by Laura Acton
Fiona grinned. “I’ll see what we can do to speed things up. I must examine your leg and check on other patients, but after we’ve finished, you can start with clear liquids.”
“I’m going to inform Boss what’s going on, and I’ll scrounge up some green jello while I’m in the cafe.” Lexa patted Dan’s arm.
Dan chuckled, but said, “You don’t have to … find lime jello, I mean.”
“What are best friends for?” Lexa used the same words Dan had as she captured his eyes. In the sapphire orbs, she read a sense of relief and a spark of something more, which sent a zing of electricity through her hand, straight to her heart. “Back in a few minutes.”
Alone with the doctor, Dan shut his eyes as she examined his leg. He waited until Pastore finished to ask, “Am I going to lose my leg?”
Fiona stopped in the process of lowering the blanket. “No guarantees.” When her patient blanched, she added, “To be entirely honest, it is a wait and see game. The x-ray shows a hairline fracture. What is not known is whether the Staph entered your bone. At this time, I’m cautiously optimistic the infection didn’t progress that far.
“However, one reason I’m placing the PICC is we may need to be quite aggressive in a long treatment plan. I’m talking months if it went into the marrow.” When Dan only nodded, Fiona said, “From what Jasper told me, you have a habit of beating the odds when everything is stacked against you. I’m sure this won’t prove to be the exception.”
Digging deep, drawing on the Broderick steel, Dan decided he would win against an enemy too small to be seen with the naked eye. “When you said go about my normal routine, would that include work?”
“Yes. We’ll talk more about that when the time comes. Alright?”
“Okay. Thanks for being straight with me.” He lowered his lashes and concentrated on controlling his pain as Pastore left to check on her patients.
Everyday Heroes
54
November 26
Hospital – Café – 7:00 a.m.
Lexa entered the café and found the guys pulling on their jackets, preparing to leave. She halted beside Nick and drew his attention. “Boss, I don’t want to retract my offer to search, but I need to stay here.”
Nick finished zipping up as he studied Lexa’s apprehensive countenance. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Dan’s FINE.”
Those words caught Jon’s and Bram’s attention.
Surprised by Lexa’s choice of words, Nick read conflict in her eyes. His expression tempered, realizing despite the years on the team, Lexa continued to struggle with displaying her softer emotions. And though she and Dan were no longer a couple, Lexa still cared about him. “What’s going on?”
“The doctor told Dan about putting the PICC in for long-term intravenous antibiotics. Dan reacted to the news by grabbing and squeezing my hand. His anxiety washed through me.”
“She gonna use nitrous, right?” Bram asked.
“Yeah.” She took a breath. “But even with the gas, dealing with needles is quite difficult for him. Dan relaxed when I promised I would stay. He needs a friend …” Lexa trailed off as Jon eyed her with what she deemed suspicion. Her stomach twisted, still worried he would view every overture of friendship towards Dan as an attempt to fraternize.
Lexa’s tension increased, formulating how she would respond to questions regarding her motive for staying. She strove to quell and hide her nervousness by telling herself Boss and Jon weren’t privy to the inner workings of her heart. And although Nick possessed an uncanny insight, he couldn’t actually read her forbidden thoughts and feelings for Dan.
Overhearing and wanting to facilitate Lexa’s desire to remain, believing his cousin and Lexa needed time alone since they both still loved one another, Zach ambled over to the group to enact a diversion tactic to take the heat off Lexa. “Hey, since I’m not flying anyone out today, I can stay.” The flash of fire in Lexa’s eyes made him almost laugh. “Or we can play rock, paper, scissors to determine who stays. Loser goes.”
Forming a fist, Lexa prepared to win, recalling Zach lost almost every time they played RPS to decide who would do a coffee run while sitting vigil at Dan’s beside when he was comatose after being shot in the chest.
Zach flashed a grin and quipped, “On second thought … maybe I should go ‘cause it isn’t safe for Lexa to be out there. We’d likely end up searching for her since the snowdrifts are taller than she is.”
The guys snickered at the jest but burst out laughing as Lexa landed one of her infamous jabs to Zach’s arm.
“OW!” Zach rubbed his bicep. “Dan and Scott aren’t kidding when they say your punches are powerful. Geez.”
Lexa eyed him with a smirk. “You’re such a big baby. I held back, only used half my strength.”
“Criminy. Hate to find out what full strength is like.” Zach moved away with mock fear on his face as he fought not to chuckle. God, I hope Dan works things out with Lexa. She would fit perfectly with the Broderick women.
Still chuckling, Jon said, “You got a point about the deep snow, but better keep the elevation-challenged jokes to yourself if you don’t want to be sporting a bruise or two. Her full force will leave your eyes watering.”
Bram teased, “If you ever truly tick her off, you’ll be singing soprano.” Becoming serious, he said, “But I agree too, I think Lexa should stay here.”
When Boss also gave a nod of approval, Lexa smiled with relief. The wink Zach sent her way made Lexa wonder if he did this on purpose. Although she didn’t understand why he supported her staying, she appreciated it.
“Zach, we’ll be leaving in about ten minutes.” Nick stepped closer to Lexa and lowered his voice to keep his next comment private, “I’m pleased you two are still friends.”
“Me too. Doc said he can start on clear liquids when they finish, so I’m going to round up some of Dan’s favorite jello before I return.” Lexa hurried to the cold storage. Sadly, she couldn’t locate lime but grabbed three others.
Maisie observed Dan’s teammates and couldn’t help but overhear their conversation. She reflected on the many selfless acts she’d witnessed in the past few days. This hospital’s filled with everyday heroes … doctors, nurses, support staff, friends, soldiers, and constabulary. My turn to do something helpful. Turning to her exhausted husband, who currently rested on a cot, she whispered to Landry, then rose and headed into the kitchen with a determined mien.
Hospital – Dan’s Room – 10:30 a.m.
Lexa sat beside Dan’s bed, one hand still clasped by his and her other, gently carding through his hair as Dr. Pastore finished the procedure on his right arm. She stared at his lax face, recalling the vulnerability she witnessed a half-hour ago. His fear indelibly marked in his mind, he went rigid when Stacy entered with the supplies, though he had no view of a needle.
He sought refuge and support when his hand grasped hers again. She couldn’t deny him the link and didn’t want to either. Her hand moved to his head of its own volition and generated a slight grin from him. Dan didn’t tell her to stop, so she continued the light massage, which brought him comfort as the nurse prepared his arm and hung the draping. As the nitrous began to take Dan to la-la-land, she kept up a running commentary in a soft tone to distract him as her fingers moved on his scalp.
“All finished.” Fiona switched off the portable ultrasound after ensuring proper catheter placement and began to anchor the PICC line in place with flexible, self-adhesive wrap. She nodded to Stacy for her to cease the flow of nitrous. “Please gather all the materials and remove them from Dan’s view before he awakens. Then take a coffee break, you earned one.”
“Yes, ma’am. Thanks.” Stacy swiftly gathered the used supplies and took down the paper blocking Dan’s vision of the site. “I’ll be back at noon with his next dose of painkillers.”
“I appreciate both of you taking such excellent care of him. He’s important to many people.” Lexa released a sigh as she caught sight
of the port in Dan’s upper right arm.
After Stacy exited, Lexa shifted her gaze to the doctor. “So, your mother cared for Dan while he was in Kandahar? Is she a surgeon too?”
Not wanting to make another faux pas by revealing personal details about her patient, Fiona said, “No, she’s a nurse, and yes, she tended Dan.”
Recognizing Pastore’s tone brooked no further discussion of the issue, Lexa smiled. “My mom was a nurse too.”
“Was? Did she retire or change fields?”
“Neither. She passed away when I was a teen.” Using a bit of deflection, Lexa changed the subject. “Pastore isn’t a common name. Do you think my boss and your father-in-law might be distantly related?”
Fiona shook her head. “No idea. It would be interesting if they were, but as far as I know, Jasper’s father and grandfather were only children.”
Lexa’s attention returned to Dan as his hand moved in hers. “I think he’s beginning to rouse.”
Grabbing the emesis basin from the rolling table, Fiona offered it to Lexa. “Here, in case he becomes nauseated upon waking.”
“He doesn’t usually with nitrous.” Lexa took the kidney-shaped plastic bowl and set it on the bed as blond lashes flittered up, revealing sapphire orbs.
Dan focused on Lexa, the warmth of her hand still in his and the sparkle in her golden flecks, putting him at ease. “Thanks for staying.”
“Nowhere I’d rather be.” Lexa’s honesty earned her a lopsided grin. “Stomach unsettled?”
“No … just starving.” Dan glanced Pastore. “Can I eat now?”
“Let’s give you a few moments to wake more fully and start with a couple of sips of water.” Fiona held a cup with a straw to his lips.
Dan drained the contents and glanced at the wrapping, which covered an IV port in his arm when Pastore moved the cup away. “That the PICC?”
“Yes.”
“Can I shower with it?”
“Yes, but not for several days and no submerging it in a bath. The site may be tender for a week or two. Once you are at home, you will need to take your temperature once per day at the same time and write it down. If your fever spikes, call your healthcare provider. Also, call if you experience pain, swelling, bleeding, or redness at the insertion site or in your neck, arm, chest or face, difficulty breathing, or if the catheter is cut, cracked, or leaking.”
Distracted by his gnawing hunger, Dan only half-listened, but when she paused, he said, “Wow. Long list. Doubt I’m gonna remember everything.”
“Generally, people don’t experience those issues. Before you’re discharged in Ottawa, you’ll receive a printout of all reasons to contact your doctor.”
Dan’s stomach roared. “Not nauseous. Jello okay now?”
Fiona couldn’t help the slight giggle when he gave her puppy dog eyes. She understood now why her mom developed a soft spot for Dan. “Yes, go slowly, though.”
Pulling the foil off one of the jiggly cups, Lexa teased, “Wouldn’t you rather brush your teeth?”
Dan chuckled as he took the spoon offered by Lexa. “After.” He dug into the strawberry jello as she held the container for him, savoring the cool, fruity flavor as it slid down his throat.
“Not so fast.” Fiona reiterated, as her patient woofed down two gelatin cups at light speed.
Lexa peered up at her. “This is normal for him.” She ripped off the final cover. “I can grab a few more if you want.”
Scooping up a piece of orange goodness, Dan nodded. “I could eat a dozen more of these.”
A light rap at the door before it opened drew their attention. Maisie poked her head in. “May I enter?”
“Yeah,” Dan replied as he swallowed the last bit, still ravenous.
Maisie ambled over to the bed carrying an insulated cup with a lid. She had spoken with Stacy when the army nurse came into the café for coffee and learned Dan’s procedure had been completed. “A little birdie told me you might be hungry and are on clear liquids. I made chicken soup and strained out all the chunky bits so you can have broth for now.”
The corners of Dan’s eyes crinkled as he flashed her a WOW smile. “Thanks. I love your soup.” He reached for the mug and took a moment to inhale the savory aroma before taking a long drink. “Mmmmm. As delicious as I remember.”
“I fixed a huge pot, so there is more where that came from. And when you are allowed solids, I’ll bring you the full soup.” Maisie gazed down at the bruising on Dan’s jaw, recalling the sweet and selfless teen she first met. “The noodles will be soft, so shouldn’t take any effort to chew.”
Dan noted where her eyes focused. “Looks worse than it is. Always bruise colorfully.”
Another knock sounded, and Fiona excused herself to check on other patients, intending to review the results of Loki’s ultrasounds, which Dr. Peterson oversaw for her while she took care of Dan.
Yasmin approached Dan wearing a bright smile. She stopped at the foot of the bed and held up a green jello cup. “I found one in the fridge tucked behind some yogurt. I hear this is your favorite flavor.”
Smiling at the newcomer to the room, Dan nodded. “Thanks.”
“We didn’t have a chance to talk before, my name is Yasmin, and I’m one of the nurses here.” She hoped to find recognition in those soulful blue orbs.
Recognizing her name from a conversation with Bram, Dan said, “Pleasure to meet you.”
Yasmin moved to set the treat down on his table. “I doubt you remember me, but we met years ago. When I was little, I fell through thin ice. You jumped into the lake and kept me afloat. Thank you for saving me.”
Dan scrunched his eyes, trying to peer through lenses of the past, and summoned up a faint memory of terrified brown eyes. “You’re welcome. I’m glad I was close enough to reach you.”
“Well, I gotta get back to work. If you require anything, don’t hesitate to ask.” Yasmin smiled one more time and turned to leave.
Maisie patted Dan’s arm. “You need rest, my boy. I’ll stop by later.”
Alone again, Lexa leaned back in her chair. “You’re a real hero.”
Dan shook his head. “No, I’m not. Loki and Scott are the heroes. They went above and beyond, risking so much to save my life.”
“You’re worth it!” Lexa declared.
Her three words went straight to Dan’s heart, erasing the hurtful ones she uttered in May. He flashed her a WOW smile then sipped his broth.
Hospital – Loki’s Room – 3:15 p.m.
Ray glanced at the door when it opened and set down his cards when Dr. Pastore and Vera entered. He had occupied himself with a game of solitaire while Loki snoozed. The knot of worry in his gut ever since he learned of the complication twisted as they came forward. “Does he have a clot? Will he be able to go home tomorrow?”
Fiona took the lead as Vera hung a full saline bag and a small pouch of medication she wanted to add to Loki’s regimen. “Fortunately, Dr. Peterson found no thrombi. However, I’m still uncomfortable with moving him so soon. I’m starting him on another medication, which will help. I expect it to be safe in a few days.”
Relief flowed through Ray upon the news, but he still didn’t like the idea of leaving Loki here. “Thanks, Doc. I’m going to give Lexa and Dan the update.”
“As I was coming up the stairs, I noticed your teammates returning,” Vera said as she swapped out the saline bags.
“I’ll pop down and inform them too. Would one of you be able to stay with Loki while I’m gone … I don’t—”
Vera interrupted him. “No need to explain. I’ll stay. Take your time, grab a snack, and stretch your legs.” She peered at Loki, finding the lock of black hair flopped on his forehead endearing. “Loki deserves the best care I can give. Yasmin told me how he saved her life in the ER, and he kept Noah Barton away from me too. We owe him more than we can repay.”
As Ray exited, Vera measured and emptied the urine bag as the surgeon examined Loki’s wound. She caught a glimpse, and al
though not queasy at the sight, intense emotion rippled through her, causing her eyes to mist. This man jumped in front of a friend to save him from death. He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. I hope to marry a man of his caliber and not one of the jerks I typically date.
After Pastore completed her exam and left, Vera washed her hands, then returned to the handsome hero’s bedside. She resisted smoothing the errant lock from his face as she whispered, “You’re going to make a lucky woman a magnificent husband someday. I sincerely hope whoever claims your heart deserves a superhero like you.”
Hospital – Café – 3:45 p.m.
Ray had popped into Dan’s room but found him sleeping, and Lexa nowhere to be seen. He figured she must’ve come down for a snack, and he was proven right when he spotted her at the table with the rest of the team and Zach. He pulled over a chair and straddled it backward, noting everyone appeared somewhat somber. “Did you locate Ramsey?”
Jon wrapped his cold hands around the warm mug. “Yes. Single GSW to his head. Captain Lundgren and his men are escorting his body to the morgue tonight, and will be back in the morning to pick us up.”
Lowering his cup, Bram added, “The highway between the substation and Toronto has been plowed. We’re leaving about six, and one of the Mounties offered to drive us to TRF HQ.”
Ray’s gaze landed on Nick. “Bet you’re happy not to fly again.”
Nick shrugged. His phobia of flying, not news to anyone on the team. “Any update on Loki?”
“Yeah.” Ray shared the details, and as he ended, Nick’s satellite phone rang.
“Hello,” Nick answered and listened. “Is she alright, Gina?”
The team shared concerned glances when it became clear Nick spoke to Loki’s sister. They waited as he relayed Loki’s status and reassured Gina they would take of her brother.
Nick hung up and sighed. “Donata slipped on ice and sprained her ankle today. She’s going to be laid up in Montreal for several weeks. We need to work out a plan to care for Loki once he is discharged.”
“I’ll call Kellie. I’m sure he can stay at my place.”