The woman eyes me warily. She wouldn’t know me. I’m not an emergency doctor, and if I am called in urgently, I’m not coming through the front entrance.
“Are you a relative, ma’am?” she asks politely.
“Did you hear me? Grayson Garrison was just brought in by ambulance. I need to get back there. I’m the… rodeo physician.”
I paused just long enough, knowing just being a freaked-out girlfriend might not be enough if they’re having to do life-saving measures. But I thought for sure the doctor’s card would get me the entrance I needed.
She slowly picks up the phone as if trying to not make any sudden movements. I only lean in closer, eager to speed this up. Gray needs me. I need him.
“Ma’am, give me just a moment. A doctor is coming out.”
Standing straight, I finally notice Tate at my side. Yet my brain is swirling a million miles a minute trying to recall who is on call for the weekend.
And then he appears, and my day gets monumentally worse.
“Ahh, River. I didn’t expect to see you here this weekend.”
“Cut the shit, Bruckner. Gray Garrison.” My swallow hurt as I force it down. " I need to get back there to him.”
“Sorry, can’t do that.”
“Excuse me, you—” Tate’s hand is suddenly on my shoulder.
“Dr. Bruckner, please. Dr. Thompson is the rodeo doctor who was with Gray.”
“And you are, son?” Bruckner stares down his proud nose at Tate. He’s seen Gray, there’s no way he wouldn’t know this is his brother.
“Tate Garrison. I’m Grayson’s elder brother. Will you please let us in.”
Bruckner sighs heavily as if he’s so disappointed with the answer he is above to give.
“Unfortunately, I can’t do that. Your brother has a number of significant injuries and is being taken up to surgery as we speak.”
“For what?” I lunge forward with a snarl.
Bruckner doesn’t even look my way, keeping his eyes trained on Tate’s face. “What is happening?” Tate croaks.
“Your brother has a subdural hematoma, and if we don’t release that blood now, the pressure could become too much.”
“What does that mean?” Tate’s breaths turn ragged.
“It means he could be brain-dead,” I whisper. “Bruckner, let me back there. Now!”
“Sorry, River. You’re not kin. Mr. Garrison, someone will come get you once we have more news about your brother.”
“You inbred asshole,” I growl after Bruckner as he turns away from us. Yet, he doesn’t pause his steps. His rotation is just slow enough that I can see the quirk of his grin before he disappears back behind the badge-protected doors.
If only I’d grabbed my things, I’d have mine here with me too.
Chapter 21
River
Itwassixlonghours before I could see Gray.
Tate was granted access much sooner. His departure, with Joy at his side, leaving me alone in the otherwise empty waiting room.
Only when he reappeared hours later was I given any update.“I told them you’re his wife, so you can go in now,”he’d whispered before wrapping Joy in a tight hug. The two holding one another as if it may be their last.
