Claiming the Enemy: Dustin (Porter Brothers Trilogy 3)

This time, it wasn’t Greer who interrupted the doctor; it was Tate.

“Dustin knew something was wrong with him?” he asked gruffly.

The doctor nodded. “We found the brain tumor early this past summer when he had to get a physical. We started chemotherapy immediately, as well as Prednisone. He didn’t want to take it, because he thought that when Greer returned from his vacation, he would be cured. Dustin didn’t want to discuss your gift, but when I put pressure on him to start the medication, he told me. I also assured him that I would not discuss anything he told me, or I would lose my license. Nor would I even if I could.

“I can understand your desire for secrecy. Nothing he told me was a surprise. I had my suspicions when Logan and Holly were brought in. And I have to admit that I asked for Greer’s help then, which he was quick to tell me no. But when we found the tumor, Dustin went into detail. I talked him into taking the treatment until Greer got back, and when he came back and saw the shape he was in, we continued with the treatment, hoping that Greer would regain his strength before the tumor progressed too far.”

The doctor moved his eyes to Rachel. “He also told me that you share the same gift as Greer, but to a lesser degree. But he didn’t want you to help because you’re pregnant.”

“We don’t have to keep jabbering. I can heal my brother—”

“No, Greer, you can’t. I’m also your doctor, and I know that, physically, you’re not able to save your brother without killing yourself.

“Dustin has regained consciousness. He has maybe a week. His tumor is fast growing. I will do what I can to make his passing as painless as possible. The staff is moving him into a private room in the ICU. Once he’s situated and comfortable, family members will be allowed inside. I’m sorry to add, all except Rachel and Greer. These are his instructions, and he asked me to see that they are followed.

“I wish I had better news for you. I’m sorry. I truly wish I could have done more.

“Rachel, Dustin asked me to tell you that he loves you, but that the reason he asked you aren’t allowed in his room is because he doesn’t think you will be able to stop yourself from trying to heal him, even at the risk of losing your child, so he took the decision out of your hands.

“Tate, he said to tell you that you know where he keeps his spare office keys, and in the locked drawer of his desk, he has a letter for each of you, detailing his wishes.

“Greer, Dustin knows you’re not going to abide by his wishes, so he asked me to make sure you do. That was why I talked to Knox outside. Dustin will have around-the-clock security, ensuring you stay at least twenty feet away from him at all times.”

Dr. Price stood. “Miss Hayes, Dustin asked to see you first. I’ll send a nurse to escort you when he’s ready.”

When he left, Jessie sat numbly, taking in everything the doctor said.

All his family members looked shell-shocked. All except Greer.

“When I get ahold of him, I’m going fix him, then whip his fucking ass!”

“Greer ….” Holly tried to touch her husband’s arm.

“No, my brother isn’t going to die. Not in a week, or a month, not even next year. My baby brother is not going to die on my watch.”

Jessie buried her face in her hands, crying, but then she looked up when she felt a touch on her arm.

Rachel took her hand, crying as hard as her. “We’re not going to let him die.”

Rachel’s declaration didn’t make her feel better. It just made the terrible situation worse.

She was reaching for a tissue when the nurse came for her.

“Miss Hayes? I’m here to show you to Mr. Porter’s room. You can stay ten minutes before we switch and let another member inside. The rest of you can come with me. I’ll escort you to the ICU’s waiting room. You’ll be more comfortable there.”

They followed the nurse, going down the long corridor before turning a corner and entering a room that had a sign on the door stating it was a waiting room for the ICU.

The room had more comfortable-looking chairs than the other waiting area; they looked like recliners that visitors could sleep on. There was a table to the side that held snacks, a coffeepot, and paper cups.

None of them made to touch the contents of the table or take a chair. They were too busy staring at Knox and two of his deputies, who were posted at the end of the large room.

“Miss Hayes, I’m going to make sure that Dustin is still stable enough to see you. I’ll be right back.”