What could Victoria possibly want to talk to me about? I hope I made it clear the marina isn’t for sale.
I passed Dr. Johnson on my way to my father’s room. “How’s it going?” I stopped walking to ask.
“The delirium tremens are starting, so I’ve added more medications. It’ll likely be a rough night, so sleep while he’s sleeping, Jade.”
“Will it last a long time?” I asked. “We still need to talk. I want to get him into rehab for the drinking, too.”
“I’ve added vitamins to his meds, along with IV fluids, and I’m going to keep him sedated overnight.” Dr. Johnson rubbed his neck. “I may even keep him sedated tomorrow as well.”
“If you think that’s best,” I conceded. “I want whatever is going to be easiest for him. He has a lot going on.”
“I’ll check with you tomorrow morning.” Dr. Johnson turned to walk away. “The nurses are going to be checking on him throughout the night, so don’t worry if you need to sleep.”
I thanked him again and hurried to my father’s room.
“He was moving around when I texted you, but then he started shaking, so Tommy gave him more sedation.” Allen stood and hugged me. “You didn’t miss anything- he never woke up.”
“Thanks Allen, you have no idea how much I appreciate you staying here.” I hugged him back. “I had to get that hole in the dock closed up.”
“It’s all good, it gave me a good break from the bar hassles,” Allen laughed. “I gotta get over there now, though, but Bobby said he’d stop in later.”
Allen waved, then went through the door. I was left standing alone next to my father’s bed. He was sweating and shaking a little. I felt helpless.
“Hi. He’s shaking and sweating a lot. Do we need to do anything?” I asked the nurse through the intercom.
“I’ll be right in,” the nurse answered.
She hadn’t lied. She walked in seconds later with a container of ice water and a washcloth.
“If you want, you can wipe his forehead and neck, but try to not get his gown wet. We don’t want him to get chilled,” the nurse said. “I’ll do it for a bit, then you can take over. My name is Lilly, by the way.”
“Lilly, I don’t mind doing it if you need to get to other patients,” I offered. “Will blankets help the shaking?”
“No, not really. I’ll be back in a few minutes if you don’t mind doing it,” Lilly said. “If he wakes, make sure you let me know. Doc wants him to stay sedated.”
The shaking and sweats kept up throughout the afternoon. The alarm on my cell went off, reminding me that I was to bring the band over to Cloud Nine.
I can’t leave him like this. Maybe Bobby can do it.
As if by magic, Bobby and Lucy walked through the door, all smiles.
“Hey Jade, Bobby and I were thinking you could use a breather.” Lucy, Bobby’s wife, walked over to the side of the bed next to me. “You have to be tired, sweetie.”
“Actually, I need to get the band over to the island.” I wiped at my dad’s forehead. “If you could sit with him for like an hour, that would help.”
“You got it. We brought a pizza with us, so we’re prepared.” Lucy smiled. “Have a slice, then get out of here.”
“Thanks. The nurse is Lilly and she’s great.” I took a slice of pizza. “I’ll stop at the nurse’s station and let her know you may be calling her.”
“I’ve been through this with my uncle, so I’m familiar. I got it.” Lucy pushed me to the door. “I don’t wanna see you in here for at least two hours.”
“I’m going, I’m going.” I backed out the door. “Thanks.”
“Don’t forget-- not before two hours, minimum.”
Chapter 28
Sawyer