“I was told he’s in surgery, but nothing more.”
“He is,” Dino said. “I’ll show you the way.”
He escorted them to a waiting room near the surgery unit. Joan and Helene were there. When Helene saw Stone, she jumped up and hurried to him. Her face was damp and her eyes red.
She tried to say something, but it was lost in a sob.
Stone wrapped his arms around her, triggering an ache that reminded him about the contusion on his chest.
When Helene finished crying, she took a step back. “I am sorry. I didn’t mean to do that. It’s just…”
“I would have done the same if I were you.”
Joan joined them and scanned Stone up and down. “You look none the worse for wear.”
“Thanks, I think.”
She turned to Tamlyn and held out her hand. “I’m Joan, Stone’s executive assistant. We’ve talked on the phone a few times.”
“I recognize your voice,” Tamlyn said, taking her hand. “Happy to meet you in person, though the circumstances aren’t ideal.”
“I’ll say. How are you feeling?”
“A little off-kilter, but I should be fine.”
“Has there been any word from surgery?” Stone asked.
“Not yet,” Joan said.
“How did this happen?” Helene asked. “Fred is normally an excellent driver.”
“He still is,” Tamlyn said. “Though I’d rated him as extraordinary, especially after what he did tonight.”
Stone nodded. “If it wasn’t for his quick action, I doubt any of us would have survived.”
Helene put a hand over her mouth, frightened by the possibility.
“You should be very proud of him,” Stone said.
A doctor in scrubs entered the room and removed his mask. “Are any of you here for Fred Flicker?”
“We all are,” Stone said. He motioned to Helene. “She’s his wife.”
“Is he out of surgery?” Helene asked.
“He’s being closed up now, so should be out soon.”
“Will he be all right?”
“With a bit of recovery time, he’ll be right as rain. He had a few minor lacerations that needed to be dealt with. He also has two cracked ribs and a badly sprained right ankle. His mobility will be restricted for a bit.”
“Nothing life-threatening?”
“No. In another month or two, he should be fully healed.”
“Oh, thank God.” Helene’s body sagged as the tension she’d been holding on to dissipated.
Joan put a steadying arm around her. “Here, why don’t you sit.” She guided Helene back to the chair she’d been using.
