Dana went to the ground also.
“Ted, I’m going to remove these temporary splints. Then I’m going to have to cut your pants.”
“Pretty ingenious splinting there, Doc,” Dana said.
Travis gave her a thin-lipped grin. He’d used part of a thin flexible tent pole from the guys’ tent. “Thanks. It’s what I had in a pinch but he needs something sturdier if we plan to move him. That’s why I sent Jim out for limbs.”
From behind Travis Jim said, “Yeah, but my dad’s going to be mad when he finds out it’s broken.”
“And your dad isn’t going to be happy to learn you started a forest fire either.” Travis was on the road to losing patience with the dense kid.
Carefully, Travis removed the splinting, then took scissors from his medical pack and cut up the inside seam of Ted’s pants. When he could pull the material back enough, he examined the injured area. The break was just below the knee.
“It looks as if both the tibia and the fibula are broken. Without X-rays I couldn’t be certain. We’ll just have to treat it as the worst-case scenario.” The area around it had turned a vivid red and blue. “The bone hasn’t come through the skin. We need to see that it doesn’t.”
It would be tricky to do so with the rough ride Ted would have the next morning but Travis could only do his best.
“Dana, while I’m getting everything we need together would you mind taking his vitals. The last thing we need is Ted starting to run a fever.”
“Jim, stop what you’re doing and find another tent pole. I need it as well for splinting.” Travis called over his shoulder.
Dana picked up his medical bag and went to Ted’s head.
Jim grumbled but did as he was told. Travis took the pole, then cut the elastic cord that held them together, giving him two poles to work with.
“Temp is normal. Heartrate is elevated and pulse is, as well,” Dana reported.
“Not a surprise since he’s in pain. Come down to his feet now. I want you to put your elbows on the ground and support his calf between your forearms while I put more splints on. First, I’m going to wrap the area then reapply the splints.”
Picking up one of the guys’ shirts, Travis ripped a sleeve off. He wrapped it around the injured area. “I want this to support and not restrict blood flow.” He spoke more to himself than to the others. He picked up another sleeve and applied it. “Now for the tent poles.”
Dana straightened and rolled her shoulders before assuming her position again.
Travis placed one between Ted’s legs. “I’m going to tie these off then I want to put one on the back and front of his leg.” He looked at Dana. “I’ll need you to help me with tying those.” He picked up a strip of cloth.
“Okay, Dana. Now I need you to pull the end of the cloth through when I push it under his thigh.” He did so and she pulled it up. Putting the last two poles in place, he tied them down. “Now let’s do the lower part of the leg.”
By the time he and Dana were through manipulating the leg Ted’s lips were white and his eyes closed. That was a good thing. Travis had very little to give him as pain reliever. He had one dose of hydrocodone left that he’d brought for Mr. Gunter. He wanted to save it to give Ted in the morning. His ride out would be painful.
Travis patted Ted’s shoulder. “I’m sorry I can’t do anything more.”
“I appreciate what you have done.” Ted mumbled.
Dana brushed the hair back from the guy’s face. She looked at Travis and her eyes were dark with concern. Dana had a tender heart. She picked up her supply bag and put it under Ted’s good leg.
“Good thinking,” Travis said. “It’ll help prevent shock.”
Dana picked up a nearby sleeping bag and opened it before placing it over Ted.
“Let’s get the travois made before it gets dark.”
“Jim,” Travis called. “We’re going to need your help.”
The guy looked up from where he removed the lines from the parachute canopy. A pile of rope lay beside him.
“I need you to go with Dana. She’ll show you what to do.”
Without a word Dana picked up the chain saw and started into the woods.
The thing he liked best about Dana was that he could trust her. She didn’t think about herself first. His ex-wife had always questioned how it would affect her. Dana was resilient. The last few days had been tough and she weathered them well. With her, he knew what it was like to have a true partner. Not just in name only.
Despite their earlier disagreements they had become friends. Real ones. The kind who could trust each other through thick and thin. The golden ones that were hard to come by. Lovers could come and go but someone who you could trust was rare, to be valued.
Dana was no shrinking violet nor was she somebody who had to have everyone’s attention. She shone despite her efforts not to. Her confidence came from her skills and her love of life. She earned that the hard way. Life hadn’t always been kind to her but she’d kept on moving forward, following her dream. Could he say the same about himself?
He rechecked Ted’s vitals. The grind of the saw came from not far off. He went to work to see about their supplies and repacking the ones that were dry. Thankfully most of them were. He was glad to see Jim had left Dana’s panties in her bag. Those he should be the only male allowed to touch.
Soon Dana and Jim returned. He pulled two limbs along behind him. Dana did the same with one about half the length of the others.
Dana seat the chain saw down and spoke to Jim. “Lay yours parallel to each other. Then cross one end over the other.” Jim did as she said. She then laid the pole she’d carried over the poles a foot from the ends of the others. The poles made a triangle. When they were done one person would be able to pull or the three of them could carry when necessary.
Travis picked up the rope Jim had cut and joined them.
“We need to get these tied off.” Dana took a rope from him and started tying the crossed poles by weaving in and out and around.
Travis took one and started working it around one of the bottom intersections.
Dana said to the watching Jim, “Look through that pile and find the longest pieces.”
Jim went to work.
Travis finished off the intersection he’d been working on and started on the other.
When he finished Dana said, “Jim, bring a rope and come help me.” He did. “I’m going to tie it off over here, then pass it to you and I want you to wrap it around twice and pass it back to me. We’re going to zigzag it all the way to the end. We’ll tie the rope together as we go until we have created a bed.”
Jim grinned. “This is so rad.”
Travis stopped himself from rolling his eyes. Had he been this unaware when he’d been Jim’s age? He looked at Dana. He feared he might have been.
“With the give of the rope we’ll make Ted as comfortable as we can.” Dana gave her work on the travois the same focus she did everything. Done, she went to the front, turned around, putting her hand behind her and holding the poles she pulled. It worked great.
Travis decided then she wouldn’t be doing the pulling when the time came.
Dana looked at him. “What do you think?”
“I think you do good work.” Once again she’d impressed him.
She smiled broadly. His heart swelled. He made a mental reminder to brag on her often.
“What’re we gonna do with it?” Jim asked.
He and Dana looked at each other, then back at Jim.
Travis said with as even a tone as he could manage, “We’re gonna put Ted on it and you and I are going to take turns pulling him out of here if we have to.”
“Oh.”
“Dana, please pull it over beside Ted. I’d like to get him off the ground for the night if we can. Jim, come help us.”
; Dana put the travois down and picked up one of the guys’ sleeping bags. Opening it, she laid it over the ropes leaving enough to cover Ted with.
“Jim,” Travis squatted down beside Ted, “get across Ted from me. We’re going to lift Ted while he’s still unconscious. He’d be in real pain if we did it while he was awake. The longer he’s out the better for him.”
“What do I need to do?” Dana asked.
“I want you to hold his broken leg as level as possible.”
“Now, Jim, slide a hand under his shoulders. I’ll slide mine under his lower back and we lift on three.”
Everyone moved to their positions.
“Ready? On three. One, two, three,” Travis called.
Between the three of them they managed to get Ted where Travis wanted him. Ted did moan but settled quickly. He just did fit in the space they had made for him.
“You guys lift this end and let me get this pack under his feet again.” Dana situated the pack on the ground beneath one end of the travois.
“Good job.” Dana pulled the sleeping bag over Ted and tucked it in.
“I’m hungry,” Jim announced. “What’re we going to eat for supper without a campfire?”
Travis walked over to his pack and pulled out a bag of MREs. He tossed it to Jim. “Bon appétit.”
“What?” Jim gave him an odd look.
Travis had had enough. He and Dana had been at it since sunup and he was hungry and tired. “Just open it and eat.” He pulled out two more bags. He looked at Dana. “What would you like? Vegetables and roast beef or vegetables and roast beef.”
She gave him a tired smile. “I guess vegetables and roast beef it is.”
Travis handed her two packages. Dana sat down where she was. Travis got their water and joined her.
“This is dried-up food.” Jim sounded as if he was being asked to eat worms.
“Yeah, but wasn’t it you who tried to start a cook fire in a ‘no fire’ time of year?” Travis couldn’t stop himself from saying.
Jim had the good grace to look ashamed.
Dana ate without saying much. She looked exhausted and had a right to be. The bandage on her face had long ago fallen off. He’d kept her up during the night and they’d risen early that morning. They’d walked a distance through the woods to then put out a fire before caring for an injured person. She’d earned her rest.
Jim stood nearby looking awkward.
Dana patted the ground next to her. “Jim, come sit with us and tell us where you live.”
The guy wiggled like a puppy as he joined them. Dana had that effect on people. If gruff old Mr. Gunter had warmed to her then anyone could. What made her special was she didn’t work at it or realize it. She was genuine in her caring.
Soon the sun had gone behind the mountains.
Dana stood. “I’m going to get some sleep. I’ve had a long day. Tomorrow we’ll either meet the helicopter or walk out of here. Either way we’ll have to be up at daylight.”
She stuffed her water bottle and paper wrapper in her bag.
“Daylight?” Jim echoed.
Travis pursed his lips. That was it for him. “You do realize that you started a forest fire today that burnt land that belongs to all of us. Your friend is seriously injured. He needs to be in a hospital and will need an operation. He has a painful trip ahead of him.”
Dana stepped up beside Travis and placed her hand on his arm. “It’s time we all got some rest.”
Travis looked at her. She gave him a slight smile. Without another word he went to where he’d left their sleeping bags rolled on top of the parachute canopy. He opened one bag and laid it out. He then unzipped hers, placing it on top of his. Dana didn’t ask any questions about the arrangement. She took off her boots and outside shirt, climbed under the top bag and removed her pants. He did the same. As far as he was concerned Jim could fend for himself.
Travis pulled Dana to him. She resisted for a moment but he slipped his arm under her head and kissed her temple. She soon rolled to her side, and snuggled against his chest.
“Hell of a day to start it out so sweetly,” he whispered.
“Uh-huh.”
“Good night, sweetheart.” His arm rested around her waist. Despite the way the day had gone, he liked the ending. Having Dana in his arms seemed right. He closed his eyes to the sound of her soft easy breathing.
CHAPTER NINE
DANA CLUNG TO the warmth. Not wanting to wake.
“Dana, it’s almost sunrise.”
She even liked that voice.
She burrowed closer to the warmth.
“Sweetheart, you keep that up and we’re going to put on a show for these guys.”
Her eyes opened wide.
Travis grinned. He stood and pulled his pants on but not before she saw his manhood standing tall and proud behind his boxers. She groaned. Grabbing her pants, she pulled them on while inside the sleeping bag and stood.
Travis took her in his arms.
“We can’t,” she said looking around him.
He frowned. “Can’t I at least get a good morning kiss?”
She smiled and put her arms around his neck. “That I’ll do.”
Travis’s mouth met hers as if he was a dying man and she could save him. One of his hands went to her butt and pulled her tight against him. “Feel what you do to me?”
His kiss promised more when they were alone. But that wouldn’t happen. They were going home today. And their own ways. He’d not said anything about seeing her again. She hadn’t either. They both were adults and knew the score. With that thought she tightened her hold and kissed him deeply. With a groan, he released her, but acting as reluctant to let her go as she was to have him do so. So quickly she’d become attuned to him.
Sometime during the night he’d gotten out of bed. She’d woken missing his warmth and hard body holding hers. There had been enough moonshine she could see him checking on Ted.
“Is everything okay?” she’d asked.
Travis returned to bed pulling her close. “Shh. Everything’s fine. Go back to sleep.”
Just like that she had. As if Travis telling her things were fine made it so. He’d take care of her and everyone else, as well. She loved the security he provided when she’d had so little in her life.
As soon as he’d dressed, Travis left her and went to Ted, and started taking his vitals. The kid’s lips were tight with pain. While Travis saw to Ted she stepped away to talk to base about the helicopter. She soon returned.
Travis looked at her. “What’re the arrangements? When will the helicopter be here?”
She pursed her lips and shook her head. “No time soon. Best they can do it midmorning. There’re only two copters and both are out on runs for more urgent cases. We’d come out better time wise by carrying him out.”
Travis closed his eyes. “And every day brings another adventure.”
Dana hurried to break camp. She noticed Travis using a syringe to give Ted an injection in his arm.
“What’s that you’re giving him?”
“Hydrocodone. I’d brought this with me in case I needed it for Mr. Gunter.”
“I’m glad you had some left. I’m afraid Ted will need it.” She smiled down at the guy.
He was so miserable he didn’t even try to return it.
“My thought too.” Travis took the guy’s arm, prepared it for a shot and expertly inserted the needle. Afterward Travis offered Ted something to drink. “We don’t need you dehydrated.”
Jim grumbled when he had to get up. Only when Travis threatened to leave him did Jim start moving. “Maybe Ted and I should’ve gone to the beach.”
Travis nodded. “Yeah, I think you guys should give that some thought next time you’re planning a trip. Get your stuff together and let’s get moving. Don’t leave anyt
hing behind.”
Travis joined her at the front of the travois. He leaned in close. “Let’s get this guy,” he nodded toward Jim, “out of here before he dies despite our best efforts to save him.”
Dana rolled her eyes. “I know what you mean. If he wasn’t so innocent I’d see that the book was thrown at them.”
“I’ll take first turn pulling,” Travis announced. “Jim, you carry the supplies.” Travis picked up the poles and they headed out.
They’d not traveled far when Dana was glad Travis had given Ted pain medicine. Bumping over the ground as he was, he could only be in agony.
They started their return trip to the fire tower because that was where someone would be waiting on them. The tower had the nearest road. It was slow and arduous journey. While they crossed open spaces, Travis pulled. When they came to the trees and the upward grade Travis had Jim take the front while she and Travis carried the back. He also made sure to handle the chain saw, as well.
The trip would’ve been easier if it hadn’t been for the moaning and groaning of Jim but he did keep moving. Dana wasn’t sure if it was from his fear of Travis or from the fact that he knew if he kept going there would eventually be an end to the misery. Ted thankfully slept.
Travis called a halt for rest a number of times, not only for themselves but for Ted. What should’ve been a two-hour trip turned into a four-hour one. It was with great relief she saw the fire tower across the open field. With the tower in sight, Jim managed to find new energy and pick up the pace.
She was even happier to see the light green forest service truck base had told her to expect. Dana casually knew the female ranger waiting. She’d brought fresh water which was eagerly accepted. The road into the fire tower had been determined too rough for an ambulance. They’d meet it at the ranger station out on the main road. It took some time to settle Ted in the bed of the pickup truck to Travis’s satisfaction. He climbed in the back beside the young man.
“Jim, ride back here. I’ll need your help to steady Ted.”
Dana took the open seat in the cab. She spent much of the ride looking through the window to check on the passengers in the back. More times than not Travis and Jim were holding the travois poles up so the going would be easier for Ted.
Reunited with Her Daredevil Doc Page 13