Chapter 27

The tension in the room was unbearable. Dr. Barnes stood near Ryan's head, getting ready to remove the respirator. The CSI team surrounded the bed, watching him in earnest.

He didn't think he could bear it if the test went the wrong way.

The hypothermic padding had been taken off Ryan. He was in a normal hospital gown, underneath the blankets. The re-warming process had gone smoothly. Dr. Barnes just hoped it helped.

He looked up at the clock. The second hand was on the nine. He would unhook the respirator when it hit the twelve, so the ten seconds would be easy to count.

Everyone else in the room held their breath.

It hit the eleven.

"Here we go," Dr. Barnes said quietly.

Just as the second hand hit the twelve, he disconnected the ventilator.

Time seemed to move unbearably slow. The second hand flicked sluggishly to the next notch on the clock face as if it had been submerged into a thick, syrupy substance. Each tick rattled hollowly in their ears.

Ten.

Jesse stared at the blank tile floor. He couldn't bear to watch.

Nine.

Calleigh pressed herself closer into Eric's warm hold. He closed his eyes and sent up a small prayer to whoever would listen.

Eight.

Tripp stood leaning against the doorframe, not blinking. Small beads of sweat sprung up along his forehead.

Seven.

Natalia gripped Ryan's limp hand, silently begging him to breathe.

Six.

Walter sat next to her, feeling numb all over. He watched his friend, desperately searching for any signs of response on his still face.

Five.

Alexx took a tiny step toward Horatio. She grabbed his hand.

Four.

Natalia's chin quivered, tears welling up in her eyes. "Please, Ryan," she whispered. Only Walter heard her.

Three.

Calleigh glanced up at the clock, cold fear rising in her heart. He should have breathed by now…

Two.

Horatio squeezed Alexx's hand. She held onto his tightly as they both held their breath.

One.

Dr. Barnes looked up at the clock, his heart sinking.

Zero.

Dr. Barnes dropped his gaze to the floor. "I'm so sorry," he said quietly.

"Wait!" Alexx cried.

Dr. Barnes looked sharply at the respiratory monitor.

There was a tiny blip on the screen. He stared at it disbelievingly.

It was really there.

He looked down at Ryan. He was triggering the vent on his own. His brain was still functioning.

Ryan was still alive.

Barely.