After what felt like an eternity, she paused to look at the monitor and check for a pulse. Nothing. She exchanged a glance with the nurse, who looked equally determined.
“Third time’s the charm,” Kira said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. “Let’s go.”
“Clear!”
The shock hit, and this time, a jagged blip appeared on the monitor. Kira held her breath as the line started to rise, a fluttering heartbeat where before, there hadn’t been one. Thank You.
“Pulse!” The nurse smiled, her eyes wide with relief.
“Good work.” Kira felt a wave of triumph wash over her. “Keep monitoring him so we can ensure he’s going to remain stable.” She blew out a breath and removed the gloves she had pulled on. The battle was far from over, but they had won this round.
The EMTs pushed their gurney from the bay, and Kira crossed to Destiny. “Back so soon?”
The other woman whimpered and rushed into Kira’s offered hug.
“It’s safe to say he has a fighting chance.”
Destiny put her hands to her cheeks. “Why is someone doing this to him? Why can’t they leave us alone?”
“What do you mean?” Kira shook her head.
Sure, Jenkins—currently in surgery—had told Luca that Ralph was head of the Shadow Syndicate, but that didn’t explain why someone wanted him dead. It was more likely the reason Jenkins had been targeted. For telling Luca anything at all.
Ralph had more of a motive to see Jenkins dead than the other way around. This only made sense if someone was trying to get rid of both of them.
Fatigue washed over Kira like a wave. It would retreat shortly, but until then, she couldn’t let it drag her under. She had patients counting on her to be alert and do her job to the best of her ability.
“Someone tried to kill him again, I just know it.” Destiny gasped. “It’s because they didn’t succeed the first time!”
Kira held the woman’s hands. “I’m going to call the police. Can you tell them everything? They’re the ones who can find out who is doing this and stop?—”
Destiny rushed to her husband’s bedside. “Ralph!”
His eyes fluttered.
“If he wakes up, it may only be for a minute,” Kira said. “He needs to rest as much as possible.” She looked at the nurse. “Let’s take blood for a full panel. Find out what’s going on.”
“Yes, Doctor.” The nurse left the room for the supplies she’d need to do that.
“Destiny, will you speak to the police?”
The other woman didn’t look at her. “As if it will do any good.”
“It’s worth a try, isn’t it?”
“Fine. Call them.”
Kira frowned. She spotted Luca at the edge of her peripheral vision and told Destiny, “I’ll be back to check on Ralph shortly.” She passed the nurse on her way out and walked toward Luca. The words got stuck in her throat.
He looked at Ralph, then back at her. “What did you need to tell me?”
“Someone tried to kill Jenkins. He’s in surgery upstairs.” She blew out a breath. “It doesn’t look good.”
Luca tugged her toward him and kissed her forehead. “I’ll call Mack.”
Eleven
Luca reached over and tapped the dash screen, answering the call from Detective Mike Martinelli. He hadn’t heard an update about Jenkins since early this morning, when it had been touch and go.