Chapter 53

Gwen and a nurse assisted Laura as she removed the bullet from Steve’s leg in a small operating room, using a local anesthetic. “He was pretty lucky, all things considered. The bullet missed bone and lodged in muscle. It’ll hurt for a few days, but we’ve removed it soon enough to avoid any serious infection. It’ll drain for a while, but if he takes his antibiotics like he’s supposed to, he should be as good as new in a few days,” predicted Laura as she bandaged Steve’s leg. “I’ll sew his leg and shoulder up when the infection is gone and the injuries stop draining.”

“Thanks, Laura,” offered Steve after they moved him to a small room near the ER. “Can I get down now? I’d like to see Jordan and Charlie and thank them, and Paula and Kate, and everyone else. Can I leave now?”

“My official response is that you can’t leave. You need to remain under our care for a few more days, at least. However, I heard what happened to Flores and his dr*g gang when they tried to stop you. I’