Izzie had pneumonia and wasn’t going anywhere. Annie stayed in the room with her while Fin told her. Fin had taken over Izzie’s care at Izzie’s request, after she was through the first week post-surgery.
Izzie had stated it bluntly—the two surgeons were needed elsewhere right now. Fin, as a part-time physician, was Izzie’s health-care provider on record anyway.
She was just more comfortable with a woman.
Annie had spent every possible moment with her friend. They both knew what could happen if the antibiotics weren’t strong enough to help her fight this latest challenge off.
It wasn’t the first time Izzie had had pneumonia, though the last had been when she’d been a child of thirteen or fourteen and had still been living with her mother. After that, Jake had been obsessive about making certain Izzie was taken care of.
Izzie was moderately better this afternoon than she’d been that morning when Annie had first arrived. Her physicians were optimistic about the antibiotics. They were experimental, and stronger than anything Izzie had taken before. They were working.
No one was letting Izzie escape the hospital until she was as close to healed as possible. Annie was determined. No matter where she and the boys ended up, Izzie was going to end up there with her.
At least for now.
She had one hour on her shift left, then she’d be heading back to Izzie’s room for a little while. The boys were eating dinner in the daycare tonight—pizza was on the menu—and then she’d gather her children.
She was dreading going home tonight. Annie knew that.
Annie had to make her choice tonight. Stay and fight the eviction, or move on for the boys’ sake. She didn’t know what the best choice would be.
She was losing her home. She wasn’t stupid or naïve. But if she kept fighting, she’d get more money. Money that would help her provide a better life for the boys. That was attractive—she could put some back for college, possibly.
But at what cost would a fight come?
Annie just wished it would end already. She didn’t know how much longer she could keep this up. Annie was already exhausted. And her day was nowhere near over yet.
Shouting from the ER brought her out of her thoughts. Annie went running, just as the paramedic Drew brought in a man on a gurney.
“Wallace Henedy the III,” Drew said, sending her a significant look. Annie tried not to flinch at the name. “Goes by Reggie. MVA in the damned parking lot. Possible concussion. Mayor witnessed it and offered aid.”
“Anyone else hurt?” Annie looked around. Her gaze landed on Turner, searching for signs he’d been injured.
He was fine, talking to a TSP officer. There was no blood. No injuries she could see. Turner was fine.
Annie leaned over the gurney until she could see the patient’s eyes. That’s when the patient’s name sank in. Wallace Henedy. The third.
His eyes were brown. And filled with pain. That was what mattered now. “Mr. Henedy? Can you hear me? I’m Annie. I’m going to help take care of you today. Can you hear me?”
His hand wrapped around hers, and he held on. Like so many patients had before. “I…hear.”
“Good. Let’s get you taken care of, ok?”