"Try to rest."
Martin turned off the recorder. "Damn it. Find McAllister—I don't want him to take a pee without us knowing." He blew out a breath. "Tighe, find out if Tonette is able to be moved. I want her in protective custody—anywhere but here. Ask her if she'll agree to a paternity test and find out at what stage we can do one."
Chapter Twenty-One
Shaun and Martin sat with Austin, who crowed about his son, "He's changing every minute." Janey Skyped with him earlier, and he glowed at the memory.
Martin was pleased Austin seemed clearer. "You'll be home with him soon. Keep doing what you're doing."
Tate Webster knocked. "Can I join you?"
"I'll leave if you need me to." Shaun started to stand.
Martin pressed his lips together. "Shaun, stay."
"Got the background back on the Reverend. He's clean. Hates women doctors. He’s just a bit off, has a history of words with women in general, in particular, women in authority. Personal history, mommy issues.
"Silverton Jail contracts with Horizon for medical care. Their recordkeeping is piss poor. Residents sign up in the ER to earn some cash moonlighting. We’re trying other angles to track down who worked and when," Tate said, focused on his boss.
Martin moved to sit beside his brother and placed his hand on his. "Aus, I promised you answers. After you were shot, a CO committed suicide. We searched his house and recovered a receipt from Wal-Mart for a burner phone and a loaded M-16. Ballistics on the weapon made a partial match to the fragments found inside you."
Shaun unfurled his friend's clenched fist. "I'm sorry, Austin." They sat in silence for a bit, letting Austin digest the news. "Brother, how about some TV? Maybe we can find cartoons."
The TV screen filled with a shot of Talbot Reed standing at a lectern. "When your child is charged with a heinous crime, you go through all the emotions, from wondering where you failed as a parent to making the acceptance that you did nothing wrong. Elizabeth was loved from the second she was born. Her mother and I gave her the best in life. Six months ago, I lost my beloved wife, Alma, and Elizabeth lost her mother. Despite numerous attempts to help her, Elizabeth never recovered from the tragic loss. My deepest condolences go out to the families of the dead and those injured in these senseless crimes. I request privacy for Elizabeth and our family. I plan on supporting my daughter through the mental health and legal system."
Martin's throat felt tight. "Aus, I... I…" He fled the room.
Kenny, Bravo team's medic, was sitting beside Lola's isolette in the pediatric intensive care unit. Dana Williamson, a Chase nurse from DC, sat nearby. Kenny stood when Martin walked in. "She's doing well."
"Thanks, Kenny. Hi, Dana. Hey, Daddy’s angel." The suction on the porthole hatch released to let him touch Lola. Even through the glove, the warmth of her body dissipated the tension tightening across his shoulders.
"Mr. Bailey, I'm Dr. Choudhury. She is a strong little one. She's making urine, and her blood counts are rising. Would you like to see the surgery site?"
"Yes. I need to learn how to care for her." He took a deep breath. Lola remained under heavy sedation, her eyes taped closed and her breathing set to the rhythm of the ventilator.
Indira exposed the wound. "Dr. Bey disconnected her small intestine from the dead piece. She brought the healthy tip through the skin. As you can see, it is a small red fleshy circle. Her diaper rash is also resolving. We will continue Dr. Bey's prescribed course. Can I answer any questions?"
"I'm a little overwhelmed. My priority is she doesn’t feel any pain." His eyes crinkled.
"We will do our best to stay on top of that. Mr. Bailey, I understand you are single and her adoptive father. Is that true?"
"Yes. But I don't intend to be single for long. Is that a problem?"
"Problem? It can be one. Fragile babies require diligent care. The learning curve is quite steep."
"Doctor, I can assure you: Lola will not want for love and care. Kenny, go grab a bite. Dana and I'll be here." He sent a quick text to his mom.
Fay Bailey stepped inside the small room. She took a nervous breath at the sight of the tiny baby. As she got closer, the cardboard nameplate reading “Lola Bailey” came into view. "Mom, I want you to meet your newest granddaughter."
Fay refused to sit in the rocker. "She's the baby from the fire? You stay seated. Rest that leg."
"I couldn't let her go. I hope you and Dad aren't angry that I didn't tell you."
Fay bent over and pulled Martin against her body. "How can I be angry? What you’re doing is a blessing. Tell me what's going on with Lola, and what can I do?"
Martin explained Lola's surgery. "Don't go nuts buying things, Mom. Dr. Bey warned me she is still critical." His mother was going to disregard everything he asked.
"Marty, you spend your life making decisions. This is no different than any of the others. Your brain and gut serve you well." Fay's eyes roamed from Lola to her son. "Most of the time, I stay quiet, but I need to ask you. You didn't adopt her as a replacement for Grace?"
