Where the WildCats Are

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Glad they were almost to the college that would be their new home for the next few months, Reggie knew his patient wouldn’t admit to hurting. Jessica Henry, Sam’s oldest sister, had sent them packing after Sam uncovered a murder on their quiet, suburban street. Jessica believed in complete order, and Sam’s search for a murderer had upset her world.

“We’re almost at the college. What did your brother say about where we go when we arrive?” He glanced in the rearview mirror and noticed he needed a haircut; his mohawk needed way too much gel to spike it the past few days. I wonder if I can find a good barber in the college town who can handle a mohawk.

Sam pulled out his smartphone and scrolled through his last text message. His brother, Daniel, was a tenured professor at a college near Denver, Colorado. Living in faculty housing provided by the college, his home didn’t have access for a paraplegic. Daniel had made arrangements for Sam and Reggie to stay in an ADA dorm while students were away for summer break.

“He said once we get on West Avenue, we turn onto Marshall Circle and take the second right onto Wildcat Drive. Then, after we pass the gym and football field, we take a sharp right turn, follow that past a large dorm and maintenance building, and then our new home is on the left, Bailey Hall. There should be a big sign.”

“Sounds easy enough. This must be the turn for the college.”

“Yeah.” Sam didn’t speak again. He gripped the arms of his wheelchair, his knuckles turning white. His face was as pale as the white short-sleeved shirt he wore, the only color from a blue silk bow tie.

Positive his patient suffered from another leg cramp, Reggie prayed he’d get him settled in his room to rest soon. I need to find a place where we can do some intense physical therapy for the next few weeks. “Here’s Marshall Circle.” Sam didn’t speak, only grunted. He leaned forward slightly to grab his leg, just below the khaki shorts, Sam’s only concession to the May heat. In a car accident, Sam suffered severe nerve damage, and those nerves often misfired, sending pain signals to his brain. The long car ride from Florida to Colorado, even at the slow pace they traveled across the country, had been difficult with him sleeping on hotel mattresses and little time for therapy. “Wow, that’s a huge stadium.” Reggie kept driving past the gym facilities and hoped it would offer Sam an athletic whirlpool for therapy. Water therapy would help a lot. “Daniel  mentioned  they  have  a  pretty  decent football team.” Holding in a grunt, Sam muttered, He’s not into sports, but shows up occasionally to support his students.”

“That’s nice.” Making the sharp turn, Reggie saw the brand-new dorm sitting up on a hill surrounded by trees. Moving forward, he followed the signs for Bailey Hall. When he saw the building, his jaw dropped. “Um, Sam, this is where we’re staying?”

“Looks like it.” Sam leaned forward, sucking in air after movement caused painful spasms. “It says Bailey Hall.”

“It’s the complete opposite of the new dorm they just built.”

“Yeah…” Sam didn’t speak again as he rubbed his leg. Noticing the man looked a little green, Reggie pulled into the closest handicap space and parked. “Do you know how we’re going to get inside?”

“No.”

Reggie got out of the van and stretched his legs while looking around. The dorm looked old, not nearly as nice as the first one up the street. “I’ve slept in worse.”

“Are you Reggie Lowes?”

Reggie turned to see a tall, blonde teen in dark green shorts and a GO WILDCATS t-shirt.

“I’m Reggie. And you are?”

“I’m Kasey, Kasey Hunt.” She held out a hand. “Professor Daniel sent me to help you get into the dorm. He’s in a meeting with the dean until lunchtime.”

“Hello, Kasey. Thank you.”

She stared, making him nervous. He glanced down at the board shorts and navy tank he wore, because the van felt so hot and stuffy. I didn’t think anyone would care about the tattoos at a college campus.

After a moment, she grinned, leaning back on her heels. “Cool tatts.”

“Thanks.”

When Sam had still not gotten out of the van, Reggie peered into the window to see him moving slowly to the lift.

“Um, I’d like to get Sam settled as quickly as possible.

He’s been having leg cramps from the long trip.”

Kasey frowned. “I thought Professor Daniel said the car accident left him paralyzed.” She blushed, looking down at her hot pink tennis shoes. “Sorry, my mom says I can be rather tactless.”

“It’s okay, it’s a question I hear a lot as a therapist.”

Turning to face the young woman, he smiled as he explained. “People are often surprised to find that paraplegics can experience leg pain. It’s just the body sending false signals to the brain.”

“Oh.” She didn’t ask anymore as Sam came around the corner of the van.

“Who’s this?” Sam growled.

“Sam, be nice.” Reggie hissed. “This is Kasey, who’s showing us our new home for the summer.”

“He’s extra grumpy from the pain,” Reggie whispered, opening the side door of the van. Grabbing a bag, he asked, “Where do we go?”

Rocking on her heels, Kasey dug in her shorts pocket. “Well, I have your badges and keys. The badges let you into the building and the key to your little suite. I asked Professor Daniel why he didn’t want you two in the new dorm, but he said it didn’t have suites with kitchens and you two wouldn’t want to eat out every meal.”

“I hate cafeteria food,” Sam muttered.

“The dining hall isn’t open this summer. They’re working on upgrading the space, and it’s closed since most of the students are gone. Only a few are taking classes or staying for jobs, like me. The college has a lot of construction going on right now.”

“You go here?” Reggie followed her down the path to a large brick building.

“Yes! Technically, it’s my first year at the college, but I’m almost a junior in credits. My mom works here, my uncle’s the president of the college, and my dad heads up security on campus.”

“So, you’re familiar with the college.”

“Yeah, I know all there is to know around here.” Stopping at the large doorway, Kasey swiped her card. “You can enter here and a few of the side doors around the building. All have swipe access.”

Reggie held back for Sam to pass first, he grunted as he wheeled himself by.

“The floors are divided up with odd floors for guys, even floors for girls.”

“It’s co-ed?”

“Some of the dorms are for now. They’re building more, but it’s a slow process. For the summer, only this dorm and the new freshman dorm are open, with a handful of students. Most are staying in the freshman dorm because it’s newer.” She paused, thinking. “I believe the only students living here are several seniors who have internships. It should be pretty quiet.”

Muttering about loud parties, Sam glanced around the lobby of the dorm. He noticed a faint scent of bleach and dated furnishings in decent shape, considering wild college kids live here. “Where’s our room?”

“Your suites are this way. All the way at the end, but it’s the biggest one with the best view. I picked it out when Professor Daniel had me set this up for you. I’m assigned to work mainly in the Fulton campus center with the residence hall director this summer, but I help wherever needed.” She rolled her eyes. “It let me stay on campus and not move back home with my mother.”

“You and your mother don’t get along?” Reggie asked, following her down a long corridor.

“She keeps nagging me to pick a major, but I just can’t decide. There are too many things I want to do.”

Reggie chuckled. She’s got time to decide. I know not everyone knows what to do with their life at eighteen, like I did.

“Here you go. This is suite D; it has two rooms with your own separate bathrooms. A living room and dining room with a decent galley-style kitchen.”

Using the key to unlock the door, she stepped in and flung her arms out. “It’s pretty nice. Only seniors get to have suites like this unless they’re in a wheelchair like Mr. Sunday.” She froze. “Oops.”

“It’s okay.” Reggie looked around the suite and was pleased that it felt big and airy. “It’s a nice place.”

“I can tell you where to get groceries and stuff. There’s a farmers’ market on Saturdays during the summer, which is a great place to get fresh vegetables and homemade pies.” “I’d like that. I do all the cooking because Sam doesn’t like to cook.” Looking for his patient, Reggie worried over Sam’s silence during Kasey’s quick tour, but noticed he didn’t stick around to listen.

He walked to the first bedroom to find Sam asleep on a bed without any sheets. His hand was lying on his shirt pocket.

Kasey peered around the door, whispering, “Is he okay?”

“Yeah, just tired. It’s a good thing. I can unpack and get stuff settled while he rests. I’ll make the bed a bit later.”

“I can help you. I don’t have anything else to do today.” “Thanks. We don’t have too much to bring in.” He moved to close the door to Sam’s bedroom. Walking back to the living area, he slapped his forehead. “Oh no, I forgot the cats. They’re in the van.” “Cats?”

“Yes, JB and Nancy, Sam’s cats. They’ve actually been pretty good travelers, but I don’t want to leave them in a hot van.” Running outside with Kasey hot on his heels, he slid the door open, grinning at both cats sound asleep.

Kasey moved closer and smiled. “They’re pretty. Which is which?”

“The calico is JB, she’s friendly but an escape artist. You won’t believe the trouble she’s gotten me into. The black cat is Nancy. She’s more aloof and reserved.”

“Interesting names. Did Sam name them?”

“No,” Reggie shook his head. “Sam’s late wife, Sophie, named them after her favorite sleuths. JB is for JB Fletcher, of the Murder, She Wrote series, and Nancy from…”

“Nancy Drew.”

“Yep.” Reggie grabbed the two crates and motioned toward the back. “There’s a big, rolling suitcase with all of their stuff. We’ve got a container arriving on Monday with the bigger things like the cat tree, a few pieces of furniture, Sam’s books, and puzzles.”

After grabbing the suitcase, Kasey wheeled it behind her, following the tall, handsome guy with a mohawk and tattoos. Mom would freak if I brought him home for dinner, but he’s hot.

The two spent the next two hours unloading the van and setting up the new home. Kasey chatted the whole time, but Reggie liked the company after being stuck in a van with only a grumpy, mostly silent patient and two meowing cats.

Once the van had been unpacked, Reggie sent Kasey home for dinner and moved to get Sam more comfortable in his room. Making the bed while Sam used the bathroom, Reggie knew he needed to reach out to Sam’s brother about physical therapy facilities. One of the reasons he’d been hired was his ability to handle Sam’s therapy wherever they traveled. That and play chess…

Not used to a quiet patient, Reggie missed the grumpy, fussing guy he’d gotten to know in only a few short months. Has it really only been since March that we’ve known each other? Going back into the living room, Reggie made a grocery list and a to-do list for when the rest of their things arrived. Since it seemed Sam planned to sleep the rest of the evening with no chance for a game of chess tonight, Reggie got out his most recent novel and decided he’d also have an early night after he read a few chapters.

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