A couple of swear words here - but I only use them when totally appropriate to the story. Thanks for the reviews (I can't respond to the anonymous folks but I do appreciate you taking the time to comment).
Just a note to 'Anonymous' who was upset that I had Shawn wetting himself. Although this is a work of fiction (and highly unlikely) I do try to be as realistic as possible within the confines of my stories. It would be highly unrealistic to assume that someone who was tied in a chair for hours or days - and who was being tortured - wouldn't lose control of his bladder and/or throw up. I won't apologize for that but will point to the fact that I warned people there would be graphic whump.
"Where's the damn video!" Henry looked ready to kill someone as he waited with the others in the Chief's office.
"It should be here any second Henry", Vick tried to remain calm, although truth to tell she was ready to scream herself. The photo of Shawn had shocked everyone and as she looked around the office Karen could see the same anger and fear on each face.
"Here it is", Buzz was running through the office, a flash drive in hand. "They just sent it over and I copied it onto here."
Karen reached out her hand and grabbed it and quickly inserted into the port in her computer. She wanted to scream as everyone crowded around her desk, although she knew she shouldn't blame them.
"What's taking so long?" Lassiter snapped. At Vick's raised eyebrows he quickly backtracked. "I didn't mean you Chief – I meant the computer."
"Here it is." Karen hit play on the first recording and they all watched as a variety of vehicles pulled up to the pumps at the gas station. "Come on", she murmured, her eyes, like everyone's, plastered to the screen. She was tempted to fast forward, but knew it was imperative they didn't miss anything.
After almost twenty minutes O'Hara cried out. "There", she pointed to a non-descript white van that drove up. "That looks like him."
Henry leaned closer, wondering how she could tell when the guy hadn't even got out of his car yet. A moment later he swore. It was definitely their suspect. "Can you get the license plate?"
They all watched but at this angle the plates were hidden. Farris filled his car, returned the hose and put his gas cap back on. He gave a quick look around and then hopped in his car, started it and drove away.
"Stop!" Henry looked down. "Got it. It's LL6 3G4, California plates."
Karen immediately picked up her phone. "Run a trace on the following plates – and I want it STAT!" She gave the information and then slowly put the phone down. She regarded everyone standing around her desk for a couple of minutes. "It might be a while -" she was interrupted by the ringing of her phone. With a quick frown of surprise she picked it up. "Yes?" She grabbed her pen and began to write.
This time, as the call ended, the receiver was slammed down quickly. "It's registered to a Howard Davies. The address is 24 East Mountain Drive. Check it out."
Lassiter gave one nod and then turned and practically ran out of the room, followed by O'Hara close at his heels. She almost careened into Carlton when he suddenly stopped and shouted to Buzz. "Call for an ambulance to meet us there – in case this is it."
Henry and Gus quickly followed the two detectives, but split off when they got outside. "We'll take my truck and follow them", Henry said. For some reason he felt it was important that he have his own vehicle. If Shawn was – if they were too late, Henry needed to be able to go after the bastard on his own. He knew the cops would try and stop him.
"What if he's -"
"He's alive O'Hara", Carlton interrupted her. "There's no way Spencer is dead."
"But – but you saw the picture."
"Yeah, and you saw the pictures of that little girl. I won't believe it until I see him in the flesh. But it doesn't matter anyway – he's alive."
"How can you know that?" she asked, her voice cracking in despair.
"How can I know that? Because I know Spencer. There's no way in hell he's going to die and stop irritating me and performing all his stupid antics around here."
O'Hara choked back a laugh, even though she still felt like crying. For some reason Lassiter's confidence gave her hope. "Thank you", she said softly.
He glanced over at her, his stern face softening slightly. "No problem O'Hara."
Gus held onto the handle of the door tightly as the truck sped through the streets, following behind Lassiter's car. He didn't say anything as all he could think about was the picture of Shawn, tied to that chair and covered in blood. His friend couldn't be dead – he couldn't. Gus didn't know what he'd do without Shawn. He couldn't go on – life just wouldn't be the same.
"He's alive Gus", Henry said. His words were confident, but Gus could hear the fear, the doubt in his voice.
"Yeah – he's too stubborn to die", Gus replied. He'd never seen Henry with quite that expression on his face before – and it terrified him. He had to do something to change it – to wipe off that look of loss. "And don't forget all the times he did crazy things – and yet he always manages to get out of them okay."
"What if he doesn't this time Gus?" Henry asked. "What if this is the one time it all catches up to him. You saw that picture. How could he survive that?"
"Because he's tough. He may sound immature at times and it may seem like he's never serious, but Shawn is a lot stronger than most people give him credit for."
"Is he?" Henry frowned. "I tried but -"
"Look – I know Shawn sometimes gives you a hard time about his upbringing and even though he didn't want to be a cop, you trained him well and he knows that. The reason he's a success at Psych is because of that. He's gonna make it Henry."
Shawn's father turned and looked at him for a few seconds and then finally gave a short nod. "Let's bring him home."
"Yes Sir!"
They arrived five minutes later at a small, rundown house at the end of a long lane. It was at the very edge of town, practically in the country, and there were no other houses near by. It looked as if no one was even living there and there were no cars parked in the driveway.
"It looks deserted", O'Hara commented as Lassiter stopped the car.
"Mmm", Lassiter leaned forward and looked at the house. "Perfect place for a kidnapping. Come on, let's check it out." As they opened the door Henry pulled up in his truck, followed by two more squad cars.
"Buzz, you and Carmichael check out the back. Keep your eyes open for anything suspicious. Lopez, you and Marion stay here and watch the front. O'Hara and I are going in the front door."
Henry and Gus stepped forward to follow the detectives, but Carlton turned to him and spoke. "Henry, you stay here. If he's here I'll let you know right away, but I can't have you getting in the way." When Henry went to argue Lassiter cut him off. "You're just wasting time! I know my job Henry – just wait!"
With that Lassiter drew his gun, nodded to O'Hara and moved towards the door.
Shawn didn't know where he was, although he was at least pleased he no longer felt miserable. Wherever this place was there was no pain and he wasn't thirsty anymore. He breathed a huge sigh of relief but that was quickly followed by a touch of curiosity.
"So – I must have died." The realization brought a swift stab of anguish, but he stomped it down. "It's your own fault", he told himself, "and better for everyone. I just wish I could have stopped Bill." The thought that his murderer would go on to hurt others was terrifying. He was also darned curious about what that date had meant and who the 'bastard' was.
"Dad – I'm sorry. Gus – please don't feel bad. I want you both to have a good life. And Dad – tell Mom I love her."
He refused to think about Juliet, because for some reason that made this whole thing even more painful. He felt like he'd lost the most important opportunity, the most important person in his life. He'd screwed up and now Juliet would never be part of his life. He just hoped she would find happiness with a great guy.
"But she won't find anyone with such amazing hair", he said, although as soon as he said them, the words seemed too shallow and immature for the situation.
"So – heaven or hell?" he asked, trying to change the subject for himself. He tried looking around but everything was rather fuzzy. He felt like he was lying in a big ball of cotton candy – without the sticky goodness of course. "Uh hello?" Maybe someone would give him a hint. "Uh – if you're the good guy, I'd really appreciate you saying hi and letting me know what I'm supposed to do here. If you're – the other guy – then just ignore me. Thanks."
Nothing. Okay, that wasn't very nice. He was going to get bored if he stayed here – wherever here was – much longer. "Hey – maybe I am in hell. Rather than being tormented, they let you be bored for eternity. Yuck – that's worse than torment."
His mind immediately flipped back to his time with Bill and his heart sped up. "No", he called. "I take that back." There was no way in hell – or heaven – he ever wanted to go through something like that again. In fact it had been hell. "I'm sorry for all the bad things I did", he called out. "I promise I'll be better next time. Please – can someone tell me where I am?"
He was starting to feel frightened again – the fluffy cloud was dissipating and he began to feel cold. He tried swallowing but it was becoming harder and harder. "Please?" he whispered. What was happening? Where was he?
Hell – he knew it. He'd been judged and found wanting and he'd been sent to hell. Rather than being hot however, it felt like it was getting colder. He could also start to feel the pain coming back.
"Crap", he whispered. "I'm sorry – please?" Just then he heard murmuring – he thought there were voices but couldn't be sure. They began to get closer and closer. Suddenly he heard his name being called. They were coming for him.
"Nothing", Carlton closed the door and motioned onward. They'd checked out the first floor but there was no one there. It was obvious someone had been here though as there were dirty dishes in the sink and a recent newspaper on the kitchen table.
They'd moved to the second floor and were checking it room by room. They were down to one more and Lassiter reached down and slowly opened it, pushing it open while standing to the side. At O'Hara's nod he looked around the corner and quickly checked out the room. "Bedroom", he said quietly. He moved in and looked in the closet and around the furniture. "Nothing."
"Spencer?" he called. Still there was nothing although Lassiter had a feeling. "He's been here", he said abruptly. "I know it."
"But where would he have taken Shawn? There's no sign of him."
"We haven't checked the basement yet. He could be there." He turned to leave the room when he saw something out of the corner of his eye. "What's that", he motioned with his chin towards the large piece of furniture over to the side.
"Uh – a wardrobe."
"Check it out. It's big enough to put someone inside."
O'Hara walked over carefully, her heart pounding. Swallowing, she reached over and undid the door and swung it open. Almost expecting Shawn's body to fall out, she was shocked when there was nothing there. It was simply a wardrobe, filled with shelves and a narrow place to hang clothes. "Nothing", she told him, not sure whether she was relieved or disappointed.
"O'Hara." Lassiter's voice sounded strange.
"What?"
"Move away from it." He stepped forward and leaned on the edge of the wardrobe, pushing it to the side. It was then that Juliet saw it. There was a door hidden behind the wardrobe.
"Oh for goodness – who came up with this?", Carlton grumbled, although Juliet knew it was simply his way of dealing with the stress – and the sudden conviction that this was it.
"Get Buzz", he said suddenly.
"No – I want to -"
"O'Hara – go get Buzz. I'll check this out."
She glared at him and pushed the button on her radio. "Buzz – we're in the last bedroom on the second floor. We need backup."
"Juliet", Lassiter said gently.
"No – let's go – time's wasting."
He took a deep breath and nodded, knowing he'd done all he could. With that he pushed the door open, to see steep wooden stairs behind it. "Must be the attic."
He carefully stepped up on the first stair and slowly walked up, pressing his body against the wall. He kept his gun at the ready.
Juliet's heart was beating so fast she could barely hear the sounds of Carlton's footsteps. She too know that they were at the end. She prayed that they'd find him alive.
"Holy Jesus!" Carton stopped at the top of the stairs. "Spencer!" He almost let go of years of training and rushed forward but at the last moment stopped himself and checked out the small room. When it was clear there was no one else here he finally ran forward, up to the bloody and torn body of Shawn Spencer.
"Oh my God." Juliet stood at the top of the stairs, her hand over her mouth and frozen to the spot. She'd seen the picture so she should have been prepared, but the reality was much worse. "Is he -"
Lassiter was kneeling by the chair, feeling sick at the horrendous damage that had been done to the psychic. He reached carefully for Spencer's neck, sure that he wasn't going to find anything.
His own pulse was beating so frantically that he had to force himself to calm down. If Spencer had a pulse he needed to be able to feel it. He placed his fingers against the cold of the man's neck.
Pounding footsteps almost broke his concentration and the next thing he knew Henry was right beside him.
"God – is he alive. Lassiter? Is there a pulse." Henry could barely look at his son – the one glance making him want to die – and to kill. "Is there -"
"I don't KNOW. Just – be quiet." Lassiter was desperately trying to find a small spark of life but it – "It's there – he's alive!"
"Oh thank God." Henry leaned closer and gently touched his son's face. "We're here kiddo – just hold on. You're gonna be fine. Where's the damn ambulance", he continued, not taking his eyes off Shawn. "I thought someone called it."
"It's on its way", Juliet said softly, still standing back. She wanted to rush to Shawn, to touch him, to prove to herself that he really was alive, but something held her back. She was terrified – terrified of seeing up close how cruelly he'd been hurt. She could feel the gorge rise in the back of her throat and was sure she was either going to vomit or to scream.
Before either happened a gentle hand touched her arm. Startled, she turned to see Gus standing beside her.
"He's alive", he said softly. He looked just like she felt – but somehow having him there gave her strength. She covered his hand with hers and looked over at the unconscious man. "How could anyone have hurt him like that? He didn't deserve that. Shawn wouldn't hurt anyone. Why Gus, why?"
Gus just shook his head, unable to speak.
"It's okay Shawn', Henry was murmuring softly, gently stroking Shawn's cheek – the only place he could see that looked relatively unhurt. "Dad's here and everything's gonna be just fine. You just rest."
Lassiter looked on, not sure what he should do. He'd pulled out his pocket knife, ready to remove the tape binding Spencer to the chair, but then paused. He'd gotten a glance at Shawn's legs and arms – the bastard had pounded the hell out of him and they looked broken. He wasn't sure what would happen if he cut the tape and figured it would be better to let the paramedics handle it.
"Cut the damn tape Lassiter." Henry glanced at him and saw him holding the knife. "What are you waiting for?"
"I think we should wait Henry. I don't know what it will do to him if we take it off. He may fall forward and -"
"Cut it", Henry hissed. "I'll hold him up."
Carlton sighed, but leaned forward and gently cut the tape holding Spencer's arms to the chair and then the tape around his legs. As he did so he couldn't help but notice the man's nails. He grimaced. The bastard had ripped out his nails. He also saw the deep cuts up and down his arms and wondered how he'd survived all the trauma and blood loss. "There", he said when it was done. "Hold him carefully."
"Of course. He's my son Lassiter."
Carlton just nodded and glanced over at Juliet and Guster – and behind them at Buzz and Carmichael standing at the top of the stairs. Everyone wore the same expression on their faces – ones of horror and anger – but with a strong undercurrent of hope.
"The ambulance is here", Buzz announced. He and Carmichael quickly got out of the way as the paramedics arrived.
They instantly took over, forcing Lassiter and Henry to step back and watch as they quickly and efficiently began to examine the wounded man.
"Let's get him out of this chair", the older of the two said sharply. Lying him down on the floor they began checking and calling out vital signs. Within moments they had him hooked up to an IV, had bandaged the open wounds and had immobilized his neck, arms and legs.
Within less than ten minutes they had him on the gurney and were taking him to the waiting ambulance. "We can take one person", one of them called.
No one said anything as Henry climbed in after the gurney. He didn't even look at the others, his eyes firmly focused on his son. He knew, from what the paramedics had said, that Shawn was in critical condition and there was the possibility he wouldn't even make it to the hospital. For some reason, he knew he had to keep concentrating, keep looking at his son. That way Shawn wouldn't die.
After the ambulance drove off, sirens blazing, the others were left standing outside the house. It was a crime scene and already the forensics guys were arriving. Lassiter and O'Hara knew they needed to stay – to secure it and to report on what they'd found. Neither of them did anything but watch after the ambulance – both in shock from what they'd witnessed.
"Detectives – We'll look after things here", a subdued and very serious looking Buzz told them. He waited to be blasted by Lassiter for his presumption, but instead the head detective simply glanced at him.
"Thanks Buzz. We'll let you know what happens. Uh – you'd better drive Henry's truck back to the station when you're done."
"I will Sir. And – tell Mr. Spencer – we're all thinking of Shawn."
Lassiter nodded and started for his car. Without even a glance back he called – "O'Hara, Guster, let's get going."
By the time they arrived at the hospital Shawn had already been taken into the ER and Henry was stuck in the waiting room. He was sitting in a chair, his hands hanging down between his knees, his head bent down. He didn't even move when the others arrived.
"Henry?" Lassiter asked, putting his hand on the older man's shoulder.
Henry slowly lifted his head. "He crashed on the way here."
"No", Juliet breathed.
Henry glanced at her. "They brought him back. He was alive when they got here. I – they told me to wait out here. They're checking him over."
Lassiter squeezed his shoulder and then sat down. "O'Hara – sit down. He'll be okay."
Juliet sat heavily on one of the plastic chairs in the waiting room. Gus walked over to the window and looked outside. It was getting dark and soon the lights would come on.
No one spoke as they waited in the gloomy hospital waiting room. Every hour or so a nurse would come out and give them an update. All they really found out was that Shawn was still alive and was being treated. No one told them how bad it was or what his chances were. The nurses told them the doctor would be out to speak with them.
Hours passed and there was still no sign of the doctor. Henry knew that that was probably a good thing. If something bad had happened they would have been told. So far no news meant he was alive. He refused to think beyond that.
"He was so hurt", Gus' voice finally broke the silence. He spoke softly though – not wanting to disturb Henry. Instead he spoke to Juliet, who had been sitting in the same chair since they arrived.
"I know", she whispered sadly. "I – I keep seeing him, tied to that chair."
"He can't die", Gus said, sounding as if he wanted to cry. "He can't die. I told him I didn't want to be his friend anymore. What if he dies thinking that's true? I need to tell him Juliet. I need him to know I'll always be his friend. Why did I do that?"
"I'm sure he knows Gus", she tried to comfort him. "He knows you were just frustrated and I'm sure he was just waiting until you were done your interview to bug you again."
"No – this time was different and he knew that. It was that Doctor – I should never have listened to him."
Juliet had no idea what he was talking about, but she did understand Gus' sense of guilt. She felt horrible too for how she'd treated Shawn. Even though he could sometimes drive a saint to drink, Shawn was never mean or vicious. He liked people and if he was your friend he'd do anything for you. Oh, he might whine and complain about it but deep down she knew he was one of the most caring people she'd ever met.
He had a strange courage and charm that was unlike anyone she'd ever known. Right from the beginning she'd been attracted to him, but she'd forced herself to ignore those feelings. She didn't believe in dating someone at work – although even more than that she'd sensed that Shawn was someone who could change her world – and she hadn't been quite sure if she was ready for that yet.
Then he'd started dating Abigail and she'd kicked herself. She'd lost her chance and she knew she had missed out on something really good. When they'd broken up she'd briefly considered pushing it – but had figured she had time. She also had her doubts. Shawn was – unique – and she didn't know whether that was a good or a bad thing. Now she really wanted to kick herself. Her fear had kept her from something wonderful.
If Shawn survived – and of course he was going to survive – she was going to change things.
Henry kept thinking about the fact that Shawn hadn't felt able to come to him about his concerns and the thought was killing him. What kind of father was he that his own son couldn't trust that he'd do everything possible to help him? He was an arrogant, stubborn old fool, that's what he was.
He'd spent years trying to cultivate a sense of responsibility and focus on his son – instead he'd caused him to rebel and to distrust his own father.
"If – when you get out of here – I'm going to be a better father Shawn – I promise."
"Did you call Spencer's Mother?" Lassiter asked out of the blue.
Henry stared at him. "What?"
"Did you call your – Shawn's mother?"
"Crap", Henry closed his eyes. He'd planned to call her as soon as he got to the hospital but had ended up sitting here, half in shock and forgetting to call. Madeleine was going to kill him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. "Thanks", he gave a crooked smile to the detective. "She would have had my balls for breakfast."
Lassiter nodded. Yup – that's a woman for you. He stood up and moved away to allow Spencer some privacy. He spared a quick feeling of sympathy for Madeleine Spencer – this had to be the sort of call every parent dreaded.
A few minutes later Henry stood and walked over to lean against the wall next to where the head detective was standing. "I left a message", he said at Lassiter's questioning look. "She travels a lot so she may be away on a conference."
"I'm gonna go get a coffee", Carlton suddenly announced. "Anyone want one?"
"I'll help." Gus stood up, needing to get away, if only for a few moments. The two men headed down towards the cafeteria, leaving Juliet and Henry.
"What's taking so long?" Henry strode over to the window and looked out into the now darkened parking lot. "We should have heard something by now."
"I'm sure they'll be out soon. They need to check everything carefully."
"Everything!" Henry laughed bitterly. "That'll probably take all night. God detective – did you see him? He – that god-damned bastard tortured my son." The last sentence ended on a sob. "He tortured him. Did you see his fingers? Did you?"
Juliet pressed her lips together to keep from crying. "No – no, I didn't." She could feel the tears burning in her eyes and she wanted to scream at Henry and tell him to stop. She didn't want to know.
"That fuckin' bastard pulled out his finger nails! And he took a cigarette and burned his chest." He swung to look at her, although he really wasn't seeing her at all. "Did you see his back? He carved words into his back! Why? Why did he do that? Shawn never even knew him. He didn't have anything to do with him. Why him? Why?"
Juliet sobbed and reached forward and put her arms around the older man. "Shhh", she told him. "He'll be okay."
"How can he be?" Henry said softly, not moving away but not returning the embrace. "After what that guy did – how can he be okay?"
A short while later Chief Vick arrived at the hospital. "Any word?" she asked her head detective. She glanced over at Henry, but he was sitting with his head bowed. Juliet was gone – to the ladies room according to Lassiter – and Gus was standing staring out the window.
"No. The nurse was by about an hour ago. He's still in surgery – they didn't say what for."
"Are you okay Detective?" the chief wanted to know. She'd never seen the man act quite like this before.
"No I'm not", he answered directly. "I - " His face was pale and haunted looking. He lifted his eyes and peered directly at Karen. "The bastard tortured him to an inch of his life", he said softly. "And I want to find him and kill him."
Karen nodded – she felt much the same. "Just remember he's sick", she warned, although she knew it wouldn't help. "And make sure you look after yourself Detective – and watch out for O'Hara. This has to be tough on her."
Lassiter glanced in surprise over at his partner, who had just returned from the rest room. Damn – he'd practically forgotten about her. "I will Chief", he assured his superior – and it was a promise he planned to keep. This had to be as tough if not tougher on her. He'd make sure she got through this.
Just then the doors to the ER opened and a tired looking man in scrubs and a cotton cap came out. "Mr. Spencer?" he asked, looking around the waiting room.
"That's me", Henry stood and took a deep breath. "How is Shawn?"
"Let's sit down", the doctor smiled. "I've been on my feet for quite a few hours." He waited for an impatient looking Henry to sit beside him. He then glanced at the other people in the waiting room who had gathered around and were looking at him expectantly. "Family?"
"Yes – and friends. Please Doctor – how's Shawn?"
"He's alive and I plan on keeping him that way", the Doctor said directly. He knew how important it was to get to the truth quickly. "But I need to be honest that Shawn is in rough shape and - although I hate to be clichéd – the next 24 to 48 hours are crucial. We have him in the Critical Care Unit and he will be monitored constantly. He's a fighter, so I believe he'll pull through but I want you to be prepared in case -" he let his voice drop off then.
"Can I see him?" Henry asked.
"In a few minutes – they're just getting him settled and then you can go in. In the meantime, I need to explain a few things." He looked at the man – the father – sitting beside him and wondered how strong he was. Dr. Jamison sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Mr. Spencer, I don't know if you are aware of what was done to Shawn?" He looked at the older man with concern in his eyes. He then glanced at some of the others there, not sure what role they played or how much anyone knew about what had transpired.
"Not in detail, but I was one of the ones who found him", Henry told him. "We know – he was tortured."
The doctor nodded. "Yes – well I'm afraid this is going to be difficult but – first off, Shawn is suffering from a mild concussion. It shouldn't give him any long term problems and is probably the least serious of his injuries." He stopped and licked his lips but before he continued Gus appeared with a cup of coffee, which he handed to the doctor. "Thank you", Dr. Jamison said in surprise. He took a quick sip and closed his eyes in pleasure. "Sorry – so, next – he suffered two and a few three degree burns on his chest. It looks like from a cigarette. Unfortunately infection has set in and we're monitoring that carefully. We may need to do a small skin graft later but for now we're just worried about keeping the infection under control."
The doctor took another sip of coffee, appearing exhausted. Vick wondered briefly how much of it was from the work he'd done and how much of it was from having to deal with the psychological trauma of treating a torture victim.
"Next – he received quite a number of deep knife cuts up and down his arms and across his back. We had to suture them and I'm afraid they'll leave some scarring. The worst part of these injuries was that because of the number of cuts, he suffered serious blood loss. We've given him a couple of pints but it will take a while for his body to deal with that and replace the blood. There's also some infection setting in on the cuts but the antibiotics we have him on should deal with that as well."
So far no one had said anything since he'd started to recite the list of Shawn's injuries although all eyes were glued to him. The doctor was sure he'd never been in quite so intense a situation in his life. Still, he owed it to these people, and especially to Shawn's father, to tell them the truth.
"Did you see his fingers?" Dr. Jamison asked Shawn's father gently. Henry simply nodded and the doctor let out a huff of breath. "Yes – well he has lost seven fingernails – four on his right hand and three on his left. They'll heal, although it will be painful and Shawn will find it hard to use his fingers for a while. We'll keep an eye out for infection, but fortunately they look okay for now."
"Will they grow back?" Henry wanted to know.
"They should. It doesn't look as if he got the roots so it was more painful than serious. Again an infection could change things but hopefully we'll avoid that." The doctor wished he could stop there, but knew that the man in front of him wouldn't let him off without telling everything. He continued. "He has multiple broken bones", he said plainly. "The femur in his left leg is the worst then both the tibia and fibula in the right. His right clavicle and humerus and left ulna are also broken."
"God", Henry leaned forward, feeling sick. He felt the doctor's hand rest lightly on his back.
"I'm sorry – but remember Mr. Spencer – he's alive and he's strong."
"Is there more?"
"I'm afraid so. He has three broken ribs – one of them cut his liver. That's why we took so long. We had to go in and repair it."
"His liver?"
"Yes, but the damage was minor and he should be fine. There was a small bleed and we got that."
"Is that all?" Henry asked bitterly. He really didn't know how Shawn was alive."
"No", the doctor said quietly. "There's one more thing. He was severely dehydrated and in shock by the time he was found. His kidneys shut down and we are rehydrating him and have him on dialysis. Again – the next few hours will tell and we're hoping things come back but – you have to be prepared."
Henry nodded – things were bad – but as long as he was alive they could cope. He felt sick to his stomach and wanted nothing more than to run to the bathroom and vomit. But he knew he had to be here for Shawn – even if he hadn't shown that in the past. Whatever happened – he was not going to give up.
"Well", the doctor stood, slowly. "They're probably ready now if you want to come?"
"Yes." Henry turned to the others – who all looked the way he felt. "I'll -"
"Just go Henry", Karen said softly. "We'll be here. Give him our love."
He nodded, unable to speak, and followed the doctor down the hall. He was grateful for the presence of Shawn's friends. He wondered if his son had any idea how they all felt about him. Somehow he doubted it.