In the early morning before the sunrise, within the cover of darkness was a silence that blanketed the hospital parking lot. Lieutenant Jamison enjoyed. He headed to the Emergency Room entrance as a nurse called with a potential abuse victim with her back covered in old and new bruises.
He parked his police car and marched in, preparing himself for the ordeal. An abuse victim's state of mind was more vulnerable, requiring a calm approach from his experience. He walked with droplets of sweat dripping on back of his neck. The Gulf Mexico pumped humidity into the southern states in early March, and Mississippi was the target; Jamison loved the weather. He had returned from the windy city after attending his Aunt Cora's Memorial service with Dana.
A black orderly dressed in a white uniform held the door open for him. Jamison nodded. A woman's voice bellowed into the empty seat lobby. He stopped, wanting to cringe.
"Dr. Smith is yelling at the patient."
He turned to the man. "Why?"
"Well, Lieutenant, the patient has stated no one hasn't beat her. She collided with a wall after her horse was spooked. Dr. Smith says she's in denial. I believe the woman."
Dr. Smith's voice echoed.
"Thanks. Have a nice morning."
He marched to the chaos as Dr. Smith's harshness in her voice caused him to cringe.
"I am not in denial because nobody didn't hit me. I believe you are in need of an attitude adjustment, doctor." The patient sat and narrowed her cognac eyes.
Jamison stood, gazing at the dark-haired beauty in her riding clothes. Trisha Chimes sat at the examining table and ready to punch Dr. Smith. The last time he had seen her when he and Dana had stayed at Trisha's apartment.
"Ma'am, how are you feeling?" he asked Trisha.
"Hi, Lonnie... I mean Lieutenant. My sinuses and back are throbbing. Thanks for asking."
Dr. Smith folded her arms across her t-shirt, as she wore in jeans and tennis shoes with her blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail. "You know her?" She glared at him.
"You can glare at me. I'm in charge now."
"I will be speaking to your boss! You count on that!" She stormed out.
"Thanks. Dr. Smith wanted to commit me!"
"Well, you have a lot of bruises on your back." He chuckled.
"Yes, she does," a male voice said.
He turned with his hand near his weapon. A towering man stood with his jet black hair pulled back with high cheekbones, and no doubt the man was an Indian.
"This is Joe. He runs my stables and looks after me."
He held his hand. "Nice to meet you, Lieutenant. Trish has said nice things about you. I had the nurse called and asked for you."
"Joe bails me out of trouble."
"The Great Spirit told me you needed assistance on this one, bobcat." He grinned. "I will find a doctor." Joe left them alone.
"Where did you find him?"
"I bailed him out of trouble a few years ago ever since then he has been at my side."
"I see. The city council passed an ordinance requiring the staff to call us when an abuse victim is here."
"Maybe, if there were a similar program where my sister lived she wouldn't be dead."
"Dana told me. Anyhow, you are claiming the house and stables from my aunt's estate."
"Yes. I'm in love with the place."
Joe returned with the doctor as they entered the room.
"If you excuse me, Ms. Chimes. I hope you will feel better soon."
"Thank you."
He left the room wondering what Trish was hiding.