The moment they stepped into the room, cameras began clicking, so many of them going at once that it sounded like insects. Daisy and Daniel glanced around, taking it all in, the two of them more focused on each other than the sea of adults around them. The hospital had set up a long table with a white tablecloth, the administrator and Daisy’s primary physician taking their places and motioning for Ellie and Jesse to do the same.
The administrator spoke first, then Daisy’s doctor answered medical questions. Then the administrator introduced Ellie, Jesse, and the twins, who drew laughter by completely ignoring what was going on around them.
Ellie made a statement. “I would like to thank all of the first responders who helped keep Daisy and Jesse alive yesterday—Eric Hawke and Brandon Silver from the Scarlet Springs Fire Department, Megs Hill and the Rocky Mountain Search and Rescue Team, Life Flight, and the doctors and nurses here at Children’s Hospital and at Mountain Memorial in Scarlet Springs.”
“Do you have any questions for Ms. Meeks?” the administrator asked.
“Where were you when your daughter fell into the water?”
“How did it feel to see Daisy fall into the water?”
“Daisy’s father died serving his country, isn’t that right?”
Ellie did her best to answer them. “I was at work. I’m an RN and was working at the first-aid tent. I didn’t see her fall in. I heard my mother scream and heard her shout Daisy’s name. When I stepped out of the tent, I saw Jesse jump into the water, and I knew what must have happened. I was terrified—for both of them. Yes, Daisy and Daniel’s father died in Iraq about three and a half years ago.”
“How old are the twins?”
“They’ll be three in April.”
Jesse didn’t have a statement, but the reporters seemed to have saved most of their questions for him.
“What went through your mind when you were in the water?”
“How cold was that water?”
“Did you worry that you might die, too?”
“Did your combat experience as an Army Ranger prepare you to act yesterday?”
“You’re Ms. Meeks’ neighbor, correct? Housing records show you bought the house near hers a couple of years ago. What is your relationship with Ms. Meeks? Are you two friends, or is there something more?”
“Do you think of yourself as a hero?”
Jesse gave short answers, wanting to get this bullshit over with as fast as possible. “What was going through my mind? I just wanted to find Daisy. The water was about thirty-four degrees—just above freezing. No, I didn’t think about that. I was focused on finding Daisy. As a Ranger, I’ve been trained to act. I’m Ms. Meeks’ neighbor and friend. I’ve watched her twins before. I was volunteering in the first-aid tent, too, on behalf of Rocky Mountain Search and Rescue Team when the incident occurred. My relationship with Ms. Meeks is none of anyone’s business. No, ma’am, I was in the right place at the right time and did what anyone would have done.”
Then one of the reporters asked the twins a question. “Are you happy to be going home, Daisy? Are you glad to have your sister back, Daniel?”
Daniel looked at the reporter, then hugged his sister. “Day!”
The room dissolved into a chorus of “Awwww.”
Chapter 23
“I’m sorry about how the press conference went.” Ellie knew Jesse hadn’t wanted to be a part of it. “I had no idea their questions would get personal.”
“Hey, don’t worry about it. It’s not your fault.”
It was a long drive home, so she used the time to call Pauline. She apologized for missing work today—and for not calling sooner.
“We managed. Your friends on the Team stepped up to help out with the first-aid tent today, so it’s covered.” There was a hint of disapproval in her voice. “You were right about it being a bad idea to bring your children. You should have stuck with your first instinct.”
It took Ellie a moment. “I didn’t bring them. My parents were watching them all day and brought them to SnowFest to see the snowmen. I wasn’t with them when Daisy… when Daisy fell in.”
“Oh! I thought… Okay, well, that changes things. I’m just glad it all turned out well for your little girl. I marked you out as sick today. You’ll need to check with HR, but I think you’ve got only one paid sick day left, and it’s still January.”
“Pauline, my daughter almost died. She went into cardiac arrest. She was blue and lifeless when she came out of that water. A dozen people fought for an hour to bring her back to me. Do you think I care about how many sick days I have? I will make do. I always have. I am a widow, the only parent my children have. They are my priority.”
Pauline was silent for a moment. “Of course they are. I’m sorry. Sometimes I get too focused on the business element of this job. Let us know if you need anything.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
Jesse looked over at her when she ended the call. “Your boss is an A-S-S.”
“Yeah, sometimes she is.”
“Damn.” Jesse muttered the word under his breath. “I need to reach Nate. The skijoring race starts in about three hours. I don’t know if he’s heard what happened or whether he’s tried to call me. I don’t want him to show up with Buckwheat if I’m not there. That would be a lot of work for nothing.”