the office? It’s important, and I don’t have a lot of time.”
“Go on to the classroom. I think it’s art period. There are twenty-plus second graders, and there’s no telling what they’ll do if left on their own,” Cheryl said.
“Thanks,” Lauren said, and raced down the hall to room 207. She peeked through the small glass opening in the door, saw that Madison was talking with a student, then tapped on the door.
Madison looked up and, seeing her, motioned for her to come in. “I’m not even going to guess why you’re here. Are your parents all right?”
“Yes, they’re fine. Listen, I have a bit of a problem, and I need your help.”
“Okay, what gives?” Madison said.
Lauren knew she was really pushing it, but when times were desperate, desperate measures needed to be taken. One couldn’t get more desperate than Lee. “Does James have hospital privileges at Appalachian Regional?” Dr. James Crawford and Madison had dated for several months during their senior year in high school. James had attended the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He’d gone on to study medicine at Duke University. Lauren had lost track of where he’d interned but knew he’d set up practice in Fallen Springs as a neurologist.
“I’m sure he does. Please don’t tell me you’re ill and need his services,” Madison whispered, while keeping a close eye on her students.
“No, I’m fine. Do you remember Lee Hessinger from high school?”
“Of course,” Madison said.
“She’s in the hospital now; she has leukemia, and crappy insurance. She needs a bone-marrow transplant, yet the hospital plans to release her today, said her insurance provider wouldn’t cover the cost of a transplant. Her daughter is a donor match.” Lauren stopped to gather her words. “I need someone to make sure she stays in the hospital.”
Lauren could tell by the stunned look on Madison’s face that she couldn’t have been more surprised. Her eyes were as wide as saucers.
“Start from the beginning, and tell me how you came to be in this position,” Madison said.
Lauren told her what Charlotte and Lee had told her, then went on to explain. “I’m not a doctor, but I know leukemia patients have little or no immune system strength. She can’t leave the hospital if she’s to have this transplant.”
“You said Lee’s insurance wouldn’t cover a transplant. I’m missing something here.”
“I’m getting to that part,” Lauren said. And this was such a big if, she almost backed out, but remembered Charlotte’s tears. Taking a deep breath, Lauren said, “I’m going to make sure there are funds available for the transplant.”
There, it was out. This crazy idea that had skittered though her brain was out. Details of how she’d fund this, and how she’d manage to keep Lee in the hospital, were just that. Details. Sort of.
“Do you know how much that is?” Madison asked.
“That’s, uh . . . part of what I need to ask James.”
“And the other part? You could google the approximate cost, Lauren.”
“I know that, but I need it from a professional, and I need a professional to see to it that she stays in the hospital while I figure out a way to cover the cost of a transplant.” She had six weeks to write a book and earn a few million, but that wasn’t guaranteed if the book wasn’t published.
Madison shook her head. “I can’t believe you would involve yourself in this. While I think you have the softest heart ever, and the best of intentions, I’m not sure it’s your place.”
Frustrated, Lauren whispered, a bit too harshly, “Of course, it isn’t, but I can’t stand by and do nothing. You wouldn’t, either, so don’t try to convince me otherwise.
“If you can contact James and give him my cell number, I’ll speak with him. I know this isn’t . . . I know it’s not my place, but Charlotte and Lee have no one. I couldn’t sleep a wink if I didn’t try to help them.”
Madison’s eyes pooled with tears. “And that’s what I love about you. You’re the kindest woman I know. And to answer your question, yes, I will call James, give him a heads-up and your number, then it’s up to you.”
“That’s all I’m asking. I knew I could count on you,” Lauren said. “I’ve got to get back to the store. I’ll keep you posted.” She gave her friend a quick hug and left the room, not bothering to stop in the office as she would have under different circumstances.
She was pulling