Jesse and Hunter raced past wagons, horses, and children all clogging the area. A small crowd had gathered in the middle of the road. He broke through them, and his mouth dried at the sight of Ellie spread across the dusty ground. Dirt smeared her face, and her neck twisted to the side in a peculiar fashion, but relief rushed through him as her chest rose up and down in even breaths. “Is there a doctor here?”
No one answered. Everyone continued to stare at the young girl, while a few shook their heads. Jesse knelt to give Ellie a quick examination. He ran his hands over her legs, ribs, and arms to check for bleeding or broken bones. Except for being unconscious, Ellie didn’t appear to have any other injuries. That didn’t bode well. Internal injuries were far more dangerous.
He gently picked her up, and pushed his way through the crowd. “If anyone knows a doctor, I’d appreciate you sending him to lot seven eighty-three.”
Not waiting for a response, he strode back to Tori’s tent. He placed Ellie on the wagon, where it would be easier to attend her. “Hunter, get a couple blankets. We need to keep her warm.”
Within minutes, the young boy returned. As Jesse tucked the blanket around the still unconscious child, Tori and the two older children ran up.
Out of breath, Tori gasped. “What happened? Is she okay? Rachel said she was dead.” Pale and wide-eyed, Tori fought tears as her gaze shifted from a very still Ellie to Jesse.
Jesse took her ice cold hands in his. “She’s not dead. Unconscious.”
“Oh my God.” Her knees buckled.
Jesse caught her around her waist and hugged her to his side.
“We have to do something,” she whispered, wringing her hands.
He took her hands again. “The best thing is to keep her warm and find a doctor.”
Tori regarded him wide-eyed. “Where? Where can we find a doctor?”
Jesse ran his fingers through his hair. “I noticed postings at the train station yesterday for various services. There may be a doctor listed.”
Tori looked as if she could collapse any minute. It wouldn’t be a good idea to leave her by herself. He turned to Michael. “Go back to the train station and see if you can find a doctor.”
Michael raced off. Rachel stood staring at her sister, biting her lip. When Tori swayed against him, he led her to a tree stump, sat her down, and eased her head between her knees. Hunter crouched over a bush, vomiting.
When a moan came from the direction of the wagon, Jesse jogged over.
Rachel shouted, “She’s awake. Tori, Ellie’s awake.” Indeed awake, but pale and shivering.
Tori jumped to her feet and skirted around Jesse. “How do you feel, honey?” She held the young girl’s hand, smoothing her hair from her forehead.
Ellie’s eyes darted between Tori and Jesse. “What happened?”
Jesse leaned over and looked her in the eye. “Hunter said you ran in front of a horse. Do you remember?” She appeared alert, which was good.
Ellie’s eyebrows came together. “I think so. I remember seeing the horse and then. . .I don’t remember after that.”
“Do you hurt anywhere?” Somewhat calmer, Tori took charge. Jesse stepped back, giving her room.
“My head hurts a lot.”
Michael strode up with a man hurrying beside him.
“I’m Dr. Hendricks. I understand we’ve had an accident here.” He rolled up his sleeves as he spoke. Not waiting for introductions, he turned to Ellie.
Jesse breathed a sigh of relief. Not comfortable with all this drama, he was only too happy to have someone else responsible for the girl.
After poking and prodding for several minutes, the doctor asked Ellie to sit up.
“Do you feel dizzy?”
“No.”
He turned to Tori. “I think our little girl here will be fine. She doesn’t have any broken bones, and I don’t see any evidence of internal bleeding. The head injury’s not severe enough to cause concern.” He began to roll his sleeves down. “I assume you’re her mother?”