Page 27 of Death at a Scottish Halloween

I was surprised when we opened the door, to find it was the rowing team from the high school. I knew most of them because I’d done their school physicals. They usually trained in one of the lochs, which had smoother water than the sea, especially this time of year.

“Doc,” Henry said. “They’re a bit chilled, but so far OK.” They already had warming blankets around them. There were six girls and their coach. “Samantha took on a bit of water trying to save the others.”

He pointed to the tallest red head in the crowd. She was coughing.

“Room one,” I told Abigail.

“Do you need me?” Abigail said. I could see she was worried about the state of the others. Even under the blankets the girls shivered and were extremely pale.

I shook my head. “You and Henry look after the others.” I eyed the girls. “You listen to Abigail and do what she says. We need thorough exams of all of you. But Sam, first you.”

I guided her into the office.

“I’m going to gather a few things I need. You change into these,” I said.

“I’m OK,” she said, but she coughed roughly.

“I know, but we need to check to make certain. I don’t like that cough.”

“I had it before we hit the water,” she said. “But I didn’t want to miss practice. Also, I feel like I’m swallowing glass. My throat hurts.”

“Get changed. I’ll be right back.”

By the time I made it back, she was in the sweats and a warming blanket. Her mom was with her.

“Ma. I’m fine.”

“You scared me to death,” her mother said. “When they called …”

“She’ll be fine,” I said. “She already has color in her cheeks.” Though she was still quite pale. “When did this cough start?” I’d put on a mask and gloves. One couldn’t be too sure these days.

“A few days ago,” her mother said. I struggled and then remembered her name was Amber. “I tried to make her stay home from school, but she kept saying she was fine. She left for practice before I woke up this morning. The call came and …” She started crying again.

“Oh, Ma. I’m OK. It was just a rogue wave. Came out of nowhere. Nothing any of us could do about it. And our training kicked in. Coach was right there. We’re all fine.” She coughed hoarsely again.

“Thank the Lord,” her mother said.

“Sam, I need you to take some deep breaths. Amber, why don’t you have a seat while we check your girl out.”

Her mother nodded, her hands shook. I wasn’t sure which one of them was in worse shape.

“Take some deep breaths.” She did as I asked. I didn’t like the sound of her lungs. There was definitely fluid in the lungs.

“Open wide,” I said. Her throat was on fire.

“OK. We’re going to get a swab of that throat and some scans of her lungs,” I said. I put a hand on Amber’s shoulders. “She’s going to be OK. We’ll get her fixed up. Stay here, Sam, Abigail will come and get you for the scans.”

“Wait. What’s wrong?” Amber asked immediately.

“I’ll know more after the test and the scans. But don’t worry. She’s going to be fine.”

Her mother nodded.

Abigail was just coming out of one of the other rooms. “I need a scan of Sam’s lungs,” I whispered.

She nodded.

“Anything else?”