Page 66 of The Chaperones

“More schooling, maybe,” Sofía responds. “I spent a decade on the emergency floor. If I need advice on a boob job, I’ll come talk to you. Now, let’s get her turned over so I can check her breath.”

As the doctors remain still, Emmy rushes over to the far side of Cassie, relieved to follow Sofía’s command.

Emmy’s radio crackles.

“Just parked on the beach,” Sam says. “I’m headed to you with the stretcher now.”

“Great,” Emmy says quickly into the radio. “We’ll be ready to move her when you get here.”

Sofía rocks side to side, steadying herself to help Cassie. She shines her light up at the doctors. “Are you going to help or not? We don’t have time for this.”

The doctor who was so recently vomiting slaps the other on the back, motioning him forward. They angle around Cassie’s torso, preparing to lift her.

“Okay,” Sofía says. “On my count of three, we’ll lift her as quickly and gently as possible and get her a few feet back from the water. Once she’s on her back, I’ll reestablish her breath. Ready?”

“One—” Before she can continue counting, a voice interrupts them.

“Someone’s here.”

They’ve nearly forgotten that Dave is with them. Emmy shines her light on him. He’s staring into the cove.

“There’s someone in the cave.”