A/N: THIS IS A VERY LONG STORY WITH SHORT CHAPTERS, BECAUSE I'M ALL ABOUT THE ANGST. HOPE YOU LIKE IT. I'LL TRY TO UPDATE AS OFTEN AS I CAN. THEY DON'T BELONG TO ME, BUT A GIRL CAN DREAM. RIGHT?

CHAPTER 5: WAIT AND SEE

Jordan felt her stomach drop as the doctor walked toward her. He offered her his hand to shake. "Well, as you know, we were able to remove most of the infected tissue," he began, not beating around the bush. "We also removed the piece of bone that was chipped by the bullet, stabilized the spine, and repaired the muscles that were torn. However…, as the doctor continued Jordan could feel her heart race into her throat, "there was some nerve damage. Unfortunately, we just don't know how much yet. That could take weeks, possibly months."

Jordan knew this was a possibility, of course. She just didn't think she would have to hear it. The tears started to form in her eyes, but she kept them at bay long enough to ask; "What is his prognosis?"

Looking back at Woody, the doctor sighed. "At this time, all we know is the will probably be some long term effects. We can't make a definitive prognosis at this time, it's just too soon." Jordan nodded. "We'll know more in the next few days and weeks"

The doctor laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Dr. Cavanaugh, he will survive," he added, sounding more confident about this than anything he'd spoke of previously. "Do you have any more questions for me, Doctor?"

"No", she replied softly. "Thank you."

"Here is his chart, you can look it over. All of my notes are in there," he stated, holding the folder out to Jordan. "I wish I had more information to give you right now. I'll be back later to check on Detective Hoyt."

Jordan nodded in parting, then sat down, trying to absorb the words the doctor had just spoke. She didn't know how to feel or what to think. She picked up Woody's hand again and put it to her face. "Woody, I'm so sorry I can't help you." Laying his hand back down, she rested her head on top of it. "I'm sorry I can't make you better."

Just then Lilly appeared in the window, Jordan waived her in. "I shouldn't be in here Jordan, only one visitor at a time," she said sadly, looking at Woody.

"It's okay Lilly, I'm a doctor," quipped with slight laugh.

"What did the surgeon have to say?" Lilly asked, picking up Woody's other hand in hers.

"There is some nerve damage, but they don't know how much. I guess we'll just have to wait and see," Jordan said hopefully, not able to imagine anything less.

"Oh Jordan, I'm so sorry," Lily cried.

"It's going to be hard on him, and he'll need all of us..." Jordan's words drifted off, and she looked back over at Woody. "But he's tough, Lilly, he'll make it."