Page 43 of Revived
Tears start streaming down my face instantly, and the boys close the distance until Flynn has me wrapped up tight in his arms, and I let the floodgates open. He lifts me into his arms and carries me out until we’re seated in Knox’s SUV. After a few moments where the only sound is my sniffling, I pull away. I have to know.
“Where is he?” I choke out. Terrified of the answer.
“The hospital. His chief called me, but when I tried to call you, you didn’t answer.” He wipes my tears before I lean my head on his shoulder.
“What did the Chief say?”
“There was a fire and the floor gave out on him. He was knocked unconscious and spent an undisclosed amount of time without his mask. I don’t know what we’re about to walk into, Elle.”
My heart lodges itself in my throat as we pull into the valet and Knox tosses the man his keys.
“My name is Knox Lindberg. If there’s a scratch on my vehicle, I’ll find you. Got it?”
The man’s eyes flash with acknowledgment as he realizes who Knox is. “Yes, sir.”
We rush inside the emergency room, where we see the group of men Sully works with. Everyone is silent as they watch us approach the section of the waiting room that’s been overtaken by bunker gear and dirty faces. Steel stands first and shakes Flynn’s hand before pulling me into a tight hug.
“I’m so sorry, Elle. I should have been with him, but I thought I heard someone else in another room.”
I press my hands into his chest until he backs up, “What do you mean you’re sorry?” I ask with a bite to my tone.
“Elle.” Knox steps up behind me but doesn’t touch me. Smart man.
“No, Knox. People say they’re sorry when… if… Is he?” My knees start to shake and I think I may just pass out.
A doctor comes out of the locked doors separating us from Sully.
“Family of the firefighter that was just brought in?” Flynn and I push past everyone.
“That’s my brother and her husband. His name is Sullivan.” He says without a hint of hesitation.
“He’s awake, and asking for his wife. He said his brother can come back too, but to tell, and I quote, “everyone else in the lobby to stop slacking and get back to work.’” He chuckles, but I can’t process what’s going on.
“He’s okay?” I ask dumbfounded.
“He’s awake and his smoke inhalation seems to be mild. He took a ten foot fall with all his gear on. Personally I’m shocked nothing is broken. However, he’s definitely going to be bruised up for a few weeks.”
“Can we see him?” Flynn asks from beside me.
“Yes, sir. Only two allowed back at a time.” He nods to the two of us before leading us out of the waiting room. I see Flynn turn back to Knox, but don’t catch what he says.
“I’ll wait here for the others.” He calls back.
The walk to the room Sully’s in is short. His doctor stops us just short of going inside.
“Sullivan inhaled a good bit of smoke back there. He needs to keep his cannula in. Don’t let him take it off. He also needs plenty of rest to heal. I’ll keep him overnight for observation, and then we can reevaluate tomorrow.”
“Thank you, doctor.” Flynn and I say in unison before I push through the doors and see Sully lying in bed with his cannula exactly where it should be. He smiles when his eyes lock on mine, and immediately he starts pulling at it.
I rush over to him and take his hands in mine, “No. You have to keep that on.”
“I’m not on death's door, baby girl. It’s just some sore muscles and some smoke.” He smirks at me, but I just glare back.
“No. I’m sure you’re going to be bruised to hell and back in the next day or so, and you have mild smoke inhalation that they’re keeping you overnight for. That means you’ll listen to what they say, or I’m calling Clara.”
His glare makes me grin, “You’re being mean.” He turns his attention to Flynn. “What the hell are you wearing?” Before Flynn can answer, he begins coughing. Pain coats his features as he fights to stay still and cough up debris at the same time. Grabbing his hand, I gently stroke the back of it while he calms down.
Flynn’s watching him with rapt attention as he answers, “I didn’t get a chance to fully change out before I was running out of the locker room and going to find Elle. They didn’t tell me much, and what they did tell me was not enough to be sure if you were alive or not.”
