June sat in the hospital chair clenching her gloves in both hands. Neal had already been in surgery when she arrived and she'd received no word about his condition. She'd passed some of the time in calling Elizabeth, but had had to leave a message. It felt like hours later when a doctor appeared.
"Family of Neal Caffrey?" He eyed June, dubious.
"Yes." Her tone and expression dared him to argue. He didn't.
"We performed surgery to remove the bullet and repair the damage to his lungs. There's a thoracostomy in place to keep his lung from deflating and we'll be keeping an eye on him. I don't think he'll need a ventilator but they may put him on one overnight if his breathing hasn't improved in recovery. We'll have him propped up in bed for now, but hopefully he'll be able to move to a chair soon – it helps prevent complications."
June smiled.
"So he's going to be okay?"
"He's on antibiotics to prevent infection and he seems to be doing well. I make no promises, but as long as there are no more problems he could be out of here in a week or less." The doctor returned her grin.
"Oh, thank you." She planted a quick kiss on the man's cheek. "May I see him?"
The doctor nodded.
"He'll probably be asleep for a while, but check in at the desk and they can tell you where he's being placed."
June thanked the doctor again and made her way to the desk, then to Neal's room. The other three beds were occupied, but all four patients seemed to be sleeping despite the sounds of Family Feud playing behind one of the curtains. As the attendants left she pulled a chair up to the bed and held Neal's hand, careful not to disturb any of the tubes or wires, and watched the comforting lines of the heart monitor.
"How is he?"
Elizabeth was standing in the door. June rose and embraced her.
"He hasn't been awake yet, but the doctor said he could be out in a week or less."
"That's good."
Elizabeth reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair from Neal's forehead.
"They arrested Peter."
"Whatever for?" June brought a second chair and they both sat.
"I didn't get all the details, but they think he shot the senator."
June had overheard Diana's call to Agent Jones and knew that something was wrong, but she hadn't realized it was quite so serious.
"Don't you worry," she patted the younger woman's arm. "Neal recorded James confessing to shooting that man. Peter will be free soon enough."
Elizabeth's smile was wistful as she took Neal's hand.
"I knew I shouldn't have made dinner reservations."
Neal's phone rang and Diana answered.
"Lady suit? Why do you have Neal's phone?"
"Bennett shot Caffrey and made a run for it. Talk to me, Haversham."
She could practically feel the conflict in the man's silence, but he'd already crossed one line in speaking to her at all when he was expecting Neal.
"I know a few places he may go."
Diana rolled her eyes when the call cut off without any further conversation, but for Neal the little guy could be trusted to cooperate.
"Let's check inside." She gestured at the rundown boarding house to her right and the agents with her nodded.
This was turning into one seriously long day.