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Anya looks at Rumi, who’s sleeping in her arms, and says, “They explained to me what the surgery would entail. I couldn’t carry my daughter, among other things, and I’m her sole caregiver.”
I reach for her hand and squeeze it. I wish she had called me, but there’s no point in discussing the past when we have more pressing things to worry about.
“What’s the plan?” I ask, hoping that even when he’s not going to be present, he has a way to help her.
“We’ll run a new set of tests today and more on Friday. Then, we’ll come up with a plan that most likely will include surgery. Fortunately, Elroy Brennan has an OR in his clinic.”
The clinic isn’t a hospital. They perform ambulatory surgeries. If I knew more about medicine, I’d understand if there’s a difference between operating rooms. Honestly, I don’t know what to say, because he’s giving us hope, and that’s what we want.
However, everything sounds so… strange. That’s the word. Why can’t we do it all in Seattle? In a hospital?
“Shouldn’t we stay close to you?” I insist.
He shakes his head. “We’re being relocated to Luna Harbor tomorrow.” He clears his throat before saying, “It’s not optional.”
I stare at him, puzzled by his explanation. There’ve been a couple of times when people had to be relocated to our small, peaceful town. Those same times, we weren’t allowed to go out for days or weeks at a time. I’m tempted to pull out my phone and ask Nydia, who always knows what’s happening, but I don’t want to worry her. She’s on her honeymoon.
“Okay,” I say, trying not to sound concerned for the sake of Anya.“We’ll follow your lead.”
He taps his desk before standing up and extending a hand toward Anya. “It’s nice meeting you. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me. If not, I’ll see you soon.”
On our way out of the doctor’s office, there’s a black SUV parked outside. Iskander leans against it, arms crossed, sunglasses on, and jaw tense. Something is terribly wrong, I just can’t ask because Anya will be concerned about it.
“Hey, I wasn’t expecting to see you this soon.”
“We thought it’d be best if I collect you and take you home,” he says, opening the door. “We installed a new car seat.”
“What, no fancy helicopter ride?” I try to sound normal.
“The landing strip is being used for other things.”
Anya climbs into the car, and I stay outside. “What’s happening?”
He pinches the bridge of his nose, staring at the sky for a moment. “Sorry, we can’t talk about it.”
“That serious, huh?”
He nods.
“It’d be better if we head to Chicago,” I suggest.
He grabs my hand and kisses it. “No, it won’t. But tell me what you want, and I’ll make it happen. You have a few seconds to choose.”
“Can this doctor treat Anya in Chicago?”
“No, he has to go to Luna Harbor.”
I open my mouth and close it. “Is there anyone else?”
“We don’t have time to research. I don’t know much, but Lang won’t be at our disposal, and I doubt his contacts will have time for us.”
I rub my arm with my free hand. “Do you guys need me to help keep the town feeling like everything is business as usual?”
“Please?”
“Okay, let’s do it.”
The corner of his lip stretches slightly before he leans and kisses my cheek. “I owe you.”
