Page 16 of Lethal Pursuit

When he palpated the boy’s abdomen, it was rigid, but he didn’t flinch or give any indication that it hurt. Jackson was certain he already knew what the problem was. Finding the point halfway between the boy’s right hip bone and his belly button, he pressed his fingers deep, watching for any signs of pain. The boy shifted but remained quiet. Then, with a silent apology, Jackson yanked his hand away.

The boy blanched and came up off the cot with a shocked gasp, grimacing as a strangled sound of pain came from his throat. One hand automatically came up to shield the spot Jackson had just touched, and his breathing was fast and choppy.

All dead giveaways confirming what he’d feared.

Jackson tossed his stethoscope aside and strode for the flap. “Don’t let him move,” he said tersely to the SF sergeant.

Exiting the tent, he immediately looked for Maya and found her a hundred yards or so away, manning her post and supervising her airmen. “Lieutenant,” he called.

She glanced over and raised her brows in question.

“Got a situation here.”

She strode over fast, giving him a terse jerk of her stubborn chin when she neared. “What’s up?”

“I’ve got a young boy in there with a ruptured appendix. Peritonitis has already set in and he needs immediate surgery.”

Her alert gaze sharpened even more on his face, and there was no trace of awkwardness from what had passed between them last night. “What do you need?”

He freaking loved that she offered assistance without hesitation or questioning him. And he was grateful, because the kid needed them to actnow.“I need an emergency medevac to get him to a base hospital ASAP, or he’s not going to make it.”

* * *

THE MOMENT HEsaid it, Maya immediately got on her radio to request an emergency medevac. After giving her the nine line to pass on to the dispatcher, Jackson rushed back into the tent to tend his young patient. His word was good enough for her. If Jackson said it wasurgent they get the boy to a hospital, then it was. End of story.

Once she got confirmation and the ETA for the helo from Bagram, Maya strode quickly over to Jackson’s tent. The SF sergeant at the entrance nodded to her and let her pass without a word. She stepped inside just in time to see Jackson handing a fluffy brown teddy bear to the sick little boy. The huge duffel in the corner had several other stuffed toys poking out of it along with the medical equipment he’d brought.

“Helo’s on its way,” she told him. “Should be here within a half hour.”

Jackson met her gaze. “Can they move that up any faster?”

She shook her head. “I made it clear the situation was urgent.” She spared a glance at the boy, then the old man with him. “That his grandfather?”

“Yes. He’ll go to the hospital with him.” He grabbed a bag of fluid and something else from his supplies. An IV kit. “Can you hold the bag for me once I get it hooked up?”

“Sure.” She slung her rifle and took the fluids, hovering close by. “Need any help with that?”

“Maybe. His BP’s so low, I’m not sure I’ll be able to find a vein open enough to get this IV in.”

The grandfather stood at the head of the cot and watched, his face impassive, though there was no doubt he was anxious and wasn’t leaving the boy’s side.

It took Jackson three tries to get the needle into the boy’s vein. The child barely flinched at all the pokes, a sign of just how ill he was. Jackson got the IV locked in place and hooked the tube from the bag into the line. “Okay, we’re good to go.” He opened the valve and set the drip running, one hand resting reassuringly on the boy’s thin shoulder. “There ya go, buddy. That should help a bit.”

His bedside manner was spot-on. Calm, professional, but most of all, it was clear he cared. That kind of thing cut through language and cultural barriers. Though the boy and old man were no doubt anxious about being here surrounded by American soldiers, there was no way they could doubt that Jackson gave a damn and was doing everything he could to help the child.

“I think you’ll be an amazing doctor,” she said without thinking.

His head came up in surprise, and then he smiled. “Thanks.”

She looked away, battling the blush trying to steal into her face. Why had she just blurted that out? She sounded like she was crushing on him. Pathetic.

Cam stepped inside the opening and took in the scene with a single glance. “Need a hand?”

“No, we’re good. Gonna get this young fella outta here shortly.” Jackson put a blanket over the boy.

“Give me a shout if you need me.”

“Will do.”

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