whenever there is a death, I have to file a detailed report. Unfortunately, your husband isnât the first person who has died up there. Since Iâve been with the sheriff âs 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
âIâm not going to sue anybody,â Rena blurted out. She immediately regretted saying anything that sounded so mercenary.
âThatâs not why I mentioned it. I didnât think you would be thinking about that at a time like this.â
Rena tried to regain control. âI donât want to think. Itâs all such a shock. I havenât even called his family with the news.â
The detective stepped back. âIâd better leave you then. Could I have your phone number in case I have other questions when Iâm preparing my report?â
Rena couldnât think of a good reason to deny his request. She didnât want him calling her cell phone so she gave him the number for their house in Santee. The detective didnât write down the number.
âHow are you going to remember it?â she asked.
âIâm good with phone numbers. Iâve had a lot of practice. Iâll note it in a file when I get back to my office.â
The detective took out a business card and laid it on the bed beside her arm.
âIâm very sorry about your husband. Hereâs my card and the keys to your vehicle. Itâs parked near the ER entrance. The helicopter has probably arrived by now. Iâve been inside waiting to talk to you and havenât been in contact with them. Someone at the triage desk can give you the information you need about the body. I assume youâll want to have him taken to your hometown. If I can help you in any way, please let me know.â
With the end of the interview in sight, Rena became gracious.
âThanks,â she said. âYouâve been a great help.â
The detective stepped to the door. Then he stopped and turned toward her. âOh, how did you get the scratches on your face and arm?â
Rena touched her face and felt the dried blood. âWhen 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 husbandâs body.â
âDid it knock you out?â
âNo, but it dazed me for a second.â
âWas that before or after you gave your husband CPR?â
Rena quickly analyzed her answer and couldnât see a reason to pick one time over another.
âAfter. I was so upset, I wasnât careful.â
The detective moved farther out of the room. âOf course. I hope youâre going to be okay. Donât forget to call if I can help you.â
Rena nodded and closed her eyes. The image of Baxterâs 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.
âWhat do you want?â she demanded indignantly. âIâve told you everything that happened!â
âOh, Iâm sorry. I didnât mean to upset you. I wasnât sure if you were awake. Itâs my report. I forgot to ask your address and social security number.â
Rena gave him the information. Once again the detective didnât take a note. He moved closer to the door, but Rena held no hope that he was really leaving.
âIs there anything else?â she asked.
âNo. I have everything I need from you. Iâm very sorry about the accident.â
A nurse brushed by the detective and came into the room to take out Renaâs IV. The detective watched for a second and then left without a parting question.