Dr. Ryan led Brian down the hall to a small room where John was lying on a gurney. The boy was asleep. Brian was struck by how small he looked in the hospital bed. He looked much smaller than his 12 years. “He’ll be moved to a room soon.” Dr. Ryan explained as he led Brian over to the gurney. “His brother will be with him.” Brian said. “I don’t know -.” “That wasn’t a question.” Brian clarified. “I understand, Mr. Kinney.” Dr. Ryan said. “However, it will depend on Daniel’s condition. He may have to stay in the ICU.” Brian nodded. “John’s pain medication makes him very drowsy.” Dr. Ryan consulted John’s chart and then looked at his watch. “I’ll have to rouse him so he can eat something before he’s given any more. He’s been unconscious most of the time he’s been here. He doesn’t know about his mother or grandmother yet.” “Fuck.” Brian hissed. “I have a social worker waiting to talk to him.” “I’ll tell him.” “Mr. Kinney -.” “I said, I’ll tell him.” “All right.” Dr. Ryan agreed. “I’d like to have the social worker present though.” “Fine.” Dr. Ryan approached the gurney and said John’s name softly. The boy stirred but didn’t awaken. Dr. Ryan said his name again a little louder. John then opened his eyes and stared at the strange face before him. “Do you know where you are, John?” John shook his head. “You’re at the hospital. Do you remember what happened?” John shook his head again. “You were in an accident?” John frowned. “Your uncle is here.” John looked to Brian then back to the doctor. “Can you understand what we’re saying?” John nodded then looked back to Brian suspiciously. “All right then.” Dr. Ryan smiled and motioned to someone outside the room. “This is Morgan Lewis. She’s a social worker.” Dr. Ryan said indicating a small woman with a motherly face. “John, you were in an accident. You have a broken arm and a bump on the head.” “Where’s my mother?” Dr. Ryan looked to Brian. Brian walked closer to the bedside and took a deep breath. “The accident was pretty bad.” Brian began. “Your mom died on the way to the hospital.” “No.” John said softly. “Your grandmother was killed in the accident.” “No.” John said more forcibly now. “Your brother is in surgery.” Brian continued. “He’s in pretty bad shape. He may not survive the operation.” “I don’t believe you.” John said angrily. “Where is my mom?” “I’m not lying to you, John.” Brian said far more calmly than he felt. “Your mother died and so did your grandmother. They’re gone.” “Fuck you!” John shouted. “Liar! I want my mom!” “John.” Said the motherly social worker. “Calm down, now.” “Fuck you, too!” John shouted turning his attention to the older woman. “Where is my mother? I want you to bring her to me right now!” “Nurse!” Shouted Dr. Ryan. A nurse appeared at the door. “Bring me a sedative, now!” The nurse disappeared out the door returning a moment later with a syringe. As the doctor and Brian held John still, the nurse jabbed the needle into John’s hip. He calmed almost immediately. Dr. Ryan checked John’s arm then pulled the covers up over the sleeping boy. “Damn.” Dr. Ryan hissed then looked to Brian. “He’ll be out for about an hour.” “Can you find out about Daniel?” Brian asked. “Certainly.” Dr. Ryan said as he retreated from the room. Brian sat down in a chair opposite his nephew’s bed. He pinched the bridge of his nose then rubbed a hand over his face. “Fuck.” He whispered. “Brian.” A tentative voice came from the opened exam room door. Brian turned to see Justin standing in the doorway. He could no longer hide the pain he felt. The anguish he felt showed on his face as he moved toward the younger man pulling him close, breathing in his familiar sent, letting the warmth of Justin’s body seep into him. -- Brian stood there in his nephew’s ER room holding onto the only person he could have thought to call at a time like this reveling in the fact that the younger man was there. “Brian.” Justin said. “What happened?” “A truck hit Claire’s car.” Brian explained still unwilling to let Justin go. “She and Mom died. Daniel’s in bad shape and may not live either.” Brian squeezed Justin to him more tightly. “Fuck.” Justin allowed Brian to draw strength from him. “I didn’t know who else to call.” “That’s okay, Brian.” Justin said with a small smile. “I’m here for you. Always will be.” “Thank you.” Brian said emotion strangling his voice. “I have to go through Claire’s stuff, try and find her ex-husband's phone number.” “Try the boys’ school.” Justin suggested. “I’ll bet they have him as an emergency contact.” “Yeah.” Brian said. “I never thought of that.” “Guess, I’m good for something, huh?” “More than you know.” Brian admitted. Brian could feel Justin’s eyes on him as he opened his cell phone and called John’s school. Out of the corner of his eye, Brian watched as Justin crossed the small exam room and looked down on John. Brian could only imagine what the younger man must be thinking about. Probably the same thing I’ve been thinking about since I stepped foot in the hospital. Brian thought as he dialed the school’s number. “Thompson Elementary School. How may I help you?” “My name is Brian Kinney.” Brian began. “I’m calling about John and Daniel Burke.” “Daniel and John are not in school today.” “I know that.” Brian said brusquely. “I’m calling to say that there has been an accident and I need to know if you have their father’s phone number.” “You are?” “I’m their uncle.” Brian said. “Look, John and Daniel’s mother died in the accident as did their grandmother. I need to find out if you have John Burke, Sr.’s phone number so I can contact him.” “One moment please.” “Like pulling teeth.” Brian said through gritted teeth. Justin looked over at Brian giving the older man a smirk of a smile. Brian knew what that look meant and he smiled to himself. Twat. “Mr. Kinney.” “Yes.” “I have Mr. Burke’s phone number.” Brian quietly thanked God. “Do you want me to contact him?” “No.” Brian said. “I think I’d better handle that. Just give me the number.” The woman rattled the number off to him and Brian disconnected his phone without so much as a good-bye. “That was rude.” Justin said softly. “She’ll live.” Brian smirked then dialed his ex brother in law’s phone number. It rang six times before the machine picked up. “John, this is Brian, Claire’s brother. There’s been an accident. You need to get here. Now.” Brian slammed his phone shut. “Fucking machines.” End chapter two.