Vengeance Knows No Limits

By Ellen Jensen-Dean

Excerpt for Xlibris Web Page
Running away seemed had become an unwelcome necessity. With great sadness this part of her life was over, but she didnt have time to grieve. The reality was she had to go now or miss her flight and probably even lose her life.
Finally satisfied that she was ready, picked up the remaining overnight case and opened the door. She nearly dropped it as there face to face was the same ugly man who had attacked her only a couple of nights before.
She caught her breath as he leered at her. Going somewhere, girlie?
Get out of my way or Ill scream.
I dont think so, he said pointing the gun, half hidden under his jacket, at her midsection. Im not a patient man, Bets. In your job I bet youve seen people with their guts blown out. Not a pretty sight, is it?
At that he shoved her back so that she hit the stair rail as he moved quickly into the room and closed the door behind him. His eyes never left her face. He wanted to see fear written all over that pretty puss of hers.
He knew her name. Not Astrid, but Bets.
Who are you? What do you want? she asked recovering her footing. She was cornered. They were alone!
Dont you know? My boss sent you a letter that should have arrived by now, he said grinning revealing the missing front tooth she had noted the other night.
Chester, she said her heart pounding. She had often been afraid, especially during the recent past, but not fear like this since that day long ago.
Yea, he asked me to take care of you because as you know hes kind of tied up right now, he said with the same sinister chuckle. Hes not too happy with you. Says, you ruined his life.
He ruined his own life, she said quietly looking him squarely in the eye. Hurting me isnt going to help him.
He doesnt see it that way, he said spitting on the polished floor.
So what are you planning to do? she asked thinking she was going to throw up any minute.
Physically she knew she was no match for him. He had proved that during the previous assault. Maybe if she talked long enough someone would come, but who?
Whats your name? she asked trying to maintain that cool she had always been known for and hoping to make some kind of connection.
Maynard, but what do you care? If you think knowing my name will help the cops catch me, forget it, lady. You wont be around. Dead girls dont talk. He spit the words at her.
So this was how it was going to end. In spite of everything she had done to avoid this, it had all been in vain. Had it not been so tragic the irony would be laughable.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 16, 2007
• ISBN: 9781462805976

Ellen Jensen-Dean

Ellen Jensen-Dean, graduated from the Fairview Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis. Following a distinguished profession as an RN she enjoys a second career as a mystery author using the medical settings so familiar to her. Vengeance Knows No Limits is the third in the trilogy that began with An Unlikely Witness. In this her fourth novel, she chose to include the social phobia, Selective Mutism, as a malady that the heroine – Bets – was afflicted with as a child. Ellen’s granddaughter’s daily struggle with this phobia makes this a subject one of great significance to her.

Book preview

Prologue

CHESTER’S MORBID OBSESSION with revenge had dramatically intensified over the past few days after realizing he might finally be able to carry out his violent scheme. He had been able to think of little more since his attorney had informed him he might get a new trial.

At first, it appeared his new attorney had done more in the last couple of months than the previous one he fired had accomplished in years. What a schnook that one had been. That is until this morning when he learned that his chances were not as bright as they had been painted just a couple days ago. Now he wasn’t too sure about this one either.

Hatred was the driving force in Chester’s mundane existence—hatred for the one person he blamed for landing him in this rotten prison. The bars and locks offered no protection from the constant watchful eyes of the guards who routinely patrolled his cell block. The twenty-two years in residence had desensitized him to the familiar noises that mingled with the odor of sweat and whatever else hung in the stale air.

One thing had not changed however—his malice and determination to get even with the individual he saw as responsible for his dilemma that had only continued to fester like an open wound over the years. Oh yes, he would get even one way or the other. Yet, just thinking about how the chance that seemed so close might once again slip away certainly added to his already agitated state.

A quick death wasn’t his idea of repayment for what he had endured. Oh no, his plot was far more sinister. But the news that he might not get a new trial would only be a temporary setback for his ultimate plan. He sure didn’t relish the idea of not experiencing the first hand thrill of seeing his victim suffer and cry out for mercy. That was a disappointment to be sure, but if he had to use someone else to reach his goal, he’d do it. He wanted action, and the wait was long overdue.

His cell mate Maynard, known as the Creep because he moved about so silently, was up for a parole hearing next week. Unlike himself, his attorney had assured him that this time he’d be out.

Maybe Chester could get him to do one little ‘favor’. It wouldn’t seem like much to the druggie compared to the supply he would be able to arrange for him. Maynard was an ugly man, not only physically but psychologically as well. His massive size plus his reputation in the yard as a mean cuss best left alone was well established.

He loved to regale how he had tortured birds and cats as a child. His stories, frequently punctuated with a burst of loud sinister laughter, made them seem more ghoulish and cruel than ever. He was perfect for what Chester had in mind.

There was no point in waiting any longer. So that evening he decided to approach him. However, instead of talking, risking being overheard by one of the many guards, he printed out his message on a piece of paper—first, the reward and then, the question, Are you interested? He only hoped the Creep could read.

It took some time before the man comprehended, but he finally did a conspiratorial smile, followed quickly by an eager nod.

So far, so good. Then Chester printed I need someone taken out.

A puzzled expression covered the other man’s face as their eyes met.

Once more he printed I want the person who put me in this stinkin’ hole snuffed out.

The Creep turned away and seemed to be studying the floor more intently than usual. The wait seemed endless, but Chester realized it would take him some time to make such an important decision especially with his minuscule IQ. But he was sure after thinking it over, the idea would be right up Maynard’s ally.

In the meantime, the note was torn into minute shreds and flushed down the toilet. Even to the guard passing by, nothing about the scene in the shadows of the cell gave any indication of the sinister plot being contemplated.

The Creep must have decided in favor of the reward because he suddenly bestowed a conniving smile on his accomplice and said in a raspy whisper, Yeah.

With that they shook hands as the originator said in a loud voice, You’re a real friend, Creep. I sure hope the parole hearing goes in your favor.

All that was left now were the details and the result of the Creep’s hearing.

Chester’s sister had located the prey after he had given her a bull story about wanting to make restitution. The thought made him laugh. Restitution indeed! Not in a million lifetimes! His victim didn’t deserve restitution; rather, he was going to see that the hunted received the ultimate punishment—death! Of course that wouldn’t happen quickly. He’d make sure the Creep understood that.

Chapter 1

AS ELSEBET, BETTER known as Bets, looked out the plane window, she couldn’t help contrasting the snow-covered scene below to the one she had left behind a few hours ago. There the sun was just coming up, promising another warm day by the pool.

Pleasantview, here in the Midwest, was nothing like California especially at this time of the year.

She was glad to be coming home, but it was a bittersweet homecoming because she would greatly miss her best friend Olivia, or Livy as she was called. They had been best friends since their first day in nurses’ training, and their apartments, after becoming registered nurses, had been next door to one another.

On a vacation trip to California, Livy had met and fallen in love with a young attorney, Joe Hansen. It was their wedding, where she had been the maid of honor, from which she was now returning.

Livy’s engagement had come as a great surprise. At twenty-six, Bets wasn’t anywhere near ready for marriage yet; there were too many things she wanted to do first. Besides, she hadn’t met anyone she would seriously consider as a lifetime partner.

It certainly wouldn’t be Joe’s twin brother, Jim. She had to concede that there had definitely been a strong chemistry between them, and she had enjoyed the time she had spent with him. But when she learned he was an orthopedic surgeon, that immediately eliminated him.

If there was one species she swore she would never marry, it was a doctor. She liked them as peers and friends, but that was as far as it went. When she married, it would be to someone who wasn’t always on call or working overnight.

She had to give Livy credit that she had really picked a great guy. Both Joe and Jim were two of the most handsome hunks she had ever met, but at least he was the attorney and not the doctor. It was obvious that Livy and Joe were deeply in love, and she couldn’t have been happier for her friend. But that didn’t quell the loneliness that she now felt as she entered her apartment. Who would she be able to share things with in the same manner as she had with Livy?

The phone was ringing before she had even put her luggage down. She quickly picked up the receiver.

Hi, Bets. I see you made it back, said a male voice. It was her friend Matthew.

It’s good to hear your voice. How have you been?

That’s supposed to be my question, he said, laughing. He could visualize the beautiful young nurse who was one of his dearest friends. If he had his way, it would have moved far beyond friendship long ago; but she didn’t seem to be in a hurry for that type of relationship. It might take time, but he would wait.

I’m fine, and it was fun. I’m glad to be home, though, she said truthfully as she ran her fingers through her thick brown hair and sank into the nearest chair.

I’m glad, too. I’m going to be in town for a couple of days, so I thought we might get together.

Sure. I don’t go back to work until the day after tomorrow so I’m all yours, she said, feeling better already. As usual she was up for a good time.

It’s Maggie’s birthday, and Mike has planned a surprise party for her. When he asked me I didn’t know if you’d be back in town so I hedged a bit. What do you say?"

I’d love to go, Matt. How about the present? she asked, now realizing she had no idea what Maggie would like.

I’ve got that covered. All I need is a date, he said, laughing.

Well, it looks like you’re all set then, she said.

So when can I pick you up?

I’d like to unpack and freshen up. Could I have a few hours?

Sure, no problem. How about six? That way we can get a bite to eat before we get there.

Good, that will give me plenty of time. See you at six, she said lightly.

I’ll see you then. And, Bets, I meant it when I said I’m glad you’re back, he said softly.

It really would be fun. Matt always made plans. That was one of the reasons it was so enjoyable to be with him. Dates with him didn’t start out with a back and forth discussion of what do you want to do?

Another reason they got along so well was that neither was interested in a romantic relationship, at least, as far as she knew. She really valued him as a friend and felt herself very lucky.

She quickly unpacked, threw in a load of laundry, and took a long relaxing shower. It felt so good to unwind after the long flight and to feel really clean. She towel dried and put on a robe.

It took some time to blow dry her thick hair. She was thankful for the slight curl at the ends that now fell neatly surrounding her face.

For the evening, she decided to wear a soft blue sweater that further enhanced the sky blue color of the exotic eyes peering out from behind long dark lashes. The petite woman had been blessed with a flawless olive complexion that only added to her captivating look. She was without question a ravishing beauty, something of which she seemed totally unaware and if anything made her even more attractive.

She wondered who would be moving into the apartment that had been Livy’s and was sure it wouldn’t stay empty long. These apartments were connected by way of a tunnel to the hospital, which made for a comfortable walkway during inclement weather. As a result of the location and convenience, there was always a waiting list.

Well, she’d find out soon enough and make an effort to ensure that person would feel welcome.

Right now, she’d better hurry if she was going to be ready when Matt got here. Her friends teased her about her compulsive behavior where promptness was concerned and even laughingly hinted that it might be a genetic disorder. So it was not surprising that she was prepared for Matt when he arrived sharply at six.

The party was fun, and Maggie was so surprised. Mike had pulled it off without a hitch.

You look like you really enjoyed the party, Matt said when they prepared to leave.

Oh, I did. I’m so glad you brought me, Bets replied.

After the good-byes, they didn’t linger long. It was freezing cold outside. On the way back, she shared with him her California experience; the people she had met, the big wedding, and the climate.

It’s hard to believe, but yesterday I was actually lounging beside the pool, and the temperature was in the eighties, she said.

Sounds like something that wouldn’t be too hard to take, he said.

It wasn’t.

So have you given any thought about moving out there now that Livy has done so? he asked, hoping she would reply in the negative.

To his relief, she replied, No. My job and family are here. Then jabbing him in the arm, jokingly added, And so are you.

Maybe there was hope after all, if that last statement was made less in jest than intended.

As soon as they reached her apartment, he asked, So what time do you want me to pick you up tomorrow?

What are your plans?

I don’t know, but we should be able to figure something out. We usually do, he said, smiling.

OK, let’s say around ten?

Because it was freezing cold outside, they hurriedly said their good nights, and she disappeared through the door.

Well, at least she wasn’t leaving, he thought happily. What a relief. He really cared for the feisty woman with whom he had never experienced a dull moment.

Cynthia Hendricksen, the head nurse on the intensive care unit where Bets worked, made no secret that she was delighted to have her back. It was bad enough that Livy was gone, but she had actually dreaded the thought that perhaps Bets would have been tempted to stay in California.

It seemed they were always short-staffed; and with Bets also gone for the past week, it had been even worse. There was the usual turnover, either because of nurses leaving to get married and join their new husbands or because of burnout. Burnout was a very real concern. The likelihood of it occurring in the ICU was far greater due to the constant stress of the highly charged atmosphere where codes were a frequent part of the routine.

Realizing how short-staffed they were and feeling guilty about having added to the problem, Bets assured her she was willing to work extra shifts. It only made sense when she had just come back, and everyone else had carried the unit, while she was gone. Being one of the few single nurses with no one waiting at home for her, it was easier to adjust her time, plus who would even care what time she got home. Now that Livy was gone, she doubted anyone would even notice whether she was there or not.

Soon she was back in the routine. True to her word, she was working doubles nearly every day. Not only did she enjoy her work, but it helped to build up the bank account that had been considerably depleted with both the trip and the wedding. But she didn’t regret having spent the money. After all, how many times did your best friend get married?

By the time she fell into bed each night from sheer exhaustion, the peace she found in sleep came quickly. But tonight, no sooner had she closed her eyes when she suddenly became aware he was right behind her. She felt his hot breath on her neck as she tried to escape. Her legs felt like heavy weights pulling them down. Night was closing in, and the fog, which was her only hope, although thickening, still lay far ahead. It was always the same, wondering how long she would be able to keep up the pace, and if she could even get away. But her very life depended on it. She couldn’t give up! The smell of blood clung to her nostrils, and the screams continued to echo in her ears.

Suddenly, she awakened to the screams that she soon realized were her own. She was perspiring profusely, and her feet were tangled tightly in the sheets. The nightmare was always the same. The faces and the scene never changed. The terror that lived with her for years had never faded, if anything it had intensified.

The dreaded nightmares that had plagued her since childhood had not reoccurred for some time; so suddenly, why now?

Would she ever be able to blot out the scene of that horrific day so long ago? The days that followed had only increased the distress as her loss became nearly unbearable. No, that time would remain seared in her memory forever. It was bad enough to have witnessed something so terrible, but why did the frightening nightmares have to continue to draw her back there.

How could she ever get married? No husband could be expected to be awakened by a screaming wife next to him. That was a sure recipe for divorce if there ever was one. Was she kidding herself about the reason she didn’t want to get married? Didn’t it really have more to do with the fear of exposure of this aspect of her life?

As a child, she never went to slumber parties, at least, she didn’t stay late enough to sleep at someone else’s house. As soon as everyone was preparing for the night, her parents would come and take her home. She couldn’t remember what excuse they gave if any. Even with her parents, the entire subject had become taboo.

They dealt with the nightmares as best they could, but nothing was ever said the following day. The household acted as if nothing had happened. No one ever suggested counseling; but they all were prime candidates, if any ever existed. Would things have been different if they had? She didn’t have the answer to that either.

Livy called her a week later to see how things were going and reported that she and Joe had just returned from their honeymoon in Hawaii. She certainly sounded ecstatic. Obviously, the reason for her happiness was her husband Joe. Bets liked him from their first encounter and credited Livy that she had certainly picked a winner. These two would grow old together and be as much in love fifty years from now. Bets had to smile remembering how openly they had displayed their love for one another.

Livy certainly did deserve happiness after what she had been through. Just thinking about how she had nearly been killed sent a shudder up her back. She didn’t want to dwell on it, remembering that the very tunnel just down the hall could very easily have been her death scene.

Since that event, Bets hadn’t used the tunnel and chose to weather the outside elements instead. Of course, the culprit responsible for the whole thing was now long gone.

So when are you coming out for another visit? Livy suddenly asked.

It won’t be for a while. I’m working some extra hours because now that you’re gone, we are even more short-staffed than usual. I know Cynthia has been interviewing applicants, but she hasn’t said anything that would make me believe that she has actually hired anyone.

Just don’t run yourself into the ground, Bets. If you pick up the slack, they may not feel the pressure to fill the open positions. How many are there now anyway?

Just two—yours and one they filled before you left. The nurse just didn’t work out. I heard they gave her the option to resign or be terminated.

She seemed like she would be good, Livy said. She certainly had the letters behind her name.

Well, as we both know, that doesn’t necessarily guarantee a competent ICU nurse.

You’re right. So how is Matt? Have you seen him?

Yes, we went to Maggie’s birthday party the first night I got back. He was in town for a couple of days, so we spent some time together. He’s a good friend.

So you always say. I still think he wants more than friendship from you, Bets, her friend said.

So you’ve said before. We’re fine with things as they are, she said with conviction.

Her friend wasn’t going to dispute her assertion. There was no point because Bets would believe what she chose anyway.

Joe says hello, Livy announced.

Tell him hello, too. How’s he doing?

He had apparently taken the phone from his wife and heard her question because he chuckled and said, He’s doing just great. When are you coming out to see us again?

As I told your lovely wife, it won’t be in the immediate future. But I’ll give it some thought.

See that you do, he said. Here’s Livy again. Take care, Bets, and remember you are always welcome.

Thanks, Joe.

After Bets had brought Livy up to date on all the work gossip nearly an hour later, they said good-bye but agreed that they would keep in touch.

The sounds of someone moving in next door awoke Bets the following morning. She got up and dressed quickly and put on a pot of coffee. The neighborly thing to do would be to welcome the newcomer and, at the very least, offer her a cup of coffee.

So as soon as it was done, she opened the door and nearly fell over a stack of boxes lined up in the hallway.

Oh, I’m so sorry, said her new neighbor when she saw what was happening. How clumsy of me. Let me move those over to the side.

The young nurse looked terribly embarrassed as she started moving a box. Bets decided from the looks of her, she couldn’t have been out of school very long.

That’s OK. I should have looked where I was going. I’m Bets, your next door neighbor, in case you hadn’t noticed, she said, pointing to the open door behind her. Then she put out her hand.

The girl seemed relieved as she shook hands. My name is Mary Acker. I’m new at Pleasantview. It’s my first job, she said a mixture of pride and excitement.

Welcome, Mary. You’ll like the people at Pleasantview. I just made some coffee, would you like some?

That sounds just divine, she said, sounding more like a schoolgirl than a new grad.

Soon the two were seated in Bets’s kitchen, chatting over their coffee.

If you have any questions about life around here, feel free to ask. I can still remember when I was new, and everyone was so nice. I can show you around if you’d like.

I would really appreciate that. Maybe we could do it later after I have my things put away. I’d better get back to my unpacking, or I’m not going to clear out the hall before someone really does get hurt, she said with a smile.

Just let me know if you need anything, Bets said as her visitor departed.

Later that afternoon, Mary knocked on the door.

Hi, I’m finally done putting my things away and wondered if maybe you could show me around like you offered earlier?

Of course, I’d love to. Come in while I turn off the TV. I’ll get my coat.

Does it get that cold in the tunnel? the other asked innocently.

Suddenly it dawned on her that Mary didn’t expect to be going outside. To her it only made sense to go through the tunnel. What could she say? She didn’t want Mary to suspect her fear. Why was she afraid anyway? The person who had attacked Livy wasn’t lurking there any longer.

I guess I wasn’t thinking, she said, laughing, hoping it sounded sincere. No, it’s rather damp, but it is certainly warmer than outside. Let’s go.

They headed directly for the door leading into the tunnel, and Bets kept up a constant recital of where they would be going and what they would see. It kept her mind occupied so she didn’t have to think about how Livy had been attacked there. As soon as they exited into the hospital basement, she felt an immediate sense of relief. This is crazy, she thought, but she couldn’t help it.

For the next hour, she showed the novice around and introduced her to some of the nurses on the unit where she would be working after her orientation.

Mary thanked her when the tour was over and decided, if all the nurses here at Pleasantview were like Bets, she had made the right decision.

That night, Bets’s nightmare returned once again. Why? Had the trip through the tunnel stirred the old fears even more? No, that event had nothing to do with the one embedded deep in her psyche. It was silly to think the tunnel had any connection. More than likely it was that tomorrow would be the anniversary of the earlier event. So many years had passed, but it seemed like yesterday.

Her father never talked about it. Eric Olsen, like she, had locked those memories deep inside. Maybe if they could have shared it things would have been different, but each obviously had to deal with it in their own way. As a result, both remained mute and alone on the subject.

Chapter 2

THE ICU WHERE Livy was now working, like the one she had left, also suffered from a staffing shortage. Jim had been right about the head nurse, Brenda. She certainly was not qualified to be in charge, as far as Livy could see in the short time she had been there. Maybe more training could make a difference, but even that wasn’t too likely. She just wasn’t a leader.

Livy wouldn’t discuss the problem with Joe, believing that work should be left there. But one evening when he remarked how tired she seemed lately, she made the decision to call Bets and bounce the situation off her friend. She wasn’t about to let her work become an obstacle to her marriage. This was a nurse thing.

Right now, she missed the give and take conversations that she and Bets had so often shared in the past when confronted with a work-related issue. And she needed some advice because this situation was fast becoming a real dilemma.

She really wanted to help Brenda, but on the one occasion when she had made a suggestion how she thought the department might function better, she quickly discovered that her input was not welcome. Brenda as much as let her know that things had run well before she came and could do so again if it came to that. Her suggestion obviously was not received in the vein that it was intended. But what Livy saw in the other’s defensiveness was a deep insecurity. She wanted to help, but trying to do so had been a mistake. Instead of accepting any part of her proposal, Brenda’s attitude toward her had become one of antagonism.

So the following evening, she phoned Bets and related what was taking place.

So why don’t you just talk to Jim? Bets asked, knowing that he was a surgeon at the hospital and had been the one who offered her the position in the first place.

I don’t want to involve family if I can help it, she said, referring to her brother-in-law.

I know, but if I remember correctly, he has already voiced concerns about the woman’s qualifications, her friend reminded her.

I know, and that’s what makes it even harder. I wonder if I came in with an already biased opinion of her. I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize her job if I’m being too critical.

Oh, give me a break! Listen, Livy, you and I have been at this for a few years, and if you feel she is not performing, I have no doubt that she isn’t. I’ve seen you overlook some nurses’ performances that could use a little improvement, said Bets in exasperation.

So what can you suggest other than going to Jim at this point? I’m the new person on the block here. None of the other nurses seem to notice her lack of leadership, she said, hoping for some alternative.

Well, has it occurred to you that perhaps they have also received the same response from this Brenda and have just decided it wasn’t worth the hassle?

I suppose so, but I hate to start stirring up trouble after such a short time? she said, the resignation obvious in her tone.

Has it ever occurred to you that her inadequacy must be very apparent when an orthopedic surgeon, one who isn’t likely to spend too much time in the ICU, notices? she asked.

That’s certainly a good point. And one well taken. You are so smart, Bets, she said, now laughing.

Of course, said her friend. So what are you going to do?

I’m going to keep my eyes open and think over what you said about telling Jim. By the way, have you heard from him?

"No, I don’t expect to. Don’t get me wrong. He’s a nice guy, but he is a doctor, and I made no secret of the fact that I’m not interested in any involvement with someone whose name is followed with an MD. Anyway, I’m sure he has lots of women falling all over him and long since forgotten someone who is miles away," she said matter-of-factly, wondering why Livy had asked but unwilling to pursue it.

Well, I just thought I’d ask. I assumed you guys really hit it off, she said, then decided to change the subject. How’s the staffing at Pleasantview?

It sucks as usual, but it does give one job security, she said, chuckling.

That’s one way of looking at it, Livy laughed feeling better already.

Hearing Bets’s doorbell in the background, said, I can hear someone is at your door so I’ll let you go. Talk to you later.

Livy was aware of the hectic schedule that was Jim’s and decided he didn’t need the extra burden of her assessment of Brenda. She admired that in spite of all his busyness, he always seemed to have time to answer the multiple questions given him by the staff, patients, and their families. His pleasant disposition was so much like her Joe’s.

Maybe Bets hadn’t given herself a chance to see this side of him. Livy had sensed some vague strange reaction when she asked her friend if she had heard from him. Maybe he hadn’t asked for her number. She just assumed that he had. She couldn’t deny knowing of Bets’s determination never to marry a doctor, but she was rather surprised that she had said anything to Jim. Livy doubted, if the right one came along and just happened to be a doctor, she wouldn’t change her mind. Deep down she had really hoped it would be Jim. Well, Bets is a big girl. She would make the right decision.

Later that afternoon as she was just getting off duty, she spotted him. He was a handsome man just like her Joe, with his slightly waved light brown hair and athletic build. He was without a doubt the most handsome doctor on the staff. Suddenly, an idea popped into her head, and before she could stop herself she approached him. Hi, Jim. I’ve been meaning to ask you something? she said, suddenly hesitant.

Fire away, he said, smiling, revealing the now-familiar dimple in his right cheek.

You know, as I’m sure everyone does, how short-staffed we are in the ICU, to which he nodded his head yes.

Well, I had this bright idea. You know how you offered me a position there long before I was even thinking of coming out here? she asked slowly.

Yes? He wasn’t sure where this was going.

I was thinking how great it would be if I were to ask Bets to come out, with the promise that there was a position for her there as well. She’s a great ICU nurse, Jim, she added to further emphasize the idea.

When he didn’t immediately answer, she began to question if maybe she had missed something. Here she thought all along that he and Bets got along fine, but now she was beginning to wonder.

Finally he said, I’ll give it some thought. How’re you and Brenda getting along?

Had he heard something? She doubted it, so she simply said, Fine. She wasn’t about to go into a discussion about Brenda and sidetrack him from considering hiring Bets.

Glad to hear it. If you have any issues in that area, be sure to let me know, he said, doubting that she would. Livy was just too nice. He wasn’t going to tell her he was already aware of the situation between her and Brenda. The decision had already been made that he would look into it more thoroughly because he was determined they were not going to lose any more nurses because of Brenda’s inadequacies as a head nurse.

Don’t forget what I said about Bets, she said as she started to walk away.

I won’t, he replied.

He wasn’t too sure he wanted to make any commitment to hire Bets. He couldn’t put his finger on exactly what it was that bothered him. She may be beautiful and smart. She may even be the best ICU nurse, but something about her really didn’t fit. The way she would space out at certain times was really spooky. He wished he could figure her out.

He had enjoyed her forceful attitude as a woman but wondered if that, too, might not be a little too much in their ICU setting. What if the older experienced nurses found her too feisty and outspoken? Would nurses who were already upset with Brenda, be upset with Bets and find the two of them too much to handle? Then would they also leave as so many had over the last couple of years?

He rubbed his neck. The nagging thought was there again. Did the truth lie in the fact that he was attracted to Bets and didn’t want to be? She wasn’t his type, was she or could she be? Why then would he bring her out here other than to make his sister-in-law happy? No, he wasn’t going to rush into anything. Just then one of the parents of his pediatric patient stopped him to ask a question, and he forgot all about Bets.

And Livy, respecting Jim’s wishes, didn’t call Bets about a position.

Bets thought the day couldn’t get any more hectic when Cynthia came and announced that she was getting a five-year-old auto accident victim in critical condition. The emergency room had just called to say she would be arriving on the unit within the next fifteen minutes.

All Cynthia could tell her at this point was that she was conscious, but that she was too unstable at the present time to go to X-ray. But the portable ones taken in the ER showed multiple fractures. Undoubtedly, she would also have internal injuries and require close observation.

The mother who was in serious, but not critical condition would be admitted to another unit. Because she was still somewhat confused from the accident, the medical history for both remained rather vague.

The ER nurse will give you a report when they bring her to the unit, but she’ll need the usual monitoring, Cynthia said as she started to leave the room. I’ll help you get her settled as soon as she gets here, she added.

Bets realized once again how fortunate Pleasantview was to have someone like Cynthia as the ICU head nurse after what Livy had said about hers. Cynthia was never too busy to lend a helping hand, plus she knew what she was doing.

Thanks, Ms. Hendricksen, Bets said. I’ll get the room ready right now.

No sooner done she heard the elevator doors open and a gurney coming down the hall. She looked up to see the ever-familiar scene that brought another patient to the unit.

She recognized Courtney, as the ER nurse, directing the gurney with Dr. Ben Larson pushing it. Next to him was Dr. Myron Butler, the pediatrician on duty; both of whom had obviously been called to the ER.

An intravenous drip was swinging from an IV pole at the head, and a small oxygen tank, connected via tubing to a mask covering her nose and mouth, lay next to the little patient. As they neared the room, Bets who had already started toward them, saw a wide-eyed, frightened little girl who looked like she had been crying and was about to do so again.

My name is Bets. I’m going to be the nurse taking care of you, she said, reaching over to take the little girl’s hand. What’s your name?

Instead of answering, she averted her eyes and seemed to withdraw into herself.

Her name is Lisa, said Courtney, replying for the fearful child. She has been such a brave little girl, she added, smiling down at her. But again, there was no eye contact.

Let’s get her into bed, said Dr. Butler. We’ll be real careful, sweetie. I know it’s going to hurt; but it’s just for a little while, OK? Bets really liked him. He always seemed so gentle with his ‘little people,’ as he lovingly referred to them.

As before there was no response, but then that wasn’t unusual considering the terror of the accident and separation from her mother.

The gurney was aligned with the bed, and on the count of three, the transfer was completed as smoothly as the possible with two on each side. Only a slight whimper escaped, and Bets looked over to see Lisa was crying silently. Again she took her hand and spoke words of reassurance. There was something all too familiar about the little girl’s reaction, but she decided not to verbalize her suspicion or jump to a conclusion before checking further.

During the remainder of the day, she kept a close eye on the monitors and the IV and making sure that Lisa was as comfortable as she could make her under these conditions.

Dr. Butler had ordered just enough medication to make her comfortable, but not enough to mask any symptoms indicating deterioration in her condition. Although Lisa seemed to follow her with her eyes when she wasn’t looking at her, she never made eye contact or spoke. Other than a whimper now and then, she remained silent.

Bets felt an urgent need to check on her assumption, so as soon as her shift ended, she went to see Lisa’s mother before going back to her apartment. Maybe if she could learn something about what Lisa liked and enjoyed, it might open an avenue of communication and a smoother recovery. It might even verify what she already suspected.

Lisa’s mother, Myrna, was in a private room. Had she been in a ward, Bets would have had no problem spotting her. The child was the splitting image of her mother, only a smaller version.

Both had the same dark brown hair and large brown eyes. Both had a small cleft in the chin and beautiful teeth surrounded by evenly shaped lips. And, not surprisingly, both had the same apprehensive look.

I’m Bets. I am the nurse taking care of your daughter, she said, reaching out for the woman’s hand.

Oh, how is she? she said, trying to sit up. I’ve been so worried about her. When can I see her? The sentences poured out, indicating she was far more concerned about her daughter than herself.

She is doing well, considering, Bets said, trying to be reassuring without adding too much, not knowing what her doctor may already have told her.

Is she still crying? she asked apprehensively.

No, she was asleep when I just left her. I’m not sure how she feels because she hasn’t spoken to me. I guess she’s just been so overwhelmed with everything that is going on.

Oh, she won’t. She doesn’t talk to anyone except the immediate family, Myrna said, eyeing the nurse closely for her reaction. She had seen it all too often. But this one seemed different so maybe she could trust her to understand. After all her little girl needed someone who would.

Is she just shy? she asked, giving Myrna the opening she hoped would give her the information she was now almost sure would validate what she suspected.

No, she said, eyeing Bets closely. She has selective mutism. I don’t expect you’ve ever heard of it. She didn’t know what she expected, but it wasn’t the reaction that followed.

Bets just looked at her for a moment. Suddenly a smile covered her face. Once again she took the woman’s hand. "Yes, I