Page 81 of The Prez

“If I could, I would rip this whole fucking hospital apart to get to him to make sure he’s okay. I would burst in that room and make sure the doctor did his fucking best or I’d tear his fucking head off. But I can’t. All I can do is sit here and wait, like a useless piece of shit.” I lean forward and put my head in my hands. For the first time in over two decades, tears brim in my eyes, but I hold them back. I’m not going to break down. Omari needs me to be strong for him.

“You’re not useless. You’re doing what you can, being here for him.”

I grunt, but don’t believe shit he’s saying. I’m fucking useless. I should have told Omari I would send someone to him. I should have had someone on him until we fucking found Brock. I didn’t do what I was supposed to do to protect him. I fucking failed.

Omari’s nephew skips over to me and points to my hands. “Did those hurt, Mister?”

My lips twitch. “A little.”

“I’m going to get some when I’m big.”

“Come see me when you’re old enough. I’ll make sure you get the best ones.”

“Okay. Are you Uncle Mari’s friend?”

A lump forms in my throat for some unknown reason, but I clear my throat to dispel it. “I am.”

“Is he okay?”

“Not right now, pequeño, but he will be once the doctors fix him up.”

He nods sagely, wise beyond his years. “Okay. I hope he is. I really love him.” Then he runs back over to his family, sitting on the floor to talk to his mother and sister. I lean back in the chair and close my eyes, breathing in and out deeply to hold myself back from rushing into the surgery room. It’s amazing how a little kid is able to express his love so freely. I need to take notes.

After a few hours that felt like an eternity, a doctor steps into the waiting area. “Mr. Orozco?”

A chill runs over me. I’m reminded of going to see Elena but finding out she died. Please don’t let this be the same situation.

I stand on shaky legs and walk over to him, crossing my arms over my chest, as much to keep the edges of my soul intact as to give off a casual stance. “That’s me.” Hazel sidles up beside me, pasting herself to my side.

The doctor mirrors my pose. “Mr. Williams has three broken ribs, a broken nose, a fractured orbital bone, a tear in his tongue, a tear in his liver and we had to remove his spleen. It’s an important organ, but not vital and the liver will pick up the job of the spleen. He will be at risk of getting sick and having infections, but he’ll live without it relatively normally. We don’t have to treat the liver, as it is a level one laceration and will heal on its own. We operated on his eye and placed a few plates, set his nose, and sutured his tongue.”

My breath freezes in my lungs, but I force myself to speak. “But he’s alive? He’s … good?”

The doctor nods, but his face still looks grave. “He’s alive, but he’s not good. Not by a long shot. He’ll have weeks of recovery ahead of him. He’ll need around the clock care for the next few weeks.”

I step closer to the doctor. “And he’ll have that,” I growl. “Just tell me what I need to do and I’ll take care of him.”

The doctor swallows roughly. “The nurses will give you instructions before he’s discharged.”

Hazel places a hand on my chest and I step back from the doctor, though it takes a few beats. “Is he awake? Can we see him?” she asks, getting the doctor’s attention.

“He’s coming around from anesthesia. When he’s alert, a nurse will come get you. Only two visitors at a time.”

Hazel sighs. “I have twins. Can I take both of them with me to see him?”

He nods. “That shouldn’t be a problem, as they’re minors.” She blows out a long, relieved breath.

“Thank you,” she whispers, tears dripping down her face. He nods at us both and hurries down the hallway.

When the doctor is out of sight, Hazel rushes over to the kids, pulling them both close. “Uncle Mari is okay.” Both kids smile at her and give her a long hug.

When the nurse comes back to tell us Omari is awake, it takes all my self-control to allow Hazel and her children go ahead of me to see Omari. Jace sits beside me to keep me in place because all I want to do is rush to his side.

Twenty minutes later, Hazel comes back, her eyes red rimmed, holding on her kids’ hands tight. “He’s tired, but he’s hanging on for you.” I walk over to her and she collapses into my arms, sobs wracking her body. “He’s hurt so bad, Rafael. So bad. He beat him horribly.” She sobs more, then stands on her tiptoes to whisper in my ear. “Killthat motherfucker for what he did to my brother.” She steps back and looks at me, her eyes flashing with anger. I dip my head and she releases a long exhale. “Come on, kids,” she says, wiping her face and looking at the twins. They’re both subdued, their eyes red as well. I wish they hadn’t seen him like that, but I know it’s what Omari would want. He would have just asked me to bring them anyway.

With one more long look in my direction, Hazel leaves.

Jace walks beside me, clapping me on the shoulder. “Go ahead, Prez. I’ll come see Omari some other time. You need to be alone with him.”

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