There was a rustling noise like Kenny had gotten out of bed and was pulling on some clothes. The woman whined some more as Kenny let her know she was free to leave.
Jared could only imagine the woman’s frustration. Lieutenant Commander Kenny Hart was a top-notch pilot and certified ladies’ man. For as long as Jared had known him, women had lapped up his good looks and open smile.
“Okay, Ghost. Talk.”
“Hope I didn’t take you away from someone important.”
“They’re all important,” Hart said with a chuckle.
“Does she have a name?”
“Same as all the others. Baby. Only with you gone, I get the pick of the litter.” Kenny paused. “Listen, Worth. I’ve been trying to get ahold of you for weeks. Hell, the whole squadron has. The CO’s been looking for you. He wants to see you ASAP.”
“I’ve got nothing left to say. The CO saw my ass for the last time when I resigned my commission. Now drop it,” Jared said with a finality that left no room for further comment. “That’s not why I called. I need a favor.”
There was a long pause. “Shit, man. I’ve never heard you ask for anything. Name it, and it’s yours.”
SEVENTEEN
It was only Wednesday, and already Anna felt as if she’d put in an eighty-hour week.
“Dr. Adams,” a resident called out to her, “you’re needed immediately in the ER. Probable head injury. Mom is at twenty-seven weeks and unresponsive. Fetus may be in distress.”
“Tell them to get an electronic fetal monitor on her stat. I’m heading down right now.”
She rushed to the elevator and hit the down button. As she waited impatiently, her beeper went off. She glanced at the number. Cody’s school.
In the ER, she took the chart from the triage nurse and studied it. “Get me an update on her vitals and the readout from the fetal monitor.”
“Right away, Dr. Adams.”
Anna picked up the phone and dialed Cody’s school. Worry spread through her. His school had never found it necessary to beep her before.
The secretary put her through to the principal.
While she was on hold, Anna turned, the phone held to her ear as the attending trauma physician handed her the updated information she’d requested.
“Thank you.” She scanned the readout. “Keep monitoring the mother, and I’ll be there momentarily.”
The principal came on the phone. “Hello, Dr. Adams. This is Mr. Strickner. I’m calling regarding Cody.”
A flutter of panic hit her. “Is he okay? Did he get hurt?”
“He’s fine. Physically. I’m sorry to have to call you at work, but we’ve been trying to reach you at home, and our messages and notes have gone unanswered.”
“I wasn’t aware you were trying to get in touch with me.”
“I thought that might be the case.”
A door slammed down the hall, and the hushed sound of crying could be heard. Anna’s shoulders stiffened. There could be only one reason she hadn’t received the calls or letters. Cody had been hiding them from her. Her panic turned to anger.
“I’ve been approached by several of Cody’s teachers,” the principal continued. “They are concerned. There’s been a distinct change in Cody’s performance and attitude over the last few months. I was hoping you could shed some light on the situation.” The principal paused, then continued. “Is there anything at home we should be aware of?”
A nurse rushed by Anna as the paging system went off. She looked down at the chart in her hand and felt her agitation grow. “No. Everything is fine.”
“As you know, the school year is almost over. At this point, Cody is missing nearly half of his assignments in three classes. I’ve spoken with his teachers, and we are all in agreement that if he can complete the list of missing schoolwork that was sent home with him today, he will get credit and pass those classes. If not . . .” The principal let his voice trail off.
“Rest assured, Cody will have the assignments completed and turned in well before the end of the school year.” Anna saw the ER resident hurrying toward her. “Thank you for the call. I’ll make sure to take care of this.”
She hung up the phone and rushed to ER Room Number Five.
Six hours later, Anna arrived home feeling every bit as frustrated and angry as she had earlier. “Cody,” she called out the minute she entered the house.
Marie wiped her hands on her apron. “He’s in his room.”