“Okay, stay at my place. Bruce, Kyle and Rich are staying there too. I’ve got the rest of my senior executives staying on the twenty-seventh floor. Medical is staying. Two Eagle’s Talon at the hospital, one here, one at each warehouse. Level-one, -two and -three battalions dispersed along our assets within our ten states. All our assets are evacuating as per the same plans here.”
“What do you need me to do?” Mike asked.
“I’m exhausted. Can you take control for a few hours?” Kip couldn’t suppress his yawn.
“I’ve got it. I assume I’ll find you in Harper’s room?” Mike chuckled.
“Roger.”
* * *
Kip steppedout onto their inpatient floor to find Kyle pacing. “You’re supposed to be sleeping. What’s going on?”
“I’m waiting to hear. Tuck is still in there. I hate this. What am I doing? I mean, we decided to keep things between us light. I’m here temporarily, and she’s having a baby,” Kyle rambled.
“And plans are never perfect,” he repeated Mike’s words. “She bored her way into your heart, and it’s not a voodoo spell. What do you want?”
“It was fun at Le Saphir. Until I put my hand on her belly. Shit, that tiny kick. And then, I stole lunch with her when you went suit-buying. A kiss…well…” He exhaled. “I don’t want things to end before they start.”
“Bro, look at me. Come with me.” He pushed Kyle into an empty patient room. “Say a prayer with me.”
Kyle took a shuddering breath. “It’s been so long.”
“Doesn’t mean you forget.” Kip closed his eyes and spoke the words to a prayer for healing. Kyle joined him after the first words. “Almighty and eternal God, the everlasting salvation of those who believe, hear us on behalf of Thy sick servants, Harper and Chantal, for whom we implore the aid of Thy pitying mercy, that, with their bodily health restored, they may render thanks to Thee in Thy Church. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.”He crossed himself and opened his eyes.
Kyle swallowed hard. “Thanks.”
“You’re exhausted. Mike knows where we are. Lie down. As soon as Tuck comes out, I’ll have him find you.”
“Thanks.”
Kip watched Kyle collapse on the bed.
* * *
Kip was aboutto slide the glass door open to Harper’s room when a familiar face approached.
“Chase Medical doesn’t let grass grow under your feet.” PA Tim Holland extended his hand. “When Seton told us what was going on, Troy said you could use a hand. I brought an entire team.” Tim Holland was recently appointed DCO of Chase Medical-San Diego.
“Holland, good to see you. How is she?” Kip looked through the glass.
“She hasn’t awakened yet. I wish I could share more.”
“Have you heard anything about Chantal?” Kip asked. “And the baby?”
“I can tell you this much: she’s two doors down from Harper. No labor and Tuck is in contact with an OB in DC. They’re getting her BP down. Um, I wasn’t aware Coop was seeing someone,” Tim said.
“It’s complicated. I’ve got air med on standby. Keep me posted,” Kip asked.
“I’ll let Tuck know, but I think she’s too precarious to fly. I can tell you, Kodi will be airborne in an hour. We decided to send him to Beth in DC.”
“Good. What do I tell Harper about Chantal?” Kip wondered.
“We need to see what her mental status is when she wakes up.”
Kip pressed his shoulders back. “Got it.”
“Stay with her as long as you want. There’s a blanket and pillow on the recliner. I’ll be here all night,” Tim said.
