Debby Rawlings

Private duty nurse

CHAPTER ONE

"Chainsaw accidents depress me," Cindy Winters brooded. Her wild blonde bangs bristled freely in the wind as she pounded her clenched fists into the hard concrete ledge atop Cresthaven Hospital. It was her first-year residence there as a nurse.

A voice from behind drew her attention.

"Don't take it so hard." Patsy Bell, pretty, dark-haired, experienced, set her coffee mug on the ledge and smoothed out her nurse's uniform.

She leaned against the ledge, watching cars and trucks whiz by down below. "Looks like toys."

"Like ants," Cindy muttered.

People went in and out of the hospital, some relaxed, excited, on crutches, in wheelchairs, or gliding in jaunty strides.

Cindy smiled brightly. Her mood changed quickly. "You're right, Patsy. You once said it's all relative."

"I've been here longer than you." Patsy finished her coffee.

"I've got to take the bull by the horns," Cindy said.

"In a manner of speaking."