Who the hell was this Churchill? Tansy shot Dale a look, but he avoided her silent question by bending to shift one of the cases in the trunk. She scowled and ducked into the SUV when Frankie held the door open. The black interior smelled of new leather and money. A lethal-looking Doberman sat in the front, between the seats. It faced the passengers and curled a tan lip when Tansy slid inside.
She would have preferred a white VW Rabbit with plates that read Im late. That, at least, she would have understood. The feeling that she was headed to the worst sort of tea party intensified, as did the nagging fear and her headache, though the cut on her head had scabbed without needing stitches.
As the vehicle bumped back the way theyd come, Churchill spoke as though resuming an interrupted conversation. This outbreak business is bad, Dale. Bad. The docks are losing money every day were closed, and my customers on the mainland are finding other places to buy their lobsters.
Tansy remembered the name Churchill on the bow of the lobster boat. Though it surprised her that Mickey and Churchill both seemed more concerned with the lobstering than the patients, she supposed the inhabitants of Lobster Island must liveand dieby their catches.
Thats why Im here, Walter. The outbreak isnt typical. There shouldnt be new cases, or as many fatalities. But Im curious. Dale leaned forward to address the man in the front. As he did so, his hard thigh brushed against Tansys leg and she moved away, hating the flush of contact. Why did I hear about this from Mickey? You knew where to find me, and you know Im a doctor. An outbreak specialist. Why didnt you call me for help?
Churchill glanced back. Because until three people died this morning, I thought it was under control. And because I didnt want you coming back here.
Dale cursed. Because of Trask.
The older man shook his head. Because of you, Dale. You dont belong here. You never did.
The SUV pulled into the motel parking lot. Anticipation, and perhaps relief, surged through Tansy when she saw an agitated, gesturing crowd gathered around a windowless Jeep. An older woman in wrinkled scrubs dashed out of a motel door and hurried to the crowd.
The scene screamed medical emergency! Tansys pulse jolted. Medicine. Knowledge. She could do this.
Here, she could be in control.
She had the door open before the vehicle stopped rolling, HFH training kicking in when nothing else made sense. Come on, Dale. We have work to do! Feeling naked without her field rucksack, which had gone down with the plane, she sprinted across the parking lot to the growing crowd.
Behind her, Churchill yelled a question and Dale called back, Yeah. Call the FAA about the crash and call Zachary Cage at Boston General. Tell him I need more field equipment, clothes and another plane. Pronto.
Intent on the patient, Tansy ignored her partner and pressed through the crowd. When she saw the man at its center, she stopped dead.
Mickey.
She held up a hand to stop Dale, but she was too late to spare him the sight of his cousin cradling a small child to his chest. Tears ran down the lobstermans wrinkled, wind-burned cheeks.
Mick, you have to give Eddie to me now. The older woman in the scrubs Tansy guessed she was Dr. Hazelpried at the lobstermans fingers. Hes in respiratory arrest. You have to let me help him breathe.
Dale made a low sound, almost that of an animal in pain. Hurting for him, hoping it wasnt too late, Tansy stepped forward. Hands outstretched, she waited until Dales cousin focused on her. Mickey, remember me? Im Dr. Whitmore. Were here to help. You need to let us help Eddie now. He needs to be on a respirator. She refused to admit it might already be too late for the little boy whod complained of stomach pains not an hour earlier.
Shed missed it. How had she missed it?
The torture in Mickeys face clawed at her heart. The lobsterman shook his head. Ive got to protect him. Hes mine.
Then Dale nudged her aside. Ive got him, Mick. Ill fix him for you. I promise. Trust me. He reached for the limp body and Mickey finally handed the boy over.