They all looked at each other, then back at me, a little startled. Clearly, this kind of offer had never been heard of by them before.
“Don’t worry about it right now. Let’s just play tonight for my group of friends that arrived about an hour ago.” I waved over my house manager. “Josh here will get you all set up. You let him know whatever you need, including food and drinks.”
They walked off, and my mind went to Jade and Admiral.
That marina was in rough shape. It’s a wonder someone else didn’t get injured.
I pulled my cell out to call her but decided against it. I was sure she didn’t want to hear from me.
Chapter 19
Jade
Iknew everyone in this town. It was part of tropical island living. No one was going to stop me or arrest me. I pulled the curtain back on the cubicle they had Dad in while they discussed.
“Jade, honey, you won’t believe what happened.” My father reached for my hand. “I was walking and tripped and this crazy board went right through my leg.” Dad pointed to the board, still in his leg, like it was nothing.
“You’re a tough guy, Dad. I’d be crying or screaming.” I tried for a joke. “Dr. Johnson, what’s your plan here? I see you put a real tourniquet on, but it can’t stay too long, right?”
“We have a few hours, still, for the tourniquet.” Dr Johnson took a moment to explain. “We need to get him into surgery right away if we don’t want him to lose use of that leg, but he has a lot of alcohol in his system, so his blood is thin.”
“I understand. He can bleed easier, but if you wait too long, then we have a loss of leg possibility,” I said and asked. “Can I give blood in case it’s needed?”
“Giving blood will help if you’re a match. But understand, it probably won’t be ready as quickly as we need it. Most likely, we will use a universal blood product,” Dr. Johnson said. “We’ve started a liter of lactated ringers through his IV right now. He’ll fall asleep soon, then we’ll be rushing him into the operating room. This is a serious trauma. Jade, I’ve known you and Admiral for a few years now. He’s the toughest guy I know. He’ll be alright. Now go get a coffee. I’ve got to get scrubbed for the operation.”
“You don’t need a CT scan or something first?” I asked.
“There’s no time, Jade, he’s still bleeding. We’ll be doing an exploratory surgery,” Dr. Johnson said as he attended to my dad.
“Dad, are you feeling any pain?” I reached for his hand. “Can I get you anything?”
“Lieutenant, make sure the ship is docked properly,” Dad mumbled as his eyelids closed.
I stood looking at my father. So much had happened in the last two years. He’d said he could run the marina without Mom, but he’d never let on that things were as bad as they are.
I should have come to help him sooner.
“Why is his leg expanding and discolored?” I wrung my hands. “That’s bad, right?”
“Well, it means he has damaged a blood vessel. So even though you don’t see him bleeding out, it’s still bleeding.” Dr. Johnson was busy making notes and adding another IV bag. “Give him a kiss. We have to go right now.”
“Jade, honey, come on with me.” Susie put her arm around my shoulders. “Come on, Allen and Bobby are over in the OR waiting room.”
“You’ll make sure I see him first, right?” I grabbed her hand. “Promise.”
I walked into the OR waiting room to find Allen and Bobby. They’d already heard about needing blood and said the locals were stopping in to give it.
“We’re all here for you and Admiral,” Bobby said. “Admiral has been there for most of us over the years.”
“Well, the thing he needs the most is for everyone to help him to get sober. Maybe then his lapses will become less frequent.” I sat next to Allen, then jumped back up. “Oh no, I have to bring the band over to Sandpiper, or whatever it’s called now.”
Chapter 20
Sawyer
The band played until about 1 a.m. I hadn’t realized it was so late.
I wonder if Jade is still picking up them up.