Jamaica Plain (9780738736396) by Colin Campbell

round immediately after the explosion. The fact that he’d lost consciousness, even briefly, was the deciding factor. Grant was going to have to stay overnight for observation.
    That was the hospital’s plan. Grant’s plan was completely different.
    â€œThey’ll come take you to a ward after dinner.”
    Grant didn’t speak. It wasn’t because his mouth was full of whatever the orderly had just served him, but because he didn’t want to give a heads-up that he wouldn’t be here when the porter came to pick him up.
    The curtain swished shut.
    Grant counted to ten. He swung his legs off the examination bed and put the food tray on the mattress. The grey plastic bag was on a shelf under the bed. His back, legs, and arms ached, but he managed to struggle into his jeans and T-shirt. Tying his shoes was too hard so he just slipped them on. He carried the orange jacket over one arm. No point causing more pain than he had to.
    He waited for the next pulse of activity and raised voices. A car-crash victim was rushed past on a gurney, with all the staff that entailed. The gurney and the nurses went one way. Grant stepped out of his cubicle and went the other. Along the corridor, turn right, and he was away from the examination area. It looked like it was always busy out here. The pulses of action and peace in the ER smoothed into constant activity front of house.
    Without the orange windcheater, Grant didn’t stand out. He was just another body amid a shifting sea of bodies. He waited until a group of student doctors went out into the reception area and tagged along.
    He was almost to the front door when a voice stopped him in his tracks. “I don’t suppose you’ve signed yourself out, have you?”
    Grant turned around slowly. Terri Avellone had a twinkle in her eye, tempered with concern on her face. She nodded towards the reception desk. “They’re going to be very unhappy when they’ve lost you.”
    â€œI’m not lost. Just misplaced.”
    He saw the plastic name badge with a fancy chemical-firm logo. “I didn’t know you worked here.”
    â€œJust visiting. Business.”
    He pointed at the front doors. “Just leaving. Business.”
    She handed Grant an embossed business card with the name of a pharmaceutical company he couldn’t pronounce. Terri Avellone was identified as its chief representative. There was a contact number across the bottom. He slipped the card into his pocket. “Sales?”
    â€œProduct placement.”
    â€œA bit late for selling your wares, isn’t it?”
    â€œThe guys I have to see work shifts. So I work late sometimes.” The concern transferred to her eyes but the smirk was still there. “You’re not easy to forget.”
    â€œWell, you know what they say. A good man is hard to find.”
    â€œNo. A hard man is good to find.”
    He tilted his head as he looked at her. “You are a very naughty girl.”
    â€œI need spanking.”
    â€œVery naughty.”
    She waved a hand towards the reception desk. The staff looked busy and harassed. Beyond them the ER continued its trench warfare.
    â€œProfessional courtesy—sign yourself out, then I’ll give you a ride.”
    Grant walked over to the reception desk, gave his details, and told the woman he was leaving. She was even less impressed than the nurse who’d examined him. Using as few words as possible, she shoved a clipboard at him across the counter. “Next of kin details, then sign. Against medical advice.”
    â€œNext of kin?”
    â€œPreferably in Boston, so they can get your body.”
    â€œI don’t have anyone in Boston.”
    â€œYou must know somebody.”
    Grant paused for a moment, then smiled. He scribbled on the form and signed it, then went out for his ride.

eleven
    Terri Avellone gave Grant the ride of his life after a bit of small talk. She explained about