Dr. Stewart and Robbie are horrified to find out that the victim is Dr. Spiner. Dr. Stewart collapses when she hears the news.
"Yes, ma'am. They made a positive ID at the hospital, with fingerprints."
"But that's not all," she whispered.
"I'm sorry to tell you, ma'am. Dr. Spiner succumbed to his injuries in transit. The staff at the hospital did everything they could...."
"But they were unable to revive him," she concluded. "Thank you, Detective. I know the spiel." Clearing her throat, she tried to stand, but her legs wouldn't hold her. "I'd like to go home now."
"I'll have someone drive you, ma'am," Detective Tan said.
"I can manage!" she snapped.
"Thank you," Robbie said quietly. "I can drive her home, Detective. If you'd be kind enough to help me get her to the car."
"Is there anyone at her house?"
"She's my dearest friend, like a sister, really. I'll stay with her."
"I'll get the car," Raleigh said.
"I'll send an officer with you to help get her inside," Frank Tan said. "Do you think she needs to see a doctor?"
"It couldn't hurt," Robbie said quietly. "Let's get her home."
"I'll send someone over," Raleigh volunteered. "Dr. Abernathy is on call."
"Yes, see if Cybil will come by. Thank you," Robbie said.
Raleigh hugged her, knowing that Robbie hurt nearly as badly as her friend. They were close and had seen some awful times together, but this was by far the worst. Not even the death of Robbie's son was as bad as Amanda's husband being murdered.
Emma slept deeply all night. Sam slept somewhat fitfully, wishing that the doctor had given him a shot too. He was relieved when the sun rose and he had the excuse to get up and close the blinds, so Emma could sleep. He went to the bathroom, then lay back down.
Beside him, Emma stirred, yawning and stretching. She was a little surprised to find Sammie in her bed, but greeted him with a smile. Her kiss was friendly and filled with joy.
"Hey, handsome. What are you doing here?"
"Do you remember last night at all?"
"Yes." Her face closed. "I was hoping that was a horrible dream."
"No."
She sighed. "I had really hoped. My dreams got so much better. You were with me and we were making love." Her arms went around his neck and she pulled him to her.
Sam held her away, gazing into her eyes. "I wish we could make that dream come true right now," he murmured.
"Nasty, boring old rules," she said with a playful pout. "When this is all over, we're going somewhere fun and we're going to—"
There was a tap at the door. Glenn put his head through the gap. "I heard voices. Raleigh wants us all to meet downstairs asap. Get dressed." He was gone before they could respond.
Sam went to his own room to dress. He met Emma in the hall.
"What do you suppose he wants to tell us?"
Sam shrugged. "I dunno, but I smell coffee."
They trotted downstairs. The staff and residents were seated in the dining room, crowded around the massive table. There was an urn of coffee and three boxes of assorted donuts. Everyone helped themselves and Raleigh stood at the head of the table.
"I have some very bad news," he said quietly. "Last night, a man was found in the weight room." He didn't say who had found him, but by now word had gotten around. "He was taken to the hospital by emergency services, but died on the way."
Everyone gasped. Emma's hand flew to her mouth and she burst into tears. Sam's arm went around her.
©2020 Dellani Oakes
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