Short Chapter but I hope you like it. Medically ignorant so excuse any stupidity. Of course, I own nothing but the mistakes, for which I accept all responsibility.
Chapter Seven
By the time Peter and Mozzie arrived at the hospital, Neal was already in route for a CT scan and MRI. Peter had called Elizabeth on the way to the hospital, but since it had been close to eleven p.m. he had encouraged her to stay home. He promised he would call when the doctor let him know something. He had been pretty upbeat during their conversation; the medics attending to Neal hadn't given him any indication that Neal was in immediate danger. But on arriving at the emergency room and learning that Neal had seized during transport, his apprehension grew. The attending doctor indicated to Peter and Mozzie the concern that a more serious injury may have occurred. The Glasgow Coma Scale, used as part of the initial evaluation, had deteriorated from a 12 to a 7 from the time of initial contact with the medics to the arrival at the hospital. The imaging tests he had ordered would determine the severity of the injury and reveal any internal bleeding or blood accumulation in the brain. Just the mention of an intracranial hemorrhage had cause Mozzie to blanch. The prognosis and course of treatment would depend upon the results of the tests. Peter and Mozzie were left to wait.
It was well after midnight when the doctor came back with an update. "The tests did show evidence of intracranial hemorrhage and cerebral edema," at the looks on the men's face, the doctor held up his hand, "I don't anticipate surgery. Due to the location and extent of the hemorrhage, I believe we can treat it with medication. We have started him on corticosteroids to reduce swelling, and an anticonvulsant to control seizures. He is still not responsive but we are hopeful that once he begins to respond to the medication, his comatose state will reverse."
"Comatose state?" Mozzie asked, clearly startled by the news. "Neal's in a coma?"
"Your friend suffered a subdural hematoma," the doctor explained. "This happens when the bridging veins from the skull to the brain are torn. Blood accumulated, the pressure caused the brain to compress against the skull. His current comatose state is a result of that. But as I said, once the medication reduces the swelling I am optimistic that he will regain consciousness."
"When will that be?" Peter asked sharing Mozzie's concern. Unconscious was one thing; a coma was another.
"It's hard to say," the doctor explained, "We have to see how he responds to the treatment. Even after the swelling dissipates, he may remain unconscious for some time." He looked at the men, realizing he wasn't giving them the answered they wanted. "He needs rest; how much depends on the extent of physical and emotional strain he has been under the past few days." He looked at Peter, "He suffered some injuries prior to his head trauma; severe bruising of the ribs that I am sure has been quite painful. That indicates he has been under considerable physical strain. What about emotional?" He paused before adding, "I gather this was part of a Federal undercover operation? I would imagine that would create somewhat of an emotional strain as well."
Emotional strain? Peter knew that the death of Don Teagan had deeply shaken Neal. He didn't like violence, and having a man's throat cut was about as violent as it got. He wasn't sure if Neal had actually witnessed the murder, but he knew that Neal had seen the aftermath. He explained briefly. He didn't even broach the issue of Neal's recent concussion induced emotional angst about being a hostage and suffering from Stockholm syndrome.
"That sounds a step above stain into traumatic," the doctor said with concern. "He will wake when he is ready. We will monitor him closely until that time." He looked at the weary men in front of him. "I suggest you two get some rest. I don't anticipate any real changes in Mr. Caffrey's condition for several hours. If there are any, I will contact you."
"Can we see him?" Peter asked.
"Sure," the doctor said, "Just for a few minutes. Our evaluation indicates a light coma; he did show some response to painful stimulus, so on some level he might be aware that you are here. It might be a comfort to him."
Neal looked as if he were sleeping when they entered the room but was pale and very still. That was disconcerting to both Peter and Mozzie; Neal was never still. IV's were set up administering both fluids and a variety of medications. Mozzie shifted around uncomfortably, then stepped up to the bed. He touched Neal's shoulder gently, "Don't sleep too long, Neal, I really don't enjoy drinking your wine without you," he paused, "Much." He looked at Peter. "I am going to Friday for the night so I will catch a cab." With a glance back at his silent friend, he was quickly out the door.
After Mozzie left, Peter shifted uncomfortably himself. If Neal did know he was here, if he could say something to comfort him, what would it be? Lots of things went through his mind, but what did Neal need to hear?
" You weren't much more than a kid when you crossed Agent Burke's path…. ….he has pretty much been the only consistent person in your life…you sought him out….you wanted to keep his presence in your life …..Something has kept you from running…. You are attached to the man, Neal…."
He took a deep breath, took Neal's still hand into his and leaned down closer to Neal's face.
"You did a good job, Neal," he said, trying to keep his voice steady, "And I am glad you didn't run. I never want you to go where I can't find you." He felt a lump in his throat and he was almost glad the blue eyes were closed. Had they opened and looked at him, he was sure he would cry. "Even when your time is served, and the anklet is a thing of the past, I always want to be able to find you," he squeezed Neal's hand, "I always want you to be a part of my life, Neal, always." The felt his throat tighten painfully as he finished his monologue.
He may not have been sure what Neal needed to hear but he knew what he needed to say. If Neal was indeed attached to him, Peter wanted him to know the feeling was mutual.