"Just… get it out," he rasped.
Noah didn't respond. Words wouldn't help now.
He picked up the scalpel and made the first incision.
The skin parted cleanly, revealing a deeper layer of tissue marred with crimson.
Blood welled up immediately, and Noah pressed gauze against it, his hands working with pinpoint accuracy.
"Keep that light steady!" Noah snapped at Lionel, whose hand trembled slightly.
"Yes, Boss," Lionel stammered, his knuckles white as he gripped the flashlight.
The flashlight felt like a barbell in Lionel's hand.
The wound was deep, and the bullet was buried near the lower ribcage.
Noah's mind worked in overdrive, visualizing the anatomy beneath.
'Liver, diaphragm, intercostal muscles…' He pushed all thoughts aside, as he focused on the procedure.
As he deepened the incision to explore further, Leo let out a sharp cry, his body jerking against Ryker's hold.
