I was told shes a patient here. We walk up behind Tina as she finishes her question.

Are you family, asks the woman behind the desk.

Well, uhyeskind of. Kind of? Tina, that wont get you back to see her.

Kind of? The woman raises her eyebrows..see Tina.what did I tell you?

Yes, Tina is calmer. Shes my wife.

Right, the receptionist is being sarcastic.

Excuse me, Uh oh. Tinas getting pissed.

You have to be a blood relative or legally married to be considered family. I have a feeling she just pushed all the right buttons for Tina.

How dare you, Oh yeah. I can feel the blade cutting in Tinas voice.

Excuse me, another woman butts in. She looks like shes a nurse. Is there a problem here?

This woman claims shes family of the Porter woman. I look at Tinaher jaw is clenched..and theres fire in her eyes.

Whats your name, asks the nurse.

Tina Kennard, she answers. Someone called

I know Ms. Kennard. Dr. Anderson is expecting you. Then to the receptionist, would you walk Ms. Kennard and her friends back to the family waiting area? Now! The receptionist stands and gestures for us to follow.

We walk toward the security door into the emergency room proper. Before going through the door I see Shane approach and wait for her.

Any word, she asks.

No, I reply before we walk through the door.

Looking down the hall, I see a bustling emergency staff. Theyre carrying supplies here and there.or recording information in patient charts.or helping someone down the hall. I turn to check on Tina and realize shes not walking with us. I turn around and find her near the nurses station.Kit is holding her. I dont think Tina can stand on her own right now.

A man whom I assume is a doctor approaches Tina. His long white coat garners respect from the rest of the staff. Ms. Kennard, he asks, reaching his hand out for a hand shake. Im Dr. Anderson. Ive been treating Ms. Porter since the ambulance brought her in. I can barely here his introduction as I walk closer.

I want to see her, is Tinas only response.

Thats not possible at the moment Ms. Kennard. This doctor doesnt know who hes dealing with.

And why is it not possible? Tinas voce has recaptured the anger from the receptionist incident.

They probably have procedures they have to follow. Right Doc, says Kit.

Uh, the doctor starts looking around. Whats he looking for? Does he not want to break bad news in front of an audience? He finally gestures to a nearby exam room. Why dont we step in here? Ill fill you in on all the details. Tina rises with some trouble and walks into the room first after looking at the rest of us. I dont have time to hide the tears I just noticed. Im the first to follow Tina as she leans on the exam tableher back is to the door. When were all inside, the doctor closes the door. Ms. Kennard, he begins, I saw you looking at the tracking board. By your reaction, I assume you know what GSW means. GSW? Was Bette shot?

GSW? Dana, once again, sticks her foot in her mouth.

Gun shot wound, Dane, Shane tells her then directs a question at the doctor. Are you telling us that Bette was shot?

Yes, he answers. Now, the reason you cant see her right now is because shes not here anymore.

I know, Tinas demeanor changes as she turns to face everyone. That nurse crossed her name offshes dead isnt she? Thats why you havent asked for consent, isnt it? You dont need my consent anymore. Dead? Bettes dead?

To Be Continued