Chapter 4 - The Radiologist at Midnight
Within twelve minutes, the private medical detail arrived at Vance Manor.
Dr. Robert Bennett and two specialized pediatric nurses set up a mobile digital radiography scanner inside the ground-floor guest suite.
With immense gentleness, Dr. Bennett examined Ethan’s wrist, taking high-resolution digital X-rays from three distinct angles.
I stood beside the bed, holding Ethan’s uninjured hand while a nurse administered a mild, soothing anti-inflammatory syrup.
“Mr. Vance,” Dr. Bennett said, stepping over to the lightbox monitor. “Ethan has suffered an acute non-displaced greenstick fracture of the distal radius, along with severe soft-tissue contusions and ligament strain consistent with direct, high-impact blunt trauma from a heavy wooden or iron object.”
My jaw clenched so hard my molars groaned.
“A piano lid,” I said quietly.
“Yes,” Dr. Bennett nodded solemnly. “If the lid had struck one inch lower on his metacarpals, it would have shattered his hand permanently. He will require a lightweight waterproof cast for four weeks, followed by physical therapy. The bone will heal cleanly with zero permanent impairment.”
“Thank you, Robert,” I said, exhaling a slow, steady breath.
Ethan looked at the vibrant royal-blue fiberglass cast being carefully molded around his forearm, a tiny, brave smile returning to his face.
“Look, Daddy,” Ethan whispered. “It’s blue. Mommy’s favorite color.”
May you like
“It’s beautiful, sweetheart,” I smiled, kissing his forehead. “Now sleep. Marcus and I have work to do.”
I waited until Ethan’s breathing evened out into deep, peaceful slumber, then stepped into the corridor where Julian Hayes and Detective Marcus Stone were waiting with sealed evidence folios.
