Sky’s the Limit
Book Two

Chapter Seventeen

Thanks to Rec for editing!

For Sky, the next few minutes were a blur of sirens, red and blue strobe lights, cops, paramedics, and general chaos. Sky was trying to intently watch what was happening to this boy he now knew that he still dearly loved, as the paramedics were desperately working on him. In contrast, the cops were trying to hassle Leon as to what was going on. Sky was under the impression that they were trying to arrest him, too. 

“Officer?” Sky tried to interject as the police interrogation of Leon was getting out of control. 

“Shut up, kid!” one officer blared at him. 

“But officer, this guy is with us. He saved us from these other two guys when a third guy jumped out of a car, started shooting and drove off. I think Leon here works for my friend’s uncle,” Sky said, pointing over toward Jonah. 

“Dat’s what I’ve been trying to tell you!” Leon exclaimed. “I’m da one dat called you guys! I’ve got to take care of Mr. Jonah over there. I’m supposed to be watchin’ out for him. Now I got to go to da hotel to get his uncles and take ‘em to da hospital. I done called ‘em, and dey waitin’ on me. I got da car over yonder,” Leon explained frantically, while pointing to the general area where he left the Hummer. 

“Well, you’d better be at the hospital when we get there. Both of you,” the cop stated firmly, looking over at Sky now. “I’ll need statements from both of you. These two will be taken downtown,” he said, pointing to Yard Dog and his colleague, who had both been cuffed. “We know Dog. This was not a simple mugging. That’s not his MO.”  

“Which hospital, officer?” Sky asked, trying to change the subject. 

“The paramedics said that someone said the kid had an insurance card, so they’re taking him to Tulane. Charity’s really busy today.”

“That was me, and he does,” Leon interjected. 

“We’ll be there,” Sky said. 

Leon looked at the police officer and nodded agreement. “Please, sir. Let me go now, so I can pick up the boy’s uncles. I knows they’s frantic by now.” 

“Alright, but you be ready to talk to us when we get to the ER. Don’t leave there. I’ve got your info. We will come looking for you. That goes for you too, kid, Gimme your ID.”  

Sky fished his wallet out of his shorts and gave the cops the real driver’s license from Mississippi that he had kept for such emergencies.  

“You’re a minor? Where’s your folks?” 

“My mom’s in a mental hospital somewhere in Mississippi. I’m not sure where my dad is. I been living down here for the last few months. Right over there,” he said, pointing toward the old duplex. 

“Hmmm. We’re going to have a long talk when we get to the hospital, son.” 

“Yessir. May I go?” he asked as he looked over and saw the paramedics loading the stretcher into the ambulance. 

“Alright, but the same thing goes for you. You better be at that hospital when we get there,” he said, handing Sky his license back after recording the information in his notebook. 

“Yessir.” 

“Leon,” Sky stated as he turned to go, “I’m going to follow that ambulance on my bike. I’m not letting Jonah out of my sight. I’ll meet ya’ll at the ER.” 

“I don’t like this. I’m supposed to keep an eye on you, too.” Leon responded. 

“Look. I’ll be there, and at least maybe I can get some info while ya’ll are on the way.” 

“Yeah, dat makes sense. Okay, we’ll meet you there,” Leon said as he ran for his Hummer.

* * * 

A very frantic Billy and an obviously upset Chip were anxiously waiting outside the hotel when Leon pulled up. 

“Stop by the apartment and pick up Sarah. She’s waiting out front,” Chip said as he climbed in the front seat. “What happened?” 

“I really don’t know, Mistah Chip. When I got there and found a place to park ‘round da corner, I was crossin’ the street walking toward the address. I saw the boys talking to a couple of the brothas. The big one pulled a knife on them, and I jumped in and took ‘em out. I didn’t see the third guy get out of the car till he started shootin’. I think Jonah was trying to tackle Sky to get him out of the way when he got hit.” 

“Damn this city,” Billy muttered. “It never has been safe to walk the streets.” 

About that time, they were pulling up to the apartment where a bawling Sarah was waiting out front.

“What happened!?” She almost screamed as she got in the back seat with Billy. 

“We don’t know. Looks like a mugging that went really bad,” Chip replied. 

“Which hospital, Leon, and where’s Sky?” Chip asked as soon as Sarah was safely inside. 

“We’re goin’ to Tulane. Sky’s followin’ the ambulance on his motorcycle.” 

“How bad, Leon?” Chip asked. 

“Looked pretty bad. There was chest wound on the right side and a wound to his right leg. There was a lot of blood. I got a tourniquet on the leg, and we had pressure bandages on the chest. Dat’s where my shirt went. The paramedics got there fast, though. Mr. Billy, could you look behind the seat and find me a shirt? Should be one layin’ in the bag on top.” 

As Billy was looking for the shirt and Sarah started bawling a little louder, Leon continued, “Mr. Chip, dat’s one brave kid. Jonah didn’t see me coming up on ‘em. When dat dude pulled dat knife, Jonah, he was pulling Sky back an’ was on guard ready to take on both dem dudes by hisself. Dat kid’s got major guts, yessuh – lotsa guts. Both dem dudes was twice his size and he didn’t flinch and never backed down. Then he takes a bullet for his friend. Yessuh, dat’s some gutsy kid alright. Damn, I just didn’t see the third dude. Dem windows was tinted, and he musta been layin back in da seat.” 

When Chip looked over at Leon, the big, ex-Navy Seal was obviously wiping away tears. “It’ll be alright, Leon. This wasn’t your fault. It could have been a lot worse if you hadn’t been there.” 

* * * 

As soon as they got to the hospital, Chip, Billy, and Sarah bailed out, running towards the ER entrance, while Leon headed for the parking garage. As soon as they entered the waiting area, they saw Sky, still covered with blood, talking with a nurse. Chip went over to where they were talking, while Billy, holding a still-bawling Sarah, went to find a place to sit.  

“I’m Charles Tucker, I’m Jonah Knight’s uncle and legal guardian,” Chip said to the attractive young nurse. 

“Good. They’re working on him now. I need to get you to give his next-of-kin information and some other data to the receptionist over there at the desk. Also, since he’s a minor, we need some consent forms signed immediately.” 

“Fine, I’m his legal guardian, and his adult sister is here, too. Either of us can sign. But right now I want to know how he’s doing.” 

“I was just telling this young man I don’t have much information. I know he lost a lot of blood, and they were still trying to find and stop all the bleeding. I’m not going to lie. It’s touch-and-go right now. The big issue is we’re running low on staff and blood. The city has ordered a voluntary evacuation because of the hurricane. We’re trying to discharge as many ambulatory patients as we can. There was a med card in his wallet, and we confirmed his blood type is O negative. We are running really short. If any of your party can donate…” 

“Yes. Billy, my brother, he’s O negative.”

“Okay, I’ll get that set up. Please give the information to the receptionist, and I’ll go check on Jonah for you.” 

“Thank you.” 

As Chip was talking with the receptionist, Leon walked in and sat next to Billy and Sarah. Sky just kept his seat and held his head in his hands, sobbing. About that time, the police officer who was at the scene walked in and went over to Leon.  

“I need to finish getting your statement. Come with me,” he ordered very abruptly. 

“Officer, can’t that wait?” Billy asked. 

“No. I don’t have time. This city is going into a state of emergency. I gotta get this done and get back to the precinct. We’re just going over here to a room. It won’t take long.”

Leon got up and followed the officer. As they passed Sky, the officer said, “Don’t go nowhere; you’re next.” 

Sky, thinking about if for a moment, decided he wasn’t going to lie. He walked over to where Chip was finishing up signing consent forms and other papers. “Sir, I need to tell you something before the cop gets back.” 

“What is it, Sky?” 

“The guy – the one that pulled the knife on us – I knew him.” Sky was starting to cry again. 

“What are you trying to tell me?” 

“Don’t you see, dammit? All this is my fault. That guy was a drug dealer, and I owed him money. Jonah may die, and it’s all my fault….” 

With that, Sky collapsed onto the tile floor, sobbing uncontrollably. 

“Oh, my God…” was Chip’s only response. 

Billy came running to see what had happened and bent down to console Sky. 

“Leave him be, Billy. This is something he’s got to come to terms with himself.” 

“What?” 

“I’ll tell you in a minute. Help me get him back into a chair and leave him be. He’s got to talk to the police when he calms down.” 

With that, they pulled Sky to his feet, helped him to a chair and walked back to where Sarah was now sitting alone. 

“What was that all about?” Billy asked as they sat back down. 

“Apparently Sky knew the guys that were attacking them. They were drug dealers, and Sky owed them money.” 

“Damn. It wasn’t some random robbery then?” Billy asked in disbelief. 

“No, it wasn’t,” Chip replied tersely. “I’m beginning to regret even offering to try to help this boy. I definitely regret asking Sandra Parker – your future mother-in-law – to get involved.” 

Billy squeezed Chip’s shoulder. “Wait, Chip. We don’t know all the details. It’s not hard to get mixed up in drugs living the way he was. I’ve seen it down here for myself. There’s hundreds of kids living on the streets down here. It’s awful. You also know how Jonah feels about this boy. There must be good in this boy for Jonah to love him so completely and unquestionably.” 

“Billy’s right, Chip,” Sarah said softly. “Jonah loves this boy very deeply, and I met him before all this started. He is a good kid. He’s been through a lot, too, just like Jonah, but he just didn’t have the love and support at home that Jonah found with you and Billy. Without you two, Jonah could have ended up like Sky, or worse.” 

Chip sat there silently, considering what Billy and Sarah had said.  

It wasn’t long before a doctor came out of the Emergency Room and walked over to where Chip, Billy, and Sarah were seated. “Mr. Charles Tucker?” 

“That’s me,” Chip replied. “Call me Chip.” 

“Very well, I’m Dr. Glen Michaels.” Chip couldn’t help but notice the blood on the doctor’s scrubs and shoes as he spoke. “Okay then, Chip. Would you come with me over here where we can speak?”  

“It’s okay. This is my brother and Jonah’s sister. We’re all family.” 

“Alright then, here it is. Jonah is in very critical condition, but he is still alive. There were two bullet wounds. Either could have been fatal had he not gotten help as quickly as he did. The paramedics said someone was already rendering proper first aid when they got there. 

“He had a bullet wound to his leg that went clear through, but nicked an artery and shattered part of his femur in the process. We repaired the artery, and we can work on the bone problems later. The problem is the blood flow to the leg was diminished for a long time. He could still lose the leg. If there is necrotic tissue and gangrene sets in, there may not be much we can do. 

“He also has a bullet wound to the right chest area. The bullet hit one of his ribs, shattering it, and is lodged in a very difficult place, at the juncture of the rib and spine. Fortunately, the rib seems to have deflected the bullet from his lung—or any other major organ, for that matter. Unfortunately, one rib fragment punctured a lung, and another nicked an artery. There was a lot of bleeding. His blood pressure bottomed out to almost nothing. A couple of times I thought we had lost him.  

“With all the blood loss, there could definitely be some brain damage or neurological deficit if he regains consciousness. We just don’t know the full extent unless he comes around. I’ve repaired the lung, and I think we’ve stopped all the bleeding. He’s on a ventilator. We’re trying to replace the blood as quickly as we can to stabilize him. We are running short on blood, and, quite frankly, plasma ain’t gonna do it. He needs whole blood.  

“Finally, if we are able to stabilize him, we will have to go back in to get the bullet. It’s in a spot that could cause a lot more damage if it gets to the spine, and, of course, we will have to repair his leg as well. I’m not an ortho, but I expect it to require plates and pins or screws. At any rate, at best his chance of survival right now is fifty-fifty. The next four to six hours should tell us. He will stay down here till it’s safe to move him to surgery. If he codes, I don’t know if we can bring him back. It does appear that he was in excellent physical shape before this, and he is apparently very strong and strong-willed. He is fighting.”  

“Oh, dear God!” Billy exclaimed. 

Chip just sat there contemplating what they had been told, while Sarah again broke down into tears. The reality was starting to set in. 

“I can let one of you go back as soon as they clean up in there a bit. There was a lot of blood.”  

“I’ll go,” Sarah said through her tears. 

“Very well, and can one of you give blood? I understand one of you is O negative.” 

“That would be me,” Billy spoke up. “Where do I go?” 

“Great! Go to that desk over there and ask for Annie. She’ll take care of you.” 

“While I’m waiting, I’ve got to go find a quiet place to pray. I’ll be back shortly,” Sarah said to Chip as she walked off. 

As Billy headed over to the desk, the police officer and Leon came back into the waiting area. The officer went over to Sky, who was still crying with his head in his hands, poked Sky on the shoulder, and said, “Come on, it’s your turn.” 

Chip rushed over and said, “Officer, wait. I’m no attorney, but I do have a little knowledge. This boy’s a minor and could say something against his interest. I have been in contact with his father, and I am supposed to be escorting the boy back to Memphis tomorrow to meet him. Therefore, I think I need to be present in loco parentis while he is questioned.” 

“In loco what?” the officer asked.

“It means in the place of or instead of a parent. Sort of like his unofficial guardian,” Chip replied. 

“Very well, as far as I know right now, the kid’s just a witness and a victim, but at least if he’s supervised, I don’t have to call social services. Come on, I don’t got all night. I’ve got two calls I need to respond to already.” 

Sky had stopped crying when he heard the police officer talking. Chip put his hand out to help him up. “Come on, Sky, you need to tell the police what you know.” 

They walked into what Chip surmised was a staff break room, with vending machines and several tables and chairs scattered about. They sat at a table as the officer put his clipboard on the table and started writing. “Okay, kid, let’s have it. What happened?” 

“Well,” Sky began, very nervously, “Jonah and I were walking back to my apartment to help me pack up. Leon was going to meet us there with his truck. I was going home with Jonah tomorrow.” 

“Yeah, yeah, speed it up. Get to the point,” the impatient officer directed. 

“Anyhow, just as we got there, this car pulled up and Dog and this other dude got out, and Dog started demanding money.” 

“You knew Dog, then?” 

“Yeah, I knew him.” 

“Why did he demand money from you?” 

Sky looked over at Chip, who shook his head in a negative signal. “He said I owed him some money.” 

“What for? He sell you drugs on credit?” 

“He just thought I owed him money, that’s all. When I told him I didn’t have it right then, he pulled a knife. That’s when Leon came up and took both him and the other dude out. Jonah screamed something and tackled me, and I heard some shots. The car peeled out. That’s all I know.” 

“You didn’t answer my question, kid. I know Yard Dog’s a big street dealer over there. He’ll do ten grand a night sometimes. Did you buy drugs from Yard Dog?” 

“I’m telling the boy to invoke his Fifth Amendment rights here, officer.” 

“This kid might have gotten your own nephew killed, and you’re protecting him? I don’t get you, mister.” 

“Let’s just say I know the boy has made some poor choices, but I know he’s not a bad kid. He’s just been through some really bad times,” Chip said. 

“Yeah, well, what the hell ever.  Just so you know, Dog will probably be back on the street before I even get back to the precinct. Without more, he’ll make bond, and he won’t be happy with this kid or you guys,” the cop stated sarcastically. 

“I understand. With luck and the Lord willing, we’ll all be out of this city soon,” Chip said. 

“Right, whatever,” the cop commented. “You’re free to go.” 

As they left the room and headed back to the waiting area, Sky looked over at Chip and said, “Thanks, you didn’t have to do that.” 

“I know, and I’m still not convinced I should have.” 

“Why did you?” 

“I didn’t do it for you as much as I did it for Jonah. I love Jonah as though he really were my son, and he loves you very much so you must be a decent boy. Jonah has a remarkable ability to see the good in everyone; he’s a good judge of character. Don’t make me sorry, and don’t ever hurt him again.” 

“I won’t. I swear with God as my witness I won’t. I love Jonah with all my heart. I have since we first met.” 

“I believe you,” Chip said, smiling at Sky. 

As they walked back into the waiting area, Billy and Sarah were sitting there consoling each other. Leon was seated next to them. “The nurse said Sarah can go see Jonah in just a few minutes,” Billy stated when he saw Chip. 

“Good,” Chip said. “Leon, I want you to take Sky over to The Centre Mall across the street. Go to Macy’s or someplace, and get him something decent to wear. He can’t go around wearing those bloody clothes—you, either, for that matter. Get yourself something, too.” 

Sky, overhearing the conversation, stated, “Thanks, I have more clothes at my place, but I’m not leaving this hospital till I know Jonah’s okay.” 

“It’s really more than a request, Sky, I can’t stand looking at the blood, and I’m sure it’s upsetting Billy and Sarah, too.” 

“Oh, well, can Leon just bring them to me? I just don’t want to leave till—” 

“Please don’t argue, Sky.” Chip reached into a white plastic bag the nurse had given him and pulled out Jonah’s cell phone. “This is Jonah’s phone. If anything changes, I will call you,” he said as he reached into a pocket to pull out a thick money clip and handed several bills to Leon. “Now go.” 

As Leon and Sky headed out of the emergency room, a nurse came back to escort a teary-eyed Sarah back to where Jonah was being treated and closely monitored. “Talk to him, Sarah; hold his hand and comfort him,” Chip instructed. 

“I will,” Sarah promised as she hugged Chip and headed towards the treatment area with the nurse. 

After Sarah left, Chip again tried to reach Jim Knight, to no success, and reluctantly began to scroll the menu for the home number. He really didn’t want to talk with that bitch Jim had married, even though they had never met. Just before he pushed the “send” button, a visibly pale Billy came walked back over to the waiting area. Chip saw him and hit “clear.” 

“Billy! Are you okay?” 

“Yeah, just a little light-headed. They almost wouldn’t take my blood. I was just under the desired weight. They also started asking questions about whether I’ve had any homosexual encounters. I lied. I know I don’t have HIV.” Billy was visibly upset. 

“It’s okay, Billy. Jonah needs the blood. I know you would never do anything to harm Jonah.” 

“I mean I’ve only been with Brad. He’s been tested. I made him go get tested, and last month I made him use a condom every time. I’m sorry, I know you don’t want to hear about that.” 

“I said it’s okay, Billy.” 

“Have you been able to get in touch with Jim?” Billy asked. 

“No, I was just about to call his house and leave a message when you walked in. He must still be traveling.” 

“Just wait. After all Jonah and Sarah have said about that bitch he’s married to, just wait till you can talk to Jim. I don’t trust that woman.” 

“Okay, Billy. You’re probably right. I suspect he’ll call me, anyway. I left a voicemail on his cell. Oh, Sarah’s back with Jonah now. I sent Sky and Leon over to Macy’s to get some clean clothes. I guess we just wait.” 

* * * 

Leon and Sky found their way quickly to the men’s department, picked out some decent clothing and started looking for an open checkout stand. It appeared the store was almost devoid of employees, yet was fairly busy with shoppers. They finally found a cash register that was open, and got in line to pay. While they were waiting, Jonah’s phone began ringing. Sky answered it.  “Hello?”

“No, this isn’t Jonah. I’m Sky…No, umm… he can’t come to the phone right now…What? – ummm yeah, sure. I’ll give him the message just as soon as I can.” With that, Sky ended the call and put the phone back in his pocket. 

“Who wuz dat?” Leon asked. 

“Some guy. Said his name was Reese. I didn’t know what to tell him, so I just took a message.” 

“Oh, shit! We better tell Mr. Billy when we get back. He’ll prob’ly wanna call ‘im.” Leon said. 

“Yeah, sure,” Sky said. 

* * *  

As soon as Sky and Leon got back to the ER waiting area, Sky went over to Chip and asked, “Any change?”

“No, Sarah’s back there with him. We’re just waiting for some word. Find a restroom and and change. I’m sure you can get the nurse to get you a towel to clean up with, too. That goes for you, too, Leon.” 

“Yessir,” Sky said. “Oh, Billy, some guy named Reese called Jonah’s phone while we were at the store. I didn’t know what to tell him. I just told him who I was and that Jonah couldn’t come to the phone right now.” 

“Oh, shit!” Billy exclaimed. “I’d better go call him right now. He’s probably very upset.” 

“Huh?” Sky asked. 

“I’ll just have to tell you later, when things calm down a bit, Sky,” Billy answered. 

“Okay,” Sky shrugged, and he turned to find a nurse and a restroom. 

Sky and Leon returned to the waiting area in fresh clothes. They were all waiting on some word when Billy noticed Sky drop his head into his hands and start sobbing.” 

“What’s wrong, Sky?” 

“I don’t know. I can’t stop. I feel horrible.”  

“He’s comin’ down offa sumthin,” Leon observed. “I seen it befo – probly speed of some kind.” 

Billy put his arm around Sky. “What were you on, and when did you have your last hit?” 

“Meth, and I had a hit at the club – just before I met you guys.” 

Billy just shook his head sadly. “How long have you been using it, Sky?”  

“Almost since I got down here. At first it was just occasionally, usually just when I was dancing. I almost quit about a month ago, but lately it’s been every day.” 

“That explains why you’re so thin. Sky, you need help. When you get home, wherever that turns out to be, you need to be in a hospital in a program.” 

“Don’t worry, as bad as I want a hit right now, I never want to see any of that crap again, not after what happened today. Not ever again!” 

Billy wrapped Sky in a hug and just held him for a few moments as Sky started crying again. 

Chip had listened silently to the whole conversation. “Leon,” Chip began, almost in a whisper, “keep an eye on him. If he gets bad, I may have you take him somewhere and sit with him.” 

“Yessir, I knows what to do,” Leon said. 

About that time, Sarah and the doctor came out of the ER and headed over to where the group was sitting. Chip looked up at them and asked, “How’s Jonah?” 

“Well,” the doctor began, “not much change yet, but he is somewhat more stable than he was. He’s still listed as critical. His blood pressure is slowly coming back up. His heartbeat is stronger and regular. The ventilator is still breathing for him, though. We ran an EEG, and his higher-level brain function appears to be in the normal range. It does appear we stopped all the bleeding, and he’s responding to treatment. That’s about all I can say.  

“We do have another complication, though. We are running very short of staff. Many are evacuating because of the hurricane. I only have one orthopedic surgeon that I think can handle this. He was in Afghanistan and Iraq for a year and a half and has seen these types of injuries many times. Problem is, he’s got two critical surgeries scheduled ahead of us. There was a bad wreck on I-10 just before you guys showed up. It’s going to be late tomorrow morning at least before we can get Jonah in there. The good news about that is he should be more stable by then, and meantime we can keep him as comfortable as possible. I’m giving him antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. The extra time should give us a chance to do an MRI also, so we can have a more accurate picture. He should be stable enough to move out of here in another hour or two. We can go ahead and take him up to pre-op. You guys will be much more comfortable up in the surgery waiting area, too.” 

“Thank you, Dr. Michaels.”

“You’re more than welcome. If there’s anything you need, just have me paged.” 

“Well, looks like it’s gonna be a long night,” Chip stated to no one in particular after the doctor walked off. 

“Yeah,” Billy sighed. 

“No matter what happens, you guys are getting on that plane in the morning and getting out of here till that storm passes.” 

“I’m not leaving!” Billy, Sarah, and Sky all said together. 

“Look, I know how you guys feel. Billy, I really will need you in Memphis. I know Jonah will pull through this. I refuse to believe otherwise. I’ll need you, Sarah, and Tom to make the arrangements to have him transferred, transported, and admitted to the hospital up there. Preferably the Med. I’ll be counting on you guys.” 

“Well, if you put it like that…” Billy started to say. 

Sarah interrupted, “Chip’s right. There will be a lot to do. I don’t want Jonah stuck down here one more minute than necessary. Lord only knows what this city will be like after a big storm.” 

 “Well, I’m not leaving,” Sky said flatly. 

“Yes, you are,” Chip stated firmly. “I promised your dad I would get you back safely.” 

“Fine, then you can do just that – when you leave here with Jonah. Look, the last thing Jonah asked me was to promise never ever to leave him again. I won’t go. I don’t care what you say. I’m not leaving Jonah. I’m going to be here when he wakes up, and he would want me here.” 

Chip was silent for a moment. Then Leon interrupted. 

“Mr. Chip, I’d rather stay, too. If that hurricane hits dis city head-on, you gonna need help. This kid’s going through withdrawal bad, anyhow. He don’t need to travel right now. I got that Hummer out there, and we may need it to get ourselves outta here.

“Leon, I can’t ask you to stay.” 

“I know that. I’m volunteering,” Leon said with a large smile. 

“Okay, then,” Chip sighed and looked at Sky. “It’s against my better judgment, but at least if you’re here, I have Leon to help keep an eye on you. You’re probably right about Jonah, too. He would want you with him. You can stay, but you must do what Leon or I tell you, without question.” 

“Yessir,” Sky said, trying to manage a grin.  

About that time, Chip’s cell started ringing. He looked at it and said, “It’s Jim.” Chip went off to a quiet corner where he could break the bad news to Jim privately. After the difficult call, Chip came back over to the rest of the group, visibly upset. 

“What’s wrong, Chip?” Sarah asked. 

“I really don’t know what else could go wrong. Just as Jim was getting off of the plane in Birmingham, he got a call from Jessie. It seems that she went into an early labor, and they’re rushing her down to UAB in Birmingham because of some possible complications. He was very upset about Jonah and wants to get down here, but he has to check on Jessie first. He did say that David, Sky’s dad, was flying back to Jackson tomorrow and would call.” 

“Damn,” Sarah said, shaking her head. “Dad probably is worried sick now. Talk about having a bad day!”

Thanks again to everyone for reading and you comments!  Please keep sending them!

Once again I would like to send my special thanks to CJ, and Colin for their special help, and to Altimexis and Libbonobo for the medical info.

Hugs to everyone and Happy Holidays!

Rick.