Page 11 of Slay Tricksters and Silent Skeletons
“Bento was lucky to make it here alive,” he told me, though I already knew that from the treating emergency room doctor. “I repaired his subclavian artery and removed the bullet from his shoulder. He’ll need physical therapy, and for the time being, I want his arm in a sling to limit movement until that wound closes and heals completely. And I’m going to suggest he’s out of work for at least three months. His doctor and physical therapist can re-evaluate his condition then.”
“Work won’t be a problem,” I assured him. Bento would have to suck it up and not train for a while, but I’d let him hit the treadmill and stair master if he wanted. Anything more strenuous than that would be a no-go. He might hate me for it, but he’d live. He was my man, and even if he wasn’t, I was his boss. What I said went.
“His doctor will provide paperwork, along with follow-up appointment paperwork. We’ll be keeping him for the night fora couple more transfusions. He lost a lot of blood. But he should be good to go home sometime tomorrow morning.”
“How much blood did he lose?” I asked.
“His hemoglobin levels were at a 5.8,” he told me. My fingers curled into fists before I forced them to relax once more. “The blood loss was extreme.” My jaw tightened as I nodded my head. He stood to his feet, so I did as well. “Do you have any questions for me?” When I shook my head, he held his hand out, and we shook hands once more. “I’ll lead you to his room then.”
Pulling my phone from my pocket, I shot a quick text off to Rico to let him know of Bento’s condition.
Niran
He made it out of surgery. Lost a lot of blood so he’s staying overnight for transfusions. He’s out of commission for a minimum of three months. Could be longer if physical therapy doesn’t go well. Had to repair his subclavian artery.
Rico
Who do you recommend as a guard for Anurak while he’s down?
Niran
I’ll gather a list, and you and Alfonzo can come to that decision yourselves. I’ll have it to you later tonight.
Rico
10-4.
I slid my phone into my pocket as the surgeon pushed open the door to triage room thirteen. When I walked inside, Bento was asleep, his lips softly parted. Multiple cords and tubes were attached to him, and he was pale beneath his brown skin. I decidedly hated how weak he looked in that bed. He was always strong and steady. A pillar of strength.
Those mother fuckers would pay for this.
“Let us know if you need anything,” the surgeon said before leaving the room, shutting the door behind him with a soft click.
I moved closer to Bento’s bed and ran my hand over his dark hair. His eyes slowly peeled open to slits, and he licked his lips. “Niran?” he croaked.
“I’m here,” I murmured. “Go back to sleep, Bento.”
Slowly, he nodded, like it took great effort for him to do so, and then, he promptly fell back asleep. I tucked the blankets up beneath his chin, then pulled my phone from my pocket to call Alfonzo. He answered on the third ring. Fucker always took his time to answer phone calls.
“I hear he’s alive,” Alfonzo drawled.
“He is,” I confirmed. “The two men responsible—where are they?”
“Tied up and awaiting slaughter like the fucking pigs they are,” he told me. “Rico has given the order to let them sit and rot until you’re ready to deal with them.”
So, Rico was leaving this in my hands. Good to know. The man wasn’t stupid. He’d seen how I’d been about Bento the moment we discovered he was missing.Nothingslipped past Rico. It wasone of the reasons the man was so powerful and deadly. And why he was both feared and highly respected.
“Once I’ve got Bento out of here and he’s settled at home, we’ll begin questioning,” I told Alfonzo. “So be prepared. I want you in the room with me.”
He scoffed. “As if I’d miss that opportunity. Take care of your man, Niran. I’ll hold down everything here. Rico is trying to coordinate time off for you.”
I sighed, glancing over at Bento, who was still sleeping peacefully, the drugs no doubt keeping him out of it. “Nothing slips by him, does it?”
“Nope,” Alfonzo said, popping the P. And then, he was gone, hanging up on me without another word.
10
Bento
