Free A Season for Family by Mae Nunn Page B

at the locked door.
    He hurried to answer before she disturbed Amos, who’d only just settled back down. Heath cracked the door a few inches expecting a dinner delivery thatwouldn’t appeal to him no matter what was on the plate.
    Olivia’s face was flushed, pink and gleaming from warmth. Her eyes were wide, almost panicky.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” He pulled the door wider but didn’t want her to come closer for fear of Amos’s nasty germs.
    â€œBruce just passed out in the men’s room.”
    â€œNot another one,” Heath muttered, knowing the answer. A runaway train was bearing down on him and there was no way to stop it. “I suppose you want to bring him up here.”
    â€œWe don’t have any choice. Nick will be along in a minute with a roll-away bed and as soon as it’s made up I’ll need you to help us get Bruce upstairs.”
    Good grief! One sick guy I can handle, but with two I’m never gonna get this apartment searched.
    â€œHave you considered taking them to the emergency room? Amos has been a handful so maybe that’s the best place.”
    Olivia shook her head, pushed past and headed for the small closet where he’d found extra sheets. “I already called two hospitals. They’re swamped and won’t do anything more than test to confirm the flu and then send both men back here with medical bills they can’t pay.”
    She pulled out the remaining linens, tossed them on a chair, then pushed a footstool and table against the wall, presumably to clear a path for the cot.
    â€œMiss Livvy?” Nick stood in the doorway they’d left open.
    â€œRight here, Nick,” she directed him.
    The roll-away snapped together and fifteen minutes later Bruce was shivering beneath blankets, complaining of the worst headache of his life.
    Heath motioned for Olivia to join him in her small kitchen, kept his voice low. “Are these garden-variety flu symptoms or could it be something worse?”
    â€œI Googled this year’s strain. Fever, chills, aches and cough are common. Most people don’t get the stomach issues.”
    â€œWell, Amos won the flu lottery this year, because he’s got it all.” Heath pointed to the large shopping bag stuffed with sheets. “Better get these washed and back up to me. I have a feeling the night shift in the infirmary might be a busy one.”
    Olivia’s spine slumped as a visible shudder passed through her body. Heath hoped it was a sign of concern and not illness. If this tough lady started sinking he’d have to find a way to call for backup. And if he did that after less than two days on the case, he’d never hear the end of it from the guys in his unit. He felt a twinge of shame for his selfish thoughts.
    â€œI’m sorry about this, Heath. If you want to change your mind and help out downstairs, I’ll trade duties with you.”
    â€œNope.” He grabbed the handles of the paper bag, turned her around and marched her as best he could toward the door. “Go take care of your business. Being up here only increases the chance you’ll come down with it, too.”
    She pointed toward an old-fashioned black phone mounted on the wall. “If you need anything, give us a call downstairs. Just press the pound sign and it’ll ring at the front desk and in the kitchen. Nothing’s off-limits up here, so make yourself at home.”
    â€œGot it. Now get away from these germs.”
    At the door she paused. “Heath, I need to ask you for another favor. The Bible says that when two or more aregathered in God’s name, He is present. Will you agree with me in prayer?” She dropped the paper bag and held both hands outward, like a child needing the comfort of touch. “Please?”
    He’d watched her every move for almost twenty-four hours. Her nature was the antithesis of his. She was a giver and everything she did was out of