The Omega Team: Death Sentence (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Tina Donahue Page B

beds.”
    “I’ll have her there in a few minutes.”
    Dressed in prison blue, Barb shuffled into the treatment room, gaze down, manner dull like a POW rather than someone who’d barely lived. Dick had shackled Barb’s ankles and wrists as one would a death row prisoner with an escape history.
    Fuming, Hallie fought for control. “Take off the restraints. I need to examine her.”
    “What’s with the glasses?”
    She turned so he couldn’t see the left hinge. “I needed them and I got them. End of story.”
    “They’re fucking ugly. They make you look like a Bible-thumper.” He laughed. “Has Chase seen them? Bet the moment he does, he’ll tell you to get contacts or he’ll dump you for someone hot.”
    “Please take off her restraints.”
    “What for?”
    “So I can examine her. I need to check the bruising and lacerations from the fight. She should have been brought to me days ago. Why wasn’t she?”
    “We’re busy. She’s here now. I don’t see anything wrong.” He assumed a power pose, arms crossed over his chest, legs parted.
    Barb drew in her shoulders as Hallie had when she expected her father to hit her.
    This was too much. “Would you like me to put your appraisal in my report, Officer Templar? If she is injured and anything happens, your take on it, not mine, will be up for review.”
    His expression hardened. Red-faced, he took off the restraints but didn’t leave.
    “I need to examine her. You can go.” Hallie gestured him to the infirmary door. “When I’ve finished, I’ll call the bubble.”
    “Not necessary. I’m staying right here. No telling what she’s capable of. Wouldn’t want to leave you alone and unprotected with her.”
    Patient beds were nearby. Shirl and other LPNs engaged in their work. Barb, a ghost of her former self, barely breathed. If she could have disappeared, she probably would have. “She and I aren’t alone. There are more than enough people around to protect me. I also know how to use the alarm.”
    His shoulder mike crackled. Dick spoke into it. “What?”
    “Disturbance in the chow hall,” Edward said. He breathed hard as one would when running. “Meet me there.”
    Dick muttered an oath. “I’m coming.” He crossed to Barb, crowding and intimidating her. “Do anything you shouldn’t and you’ll spend the next year in confinement.”
    He left.
    Hallie pulled the curtain around the treatment table to give them privacy. “You okay?” She touched the Barb’s arm.
    She flinched.
    “It’s okay.” Hallie kept her voice low to keep others from overhearing. “No one’s going to hurt you. I’m here to help.”
    A tear ran down Barb’s cheek.
    Hallie wanted to hug her but didn’t dare. “Please undress so I can examine you.”
    Barb stripped robotically, her spirit gone, hope crushed. Blonde hair hung lankly around her face, the strands greasy. Purple bruises bloomed on her arms, legs, and jaw. Those from the fight had already faded to red. Dick must have given her the newer contusions.
    Hallie’s nausea returned. She treated scratch marks on Barb’s back and neck, the skin maroon and swollen. Despite the antiseptic she used, Barb didn’t react to the sting.
    After listening to her lungs, which were clear, Hallie removed her stethoscope. “I’m going to admit you into the infirmary. Your breathing doesn’t sound good. Medication will clear up your congestion. Don’t want it turning into pneumonia.” Gently, she squeezed Barb’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. You’ll be safe here.”
    Barb looked at her, eyes pleading.
    Hallie spoke softly. “Do you want the morning after pill? No need to explain anything to me. Nor do you have to worry that I’ll say anything to anyone. Everything between us is confidential. I’m here for you, no one else. Simply nod if you want it.”
    Barb did.
    Hallie delivered the pill and water. “I’ll need a urine sample. Nothing to be concerned about. This is routine to check for infection.” She