“This is Remington Kneeland. I’m calling because you are one of the physician’s treating my daughter. I was hoping you could update me on her condition and provide some assurances about her care. The bottom line is, I need to know if you can handle the challenge of saving Charlie’s life.”
Sky hoisted her back-pack over her shoulder as she stepped onto the elevator. “I’m not God, but in an O.R. I’m pretty damned close. If it can be done, I can do it. Sometimes, if it can’t be done, I can do it. However, I haven’t examined her yet. Therefore, I can’t update you about her condition. Until I know what I’m dealing with, you’re going to have to depend on the Man above for your assurances.”
“Call me as soon as you’ve examined her.” Remington didn’t ask but demanded. “I’m currently on my way back from China. I should be there sometime tomorrow evening. You should know that I’ve contacted Dr. Thomas Henson. He’s the top surgeon in this field, and he should be arriving shortly after me. No offense, but I need the best.”
Sky’s ego took a sucker-punch to the gut. She stepped out of the elevator and walked outside her building through the revolving doors. The valet had already brought her Mercedes around the circular drive. Parked directly behind it was the police car. Once the officer noticed her, he turned on his flashing lights.
Sky wasn’t impressed. All people should be treated equally. The differences between the haves and have-nots were just too vast to ignore. She was sure her voice came off icier than intended. “Dr. Henson has an impeccable reputation. I’ve met him once or twice.” While Sky had tremendous respect for him, she simply thought she was a much better surgeon—even if she wasn’t a household name, yet. “If it were my daughter I would want the best for her too.” She slid into the passenger seat. Since they were putting all of their cards on the table, Sky let it rip. “I understand that this must be a tough time for you, and I’m sorry. But, unless I give you permission to contact me on my private number, call me on the hospital line.” Irritated, she ended the call and stepped on the gas en route to St. Lucia’s Hospital.
Chapter 4
Noah pulled up a chair in one of the private waiting rooms for high-profile patients and sat across from Bella and Kane Langston. They made a striking pair and seemed eager for answers. Kane’s arm was draped around his wife’s petite frame. He held her close in an attempt to offer comfort. The look of terror only intensified the moment he walked into the room, and with good reason. The news was grim at best, better than the worst-case-scenario—but not by much.
Noah didn’t mince words. “As I told you when Charlie was brought in to the emergency, her injuries are severe. We were able to relieve some of the pressure on her brain, but as suspected, she’s sustained some internal bleeding and is going to need surgery on her spine. The surgeon I mentioned earlier, Dr. Sky Kirby should be here soon.”
Bella clutched her blouse at the center of her chest and crushed it between her fingers. She was afraid to ask her next question. “Will Charlie be okay?” She was barely able to get the words out.
“We are doing everything we can.” Noah attempted to remain sensitive as he explained the situation. “Charlie’s head trauma is serious, and her spine has been severely damaged.”
“Oh, Gaawd.” Bella turned her face into her husband’s chest.
Noah directed his next words to Kane. “Dr. Kirby is one the best surgeons we have on staff, and I will be assisting.”
“That’s not good enough.” Bella lashed out. “We need the best!”
“I can assure you, it doesn’t get much better than Ms. Kirby. I’m not going to sugar coat this if Charlie makes it through the surgery, and the night, it is possible your daughter may never be able to use her extremities.”
Bella gasped.
Noah continued. “We won’t be able to ascertain any brain damage until after the swelling goes down.”
“You mean if there is damage it could be permanent?”
“Yes. Because we won’t know the extent of her injuries, we won’t have an understanding of what that will mean for Charlie’s quality of life.” If she lives, she could be a vegetable. He thought.
Bella’s cries got louder. She suddenly couldn’t breathe as her body shook with fear. She couldn’t imagine Charlie dying, never walking again, or what Remington was going to do when he found out what happened to her. All of the scenarios playing out in her mind were impossible to process. Bella turned her tear-streaked face up towards Kane. “If Charlie pulls through, Remington is going to use this against me for custody.”
“Shh. Don’t think about that. I’ll handle Remington.” Kane rubbed has palm up and down his wife’s back as he rocked Bella in his arms.
She wasn’t reassured by Kane’s words. Nobody really handled Remington. His love for Charlie was the only tool she had to keep him somewhat under control.
Dr. Bridges was irritated that they were discussing a possible custody battle when the girl was fighting for her life. His voice reflected it when he stood. He was gruff. “Has anyone talked to Mr. Kneeland? We need to get the necessary paperwork completed ASAP.”
Bella would have rather detached her fingernails from her nail bed than call her ex-husband, but she hadn’t had a choice. “I called and told him that you would follow-up.” Bella reached into her designer purse
