Carrera’s dad, Paul, rushed into the room, and over to Elsa. “You okay, Ma?”
Elsa nodded, then pointed to Slash.
“Are you okay, Amanda?”
Slash nodded.
“Carrera told me you ran into her house to save her,” Paul said. “Very brave. Thank you. She would have died if you hadn’t insisted on checking her.”
“How do we know she didn’t start the fire?” Teddy blurted.
Carrera jumped up, his hand curled into a fist. “I’m gonna fuckin’ put this through your face.”
“Whoa, whoa, I’m not the bad guy here,” Teddy said. “Don’t bitemyhead off.”
Carrera lunged at his cousin, but Luciano and Paul held him back. “You apologize to Amanda,” Carrera growled. “Now.”
A poisonous silence filled the hospital room.
Elsa removed her mask. “Shame on you, Theodore Santini.”
“That’s not nice,” Paul said. “Amanda saved G-ma’s life.”
“I’m just sayin,” Teddy said.
“You make me sick, Teddy,” Carrera said. “Get the hell out.”
“You know, there was a time when you would have agreed with me,” Teddy said.
“Enough,” Carrera growled.
A doctor entered carrying a tablet, regarded the men, then eyed the patients. “Good evening, everyone. Looks like you’ve both been through a lot.” He glanced at the tablet. “Which one of you is Amanda?”
Slash raised her hand.
The doctor reviewed the pulse oximeter attached to her finger. “Your oxygen levels have returned to normal. Your lungs are clear, but I’d like you to continue with the oxygen mask until you’re discharged. I recommend a follow up with your healthcare provider if you experience any coughing, wheezing, hoarseness or dark saliva.”
Slash nodded.
“Any questions?” he asked.
She shook her head.
The doctor checked Elsa’s oxygen levels next. “Mrs. Santini, you’re lucky to be alive. Your lungs aren’t as clear as I’d like, so I’m going to admit you. We can re-evaluate in the next twenty-four.”
Slash’s heart dropped, but she was a realist. Elsa had been in the house longer, and while the smoke inhalation could have been much worse, it was still a lot for her to endure.
The doctor offered a warm smile. “Do you have any questions?”
Elsa shook her head.
“I’ll put through next steps for both of you.” The doctor addressed the group. “There was some commotion when I walked in. It would be good if the patients rested. They’ve been through a lot.” The doctor left the room.
“Okay, guys, you heard the doctor,” Paul said before kissing Elsa’s forehead. “Love you, Ma. I’ll check on you tomorrow.” Then Paul walked over to Slash. “Thank you.”
She acknowledged him with a nod.
Luciano kissed them both on their foreheads, told them both he loved them. “Rest up,” Luciano said.
