Birthday Presents by Dianne Hartsock

Author:Dianne Hartsock [Hartsock, Dianne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: LGBTQIA+, contemporary, suspense, crime, serial killer, law enforcement, kidnapping
Publisher: NineStar Press, LLC
Published: 2021-01-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Gene leaned against the back of the ambulance and frowned at his phone while the paramedics slid Kyle’s stretcher inside. Craig hadn’t answered his phone but had sent a text message saying the search teams were still looking for Crimson, and he’d meet up with him soon. But there was no way Gene would leave his brother. He told Craig to meet up at the hospital, then slipped his phone in a pocket as Paige came up. Gene nodded to him, tired but needing to thank him for his help.

“How is he?” Paige asked in soft tones, as if not wanting to disturb his sleeping brother. Gene thawed a little more. As irritating as Paige could normally be, he’d been invaluable—and surprisingly kind—throughout their time in Pine Bluff.

“They have an IV in him and his vitals are steady, if weak. They’re concerned some of his internal organs may be damaged due to the severity of his dehydration and starvation. They won’t know for sure until he gets to the hospital in Gold Ridge.”

“But they’re hopeful?”

“They’re optimistic. Kyle’s a strong man. He’ll get through this.” He glanced across the driveway crowded with officers. Tracey was climbing into a police cruiser, going to the hospital as well to have his shoulder looked at. Gene touched Paige’s arm, smiling slightly at the detective’s startled look. “Thank you for helping us find Kyle, and especially for standing by him now. He’s going to need friends like you.”

“Are you coming, Gene?” one of the paramedics called from the back of the emergency vehicle.

“I’ve got to go.” Gene scrambled into the ambulance, swiveling to Paige. “I’ll let you know what the doctors have to say.”

“I’d appreciate that,” Paige said, his usual taciturn expression falling into place.

Gene took the seat indicated by the paramedic, and the doors slammed closed, the driver pulling instantly away, lights flashing off the trees around them. The medic with him held out his hand. “I’m Tony. We’re going to take good care of your brother.”

Gene watched while he checked Kyle’s vitals. The IV in his arm already seemed to be doing some good. The deathly pallor had left Kyle’s face, though he remained unconscious.

“Should I be worried?” Gene finally asked, nerves taut. Now that the excitement had passed, he found himself shaking.

Tony gave him a quick, sympathetic glance. “I see no indication of internal injuries, though the doctors will need to confirm that. I think this is more dehydration and malnutrition than anything else. I think he’ll recover with proper care and therapy, though again, we’ll have to see what the doctors say.”

“Of course.” Gene reached over and took Kyle’s hand, touched the ugly cuff still circling his thin wrist. The scars and deep puncture marks running his body tore at Gene’s heart. Tears stung his eyes, and he had to bite hard on his lips as anguish washed over him. The medic turned back to his machines, giving him a modicum of privacy.

“I’m so sorry,” Gene whispered. “I should have watched out for you better.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.