Page 62 of Memento Mori
Despite my heart sinking, I managed to nod. “I understand.”
He touched my shoulder then walked away. I faced Abel. “He’s going to pull through, Nzuri.”
“I need to get to the hospital,” I said, ignoring Abel’s statement.
Abel didn’t know whether Antonio was going to make it or not. I understood why he was brought to the estate. Antonio mentioned they typically dealt with everything internally to avoid involving the police. So, our men wouldn’t have taken himto the hospital first. But I believed bringing him here instead of going straight to the hospital might cost him his life.
“I’ll call Alessandro and Chantal on the way.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
OF COURSE, I CAN
Aaliyah
Alongside Abel, Luca, Franco, and a few others, I anxiously sat in the hospital waiting room, anticipating any news about my husband. I was concerned about him and also about the attention this hospital stay would bring to the Family. Despite Luca and Doctor Romero’s attempts to reassure me, I still worried about the police storming the hospital to investigate why my husband’s body was riddled with bullet wounds. Definitely something we don’t need right now.
Doctor Romero was only concerned about one of the five bullet wounds. The bullet lodged close to Tony’s spine. All the other bullets were taken out, and the damage fixed, except for that one. Despite the significant blood loss, Tony managed to stay stable despite being in critical condition. Right now, Doctor Romero was in consultation with another surgeon to see what the best course of action was for Tony’s care. No doubt hewould go through another round of surgeries, but only when his body could handle it. A very delicate surgery. I was sure Doctor Romero was reluctant because it could lead to Tony being paralyzed, but did he have any other choice?
I reached out to Alessandro and Chantal. They were both on the way. The trip would take a while, so I wasn’t expecting him or her until the early hours. Alessandro stated his need to ensure all bases were covered in the States, execute Tony’s instructions, and join us as soon as possible. I didn’t know when Chantal would make it, but I hoped both would be here just in case everything went in the opposite direction we all were hoping for.
“Mrs. Rizzo?”
I looked up from where I was sitting and jumped to my feet. “Any changes, Doctor Romero?”
“Unfortunately, not,” he said with a solemn tone. “He’s still in critical but stable condition. I’ve consulted with one of my colleagues and we both agree it would be beneficial for Mr. Rizzo to undergo surgery. The last bullet is lodged dangerously close to his spine, but we think the benefits outweigh the risk.”
“What if the surgery isn’t done?” I asked. “What are the risks?”
“If it’s not done, it’s possible that over time the bullet can shift and cause permanent paralysis,” Doctor Romero said.
“And if it doesn’t shift?”
“He will live a regular life, but he will need regular check-ups to ensure the bullet hasn’t shifted.”
“What are the odds of him being paralyzed because of the surgery?”
I didn’t care whether he’d be paralyzed or not, however, I knew that he would care.
“There’s a risk, Mrs. Rizzo. Like I said that bullet is lodged dangerously close to his spine and when dealing with surgeries like this, anything is possible. However, in my professional opinion, surgery will provide Mr. Rizzo with the best option to avoid paralysis. Not removing that bullet leaves a very real chance I wouldn’t take if I were in your position.”
“Okay. Do the surgery.”
Once I heard that, I knew my decision didn’t require much time to think about it. Tony would want me to do whatever I needed to do to give him the best outcome.
“I will schedule it immediately.”
“Thank you, Doctor Romero. When can I see him?”
“Right now, he’s in the ICU under sedation. I wouldn’t recommend any visitors until we’ve removed that last bullet.”
My heart plummeted, and a wave of sadness washed over me, causing tears to well up in my eyes. I wanted to see my husband. I wanted to let him know that I was by his side, ready to support him, and he needed to fight to stay with me. However, if it was best for me to stay away, I wouldn’t put up a fight. Whatever was in his best interest that was what I would do.
“Thank you, Doctor.”
“If there are any changes, I will let you know,” he said. “My suggestion is that everyone return home, get something to eat and get some rest because it will be a while before the surgery can happen.”
“I can’t leave him.”
