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Gunner said no more, but simply kept his fingers curled into Bree's as he closed his eyes. Maybe by some miracle all of this was just some terrible nightmare and he'd wake up any moment to find it wasn't real and he was back home, safe and happy. 

JT stood outside the door and just let Bree sit with Gunner for a while. Things weren't looking good. He was glad they found Gunner and was glad someone had saved his life. But things weren't going to get easier. 

Finally he knew they couldn't stay here forever, and he entered the room as well. "Bree?" He set a hand on her shoulder. "I need to talk to you outside."

Gunner opened his eyes again and gave a little growl. "You too, huh?"

"Yeah well...I guess I just care. Sorry about that." JT shook his head and prompted Bree to step out in the hall with him. "Dr. Brytle is going to have Gunner transferred to Northside in a couple hours unless something changes." He didn't want to throw all this at her at once, but it was more her life than it was his. "You and I both don't agree with their methods there, but I don't know what else to do. He's in no shape to be alone, and you and I can't handle him."

He sighed deeply. "Brookshire crossed my mind. I know it's a couple hours away from home but I've heard good things about them. Then there's always the option of somewhere else. Somewhere out of state. But he has no family to make these decisions and the doctor isn't going to take Gunner's word on anything." He studied his niece's face. "Is he lucid enough to have a conversation about this?" The only hard part would be convincing Gunner he should go anywhere at all. They all knew good and well that no matter where he was, if he didn't want to get better, he wouldn't. He had to want this, and it was beyond JT on how to get him to that point. 

"I could always see if Hope would drive up here too, and talk to him."


Axel's grin returned. "You and Jess sound an awful lot alike." He knew that when he told Jess about this, she'd say the same thing. Maybe others had more faith in his resilience than he did. "Thanks though... I'm gonna keep thinking about the surgery. If my insurance will cover it, maybe it would be worth a try."

There conversation was interrupted by the rumbling of a motorcycle engine being revved as it came to a stop in front of the garage doors. Eli grabbed the spare helmet and held it up, waving to Ryan.

Axel chuckled. "Looks like your brother thinks it's time for your lunch break."