The Coyote's Cry Read Online Free PDF Page A

sucked in a breath. “I know. You want to go home. I’m working on it, Gran.”
    Gloria’s eyes closed again and Bram held her limp little hand for a while longer, then returned to his chair. He swore on all that was holy that he would take her home to either live or die. She would do neither in this or any other hospital.
    Finally, on Tuesday morning, the Colton family heard what they already knew in their hearts. Gran had suffered a serious stroke. They also heard details that made them weep. Gran was partially paralyzed, her speech was impaired and her short-term memory was possibly eradicated, or no longer in chronological order. Her vision was cloudy and she would suffer bouts of dizziness and confusion. Full recovery at her age should not be expected, but speech and mobility could be greatly improved with physical therapy.
    Bram spoke for the group. “Can she be cared for at home?”
    The doctor nodded. “Yes, and I highly recommend home care. Stroke patients respond much better when they are with loved ones. However, she should remain here for at least a week, as not all symptoms of stroke are immediately discernible. Also, you all should understand that she will require a full-time nurse for an indefinite period, which is not inexpensive. Medicare covers—”
    â€œThe cost will be taken care of,” Bram said curtly. He stood up and faced his family. “I want her brought to the ranch. Any objections?” A buzz of conversation swept through the group. “I know many of you want her, but I’m determined on this. You can drop in anytime to see her, and if you truly want to help, there’s housework, cooking, laundry and errands.” He turned back to the doctor. “So, I can take her home when?”
    â€œIn about a week.”
    â€œNext Monday?”
    â€œProbably. Shall I arrange for the nurse?”
    â€œYes, please do. Okay, Doctor, thanks. We’ll get out of your hair now.” Bram urged his relatives outside, where a few of them told him what they thought of his tactics.
    â€œShe’s my mother,” Uncle Thomas said indignantly.
    â€œWhen she’s better you can take her,” Bram replied. “But I’m taking her first.”
    The family began dispersing, going off to their cars, talking among themselves. Willow hung back and squeezed her brother’s hand.
    â€œI’m glad she’ll be with you,” Willow said. “Everyone says they want her, but caring for an invalid is not easy. I know you’ll follow through.”
    â€œThat I will,” Bram said with that stern, determined look on his face that Willow knew very well. When Bram set his mind to something, it got done.
    The rest of the week flew by because Bram was constantly busy, juggling caring for his horses and Nellie, getting the house cleaned and ready for Gran’s arrival, seeing to his job and squeezing in as many trips to the hospital as he could manage.
    It was Friday before Bram realized that he hadn’t run into Jenna even once. As often as he’d been at the hospital that week, it was odd that he hadn’t stumbled across her at least one time. His nerves had settled down some and he began watching for her, thinking that he’d been so focused on Gran’s condition during those first awful days and nights that he might have walked right past Jenna and not seen her.
    But even on the alert now he didn’t see her. Of course, she might have weekends off, he told himself.
    Monday morning finally dawned, and Bram jumped outof bed, anxious for the day to begin. His beloved Gran was coming today, and he was thrilled to have her, ill or not.
    Â 
    When Jenna awoke to her alarm clock Monday morning, she stretched and yawned. She’d spent a marvelous week in Dallas with Loni, but her vacation was over and it was time she got back to her own reality. Smiling slightly, she got out of bed and headed for the shower.
    Three hours