Читать книгу Triple Double - James Lewis - Страница 21

*****

Isabel was given clearance into intensive care. Her parents waited in the visitor room. Isabel gasped when she saw how extensive the injuries appeared. Abron’s eyes slowly came alive when he saw her. But there was no movement other than that. As she drew nearer, Dr. Marsh entered, nodded to Isabel, and asked his patient if he had regained any more feeling and/or movement in his arms and legs.

Softly, Abron answered, gutting out a “Yes.”

“Can I speak to you in front of the young lady?” asked Dr. Marsh.

Izzy said, “I was just leaving.”

Abron spoke, whispering “Stay.” She sat down.

Dr. Marsh began. “The bullet missed your vital organs but nipped an artery, which we repaired. The artery opening was small enough that we were able to use a stent device to repair it. Your downtime should be no more than four weeks. But I caution you, its four weeks before you can leave the hospital. That doesn’t include rehab and rest. Your neck and head are far more serious. We had to truss you up in that headgear to give your neck bone time to repair itself. Fortunately, the crack was small and should knit enough to lose the headgear in that same four-week period. This type of break could have been much more serious if your detective friend hadn’t stabilized your head and neck when he found you.

“The MRI results on your skull show a crack. Our team had to drill holes on both sides of your brain cavity to drain fluids that were causing pressure buildup, giving you those monster headaches. You’ll need several more MRIs and a CAT scan or two before we’re through with you. We can’t diagnose the full extent of your concussion. Only time will tell.”

“Crippled?” Abron asked.

“No, in three or four months you’ll be good as new physically. Mentally, we have to wait and see. By the way,” the doctor said with a poorly disguised wink to Izzy, “some of the nurses are wondering who your personal trainer is. It seems you’ve attracted some volunteers among our nursing staff.” Abron got it. So did Isabel sitting quietly nearby. “Get some rest, and keep your calorie count up. I’ll check on you tomorrow.”

“Thanks,” Abron muttered.

Dr. Marsh left the room, and Isabel said, “I’m glad I got to see and officially meet you while you’re bedridden. Will I need to ask all these nurses if I need an appointment next time?” She smiled.

Abron replied, “See me.”

Isabel Davis then stated, “When I lose the crutches, it’ll be you who can’t catch up with me.” Abron grinned as best he could. She added, “You now know where I work, both jobs. You also know where I attend school. If you can’t find me, ask a detective.” Before he could reply, Isabel asked, “May I visit you tomorrow?”

Izzy’s parents were awestruck. This was the first time their daughter had shown any meaningful interest in a man. As the three departed the hospital, Isabel’s mom asked, “May I drive you back here tomorrow? And can you introduce me to this mystery hunk?”

“Please, Mom, and yes, tomorrow.” Izzy didn’t know if it was maternal, her need to help the injured, or (and she thought for a minute) “love.” Then she told Grace, “I can’t get enough of him. Just being around that guy makes me happy. I know he looked distorted, lying there. But he is a very handsome man. I can’t believe I could fall for an overgrown policeman that told me he was in forensics, and that’s all I know of him.” Never having had this experience before, she wondered what to do about it. “Mom, would you have Dad do one of his famous searches to find out more about Abron? I think he might be worth it, but I don’t want any surprises! He mentioned the Marine corps and college, which would make him several years older than me. He’s had plenty of time to be married, have kids, murder someone, or maybe my intuition is telling me the truth. He’s witty, smart, handsome, sexy, and available.”

On the drive home, Izzy asked, “Would you stop at that bookstore for a few minutes?” As her parents waited outside, she bought a book for Abron.