Chapter 27

“Okay, that’s one.”

“Please hurry, Doc. I don’t think I can stand him being hurt.”

Tom didn’t think he could stand it either. Oh God, it was painful.

“Do you want me to do this fast, or do you want me to do it right?” But James was working quickly. “Another one done. You might want to have this looked at by a plastic surgeon, Tom. Embroidery was never my strong suit.”

“I’m sorry, buddy,” Jack whispered into Tom’s hair.

Tom would have nodded, but he was afraid that action would result in James setting a stitch into his cheek. He drew in a breath and tried to center himself. Not to say it worked, but he tried.

“Don’t encourage him to talk,” James ordered. “I’m sure you’re very sorry, Jackson. And I’m sure Tom’s even sorrier. Okay, I just want to put a couple of sutures inside, and then I’ll give you a shot of penicillin to be on the safe side, and a shot of Demerol for the pain. You should be good to go.”