Page 72 of Kyle

Kyle lifted tear-soaked eyes to him.

"You don't believe that. I don't want to believe she's capable, but there was something about her that did not sit right."

Jason hesitated, searching his son's face for something solid to hold on to.

"Sometimes, people surprise us in ways we never imagined. But right now, we don't have all the facts."

He reached over, squeezing Kyle's shoulder gently.

"Let's not jump to conclusions until we know exactly what happened. Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

Kyle remained silent for a second, his thoughts jumbled.

"I used to wonder what the hell was it about losing mom that had you so crippled."

He lifted a shaky hand to his face.

"If I lose her--"

"You won't!"

"If I lost her, I would not want to go on. My life wouldn't be worth a damn thing. I understand perfectly now."

"Listen to me."

Jason took his hand, forcing his son to look at him.

"I had many happy years with your mother, the woman I love, the only woman I will ever love. We had some great times and two wonderful children."

He squeezed Kyle's hand.

"You will get many years with Ingrid, I promise you that."

He was about to respond when Jason's phone beeped. Letting go of Kyle's hand, he glanced at the screen and tensed.

"The doctor wants to see us."

Kyle could not move.

"That's all? Nothing more?"

"No. Let's go and see what's what."

Kyle refused to sit.

"The baby is breached."

The doctor told them briskly, preferring to be straight.

"We're going to have to go in. C-section. Your wife's pulse is thready, so we're going to have to move fast."

He took a breath.

"She lost a lot of blood. The good news is the bullet passed through without doing much damage. The next twenty-four hours will be crucial, but we have to get your son out now."

"If it comes down to a choice--"

Kyle could hardly breathe and felt as if he was being crushed.