Page 18 of Jake

Alex cracked the cap on the fresh beer I’d handed him. “In many ways, despite what he has been through, it’s better than having to plan his funeral. There is still hope for his recovery, and for that, we should be grateful. Is there anything I can do to help when I return to Popondetta this evening?”

“I don’t think so, but I’ll be in touch if something arises. Daly and Logan will take care of everything with help from Waigi and Mala. They have done so on previous occasions and they are trusted associates.” I paused and turned to face Alex fully. “I can’t thank you enough for the help you’ve given us here.”

Alex waved his hand. “You are to be my son-in-law. I believe in protecting my own, and in your case, also your family. Please give my best to your brother and I hope to see him back in Popondetta before too much time passes.”

I nodded. “I’ll call Tania after we speak with the doctors about Jake.”

“I pray it will be with good news.”

***

A soft knock at the door of my hotel room in the early hours of the morning had me jumping from the bed and rushing to the door. I’d been awake for most of the night, worrying about Jake and waiting to hear word that he was safely out of surgery.

I flung the door open to find both my parents and Quinn, all had worried expressions on their faces. I felt slighted that my parents had gone to my youngest brother first when I was supposed to be considered the more senior of their sons. How could I be so petty at a time like this? The annoyance didn’t last long.

Stepping back, I waited for them all to enter the room before closing the door. Mum and Dad took a seat on the small couch while Quinn and I perched on the end of the bed facing them.

“Alex and the others get away okay?” Father asked first.

“Yes. They were cleared to leave a few minutes before seven last night and Logan called to say they were home by midnight. Along with Waigi and Mala, he and Daly will look after things for however many weeks it takes before I get back. Logan said he’ll call every night and update me on what’s happening.”

“Good... good...” Father paused. “Barry called ten/fifteen minutes ago to say Jake’s surgery was finished. It took all night to get everything done. He talked about the procedures, but not in depth, as I wouldn’t have understood. I wanted both you and your brother here before I explained what was said. I felt this was something you both needed to know at the same time.”

The slight I’d felt completely disappeared. Mother brushed tears from her red, swollen eyes and Father sighed before continuing.

“The news isn’t good.” My father’s voice shook as he struggled with emotion and tears welled in his eyes. I’d underestimated just how much he truly cared about his three sons. A heavy weight settled in my stomach on hearing the statement. Mother clutched his hand as he proceeded to tell us about the current state of Jake’s condition.

“Barry said Jake was taken into surgery not long after we left because his blood pressure dropped to dangerous levels and it was obvious he had severe internal bleeding. When he opened him up, he found a large amount of blood pooled in the abdominal cavity from the ruptured spleen. He removed it and the left kidney immediately. During that time, Jake’s heart stopped again, and Barry said it was several minutes before they got it restarted.”

I raked a hand over the back of my head. “Goddamn it! Did Barry say what damage has been done from the three heart attacks?”

“Four.”

“Four, what?” Quinn asked.

“He suffered another shortly after Doctor Misterini arrived and it again took a few minutes to get him back.”

I was in danger of having a heart attack myself, listening to what Jake had been through. “I’m gonna kick his fucking arse when I see him for scaring the shit out of everyone.”

“Barry said there was some damage to the heart and he’ll be on medication for the rest of his life. He’ll have to be careful with his diet.”

“What about the other injuries, Dad?” Quinn frowned, no doubt absorbing what Father was saying.

“I didn’t understand a lot of it, but everything has been repaired, including the left lung, punctured by a broken rib. His left lower leg and left arm are in plaster. The burns and other damage to his skin are bandaged and being treated with creams. He’s still on life support, which Barry said would help Jake through the first few days and give his body a chance to recover a little without being overwhelmed with pain. He’s had blood and is on antibiotics and other medications via injections and the drip. Barry said the next forty-eight hours are crucial, and it will be touch and go as to whether he pulls through or not.”

“He has to come back, Dad.” Tears burned my eyes.

“Can we see him?” Quinn placed a hand on my arm, and I turned in time to watch a tear slip free from his left eye.

“Yes. Barry said two at a time, so once your mother and I have seen him, you and Connor can visit. You’ll be able to wait in the room where we were yesterday.”

With the update concluded, we headed downstairs to the car. With Quinn riding shotgun, and our parents in the back, I drove the short distance to the hospital.

CHAPTER SIX

JAKE

Four days later