The Last Hour Read Free

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    “Mrs. Sherman?” she spoke quietly. “I’m Michelle Bilmes, with social work.”
    I blinked at her, still shaking, and unable to answer. I couldn’t force myself to look away from the doctors and Ray.
    She spoke again, “I’m the family witnessed resuscitation coordinator for the emergency unit. Perhaps you’d like to step outside with me?”
    I shook my head. “I’m not going anywhere.”
    She gave me a weak smile. “I understand, that’s fine. You understand you need to stay next to the door and out of the way? Your husband is in very serious condition, and they’re doing everything they can for him.”
    “I’ll stay out of the way. Have you heard anything about my sisters?”
    “Your sister Jessica is right next door, staying with Sarah.” She frowned, then said, “Sarah’s also badly injured.”
    I squeezed my eyes shut. “How bad?”
    “It’s too soon to say. But they’re doing everything they can.”
    I nodded my head. “And Jessica’s with her?”
    “Yes, ma’am. She’s doing well ... some bruises, but nothing serious. A doctor will examine her soon, too, but she rode in the ambulance with Sarah.”
    My eyes darted back to Ray. They were still working, still trying to stabilize him. “I ... I lost my phone,” I said. “I need to call ... family….”
    “I spoke with your sister Alexandra on the phone and told her what’s happening. She told me she would alert the rest of your family. And she asked me to let you know that she and Dylan will be on their way here as soon as they can get a flight.”
    I closed my eyes, relief flooding through me. Alexandra and Dylan were coming. Oh, dear God. I’d always been the one who went to my sisters when they needed help. I never realized how much I might need them.
    And then I felt confused, torn because my sister was next door, in just as much danger, but Ray was right here in front of me. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know where to go.
    I couldn’t leave Jessica alone to deal with that on her own.
    I turned towards the social worker. “I’m sorry ... I forgot your name.”
    She gave me a sympathetic look. “Michelle. Perfectly understandable.”
    “Would it be all right if I checked in on Sarah and Jessica?”
    “Of course ... come with me.”
    At that moment the door slid open, and a man strode into the room. He wore surgical garb and had the arrogant look I’d learned to associate with the heads of academic departments. He marched over to the table and basically pushed his way in, starting at Ray’s feet, then working his way up to his head. Clearly he was someone in authority ... the doctors and nurses went quiet on his entry, continuing their work. He leaned close, shining a light at the top of Ray’s skull, peering in close.  
    “CT scan,” he ordered. “Then prep him for surgery, immediately. Head, and his left arm and leg.”
    I swallowed. The man stood, then walked away from Ray toward the door. His examination had lasted maybe sixty seconds.
    He paused as I stepped closer to the door, my arms crossed over my stomach.
    “Are you the wife?” he asked, tonelessly.
    I blinked. His tone was imperious, utterly sure of himself, and his wording was brusque. Any other time, I might have cared, but right now, I just wanted him to help Ray. He could be as rude as he wanted.
    “Yes. I’m Carrie Sherman.”
    He glanced over his shoulder, then back at me. “Your husband is in serious condition. If we don’t operate now, he’ll die. Do you understand?”
    It was as if he’d walked up and punched me in the gut. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t even think really, so I just nodded, trying to keep from crying.  
    “All right ... I want you to stay out of the way, let them prep him for surgery. Ms. Bilmes here will brief you in more detail about what’s going on, and you’ll need to sign some consent forms. Your husband is stabilized now, but he’s not out of danger, and we don’t know yet if he has any