Page 11 of Storm Warning

“Other side, please.” Once Sorenson was satisfied, he said, “Give him a local. If you can see or feel the bullet, take it out. Otherwise, start antibiotics and fluids.”

“Copy that, sir.”

“How far out are you?”

“At least six hours, sir.”

He nodded. “I’ll be ready for you. Contact me if anything changes.”

“Yes, sir.”

After dictating a list of medications he wanted Andre and Noah to have, Violet ended the call. She turned to Riley. “I think you can handle Noah’s injury. Once you’ve cleaned the area, use butterfly stitches to close the wound, then we’ll start him on antibiotics. While you work on Noah, I’ll focus on Andre. I prefer not to leave the bullet in his arm, but I’d rather do that than damage nerves.”

Violet handed Riley the medical supplies she needed to treat Noah’s wound, then turned to Andre. “I need to examine your arm more closely. It might hurt.”

“Won’t be the first time. Just do it, Vi. I can handle it.”

Taking him at his word, Violet tugged on a fresh pair of gloves and poked and prodded the wound. After a few minutes, she sat back. “I think I can get the bullet out, Andre. Will you let me try?”

“Go for it.”

“Good.” She removed a syringe and a vial of Lidocaine from the supply cabinet. After cleaning his arm again with an alcohol wipe, Violet injected the medicine near his wound. “We’ll give that a few minutes, then get to work.”

She glanced at Riley. “How’s it going over there?”

“I think I’m finished. Want to check it?”

The medic examined her husband’s side. “This looks great, Riley. Very nice work.”

“I owe it all to my trainer.” She smiled at the woman who had been cross-training her for the past few months, all part of the Fortress program. Brent Maddox, Fortress CEO, wanted every operative cross-trained.

Violet brushed her lips over her husband’s. “Get something to eat and drink.”

“What can I bring you?”

“Water.”

“Food?”

“Whatever is available. No hurry. I’ll eat after I take care of Andre.”

Noah headed toward the door. “I’ll return soon.”

“What about you, Andre?” Riley turned toward him. “Do you need food or drink?”

“I’d kill for some water. The food can wait until Violet is finished with my arm.” He gave her a pointed look. “While you’re getting water for me, load up a plate and grab water for yourself.”

Once again, Andre was more concerned about her than about himself. “I’ll be back in a minute.” Riley left the bedroom and walked up the aisle toward the galley.

“Riley?”

She stopped and turned toward Christopher. “What do you need, buddy?”

“Is Andre okay?”

“He will be. Violet is taking care of him. He’ll be back in his seat before you know it.”

Relief flooded Christopher’s facial expression. “I was afraid the injury was bad.”