Free Life Support by Robert Whitlow

whenever there is a death, I have to file a detailed report. Unfortunately, your husband isn’t the first person who has died up there. Since I’ve been with the sheriff ’s department three other people have slipped on the rocks and been seriously injured or killed. The park service should post signs warning people to stay back.”
    â€œI’m not going to sue anybody,” Rena blurted out. She immediately regretted saying anything that sounded so mercenary.
    â€œThat’s not why I mentioned it. I didn’t think you would be thinking about that at a time like this.”
    Rena tried to regain control. “I don’t want to think. It’s all such a shock. I haven’t even called his family with the news.”
    The detective stepped back. “I’d better leave you then. Could I have your phone number in case I have other questions when I’m preparing my report?”
    Rena couldn’t think of a good reason to deny his request. She didn’t want him calling her cell phone so she gave him the number for their house in Santee. The detective didn’t write down the number.
    â€œHow are you going to remember it?” she asked.
    â€œI’m good with phone numbers. I’ve had a lot of practice. I’ll note it in a file when I get back to my office.”
    The detective took out a business card and laid it on the bed beside her arm.
    â€œI’m very sorry about your husband. Here’s my card and the keys to your vehicle. It’s parked near the ER entrance. The helicopter has probably arrived by now. I’ve been inside waiting to talk to you and haven’t been in contact with them. Someone at the triage desk can give you the information you need about the body. I assume you’ll want to have him taken to your hometown. If I can help you in any way, please let me know.”
    With the end of the interview in sight, Rena became gracious.
    â€œThanks,” she said. “You’ve been a great help.”
    The detective stepped to the door. Then he stopped and turned toward her. “Oh, how did you get the scratches on your face and arm?”
    Rena touched her face and felt the dried blood. “When I was running down the trail to the bottom of the falls, a limb slapped me. I also have a knot on my head where I slipped and hit a rock near my husband’s body.”
    â€œDid it knock you out?”
    â€œNo, but it dazed me for a second.”
    â€œWas that before or after you gave your husband CPR?”
    Rena quickly analyzed her answer and couldn’t see a reason to pick one time over another.
    â€œAfter. I was so upset, I wasn’t careful.”
    The detective moved farther out of the room. “Of course. I hope you’re going to be okay. Don’t forget to call if I can help you.”
    Rena nodded and closed her eyes. The image of Baxter’s face as he lay on the rock at the base of the waterfall played on the movie screen behind her eyelids. Every time she erased it, the scene returned as soon as her guard was down. Giving up, she opened her eyes and turned her head to make sure the detective was gone.
    Giles Porter was standing less than a foot from her bed.
    â€œWhat do you want?” she demanded indignantly. “I’ve told you everything that happened!”
    â€œOh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I wasn’t sure if you were awake. It’s my report. I forgot to ask your address and social security number.”
    Rena gave him the information. Once again the detective didn’t take a note. He moved closer to the door, but Rena held no hope that he was really leaving.
    â€œIs there anything else?” she asked.
    â€œNo. I have everything I need from you. I’m very sorry about the accident.”
    A nurse brushed by the detective and came into the room to take out Rena’s IV. The detective watched for a second and then left without a parting question.