Page 28 of One Last Shot
Problem was, he needed the money. Because the lawsuit had cost him. He’d cleaned out his savings and liquidated property.
Felt like he’d given the jerk a piece of his soul.
He got on the elevator and headed back upstairs.
The code’s siren blared down the hallway as he got out, and he spotted a doctor pushing into the ICU. A nurse stood with Seraphina and the family, holding them back.
Seraphina pressed her hands over her mouth, maybe stifling a scream. Jasmine had shrunk to the ground, weeping, and Liam stood by the window, his hands deep in his pockets, such a grim look on his face?—
“What happened?” He addressed the question to the nurse at the desk.
“Code blue,” she said and put down the phone. “Youcan’t be up here.”
“I’m with the family,” he said and ignored her, heading toward them.
This time he put down the coffee and the bag before Seraphina launched herself at him. He held her, his gaze going to Liam, who turned away.
Please, God, don’t let Mike die. Could be a futile prayer, but he didn’t care. He had nowhere else to turn.
Seraphina pushed away, crouched down next to Jasmine and pulled her into her arms.
Oaken walked over to Liam.
The kid didn’t look at him.
Silence, save for Jasmine, softly crying. Someone had turned off the alarm, and he hoped that meant something good.
The door opened and a nurse walked out. She stopped and crouched in front of Seraphina and Jasmine.
“We got him back.”
Seraphina covered her face with her hands.
The nurse patted her arm. “No visitors for a while, though. Get some rest.”
She got up and walked away, leaving Seraphina and her daughter in the middle of the hallway.
Oaken walked over. “C’mon. I brought coffee and food.” He reached down and helped Jasmine up, then Seraphina. Fetched the coffee and donuts, then led the family to the waiting-room sofa. Set the goodies on the table.
“I have glazed raised, and they’re hot.”
He got a slim smile from Liam.
Jasmine ate hers, tears still streaming down her face.
Seraphina pulled her legs up on the sofa, cradling the coffee cup. “This is so nice of you, Oaken.”
He looked at her. “Listen. I know what it’s like to wait and hope and pray that someone you love survives. I’m so sorry I couldn’t get help faster.”
“Reynolds said you nearly died getting help.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.” He took a sip of coffee. “Mike is the hero—I read his survival book before jumping on that chopper with him. Thought I’d impress him. Turns out it saved us both.”
She nodded at his chin wound. “Bear attack?” Then she smiled.
“Yep.” He smiled back.
Hers faltered, just a little. “I can’t imagine our life without Mike. He’s... everything.” She swallowed. “And now, even if he survives, I’m not sure how we’re going to pay for it.”