Mistakes
Chapter 7
Russ Jeter looked through the list of injured, wondering where Mike had gone to, when he finally stumbled upon his name. They had managed to get to Istanbul and Navy and Army medics were working on their injured. Unfortunately, there was a KIA count now. He worked towards one of the medic tents where he cornered a nurse.
"I need to know where Admiral Michael Slattery is?" Russ asked.
"He's in surgery. Tent Two." The nurse answered.
"His condition?" Russ asked.
"Circling. His chest and stomach are a mess. Took a couple fifty cals." She answered.
"Thanks." Russ answered before heading to Tent Two. He was surprised when he was let in, and allowed to walk to the corner of the tent where the largest group of nurses and doctors were gathered. He was shocked even further that they were already closing Mike up.
"You a friend?" One of the surgeons asked.
"Yeah. What's going on?" Russ asked.
"He was hit with three fifty caliber bullets. Two in the stomach, one in the chest. We've gotten the bullets out and cleaned up the damage. Fixed arterial bleeds. Its between him and God now." The doctor said before walking away to another patient. Russ turned to a young nurse who was fixing Mike's bandage.
"Is that all?" Russ asked.
"His vitals are good. I think he's fighting to stay. Of course; if there's any bleeders…once he's stabilized, he will be sent to Germany." The nurse; Lt. Simmons answered.
"He was looking forward to the birth of a baby." Russ answered, focusing on Mike.
"Good reason. I can keep an eye on him if you need to make any calls. It'll be awhile before he wakes, and honestly; sleep is a mercy right now. His pain level will be pretty high." Lt. Simmons explained.
"Thank you. Yes; I will step out." Russ said. There was a ton of calls to make. Mike was a very high-ranking member of the military. His injury would be all over the news. The first call had to be to President Reiss. Russ did alert him that Mike had had a relationship with Maddie Rawlins, and that she was expecting a baby girl any day. Russ didn't want the media to bother her and Reiss agreed completely. The next call went to Kara, who answered on the second ring.
"How is everyone?" Kara asked before Russ could identify himself.
"We've had a few casualties and those names will be forwarded but the significant issue at present is Lt. Rawlins." Russ started.
"She had the baby. Nine pounds, four ounces and perfect." Kara said.
"Good, and before you ask; I know Admiral Slattery is the father. I need you and Danny to get to her and keep her, her mother and the baby safe. I'm worried about the media specifically and of course; we cannot let out that Admiral is the father until he's ready. He is in serious condition. Took two to the stomach and one to the chest. Fifty calibers. They've already closed him up. His vitals are good. Once he is doing better; he'll be sent to Germany and I will accompany him per the President. We are currently in Turkey." Russ said.
"We will be at Maddie's soon. She'll be worried sick." Kara answered.
"Just tell her to be strong for Molly. Mike was looking forward to meeting her and he needs to know she's well taken care of." Russ said.
"Will do. I can email you a picture of her. Maddie had emailed Mike. Obviously he hadn't gotten it." Kara offered.
"Sure." Russ answered.
"Alright. Consider Maddie, Molly and Teresa taken care of. Keep us updated." Kara said before hanging up. Russ went back to Mike's bedside and waited for him to wake up.
