Chapter 2 - The Silent FractureThe silence in room fourteen was heavy, broken only by the rhythmic strike of rain against the lodge’s cedar siding. Caleb’s body was limp, his breathing shallow. Nora’s fingers moved across his cervical spine with the practiced, terrifying grace of a field surgeon who had worked in dirt and blood.
“Preston,” Nora said, not looking up. “He’s got a C6-C7 spinal trauma from the impact. If you let these idiots move him, he’ll be paralyzed for life. I need an immobilized backboard, heavy-duty saline, and a portable oxygen concentrator from the basement storage.”
Preston Vail stood in the doorway, his face pale. The board member, Miriam, was already scrambling to follow Nora’s orders.
May you like
“You heard her!” Preston shouted at the aides, his donor smile replaced by raw, frantic ego. “Move! Everything she says is now an order!”
Nora didn't acknowledge him. She kept her eyes on Caleb, whispering into his ear. “Stay with me, Longbow. I’m not a radio signal anymore. I’m right here. Look at my face.”
