A Man with Nerves of Steel (Joseph Hart) novel Chapter 166

Chapter 166

A weak woman?

Joseph was in disbelief over Grace’s self-description. He did not agree to meet her because, as far as he was concerned, Grace was no saint herself.

The ICU was busier than ever. The previous day’s influx of critically injured victims had stretched the department to its limits, and there were already plenty of existing patients fighting for their lives.

Joseph called Walt again to complain, insisting that some of the burn victims be transferred to the Burn Unit. However, Walt flatly refused.

Joseph could request more staff or equipment, but the patients were to stay there.

Joseph cursed, “I swear you’ve completely lost your moral compass. You should’ve retired years ago.

No sooner had he put down the phone than Frank barged into the office without knocking. “Joseph, for Cora’s sake, please save my wife and kid. I’ll give you anything you want, whether it’s money, resources, or favors. Just name your price.”

The words sounded like a plea, but Frank’s tone was commanding. His wife and child were no longer in immediate danger, but neither had regained consciousness. The neurotoxin they had inhaled had caused significant damage to their nervous systems.

Joseph remained calm. “We’ve already done everything we can. We haven’t held anything back. You’ve probably consulted specialists outside the hospital already, so you know that the fact they’re still alive is a miracle in itself. It’s now up to them whether they wake up. Maybe you should pray.”

Frank’s expression hardened. “I want them awake. I don’t want to see them lying there covered in tubes. I don’t want them to suffer like this.”

“Since you mentioned Cora just now, you probably know what Cora would do in this situation.” Joseph paused.

Then, he added softly, “She’d pull the plug.”

Frank widered his eyes. “I can’t believe you actually said that. Are you even a doctor?”

Frank glared at Joseph. The moment he agreed to pull out the tubes, he would be sending his wife and child to their deaths.

Joseph nodded. “Sure. If you’ve heard any other rumors about her, you can tell me, too. Or you could tell me about. Natalie’s birth father.”

Frank frowned. “Are you talking about Marla? I know Cora’s people have been searching for her, but she disappeared completely after she fled to Horba.”

Joseph waved it off. “Everyone already knows that, so don’t waste my time repeating it. Frank, I don’t know what’s happening outside, but I have a feeling that you and the Ashmores don’t have much time left.

“If I were you, I’d take the gamble. Try to save your wife and kid, then immediately transfer them overseas to treatment. Then, leave with them.”

Frank looked at Joseph. “Joseph, you’re Cora’s husband, a part of the Lowell family. You can’t escape this either. We’re all on the same boat.”

Joseph scoffed. “On the same boat? You think too highly of me. The moment I get proof of Cora’s cheating, I’ll divorce her.”

Frank let out a chuckle. “Divorce her? You might want that, but I doubt you hold much power in this marriage.”