Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Sean was already in the seat next to the bed and talking to Julio. He spoke about Donal’s wedding, Ian’s new truck, Kane’s classes, and Colin’s latest book. The more he spoke, the more Julio relaxed.

The phlebotomist arrived with the pint of blood. The tech assured Etienne that it was his. Everything appeared to be going well until twelve hours after he came down from surgery. Julio started to shiver. Etienne called the nurse.

Nurse Miller ran in followed by a resident and Dr. Artis. Artis turned to Etienne while the nurse fussed with the IV. “He’s running a fever. That means an abscess has formed or that a contagion has entered the bloodstream. How bad it is, we’ll have to see.” Artis motioned to the tech who followed him into the room. “This tech will take blood from two sites to check for evidence of infection.”

“What are you searching for?” Etienne’s lips thinned.