Page 79 of Secret Redemption

Her heart almost beat out of her chest she had to ask. “Is he?” her throat closed with unshed tears.

Kanan took her in his arms and spoke quietly. “He’s in theatre, but was stable on the flight over.” He stepped back holding her at arm’s length as he looked at her intently. “He’s a fighter, Ava and he has more to fight for than ever.”

His words caused the damn to break, and a sob escaped her, he folded her in his arms as she cried. Once she had her emotions somewhat under control again, Kanan walked her back to the relative’s room that was now full of the Fortis family. Jace and Lucy, Drew, Liam, Nate and Skye, Roz and Angel, her parents, and Celeste who burst into tears as soon as she walked in. Celeste’s anguish and despair were tangible as she ran to her brother and he enfolded her in his arms. Ava hugged her friend, but she knew she needed her big brother more.

Ava walked towards her parents, and they moved, so she was sitting between them, shrouding her in love and comfort as they all waited for news. The door opened a few hours later, and Daniel walked in. He looked haggard, but he had an inner strength that Ava hadn't noticed before.

He sat a spare chair and spoke. “I’ve talked to the Chief of Police, and given his relationship with Zack he’s managed to keep the heat off us, but I don’t know how long for. Detective English has been sniffing around, and he’s asking questions we can't answer.”

“Maybe we should bring a select few in on this,” Jace replied.

“What? Put them on the payroll?” Lucy said, turning to Jace.

“Yeah, we need a bigger reach. At the moment, we have all the dark area covered, but the guys on the street, the policemen and women, the doctors and nurses could be useful. We need people watching our backs on the everyday stuff so that we can continue this and finish these fuckers off.”

“It works in theory, but we don’t know how deep this goes.”

“But, we can find out.” Jace said, “I can interview them and read their minds, find out if they are telling the truth.”

“Hmm. Let’s give it some thought and talk to Zack when he comes out of theatre,” Daniel said.

The room went silent again as they all remembered where they were and why. Ava had her head on her father’s shoulder her, and her knees were now bandaged after Doctor Turner had insisted she have them dressed. The cuts were minimal but stung like a bitch. Her parents had accompanied her, and her father had also been cleaned and stitched.

The door opened, and a man came in beside Doctor Turner, wearing scrubs and looking harried. Everyone in the room stood as the men walked in, shutting the door behind them.

“Ava Drake?” The doctor said as he looked at her.

She went to him. “That’s me.”

“Would you like some privacy?” he asked kindly.

Ava looked around at the people behind her. “No, we are all family here. Whatever you say can be said freely.”

“Okay. Mr Cunningham came through the surgery well and is resting comfortably. He may be weak for a few months as he needed a blood transfusion. He will need some rehab on the leg but other than that he should make a full recovery.”

The relief almost made Ava fall to her knees. “Can I see him?”

“Yes, of course. He has been asking for you. But only two at a time.”

Ava nodded and turned to Kanan, holding out her hand.

The doctor turned to leave but stopped when Roz called him. “What about Zin Maklavoi?” she asked, and her voice was strong and calm, and only the tight grip she had on the arm of the chair betrayed her.

“He is still in surgery. I can’t tell you more than that I'm afraid.”

“Well find out,” she bit out and stood, advancing on the man, who paled a little.

“Are you family?” he asked with a challenge.

Roz peered at the man before her hand flashed out to his throat. “Yeah, I’m his sister, and if someone doesn't give me an update on his condition in the next ten minutes. I'm gonna tear this fucking hospital apart.” she hissed as she backed the man up to the wall.

“Kitten,” Kanan said as he touched her arm in warning.

She whirled on him throwing off his arm and releasing the poor doctor. “I told you not to fucking call me that,” she spat at him, her eyes on fire, fear evident on her face.

“Fine. Roz. Why doesn't the nice doctor get us an update and you and I will go for a walk so you can cool off.”

She shrugged his arm off and pushed through the door, striding for the exit as if her will alone could make her brother whole again. K touched Ava’s arm, “Take Daniel with you. She needs me, and I know Zack is in good hands.” he said as he strode after the dangerous woman.