Suture Self Read Online Free Page A

when they were joined by a tall, handsome, middle-aged man and a wispy blonde woman about the same age. The man looked vaguely familiar to Judith.
    Bill, who had an excellent memory for faces, caught her curious glance. “Bob Randall,” he said in a low voice. “Former Sea Auk quarterback.”
    â€œRamblin’ Randall,” Joe murmured, with an admiring glance for the three-time all-pro. “I’ll be damned. Maybe I’ll shake his—”
    â€œJudith Flynn?” a plump young nurse called out.
    â€œHere,” Judith responded. “I think.”
    â€œWe’re ready for you.” The nurse smiled, then nodded at Joe. “Is this Mr. Flynn? He can come along, if he likes.”
    â€œHe does,” Judith said firmly.
    Joe lingered. “Can I catch up with you in a minute? I’d like to introduce myself to—”
    â€œJoe!” Judith cried as the nurse began wheeling her away. “I really need you!”
    Reluctantly, Joe trudged after his wife. Judith arrived at a large room with several curtained partitions. It looked like a busy day at Good Cheer. At least four other patients were already being prepared for surgery. Directly across the way from Judith’s cubicle, an elderly woman was making her confession to an equally elderly priest. Judith’s spirits plunged.
    â€œI should have had Father Hoyle anoint me or something,” she murmured. “Is it too late?”
    â€œYou mean before that old duffer keels over?” Joe responded with a nod in the priest’s direction. “I don’t know. He could go at any minute.”
    Judith scowled at Joe. “I’m serious. Go ask him to come here when he’s done with that woman’s confession.”
    The nurse began to take Judith’s vital signs. Another nurse arrived to draw her blood. A third nurse showed up with a hospital gown, a paper hat, and a pair of socks with treads on the bottom. The first nurse asked Judith if she had voided.
    â€œVoided?” Judith echoed in alarm. “Voided what?”
    â€œHave you gone to the bathroom recently?” the nurse inquired with a gentle smile.
    â€œOh. Yes, just before I left home.”
    Judith tried to relax, but it wasn’t easy with all the poking and probing. She had just put on the gown, the hat, and the socks when the anesthesiologist arrived.
    â€œI’m Dr. Bunn,” said the young man, who looked too young to be on his own without his mother. “Here’s what we’re going to do…”
    The curtains had been opened again after Judith changed. She could see Joe strolling casually up and down the floor, still waiting for the elderly woman to finish her confession. Judith wondered if the old girlwas recounting every sin since childhood. Finally the priest appeared to be giving absolution. Judith sighed with relief.
    At that moment, Bob Randall entered, supporting the wispy woman with his famous right arm. His wife, Judith thought vaguely. The poor woman looked as if she were about to meet the Grim Reaper. Maybe she was. Judith said a quick prayer for Mrs. Randall.
    Dr. Bunn had finished his explanation, which Judith had only half heard. The priest was standing up. Well, Judith noted, at least he was trying to stand up. The poor man looked very unsteady.
    Judith turned to see if Joe had noticed. He was nowhere in sight. Then, on the other side of the curtain, she heard her husband’s voice.
    â€œBob,” said Joe, sounding unusually hearty, “excuse me, but I want to thank you for all the years of pleasure and excitement you gave us when you quarterbacked the…”
    The priest was tottering away. Judith heard Bob Randall’s booming voice in reply: “Flynn, eh? Great to meet you. After fifteen years out of the league, you sometimes think nobody remembers…”
    Dr. Bunn had stepped aside as one of the nurses began an IV in Judith’s left hand.