Vin opened his eyes and moved his stiff body on the bed. It took him a few minutes to remember where he was and he groaned as he sat up. He looked around the room and looked at the IV in his left hand as he slid from the bed. He looked around and wondered where his watch guard was. He grabbed onto the pole with his left hand and moved towards the washroom. He made it inside and closed the door softly.
Nathan pushed open the door and swore as he saw the empty bed and hurried into the room. He placed the coffee on the table and turned to search the room.
“Vin?” he called and sighed in relief as he heard the toilet flushing and the door open.
“What’s going on, Nathan?” he asked of the medic’s worried tone.
“Nothing, just...”
“Thought I’d run out on you,” the tracker smiled as he headed back to the bed.
“Yeah...could say that.”
“How’s Chris?”
“Still sleeping. Josiah’s with him.”
“Where’s my pants?”
“Why?” Jackson asked suspiciously.
“Hell, Nathan, I ain’t goin’ nowhere. I told you I’d stay until the doc said it was okay.”
“So why do you need your pants?” the medic asked amused at the look on the younger man’s face.
“Never said I wouldn’t go visit Chris.”
Jackson laughed at how easy it was to read this man when it came to seeing his best friend. He walked to the closet, pulled out the faded blue jeans and walked back to the bed.
“Sit down, Vin, and I’ll help you.”
“I can do it,” Tanner hissed.
“I know you can,” Jackson said, “but right now you have one arm immobilized and the other one has an IV. Care to tell me how you’re gonna manage putting these on with no hands?”
“Shit, Nathan, hate it when you’re right.”
“Don’t I know it?” the medic laughed as he helped the younger man into his jeans. He frowned as he pulled them up over the man’s trim waist.
“Thought Chris was the one who liked his clothes tight,” he said as he strained to pull them up.
“I can manage from here, Nate,” Tanner blushed as he reached for the zipper and awkwardly pulled it up. “Let’s go.”
“Vin.”
“What?”
“Shoes.”
“Oh,” the tracker laughed as Jackson pulled on his socks and shoes. “Thanks, Nathan, we ready now?”
“I think so. You sure you’re up to it?”
“I’m fine, Nathan.”
‘Yeah, I think you are,’Jackson thought, relieved as he watched the younger man ease off the bed and walk towards the door.
The two men made their way to the now familiar room and Nathan held the door for the younger man. They entered to find Larabee still sleeping and Josiah sipping his coffee by the window. The older man turned towards them as they entered and smiled at the sharpshooter.
“It’s good to see you with a little color again, Son,” the ex-preacher said.
“Thanks, Josiah, how’s he doing?”
“He’s been sleeping since Nathan told him you were okay.”
“Any nightmares?” Tanner asked worriedly.
“I don’t think so. He’s been really quiet,” Sanchez assured him.
“Why don’t you two go get something to eat? I’ll stay with Chris.”
“I don’t think so, Vin,” Jackson said. “You’re a patient here too.”
“Only until Milano makes her rounds.”
“Now, Vin, it all depends on...”
“Hi, Chris,” Tanner said as Larabee’s eyes opened and focused on him.
“V...Vin.” his throat and mouth felt better, but he couldn’t stop the dry cough. “Shit,” he swore and smiled as Jackson held a spoonful of ice in front of him. He savored the cold in his mouth as the tiny chips melted, giving him even more relief.
“Thanks, Nathan.”
“You’re welcome. I know you’re probably getting tired of us asking this, but how do you feel?” the medic said as he placed the cup back on the table.
“Stiff!” Larabee answered simply. “Tired of being in this damned bed. Can you help me out of it?”
“Not until Barrett okays it, Chris,” Jackson told him.
“You know, Chris, Nathan’s getting to be real bossy lately,” the sharpshooter exclaimed
“Yeah, I did notice that and what’s worse is he seems to be enjoying it,” Larabee answered.
Jackson folded his arms across his chest and smiled at the two men. He didn’t say a word, but they knew he was enjoying the light conversation as much as they were.
“What can we do about it?” Tanner asked.
“I don’t know. Any ideas, Josiah?”
“I’m staying out of this one,” Sanchez said, smiling at the three younger men.
“Well, Chris, I’d love an office like yours and maybe a raise in pay,” Jackson said seriously. “Or maybe I could just take over your office. I am getting kind of partial to that couch you have in there.” The laughter was instantaneous as the medic teased Larabee about the couch they’d all used at some point in time.
“I’d say you’ve already spent your share of time on it,” Larabee said and relaxed in the warmth of friendship, the pain of the day before, now a distant memory. He didn’t know how long he lay against the pillows basking in the laughter of his friends as they continued to joke about his office and the couch, but he felt better, knowing they were there. He forced his eyes open as an unfamiliar voice sounded in the room.
“I had a feeling I’d find you here, Mr. Tanner,” Milano said.
“Hi, Doc, just visiting...”
Milano held up her hands and shook her head. “You don’t need to explain, Mr. Tanner, but I do need you back in your room.”
Vin looked at the doctor and then back at his friend. “I’ll be back,” he said.
“Okay,” Larabee said as the younger man stood up and left the room with the doctor. “Go with him, Nate.”
“Now who’s being bossy,” Jackson smiled and nodded as he followed the doctor and the sharpshooter.
Chris watched them go with a feeling of anxiety and fear. He knew the tracker was getting better, but the younger man had a tendency to put himself in harms way when he didn’t need to. Chris sighed heavily as he pressed the button to raise his head.
Josiah heard the sigh from the bed and placed a comforting hand on Larabee’s chest. “He really is fine, Chris.”
“I know he is, Josiah, but you know Vin.”
“I know both of you, Son, and you both tend to put others before yourself.”
Larabee smiled as he realized how true those words were, but not just for him and Vin. “Actually, Josiah, I think that can be said for every one of us.”
“Maybe that’s one of the things that brought us all together,” Sanchez said as the door opened and Barrett entered.
“Good morning, Chris, Mr. Sanchez.”
“Hello, Doc,” Larabee greeted as the e-preacher moved away to give the doctor more room.
“You sound better today?”
“I am, my mouth doesn’t feel like a furnace anymore.”
Barrett couldn’t help but smile as he placed the chart on he table. “Well, that is good news. What about the rest of you?”
“Everything seems to be getting a little easier, Doc, just stiff.”
“Well, you’ll probably feel that way for a while. Physiotherapy should help loosen you up again.”
“Can I get out of this bed today?”
“I don’t see why not, but not until you’ve had breakfast and I’m afraid it will be fluids today. If those stay down we’ll remove the NG tube later today. I want to repeat the blood tests we did yesterday just to be sure the unknown toxin is out of your body.”
“Okay,” Larabee agreed, glad his voice didn’t sound as bad as it did earlier.
“Dr. Hastings was pleased with the way your hip is healing and we may start getting you up and walking around tomorrow.”
Larabee could help the excitement that shone in his eyes and the heated shout that escaped his throat. “Hooyah!”
Barrett laughed as he watched his patient. “I take it you like that idea.”
“Hell, yeah, tired of lying down all the time.”
“Well then I look forward to seeing you up and about, but just don’t overdo it and don’t try doing things on your own.”
“He won’t, Doc, we’ll see to that,” Sanchez interjected before Larabee had a chance to say anything.
“Good. Now if there are no more questions I’ll continue with my rounds.”
“No more questions,” Larabee said as he met the other man’s gaze. “Just want to say thanks for the talk the other day.”
Barrett swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded. “I’m here anytime you want to talk some more.”
“Thanks, Doc, but you may regret making that offer.”
“No, Chris, I won’t,” Barrett assured him. “Just let one of the nurses know if you need anything or if you want to talk and they’ll let me know. If not I’ll check back with you before I leave today.” He saw Larabee smile and knew the man was feeling better. He walked out the door and left the two friends alone.
“He’s a good man,” Sanchez said.
“Yeah, he is,” Larabee said softly. “He’s made it past what happened to him and made it help him be the man he is...”
“Yes, I think he has, and like him, you’ll do the same thing.”
“Only because I’ve got six men to help me. I think I need to remember to say thank you a little more often.”
“We help each other, Brother, that’s what keeps us strong.”
Larabee didn’t get a chance to answer as a lab tech came into the room to take the blood samples Barrett requested. She finished as a new nurse came in carrying his breakfast tray. He smiled as she placed it on the table and told him to eat it all. By the time he was done the pain was back and he pressed the button under his hand.
Josiah watched as the blond finally gave in and took the medication before falling into an exhausted sleep. ‘Stubborn is not the word for you, my friend,’he thought with a smile.
~~~~~~~~
Ezra smiled as he spotted the woman he knew only as Pat seated at the picnic table. They hadn’t seen each other since the night at the restaurant and he’d missed the smile she gave him. The closer he got to her the more of her face he could see and for a fleeting second he caught a glimpse of somethin he wasn’t sure of. Her eyes seemed to lack the warmth he’d seen in them, her hands clenched and unclenched on the table. Anger seemed to be a predominant feature on her face and gave it a chilling effect. A shiver ran down his spine, but quickly dissipated as she looked his way and smiled.
“Hi, Ezra, please sit down.”
“Thanks, Pat, how are you today?” he asked as he sat opposite her.
Patrice knew there was something different about the way he looked at her and she wondered how long he’d been watching her. She forced a smile to her face and tried to hide the anger she was feeling.
“Is something wrong, Ezra?” she asked softly, her eyes downcast.
“No, everything’s fine, Pat,” the conman assured her. “How is your friend today?”
“My friend seems a little better today, but I’m afraid that won’t last. It’s sort of the last hoorah as they say as I’m assured he will not live much longer.”
“Miracles do happen, Pat,” the gambler said as he reached across the table and took her hand in his.
“Not in his case. There are too many things stacked against him. The doctors won’t be able to help him much longer,” she said, but still couldn’t meet his eyes for fear he would see the mirth in them.
“H...how is y...your friend?” she asked, forcing a tremor to her words.
“He’s doing better.”
‘Not for long,’ she thought as she thought of the delivery to be made to Larabee that day. A gift that would brighten his room, but would be deadly if she was able to complete her plans. The unsuspecting ICU nurse would play an integral part in what was to happen, yet she wouldn’t even know it. ‘Maybe she’ll even be charged with his murder. Kill two birds with one stone.’ Pat fought back the feeling of giddiness this caused as she lifted her eyes to meet Standish’ gaze.
“I will pray that he makes a full recovery, Ezra.”
“Thank you, Pat,” Standish said, but again felt something odd when he looked into her eyes. “You know I still don’t know your last name?”
She frowned and forced a small smile to her face. “You don’t?”
Standish returned the smile as he answered. “No, I don’t. Are you endeavoring to be a mystery lady?”
“No, nothing like that I assure you. It’s Murphy. Pat Murphy,” she answered quickly.
“Well, Pat Murphy, are you free this evening?”
“No, Ezra, I’m sorry, but I have other plans tonight and tomorrow. I have to be there for my...friend. He’s going to need me to be strong for him.”
“Oh, Pat, I’m sorry. How inconsiderate of me. Please forgive me for lacking...”
Patrice reached across the table and placed a hand on his cheek. “Believe me Ezra, you are not lacking in anything,” she whispered.
“Neither are you,” he said, but knew the words were a lie before they left his mouth. ‘Who are you?’he thought as their eyes met once more.
“I’m afraid I must be going. I will be thinking about you today, Ezra, and I hope your friend continues to improve.”
‘No, somehow, I don’t think you wish that at all,’Standish thought as he released her hand and watched her leave, not at all sorry he wouldn’t be seeing her anymore. He stood up and walked into the hospital, knowing he had two friends who were patients in there and wanting to help them heal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anne Sheridan stood outside the door, unsure whether she should go in or not. Chris Larabee was no longer under her care, but he was still a patient in the hospital and she didn’t want to cause problems with his friends. Unfortunately the man had gotten under her skin, and she couldn’t seem to think about anything else. Her dreams had been decidedly hot over the last few days, and it didn’t look like things were going to get any cooler for her. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks as she thought about one of the dreams, and remembered the touch of the dream Chris’ hands sliding over her body. The light, almost feverish touch eliciting a tremor of excitement from her body.
‘Damn, Anne, that one would’ve garnered an NC17 rating at the movies,’she thought as she took a deep breath and pushed the door open. Her eyes instantly went to the bed and she frowned as she saw the NG tube was back, but was clamped off, and that he looked pale even in sleep. She looked towards the man sitting beside the bed and smiled at him.
“Come in,” Dunne said softly as he stood up and gestured to his chair.
“Thank you, JD,” she said as she stood beside the bed, ignoring the chair. “I can only stay for a few minutes. How is he doing?”
“He’s better. Had a bit of a setback yesterday with some kind of toxin, but the doc says he’ll take out the NG tube this evening as long as Chris keeps everything down.”
“Toxin? Do they know what it’s from and how he got it?”
“No, Ma’am. Well they think it was from some kind of plant and that maybe it was in his salad, but...”
“Hey, Kid, you can stop talking about me as if I’m not here,” Larabee’s voice was rough and held an edge of anger as he opened his eyes.
“Sorry, Chris,” Dunne said apologetically.
“Ah, Hell, JD, I’m sorry,” the blond said and smiled as he saw the woman standing beside his bed. “Hi, Anne,” he said brightly.
“Hi, Chris, please don’t blame JD for telling me what happened. I asked him about you.”
“I know and I’m sorry, just chalk it up to me being moody.”
“Moody? You?” Anne asked with a smile. “I never would have believed it if I hadn’t heard you say it.”
“Shoot, Anne, this is nothing, you should hear him when he’s really in a mood.”
“JD!” Larabee hissed.
“Sorry, Chris, I think I’ll go see Vin. He’s not nearly as moo...”
“JD!”
“Oh, sorry. See you later, Anne. I’ll be right back, Chris.”
“Don’t hurry on my account, Kid,” Larabee hissed as the bolt of energy disguised in a young man’s body exited the room. “God, to be able to move like that again,” he mumbled.
“You will, Chris, you just have to give yourself time,” Anne assured him.
“I don’t think I moved like that when I was healthy. That kid just seems to have a natural source of energy. He’s always go, go, go. Hell, right now I’ve got two speeds, slow and stop!”
“I can’t believe a man like you...Ah I mean you’ll be amazed at how quickly your strength comes back.”
Chris smiled at the abrupt change in her words. He smiled at the hint of color in her cheeks, knowing he could easily come to care for this woman.
“Thanks for coming by, Anne, it means a lot to me,” he said. ‘Hell, Larabee, what makes you think you’re so special? She probably checks up on all her former patients.’
“You’re welcome, Chris,” she said and again felt butterflies take flight in her stomach as she saw the light in the green eyes. ‘Hell, Sheridan, stop acting like a giddy school girl on her first date,’she thought.
The silence stretched as the two people stared into each other’s eyes. Time seemed to stand still, and Anne found herself lost in the wonderful green depths. ‘God, the man doesn’t know how attractive he really is.’She felt herself losing her grip on reality as he held her gaze. His mouth turned up in a soft smile as she looked at him.
‘She’s beautiful,’ Larabee thought as the light from the window caught the golden flecks in her brown eyes. Without realizing what he was doing his left hand reached up and he buried his fingers in the soft auburn hair. He gently pulled her towards him until their lips met, the contact was electrical and the charge seemed to generate feelings deep into both hearts.
They held the kiss until the need to breathe forced them apart. Their eyes locked as forcefully as their lips had moments before, and neither could find the energy to speak.
“Chris...I...”
“Anne...I...”
They laughed, there was nothing else they could do as the words left their mouths at the same time.
Chris reached for her hand and knew he wanted a chance to explore his growing feelings for the incredible woman standing over him.
“Anne, I’m not gonna apologize for doing that...”
“N...no, please don’t. It was my fault...”
“Hell, No!” Larabee said forcefully. “I wanted that...I couldn’t stop it from happening. I didn’t want to stop it from happening!”
Anne placed her fingers over his mouth and smiled. “Me either, Chris, but are you sure it’s not...”
“I’m not sure what it’s not, Anne, but I’d like to find out once they release me from this place.”
“I’d like that too.” She looked at her watch and frowned. “I have to go, Chris...”
“Will you come by again?”
“Of course,” she smiled at him. “You just keep doing what they tell you too.”
“I will,” Larabee said as their eyes met once more. “Thanks, Anne.”
“You’re welcome, Chris. I’ll drop by for a few minutes after my shift ends in the morning.”
“That’d be great,” Larabee said as he watched her walk towards the door. She turned and their eyes locked once more and Chris felt as if he’d found something he’d lacked since Sarah’s death. It didn’t feel like a betrayal of her love this time, it just felt right and he sighed contentedly as the door closed behind her.
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