A/N: Here is the next little bit. All disclaimers apply, see Prolog/Chap01 for full disclaimers; this chapter rated PG-13.
Chapter Seven
Lily looked out the window of the Porsche at the slowly moving landscape. Miranda, after checking the traffic on her phone, concluded that it would be in their best interests to head north around the park and then south down West End or Columbus Avenue. But even so, traffic was snarled and they crept along, mostly in silence.
Lily had relayed all of the details she knew, that Andy had been trapped underground and not pulled out until around one-thirty. When Miranda asked how they knew to contact Doug and herself she relayed Andy's worry about her father and his right-to-life stance, knowing that her friends would make decisions solely based on her welfare and not their dogma.
Miranda murmured, "Always so practical."
Lily looked at her, "Yeah, she is, except when it comes to you."
Miranda's eyes left their focus on the tail and brake lights of the car in front of them and focused entirely on the other woman. "I take it you have a problem with that?"
Lily laughed, a reaction that she could tell took the other woman by surprise. "As if Andy would care. She told me what it was and that was it. She's my best friend and I love her; I want her to be happy and if you make her happy, then who am I?
"But that doesn't mean I don't have concerns. I mean there are so many things that could get totally fucked up here that it's mind-boggling."
Miranda continued to stare for a moment. "I take it that plain-speaking is a Midwestern trait?"
"Ah, not always. It's just something that the three of us have always valued about one another."
Lily's phone rang and she glanced quickly at the number. "This is Andy's mom. Louise? Shit, nothing? No, I haven't been able to get to the hospital yet, but I'm with…" sudden movement out of the corner of her eye and she nodded at the raised finger and slight head shake, "a friend who has a car, so we're on our way. The city transit is all shut down and it's a mess. It's probably good you're not coming in tonight; you wouldn't be able to get in once you landed. Yeah, I'll call you as soon as I know anything. I don't know where Doug is yet, he was walking from his apartment and we're going to call him when we get closer and see if we can pick him up if he hasn't gotten there yet. Okay, yeah, she'll be alright, she's a fighter. Bye for now."
"Fuck."
"I take it they can't get a flight?"
"The earliest is tomorrow afternoon. Since the airports aren't going to be reopened until they think midnight there's no flights and then a huge backlog for tomorrow, Louise is beside herself, she's almost ready to just get in the car and drive but it would just put her here at about the same time as waiting to fly tomorrow, especially with bad weather in western Pennsylvania."
"Thank you." Miranda's tone was one of quiet evenness.
"For what?"
"For not mentioning my name. As you probably know Andrea has been reluctant to inform her family of our…" What were they? It was more than an affair, it was more than anything she'd ever experienced. "relationship. And perhaps she was correct in doing so, I am… well." She sighed. "I am going to sit by her side because she is everything and I don't even know if she'll want to see me."
At Lily's gasp the older woman shook her head. "Ah, I see she didn't tell you. We had an unpleasant argument on Sunday and we each said some things…" She pursed her lips, "it doesn't matter really; I think it was something we would have worked through. I hope it is. I hope we have that chance."
Hope.
Lily took in the soothing, almost sensual manner with which Miranda conducted herself. There was a warmth there she never expected. She had seen it earlier with her daughters and now, explaining herself when no explanation was asked for. She felt the axis tilt on her world and understood suddenly why Andy was so absolutely hooked on the, now very human to her, woman.
"You are nothing like I expected." Lily matched the quiet, not wishing to break the moment.
"Yes, well, it is a good trait for a woman to have in business." Some of the formality slipped back in.
Lily sighed, "No, please, I didn't say that with the intention of highlighting any negativity. Andy had tried to explain and I just didn't get it. All I've been able to see regarding you is really what the papers say and Andy's stories of when she worked for you, especially at the beginning. I'm sorry. Really."
Miranda was silent for several moments, checking the GPS in her phone, adjusting their travel to streets less clogged. "It is a hazard of being in the public eye. People make you into the image they have of you. This is what I fear most for Andrea, it is not easy to meet someone for the first time and have them think they know what is the sum total of your being; it can be quite the roadblock."
"I think, despite where you and Andy left things the other day that you'll find that she'll deal with all of it well enough as long as she has you at the end of the day. She can be a hothead sometimes but she comes around; she's loyal and when she loves, it takes more than words shouted in anger to shake it."
Miranda stayed silent, contemplating, hoping that Andrea's friend was right. Then she concentrated back on the traffic for the moment, quelling a sudden desire to bang the steering wheel in frustration at their slow progress. The conversation that Lily had had with Andy's mother came back into mind and an idea began to take shape. Granted it would probably end up complicating things but it would get Andy's family to her bedside in a more expeditious manner.
She picked up her phone and hit one of the speed dial numbers; it was picked up immediately. "Madeline, I need your help."
Lily's eyes grew wide as she listened in. Seriously? A private jet?
"Where are you? Chicago? I'd forgotten you were out there...midnight? Oui, bon. Yes dear friend, that is far better than what they would do on an airline... I'll contact Emily and let her know, tell her you'll get her details and I'll have her arrange a car to meet them and you… Non…" The editor chuckled dryly. "They will stay at a hotel, I do not believe they would be ready for any other accommodation at this time…Yes, perhaps. Merci; be safe."
Miranda tapped the phone off and caught the expression on Andy's friend's face. Gobsmacked was what they used to say. "Do be a dear and phone Andy's mother. Tell her to pack a bag for her and her husband that a private jet will be in the air from Chicago within three and a half hours and that they will be receiving a phone call, informing them of where and when to meet it, within the hour."
"Oh, you don't know Mr. and Mrs. Sachs, between Richard's pride and Louise's natural inquisitiveness this is going to be a tough sell."
"Nonsense. Tell them a friend of Andy's wishes for her to have whatever it takes for her to get well; that will be enough." When it looked like Lily was about to protest further she cut her off.
"Once you have children, if you so desire them, you will understand. They will not care right now about the how or the why, only that they will be near their baby before the sun rises tomorrow."
Lily looked at the woman yet again with new eyes as she hung up. Indeed Louise had not even asked who the plane belonged to; honestly this woman was a master. Miranda was now dialing again and she waited in rapt anticipation of what would be witnessed next.
"Emily."
"Miranda?" Emily looked at the clock, it was going on seven thirty. She was still in the office, with Nigel, sorting through fabric swatches for an upcoming photo-shoot. They were amongst the Elias-Clarke employees who had found it would be more difficult to get to their homes than stay in the building and were using the time to get themselves caught up on regular business.
"I need you to be my assistant again for a few hours or maybe even days. Understand, this is not a demotion for you in any way. I just need…" Her voice sounded brittle, it very nearly cracked and she knew the other woman heard it.
"Miranda, what's wrong? Are you alright?"
Nigel's head shot up and he looked questioningly at her. The redhead abruptly waved at him in a nearly frantic "I don't know" fashion and told him to be quiet with her index finger to her lips.
"Emily, I need someone I can trust and upon who I may rely. You are both." She heard a commotion in the back ground as Nigel was growing increasingly concerned by what he heard of the conversation and by the stunned look on the Brit's face.
"Thank you Miranda, you know I will do anything I am able."
"Yes, thank you." Miranda swallowed her emotions and continued.
"First, you will be receiving a phone call from a friend of mine named Madeline; she will be giving you details of the arrival of a private jet. The two individuals on that jet will need to be taken by private car, at my expense, not Elias-Clarke, to St. Luke's Hospital. I also require that they be given reservations at The Barclay, make sure it's a suite with a pantry, and that after they reach the hospital that their luggage be delivered to the hotel. Put the reservation in their name but arrange for payment to be made from my private account."
Emily was thoroughly confused but had still managed to get all of the details, save one. "Uhm, what is the name under which I'm making the reservation?"
"Sachs, Louise and Richard Sachs."
Nigel could take it no more and he saw his chance when his assistant looked as though she had seen Jesus walking down the street in a Galliano evening gown.
"Miranda? What did you say to my assistant? She looks like she just witnessed the second coming."
"Nigel?" Hearing her dear friend's voice was the final straw and a strangled sob finally bubbled up and through the iron reserve.
All levity evaporated and he settled back into his cushioned chair. "Miranda, what is it? Are you alright? Is it the girls? What's happened?"
The car was stopped completely and had only moved about one block in the past five minutes and Lily, realizing that Miranda may well need to lose it and probably wouldn't with her next to her, caught her attention; "I'm going to smoke a cigarette." she mouthed and motioned that she'd be near. Before the editor knew it she was alone.
"Nigel, Andrea was in the tunnel."
"The tunnel, I don't… oh god. Is she, is she…"
"She's alive, but we don't know anything more yet. We've been trying to get to that goddamned inferior hospital but this fucking traffic…and I… and I…" That was it. She dropped the phone in her lap, finally giving up the struggle and letting go.
Nigel heard the heaving sobs and moved the phone away from his ear, enough so she had some privacy but so he could still hear if she were to speak. His own tears spilled over and he tried to hide them without much success.
"It's Andy isn't it? She's been seeing Andy? Nigel, what's happened?" Despite her shock Emily managed not to shriek, even though that's how she was feeling inside; instead her voice was a pleading, near whisper.
"Yes, they're together and have been for the last two months or so and Andy was on the subway train with the bomb. She was the one trapped and injured, severely if the news reports are accurate."
Emily covered her mouth with her hand. "Oh bloody hell. Let me talk to her again."
But Nigel pushed her away. "No. Not right now. Use my phone to do whatever it is she requested. Go."
l l l l l l l
The wracking sobs quieted after a couple of minutes and the blaring of a horn brought Miranda back to her surroundings. She moved the car up about twenty feet, almost to an intersection. She exhaled a heavy sigh of relief, finally, Columbus Avenue, and looked out the window, seeing Lily standing at the corner under a street lamp. Knowing she only had a few minutes before she'd need to reclaim her conscientious passenger the emotionally exhausted woman searched her purse with trembling fingers finally locating a tissue. She cleared her nose and dabbed the corners of her eyes, grateful for waterproof mascara, when the material came back free of smudges. The cell phone in her lap reflected the lights from her dashboard and she remembered, Nigel.
Clearing her throat, her voice was gravelly when she spoke. "Nigel?"
The tentative tone nearly broke the man's heart. "I'm here. What can I do?" Not, "are you alright?" Statement of the obvious was never tolerated.
"Thank you my friend."
Nigel was feeling completely helpless but accepted the gratitude. "I wish there were something I could do to make this easier."
"I needed that I think." She laughed without mirth. "Right now there's nothing else you can do but…your job." She snorted, remembering how it had turned out the last time she'd said that to Andrea; no, that hadn't turned out well at all. "And unfortunately, mine too. I don't know what I'm going to do. I need to stay with her, once I know what's going on, well, we'll see. But tomorrow there is so much…"
"Of course you need to stay with her; don't think about it right now. I'll figure it out and handle it. Emily and I will get whatever done. You've been coaching each of us towards greater independence for nearly the past year, we'll just have to fly a little sooner. Okay?"
Miranda pulled up to the light and flipped her brights, signaling for Lily to get back in. Lily kicked the slushy snow off her black suede Uggs and settled gratefully back into the warmth of the heated seat, eyes taking in a quick glance at the editor before moving her gaze quickly forward.
"Have Emily call when all of the details are in place and Nigel… again, thank you."
Lily was amazed, she had seen the woman clearly lose it minutes ago but now, one would have never known. The smooth delivery, the control over what needed to be accomplished; all of it was now neatly pinned back in place as if never disturbed.
"You're welcome; please let us know how she is."
"I will; you're a good friend." And then she tapped the glass and returned her view back to the road as she finally turned the car south. They had just about fifty blocks to cover and she was gratified to see that traffic was at least crawling as opposed to the parking lot they had just left. She turned to the younger woman.
"Do you really smoke?"
Lily was taken unawares, having been staring blankly out the window. "Uhm, yeah."
Miranda raised her eyebrow and shot her a pointed look.
"Oh! They're Marlboro Lights?"
"They could be Camel unfiltered and I'd still take one now."
Lily snorted and fished one out then passed it over as Miranda lowered her window and blasted the heat. Lily pulled out the lighter and flicked it, watching in fascination as the eyelids drooped closed, the lips pulled slightly and a quick flash of skin was revealed as the "v" in the low-cut blouse shifted when the editor leaned slightly over and deftly inhaled. Suddenly another layer that surrounded the mystery of what her best friend saw in this woman was pulled away; god she was sexy!
The assessment did not escape notice; Miranda brushed back at a few strands of her silver hair that had tumbled over her left eye and smirked slightly. "You may want to phone your friend, see if he needs us to fetch him."
Lily shook herself slightly and dialed. It had been nearly an hour and a half since she'd last spoke to Doug; when he picked up on the third ring she didn't even bother with pleasantries.
"Where are you?"
"Almost there" he huffed, "just passed 68th."
Lily looked out at the passing street sign, "We're just passing W. 85th on Columbus, why don't you head over to Columbus and we'll pick you up?"
"Oh thank god! My feet are killing me!" Doug clicked his phone shut and with renewed energy changed direction.
l l l l l l l
When finally they turned onto W. 58th St. Lily noted that the entire street was lined with large satellite trucks, each sporting logos of the major media outlets, including all of the New York stations. Two porta-potties had been dropped near the end of the line and some of the trucks had folding chairs erected next to the curb.
"Wow, looks like they're prepared for the long-haul; wonder why they're all here? Do you think this is as close as they'd let 'em to the blast site?" No one answered as the questions were more rhetorical than anything but as they drew closer to the entrance they all noted that several field reporters were engaged in live spots, bright lights piercing the chilled darkness, creating an ethereal glow up the side of the brick and glass structure.
The trio pulled up the covered entrance ramp, nearly two hours after Miranda and Lily had set out from the townhouse. As Doug extricated his largish form from the back of the Porsche a security officer approached the car.
"You can't park here ma'am."
"I am well aware of that young man, but you need to understand that we need to be in that hospital now."
"You're not press are you?"
Miranda did not have time for this ridiculous game of twenty questions but Lily answered in her stead. "Please! We're next of kin to someone who is badly hurt and they need us in there now."
"Well your car can't stay here."
"Do you know where the car would be able to stay?" Miranda straightened and sniffed, while one hand entered her purse and pulled out the wallet she'd grabbed earlier.
"Uhm, yes."
"Good. Then you would undoubtedly be able to see that it gets there."
He was about to object until he looked down at the two crisp one hundred dollar bills that were shoved into his hand. "But…"
She handed him her card and continued as if she were at a country club on a Sunday afternoon, not in the middle of a cold New York still grappling with a day of surreal chaos. "It will be doubled if the keys are returned to me. They're in the ignition. That's all."
She turned then on her heel and tilted her head towards her two passengers who stood gaping. "Come along; Andrea is waiting."
l l l l l l l
The hospital social worker, Mrs. Irene Palteroy, made her way swiftly from her office to the front information desk. Normally family would have been directed to the floor that the patient was on and she'd meet with them in one of the special waiting areas but this was not an ordinary day and this was no ordinary patient.
"My god! The level of incompetence here is staggering! How difficult could it possibly be to check the status of one patient and at least tell us her condition!"
"I'm sorry ma'am but with all of the press we can't give out any information until you've been verified as being who you say you are." Miranda stared daggers at the unfortunate administrative aide.
"Please," the young man pleaded, "if you are who you say you are, which I personally believe you are, then it will only be another minute," he swallowed as the laser gaze sharpened even more, if that was possible. "We've already stopped one reporter and a photographer who tried the same thing. This is for Ms. Sachs protection and privacy."
Doug moved closer and leaned on the counter; he looked wind-burned and exhausted and ran a hand through his disheveled hair. "I don't understand, why do they want to get to Andy?"
The attendant looked relieved to have someone other to look at and hurriedly explained. "You don't know?"
Miranda threw her hands up and huffed. "Why must everyone speak in riddles today?"
Doug shot the man his own look of displeasure and bit out, "If I knew I wouldn't be asking."
"She's the 'Angel of the Broadway Line'; she saved every person on that train today. Don't you people watch the news?"
Unseen by all Irene had finally made it to the lobby and was walking up to the trio when she heard Bill's exclamation.
Miranda turned swiftly snarled in her lowest register. "Do. You. Have any idea what we have gone through today? No. Between communication cock-ups, transit shutdowns, traffic snarls and walking for blocks on end to reach the side of the woman that each of us loves, just when do you propose that we would have had the luxury of sitting back and 'watching the news'?"
She brought her hand to her forehead and rubbed at the splitting ache that bloomed with the uncharacteristic outburst. "Where is that woman?"
Taking her cue Irene strode up and stood just outside of their periphery. "Okay Bill, I've got it from here." Bill's eyes, which were as wide as saucers, merely nodded; his relief palpable.
"If the three of you will kindly follow me." She led them through a set of swinging doors and then into a small, battered conference room with six peeling cushioned blue vinyl chairs and a gray metal table.
Miranda skewered the chair she was directed to and bit back her first inclination. There wasn't time to waste voicing her disgust but if she were to find one bedbug on her person… The thought was left unfinished as the short, stocky brunette cleared her throat and asked to see each of their IDs.
"Will this get us closer to finally getting information as to Andrea's condition?"
"Yes, it will."
She looked at both Lily and Doug's cards and compared them with the notes she'd placed on the table in front of her, nodding; when she spied the name on the New York State driver's license she bit back her exclamation of surprise and internally sighed, she thought the woman looked familiar; this case just kept getting more and more complicated. "Ah, Ms. Priestly, unfortunately only Ms. Goodwin and Mr. Warner are listed as…"
"No. You will listen. I understand HIPAA, I understand rules and I understand the law. The law states that those appointed guardianship, in this case, Douglas and Lily, have the right, in the event that Andrea's ability to determine for herself be compromised, to determine who hears what and who is allowed to see her. So let's not waste any more time."
The woman sat back, impressed despite herself, she had already realized that this was how it was probably going to be but had to follow procedure.
"You two are in agreement?"
"Definitely, the only reason that Miranda is not included is because Andy just hasn't had the time yet."
"Very well." The woman looked down at her notes for a moment, adjusted her no-line bifocals, and began. "Currently Ms. Sachs is critical but stable and is in a medically induced coma. Drugs have been administered to bring down the swelling in her brain but if they are not successful in the next two hours we will need to go in and remove a part of her skull to relieve the pressure."
Gasps were heard and then a calm, steady feminine voice softly directed. "Perhaps you should start at the beginning. What exactly are her injuries?"
"She was brought into our Level 1 trauma ward at 13:46 hours; you'll recall that the detonation point was at 07:56, so Ms. Sachs went with only the most very basic of first aid for nearly six hours.
"The police have determined that the device was a high order explosive; these create a concussive wave that can be particularly harmful to soft tissue and any organs that contain air. Ms. Sachs was fortunate in that she was far away enough from the epicenter to not have received the most severe damage possible but still, she was impacted. It is reported, and the pattern of damage corroborates, that she was moving away from the blast center with her arms around a small boy, this detail is important when considering some of the "how" of her injuries.
"Starting with her legs, there are numerous small scratches and punctures along the backs of both and one deeper wound at the top of her left thigh, just below her buttock, that was caused by a piece of shrapnel. Fortunately the transit officer who was with her was able to extract the metal and stop the bleeding. Sixteen stitches were required to close the wound and there was a goodly amount of debris in the wound so we are watching closely for signs of infection.
"She was wearing a heavy leather jacket which enabled her back and arms to have escaped superficial damage although she has multiple bruises on the exterior portions of both forearms and her right shoulder from when she impacted the ground.
"Three of her ribs on the right side are fractured, two complete breaks and one a hairline. Both have been manipulated into place although one may yet require further intervention." Irene paused for a moment and cleared her throat; her audience sat in rapt horror and she hadn't even gotten to the most severe wounds.
"There is a facial laceration about four inches in length that curves up from her jaw to mid-cheek on her right side, it looks as though it was caused by a piece of metal, perhaps a can but we don't know for sure; we do know it was most probably metal and it was thin and sharp. This is good because with plastic surgery it will be barely noticeable in time. The wound has not yet been closed, merely packed, in anticipation of surgical closure; it went straight through her cheek at one point and due to the amount of debris that entered the laceration we are also watching this area closely for infection.
"Now, the head injury. When Ms. Sachs fell she went mostly forward but with emphasis on her right side. We believe that her head impacted one of the rails. She has a concussion and her brain has been swelling. As I said before, she has been given medication and also a new treatment using cold therapy, basically the head is wrapped in an inflatable cap and cold water is pumped through continually. At last check the swelling had not been reduced, but neither had it increased, we are hopeful that this indicates that she has turned the corner and we will not need to remove part of her skull to relieve the pressure. We are watching to ensure no further issues, bleeding or swelling occur; but for now it looks good.
"There is a small tympanic perforation in her left ear. This means that the eardrum was punctured; at this time it will be left to heal on its own but will need to be monitored for progress. Prognosis is usually good with these things but she will experience some temporary hearing loss as it heals.
"Finally, there is some damage to her lungs and there may be some abdominal trauma that has yet to be manifested. As I mentioned at the beginning, a high order explosive will create a concussive wave that literally forces the air within the body to move at a high rate of speed and with much greater force than normal. Symptoms of damage can be seen immediately or within a window of about twenty four hours. Damage to the pulmonary system is called "Blast Lung" and she has a moderate case of it and is being treated with a drip of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agents; her prognosis for it is good."
She looked around the table. Silent tears spilled over Lily's dark lashes, Doug stared down at his fisted hands and Miranda focused on a point on the wall, gaze impenetrable. But the social worker could read the clues and despite the notorious editor's will to project calm she could see that the woman was probably one good reason away from losing it.
Irene continued gently. "I know what I've described sounds absolutely horrible, but considering everything, this could have been much worse for your Andy. She's in good physical shape and was far enough away from the epicenter and not in one of the narrower tunnels so the blast wave was not as concentrated. She's a very lucky young woman."
Miranda's tone contained a hinting of her internal struggle. "What may we expect?"
"She will be kept in a drug-induced coma for the next three days to allow the swelling in her brain to reduce and her body to heal, especially the ribs. Once those drugs are discontinued she should awaken naturally, but we don't know how long that will take. Brain activity is present and, at this point in a recovery, in line with expected parameters."
Miranda nodded, then asked the question now most on their minds. "When can we see her?"
"I'll take you up to the Trauma ICU in a few moments. Are there any other questions?"
"Will we be able to stay with her?"
"It's a shared ward and there's not a lot of space so only two at a time but only when she's on the ward. Once the swelling goes down and we are absolutely sure that there are no abdominal issues she will be moved to another room. She has insurance and it allows for a semi-private…"
"No."
All eyes shifted to the silver-haired woman. "Absolutely not. When she is stabilized will she be able to be moved to another hospital?"
"Ms. Priestly…"
"While I am sure that your hospital is able to provide adequate care for the majority of your patients Andrea shall have nothing but the best. New York-Presbyterian is the best and when it is safe I want her to be moved…"
"You have no say in this Ms. Priestly…"
"Miranda…" Lily was watching the entire display between the fashion executive and social worker in fascinated appall. She was so utterly presumptuous and embarrassingly rude and yet was opening doors for Andy's recovery that could make all the difference. She may have only been in the city for a few years but she understood what an institution like Presby could offer. Her eyes cut over to Doug and from his thoughtful expression and red-cheeked embarrassment she surmised he was thinking along the same lines.
Conversation stopped but Lily was ignored as the two women glared at one another for a moment then the editor turned her "one who is to be obeyed" look on the young curator. Lily actually had to remind herself to breathe for a moment and without breaking her sudden stare- down asked in a polite voice. "Irene, would you please give us a minute?"
Irene nodded her head, already planning on calling the lead doctor in Ms. Sachs' care to discern just when she could be safely moved realizing that providing a roadblock in this instance would serve no one. "I'll be outside, I need to make a call so may be an extra minute or two, just stick your head out when you're ready for me."
Once the door closed Lily broke the tableau of silence and put her head in her hands; despite knowledge that the other hospital was probably the best thing she was extremely pissed off. "This is the most surreal fucking day of my life." She looked up and glared back at the other woman. "Can I just ask why you had to be so, so, Jesus Christ Miranda, you do know it's possible to get things done by being nice right? She was being very helpful and you just plowed right in like you are the one making the decisions, which you are not." Lily sat back in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest.
Miranda narrowed her eyes and prepared for battle, these two children had no idea what they were dealing with here. She opened her mouth to inform them of just that but was met with a quiet, "No, don't say anything yet." Doug looked at the two women and shook his head.
"I could let you two escalate into full blown temper tantrums, walk out of this room right now and go see Andy and let the hospital do whatever they see fit."
Both women threw outraged daggers in his direction and he held up his hand. "But that's not what's going to happen. Miranda, would you please just talk to us for a minute? Tell us why it would be in Andy's best interest to be moved to Presby?"
Miranda considered for a moment and conceded the point with grudging respect. "They have the best pulmonary trauma and surgical care in the city if not the country; they also have a renowned plastic surgery center. I could go on but do I need to? I am willing to pay whatever her insurance will not cover."
"Andy's not going to like that one bit." Lily knew her friend; Andy had spoken briefly on the phone a few days before about worrying that she couldn't keep up with her wealthy lover.
Doug interjected. "Well Andy's going to like all the press attention around this even less. What the hell did that guy call her at the desk, Angel of Broadway? What does that mean?"
"Another reason to move her. New York-Presbyterian has private suites, with, I might add, accommodations attached directly to the rooms for families. They are very discrete."
Lily shot her a measuring glance. "You're just afraid that the press will see you."
"I assure you that that is not the case."
"Oh come on Miranda, seriously?" Lily was incredulous.
"Not that I have to explain myself to you but I am, as well as my children are, fully prepared for that inevitability, it is Andrea for whom I am most concerned. We'd already discussed it; it is at her will that our relationship will be made public; if I can give her that then damn it, I will." She shifted in her seat, and turned her gaze back towards the silent young man. "Let's please get on with this, I need to see her. We've wasted quite enough time."
Doug watched the two woman spar, again and sighed heavily, but gladdened at Miranda's words. "I agree, to both that and moving her. Lily?"
Lily closed her eyes, she didn't know why she had even argued, but the other woman's imperious attitude, despite the insights gained during their car ride, rubbed her the wrong way. "Yeah, fine. I agree. Let's get her back in here."
While Doug got up and went to retrieve Irene, Miranda dialed Emily who answered on the first ring. "Emily."
"Miranda, how is she?"
"Critical but stable." The editor paused at Emily's sigh, she always suspected that her former assistant had a soft-spot for the reporter, but the British woman was always too stubborn to admit it.
"I need you to call Glenda Carmichael, she's the Chief Operating Officer of New York-Presbyterian and inform her that I am making a direct request for a private suite off of the critical care unit; tell her our arrival will be at some point in the next two to twelve hours and that they will be receiving the medical records for this individual shortly. Also relay that this a highly confidential transfer and her name is not to be made available to the press."
"Yes Miranda, I will text you with confirmation and call when I have all details."
"Thank you." Miranda hung up and noting that the others had yet to return she called the girls, giving them a brief update. She finished quickly; promising to keep them informed if there were changes and then spoke to Cara, instructing her to see they got to bed at a decent hour. She completed the call just as the door opened and Irene and Doug returned.
Irene settled back into her chair. "You realize that this is not how we usually do things here."
"Nor is this a usual case. Aside from the obvious technological advances available for treating her, apparently Andrea is of some interest to the press as your desk clerk so helpfully pointed out, she needs to be shielded as much as possible."
Doug decided to finally get clarification on the matter. "What exactly did he mean by 'Angel of Broadway'? What's that have to do with Andy?"
"The press have dubbed her the 'Angel of the Broadway Line' as passengers are reporting that it was due to Ms. Sachs' awareness and intervention that the bomb was noticed, the train stopped and evacuated in time. She also saved a little boy, Joshua Jimenez, when his mother could not manage both him and her infant. Andy was already away from the train but saw the woman struggling and went back into the danger zone to help; that's when she was caught in the explosion, and then was trapped with the boy and a transit officer, Bud Straszinksi, who had tried to help her when the roof collapsed between them and the exit point." She took in the awed expressions of her audience.
"Your Andy is a hero and, since the authorities have yet to release her name pending notification of her family, a mysterious one, which is making the media even more crazy."
"All the more reason for this move." Miranda emphasized, then added with deceptive mildness, "Shall we expect any resistance?"
Irene internally rolled her eyes, she was not in the habit of dealing with the city's wealthy elite because usually they took their business elsewhere and the woman's imperious attitude was starting to try her nerves. She looked at the two with the medical authority and they both indicated all were in agreement.
Irene, whose shift had ended hours before, tiredly smiled. "I thought as much and have already discussed the matter with her doctor, brain swelling has stopped and her vitals have stabilized; if this continues at this rate she will be able to be moved in about two hours. She will be moved by helicopter, with the traffic nightmare out there, it will be the least disruptive, as it will only take minutes, however, and this is not negotiable, only one of you may accompany her and it must be either Lily or Doug. In the event that a decision is needed to any part of her care we must have access."
Miranda understood protesting would do no good in this instance and nodded. "My assistant should already have notified Presby that transfer is imminent." Miranda stared at the social worker daring her to comment. "They will be expecting her chart in the short term."
Irene snorted but held her tongue. "Well then, let's go on up, I've kept you from your friend long enough."
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