Page 6 of Fractured Reunion

“I don’t think so because they won’t look like pictures in a book,” Maggie said. “They’re pictures only the doctors can understand.”

“Hurts,” Joey whimpered.

“Please hold still,” the tech said from his position behind the console. There was a lead-glass partition separating the CT scanner itself from the area where the tech reviews the images on screen. As he and Kyle entered the image room, he wasn’t surprised to see Maggie was sitting in a chair beside Joey who was lying on the CT table.

“Just a little while longer,” Maggie said encouragingly. “Maybe I can read you a story when you’re finished. Would you like that?”

Aaron stood off to the side giving Kyle room to see the images displayed on the screen. There were dual monitors, so while the tech continued his job of obtaining the next set of pictures, Kyle pulled up the images that had already been completed.

“I see the hematoma,” Kyle said. “Looks to be three centimeters in diameter in this image, but I’ll need the rest to make a final determination.”

“Would you recommend taking it out?” Aaron asked.

“If it’s as big as I think it is, based on these initial images, yes. I’ll want the radiology report finalized, though, before I go in.”

“Are you sure you’ll have time today?” Aaron trusted Kyle, but if time was of the essence, he couldn’t very well expect the trauma surgeon to push off a procedure he’d already scheduled.

“Yes, I can take Joey after my next procedure.” Kyle eyed the little boy through the lead glass. “Is that his mother?”

“No, that’s Dr. Maggie Dall. She’s a pediatric anesthesiologist from Johns Hopkins,” Aaron explained. “She responded to the crash site with me. Unfortunately, Joey’s mother died in the crash.”

Kyle frowned. “I’ll need to get consent from a family member,” he said. “From these initial images, I can’t say that taking him to the OR is a matter of life and death to bypass the need for a surgical consent.”

Aaron grimaced and nodded. “The police were going to see if they could find any family at the address listed on his mother’s ID. But what if they can’t? I don’t want to delay his care.”

Kyle sighed. “I’m not sure. I might have to run this up the administrative flagpole.”

Eyeing Maggie speaking softly to Joey, Aaron knew that response would not go over well. Hospital administrators were not known for making quick decisions. Especially if they had to get their hospital attorneys involved.

“I guess that’s up to you,” he finally said. “I just hope that the administrative delay doesn’t hurt the little boy.”

“Look, I need to get back to the OR,” Kyle said with a sigh. “I’ll put Joey here tentatively on my schedule to follow the next case, but I’ll have to see the final results before I can move forward. I might be able to make an argument for considering this procedure emergent, but it would be easier all around if the police can find a parent or close relative to act as a legal guardian for this kid.”

“I will see what I can do.” He tore his gaze from Maggie and Joey. “I appreciate you coming down so quickly.”

“Anytime. Keep in touch.” Kyle nodded and left.

If Aaron was going to make his presentation, he’d need to hit the road soon. He could follow up with the police on his way back to the hotel. Maybe knowing the little boy needed surgery would help spur things along.

He considered calling Alec, his brother the detective, but decided to hold off. He could always use his brother as leverage later if his attempt to go through official channels didn’t work.

He stepped into the CT scanner. “Maggie?”

She turned to face him, her brown eyes reflecting surprise. “You’re still here? I thought you’d left.”

“I’m heading out now. Just wanted to let you know that a trauma surgeon colleague of mine, Kyle Flores, will be reviewing Joey’s CT scan results when they’re available. He has him tentatively placed on the OR schedule for later this afternoon, depending on what the final results show.”

“Kyle Flores, got it,” Maggie said. “Thanks for doing that.”

“Of course. I have to head back to the hotel, but I’ll check back with you and Joey later.” He hesitated, then decided not to get into the issue of Joey’s guardianship. There would be time to tackle that issue if the police hadn’t found anyone at Pamela Johnson’s address.

“Good luck with your presentation, but don’t worry about us. We’re fine,” Maggie said, before turning back to Joey.

He knew that was her way of saying she didn’t need his ongoing support. It was a bit like a slap in the face, especially since she was wrong about that. For once, having the title of Chairman of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery might be useful, rather than just a whole lot of additional paperwork and meetings.

If there was a way to get Joey the surgery he needed, Aaron fully intended to make that happen. No matter whose feathers he had to ruffle in the process.

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