Page 88 of Broken Wheels

Dr. James’s smile widened. “He’s going to be okay. He’ll be with us for a few days, five at the most, on a course of IV antibiotics. Once the amount of drainage is down to almost nothing, we’ll remove the flat rubber drain, and he can go home with a supply of pain meds and more antibiotics. We’ll want to see him again about a month after that to check on his kidney function and remove the tube. After that, we’re talking regular visits to his doctor to check on his progress.”

Dix swore they all heaved a simultaneous sigh of relief.

“What’s the recuperation time?” he asked.

“That’s a good question, Dix,” Michael murmured.

Dix felt for Michael, because right then, he was likely having flashbacks of Gary being in the hospital, except he’d been on the verge of death. A line he crossed more than once.

Dix wasn’t sure he could handle Doc being in that position.

“No lifting anything heavier than five pounds while the drains are in. The discomfort will keep him honest in that regard. The nurses are going to have him out of bed first thing in the morning and walking in the halls by afternoon.”

And I’ll be the one who’s walking with him. Dix would make sure of that.

“That fast?” Gary asked.

Dr. James nodded. “Bedrest 24/7 is not his friend. We want to prevent pneumonia, and the best way to do that is short walks around the hospital. We’ll make future recommendations when we see him again. He’s going to be fine, but it’s going to take some time, and we’ll need to keep an eye on him going forward.”

“Thank you, Dr. James.” Gary shook his hand again. “When can we see him?”

“Once he’s awake and I’ve checked on his progress.” He nodded to the others before walking away.

Dix shuddered out a long breath as he sank back onto the chair. “Thank God for that.”

“What he said.” Chalmers’s phone buzzed, and he peered at the screen with a frown. “Damn.” He pocketed it. “Mr. Cross, I have to go now, but will you please keep me informed on Josh’s status?”

Gary nodded. “Sure.”

“Just so you know? I’ll be requesting that the bullet be sent to us for analysis.”

Dix blinked. “You think that’s such a good idea?”

Chalmers scowled. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

Dix wasn’t about to back off. “It means I have visions of it disappearing into some deep FBI evidence locker, never to be seen again. Because something sure doesn’t smell right about this whole business.”

Chalmers stared at him. “Give me a little credit, why don’t you? I’m planning on standing right there during the tests, because quite frankly, I’ve got my own suspicions now.” He narrowed his gaze. “I want to get the guy who did this just as much as you do.” He bit his lip. “I think we’ve been down this particular road already today.” He held out his hand to Dix. “Take care of him, okay?”

Dix shook it. “I intend to.”

“Before I go… I’m going to inform those working at the front desk that there is no patient named Josh Malone in this hospital.” Chalmers glanced at the three of them. “Just in case someone comes checking.”

He watched as Chalmers exited the waiting room.

“You’re lucky he didn’t have you hauled out of here,” Michael muttered.

The same thought had occurred to Dix.

“I’m going to camp out by Doc’s door until they let me in,” he told them.

Gary smiled. “Then we’ll camp out with you.”

Chalmers’s words had struck a chord.

“After you set up some security here. Chalmers was right.” Dix met Gary’s gaze. “If I were the enemy, I’d want to make sure my quarry was dead. And if he wasn’t, then I’d be here to finish the job.”

Josh opened his eyes, aware of pain, a dull constant ache.