The Best Laid Plans

By RascalFlattsS

Disclaimer: Hasn't Changed-still don't own Royal Pains.

Two chapter in 1 day…lucky.

Chapter 2: Hank's Worst Phone Call.

Hank sat at the table listening to Dr. Blair and her husband fight over Jake's care. Hank had tried to interrupt a few times but neither parent but he couldn't get a word in edge wise.

Hank had started to daydream when his cell phone started to buzz. Hank looked down at his phone and saw a number he did not recognize.

As Hank reached for his phone, Dr. Blair's pager went off. Dr. Blair looked down at it, shocked. She reached into her pocket for her cell phone.

"It's the hospital," she said, apologetically, "I have to take this."

Hank watched Dr. Blair walk away from the table and decide to take the call himself. "Excuse me," he said as he grabbed the phone.

"Hello," said Hank.

"Hank!"

"Paige?" asked Hank, alarmed. Her voice was breathless. It sounded like she had been running a marathon.

"Paige calm down," said Hank. "What's wrong?" Sudden realization and horror hit Hank as he realized that his brother was supposed to be out with Paige and her parents.

Hank felt fear grip him, "Paige," he tried to say as calmly as possible. "Where's Evan? Is he okay?"

Divya looked up at the sound of Evan's name. Jamie also notices the change and looked up as well.

"Who's Evan?" he asked.

"Hank's brother," said Divya.

"Oh God, Hank!" said Paige. She's crying hysterically. "I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!"

"Paige, what happened?" Hank demands. He tried to keep his own fear in check but one look at Divya and he knows it's written all over his face.

"It's Evan," said Paige. Hank fells his heart drop to the floor with those simple two words. "He's been shot."

The phone drops from Hank's hand and hits the patio, shattering. His breath catches in his chest. His legs turn to jello and no longer support him. He starts to fall but Jamie is quicker. He is beside Hank's side in an instant. He grabs Hank's arm and keeps him from falling. Jamie guides him into a chair.

Divya rushed forward. "Hank! What is it? What happened?"

Hank looks down at the table, blinking away the tears that are threatening to fall. "Evan," he gasps, barely managing to get out the word.

Divya fells her own heart fall. "What about Evan? What happened?"

"He's been shot."

Jamie and Divya look up to see Dr. Blair standing behind them.

"What?" asked Divya. She shivers even though it's a warm sunny day.

"He's on his way to the hospital," said Dr. Blair, softly.

Hank looks up at her, his eyes filled with tears. "How bad?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"The paramedics report that he's been hit in the chest," said Dr. Blair.

Divya's hand flies to her mouth. Hank barely moves, barely registering the words. He stands up and looks directly at Dr. Blair.

"You're heading in to operate?" he asks.

She nods. "I am."

"So, he's still has a chance?" asked Hank hopefully.

Dr. Blair hesitates. She knows that she should tell him that the preliminary reports show that the bullet hit a major artery and collapsed the right lung. She knows that she should tell him that his little brother is no longer breathing on his own and is barely clinging to life.

She knows that she should tell Hank the truth, that somehow, she owes him that. But yet, for some reason, she cannot bring herself to tell him.

"I am very good at my job, Dr. Lawson," she answers. "I won't know his condition till I arrive at the hospital , but I assure you, I will do everything I can to help your brother.

Hank nods, accepting the answer. "Can we give you a lift?" The question seems silly, but Hank feels it's the least he can do.

Dr. Blair nods, "That would be nice, thank you." Hank and Divya take off running towards the car. Dr. Blair hesitates for a moment and looks back at her husband.

Jamie nods. "Go."

She nods and takes off after the other two. Because she knows better than anyone, that every second matters.

And Evan R. Lawson doesn't have any seconds to spare.

Sorry for the shorter chapter. But two chapter in one day...hopefully that makes up for it.

So….you know you want to….hit the button... leave a happy review….. ;-)