I close my eyes. The doctor thinks he’s a complete. He doesn’t need to voice it out loud for me to know. I speak Doctor well.
“When will we know more?”
“I want to give his body time to recuperate. At least three days before we start running more tests. Our bodies have amazing responses, and they’ll produce pretty fantastic pain blockers that can also be affecting his ability to feel. That’s where we are on that front. He’s going to need surgery immediately to repair the broken femurs, tibias, and a displaced hip. We’ll also be addressing the spine, clearing out the fragments and repairing the broken bones. He was lucky the tires avoided his chest. We’ll begin the operation shortly, and the goal will be to keep him pain free and monitored until we think he’s strong enough for additional testing. I wanted to let you know what was going on before we began surgery.”
“Do what you have to do, Doc,” Stone says.
“I’ll see you in about six to seven hours once we’re done. They’re prepping him now and getting him sedated. The sooner we get this sorted, the quicker his recovery can begin.”
***
It’s incredible how swiftly life can fall apart. One single event started a Domino effect. I’m sitting in a plastic chair with my knees drawn and my brain full. I have to get the house ready for rehabilitation for Jagger. Regardless of the final outcome, he’s going to need a lot of therapy, and given his personality and the club, private in-house care would be the best route. Despite the tests they run in three days, it could take up to six months or even a year to know if walking will ever be a possibility.
I’ve seen enough miracles to know hard work and determination can make the impossible happen, but it’s not a guarantee, so getting his hopes up too high could be the kiss of death. I envy the others. Their lack of knowledge prevents them from over analyzing everything. Jagger’s first response to adversity is to flee. How can he do that with his wings clipped? I’m terrified of his response to this.
I’m also exhausted. My eyes feel like they’re full of sandpaper and my heart is heavy. This is all because of me. Brooks is a cancer that continues to grow in all areas o
f my life. Detective Russel called. They’d apprehended her at the hospital. She’s under Police watch, and they want me to come down to the station tomorrow for a line-up. It’s a nice thought, but I can’t help but think her money is going to get her out of the harsh sentence she deserves, especially once they bring the Motorcycle club into things in court. Court. My stomach sours. The last thing I want to do is be subjected to that type of scrutiny again. Whatever I did in my past life to deserve this, I’m sorry. Please cut me a break, God.
I glance up and blink as the doctor walks out in garish puke green scrubs. A fine sheen of sweat covers his forehead and darkens his blond hair. My heart pounds in my chest as I stand and sway. Stone grabs me, steadying me.
“You okay?”
“I’ll let you know once he talks.”
We walk over to Doctor Simmons together.
“It was a textbook surgery. I think everything will mend well. He’s got health and youth on his side.”
“Can we see him?”
“Yes, but only for a short while. His body has been through a lot, and he needs his rest.”
“I – I understand,” I say quietly.
“Can’t she stay here with him, Doc?” Stone asks.
He narrows his gaze.
“I understand he needs rest more than most people. I just don’t want him to wake up alone after that.”
He nods his head. “I’ll have the nurses bring in a cot.”
“Thank you, Doctor.”
“You, however, Sir.”
“Call me Stone, Doc.”
“You Stone, a few minutes, and then you need to let him rest.”
“Understood. Thank you for taking care of him for us.”
“We’re going to do everything we can to give him the best life he can possibly have after this. When he’s situated in the room, the nurse will come and bring you back.”
As he disappears down the hallway, I have to ask the words burning my brain.
“Was what Warp said true?”