Chapter 8 I Can Save Him

Deanna stood alone in the hall, unsure whether to stay or leave.

She had recognized the man with the gold-rimmed spectacles immediately. He was one of the passengers from the car accident yesterday.

As for the other man... his noble bearing and the aura of authority, combined with the scent of blood she had noticed back then and the current situation, made it clear he was the injured one.

A man like that wasn't someone to be trifled with, and common sense told her she should leave immediately.

However, as a doctor, she couldn't ignore a life in danger.

Just as she was about to make up her mind, she heard Xavier's panicked shout from inside, "Mr. Mercer!"

Without further hesitation, Deanna rushed into the room.

The strong scent of traditional medicine filled her nostrils as she entered.

On a clean hospital bed lay a finely-featured man, his face pale and his eyes closed in unconsciousness. His cheeks were flushed unnaturally red.

Deanna instantly knew he was running a high fever, likely for some time.

Xavier and Ava were both frantic, fumbling about in their attempts to help.

Lance had stayed at the pharmacy overnight. He had been fine until now, but when Xavier came to check on him, he found Lance unresponsive, barely breathing, and burning with fever.

Panicked, Xavier had rushed out to find Old Hughes.

Ava, though trying to remain calm, was clearly distressed. "Xavier, Old Hughes isn't here. Mr. Mercer's condition is critical. Shouldn't we take him to a hospital?"

Xavier nodded, ready to call for an ambulance, but before he could dial, he noticed a figure approaching the bed. Deanna reached out towards Lance, but Xavier's eyes flashed with suspicion. He grabbed her wrist, his voice sharp, "What do you think you're doing?"

Deanna was momentarily stunned by Xavier's reaction but quickly met his gaze calmly. "I mean no harm. I just want to check on him. I might be able to help."

Xavier recognized her from the hall earlier and released her wrist, though he remained wary. "Who are you? I haven't seen you before."

"I..."

Deanna hesitated, unsure of how to explain.

Xavier's suspicion grew as he scrutinized her. Suddenly, he remembered the car accident from the previous day.

"Wait, you're the one who caused that accident yesterday, aren't you?"

Deanna's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Yes, that was me."

Xavier frowned. "Why are you here? Do you know medicine? Are you a new doctor at the pharmacy?"

Before Deanna could answer, Ava stepped in. "No, Xavier, this is Miss Deanna Jones. She supplies our medicinal herbs. She's a regular here and well-known to Old Hughes. She's not a suspicious person."

Turning to Deanna, Ava asked carefully, "Miss Jones, you said you could save Mr. Mercer. Is that true? Do you know medicine? I don't recall you mentioning it before."