“Dr. Johnny is the worst,” Lucinda says as we walk home under the dark cloud of my mood. “I'm so sorry he talked to you like that. Reapers can be…well, you know. But everything will be all right. I’m sure Waylon can find you something else to do if you and Dr. Johnny can’t get along.”

I don't say anything. I mean, what is there to say? Was I actually thinking that I'd stay here and consult on Lucinda's pregnancy with the guy who’s only a doctor in title? That was crazy thinking.

I needed to get back to the original plan and get out of this town.

“Lucinda, listen to me,” I say when we reach Meemaw’s place. “I don't know how close the nearest hospital is, but you need to figure that out and come up with a plan about how you're going to have this baby. It can’t be with Johnny, though. I'm not even sure that guy washes his hands before he sees patients. Promise me you'll find somebody else to help you. Somebody willing to do checkups and ensure a proper delivery when the time comes.

“But—”

I squeeze my hands around her shoulders. I don’t want to distress her, but this is important. And I’m not going to be around to see this out. “Promise me.”

“Okay, I promise, but—”

I don't wait to hear what she says next. I can’t stick around to get dragged even further into this mess. I’ve got my own colossal mess that I need to clean up back home. I have to get out of here.

“Well, that was fast!” Meemaw says when I come through the front door. She’s folding the laundry she had already gone off to do before Lucinda and I set out for the medical trailer.

“I’ve got your scrubs right here along with this piece of paper I pulled out of the pocket with some woman’s name on it. I kept it for you just in case it was something you needed to remember.”

I take the piece of paper with “Stephanie” written across it. Yes, yes, it was something I needed to remember. If I get out of here, maybe I can figure out how to help the other woman being held prisoner by a Fairgood MC.

“Just let me finish folding up this laundry, then I want to hear all about your day,” Meemaw says after handing me the note.

Meemaw. Sweet and kind Meemaw. She might be the only person I can turn to right now.

“Can I talk to you?” I ask, my voice taking on a desperate tinge.

“Sure!” Her face immediately fills with concern. “What's wrong, honey?”