A nurse and doctor hurry over to the gurney while another one goes directly to a cubicle. “Over here,” she says, waving them over.
Not wanting to be in the way, I step back and watch as they pull the curtains closed. Another nurse comes over to me.
“Sir, I need to fill out the paperwork for the lady.”
That’s when I realize, in the rush and confusion, I forgot to pick Agatha’s purse up off the road. Shit.
“Sir?”
“Sorry, um – other than her name and address, I can’t help you out with much.”
“It’s at least a start,” she replies.
The nurse leads me over to a bank of chairs. Sitting, I give her what I can, which isn’t much as I told her. When we’re done, she thanks me and leaves. Leaning forward, I rest my elbows on my knees, my hands dangling between them.
I must have zoned because I have no idea how long I’d been sitting there when I heard Gator call my name. Looking up, I find the whole team standing there.
“What are you guys doing here?”
“Knight said your research buddy was in an accident, so here we are,” he replies as if that answers it.
“Um – okay.”
Knight hands me my keys. “I parked it as close to the front as I could. As you come out, walk straight. She’s parked in the second bay on the left side of the central path.”
“Thanks, Knight. Appreciate it.”
I have no idea how long this is going to take, but the guys look settled in for the long haul. We’re talking shit, waiting for news when I notice Bear’s eyes shift. Interest flickers in his eyes before he shuts it down. His gaze shifts over to me, and he nods in the direction he was looking.
I turn to see the female officer from the scene headed my way with what looks like Agatha’s purse in her hand. She holds it out to me as she stops.
“Collected this from the scene. Just wanted to return it in case your friend needs it for registration and such.”
“Thanks, that was thoughtful.”
“You’re welcome.” Her eyes shift around our circle, taking each one of my teammates in, lingering for a long moment on Bear. She nods their way. “Gentlemen.” Turning back to me, she says, “Any news on your friend?”
“No, nothing yet. I’m sure I’ll hear something soon though.”
“I hope she’s okay.” With that, she nods her head again, and repeats, “Gentlemen,” including me this time. She spares a last quick glance at Bear before taking her leave. Apparently, I’m not the only one to notice.
“Er, did we miss something?” Scooter nudges me.
“Yeah, I’m wondering the same thing.”
Scooter’s incorrigible grin doesn’t bode well for poor Bear. “Hey Bear? Something we should know about you and the lady police officer?”
Aiming a frown at Scooter, he replies, “Like what?”
“Don’t play coy with me, mister. I saw what I saw.”
“Yeah? I don’t know what you saw, but I don’t even know the woman.”
“Those smoking hot looks passing between the two of you, I’m guessing you wanna though.”
“Scooter, swear to God, dude, Imma come over there and –”
“Woah, there tiger. I didn’t mean nothing by it.” The words and the laughing don’t jibe, and Bear bares his teeth at Scooter. The man doubles over, his mirth getting the better of him.
