The hallway was quiet, a lone orderly pushed a mop along the colored lines. The lighting was turned down due to the lateness of the hour. Heels clicked in time with her pace, then stilled as Nurse McCall pushed through the door. She focused on the patient in the room, then she wiped moisture from her eyes as she approached the bed.
Off-duty now, she stared at the pale features on his face. He was sleeping, a quick pulse check assured. His breathing was quiet, the blankets rose and fell with proof he was alive. Dixie took his hand in her own, welcoming the warmth that greeted her. She dropped into the chair beside the hospital bed exhausted with relief.
The call came into the base station earlier that evening.
"Rampart, This is Squad 51, can you read me," John Gage called nervously.
"Go ahead, 51" Dix replied. She reached for a tablet to take notes.
"We have a victim ..." his normally calm voice cracked. "Uh, Dix, it's Doctor Brackett," he said breaking radio protocol.
Her heart caught in her throat momentarily, then she recovered. "Understood, Johnny."
"It appears he fell down an escalator. He has a lump on the back of his head, no apparent fracture. His ears are clear of fluid. His eyes are both dialated and responsive. Stand by for vitals."
"Standing by, 51."
She paged Doctor Early to the base station, then recorded the vitals. Numbers on a sheet of paper that should make sense to someone with her training meant nothing at that moment. So she stood in the background and listened while medications were ordered and transportation requested.
When the gurney neared the treatment room, Dix guided it inside. She pushed her emotions back and allowed her professional side take over. She followed Joe's direction, completing each task with detachment. Once all of the tests were completed, she watched as a pair of orderlies escorted Kel's still form to the elevator.
"Hey."
Dix came back to awareness. "Hey, yourself."
"I really messed up our plans tonight?" He grinned up at her.
She couldn't help but return a smile. "I think you can make that up to me as soon as you get out of here. How are you feeling?"
"Glad to see you. Dix, I ..."
She leaned over and silence his reply with a brief kiss.
"Get some rest, I'll see you tomorrow."
She headed out the door as he surrendered to sleep once more.