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light as Carly drove the patrol unit to the station. Sergeant Barrett told her she could log out even though it was an hour before EOW. While some sergeants were sticklers, insistent that officers never log out a minute before EOW no matter what, Barrett was flexible with early outs. Carly knew before she asked that he’d likely say yes. As she turned in the shotgun she and Joe had been issued at the start of their shift, then signed off their log and changed out of her uniform, she fought a hill of worry threatening to bury her. The urge to talk to Nick was strong, but when she looked at the clock, she knew he’d still be in bed. She decided to wait about twenty minutes and call him when she returned to the hospital. She prayed again, not knowing where Joe and Christy stood with God, but certain he was the right source to go to in the situation.

5
    NO CHANGE. Those two chilly words greeted Carly when she returned to the hospital. Though she hadn’t been gone that long, she’d hoped the hospital would have been able to determine whatever it was Christy had and at least come up with a plan of attack.
    Joe could only shake his head as Carly handed him his clothes. A specialist was there running more tests but still being vague. The bottom line was that no one knew what was wrong with Joe’s wife. However, everyone’s manner said there was an urgent need to find out. Christy was declining. A.J.’s continued good health was the only positive news.
    Officers crowded the hallway offering help. It was one of the things Carly liked best about being a cop. You were part of a family. The blue line always rallied around its own.
    “You’ve got quite a cheering section going,” Carly said.
    Joe smiled faintly. “Yeah, a couple of guys even volunteered to go get my car so I don’t have to worry about it later.”
    “Good, I’m glad they’re here. Make sure you don’t hesitate to ask if you need something. Now, go change. I’ll hang out till you get back.”
    Joe nodded and stepped into the bathroom. He emerged in fresh clothes a few minutes later. “Thanks for being here,” he said. The circles under his eyes were as dark as the stubble on his chin.
    “No problem. Is there anything else I can do?”
    He shook his head. “I think I’ll be fine. Christy’s parents are out of state, but mine should be here soon. I just wish the doctors could tell me something.”
    “When your parents get here, try and get some sleep. You can’t help anyone if you faint from exhaustion.” Carly hoped she sounded more like a big sister than a mother.
    “I know. Right now I can’t close my eyes; stuff is happening too fast. In a little bit I’m going to sit with A.J. for a while. They said if he stays the same, I can take him home tonight. I’d rather take them both home, but I’ll settle for A.J.”
    “Is there anything you need me to get for you—a razor, maybe? Or lunch?”
    Joe rubbed his chin and shook his head. “One of the guys is bringing me a shaving kit, and I’m just not hungry right now.” He flashed a rueful smile. “I say that knowing my mom will feed me. She thinks food fixes everything.”
    “Sometimes it does. You know how I feel about pizza.”
    At that Joe smiled. It was good to see that he could. Carly put a hand on his arm.
    Just then his mom and dad arrived. Joe turned and hugged them both. Carly said hello, then listened while Joe explained the situation to them. They had questions, but Joe had no answers.
    She waited for an opening and got his attention. “I’m beat. I’m going to go home and take a nap. Call me if anything changes or if you need anything at all, okay?”
    “I will. Thanks again for everything.” He grabbed her in a hug. She left him at his wife’s side, bracketed by his parents, and prayed the doctors would find an answer for Christy soon.
    I’m exhausted, she thought as she drove out of the hospital lot. Probably so exhausted I won’t be able to sleep. I’m glad it’s the