Big Shot Read Free

breath easily. Then, like I just explained to Dr. Preston, Bessie and I were walking to my car in the parking lot outside Neiman Marcus when all of a sudden I had stabbing pains in my chest. I told Bessie what was going on, and she called 911.”
    Durk turned to the doctor. “But you’re sure that wasn’t her heart?”
    “No. I’m only sure she wasn’t having a heart attack. The symptoms could have been caused by any number of things. We won’t know for certain until we run some tests. Bill’s arranging for those now.”
    “Pshaw. It was just indigestion,” Sybil said. “I don’t need any tests.”
    Durk took her hand in his. “I think we should leave that decision to Dr. Preston.”
    “A good plan,” the doctor agreed.
    “What kind of tests are we talking about?” Durk asked.
    “I’ve ordered a chest X-ray and some blood work for starters. Then we’ll work from there until we can pinpoint the problem.”
    “I’m already feeling much better,” Sybil insisted. She tried to sit up, but winced in pain and let her head fall back to the thin pillow.
    “I won’t have to stay the night, will I?” Sybil asked, though her tone was less argumentative than before.
    “Why don’t we decide that after I see the initial test results?”
    Sybil nodded in agreement but she looked worried and her breathing seemed shallow even to Durk. Someone should probably stay with her, but he doubted it would be him. Any other time, he’d easily be up to the task, but seeing Meghan in that condition had him so shaken it was difficult to focus on anyone else.
    “I’m going to step outside and call Mom,” he said. “She made me promise to let her know how you were the second I saw you.”
    “Tell Carolina there’s no use in her rushing up here. I’m fine,” Sybil said. “And there’s no reason for you to stay, either. I’m sure I can drive home.”
    “I’ll give Mom that message.” Which she’d immediately ignore. And then she’d question him about why his plans had changed and he wouldn’t be coming to the ranch—at least not tonight.
    Once he’d made the call to his mother and she’d declared she was on her way to the hospital, he walked back to the area where they’d taken Meghan. One of the nurses approached him.
    “Are you here with the patient who was assaulted?”
    “Meghan Sinclair?”
    “Yes.”
    “I didn’t come in with her, but she’s a friend and I’m greatly concerned about her.”
    “Good. Hopefully you can help us. It’s urgent that we get in touch with a family member.”
    Panic swept through him. “How serious is this?”
    “Her condition is still being assessed, but she’s unable to give us any medical history. We need to talk to someone who’ll know if she has any allergies or other medical conditions we should be aware of. And we need a next of kin to make medical decisions until she is able to do that for herself. Do you know how to reach Ms. Sinclair’s parents?”
    “Her parents are dead.”
    “What about siblings?”
    “She has a sister who lived in Connecticut,” he said. “I assume she still lives there.”
    “Can you give us the sister’s name and phone number?”
    “Meghan called her Lucy. She’s married, and I don’t know her last name or her phone number. I’m sure Meghan’s assistant, Ben Conroe, can give you everything you need.”
    “Do you have his phone number?”
    “Not off hand, but I can get it. In fact, he needs to be notified. I know he’d want to be here.”
    “Would he also have her medical insurance information?”
    “He’ll at least know who holds the policy.”
    “Then have him contact us at this number ASAP.” She handed him a business card for the trauma unit. “Tell him to ask for Jane. I’ll be here until midnight.”
    “I’ll get in touch with Ben,” Durk said, “as soon as you give me the honest truth about Meghan’s medical condition.”
    “I’m sorry, but since you’re not a family member, the only information I