Excuse me, a nurse walks up. Is there a problem here, she asks.

The receptionist answers her, this woman claims shes family of the Porter woman.

Whats your name, asks the nurse.

Tina Kennard. Someone called, she says before the nurse interrupts.

I know Ms. Kennard. Dr. Anderson is expecting you. Then she turns to the receptionist and asks her, would you walk Ms. Kennard and her friends back to the family waiting area? Now! The last word turns the request into an order.and the receptionist jumps in response.

I follow Tina and the receptionist into the back of the emergency room.

Any word, Shanes voice drifts in from behind me.

No, Alice replies.

We all start walking down the hall behind the receptionist. When we reach the end of the hall I turn to look at the others and find that Tina is still near the nurses station. Kit walks in and hold her just as shes about to sit on the floor.

A man wearing a white coat approaches Tina. He says something and reaches his hand out to shake with Tina. As Alice and Shane approach them I follow close behind.

I want to see her, Tina says as I get closer.

Thats not possible at the moment Ms. Kennard, the doctor says.

And why is it not possible? Tinas getting upset again.

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

Uh, why dont we step in here? Ill fill you in on all the details, he says pointing to a room. Tina stands slowly and looks around. My eyes are tearyis that from he movie still? Or is it because I know were about to get bad news? Tina turns and walks into the room. Alice follows TinaIm not far behind. After Shane and Kit are 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? What the ***** does that mean?

GSW, I ask.

Gun shot wound, Dane, Shane explains. Oooohhh, GSW! Shane turns to the doctor, Are you telling us that Bette was shot?

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

I know, Tinas says. She knows? How does she know? He hasnt told us anything yet. 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? No.Bette cant be dead!

To Be Continued