Part 6
“Nathan, they’ve got an ambulance waiting at the airport.” Tanner’s voice said over the mic.
Jackson picked up the mic next to his chair. “How long before we land?” he asked.
“Ten minutes. We’re on final approach to St. Petersburg. How’s Chris doing?”
“Not good, Vin, whatever drug they used seems to be compromising not only his body movements but his breathing as well.” Jackson said as he watched the blond’s struggle to get air into his lungs.
“I’ll advise the paramedics.” Tanner said softly. “Tell everyone to put on their seatbelts.”
“You heard him.” Jackson said as he watched the others move back to their seats.
Chris Larabee fought to draw air into his lungs. He remembered Charles Shale’s warning that the drug was untested and that there could be side affects. As his struggle intensified he wondered if this was one of those affects. He pushed back the feelings of panic that threatened to enter his mind as it seemed to get harder and harder to draw a breath. The pain in his right side grew as his struggle to breath caused his broken ribs to scream in protest.
Wilmington watched his friends’ eyes as they filled with panic. He knew something was wrong and he desperately wanted to remove his seatbelt and help the injured man. His hand touched the clasp but was pushed away by Josiah Sanchez. Bucks eyes glared angrily at the older man.
“We’re almost down, Brother, don’t remove it yet. Nathan’s got him.” Sanchez said as the jet began its final descent to the airport.
“Breath slow and deep, Chris.” Jackson ordered as he reached out and took the blond’s hand in his.
Chris heard Nathan talking to him and tried to do as he said, he felt the man’s comforting gesture but was unable to acknowledge it. He knew as his breathing grew more difficult that he was going to die.
“Come on, Chris, breathe.” Jackson ordered as he felt the pane touch down. He felt the brakes being applied and waited for the plane to slow. As soon as he felt Vin throttle back he released his seatbelt and knelt before the injured man.
“What’s wrong with him, Nate?” Wilmington asked.
“I don’t know, Buck, and he can’t tell me.” Jackson said as he continued to examine his friend. “Chris, look at me.” Jackson ordered as he placed his face directly in front of the Firms leader.
Chris opened his eyes and tried to concentrate on breathing. Something was wrong and he knew it was getting worse. His eyes met the medics and he tried to convey what he was feeling.
“Concentrate on breathing, Chris, nothing else.” Jackson said as the jet finally came to a complete stop. “Buck, get the paramedics out here.” Jackson said, trying to keep the panic from his voice.
“On my way, Nathan.” Wilmington said as he hurried to open the door.
“What’s wrong, Nate.” Tanner asked as he pushed King into the chair Buck had just vacated.
“I don’t know, Vin, He’s having trouble breathing.”
“Come on, Cowboy, hang on for a few minutes longer.” the younger man said as he knelt in front of his best friend.
‘I’m trying, Vin,’ he thought as he watched the younger man’s worried eyes. ‘Can’t breathe, Pard,’ he thought as his eyes closed.
“Chris, the paramedics are here. They’ll help you.” Tanner said as he moved out of the way.
Chris felt Nathan move away and opened his eyes to see two paramedics kneel beside him. His struggle to breath was making him feel light-headed; the pain in his chest seemed to grow as he watched them open their kits.
“What’s his name.” the female paramedic asked?
“Chris Larabee.” Wilmington answered.
“Chris, my names Tina and this is Gerry, we’re going to help you. I’m going to give you some oxygen to help you breathe, OK?” she said as she place a mask over his mouth and nose.
“He can’t answer you. He’s been given some kind of paralysing drug. I don’t know what it is but I’m sure it’s something in this case.” Jackson said, as he placed the bag case next to the stretcher.
“How long’s he been having trouble breathing.” Gerry asked as he noticed the blue tinge around the blond’s’ lips and the panicked look in his eyes.
“Started about fifteen minutes ago.” Nathan said.
“Any allergies?” Gerry asked.
“No.” Jackson answered.
“Let’s get him on the stretcher.” Tina said as she watched the patients’ eyes close.
The two worked quickly to get Chris on the stretcher. Tina immediately set up an IV and checked the patients’ nails. “Gerry?”
“I know.” the paramedic said as he to saw the blue colouring. “Chris, I know you can’t breath very well but we’re going to help you.” Gerry explained as he took his stethoscope and listened to the man’s chest.
Tina watched him and at his signal began to prepare a long thin needle.
Gerry swabbed the area where he’d be inserting the needle that would release some of the air, “Chris, I’m going to put a needle in right here.” he said as he touched the area and took the needle from Tina. He continued to explain the procedure even though the injured man seemed to have lost consciousness. Carefully palpating the patient’s ribs, the paramedic carefully inserted the needle through the skin of the intercostal space and applied pressure to penetrate muscle and tissue. He released a relieved sigh of breath when he heard the faint hiss of escaping air signaling that the needle had reached the intended destination. He quickly removed the needle leaving the catheter in place and attached a flutter valve to the catheter. He quickly secured the catheter and valve to the patient’s chest and watched as Chris’ breathing improved and his starved body cells gratefully consumed the life giving oxygen that was once again coursing through his bloodstream. He listened to the victim’s chest and was rewarded by the sound of air entering the partially re-inflated lung. He also made careful note of the patient’s airway and was relieved to see that it was positioned in the midway position of the neck; confirming that the procedure had successfully but temporarily alleviated some of the pressure building inside the chest
“All done.” Tina said a few minutes later as normal colouring returned to the blond’s’ nail beds and lips. There was no response from the patient as she placed the case on the foot of the stretcher.
“Let’s raise his head a little.” Gerry said as he lifted the head of the stretcher. “We’ll be taking him to Bayfront Medical Centre.” he told the men as they carried the unconscious man off the plane.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Why’d they stick that needle in him, Nathan?” Dunne asked as the police removed Martin King from the plane.
“He probably punctured a lung. From the bandages around his chest he’s probably got some broken ribs.” Jackson answered.
“I’ve arranged transportation to the hospital.” Travis said as he stepped back into the plane.
“Vin, you all right?” Jackson asked as the younger man swayed before his eyes.
“I’m fine, Nathan.” Tanner said as he rubbed his throbbing shoulder.
“Sure you are. Should have had you go with the ambulance. All that swimming around and flying this jet probably tore open your shoulder again. Let me take a look.” Jackson said.
“Later, Nathan, I want to check on Chris.” Tanner said.
Jackson shook his head as he followed the younger man out of the plane. “All right, Vin, but you’ll let the doctors check you out once we get to the hospital.”
“Sure, Nate.” Tanner said with a smile.
“I mean it, Vin.” Jackson said.
“We’ll all make sure he does as he’s told, Nathan.” Wilmington said as they hurried into the airport and out to the waiting cans.
~~~~~~~~~~
Sandy Newman had worked at Bayfront Medical Centre for twelve years. She thought she’d seen it all until she lifted her head and saw the seven bedraggled figures striding purposefully towards her. “Can I help you?” she asked, not intimidated in the least.
“ A friend of ours came in by ambulance. Can you tell us where he is?” Tanner asked.
“What’s his name?” Sandy asked.
“Chris Larabee.” Tanner answered.
Sandy remembered the man who’d been rushed in by ambulance half an hour before. She had his chart in front of her, courtesy of the Firms doctor back in Billings. “The doctor is in with Mr. Larabee right now. If you gentleman would like to go to the waiting room I’ll see if I can find out anything.” she said.
“I’ll wait here.” Tanner said as he held the edge of the large counter.
“Vin, you need to get a doctor to look at your shoulder.” Jackson said as he noticed the younger man’s pale features.
“I’m not going anywhere till I find out about Chris.” Tanner said firmly.
“Put him in there and I’ll check on your friend.” Sandy said as she pointed to a wheelchair.
“Sit, Vin.” Travis said as he pushed the chair in front of the pale man.
“I’m fine.” Tanner said paling even further.
“Sit, or I won’t be able to check on your friend.” Sandy ordered, smiling as the handsome young man finally acquiesced. “Is he always this stubborn?” she asked and wasn’t surprised to hear six men answer yes.
~~~~~~~~~
“Dr. Lewis will be out in a few minutes to speak with you.” Sandy said when she returned five minutes later.
“Thank you.” Travis said.
Vin closed his eyes as he waited for news on his friend. His shoulder throbbed and he felt so tired.
“Gentlemen, I’m Dr. Lewis. I’m looking after Mr. Larabee.”
Vin’s eyes popped open the instant the man spoke. His quick assessment of the man told him Chris was in good hands. The man had a kind, caring face, trusting brown eyes, and an easy manner. “How is he, Doctor?” Tanner asked.
“Do any of you know what kind of drug was used on him?”
“No, Sir.” Jackson said. “We were hoping you’d be able to find out from the contents of the case.”
“I’ve sent the samples to the lab but it’ll be some time before we get the results. Whatever was used seems to be wearing off. He’s beginning to get some movement and has been trying to talk.” the doctor said.
“What else is wrong with Chris, Doc?” Wilmington asked.
“He’s got four broken ribs on his right side, one of them punctured a lung causing it to collapse hence the trouble breathing and we’ve inserted a chest tube. His left arm has two hairline fractures, one above and one below the elbow. There are cuts and bruises all over his body, including one in his leg that will need sutures.”
“What about his shoulder?” Sanchez asked.
“We’re getting him ready for surgery right now. The bullet is lodged against the collarbone. He’s lost quite a lot of blood and we’re giving him a transfusion. I’ve got to get back to my patient. I’ll let you gentlemen know when he’s out of surgery.”
“Can I see him, Doc?” Tanner asked.
Lewis stared at the young man in the chair, “Not right now. We need to get him prepped and into surgery right away.” he said as he looked at the pale features of the longhaired man. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.” Tanner said.
“Sure you are, Vin. Since we can’t see Chris we might as well get you checked out.” Jackson said. “Thanks, Doctor.”
“You’re welcome. Sandy will take care of you.” Lewis said as he headed towards the trauma room.
“Well now, young man, why don’t we get you into a room and have a doctor look after you?” Sandy said as she took the handle of the chair and wheeled Vin towards an open examination room. “Would one of you mind filling out the chart for me?” she asked before closing the door.
~~~~~~~~~~~
“Mr. Jackson.” Sandy said as she stepped into the waiting room.
Nathan placed his coffee on the table and stood up. “How’s Vin?” he asked.
“Dr. Mitchum is in with him now and he’d like to speak with you.” Sandy told him.
“Go, Nathan, find out how he’s doing.” Sanchez said.
“I’ll let you guys know as soon as I find out anything.” Jackson said as he followed the nurse to the room Vin had been taken to an hour before. He wasn’t surprised to find Vin Tanner in a hospital gown and a nurse starting an IV in his left arm. He almost laughed when he thought of how many times one of his friends had said I’m fine and ended up admitted to the hospital on an IV.
“Mr. Jackson?”
“Yes, Sir, how is he?” Jackson asked.
“Nathan, any word on Chris?” Tanner asked as the nurse taped the IV to his wrist.
“Nothing yet, Vin. I’ll let you know as soon as we hear. Looks like you’ll be staying.” Jackson said as he pointed to the antibiotics being added to the IV line.
“Mr. Tanner has been admitted.” Mitchum said.
“Only overnight.” the younger man corrected quickly.
“I didn’t say that, Mr. Tanner, I said we’d reassess you in the morning. You’re exhausted and you already admitted you weren’t eating properly. You’ve also got a lot of congestion in your lungs.”
“Vin, you’ll stay as long as Dr. Mitchum says.” Jackson said as he realized just how weak the younger man was.
“Yes, Mom.” Tanner said weakly.
“We’ll be moving him to a room in a couple of minutes, Mr. Jackson. You and your friends can see him there.”
“Thanks, Doc.” Jackson said. “I’ll see you in a few minutes Vin.”
“Nathan.” Tanner said before the medic left the room.
“Yes, Vin.” Jackson said as he turned from the open door.
“Make sure you come tell me when Chris gets out of surgery.”
“Heck, Vin, we’re all gonna wait in your room with you.” Jackson said as he left to update the others.
~~~~~~~~~~
Vin hadn’t planned on sleeping but it wasn’t long before his aching body gave in and his eyes closed.
“It’s about time.” Jackson said softly.
“Didn’t think he was ever gonna give in.” Sanchez said.
“Nathan, how long before we hear anything about Chris?” Dunne asked.
“I wish I knew, JD. Between the injuries and the drugs it could be a long time yet.”
“Chris’ll be OK though, right Buck?”
“I hope so, Kid.” Wilmington answered from his post by the window.
“Mr. Larabee has defeated the odds in similar situations and I wouldn’t bet against him now.” Standish said.
“I’m gonna check with the nurse.” Wilmington said.
“Buck, it’s not going to do you any good. The Doctor knows where we are and he said he’d come here when they take Chris to recovery.” Travis said.
“Guess you’re right.” Wilmington said as he resumed watching the activity in the park across the street.
“I spoke with the officials about Paradesia and what happened there.” Travis said.
“What did they have to say?” Sanchez asked.
“They weren’t to pleased with the bodies we left behind but I had Ted speak with them.” Travis grinned as he saw the startled looks on the faces of his men.
“Ted, as in Ted MacDonald?” Jackson asked.
“That’s the one. He’s already agreed to cover for us. Said he’d chalk it up to one of the many favours he owes Chris.” Travis laughed.
“Good old Ted. One of these days I’ll tell you guys what went on between him and Chris.” Wilmington said.
“What’s wrong with right now, Buck, it’ll help pass the time.” Dunne asked.
“Alright I’ll tell you what Ted told me. Seems Ted ran into some trouble when he was in university. He was accused of dealing in cocaine. His family was poor and nobody could understand where he came up with the money to afford college and the lifestyle he had. Him and Chris were pretty close back then and Chris would have done anything for him. Seems Ted was caught with a lot of cocaine in his dorm. He insisted it wasn’t his and he asked Chris to help him prove his innocence. Chris found out Ted had more than one enemy on campus and he set up a trap to find out if someone had really planted the Cocaine or if Ted really was guilty.”
“I take it Ted was innocent.” Jackson said.
“I don’t know. Chris never did tell me one way or the other. I’m guessing he was cause I don’t think Chris would have stood by him if he was guilty.” Wilmington said.
“I’d have to believe that if Mr. Larabee helped the man then he was innocent of any wrongdoing.” Standish said.
“I think you’re right, Ez.” Wilmington said. “Chris would never condone anyone dealing drugs to minors or anyone else for that matter.” The door opened and all eyes turned as Dr. Lewis, still in his scrubs entered the room.
“Gentlemen, I was told I’d find you here.” Lewis said as he entered the semi private room.
“How’s Chris, Doctor?” Travis asked before the others had a chance.
“Why don’t we go to the waiting room so we don’t wake Mr. Tanner.” Lewis suggested.
“I’m already awake, Doc. How’s Chris?” Tanner asked.
“You’re supposed to be sleeping, Vin.” Jackson said.
“Not till I know about Chris.” Tanner said his eyes on the doctor.
“Go ahead, Doc?” Wilmington said.
“Mr. Larabee made it through surgery just fine, but because of his weakened condition and the drugs in his system he’ll probably spend the next couple of days in ICU. He’s still on a ventilator but we expect to be able to take him off that tomorrow.”
“What about his shoulder?” Jackson asked.
“We removed the bullet.”
“And?” Tanner asked.
“And the bullet did do some damage to the collarbone. It’s not as bad as it could have been and we’ve immobilized the shoulder till it heals. You already know about the punctured lung and the broken ribs so I won’t go into details about those injuries. If there are no questions I’m going to check on my patient.”
“Can I see him?”
“I don’t think that would be wise right now, Mr. Tanner. You look like you can use some rest yourself.” Lewis said.
“Doc, Vin won’t rest till he sees Chris.” Wilmington said. “So in the interest of patient, nurses, and our sanity if it’s at all possible let him see Chris.”
Lewis looked at the pale man on the bed and shook his head. He knew the look of determination in the young mans eyes, he’d seen it many times before. “Alright, you can visit him but only for a few minutes. Just remember he’s pretty heavily sedated and we’ll keep him that way until we take him off the ventilator. Give it an hour before you come up. He’s in room four sixteen.”
“Thanks, Doc.” Tanner said.
“Just remember what I said. You can see him for a couple of minutes and then you’d better get some rest yourself.” Lewis said as he left the room.
“Nathan, was that good news or bad?” Travis asked.
“It was better than I expected.” Jackson said.
“It didn’t sound good to me.” Dunne said.
“I didn’t say it sounded good, JD, I said it was better than I expected. You guys have to realize that whatever drug they used on Chris could have long lasting effects and until it’s completely out of his system we won’t know if he’s gonna be alright or not.” Jackson said tiredly.
“Damn, Nathan thanks for letting loose with both barrels.” Wilmington said.
“I’ve never held anything back and you guys know it.” Jackson said angrily. “Would you rather I sugar coated the whole thing? It’s bad enough with the broken ribs, punctured lung, broken collarbone, all the damned cuts and bruises but the drugs are an even bigger problem.”
“Easy, Nathan, we know how hard it is for you. Especially knowing the things you do.” Tanner said.
“Yeah, Vin’s right, sorry Nate.” Wilmington said.
“It’s OK, Buck, sometimes it’s just hard knowing the things I do and having to explain it to you guys.” Jackson said.
“We do appreciate everything you do for us, Mr. Jackson.” Standish said.
“Yeah, Nathan, you’re always there for us.” Dunne said.
“Sometimes I wish I didn’t know the things I do.” Jackson said softly.
“You’re really worried about him aren’t you Nathan?” Travis asked.
“Yeah, Orrin, I am.” Jackson said and left it at that. ‘Damn, Chris, why’d it have to be drugs on top of everything else?’ he thought.
~~~~~~~~~
“Your transportation has arrived, Mr. Tanner.” Standish said as the door opened and a nurse pushed a wheelchair into the room.
“I can walk.” Tanner said.
“Sorry, Mr. Tanner, Doctors orders. You can visit your friend but only for a few minutes. Which one of you gentlemen will be going with him?”
“Buck, you go.” Travis said. “The rest of us will go get something to eat and we’ll see you both back here. We’ll bring back something for you.”
“Mr. Tanner’s dinner will be here when he gets back so you don’t need to bring him anything.” the nurse said as she Placed Vin’s IV on the pole attached to the chair. “Now hop in.” she said cheerfully.
Vin levered himself out of the bed and into the chair, closing his eyes as the room spun wildly.
“Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.” the nurse said as she watched his face get even paler.
“I’m fine. Just got up too quickly.” Tanner said.
“To soon you mean.” the nurse said. “You just make sure you stay in the chair and let Buck do all the work.” she ordered.
“He will, Ma’am.” Wilmington said, smiling at the pretty woman.
“Make sure he does.” she said as she left the room.
“We’ll be back shortly.” Wilmington said as he wheeled Vin out the door.
~~~~~~~~~~
Buck wheeled the chair into four sixteen, swallowing as he saw his friend attached to the machines that would save his life, “It never gets any easier does it, Vin?”
“No, it doesn’t.” Tanner answered as Buck wheeled him as close to the bed as possible. He’d been warned about what to expect but it hadn’t prepared him for the myriad of machines, tubes and IV’s that seemed to be a part of his friend. The Ventilator breathed for Chris as he lay unconscious, and a central line IV led into his neck, Vin had a vivid memory of this one and knew it was used to deliver medications and fluids. A small tube was taped to his nose, and another IV led into his right hand. He could see a tube leading out of the chest attached to another tube that in turn was attached to a machine Vin was all too familiar with. He unconsciously rubbed his left side as he remembered the feeling of having his chest invaded. He knew this machine was draining air and bloody fluids from Chris’s chest. He looked at the heart monitor, and the lead connected to his friends’ finger. He smiled as he saw the one tube they all hated more than any others; the foley catheter was one they’d all like to do without. “How is he doing?” he asked the tiny nurse who was changing one of the IV bags.
“Dr. Lewis said you’d be coming.” she said. “There’s no change in his condition. Right now he’s being kept sedated but if all goes well the doctor will be letting him wake up tomorrow and hopefully we’ll get rid of the ventilator.”
“What’s all those things on his head?” Buck asked.
“It’s an EEG for measuring brain wave activity. Dr. Lewis is worried about the effect the drugs that were used on Mr. Larabee might have.”
“I can’t believe this is all because some woman thought she could own him. Damnit, Buck, it ain’t right.” Tanner said angrily.
“I know, Vin. We all take chances in our line of work but to be put through this just cause some woman takes a fancy to you just ain’t fair. Is it, Stud?” he asked, looking at the pale face of his friend. “You know you’re gonna make me old before my time.” Wilmington touched his friend’s left hand gently, avoiding the cast that protected the fractures. “Ain’t like I need help gettin’ there ya know. Hell, I’m doing that on my own without any help from you.” his voice cracked as he held his emotions in check. “Vin wants to see you for a minute so I’m gonna wait outside for him. You’d better plan on having a bunch of mother hens hovering around you when they let you outta here. I’ll be back for you in a couple of minutes, Vin.” Wilmington said as he left the room.
“I’m sorry, Cowboy, I shoulda been able to find you sooner. Shoulda known something was up with her that night at the restaurant. I saw her watching you and Mary and there was something in her eyes.” he hissed as he touched the fingers on the blond’s left hand. “You gotta beat this, Chris. You can’t let that bitch win and she does if you don’t make it. I need you, Pard.” he said as he watched the continuous rise and fall of his friends’ chest.
Vin knew in his heart that what had happened to Chris was not his fault but that didn’t lessen the guilt he felt for not finding his friend sooner. If he’d only listened to his instincts that night at the restaurant none of this would have happened. He felt the guilt weighing heavy on his heart as he listened to the steady beeping of the monitors attached to his friend.
“Vin, you ready to go back?” Buck asked as he returned to the room.
“A few more minutes, Buck.” Tanner said as he continued to hold his friends fingers in his own.
“Sorry, Vin, the doctor said a couple of minutes and it’s been longer than that. It’s time to get you back to your room.”
“Alright, Buck.” Tanner said as he released his hold on his friend. As Buck pulled the chair away from the bed Vin continued to watch the steady rise and fall of his friends chest.
~~~~~~~~~~~
He could feel something invading his body. ‘Damn, tubes again. What the hell have I done this time? Shit, where the hell am I?’ he thought as his mind slowly cleared of the sedation. There was no pain or very little of it. Mostly he was just uncomfortable. Something intruded down his throat and he tried to grasp what it was but it was too elusive. Vin would know what was going on but he couldn’t find him. Panic made him fight against the tube in his throat and he tried to move his arms but they didn’t respond to his commands. ‘Please, not again. I can’t do this again. Vin, where are you?’ he struggled as he returned to consciousness and to reawakening pains in his body.
“Mr. Larabee, relax you’re in the hospital. Dr. Lewis will be here shortly and we’ll be taking you off the ventilator. Till then you need to stop fighting against it.”
He heard the female voice and was instantly transported back to the island. His wrists were cuffed to the bed and he struggled against the bonds. ‘No, not again,’ he cried as he saw Charles Shale coming towards him, a needle in his hands. ‘Oh, God, Vin, please help me,’ he silently cried.
PART 1 / PART 2 / PART 3 / PART 4 / PART 5 / PART 7
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