Chapter 34
Eliot sat in the back of the ambulance as they sped towards the hospital. Nate was still unresponsive, and the EMS's had reported that he had become tachycardic and was going into hypovolemic shock. He should have moved quicker, he should have gone for Moreau the minute he stepped through the door, Nate had done his part, he had stalled Moreau and kept him talking, the man had depended on him to neutralise Moreau before he could make a move and he had failed he thought as he stared at the stricken man. He was not sure what he would have done if Moreau had not hesitated, not waited to take his revenge, but then Nate had a supreme confidence in himself even in the face of a man like Moreau. He thought about everything that had happened, he had wanted them to take out Moreau's men leaving him to make sure Moreau was isolated with him in the house, trapped as it were. He had banked on being able to stall the man until the authorities arrived and he had almost got it right, but Eliot had moved a second too late and now he was lying in the back of this ambulance and Eliot knew if he was going into hypovolemic shock that meant the internal bleeding was severe and Nate might not make it through this
"Eliot…"
"He's hanging in there Sophie we are about ten minutes out from the hospital." Eliot told her as he looked at Nate who had now sunk into unconsciousness.
They arrived at the hospital and were met by a bevy of ER nurses and doctors and Nate was unloaded from the ambulance. The doctor checked the wound and then started shouting orders as they moved into the hospital bypassing the ER as Nate was redlined into the OR, leaving Eliot to stand and stare at the doors that closed behind the group. He turned and then walked away and took a seat on the plastic chairs lined up against the wall and waited for the rest to arrive.
"Eliot we are a few minutes out…"
"Nate's in theatre, they redlined him." Eliot told them then stood and walked out into the parking area to wait for them.
Parker arrived first parking the car and running to Eliot with a questioning look on her face. Eliot looked at her and then shook his head, it was not looking good. Two minutes later the van pulled up and Sophie and the others climbed out.
"Eliot?"
"He is in theatre Sophie, the bullet went in the side, it was not a through and through." Eliot told her as they walked towards the hospital entrance.
Sophie entered the hospital with the others following her and Eliot, she walked up to the reception and asked about Nate Ford but was told precisely what Eliot had told her. They also asked her to fill in all the paperwork for her husband and was told they would wait in the family waiting room and the doctor would find them there as soon as there was any news.
Two hours later they were all sitting in the waiting room. Nobody spoke as they waited all of them worried about what was happening and if Nate would make it or not.
"I'm sorry Sophie, I moved too late." Eliot suddenly said breaking the silence.
"Not your fault Eliot." Sophie said looking at the Hitter and seeing the distress on his face.
"No Sophie I should have taken Moreau the minute we stepped through that door." Eliot said his voice devoid of emotion. "I took him too late and…I am sorry."
"Eliot stop it right now. This is not your fault it is his. He always assumes he can outthink, out play, out manoeuvre anybody, he just sat there, he dared him to shoot him with no regard for his own safety, he…" Sophie stopped and drew in a deep breath. "He just sat there."
Silence settled over them again. Paul went to get them coffee along with Maggie an hour later and then finally after six hours of waiting the doctor made his appearance and Sophie could see by the look on the young surgeon's face that it was not going to be good news.
"Mrs Ford."
"Yes."
"I operated on your husband." He said looking at her and the young baby she was holding. "Perhaps you could take a seat." Sophie stared at him and then felt Eliot take her arm and lead her back to the chair she had risen from.
"My husband?"
"I am afraid the bullet did some serious damage, he made it through surgery however he is on full life support and with the damage done, and the amount of blood loss, I am afraid to say that Mr Ford's condition is not good. He is in ICU now and we are keeping him sedated."
"His…what are his…will he recover?"
"Mrs Ford, Mr Ford came in with a single gunshot wound. The bullet did not pass right through and instead it bounced around internally causing damage to Mr Ford's organs including his liver. He experienced extreme blood loss and had to receive several transfusions. Mr Ford was in hypovolemic shock due to the amount of blood loss when he was brought in. Like I said he made it through surgery however you should prepare yourself. I am sorry." The doctor said.
"Can I see him please." Sophie asked her eyes swimming in unshed tears.
"You can, for a few moments." The doctor said calling his nurse to take Sophie in to see Nate. Once she had left he turned back to the others. "I would like to ask if you know if Mrs Ford or somebody else holds Mr Fords medical proxy."
"I…I think it is Peter Krige, he is an attorney here in LA." Maggie said her voice hitching with emotion. That must be why Nate went to see the man, he knew this might happen and had made arrangements, there was no way he would allow Sophie to be placed in a position where she had to make this type of decision and they would only ask about that if they expected to have to make decisions regarding life support.
"I see, thank you."
"Doctor." Eliot said stopping the man before he could leave. "We need to know."
"Mr Ford is not likely to survive, I am sorry, the damage and blood loss were just too large. Now I cannot say for certain of course, but at this moment it is not looking good. There is still a chance and we will do our best to prevent him from succumbing to his injuries, but it would be best if you prepared yourself and Mrs Ford." He said looking into the Hitter's eyes. "I would also request that you notify Mr Ford's medical proxy, there may be some medical decisions that need to be made in the coming days."
"Thank you." Eliot said. The doctor nodded then left them alone.
"Oh my God." Maggie said suddenly overwhelmed and Paul moved over to her taking a seat beside her and holding her as she wept.
"We have to be here for Sophie and for Michael." Parker said looking down at the baby in her arms.
"We will." Hardison said as he stood beside her with his arm around her. He was barely keeping it together but knew he had to, for Parker, for Sophie he had to hold it together he told himself.
"Nate is not dead yet and he…he is a fighter." Eliot whispered trying to control his emotions as he looked at the rest of his family. "He ain't dead yet." He repeated.
