Vinson Elliott gave Randell a hearty p on the back. Usually, Randell strutted around like nothing in the world could faze him, but right now he was hunched over, as timid as a rabbit.


    Trust Lyman to shake him up.


    "What do you think?" Vinson pressed.


    Randell pressed a hand to his forehead and groaned, “Ugh, my head is spinning. I need a doctor."


    Vinson shot him a look. "Honestly, you''re acting like some mangy old dog. Wait until Lyman gives you a kick-you''ll be cured in no time."


    Randell scowled. "Hold on, why an old dog? I''m still young, thank you very much!"


    Vinson rolled his eyes so hard he practically saw the ceiling. He''s missing the point entirely as usual.


    Effie arrived at the nearby hospital just as Suzan was being rushed into the emergency room.


    "Where''s the doctor? Is anyone here?"


    Lyman, carrying Effie in his arms, radiated such a fierce, unapproachable energy that people instinctively kept their distance. No one dared get close.


    "Mr. Etheridge, is this youngdy-?"


    "Get your best orthopedic specialist here, now!" Lyman barked.


    "Right away!"


    Dr. Quinn, the most experienced orthopedic chief, hurried over, out of breath. He noticed Lyman still cradling Effie, and Effie''s face was buried against Lyman''s chest, clearly embarrassed. Dr. Quinn''s heart skipped a beat-this looked serious. He worried that if Effie''s injuries were beyond help, it would be a disaster.


    "Mr. Etheridge, um... would you mind setting her down so I can examine her?" Dr. Quinn ventured cautiously.


    Only then did Lyman gently set Effie down, as if she were the crown jewels.


    "Careful. Don''t hurt her," Lyman warned.


    Dr. Quinn nodded, just as careful. "Of course."


    He examined Effie''s arm and thigh, checking every bruise and scrape. As far as


    he could tell, there was nothing too rming. Was he missing something? Was his medical training failing him?


    Effie blushed and mumbled, "Doctor, I''m really fine. He''s just..." She nced at Lyman, exasperated. "He worries too much. It''s no big deal."


    Dr. Quinn finally understood-Lyman was making a mountain out of a molehill.


    But he was smart enough not to me Lyman for it.


    "I''ll just clean up these scrapes and bandage you," he said gently.


    "Thank you."


    Once her wounds were treated, Lyman scooped Effie up again and carried her out.


    Effie felt the stares of the doctors and nurses following her, and her cheeks burned.


    She tugged at Lyman''s sleeve and whispered, "Put me down, please."


    Her breath was warm against his ear, sending a jolt down his spine. He squeezed


    his knees together and quickly set her on a bench in the hallway. "I''ll be right back. I need to use the restroom."


    "Okay," Effie replied, watching him walk away.


    Just then, hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor.


    Effie nced up instinctively and spotted Mitchell with his mother, Adeline.


    Mitchell froze when he saw Effie, his steps faltering.


    Adeline''s eyes narrowed, anger flickering across her face. She stormed toward Effie, her voice sharp and using, “Effie! I knew it you''re the one who hurt Suzan! If anything happens to Suzan''s baby, I swear, you''ll regret it!"