Stranger Danger

Martin

It was well after visiting hours before Declan's brother Martin arrived at Charing Cross by taxi. His flight had been delayed more than once due to some unforeseen circumstances and, as a result, he was several hours behind in getting to Dec and Ant. In the meantime, he had missed out on hearing about the incident that had happened earlier in the day at the hospital. Knowing that he was already under stress with his difficult flight and frustrated with his inability to get where he needed to be, his family chose to keep him in the dark...he would find out soon enough. His brothers and sisters had thought he needed to be in the know but their mother put her foot down knowing that the news would most likely make the exceptionally difficult day that much more distressing. It was finally decided that Dermott and Eammon would head down toward Chiswick but neither would be able to leave until nearly midnight.

Just outside the hospital there was a small gathering of reporters standing along the sidewalk behind a barrier and he shook his head in disgust at the crowd. They were vultures, waiting for more to report on... and if there was nothing to report, they'd make something up, which is what they had been doing, for the most part, since the time the boys had first arrived at the hospital.

Fortunately, for Martin, he had been dropped off near the entrance and was able to enter without being recognized. Dr. Shannon had notified security and those at the front receptionist desk of his impending arrival and he was quickly shown to the nearest lift and escorted up to the ICU wing where Ant and Dec were. As one receptionist notified the ICU of his arrival, the police were also notified and officers were immediately dispatched to the hospital to speak with him about the events that had happened earlier in the day as well as answer any questions he might have about the continued investigation.

Since Dr. Shannon was at home resting after being with the boys for more than 24 hours straight, a trusted colleague, Dr. Stuart Ogden was waiting outside the ICU for Martin to step off the elevator. When Martin turned the corner, a wave of relief swelled over him at the sight of the older physician. He had been informed that Dr. Shannon wouldn't be meeting him and he had had concerns over who would be treating his brother and Ant but those worries instantly disappeared. The pair met in the middle of the hallway, shook hands and the doctor placed a steady hand on Martin's shoulder.

"It's good to see you, lad...just wish it was in better circumstances," Stuart said as he stood back before pointing toward a small waiting area at the end of the hallway. It hadn't been too long ago when Dec had injured his hand and Dr. Ogden had been the emergency physician who had treated him for the infection but he had been at a neighboring hospital at the time.

"Visiting hours are long over so we should have plenty of privacy to talk and I've started a pot of coffee there," the doctor added before taking Martin's carry all out of his hand while leading the way down the hall. Martin simply followed along but he couldn't help but glance at the heavy double doors leading toward the ICU area.

"All in good time, lad," the doctor said with a sad smile already knowing what the younger man wanted to do but first things first. "Police officers will be here shortly to fill you in on certain details that I can't elaborate on. I can only inform you of your brother's condition and that of Anthony."

Thinking that the doctor was talking about Dec's initial attack, Martin simply nodded. He wasn't happy about not being able to lay eyes immediately on the two but he somewhat understood. It wasn't seconds later when the pair entered the waiting area and the doctor was pouring two cups of coffee. Martin joined him and added some sugar to his cup before sitting down on one the sofas across from the doctor.

"How are they doing?" he asked nervously, before taking a sip of the piping hot liquid.

"Well...let's start with your brother first," the doctor replied with a reassuring smile. "Dr. Sheridan was able to repair the initial damage relatively easily. According to the reports I read, Declan was to have faced 8 to 10 weeks of healing in a sling and 2 to 3 months of rehab to regain full use of his shoulder. As of right now, we're still looking at the same time table but it's all really up to your brother if it will take any longer. Most of the secondary damage, that occurred this morning, was superficial. There was very minor damage done to the muscles but there was some tearing. It's going to be a painful ride for him but...given time and the proper therapy, he'll be fine."