Setting: ATF Universe
Page 18
The well trained team moved into action, led by the veteran, Kendra Taylor. She saw his heart rate soar to over 150 and his blood pressure zoom to 160/90.
"Get him off that ventilator," she barked at Sandy, while turning off the alarm on the cardiac monitor. "...and bag 'im." She ripped the tape off his mouth and felt the iron-like jaw clamping on the endotracheal tube, amidst the foam spewing from his jerking mouth. "Sandy, give him 10 mg's of Valium, IV push, before he bites through the tube!" she moved quickly, ripping the cabinet doors near the bed open and getting a bite block and returning to the patient.
"Mollie," Sandy handed the ambubag to the nurse, who immediately began pumping air into the tube. The doctor quickly did as ordered, then picked up his stethescope. His bright eyes narrowed, when he listened to the victim's lungs. "He's still chomping on that tube, he's getting no air... Vecuronium?" he turned to his boss for direction.
"Yes, 10 mg's IV push..." she said of the drug that would relax all his muscles. Sure enough, within one minute of Sandy introducing the drug, Vin's body fell dormant again.
"His heart rate is falling," Sandy noted of the digital 120, "His BP is 80/45..." the tense voice concluded.
"Give him 500 cc's of Hespan, that should level out his pressure," the Major ordered, as she reattached the ventilator. "Also, 50 cc's of Dextrose, 50 % IV push, and get on the phone, he needs an EEG," she directed, knowing that the muscle-paralyzing drug would prevent them from seeing physical signs of another seizure. The EEG would allow them to see any seizure activity in his brain. "Start him Dilantin, loading dose of 1 gram," she said of the anti-convulsant agent. "Mollie, I want Neuro checks once an hour..." She flipped a penlight out and checked his pupils. His limp hand didn't respond to pressure, nor did his fingernail or toenail beds respond to pain. But that was not uncommon, given the muscle relaxant that had been administered. Hopefully, that would change in the next twenty-four hours.
"I'm going to talk with Larabee and check out Wilmington." She strode to the door, Roger followed, his mission to get the EEG machine, Sandy and Mollie cared for the now corpse-like Tanner.
What could be taking so long? The muffled louds calls and blurring bodies moving behind the curtain turned his insides icy. Chris Larabee was not a man who was kept waiting. He pushed back from the wheelchair, steadied his body, using the chrome rail of Buck's bed for leverage and moved. He placed a tentative foot on the ground and stood, wincing at the pain shot up his leg. With a final glance at the steady rising and falling of Wilmington's chest, he turned and limped towards the isolation room. He was about to enter, his anxiety turning to anger, when the door opened. He jerked his head past the tall body cloaked in green and saw Mollie putting something in Vin's IV line.
"What do you think you're doing?" Kendra asked, physically moving the weaker body. "No weight on that leg for another week. Do you want to undo all the good doctor's work? Get in that chair!"
"No until I see him," Chris shoved the arm off and swayed so badly, that if not for her standing there and grabbing him, he'd have fallen.
"Not to mention that you have a serious concussion, complete with blackouts and dizziness..." She manuevered him to the chair and waited until some color returned to his face. She moved past him to check on the other patient. His vital signs hadn't changed and she saw Mollie appear, quickly kneeling next to Chris's chair.
"Are ye alright then?" she asked, having heard him in the doorway. "Chris?"
"No," Chris replied, drawing his face up and looking deep into the emerald eyes before him. "I won't be until Vin..." he turned away, back to where the doctor stood. "Buck?"
"His vital signs are steady. Mollie, I want you to keep an eye on Buck. I don't want a repeat episode..."
"Vin?" Chris said, grateful for Mollie reassuring massage on his back.
"The seizure is frightning but not fatal. We had to give him some medication to calm him down. We're going to do EEG on him, to study his brain functions. Until he starts responding again in a day or two, it's the only way we'll have to check for any more seizures," Kendra replied.
"Any more!" Chris hissed, eyes wide, "Jesus... was that from the serum?"
"We don't know, which is why I want Mollie with Buck. Also, I need to talk with you about how you want to proceed."
"Proceed?" Chris squinted, his pounding head making his brain scream.
"Mr. Tanner's records indicate he has no living blood relatives. Orin Travis told me you, that is, the team, have become his family. Also, Orin mentioned that you have Mr. Tanner's power of attorney and that is vital."
"Power of..." Chris frowed and took a cold plastic cup of ice and water from Mollie, quickly draining it. "What are you talking about?"
"I'm going to call Mr. Travis now and have the others come over, I'll lay out the scenario and you can decide how you wish to proceed. All of you can discuss what you feel Vin would most want, but the final decision, legally is yours." Kendra saw the confusion and sighed, "Basically, to continue and give him the serum, risking more seizures and potential brain damage... or..."
"To let him go." Chris's words were extracted painfully, like an abcessed tooth.
"Yes, to withdraw all aggresive activity. I'll make that call now..."
Chris used his good arm to move himself over to the window. The curtains were opened again and he stared long and hard at Vin's state of repose. Through the glass, between him and his best friend, a variety of words swooped low, threatening his position.
'Aggresive'... 'proceed'... 'family'... 'final decision'... he blinked at that one, for it's weight was truly cumbersome. The most offensive word slammed against the glass hard, 'brain damage'. He sucked his breath in and gripped the handle of the chair hard. Then he lowered his head and raised his hand. He pushed his fingers against his eyes, trying to force both the pounding headache and pulsating words from his brain. 'Final '... 'final decision'... the word kept clashing with 'brain damage'. He drew his pained eyes to the cross above him.
"What'll I do now?" he rasped, swallowing so hard it gave him a terrific pain.
Ezra kept glancing at J.D. and wondering how to proceed. He'd remained silent on their trip back to the hotel. He'd said little during the visit and his troubled eyes stuck out against his bruised face. Josiah was out on the balcony of the large suite they were sharing. It had two bedrooms, a large living room and a small kitchenette. J.D. was on the floor, slumped against the couch, watching a movie. Ezra doubted if he heard any of the dialogue. Before he could put together his motivation speech, there was a rap on the door.
"What's happened?" Ezra inquired with concern, as soon as he saw the Division leader's face.
"I just got a call from Major Taylor. Vin had a seizure about forty minutes after they gave him the serum."
"Oh God!" Ezra slumped against the doorframe, his eyes and posture screaming defeat.
"No, he's still alive," Orin sighed, as Josiah appeared. "But she wants us down there immediately. It concerns his future and how to proceed."
"Alright," Josiah nodded, grabbing the rental car keys and the Good Book. "J.D., you need help getting your sneaks on?" He knew that bending and putting pressure hurt the youth's ribs. He and Ezra exchanged a worried glance. The youth continued to stare dully at the flickering light on the television. "Did you hear me, Son? We have to go back to..."
"I'm not going!" J.D. blurted, turning the volume up.
Josiah stormed through the room, shutting the television off. "Look at me, John Daniel..."
The caustic tone in the preacher's voice caused J.D.'s head to rise, along with a red flush on his face. They didn't understand and he didn't blame them. He couldn't tell them what was wrong... he was too ashamed. They had every right to be angry and he had no defense. He felt himself tremble, looking into Josiah's stormy eyes. He was really angry and J.D. reluctantly moved, getting his sneaks on.
"Sorry," he mumbled, avoiding the glare, or so he thought. A large hand clamped on his shoulder as he tried to pass.
"Not so fast," Josiah nodded for Ezra go with Orin and they left. He waited for the troubled young man to turn and face him. He saw so much sorrow in the hazel eyes, it pained him. "I know something's eating away at you, Son and keeping it bottled up won't help."
"Can we just go, Josiah," J.D. jerked away and rumbled to the door.
"J.D..."
"Please, Josiah," he turned, his eyes pleading, "Not now... and no verses, okay?" he eyed the large hands engulfing the worn Bible.
They gathered around Buck's bed, the infirmed man was rousing slowly, under Mollie's talented hands. The alchohol bath was done and she'd changed his damp linens. She stroked the handsome face, crooning a Gaelic lullaby. Finally, a smile broke on the rogue's face and two eyes opened.
"Musta have been a helluva honeymoon..." he teased, eyeing the kind-hearted nurse.
"Didn't I warn ye, then, Love, about me wicked ways..."
Buck was going to reply, but noticed that her words didn't reach her eyes. The emerald green gaze that usually was bright and crinkled in mirth, was dull and creased in worry. Something was wrong, very wrong, he grabbed her hand hard and coughed. His eyes shot past her and another blurry body to the glass room. He sighed heavily when he saw Vin still hooked up to his army of hoses.
"God, I thought... shit... sorry..." he apologized and felt her hand stroke his face.
"Here," she held his head up and gave him a good, long drink. "Better than a pint?"
"I'd drink piss if you were holding the cup," he coughed againg, grateful for her strong arms around him. "Sorry..."
"No, me name's Mollie and ye well know that! I'm thinkin' 'Sorry' is some poor soul ye left in a cheap room." She waited under the weak man's laughter died out and gave him a solid pat on the back.
"Allow me," Ezra stepped forward and pulled Buck upright, while Mollie pushed the button, easing the bed back forward.
"Ace?" Buck squinted, eyeing the gambler's blurry face. "...the hell's goin' on..."
"Major Taylor would like to discuss... uh... that is to say..." Ezra stumbled.
"We need to talk about Vin."
"Chris?" Buck looked past Ezra to the bearer of the hard, cold tone.
"Yeah," Chris nodded, waiting for Josiah to push him closer. "We're all here... the family..."
The last word came out on a choke and Buck's color left his face. He swallowed hard, gave a fleeting look to the pale-faced sharpshooter, encased in a glass tomb and then pushed his body back against the pillow.
"Oh God..." he swallowed hard and felt his eyes filling up, as a weight grew in his congested chest.
"First of all, I want to commend you on your support for each other. That will be an important part of your decision." Kendra began. "As you know, Vin's condition has been deteriorating. The fact he survived this long is nothing short of a miracle. The serum we derived from Socrates was our last hope. There is no way to tell yet, what damage that seizure did or if continual dosage of the serum will result in more seizures and potential brain damage."
Chris flinched and squirmed as the words came out again. 'Potential brain damage', just three words but put together and used with Vin Tanner, changed everything. A brain-damaged Vin was something that hurt so deeply, he couldn't fathom it. He shifted again, trying hard to concentrate on the Major's words and not the body behind the glass.
"...so in cases like this," she continued. "We present the family with options. We can continue with treatment and give him more of the serum. It's very possible that the seizure wasn't related to the serum at all, rather just bad timing, a result of his high fever and there won't be another one. But, there's just as much of a chance that he's rejected the serum. That continual use of it will cause him more episodes. You can discuss your choices, to continue aggressively fighting this bacteria or we can discontinue treatment and allow nature to take it's course. Legally, the final choice will be Mr. Larabee's. Take your time, I'll be in the doctor's lounge. Are there any questions?"
"Buck's okay, I mean, wouldn't he have had one too, if it were the serum?" Josiah asked.
"No, as in any medication, all of us have different reactions. I am encouraged by Buck's system accepting the serum and we feel confident he'll make a swift recovery. His fever should drop down to normal in the next couple days. It will be a couple weeks before he feels himself again, but he's on the right road."
"So, Vin's condition could improve as well?" Ezra noted.
"Yes, perhaps... " She waited and then left.
For a few awkward moments, there was silence. Then, Orin moved forward, standing by Buck's side.
"Buck?"
"Jesus," Buck winced, flashing to a picture of a cranky Vin stalking around the office. The drawl was always more pronounced when he was tired or angry. He looked through the glass again, hoping Vin would turn and wink at him wickedly, as he did after pulling one on Ezra. He thought long and hard and then turned back, looking at Chris. The blond's face was totally expressionless and void of feeling. He then turned back to Orin Travis. "I think... I... want him to have every chance. I vote for the serum."
Orin gave the rogue's shoulder a squeeze and turned to Josiah.
"This never gets any easier," he said, thinking on his previous experiences. "There's no right or wrong answer. It troubles me to think of that drug hurting Vin... giving him brain damage. I think I'd like God to decide what road lies ahead for Vin. I'll support whatever decision you make, Chris, but I vote no."
"Ezra?" Orin turned to the gambler, who was now staring at the glass, his body pressed against the wall.
"The odds aren't in your favor, Old Friend," Ezra whispered, eyeing the ghostlike pallor of his friend. "But I'm a betting the house on you to win..." he winked at the sharpshooter's profile and briefly touched his hand to the glass, before turning. "I vote yes."
"J.D.?" Orin moved his gaze to the brooding youth, who was by Buck's head and not making any attempt to look at Vin. He didn't give a reply and Buck turned his face sideways.
"Kid?" Buck read the face "What's wrong? Why can't you look at him? He's your friend too... a damn good one..." Buck's words died in a frightful coughing fit, bringing both Ezra and Josiah to his side.
"Easy there, Big Guy..." Josiah warned, hauling Buck up and putting a towel in front of his mouth.
"Here," Ezra waited until the heaving gulps died down and supported a glass and straw, allowing the infirmed man to drink.
"Thanks," Buck rasped, wiping the tears the onslaught of coughing produced. "Kid? I'm waitin'..."
J.D. clenched his eyes shut and Vin appeared. The Texan was healthy and hooting, skating full force down the ice. The tricky wrist flicked and the puck glided easily in to the net. Then there was the skilled tracker who taught him so much on their desert treks. Vin's eagle eye and steady hand in the loft of a warehouse, keeping them safe. Then Vin in a wheelchair, in a nursing home in a vegatative state. "I vote no." he said dully, slumping in the chair next to Buck and dropping his head. A few seconds went by and he felt a hand on the back of his neck. He didn't have to look up, he knew it was his best friend's. Buck was giving him silent support.
"I vote yes," Orin said and turned to Chris. "Chris?"
Chris let his gaze rest on each of his friend's faces for several long minutes. Then he turned to the glass and studied the specter that was posing as his best friend. He caught Sandy's eyes, as the doctor lifted Vin's lids to check his pupils. Chris nodded his head slightly toward Vin and saw the masked man pause, before nodding back. He took a deep breath and turned back to his friends.
"I know that wasn't easy for any of you and I respect all of you, I want you to know that. Thank you." His voice was barely audible and turned to Buck, whose hand was wobbling woefully. He took the hand and gripped it fiercely. "Buck... I..."
"Quit jawin'..." Buck choked, feeling every bit of the blond's pride in that grip and the admiration shining from his green eyes. "Go on now... Vin's callin'..." he returned the grip, sending his support.
Sandy appeared in the alcove and waited. "How about the rest of you spend a minute with him?"
Josiah, Ezra and Orin immediately entered the room. Buck and Chris exchanged a worried look when J.D. made no move to follow.
"Goddammit J.D.!" Buck lashed out weakly, "Get your ass in there... Vin..."
"Shut up,Buck!" J.D.'s voice was shaking and his eyes were full. "Don't make me..." he ignored Buck and sent his plea to Chris. The wheelchair moved awkwardly until it was beside the troubled youngest member. He felt a hand on his back and raised his moist eyes and saw Chris's support. "I'm sorry, Chris..."
"Don't apologize to me, J.D." Chris answered thoughtfully, "You're entitled to your decision. Just remember, you're the one who has to live with it."
J.D. knew Chris meant more than the decision to visit Vin. He studied the leader's eyes long and hard. "I can't... talk... about it..."
Chris's intense stare caught more than fear in the hazel eyes. Guilt shone freely and his face puzzled. "J.D. you've got nothing to feel guilty about..."
"Don't..." J.D. pressed, feeling the walls closing in.
"Okay, Son," Chris agreed, "But I'm worried about you and we will talk about this..."
Buck remained silent as Sandy came over and moved the wheelchair into the now empty room. He turned to J.D. and caught the emotional profile. He'd never seen the youth in such pain and reached his hand out, taking the tangled black locks off the kid's forehead.
"What's hurtin' you so bad, Son, that you can't tell me?" his voice wavered and J.D swallowed hard, turning to Buck and letting two tears roll down his face.
"I'm sorry... Buck..." he rasped, before bolting from the room.
"J.D... J.D..." Buck called after him, slamming a fist into the pillow. What was the kid ashamed about? There was no mistaking the look of shame on his face. He saw Ezra and Josiah follow, while Orin reappeared with Major Taylor. He turned his aching head to the glass and watched Sandy depart, leaving Chris Larabee alone with his heavy decision.
Chris took three deep breaths, slow and long, calming the tidal ware of emotion cresting in his aching chest. He concentrated solely on the fine features of Vin Tanner. He let his eyes roam over every one, before resting on the long, thin fingers. Skilled hands that could shoot a target with the same accuracy as writing a moving poem. He stared at those hands for awhile, feeling them caress his heart. He pushed the mocking whoosh of the ventilator away and stood up, ignoring the pain lancing up this leg. He moved his trembling hand through the forest of unfeeling plastic vines and sought one thing. There was only one person who could answer the question. He put his hand to Vin's throat and let his fingers rest against the icy cold skin. He pressed the skin hard and then smiled with a familiar ease. The life force that ran rampant under this fingers, pulsating with an attitude, gave him his reply. Once again, Vin had taken the pain away.
"Thank you, Cowboy..." he choked, feeling his eyes fill up. He returned to his chair and turned his face to the door, nodding to the tall, dark-skinned Major on the other side. She opened it a crack, surprised that he beckoned.
"I've made..." he paused and picked up Vin's limp hand, "We've made a decision..."
Orin Travis waited for several minutes before approaching Chris Larabee. The leader of Denver's most decorated ATF team was sitting by Buck Wilmington's bed. His face bore the marks of the physical pain of his injuries, as well as a deeper, more profound tribulation. He glanced at Buck for a moment, glad to see the easy slumber.
"You're your own worst enemy," he said and saw the green eyes flinch. He sighed and pulled up a chair, taking a moment until the blond head rose. "The decision has been made, you need to move on."
Chris heard the words and nodded, but the question lingered. Had it been the right decision? Until those blue eyes looked back at him with clarity, the question would remain tucked away deep inside. It gnawed at his guts, leaving fleeting pains and a heavy weight. He flinched and absentmindedly rubbed his sore shoulder. The pain was so frequent, he'd gotten used to it. Buck began to stir, moving and moaning in his sleep. He cast a glance at the fevered agent and saw the slumber-ridden face twisting and creased in anxiety. He pulled his hand over the rail and gripped Buck's shoulder, giving it a good squeeze.
"It's okay, Buck..."
It took several more minutes, but the tall body settled back into a deep sleep. Chris glanced past Orin into the glass prison. He locked on to Vin's profile and the forced rising of his chest. His eyes stole to the cross again and he sat up straight, before turning to his supervisor.
"I need a favor," he asked, the gears in his mind snapping into place, despite the raging headache.
Orin leaned in and listened as Chris quietly made his request. He nodded, rose and gave the troubled man his hand, gripping it solidly as he left.
Mollie sighed and eyed the clock again, frustrated that her exhausted body wouldn't cooperate and fall asleep. She rose and poured two cups of black coffee, lacing her own with sugar and cream. She quietly made her way from the sleeping area back to the ER.
Chris liked the darkness; he understood it's power and lure, perhaps a little too much. He eased his aching body back into the couch and rubbed his throbbing thigh. The green scrubs that Sandy helped him into, were cut off high on the right thigh, allowing them to change his dressings. His leg was propped up on the table in front on him. Restless and unable to drown the Furies that shrieked in his gut, he began to roam. He found himself unable to go on, his body finally giving in to the pain. So here he sat, at the very far end of the ER in the makeshift visiting area. Gloom was his companion and he embraced it's cold hands. He peeled an eye open as the intoxicating aroma of fresh, strong coffee engulfed him. His hand shot and and took the steaming mug, as his eyes rose to his visitor.
"Don't you ever sleep?" he asked the weary nurse, exhaustion was written on every feature. She slumped on the sofa next to him, and arched a weary eyebrow.
"Sleep?" she tossed back, "With all the racket yer makin' wrestlin' yer demons?"
"They're winning," Chris sighed, sipping the coffee and easing his throbbing head back onto the sofa.
"Don't do this to yerself, Chris," she paused, eyeing the intense face, shadowed by the nightfall.
"It was the right choice..."
"Was it, Mollie?" Chris replied, pulling his gaze from the blackness surrounding him to the light in her eyes.
"He spoke to ye... it was his choice... ye can't doubt that or ye've nothin' left..."
"I don't know Mollie," Chris's voice trailed off and he took another sip of the coffee, before sighing heavily. "Was it the right choice for Vin? Or, was I being a selfish bastard?"
"Selfish?" She drew back, her voice rising sharply, "Yerself? I'm thinkin' they're words that never meet..."
"You don't know me, Mollie," Chris turned and studied her face, "What if what I thought I felt was my own greed?"
"Yer daft!" she placed her half empty cup on the table and saw the grimace of pain on his face. She also noted the hand rubbing his injured leg.
"I can't lose him," Chris said honestly, "Until he opens his eyes and I see him... I won't know if what I felt in there was me holding on out of selfishness."
"Buck told me ye suffered quite a bit before Vin came to ye. He said what ye share was something rare and special. I saw with me own eyes how ye 'speak' to him and I heard his call to ye. That faith, Chris, is what ye heard; it was his voice, don't doubt that. Ye stand by yer call, Chris Larabee, follow yer heart."
Chris finished his coffee and drank in her words. He felt them battle the Furies and the tide of the battle shifted. His mind slipped back in time to when he placed his hand on Vin's throat. The shot ran up his arm like an electrical charge. He heard Vin as clear as day, screaming at him not to quit.
"Quitters never win and winners never quit..."
"Aye," she smiled and rubbed her hand on his arm, before reaching down and resting her hand over his own. "Now yer talkin'! Are ye done spoutin' yer nonsense then? It's not the dew of youth I've got on me side, ye know. I need me beauty sleep..."
"No, you don't," Chris said so seriously, it took the smile right off Mollie's face. He moved his hand over hers and gripped the fingers, before lifting them to his lips and kissing the healing hand. "If there ever was beauty Lady, it's you." He paused and saw the blush settle nicely on her face. "She smiles at the departing Eve and her radiance lights up the heavens. Oh to have the glorious Dawn as my lover and touch the face of God."
"That's beautiful," she choked, moved by both the words and the wistifulness of his voice. "I don't think I know it..." she paused, "Browning? Wordsworth? Keats?"
"Tanner," Chris beamed, smiling softly. "He can paint pictures with words..."
"...and turn on me waterworks," her voice wavered and she blinked back a tear. "Come on Love, it's past yer bedtime." She rose and stood, offering her arm in support. "Can I help?"
"You already have," Chris said, casting a wane smile and letting the tired nurse help him back to bed.
Mary Travis frowned and eyed the red digital numbers glaring at her from the clock on her bedstand.
"Two-thirty?" she croaked and sat up, groping for the phone. She had the received halfway to her ear, when a scary thought made an unwelcomed appearance. "Oh God... Vin... Hello?"
"He's fine," Orin replied to the shaky voice he'd heard. "But we had a close call. He took a seizure after they gave him the serum. The doctor's asked us to discuss how we should proceed."
"You're not giving up on him!"
"No," Orin stated, "But that final decision was Chris's and it was a hard one. Vin needs the serum to survive, but there is a risk that additional doses will cause more seizures... and potential brain damage."
"Oh My God..."
"Which brings me to disturbing you at this ungodly hour..." he paused, "Chris has a favor and I wanted to catch you before your flight in the morning." His daughter-in-law was flying to Maryland to be near Chris, Vin and Buck. He spelled out the request and waited.
"I understand," she whispered, seeing the pain on Chris's face clearly and feeling her heart clench. She wanted to hold him close and chase that fear away. She not only understood his request, but it brought tears to her eyes. She wished everybody could see that side of him, known only to those who took the time to look. "I'll see you around four p.m."
She took a deep breath and steeled herself against the vision before her. She gripped Orin's hand tightly and clenched her eyes shut. The mask and gown she wore weren't waterproof and that might be a problem. Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes again, painfully viewing the ashen, stilled body of Vin Tanner. Or was it? How could this gray, waxen likeness be the valiant warrior and gentle spirit that she'd come to care for. The tubes that ran in and out of his body were disturbing, as was the hideous noise the machine attached to a hose leading to his mouth was making. Her gaze flicked briefly to the steadfast figure, dozing by the bed. She ached to hold him, but reserved that for another time. She moved past him and leaned over the bed, kissing her fingers and then placing them on Vin's forehead.
"Hello, Vin," her voice broke and she picked his limp hand up. The icy sensation nearly caused her to drop it.
"It's the blanket," Chris offered, seeing the shock on her face. "...for his fever."
She moved her free hand to stroke Chris's cheek, not able to utter a word. His crooked smile brought new tears.
"Hey Lady..." he murmured, capturing the gloved hand and kissing it. He saw the deep emotion cresting in her eyes and returned it. Orin cleared his throat and nodded, leaving the two to a private visit. Chris stood tentatively, testing his bad leg. The curtains were drawn and he took the liberty of embracing her, inhaling the wonderous, intoxicating scent of her. "God... Mary..."
She let herself fold into him, feeling the muscular chest that had become her haven. She raised her face to his and saw him scowl.
"Damn mask..." he cursed, aching to capture her lips.
She laughed and turned back to the bed, stiffening when she saw Vin.
"Talk to him... touch him... Mollie says it helps..."
"Mollie," She paused, recalling Orin's conversation. "She's the nurse who has been caring for him?"
"She's a helluva lot more than that," Chris said, his voice full. "You had to be here... see how she talks to him... reaches him. She touches him, sings to him... when she leaves, the monitors go nuts."
Mary nodded, recalling all to well when her own mother was in a coma and the effect talking to her had on both the family and the patient. She leaned lower, stroking Vin's face and hair.
"I miss you, Vin. Billy sends his love. He drew some pictures for you and Buck. Wait until you come home and see how good his wrist shot is," she smiled, thinking on how much her blond son thought of the Texan. "He thinks your quite the hockey star..."
"He's young and doesn't know any better," Chris supplied, sitting back down and taking the pressure off his leg.
"Well I see ye have a beautiful lady tendin' to ye..."
Mary turned as the musical voice sauntered through the room. "I'm Mary Travis, Chris told me you've been taking wonderful care of Vin. Thank you..."
"Yer welcome," Mollie nodded, moving in and taking Vin's vital signs. Mary moved Chris's chair to the edge of the bed, giving her more room. She watched in amazement as the nurse never stopped talking the whole time.
"Well?" Chris said, watching her remove the thermometer. Her smile gave him his answer.
"Just over 101... he's down another degree..." The smile reached her eyes. "If he keeps this up, he'll be over his fever soon enough." She turned back to Vin, "Yer keep fightin' Bonny Vin, yer winnin' the battle. Now don't ye be givin' me any lip..." she warned, beginning the task of cleaning his tube. Sure enough, he began to cough and gag, easing only when it was done. The monitor's raced and she began to sing to him, soft and low, while stroking his face.
"Wow..." Mary whispered, moved by the healing force. She then took Chris's hand and placed an object in the palm. She saw his eyes widened and go from the object to her face. He kissed her forehead and squeezed her hand. "Thank you..."
"Major Taylor," She recalled, "said it had to be wrapped in plastic to protect Vin from germs."
"That don't matter," Chris said, standing and limping to Vin's side. He eyed the collection of tubes near Vin's throat and chest and frowned. Then he got an idea and picked up Vin's hand, turning the palm over. "Mollie, do have any more of that tape?"
"Aye," she nodded, finishing with Vin, "What would that be?" she looked at the object carefully wrapped in plastic.
"Vin's soul." Chris replied, taking the medicine pouch that belonged to Lone Wolf's grandfather. It was Vin's most treasured possession and something he turned to when he was troubled or in pain. He believed very strongly in it's power. He taped the plastic protective treasure to Vin's hand. He lifted the hand and rested it on the Texan's fighting heart. He bent over the pale face, touching the side of Vin's neck.
"Hey, Cowboy," Chris directed, once again trying to will the blue eyes to open. "Can you feel it? He's here... look for him, Vin, Lone Wolf is right here... take his hand..."
His world was one of darkness and confusion, a combination of his weak body's fight and the drugs he was given. It was so cold here and he was all alone. Wait... what was that? Voices... someone was near. There was a strong hand on his throat, the warmth caused him to tremble. Then he heard the voice and felt a pain shoot through his chest as something gripped his heart.
"...God... it hurts... wait... it's warm here... it's not s'dark..."
Then he felt something that he'd been missing for nearly ten years. A force so powerful it shook him to the core. The pain and fear were quickly dispelled, as he fell into the strong embrace of his beloved grandfather.
"Yer here... I can feel ya... I miss ya... I'm lost Grandfather... I can't find the light... I can't find m'way home... help me... show me... stay... I need ya..."
Mollie and Mary exchanged a shudder when Chris's face lit up with emotion. Both watched him close his eyes and expel a deep breath, while swallowing hard.
"Look..." Mary gasped, eyeing Vin's face, "What's that?"
"That's Lone Wolf," Chris rasped, taking a cloth and gently wiping the single tear that ran down Vin's cheek. "He's bringing Vin home..."
"Easy Lad," Mollie crooned, eyeing the anxious face in the bed, "It's not wise to break the hand that's healin' ye..."
"Huh?" Buck blinked free of the nightmare and tried to fight his way through the heavy stupor that engulfed him. He didn't see the caregiver clearly, he didn't have to, he knew whose hand was wiping his face. He recalled the vivid dream where he was wrestling with Jamie. She was standing over Vin's dead body, laughing at him. He'd grabbed her arm and snapped it in half. "Did I do that?" Buck's voice wavered when he saw Mollie rubbing and flexing her arm. "I'm sorry..."
"Ye'll pay fer it to Boyo," She smiled, "I'll make ye sing fer yer supper," she teased and frowned when no smile split the handsome face. She lowered her voice and tilted his face towards her. She saw the unmistakeable signs of guilt and remorse. "I'll have none of that, Buck Wilmington!" she chastized, "I've no time to drag ye from a pity puddle."
"I'm sorry, Mollie," Buck sat up and swayed as a wave of dizziness hit him. A strong arm grabbed him and he detected the distinct scent of CK and knew the owner. "Thanks Ace..."
"Perhaps I should let you fall," Ezra retorted, "and let the tile floor knock some sense into you."
"It was so real," Buck's hand shook as someone handed him a soda. "Vin was dead and she was abusing his body, laughing at me..."
"Vin's fever has fallen, he's accepting the serum," Ezra replied and saw Buck's eyes widen as his head swiveled.
"No shit!"
There it was a beautiful, albeit weak, Wilmington winner, splitting the handsome man's face. Ezra and Mollie exchanged a small grin and watched Buck cover his face with a trembling hand. Ezra rested his own hand on Buck's shoulder and gave a small squeeze.
"I'd suggest you dust off your tonsils if you want to eat some of that savory seafood before it gets too cold," Ezra warned and saw Buck sniffing the air.
"Crabcakes," he muttered and sniffed again. "Caroline's???"
"How on earth would you know that?" Ezra wondered.
"Nobody makes crabcakes like Caroline's," Buck responded, "It's not too far from here..."
"Quite delicious," Ezra agreed, "I'll get you platter."
"Thanks Ez..." Buck nodded watching the southerner leave. "Hey, he doesn't have a mask on..."
"No, now that the serum is working, they're only required to protect Vin while he's on the ventilator."
"How long?" Buck said, turning back and drinking in the beautiful smile.
"A few more days at the very least. We have to wait until he's conscious and he can breathe on his own again."
"I miss him."
Mollie smiled at the wistful expression on Buck's face that matched his voice. The concerned friend was facing the glass wall, staring hard at Vin Tanner's supine form. She brushed a stray lock of hair from his eyes and rested a hand on that handsome face.
"Aye, I'm bettin' the first pint he buys will be fer yerself."
"That's gotta be a crime of some sort," Buck murmured, captivated by the pretty face, "Keeping that beautful face hidden under a mask." He kissed her hand and watched the blush settle on her cheeks.
"Somebody should warn the female population of the East Coast that you're on the road to recovery."
"Mary!" Buck turned back, smiling as the blond woman approached and bent over, kissing his forehead. "Mary, hey... you're here..."
"And to think some people are under the impression that Einstein is dead," Ezra drolled, placing a hefty platter in front of the grinning patient. "Mrs. Travis is quite right, a call should be sounded to lock up the young and unsuspecting female population."
"Shut the hell up, Ezra!" Buck chuckled, "Mary, when did you get here?"
"This afternoon," She answered, feeling a surge of relief at seeing Buck conscious and upright. "It's good to see you, Buck, I've been so worried..."
"Hell, Mary," Buck winked at the pretty blonde, "It's takes more than some damn bacteria to keep Old Buck down. Besides," he sat up and grinned, taking a forkful of the golden crabcake in front of him, "Here I am eating the best seafood on the planet, surrounding by beauties..."
"Thank you," Ezra raised an eyebrow and watched Buck nearly choke on his food.
"I wasn't talking about you, Ace," Buck tossed back and swallowed his food, "So how long before he wakes up?"
"That's a question I can't answer, Love," Mollie replied sympathetically, squeezing Buck's slumping shoulder. "That's up to him, but if yer Chris and his grandfather have their way, he'll be winkin' at ye in two shakes of a lamb's tail."
"Huh?" Buck frowned, "...grandfather..."
"Lone Wolf," Ezra replied, "Mary was kind enough to bring out Vin's medicine pouch."
"Smart as well as beautiful," Buck complimented, reaching for her hand. "That was a great idea, Mary."
"I wish I could take the credit," she answered honestly, "It was Chris's idea after the seizure..."
"That's why he earns the big money," Buck nodded of their boss. "How's he doing?"
"He's being a bit pigheaded," Mollie answered, "He needs to rest, that leg is inflamed again."
"He'll rest!" Mary warned, "If I have to tie him down," she saw Buck smile evilly and swatted his arm. "You men are all alike!"
"I'll drink to that," Mollie agreed, "...and I'll supply the restraints."
"Hell," Buck complained, fanning his face, "Is it getting hot in here, Ez?"
"Decidedly," the gambler replied, smiling at Buck's impish grin.
"If you two simpletons will get your minds out of the gutter," Mary dictated, "I've got something to read to you. Ezra, can you get the others?"
"Certainly," he replied and went to round up Orin, J.D., Josiah and Chris, who were eating in the vistior's area.
Buck watched Mary reach a hand in a large satchel she carried and pull out several pictures. He smiled when he saw the crayon and marker images.
"Looks like Billy's been busy," he remarked and saw Mollie cock her head. "Billy is Mary's little boy, he's six."
"These are for you," Mary handed Buck three pictures and watched his face light up.
"Hey, look at that!" Buck held up the first picture which showed a figure in bed, the crooked mustache identifying him. There were six nurses, very shapely, surrounding the bed. "That boy knows his stuff!"
"He knows you," Mary grinned as Buck picked up the second picture. He was joined in this one by J.D., Chris and Vin. There were dead bodies on the ground beneath them, which was covered in red ink. Then Buck's face became very somber when he saw the third picture. He was sitting on the ground holding Vin. He smiled and traced the image of Vin's long hair in the drawing. He saw a golden ray, like a aura, behind his likeness.
"Damn," Buck choked, seeing the boy's admiration in the photo. Then he saw another figure, way to the side. It was in pieces, mostly legs and arms and a head. "Who the hell is that?" he cocked his head up.
"That's Lennie Hayes," Mary's voice was clipped and her face was pinched. "Billy saw the news conference. I let my anger get the best of me. I was uh... a little upset..."
"I wasn't," Buck's voice grew cold when he recalled the reptilian reporter's lewd comments about Vin Tanner. "I wanted to kill him... I still do..."
"I'll mention that to him," Mary replied.
"What!" Buck sat forward, his face a mask of concern. "Mary, don't..."
"You stay away from him," a new voice warned. "He's trouble..."
"You're not my father and I'm not sixteen, Chris," Mary shot back. "I called Eve Carleton and got the okay from CNN to get a profile on Vin and Buck. It needs to be shown. The world will see the real meaning of the word hero and I want Vin's name cleared."
"Fine," Chris said of the news and Mary's old college roommate that worked for the cable conglomerate. "Just stay the hell away from that lunatic."
"Excuse me?" Mary drew back, "I don't tell you how to take down gunrunners, don't tell me my job." She retaliated, not upset by the hostile green eyes.
"Truce!" Josiah placed himself between the two. "I'll go with Mary,"
"Now hold on a minute!" Mary angered.
"In my official capacity." Josiah concluded.
"What official capacity?" the irate reporter demanded.
"A large and menacing representative of the ATF's finest," Ezra added, "Chris is correct in his description of that loathesome creature. He's been arrested numerous times for assault and since Orin dressed him down publically," he noted of the news conference, "He's been drinking as well and making subtle threats. It would serve no purpose to confront him alone."
"How the hell do you know all that?" Chris's brows furrowed at the southerner, who just raised an eyebrow and lifted his lips slightly. "Sorry I asked..."
"Alright," Mary agreed, "I don't like it, but I guess I'm outnumbered." She put her hand back in the large satchel and drew out more paperwork. She lifted a large, paper circle, with red trim and the word 'Hero' written in crooked blue letters. It was on a red and blue ribbon, which Mary put over Buck's head. "That's from Billy," she paused, bending to kiss his cheek. "...and me..." She smiled at the blush that rode on Buck's face as he fingered the handcrafted item. The others clapped and whistled, giving him cause to grin sheeplishly.
"Thanks," he managed, his chest constricting.
"There's more..." Mary picked up a sheet of paper. "I hope I can get through this... Billy wrote a letter, I told him I'd deliver it." She paused and eyed the careful rows of words that her son had spent so much time printing. "Dear God," she began.
"You got to admire his style," Josiah grinned as Mary continued.
"...my name is Billy Travis and I'm six years old. I live in Denver with my Mom, that's in Colorado down here on earth. I know you're real busy up there, but I got a favor. My friends Buck and Vin are real sick. Mom says that maybe they might be going to heaven. I know you could use them, they're real good at catching bad guys. Vin is real smart and he teaches me lots of stuff. He laughs good and tickles me. He never gets tired teaching me stuff or answering my questions and sometimes I got a lot of them. Buck laughs good too and wrestles me good. He knows a lot about sports and girls."
"His most valuable assets," Ezra added, giving Buck a grin.
"...So I was wondering if you could help the doctor get them better. I know it's not right to ask but I don't want them to... go..." Mary's voice quivered and she took a deep breath. "I'm alright," she answered, feeling Chris grip her free hand hard. "You see, God, I watch the news and there is lots of fighting and wars and killings and people that are sad. So we need Buck and Vin down here... they make smiles and I need... need... damn..." she clenched her eyes shut. "I swore I was going to get through this..." She let Chris take the letter and let her tears fall, joining the ones that Mollie was wiping and Buck as well.
"...They make smiles and I need them. Vin can make rainbows inside me, did you know that? Buck can make me laugh so hard I spit up."
"Another charming asset," Ezra teased, hearing Buck chuckle.
"Do you know my Dad? His name is Stephen Travis," Chris continued, fighting his own wavering voice. "He's an angel up there somewhere. He looks like me but he's real bigger. I love my Dad and miss him everyday. But with Vin and Buck learning me things, keeping me safe and making me laugh, I'm growing better. So if I promise to say extra prayers, be real good and not fight with Andy Knight will you let them stay down here?"
"Andy Knight?" Ezra asked.
"A bully at school Billy was having problems with. Chris talked to him about it," Mary supplied.
"Do you know Santa Claus?" Chris continued, his pride swelling, "I'm mailing him a letter too, but in case it gets lost, could you tell him I don't need nothing for Christmas this year? All I need is Buck and Vin, you could tell him for next year too." Chris paused and swallowed hard, "Damn..." he took a deep breath and finished the moving letter. "Your friend, Billy Travis. P.S. If you see my Dad, tell him me and Mom are doing just fine. We got Chris to keep us safe and I love him a lot." Chris choked and paused to take a steadying breath, "Vin says they don't come any better than Chris Larabee and Vin's always right. When I get scared, Vin tells me 'yer a Travis, Billy,' and that makes my heart get real tight. So you tell Dad, we're okay. Thanks , Billy."
For a moment, nobody moved, other than to wipe away a stray tear or swipe a damp eye. Finally, Buck found his voice again and raised a hand to Mary. Taking the small hand he gripped it firmly.
"I'll tell you what," he said, voice choked with emotion. He fingered the handmade medal on his neck and raised his eyes to meet hers. "that is some son you have produced, Mrs. Stephen Travis."
"Thank you," Mary whispered, using her free hand to grip Chris's shoulder. She knew the letter moved him and his head was down as he reread the letter. Finally he folded it and returned it o her. "I'm saving it to read to Vin..." she placed it back in a large envelope and put it in the bag. She pulled out several more colorful drawings. "I know he can't see them, but..."
"We can tape them on this side of the glass," Mollie suggested, "Facing inward, so when he wakes up, he'll see them. It's a fine thing and Buck's right, that's quite a boy ye have, Mary."
"Thank you," Mary handed the pictures to her and felt the tug on her hand. She bent lower and kissed Chris softly, then let her face rest against him. "I miss you..."
"Yeah," Chris's husky voice stirred her. He eyed the clock which was nearing the hour of seven.
"Why don't you escort Mary to the elevator?" Ezra suggested, realizing they needed a moment alone. "We'll be along in a moment."
While the others watched Buck finish his meal and complimented him on his drawings and medal, Mary and Chris quickly made their way to the deserted end of the ER. Chris stood painfully on the leg that was killing him. He held her close and kissed her hard, swearing as his encumbered shoulder got in the way.
"What's the rush?" Mary pulled back breathlessly, taking time to get a breath before those magical lips captured her again. His tongue ran rampant, scorching her to the core.
"If Mollie catches me on this leg, she'll kill me," Chris supplied, nipping her neck.
"Well now," Mary chuckled, keeping her hands on his hips so his arm didn't hit her. "That is news, somebody who puts the fear of God in Chris Larabee?"
"If she could shoot I'd get Orin to put her on the team," he teased, but his voice held admiration. "She saved Vin's life, Mary. For those first precious hours, when they were scrambling to get a grip on this thing, she was his lifeline. She's good." he concluded.
"She must be," Mary raised an eyebrow at the high tone in his voice. "I'll see you tomorrow, try to get some rest and stay off that leg." She pushed him back in the chair and chastised him when his free hand slid suggestively across her backside. "You'll pay for that!"
"Is that a promise?" Chris grinned as the others joined them.
"Mollie's looking for you and she's not happy," Josiah moved Chris's chair. "You're a brave man, Chris."
"It was nice knowing you," Ezra added, grinning widely as the nurse appeared.
"Did I not tell ye to stay put?"
"I am put!" Chris argued, ducking as the hands took control of the wheelchair.
"Don't ye be turnin' a twisted tongue!" She warned, "I saw standin' with me own eyes. Ye've no sense about ye..."
The others laughed as they got in the elevator, confident that their injured friends were in the right hands.
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