“Well, shit,” I breathed out.
“Jesus, this bastard’s heavy,” Rabbit complained.
Milky was about six-feet-two and probably weighed two-hundred-fifty pounds, so heavy was more than likely an understatement.
The men hoisted Milky onto the table and Doc removed his cut before cutting off his shirt to assess the damage. It looked as though he’d done a rough field dressing, so he washed his hands and pulled on a pair of gloves while I grabbed some sterile instruments and Rabbit strapped Milky down before leaving us.
For the next hour, Doc and I worked in tandem to repair the damage done to Milky’s side. Luckily, it was somewhat through-and-through, but the bullet had shattered a few ribs on its way out of his body which had collapsed a lung.
I did my best to assist Doc, although, the truth was, I wasn’t a nurse. I basically handed him instruments and helped monitor Milky’s vitals.
“I really think one of our guys needs to find a nurse to fuck,” I said, as I handed Doc gauze.
He smiled, never taking his eyes off his task. “I’ll be sure to bring that up at the next all-hands.”
“I would appreciate that. My back is killing me.”
“Why didn’t you say something?” He frowned, meeting my eyes. “Sit down, sweetness. I can take it from here.”
“I’m okay, Tristan.”
“Baby, sit down before you fall down,” he ordered. “I’ve got this.”
I sighed, lowering myself into the chair next to the bed, feeling instant relief as the pressure eased in my spine.
I watched Doc work, finally closing Milky’s wound and covering it with gauze. “I’m gonna need Rabbit again,” he said, and I nodded, removing my gloves and heading out to the great room and walking into total chaos.
“Where is he?” Linda bellowed from the front door. “Goddammit, let me in!”
“Rabbit!” I called. “Let her in. Doc needs your help.”
“She’s banned, Liv,” he argued.
“I’ll take the hit, bud, just let her in.”
Linda rushed in while Rabbit went back to help Doc.
“Where is he?” Linda demanded.
“He’s still in the clinic. Doc’s sewing him up now,” I said.
“I need to see him.”
“You can’t,” I said.
“Are you really going to ban me from seeing him?”
“Not at all. You just can’t see him right now. Let Doc finish up, okay?”
“Please don’t let him kick me out,” she begged, tears streaming down her face.
“You really love him, don’t you?”
“With everything I have,” she whispered.
I wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I’ve got your back, Linda. If Milky wants you here, you’ll be here.”
“You have to promise me, that even if he doesn’t, you’ll let me stay.”
