Page 7 of Solid as Steele
“I don’t suppose you know someone like that.”
“I do. A whole team of guys actually. They own a company called Shadow Lake Survival where they teach off-grid survival techniques. I’ll call to ask one of them to come out tonight to stay with me. Then escort us tomorrow.”
“Sounds good.” He actually sounded relieved. “But it’s something else I can’t pay for.”
“I’m friends with the owners—the Maddox brothers. I grew up going to their resort every summer with my family, and we became friends. They’ll do it for me without charge.”
He sat forward and planted his hands on his knees. “Then I would be thankful for their help, but once I remember who I am and can access my finances, Iwillpay them.”
If you remember and have the money,she didn’t say aloud. No point in kicking the guy when he was down.
The small but modern hospital had newer navy-blue chairs and a beige tile floor in the waiting area that smelled like strong antiseptic. The registration staff were kind, but Owen had a hard time getting registered. Apparently, if you didn’t know your name, their kindness evaporated, and they looked at you funny.
So yeah. No ID. No insurance. No service?
Maybe not.
“Take my ID and credit card to guarantee payment.” Mackenzie showed her ID and slapped her credit card on the counter.
The clerks held a discussion among themselves then agreed to let him in and generated a mound of paperwork.
Owen watched her, her tongue peeking out the corner of her mouth as she read down each page and ticked boxes with solid checkmarks.
No questions asked. No hesitation. Just compassion and kindness in action.
What kind of stranger did that for another human being?
A Christian, that’s who.
Did she believe him to be a good guy? He hoped he was, but with the suspicious circumstances of his injury and not having any ID meant the odds were probably fifty/fifty that he was a bad guy too.
Still, she was one of the good ones. And sharp too. She’d called a rideshare for the drive from the cabin instead of getting into a vehicle with a stranger who could overpower her. Had already overpowered her. He rode in the backseat. She rode in the front. If the driver thought it odd that she requested to be separated from him, he didn’t comment.
“Done.” She pushed the clipboard across the counter to the clerk.
The older woman gave a wavering smile. “Have a seat in the lobby, and we’ll call you as soon as possible.”
Turned out as soon as possible meant an hour later, but once Owen reached the exam room, he quickly undressed and discovered ugly purple bruises on his abdomen and chest. He’d not only fallen and hit his head, but he’d also hit something hard with his body.
Or he’d been attacked with fists. Ambushed, maybe.
The young doctor who looked like he was just out of med school and sleep deprived, entered the space before Owen could get his gown lifted over his shoulders. “I’m Dr. Patterson.”
He moved closer to Owen. “Those are some impressive contusions. Leave the gown where it is so I can examine you.” He gloved up and palpitated Owen’s bruises while running through a list of questions. He moved to Owen’s back. “Multiple contusions here too.”
He listened to Owen’s heart and lungs. “And you don’t remember what happened?”
“All I know is I came to at the base of a butte and a large boulder next to me had blood on it. Figured I might’ve fallen off the butte.”
Patterson tightened his mouth into a hard slash. “How high was the butte?”
“Not sure, but it wasn’t high. Maybe ten feet max.”
“In that case, the many contusions seem unlikely. I more suspect you’ve been beaten.”
Yeah, Owen did too, but he didn’t want to admit it as that might indicate criminal activity.
“Let’s get a look at that head wound.” The doctor pulled Owen’s head forward and probed the open wound. He stepped back and performed what Owen knew to be a neurological exam, and Owen thought he passed the tests.
