“I’d like to see them try it, Doc, but I get your point, and I apologize. How is my wife?” The only reason Jason bothered to apologize was because he didn’t want any further delays in finding out about Aviva’s condition.
The doctor nodded once by way of accepting Jason’s apology. At the same time the nurse walked to the opposite side of the bed, picked up Aviva’s hand and took her pulse. Jason’s eyes flashed over to the woman so fast she dropped Aviva’s hand.
“Lady, you had better take more care when you’re dealing with my wife!” Jason told her through tight lips.
“Mr. Kingdom, maybe we should speak outside,” the doctor suggested, looking at the startled nurse.
“No! We’ll speak here, and I’m through waiting to hear what you have to say!” All Jason’s good intentions were gone in an instant. Never thinking for one moment that he was the cause of the nurse’s reaction. “Talk,” he said, almost sneering at the doctor.
Seeming to sense that Jason’s patience was at an end the doctor began to speak. “Your wife was admitted at around 6:00 pm. When she arrived, she was unconscious. We’ve conducted an MRI scan. Your wife is a very lucky woman, Mr. Kingdom. The test shows only a mild concussion. However, that she hasn’t yet regained consciousness is a cause for concern.”
“Are you telling me my wife is in a coma?”
“No, that’s not what I’m saying at all. She has a concussion. We will continue to watch her vital signs for any changes. In my opinion, she should be waking up soon. We will also want her to stay at the hospital for at least the next twenty-four hours.”
“Thank you for filling me in on my wife’s condition, doctor. The detective I spoke with said the accident happened at around 5:00 pm my question is... why did it take you chumps over two and a half hours to contact me?!” Jason was furious. Now that he finally knew Aviva’s condition, he didn’t try to hide his anger.
“Jason.”
The sound of Aviva whispering his name made him put aside his anger.
“Hey Angel, how are you feeling?” Jason asked as he brushed another soft kiss against her cheek.
“Like I’ve been in a car wreck.” Came the soft but lucid reply.
“Mrs. Kingdom, I’m Doctor Park, do you know where you are?” The doctor asked standing at the other side of Aviva’s bed.
“Well, if I didn’t, that white coat and your title would sure give me a good idea,” Aviva responded attempting to smile.
The doctor laughed at her response before asking her a series of questions. Her responses seemed to satisfy him as he finally nodded.
“As I explained to your husband, we want you to stay with us for a little while longer. If everything checks out, you should be able to go home tomorrow.”
“Thank you doctor.”
“You’re welcome,” the doctor smiled. “Mrs. Kingdom. I’m afraid you’re going to have to answer some questions about the accident. I’ll go and tell the detectives you’re awake.”
With another smile at Aviva the doctor nodded to the nurse; and ignored Jason as they both left the room.
“Jason, you need to learn to be a little more patient.”
The voice that came to him was barely above a whisper and immediately pulled his attention away from the dark thoughts that inhabited his mind.
Giving Aviva his complete attention, Jason sat on the side of her bed and took her hand. Turning it over, he brushed his lips across her palm. “If I weren't so worried about you, I’d show him just how patient I am.”
Closing her eyes, Aviva gave Jason’s hand an almost imperceptible squeeze. “Behave yourself, I can’t deal with you getting mad at anyone right now.”
Feeling guilty, Jason made no further comment as he kissed his wife on the forehead. When a soft knock sounded on the door, he surmised that the detectives had arrived to question her.
“Do you want me to get rid of them?” Jason asked, prepared to send whoever was standing outside the door away.
“No, it’s okay,” Aviva said with a shake of her head.
Her immediate wince caused him to question whether he should ignore her assurance that she was up to answering questions. If the smile she offered was supposed to reassure him, she failed miserably, but he complied with her wishes.
The two detectives that entered the room represented a reverse parody. Both male, one short and thin, the other tall and very overweight. Each looked as though they could do with a good night’s sleep before being given the opportunity to change their rumpled suits.
From the looks the detectives gave him, it was clear they were unsure of who he was. Standing his ground, Jason blocked Aviva from sight and introduced himself. “I’m Jason Kingdom, which one of you is Saunders?” Jason asked belligerently.
“Jason!”