Fracture (Unbreakable Bonds 6)

“The bullet went through his chest, and it looks like one of his lungs collapsed because of it. They got it re-inflated, but I think either it collapsed again during surgery or possibly the other one collapsed, because he’s now on a ventilator to help him breathe. There was other internal bleeding, and one of his kidneys has been removed.”

Snow paused again and waited, watching them. Jude could tell there was more, but he felt sure he couldn’t handle what Snow was holding back. Didn’t want to hear the words, but he still found himself nodding for Snow to continue.

“The real concern right now is both spinal damage and brain damage. There was swelling and pressure on his brain. To relieve it, they’ve had to cut a small hole in his skull. There’s also a great deal of swelling on his spinal cord right now. They will have to get the swelling down before they can determine if there’s any permanent damage.”

“Are…are you saying that Jordan could have brain damage? Or even be paralyzed?” Carrick asked. His voice shook as he spoke, and the words came out choked, like he couldn’t imagine any of them being used to describe his brother.

“I’m afraid so, yes.”

But that was also assuming that Jordan made it out of surgery.

Jude closed his eyes, trying to force his brain away from the dark, shadowy things he suspected, like the fact that Snow was possibly sugarcoating even this news.

A nurse would be in the room recording every piece of equipment and drug used. Snow would be able to read that information and know what was happening, almost step by step, as if he were in the room performing the operation. Ashton Frost was one of the best trauma surgeons in the country. He’d undoubtedly been in situations just like the one the doctors found themselves in now. He knew what was happening in that room without being there; Jude was sure of it.

“Who’s in there with my brother?” Jude asked.

“Sanders has the lead. Diaz is on anesthesia while Carter is pulmonary. I saw Broderick has already started entering orders for scans on Jordan’s brain as soon as they get him stabilized out of surgery. They’re all good, Jude. I can vouch for all of them. They’re damn good and will fight to save Jordan’s life.”

It was on the tip of his tongue to say that none of them were Frost. The irrational part of him wanted Snow in that room, taking care of his brother. The irrational part of him screamed that while the others would fight hard, Snow would work miracles to save Jordan. But he knew it wasn’t true. There were limits to what even Snow could accomplish.

“Thank you, Ashton, for finding out for us,” Anna said. Reaching across, Anna wrapped her hand around one of Jude’s and clung to Carrick with her other hand. “We’ve got some good doctors working on Jordan. Let’s ask God to lend a hand as well.”

Jude stared down at his mother’s soft, trembling hand. He wanted to say that he didn’t want to trust his brother’s life to the whims of God. But he knew too well the limitations of man. And he’d take any help they could get to save Jordan’s life.

Oh God, please let my baby brother make it through this.Chapter 3Jude stared at the doctor as he rattled off all the things Snow had already told them. The man’s face was drawn with exhaustion from the hours-long surgery and Jude didn’t miss the slight, bleak look in his eyes. His list didn’t deviate from Snow’s, nor were there any hopeful notes.

“He’s out of surgery,” Dr. Sanders said. “He’s being moved now to a room. The nurses will need at least another hour to get him settled.”

“Will you need to go back in?” Snow asked.

Dr. Sanders sighed and shook his head. “I don’t think so, but we don’t know the full extent of the potential damage to his brain and spine. Dr. Broderick has ordered some scans, but we won’t know much until the swelling starts to go down and Jordan starts coming out of his coma.”

“Thanks, John.”

“How long do you think it will take for him to wake up?” Anna asked.

“The average is a couple of weeks. His injuries are severe, but he is young and healthy, which may help to speed up his recovery, as long as he doesn’t suffer any setbacks. We should know more over the next few days.”

“Thank you,” Anna whispered.

“You should also know that we’ve had to file a report with the police because of the gunshot wound. Some basic information will be provided for the police report. I imagine that a detective will be in contact shortly with more questions.”

Anna let out a fractured cry, pressing her face into Carrick’s shoulder at the mention of the police. It wasn’t enough that his brother was lying in a hospital bed, fighting for his life, but now he was also wrapped up in a police investigation.