The last file contained the recent updates on other requested information. Shaun Murray was no regular soldier; he left the Air Force as an E-9 Chief Master Sergeant in Intelligence.
Patrick came in smiling. "Austin opened his eyes. To be honest, I didn't expect this. I'm not sure how much he understands, but this is…" His hands opened, palms up. "Keep the visits short; this is a strain on him."
Martin stood in the corner watching the family take turns speaking to Austin. As the evening moved toward the night, Austin's eyes started to track Janey. At his turn, Martin held his hand, "I love you, baby brother." He jumped when Austin squeezed his hand in return. "Aus, squeeze my fingers." Gray eyes similar to his blinked. He teared up when Austin squeezed his hand followed by a not-quite-regulation sign—his middle finger rose.
"Austin, I'm Seth. Can you raise your hand?" Seth, head of the Chase Denver Medical Center, smiled as the former Marine responded to simple questions with sign language.
Martin tousled his hair like he did when they were kids. Able to read his brother's pleading eyes, he broke the news, explaining to Austin he’d been shot five days earlier.
Y?His thumb and pinky pointed up while his three others curled to his palm.
"Not sure." Martin sat beside him.
Janey.Austin's fingers moved with effort.
"She's with Mom, eating and drinking something."
Baby?
"Not yet,"
U help.Austin's heart rate increased.
"Mom, her mom, Mandy, and Livvy plan to come. But if she'll let me, I'll be with her too. I promise."
Austin's motions became frenzied. Alarms sounded.Ur godson.
"Shh, I'll do anything for you. A boy. Godfather? Shit, bro. Wow." He knocked his fist against his heart.
Austin's lids lowered, and he stilled.
Seth called out from his station where he was monitoring the dialysis, "Wrap it up."
Austin's eyes opened.Shot?
"Yes, five days ago."
What?Austin repeated.
"The EMTs found you in a drainage ditch. Elizabeth Reed spent ten hours operating on you."
Austin yanked on Martin's wrist. Martin included how she saved him and what was beginning to happen again between them.
He signed,you two.
"I hope so. I want it to be. I never stopped loving her."
Duh.Austin tremored, and his hand collapsed on the bed.
Martin held up his hand to the two PAs. "I'm going. Janey will be back to say goodnight. Now, close your eyes."
Tears welled up in his eyes, and Austin snatched at Martin's arm.U care her. I die u care.
Martin pulled his hand against his heart. "You aren't going to die."
Martin saw the strange look on his mother's face and the wet spot on Janey's skirt as she waddled in. He quirked his brow, and Fay nodded. "Aus, oh, honey. My water broke," Janey cried.
Austin flailed in an attempt to sit up, but pain and weakness won.I...U...The monitors started shrieking with alarms. Seth and the other PA, Tess, raced to either side of the bed.
