Doctor Ryan and His Healing System

Chapter 4: Ryan Stretches His Legs

Ryan took a deep breath, and he looked Mr. Ward in the eyes. “Listen,” he said. “Many people were injured in this accident and we are short of hands. I can save your brother. I promise. To do that, though, I need you to step aside and let me do my job…”

The other goons formed a circle of intimidation around Ryan, but he showed no sign of fear. They assumed that they were about to be given the signal to commence with the beating, but that signal never came. Mr. Ward was impressed by Ryan’s confidence, and, finally, he released Ryan’s arm. “He is in your hands,” he said. “Just remember; if he dies, you die.”

Ryan nodded and he said, “Don’t worry. Your brother is in good hands.”

***

Almost immediately after the young man was hooked up to the monitor, it began to beep and flash red. This indicated that he was dying. There was a nurse connecting the last blood bag to his arm, and when the alarms sounded, her face turned white. “Our patient is having a massive hemorrhage!” she exclaimed. “His heartbeat is barely perceptible.”

The situation was too complicated, even for an experienced doctor, and Ryan admitted this to Mr. Ward. “This need not be the end, though,” he said. “For a price, I can save your brother’s life by… unconventional means…”

“Save him!” Mr. Ward. “I can pay you!”

If it were not for the fact that his brother was in critical condition, he would have killed Ryan for his audacity.

“I am glad to hear that.” Ryan smiled, turned to the nurse, and said, “Prepare for surgery.”

“Shouldn’t we check his injuries first?” the nurse asked cautiously. She was frightened of the men with tattoos.

“Don’t bother. I have felt his pulse. He has six cracked ribs, soft tissue contusions, serious internal hemorrhaging, and a large abdominal wound. Go and prepare more blood bags. I will bear the responsibility if anything goes wrong.”

The nurse froze for a second before scurrying off to fetch the blood bags.

While she was gone, Ryan lifted his hands. He waved them about and numerous silver needles flew from his coat pocket and into his hands. He made another gesture and the needles hovered over the patient. A few seconds passed and then they pierced his skin.

As the needles did their work, Ryan felt his own body coming to life alongside that of the patient. This would add another year to his life. It was so incredible that it was hard to believe.

This was the first time that Ryan had used his powers to this extent, and it felt good to stretch his legs.

Gradually, the patient’s breath began to even out. The monitor stopped beeping and the red lights turned off, and it was not long before his vital signs returned to normal.

The door opened and the nurse hurried back into the room. She had the blood bags in her hand, and she was sweaty and out of breath. It was apparent that she had been running, even though running was strictly forbidden in the hospital. “I have the blood bags!” she exclaimed. “Please tell me that I’m not too late!!!!”

Mr. Ward had been looking out the window. He wanted to be with his brother, but he had a weak stomach when it came to family. When he heard what the nurse said, though, his face turned red from rage and He turned around to confront Ryan. “How dare you let my brother die?!?!” he shouted. There were tears in his eyes, but, other than that, his face was completely expressionless, like that of an executioner.

“What makes you think he’s dead?” Ryan asked.

“Is he alive?” Mr. Ward asked hopefully. “Are you saying that Corbin is alive?”

This was the first time that Ryan had heard the brother’s name and he couldn’t help but smile. “Corbin is fine,” he replied.

Mr. Ward gave his brother a quick examination. Corbin was asleep, but he seemed fine. “What a miracle!” he exclaimed. He smiled as he drew a cigarette from a box that he carried in his front pocket.

Ryan nodded and said, “Your brother is as good as new.”

By now, someone had explained to Ryan who Mr. Ward was, so he was surprised to see the man burst into tears.

Sherman Ward was the head of Edmonton’s underworld gangs. He had grown up as an orphan, and he had gone astray at an early age. As a teenager and young adult, he had slowly moved up the various ladders. It was not until much later that he met his biological brother, Corbin.

When he heard the news about Corbin being seriously injured in a traffic accident, his heart nearly broke. But the tears he was crying now were tears of joy. “Thank you so much!” he said. “I am really sorry about my rude behavior.” He bowed and presented Ryan with a bank card. “This is a little gift for you. I hope that you like it.”

Ryan smiled and said, “Thank you. I appreciate the gesture, but I cannot accept it. It is my job to save patients, and I like to do what I do. Trust me; we are even.”

Mr. Ward offered his hand, and they shook hands. “You are a good man,” he said. “May I give you my contact number? Then, if you ever need any help, you can call me.”

“That sounds good,” Ryan replied. “And I will also give you mine.”

***

By the time that Ryan got back to the ER, the rest of the seriously injured people had either been treated, transferred, or they had died. This was somewhat depressing, but Ryan was happy that he had been able to save Corbin’s life. He wished that he had been faster, though. As it was, there were no more patients to use his special healing ability on.

The nurse that had worked with Ryan was extremely impressed with his work, and she wished that she hadn’t missed the ‘main event.’ She watched him now, as he made his rounds, and she observed that he made no mistakes. This is the kind of person that I could grow to love… – she thought.