“You’ll live.” Iona raised the head of the bed slowly, then held the straw steady for him to sip water. “The doctor should be here any time to give us a report on your surgery.”
Fun. Not. He turned his head to show he was finished with the water for now. “Thanks.”
Grant, who’d been watching the activity outside Elias’ cubicle, straightened. “The boss is here.”
Not surprising. When one of his operatives was injured, he came to check on them personally and help with security.
When Iona loosened her grip on his hand, he refused to let go. For now, he held on tight. Soon, he’d have to let go of her permanently for her own safety.
She looked at him, curiosity in her eyes.
Brent Maddox, the Fortress Security CEO, arrived, preventing Iona from asking him questions. “You look like two-day-old roadkill, Knight.”
His lips curved. “Thanks, boss. You always make me feel better about myself.”
“That’s me. I’m a ray of sunshine.” He turned to Iona. “What’s Knight’s prognosis?”
“Don’t know yet, sir. The doctor should be here soon.”
Grant looked over his shoulder. “Doc Forrester just arrived.” He moved aside so that the doctor could enter the small area.
Forrester pulled up short. “Whoa. It’s a little crowded in here. Mr. Knight should only have two visitors in recovery.”
“No problem. I’m here to see you,” Brent said. “What’s Knight’s prognosis?”
“He’ll make a full recovery following physical therapy.”
Thank God. Elias breathed easier. At least he wouldn’t have permanent damage from the bullet.
“How long will he be out of work?”
“Four to eight weeks. The length of recovery depends on how well Mr. Knight cooperates with the physical therapists.”
Brent smiled. “Don’t worry. He’ll be a model patient. Won’t you, Knight?”
“Yes, sir.” One to two months out of work? How would that affect the special assignment Brent had planned to send him on?
Forrester’s eyebrows rose. “Do you have questions for me, Mr. Knight?”
“Will I lose any mobility in my arm?”
“You shouldn’t. Doing your exercises and cooperating with the physical therapists is your best defense against losing mobility.”
“Then I’ll be back to normal in a few weeks.”
The surgeon smiled. “That’s the spirit. Now, one of your friends needs to wait outside the recovery room. I’ve already requested orderlies to transport you to your room. We need to monitor you for twelve hours. If we don’t see signs of infection, we’ll release you tomorrow morning. Sound good?”
“Yes, sir. Thanks.”
“Grant, you and Iona stay with him.” Brent followed the doctor out of the cubicle.
Soon, the orderlies arrived and transported him to his room on the fifth floor. By the time they’d transferred him to thenew bed, Elias was ready to puke. He remained stoic until the orderlies left.
Iona studied Elias. “You look pale.”
“I need a soft drink.”
Grant’s eyes narrowed. “You won’t barf, will you?”
