Page 29 of Loving the Enemy
“Thanks. If you could just give us a couple of days, then you can head back. We’ll keep you up to date for when we make our move on Gallardi.”
“Oh hell yes, definitely keep us in the loop. We will come back for that. You know we love a good fight,” Ice replies.
A few minutes later, they bring my father back. Dr. Siegel motions for me to follow him inside Pop’s room. Once the family is together, he proceeds. “Well, I was right about it not being a heart attack. Your father’s heart is strong. But, after more tests, it appears he has acute pancreatitis.”
“What does that all mean?” I ask impatiently.
“Pancreatitis is a disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed, and the digestive enzymes are activated before they are released into the small intestine and begin to attack the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis is sudden and can exhibit symptoms of a heart attack. Most recover completely from acute pancreatitis, and I am confident your father falls into this group.”
“Thank God!” My mother sighs with relief as she makes the sign of the cross from her forehead to her heart and across her chest. Then she kisses her rosary.
“So where do we go from here, Dr. Siegel?” I ask.
“I’d like to keep him for a few days and monitor how the treatment is progressing. He should be able to go home by the middle of next week, provided there are no complications.” He looks around at each of us. “He’ll be out of it for a while. You all should go home. Let him rest, and you can see him in the morning.” And before my mother or any of us can argue, he says, “I’m not budging on this either. Go home, all of you. He needs to rest.”
Without any argument, my mother nods, walks to my father, kisses him on the cheek, tells him she loves him and then turns toward me. “Marco, can you take us home?”
“Sure, ma’am. Ready?” he replies.
“Actually, Marco, I’d like you to stay here with Pop. I’ll have some things sent for you. Alex, you can drive Mom and Gina home.”
He nods. Gina and Alex both say good-bye to Pop and follow our mother. I walk to the bed and sit in the chair next to him.
Taking his hand, I say, “Pop, I’m not sure if you can hear me or not, but I want you to know I’ve got everything under control. You just get better and come home.”
My father squeezes my hand.
I walk out of the room and nod at Ice. “Let’s go.”
Ice, Rebel, and Hawk stand to follow behind me.
“Marco, call Jude with a list of things you’ll need. We’ll get everything sent right up for you.”
“I’m good, Michael. You have enough to worry about. Thanks. I’ll take good care of your pop.”
“You always do,” I reply.
