As the chopper reached its pad, Nick looked at Shelly, who was holding on for dear life.
“At least we know how to make an entrance,” he said. “This thing is too big for me,” she said.
“Beats walking.” He smiled. They came to rest, the doors opened, and the stairs lowered to the ground. Shelly saw Dr. Wall at the door of the hospital. She waved, then looked up to see dozens of children looking back at her from all five levels. Above their tiny heads, the medical staff was doing the same thing, including Doris.
Shelly ran to the entrance door and hugged Dr. Wall.
“How is she?” she yelled over the helicopter’s whirling engines. “Not well, but she’s still with us.”
“Dr. Shoo,” said Shelly. “I’d like you to formally meet Dr.
Gregory Wall.”
“Great to finally meet you, Doctor,” said Wall. “Where is she?” Shoo asked.
“This way.” Wall turned and led the group to the nearest elevator.
“I tried to estimate her body mass, but it’s a shot in the dark,”
Shoo continued.
“At this point, I don’t think it will matter,” said Dr. Wall. “Gotta have faith, Doc,” Nick said as they got into the elevator.
“Right, Henry?”
“You are correct. You must have faith, Greg. Or should I call you
Popcorn?” He grinned.
“I think I’ll go with Dr. Wall today.” He gave Shelly and Nick
the evil eye.
“As you wish, Doctor,” Shoo said as the elevator door closed.
When the door reopened, a crowd was waiting. Word had leaked. Shelly was a bit concerned about security, but she was pleased to hear form Nick that the Marines had secured the perimeter, another gift from President Riley to Nick. All eyes were on the team as they headed into Mary’s room. Two nurses and a priest were in with Mary, as was Sal. Nick hugged his dad with gusto.
“Very weak,” said Dr. Shoo as he looked at the monitors. “Son, is this going to work?” asked Sal.
“Gotta have faith, Dad.”