Chapter 17 Section 16

"He has lost a lot of blood," the doctor in the emergency room said in Italian. "The pulse is weak and irregular, and the blood pressure is low. I don't want to be too pessimistic, but I'm afraid that any outcome can happen. You must be prepared." "I understand," Decker said, "his son and I are very grateful for anything you've done for him." The doctor nodded solemnly and went back to the emergency room. Two tired-looking hospital officials were standing reverently in one corner of the waiting room.Decker turned to them and said, "I am very grateful for your cooperation in this matter. My superiors will appreciate it even more. Of course, we will express this appreciation in an appropriate manner to everyone involved. "

"Your superiors have always been the most generous," said one of the officials, taking off his glasses. "We will do our best to keep the true circumstances of this wounded man's injuries from the government authorities." "I have every confidence in your prudence." They pocketed the money that Decker had slipped into their hands as Decker shook hands. "Thank you so much." As soon as the two officials left, Decker sat down next to Brian. "It's good that you've kept your mouth shut." "Do we have a tacit understanding with this hospital?"

Decker nodded. "Is this hospital top-notch?" Brian asked. "It looks small." "This hospital is the best." "We'll see." "There is no harm in praying." Brian frowned. "You mean you are religious?" "I don't like rushing to a decision." Decker looked at the wet clothes clinging to him. "It will take them a while to get your father back. I think we'd better go back to your hotel and get dry clothes." "But what if something happens while we're away?" "You mean, if he's dead?" Decker asked.

"yes." "In that case it makes no difference whether we are in this room or not." "It's all your fault." "What?" Decker suddenly felt the pressure. "My fault?" "You're the one who dragged us into this mess. None of this would have happened if it weren't for you." "Why do you think so?" "I would have handled Renata and her cohorts well if you hadn't come Friday to rush me into a hasty move." "Why don't we discuss this on the way to your hotel?"