“I’m sorry I’m late.” He slid into the passenger seat. “Was in surgery most of the night, we had new patients airlifted in and—”“It’s okay.” Eli stopped him with a hand on his leg. “Ease up. You had to work, you couldn’t get leave first thing this morning. We’re good.”Of course Eli understood. Their time wasn’t always their own. They had to file requests, get approval, and if they heard the word no, they had to accept it. The chief approved his leave for Saturday and Sunday, but he had to report for duty by ten in the morning on Monday.“I know you wanted to leave earlier.” The fact that he hadn’t been able to get out of the hospital frustrated him, but his patient lived. Exhaustion nibbled at him. He’d managed a two-hour nap before rounds. Thankfully, his three surgeries went like clockwork and right on schedule.“It happens. Not like we haven’t had delays before.” Eli turned out of the hospital parking lot and they were on their way to the turnpike.
