Victoria tried to get comfortable but she could not; every time she closed her eyes she saw her son's ghostly appearance. She had not seen Jarrod in almost two months because of a trial he had been working on; and now his complexion was pale and she almost didn't recognize him because of the beard he had grown which she guessed was to change his appearance.
The doctor's concerns were realized when Jarrod's fever started to spike. Doctor Warner had his wife go to the restaurant and get some ice to help cool Jarrod down. But that was going to be tricky since they could not move him due to his stab wound and the doctor wasn't sure Jarrod's body would survive an ice bath. So he gathered and wrapped the ice in sheets to slowly give Jarrod's body time to adjust to the coolness hoping it would bring down the fever.
Mary and Sister Catherine both tried to take Abby back to the hotel but the little girl refused to leave. Even though she had not seen the attorney, she knew he was nearby resting. The little girl could not understand why she could not see Jarrod.
Mary and Sister Catherine had talked about whether or not to take Abby back to see Jarrod and both decided they would not unless his condition changed for the worse. The child had already been through so much this was the last thing she needed to see but if...but both women refused to believe Jarrod would not survive.
Audra had tried to talk to Abby with little or no results. Finally Audra found a book and asked Abby if she could read it to her. Abby shyly looked at her and back to Mary.
Mary smiled and said, "Remember when Jarrod told us about his sister?" Abby nodded her head as Mary continued, "Well I think Jarrod would like it if you let his sister read to you."
Abby looked at Mary and back to Audra. Mistah Jay's sister was pretty and seemed to be nice. Abby jumped down from Mary's lap and slowly walked to Audra. She stopped and looked at Mary once again who nodded and smiled.
Abby looked at Audra and said quietly as she pointed to the book, "Yes." Audra smiled for the first time since arriving at the doctor's office and held her hand out for Abby. Audra had worked with her share of children who had been abused so she knew not to push the little girl too much. She helped Abby sit next to her as she read the book.
Mary got up and looked around the room. Heath and Nick were sitting beside each other not saying a word as they watched the door. Victoria had been extremely quiet since she had returned from visiting Jarrod. Mary had hoped to see Jarrod but was unable too since his fever spiked. She knew it had to be about six in the morning and she hadn't slept a wink as she rubbed her eyes.
The door opening to the back caused all the family to turn suddenly. It was Dr. Warner and he looked tired and completely worn out. He sighed as he sat down at his desk. He knew the family would want an update but he didn't have one, not really.
He spoke quietly, "The fever has not spiked any further."
"But it hasn't broken either," Victoria said.
The doctor shook his head, "No it hasn't but I have to believe that is good. It's time to remove the bullet and set his arm. I fear that the bullet might have done some internal damage which could be adding to the fever he is experiencing." The doctor then turned around and once more went into the room behind the door.
Nick and Heath paced nervously as the doctor operated on Jarrod. Victoria knew asking them to stop pacing would be a waste of time and she had considered joining them. She looked at Abby who had fallen asleep in Mary's lap but Mary was wide awake as her eyes never left the door. Audra and Sister Catherine were talking quietly about Audra's work with the orphanage. She sighed heavily and ran her hands over her face; she was exhausted but refused to leave.
Finally the doctor appeared looking worn and tired.
Nick and Heath rushed to greet him and Nick cautiously asked, "Well?"
Dr. Warner answered, "I was able to remove the bullet and set his fractured arm. It was as I feared, because of the bullet a slight infection set in. I rechecked the knife wound and it seems to be healing, showing no sign of infection."
Victoria asked, "How long before we know anything?"
Dr. Warner sighed as he answered, "It's hard to say Mrs. Barkley."
"When can we see him?" Mary asked.
"The nurse is still cleaning up so give us another thirty minutes, okay?"
Mary nodded her head in agreement.
"Now if you'll excuse me," the doctor turned to leave but Nick stopped them.
"Thank you," Nick offered his hand to the doctor who smiled and shook the rancher's hand.
"I'll send the nurse to let you know when you go back and visit."
As the doctor left, the family settled down once more waiting for word on when they could see Jarrod.