Page 31 of Tank
“We lost him twice during the operation to remove the bullet. It has hit a bone and broken into several pieces, causing a lot of damage. We have managed to remove the pieces and do what we can for the damage caused internally. However, he also hit his head and has swelling on the brain. He’s in recovery and will be moved to the ICU. He is by no means out of the woods yet. The next twenty-four to forty-eight hours will be the most critical time, but we are monitoring him very closely,” the doctor tells us.
“But he’s alive?” I ask, just needing to hear the doc say it.
“Yes, he’s alive,” he nods.
At his words, I feel myself collapse with relief into the chair.
“Who tried to help him at the accident?” the doc asks.
“That would be me,” I confirm warily.
“Saved his life, son. If you hadn’t put the pressure on the wound, he would have bled out as part of the bullet nicked an artery. Well done,” he says, patting me on the back.
Nodding is all I can do as I start to feel choked up.
“That’s great news. I’ll ring Carrie and let her know,” Joker says, getting his phone out of his pocket and heading for the exit.
“Right, Rafe and Cass, I want you two positioned here at the hospital, outside his door. Two brothers at all times and full-patched brothers at that. I’ll make sure a prospect is here too, in case you need anything. Rest of you back to the clubhouse. We have work to do,” Prez orders just as Joker comes storming back into the waiting room.
“Try, Kate,” he orders me.
“What the fuck, brother?” I ask, confused.
“Couldn’t get a hold of Carrie, so tried the prospect. They said she was with Kate, in our room, so they went to check, no sign of her or Kate. They are searching the compound now,” he tells me, with fear in his voice.
“Maybe they are on their way here?” Angel suggests.
“She would have texted or called. She always lets me know when she’s leaving the compound without me. Plus, she knows with something like this, to take a prospect with her,” Joker growls.
“Prospects just called, no sign of them anywhere. They checked the surveillance cameras, and brother, you’re not going to like this,” Prez warns Joker.
“Fuck Prez, just tell me,” Joker begs.
“Surveillance shows both Carrie and Kate sneaking out the back way and getting into a large SUV,” Prez tells us all.
“You mean they were taken,” Joker says between gritted teeth, barely holding it together.
“No brother, the prospect said it was clear both Carrie and Kate had raided our arsenal. Both dressed in black and boots, plus armed to the teeth,” Prez confirms.
“They’ve gone after Wire,” I say.
“What the fuck did you say?” Both Prez and Joker spin round to face me.
“Wire’s been teaching Carrie all his skills, right. Only makes sense that the pair of them have decided to protect their family. The pair of them love fierce and would do anything to protect our family, the club, and each other,” I tell them my thinking.
“Makes sense. We need to get back to the compound quick and try to locate what they’ve found,” Prez orders.
“If that’s what she’s done, I’m going to tan her ass so red, she can’t sit down for a week or even a month,” Joker growls.
“You’ll do no such thing, boy,” Reck growls back. “My girl is as capable as any man here, and so is Kate. We made sure they could handle anything our enemies or we could throw at them. She’s only doing what any brother here would do, and that is protecting her family. Can’t blame her for that,” he imparts his wisdom.
“So, you’re happy about her risking her life?” Joker asks him.
“Not any happier than I would be if it was her brother. He’s a prospect, so he’s in danger being part of the club if anyone wants to use him to get to us. If it was Johnny going off to save his family, would you be this pissed? Doubt it, but because it’s Carrie and she’s female, it instantly means she can’t do what we would do. Fuck that, not how this club was built, kid, and you know it,” he finishes as he heads for the door.
“Raise strong, badass women, and this is the result. Nothing wrong with it,” Bull adds as he walks past us.
Joker’s face would be funny right about now if I also am not so worried.
