“Hello, Nigel? How are you?”
“Tessa? It’s a bit late for a chat isn’t it?”
Knowing damn well how late it was, she ignored his sarcasm. “Yeah, I’m in a jam and wanted to know if I could send one of my patients your way? And if your husband could come and help, I would be very grateful.”
The heavy silence on the other end of the line made her hold her breath. She’d known Nigel since they’d finished medical school together with the same belief that innocents and the lost had to be protected. While Tessa decided to head to the emergency unit, Nigel had opened a community clinic. Nigel’s husband, Tyrone, had been a cop for years before he’d changed career and become a social worker. However, he had always kept his nose to the ground.
Her and Nigel had kept in contact, and once more, she was able to ask for his help, with half said words.
“I see. I suppose we need to be discreet about this one too?”
She heard him shift, and someone growled by his side.
Release flooded her, grateful her friend understood. “If possible, yes. Until everything can be sorted out.”
“Very well. What’s your patient’s name?”
“Allison.” At her name, the girl started trembling again, and Tessa offered her a reassuring smile.
“If I were you, I would use an ambulance this time. Direct route. And if you fear for her safety, do it now, or as soon as possible.”
“That was my plan. She’ll need care on arrival.”
“And I’ll be there.”
Tessa ended the call and immediately paged Mabel. If there was one person she could trust, it was the nurse.
When Mabel came through the door, Tessa was glad she caught her before she had left.
“Doctor Freeman?” Mabel was all business when she entered the room, clearly assessing the situation.
“Mabel, please bring me the transfer documents, but we won’t use her real name, just in case. And have an ambulance ready. Would you be available to accompany Allison?”
The girl tightened her hold on Tessa, almost making her wince.
“Allison, Mabel is a friend, and she will be with you all the way. I’m sending you into the care of my friend Nigel. He’s a doctor too. You will be safe with him. His husband is a former cop, but he’s a social worker now. If you agree to go, you have to promise me two things.”
Allison nodded, and she continued. “Lay low while my friend takes care of your health and safety. No outside contact. And trust them, tell them everything and I swear they will help you. And protect you. Can you do that?”
Allison started to cry again but nodded through the tears. Tessa watched as Mabel acquiesced in turn and went to fetch the documents.
“What will I do?” Her voice was small and childlike.
“One thing at the time. That’s what you’ll do. Heal and talk. Simple. You will be safe, remember that. You can get out of this. I believe in you.”
Despite the pain, Allison crawled on the bed to take Tessa in her arms.
“I’m scared.” Her voice muffled in her lab coat.
“Don’t be. My friends are careful and reliable. Your nightmare is over now.”
At her words, Allison nodded and lay back on her bed. Tessa went to Mabel near the door who handed her the documents. They murmured as low as they could.
“Transport will be ready in a few minutes.”
“Good, do the usual. And please be careful.”
Mabel puffed as if she had been insulted. “I know the dangers of what we do better than you, Tessa. It’s you I’m worried about. The risks you’re taking are too great. How many more will you save?”
