the first weekend I’ve had off in a month, so it’ll be fun to have something to do.”
    I wasn’t too sure how much fun it would be, but I was grateful for her willingness to accompany me. She and I had been on a few other expeditions and she’d proved her worth many times over.
    “I’ll pick you up in about an hour,” I said. “Oh, and, Etta Mae, you won’t need to pack a lot, but be sure to bring your nurse’s uniform. Mr. Pickens might require special nursing care. And also, his doctor might be more willing to discuss his condition with a fellow professional than with me.”
    There was another long pause as she considered the request. Then, in a halting way, she said, “Okay.”
    After hanging up and looking at the time—almost eight—I went back into the dining room. Hazel Marie was stirring scrambled eggs around on her plate, but not eating any, while Lillian urged her to keep up her strength. Lloyd sat next to his mother, but he’d hardly eaten anything, either. His face was almost as white and drawn as hers.
    James stood in the door to the kitchen. “Miss Julia, you want some eggs? I can fix you some right now. Them on the table is already cold.”
    “No, thank you, James, I don’t have time to eat. Now listen, everybody,” I said as I stood by the table. “With Sam gone and Coleman held up here until later in the week, we have to makesome plans on our own. So here’s what we’re going to do: I just spoke to Etta Mae Wiggins and she and I are leaving in about an hour to drive to West Virginia. We’re going to bring Mr. Pickens home, come that sheriff or high water.
    “Lillian, I want you and Latisha to stay here with Hazel Marie and help her, if you will. Lloyd, you’ll finish the school year and help wherever you’re needed, and, James, I’m leaving them all in your care. Now, I’ve got to get home and get ready to go.”
    Everybody sat still for a minute, staring at me, then they all began talking at once, telling me I shouldn’t go and one of them should go with us and it was too long a trip for two women alone.
    “I want to go, Miss Julia,” Lloyd said. “I can help.”
    Lillian said, “You sure you know what you doin’?”
    But James’s face brightened after hearing the responsibility I’d given him. He drew himself up, straightened his shoulders, and went back into the kitchen. But Hazel Marie, who hadn’t said a word, rose from the table and put her arms around me.
    “Thank you,” she whispered against my shoulder. “Thank you with