Thursday, 9:00 a.m.
Lillian dropped Blanche off at the front door of the hospital and drove into the parking garage. Hurrying into the building, Blanche rode the elevator up to ICU. By now she knew her way around the hospital well. Too well, she thought, and said a little prayer for Tom. Shocked when she realized she’d actually prayed, she shook her head to clear it and continued down the hall.
When they saw Blanche, Estelle and Mary Ann got up from their seats in the waiting room.
“How’s Tom this morning?” Blanche asked as they walked to his room.
“We checked on him about 45 minutes ago. The nurse told me he didn’t sleep well during the night. She wouldn’t give me details. Estelle and I took turns poking our heads in his room every two to three hours. They wouldn’t let us go in, though.”
“I think they thought we’d try to kill him,” said Estelle.
“Of course they didn’t think that,” said Blanche. “I’m shocked that you said that. Why would you say such a thing, Estelle?”
“Well, I tried twice to go to his bed. I wanted to speak to him, tell him I was there if he needed me. The nurse didn’t like that and made me leave.”
“You didn’t tell me that, Estelle,” said Mary Ann.
“I did. You just weren’t listening.”
Mary Ann rolled her eyes, admitted to herself that she often tuned Estelle out. “Blanche, you and Lillian must have left the lake early this morning. I didn’t expect you this soon.” She looked around. “Where is Lillian, anyway?”
“Parking the car. She dropped me off at the hospital. And yes, we left early. Lillian picked me up at 6:35.”
“Were you able to get some rest last night?”
“Not much, but I’m glad I was able to change my clothes, shower, and pack a few things in a suitcase. Also gave me chance to make some phone calls and pay a couple of bills.” They stopped outside Tom’s door.
“I’d like to see Tom alone. You girls can see him later.”
“Alone? You don’t want us to go with you?” asked Mary Ann.
“Mary Ann, have you lost your mind? Blanche wants to see her husband. Alone. Without us. Period. So you and I will wait in the hall until we’re told we can go in. Understood?” Estelle was tired of Mary Ann, tired of being at the hospital.
Mary Ann started to speak at the same time Lillian reached them.
“How’s Tom?” Lillian asked.
“I’m going to find out right now,” answered Blanche. The policeman sitting outside Tom’s door recognized her, told her to go on in.
Blanche noticed Tom was still hooked up to all sorts of contraptions.
“Mrs. Southerland,” said the nurse, “I hope you got some sleep.” Blanche nodded. “Mr. Southerland didn’t have a good night. His breathing was labored and his blood pressure was way up. The doctor thinks his foot’s infected.”
“His color doesn’t look good,” said Blanche. She put her hand on his forehead. “He’s so hot. Is his fever high?”
The nurse nodded.
Blanche rested her hand on her husband’s arm.
“Hey, Tom. I’m here.” His eyelids fluttered, but he made no sound. “Is he in a coma?”
“No, your husband is sleeping. By the way, the doctor wants to talk to you when he makes his rounds, probably in about an hour or less, so please make yourself available.”
“Of course. I’m not going anywhere.”
At that moment the door opened and Dr. Blackman hurried in. “Mrs. Southerland. Glad you’re here. I have bad news. I’m afraid your husband has taken a turn for the worse.”
“What happened?”
“You know that mangled foot of his? Well, gangrene set in.”
“Gangrene? How can that be? And why didn’t you catch it earlier?”
“Mr. Southerland developed what we call gas gangrene. We didn’t discover it right away because the surface of his skin appeared normal. When the skin on his foot turned purplish-red and he developed a foul-smelling discharge, I immediately suspected gangrene. I’ve given him strong antibiotics, done everything I know to stop the progression, but he’s getting worse fast. I can’t wait any longer. The foot must be amputated immediately. It’s either that or his life.” Dr. Blackman caught Blanche as she crumpled to the floor.