Blood Orchid (Holly Barker 3)

“There was a call on the radio, some traffic thing, and I thought, shit, I forgot to turn it off. Next thing I knew I was on the ground, and then I must have passed out.”

“It’s okay, Teddy. You’re not hurt badly, but you’ll be fine in a little while. You just get some rest now, and we’ll talk later.”

“I’m sorry, Chief,” he said again.

“It’s all right; don’t worry about it.” She gave his hand a pat and followed the nurse out of the room.

“Nice kid,” the nurse said. “Is he old enough to be a policeman?”

“Only just,” Holly replied. “Please see that he gets anything he needs and bill the department. When he’s ready to be released, let me know, and I’ll send a car to take him home.”

“You bet.”

Holly thanked the nurse and drove back to the station. She found Hurd Wallace. “What family does Teddy have?”

“Just a mother; he lives with her.” Hurd handed her a slip of paper. “I thought you’d want to call her.”

“Thanks, Hurd.” Holly made the call.

“Hello?” a woman’s voice said.

“Mrs. Wright?”

“Yes.”

“This is Chief Holly Barker, at the police station.”

“Has something happened to Teddy?” There was real alarm in her voice.

“Teddy’s fine, don’t worry. He was on a stakeout last night, and he got hit on the head. They want to keep him overnight at the hospital, but he’s going to be just fine, and I don’t want you to worry.”

“Can I see him?”

“Why don’t you wait until after lunch? He was up all night, and the doctor wants him to get some sleep.”

“Is he really all right?”

“Really, he is. He probably fell off his bike as a kid and got hurt worse.”

“He broke his arm, falling off his bike.”

“This isn’t nearly as bad. Just give him a few hours to rest, then go see him. Is there anything I can do for you? Do you need anything, maybe a ride to the hospital?”

“No, thank you, Chief; I have my car.”

“Please call me if there’s anything I can do. Teddy will be released tomorrow morning, and he’s going to be at home for a couple of days, resting. Don’t you let him come back to work until he feels well again.”

“Don’t you worry, Chief, I’ll take care of him. Thank you for calling.”

Holly hung up and found Hurd standing in her doorway.

“Ham doesn’t want his phones swept,” he said.

“I’ll deal with Ham,” Holly replied. “You just get Phil Sweat out there.”

11

Holly drove out to Ham’s little island, off the North Bridge, and pulled up to his house. There was a strange car parked out front. Before Holly could make it to the front porch, Ham came out, pulling on a polo shirt.