Teaching Aleck (The Last Hangman MC #2)(71)

“What are you thinking about, Pumpkin?” I ask softly.

“Hoping Daddy is okay,” she says softly.

“He will be, he’s strong. He loves you both very much and wouldn’t leave you two.” Mom smiles at Ally, getting a shy smile out of her in return.

A few minutes later, my father pops his head in the room. “Can I talk to you, Line?”

“Sure.” I look at him confused and dread is washing over me. What now?

I walk out of the room and join him outside. “What’s going on? Did you talk to the nurse?”

“Yes,” he sighs, “he’s in a bad shape, but they are doing all they can to make him better.”

My heart shatters. “This can’t be happening,” I whisper.

“I’m sorry, Princess.” He hugs me tightly and I break down crying even harder.

“It’s all my fault!” I scream into my father’s chest.

“What are you talking about?” he asks stroking my hair.

“I…it’s a long story.” I can’t tell them.

“Okay, I’m not going to ask you to tell me now, but one day you’ll have to open up.” I nod. “Let’s dry those tears and go back in.” He kisses my head and hands me a tissue. I go to the bathroom quickly to wash my face. I don’t want Ally to see me in such a state. I look at my reflection in the mirror, I look like death. I’m paler than usual, have dried blood on my arms and shirt and I have bruises around my neck where Brian had his hands wrapped around it. I’m surprised my parents haven’t said anything. I take a minute to collect my thoughts and walk back out to the waiting room.

I sit on the ground, trying to get as comfortable as can be here. Ally joins me and cuddles me. I wrap her in my jacket and hold her to me, rocking her softly, hoping she’ll fall back asleep. She’s clutching a teddy bear in her arms that wasn’t there before, I smile up at my dad who nods at me.

We stay like this for what seems forever. I’m trying to keep it together for Ally who’s been as restless as the rest of us.

Someone knocks on the door and a nurse walks in. It took them seven hours for them to come give us news.

Seven. Fucking. Hours.

I’m f*cking raging! I know they are doing their job and everything to save him, but to leave us in the unknown on what’s going on?

I get up, holding Ally. “How is he?”

“We have to wait 24 hours to be sure, but he should be fine. Can I talk to you for a minute?”

I nod and kiss Ally’s head. “I’ll be right back okay? I’m going to talk to the nurse, Pumpkin.”

“Is Daddy going to be okay?” she asks looking at me hopeful and on the verge of tears again.

“Yes, Princess, Daddy is going to be okay.” I smile at her and she hugs me tightly.

I smile hugging her back and give her to my mom when she slowly loosens her grip on my neck. I follow the nurse outside and she closes the door. “How is he really?”

“The bullet has left some damage I’m afraid. It went through cleanly, but it went through his left lung. He was bleeding badly, but the doctors have managed to stop it. It was touch and go for a couple of hours. He flat lined twice and we’ll have to keep him in ICU for at least two weeks to make sure he’s okay. The next 24 hours will be the most critical. Also, he won’t wake up straight away, we’ve had to put him in a chemically induced comma because of the pain he’d be in. It’ll only last for a couple of days, but I’d rather have you be aware of it beforehand.”

I nod and rub my face. “When can we go see him?” I ask my voice breaking. I can’t lose him.

“The nurses in ICU are setting him up, but you’ll be able to go see him in half an hour. We’ll give you and his daughter a sterile outfit to go in. We don’t want outside contamination.”

“Of course. Thank you.” I nod at her and walk in.

“When can we go see Daddy?” Ally asks smiling.

“In a few minutes, Pumpkin,” I smile softly at her and kneel down, “Daddy will be asleep for a couple of days, but it’s normal. It’s just to make sure he doesn’t talk too much and hurt himself again. You know how chatty your Daddy can be.” I giggle softly and she nods smiling.

“Worse than a girl!” She hugs me giggling softly.

“So true.” I can’t help the giggle that escapes my lips.

“Hey! Don’t diss men! We have to talk a lot to try and keep up with you lot!” Dad chimes in.

“Of course, Honey. Only to keep up with us.” Mom says rolling her eyes.

“Whatever,” he mumbles. “Need us to bring you anything?”

“Some food later on if you don’t mind. I don’t really want to spend too much time away from him.”

“Of course.” My dad hugs me and Ally and walks out of the waiting room with us.

The nurse came to get us a few minutes ago to get cleaned up and change into sterile clothes before going in to see Aleck. It’s horrible to see him with all the tubes and machines attached to him keeping him alive, but he looks so peaceful. It’s the first time I’ve seen him this relaxed. I know he’s in a coma, but still, it’s giving me some peace of mind.

I sit down in the chair next to the bed with Ally on my lap. We cuddle keeping a close eye on him, both of us wanting him to wake up, needing him to wake up, even if it’s not going to happen today.