we know the true extent of the damage the bullet caused.”
“I need you to be honest with me, Kenadee.” I could hear the anguish in Samantha’s voice as she asked, “Does he really have a chance of coming through this?”
“I know it’s hard to believe that a person could survive a gunshot wound to the head, and rightly so. The survival rate is very low because there’s no room for the brain to move and the shock waves from the bullet often cause irreversible damage. But for some people, the bullet velocity is high and there is no side-to-side movement or wobble. In these cases, the bullet is able to pass through non-critical parts of the brain and less damage occurs, making survival possible. The doctors believe this is the case with Gus.”
“Why do they think that?”
“Since there was an exit wound, they’re hoping that the bullet only damaged a small portion of his brain,” Kenadee replied. “And if they’re right, Gus is a very lucky man.”
“And it will be awhile before we know for certain?”
“Yes,” Kenadee replied. “The next twenty-four hours are critical. If his stats remain the way they are now, his chances will be much better. But Samantha, I need you to understand … if Gus pulls through, it’ll be just the beginning. He’ll have a long road ahead of him. We all love him, you know we do, but the man is strong-willed and stubborn. He’s going to need you to stay strong and help see him through this.”
“I’ll do whatever needs to be done.”
“We all will,” I added. “Whatever he needs, we’ll see that he has it.”
“I know you will.” Kenadee glanced over to Blaze as she said, “I better get back. I’m sure they’re wondering where I am.”
“Thank you, Kenadee.” Samantha reached over and hugged her. “It means so much to me that you’re looking out for him.”
“Of course.” Kenadee hugged her back, then turned and started down the hall. “The doctor should have some more information soon. I’ll be back to fill you in when he does.”
As soon as she left, the others came over to see what all was said. After she gave them the run down, Samantha said, “I really appreciate you all being here and I’m sure Gus would, too, but it’s late. You should all go home and get some rest. I’ll let you know if anything changes.”
“I’m not leaving until we’re certain he’s going to pull through,” August argued.
“Honey, I know you’re worried. We all are,” Samantha glanced over to Harper who was sound asleep in Gunner’s arms, “but you need to get Harper home and in her own bed. You can come back first thing tomorrow. That goes for all of you. I know you all have families of your own, and that you’re exhausted. Please, go get some rest.”
“And what about you?” August fussed. “We’re just supposed to leave you here alone?”
“I’ll stay with her,” I volunteered. “You go on home like she said, and we’ll call if anything changes.”
“Okay, but please call the second you hear anything. I don’t care what time it is.”
“We will, sweetheart. I promise.”
August gave Samantha a hug, then said her goodbyes. As she and Gunner left, several of the others followed suit. Moose, Blaze, Shadow, and Murphy stayed behind, but after Samantha’s insistence that they go home, they finally gave in and left, leaving the two of us alone in the waiting room. It wasn’t until then that Samantha finally broke down and started to cry. Hoping to give her some small comfort, I sat down next to her, but it did little to help. Even as she leaned her head against my shoulder, her tears continued to fall. I understood her pain. Hell, I was feeling it too. Gus wasn’t just my president, he was my brother. I’d spent the better part of my life at his side, and the thought of losing him was more than I could stand. I remained silent for almost an hour, giving Samantha the time she needed to collect herself. When I saw that she was still struggling to pull it together, I looked down at her and said, “He’s going to make it through this, Samantha.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“’Cause it’s Gus.” Her eyes met mine. “You know I love him ... respect the man more than anyone, but he’s the most bull-headed, stubborn sonofabitch I’ve ever met. No way in hell he’ll let some asshole with a .45 get the