knock before entering the hospital Chief of Staff’s office, he didn’t have to. There was never any doubt Graham Logan would welcome him.
Instead of the warm smile and firm handshake he expected, Graham barely glanced up from the stack of papers on his desk. “What can I do for you, Mitchell?”
Mitchell? Not Mitch? No mindless banter about the wife and kids? No little Billy’s latest Little League triumph? Instead, worry creased the familiar face of his mentor, tanned by many shared afternoon golf games. The chilly reception—or was Graham merely busy? —wasn’t normal.
Mitch took a deep breath. He’d do the right thing, the only thing. “I just came by to let you know that I’m going to be taking some vacation time.”
“No, you aren’t.” Graham focused on the papers before him.
What? No? “I have plenty of time saved.” Like hell would he be denied.
Only then did the man look up. Puffy skin lined red-rimmed eyes. Oh, someone had had a late night. The fatherly physician pressed fingers to the bridge of his nose beneath his glasses. “It’s not a matter of accrued time, Mitch. Surely you know we’re about to be very short-handed.”
“Short-handed?” No, in fact he hadn’t known that. “What’s going on?”
“You’ve been watching the news, haven’t you?”
“Yes, I have. All morning.” And his heart sank further with each dismal report.
“Then you know about the crisis in El Salvador.”
Mitch swallowed hard. “Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. You see, Arnulfo, or rather, Dr. Oliva is down there...”
A weary smile pushed back the shadows on Graham’s face. “Yes, he’s heading a relief effort in some of the harder to reach areas. You know, you’re the last person I expected to volunteer. Quite frankly, I’m downright shocked. Still, for a humanitarian effort such as this, yes, you can have the requested time.”
“Huh?”
Graham handed him a stack of papers and rose from behind the desk to clap Mitch on the back. “You’ve made a good decision to join the other staff members providing aid in time of need. Not only will this add greatly to your medical experience and allow you a chance to go above and beyond the call of duty, I’ve never been prouder of you.”
Stunned silent, Mitch raised the pen that seemingly materialized in his hand and signed on the dotted line. If this were the only way to get to Arnulfo, he’d sign whatever he needed to.
Tuesday, January 16, 2001 – San Salvador, El Salvador
“We’re riding in that?” After the indignity of flying coach, then waiting in a long line at the airport to get through customs, this was the final straw. Sitting before him was none other than an old United States school bus, “Jackson County School System” still visible on its fading paint. Canvas stretched taut over the load on top of the bus. Supplies filled most of the interior too. How were they going to squeeze so many people into the tiny remaining space?
“That’s why we travel light,” a young woman said, following his line of sight. Mitch recognized her as a pediatric nurse from the same hospital he worked for. “You’re new at this, aren’t you?”
Mitch looked from the backpack strapped to her back to his two filled Pullman cases. Chaos had reigned at the airport, so he didn’t notice then, but he was the only one of the six doctors and eight nurses with actual wheeled luggage. The rest carried backpacks and duffle bags.
They were also dressed far differently. The nurse wore khaki shorts, a simple T-shirt, and study hiking boots. A floppy hat hid most of her bright red curls. The acrid smell of mosquito repellent stung his nose. “Welcome to the jungle. I’m Cassie.” She extended a hand.
“Mitch.” Cassie clasped his fingers in a tight grip.
“Don’t worry, Mitch. I’ve got your back.” The brazen redhead winked and strolled away before he could respond.
Well, no turning back now. Not until he found Arnulfo. He squeezed into one of the few seats of the bus not loaded with boxes and bags. Two heavily armed native men climbed aboard.
“Oh, God.” He’d heard of Americans being taken hostage.
Cassie patted him on the back from the seat behind him. “They’re with us. We’re loaded down with drugs and rich American doctors, making us primo targets. We need all the protection we can get.” She waved a hand to indicate the bus. “That’s also why we’re taking this. It’s less conspicuous. Plus, with all that’s going on, it’s the best thing available on