Dr. Henderson emerged from the operating room, his surgical cap crumpled in his hands, his face etched with exhaustion and sorrow. He approached the huddled trio, each step heavy with the weight of the words to come.
"Mrs. Kelly?" His voice was gentle, but the gravity in his tone made Rory's blood run cold.
She stood on shaking legs, Junie and Jim rising to flank her. "Yes? How... how is he?"
Dr. Henderson took a deep breath, his eyes meeting hers with a steadiness that spoke of too much practice delivering bad news. "I'm so sorry, but the damage was extensive. The bullet that struck your husband's head caused severe trauma to his cranium. And the other..."
He paused, swallowing hard. "The other bullet severed his spinal cord. Even if he were to regain consciousness, he would be paraly
