Then, deciding to visit Callie, Rhett made his way to her ward, only to be halted by a police officer standing guard.
âSorry, no entry allowed,â the officer informed him firmly.
âMy apologies.
I took the wrong turn,â Rhett said.
Rhett approached the nurseâs station, his voice low.
âExcuse me, could you help me bandage this?â
Rhett held out his bloody finger, eliciting a gasp from the nurse.
As she started to gather her supplies, she questioned him, âSir, you were just fine.
How did this happen?â
Rhett, seemingly a bit sheepish, answered, âI was opening a can.
â
A laugh escaped from another nurse nearby.
âMr.
Bates, itâs hard to believe someone as adept as you would get injured opening a can.
â
Rhett offered a wry smile.
âYouâd be surprised.
Iâm actually quite clumsy with the everyday stuff.
â
âYouâre always joking, Mr.
Bates,â the nurse chided lightly.
Rhett had a way with words, easing the nurse into a smile with his playful banter.
With a keen interest in the surroundings, Rhett inquired, âWhatâs going on over there? I was stopped before I could get past.
â
âs BunnyBookery âThe little girl?â the nurse responded as she continued tending to Rhettâs wound.
âHer family was murdered, leaving her with selective mutism.
She hadnât spoken a word until someone she trusted came to coax her out of silence.
â
Rhettâs expression softened.
âA little girl? She must have been terrified.
â
âAbsolutely.
The nurse nodded.
âShe witnessed her family member being stabbed multiple times.
It would traumatize anyone.
â
âSuch tragic cases.
Finding the culprit would provide at least some comfort,â Rhett commented solemnly.
âI doubt that.
â The nurse sighed and added, âThe girl couldnât provide any useful clues.
Her father protected her from seeing anything.
She had nothing new to tell the police.
I saw the officer leave, sighing deeply.
â
This nurse was particularly well-informed because she regularly changed Callieâs bandages.
Rhett wanted to keep talking, but another nurse interrupted.
âJulia, why are you still there? Weâre swamped over here.
â
âOkay, Iâm on my way,â Julia replied as she finished up the bandage.
Rhett expressed his gratitude, and Julia, blushing, responded, âYouâre welcome.
â
As Rhett walked away, the senior nurse cautioned Julia, âBe careful with your words.
You shouldnât discuss that case.
â
âI havenât shared anything confidential.
Just whatâs already common knowledge,â Julia lied.
âJust be cautious.
You donât want to invite trouble,â the senior nurse advised.
âI understand,â Julia responded swiftly.