Chapter 5 - THE NURSE WHO REFUSED TO RUN
Two days later, Gabriel regained consciousness.
His fever had fallen.
His breathing was stronger.
And his eyes were clear enough to recognize me.
He stared.
“You.”
I smiled faintly.
“Unfortunately.”
He looked around.
“Hospital.”
“Yes.”
“I told you not to bring me here.”
“You were unconscious.”
His jaw tightened.
“Who authorized surgery?”
“The emergency team treated a life-threatening condition. Your medical team can explain the consent and emergency decisions.”
He looked toward the monitors.
Then at his legs.
He tried to move his right foot.
A small movement.
Barely visible.
But real.
His expression changed.
“Again,” I said.
He tried.
The foot moved.
Gabriel stared.
For a moment, the most feared man in Chicago looked like a frightened boy.
“Can I walk?”
I pulled a chair closer.
“I don't know yet.”
He looked at me.
“Don't lie.”
“I won't.”
Silence.
Then he whispered:
“What did they find?”
I explained the infection.
The second incision.
The unidentified metallic fragment.
And the missing records.
Gabriel listened without interrupting.
Then he closed his eyes.
“Vincent.”
I leaned forward.
“Why do you keep saying his name?”
Gabriel opened his eyes.
His voice was barely audible.
“Because I remember waking up during the second procedure.”
My stomach dropped.
“What?”
He swallowed.
“And I remember Vincent telling the doctor…”
He stopped.
I waited.
May you like
Gabriel's eyes filled with fury.
“Make sure he never stands again.”
