Page 150 of Captivated
Oxygen saturation unstable.
Toby didn’t speak. He couldn’t. Every breath seemed to take everything he had. His eyes flickered open just long enough to meet Robert’s, as if to sayI’m still herebefore they drifted shut again.
The room buzzed around him. A cardiac monitor beeped in chaotic bursts. Tubing snaked out from his arms and chest. A ventilator stood by his side, humming softly.
Waiting to take over if his lungs give out.
The words of the medical team stacked up in the air, heavy and clinical, but all Robert could see was Toby—his broken, barely breathing Toby—fighting for air.
For life.
Robert clenched his fists, his heart hammering against his ribs as though it could break too.
This isn’t how it was supposed to be.
“I want to find whoever did this and tear them apart,” he whispered.
“And I’ll be right there with you,” Teague muttered. “Along with a few others, I shouldn’t wonder.”
“Mr. Thorston.” Dr. Ramirez spoke in a low voice.
“Doctor.” Robert didn’t turn to look at him, filled with the irrational fear that if he took his eyes off Toby, something horrendous would happen.
Something more horrendous than what’s already happened.
“I’ve been informed that the police are downstairs at the front desk.”
Teague tugged Robert’s elbow. “They might know who did this.”
Robert couldn’t move, his feet rooted to the linoleum floor.
“Robert.”
Finally he glanced at Teague. “I can’t leave him.”
“Yes, you can,” Dr. Ramirez told him in a gentle tone. “We’re about to take Toby down for a CT scan. Then surgery, and from there he’ll be moved to ICU where he’ll be intubated.”
Another tug on his elbow. “Robert.”
He expelled a shuddering breath. “Okay.” He gazed at Dr. Ramirez. “I can see him once he’s out of surgery?”
“Yes, but visitors are limited in ICU. I’d recommend getting some rest first. If his condition changes, you’ll be informed immediately.”
Still he couldn’t move.
Teague sighed. “You can’t do anything for him right now. They’re taking good care of him. But we need to know what happened.”
Robert nodded. “You’re right, of course. Let’s go talk to the police.”
And hope they have answers.
Teague led him from the room, his feet like lead. Sol was in the hallway. He inclined his head toward the door to Zeeb’s room.
“Nate won’t budge but the nurse said he can stay a while.” His face tightened. “How’s Toby?”
Robert swallowed. “A fucking mess. I want the bastards who did this strung up by their balls.”
What he really wanted to do to them would probably have him in a jail cell in a heartbeat.
