Date: February 01, 2005
Time: 1000 hours
Location: Post 7 HQ
Quinn had finished processing the man that stole the luxury vehicle and was getting ready to head back out on patrol when he received a phone call on his cell phone.
"This is Quinn," he responded methodically.
"Daddy," the voice said quietly.
"Sam? Are you alright?"
"No. I don't feel good. Could you come pick me up?"
"Yeah, I'm at HQ, though, so it will take me a little bit."
"Ok," she said softly. "Thank you."
Quinn hung up the phone and pulled his radio from his shoulder.
+574 to Dispatch+
+Go ahead+
+574 will be 10-10 for two hours+
+10-4 574. Contact when 10-7+
+10-4+
Quinn knew that he could just walk down to Dispatch and let them know, but he wanted to get on the road as soon as possible. He also was wondering why Sam was sick now, when she had shown no signs of illness this morning.
*****
It took Quinn half and hour to reach the school - he wasn't going to use his siren, that would be cheating. After parking in the special "Police Only" parking space, Quinn walked into the Principal's Office and notified them of why he was there.
"Yes, Mr. Hathaway," the secretary stated. "Your daughter is in the Nurse's Office, across the hall. The nurse should be able to tell you what is wrong with your daughter."
"Thank you," Quinn replied and started to walk across the hall.
The principal, who had not been in the main office, saw Quinn exit and was a little worried. "Officer," he said, increasing his gait to catch Quinn before he entered the Nurse's Office.
"Officer, I don't think that this situation warrants police interference. I told our School Security that they could handle it themselves."
"I'm sorry," Quinn started, generally confused. "I'm here to pick up my daughter. She's not feeling well."
"Oh, I'm sorry," the principal apologized. "Don't let me keep you any longer." The principal turned toward his own office door and walked away.
"Sir?" Quinn stopped him. "What it this situation, as you called it?"
"It's just several students have been caught fighting. We are not sure why, but we are investigating and we are also suspending those students that are involved."
"Sounds like you have it under control right now. If you have a problem, contact the FSP. And ask for me. My name is Quinn Hathaway."
Quinn extended his hand. "Thank you. I'm Doug Jackson."
"Nice to meet you sir, but if you don't mind, I'd like to see my daughter."
"Of course," the principal answered. "Right through that door and you'll find the nurse. Nice speaking with you."
Quinn nodded, but turned toward the door and opened it. Inside, he saw a few chairs with a couple of students and an older woman, about his mother's age, sitting behind a desk.
"Are you the nurse?" he asked sheepishly.
"Yes, how can I help you?" she responded sweetly.
"My daughter, Samantha Hathaway, is here. She called and asked me to pick her up."
"Oh yes," she said and stood up. "Follow me, she's right back here. I think she may be asleep."
Quinn lightly grabbed the woman's arm and stopped her. "Can you tell me why she is sick?"
"She didn't tell you? No, of course she wouldn't." Quinn looked puzzled. "She had her first period. She was scared and she started to have a lot of cramps. They should go away in a couple of days. I gave her some medicine to help with the pain."
Quinn was now in total shock. He knew that someday his daughter would grow up and things like this would happen. However, he wasn't ready for that yet. No matter, the time had come and his little girl was no longer little. Quinn stepped into the small room and saw his daughter laying down. He sat at the foot of the bed and spoke quietly.
"Sam, honey. It's time to go. We're going home."
"Thanks, daddy," she said quietly.
Quinn helped his daughter up and to the front of the Nurse's Office. Signing the proper papers, he walked slowly out to his car with Sam holding on tight to his waist.
After getting into the car, Quinn chose not to address the situation because he felt awkward. Instead, he chose to drive to their house without a word. Sam did say one thing, "Thanks for coming to pick me up and not asking why you needed to."
Quinn smiled back at the girl and made no response. Arriving at their house, Quinn assisted Sam into the living room and onto the sofa.
"I have to go back to work. Call me if there is a real problem. You have the medicine from the nurse, you have water, and there is soup in cupboard. Try to sleep. I'll be home when I can."
"Thanks, daddy. I love you."
Quinn gave his daughter a hug and whispered "I love you," back. He quietly left the house and back to his vehicle. He took the radio from its resting cradle and contacted Dispatch.
+574 is 10-7+
+10-4 574+
Trooper Quinn Hathaway
Florida State Police
Post 7, Sector 2
