by Amy Ruttan
“Good. Could you tell him that this will help with the pain?”
Erica nodded and leaned over the patient. “Hal ini akan membantu.”
“Ask him what kind of burn he has.”
Erica asked the boy how he’d got his burns.
“Api.”
“Fire, Captain.”
“Okay. Then we know how we can proceed. Tell him we’ll help him, that this will ease his pain and we’ll take care of him.”
Erica gently spoke to him. The boy nodded and calmed down. Erica continued to hold his hand.
Thorne inserted the central line as Erica continued to murmur words of encouragement to the frightened boy. Soon he was able to feed the boy medication to manage the pain and the grip on Erica’s hand lessened until she was able to let it go.
“You should go back out and lend a hand.”
Erica nodded but, the moment she tried to leave, the boy reached out and grabbed her.
“Silakan tinggal.”
“What’s he saying?” Thorne asked.
“He wants me to stay with him.”
“We have other trauma.”
“And other surgeons. I can stay for a while. At least until he passes out. He’s scared.”
Thorne frowned. “I understand your compassion, but this boy’s burn will require hours of debridement. Your presence as my second in command is required on the floor.”
“I’m sorry, Captain. I have to stay here.”
“Are you disobeying me, Commander?”
Erica’s eyes narrowed and he could tell she was angry. Heck, he was too. He wished he had the luxury of keeping her in the same room as him as he did his work, but he needed her out there helping, not catering to this boy.
Bunny poked her head into the triage room. “The translator showed up.”
“Thanks, Bunny.” Thorne turned to Erica. “The translator is here. Go back to the floor, Commander.”
Erica bent over and whispered some words to the boy, who nodded and let go of his hold on her. Once he did that Erica moved out of the triage room without so much as a backward glance at him.
Thorne didn’t want to annoy her, far from it, but she was a valuable asset to the trauma floor. He couldn’t have her playing translator to a scared young man.
“Captain Wilder?”
Thorne glanced up to see a young lieutenant standing in the doorway. “You the translator?”
“Aye, Captain.”
“Good. I need to explain what I’m doing to this young man and reassure him that this will help. Nurse, will you gown our translator?”
“Of course, Captain.”
Thorne turned back to his instruments while the nurse put a gown and mask on the translator. He glanced out into the trauma floor and saw Erica assessing another patient who had just been brought in. The paramedics had been working on him, giving him CPR as they wheeled him through the hospital doors.
Only now Erica had taken over, shouting orders as she climbed on the gurney to administer CPR, nurses and intern surgeons racing to wheel her away from the oncoming traffic and to a triage room.
Thorne knew he’d made the right decision booting her out of the room. She was a surgeon and a damn fine one.
One that he was proud to have on his team.
* * *
Erica stretched. It felt like her back was going to shatter into a million pieces and her feet were no longer useful appendages that she sometimes liked to apply the occasional coat of red nail polish to. No, they now were two lumps of ache and sweat.
“How long was that surgery?” she muttered under her breath as she scrubbed out because she’d lost track of time in there.
“Eight hours,” a scrub nurse said through a yawn. “Good work in there, Commander.” The nurse left the scrub room and Erica stretched again.
Yeah, she’d believe eight hours for sure, though it felt like maybe that surgery had lasted days. There were a few times she hadn’t been sure if her patient was going to make it. She placed her scrub cap in the laundry bin and headed to her locker.
“I heard you had a piece of the trawler’s engine embedded in your patient’s abdomen?”
Erica groaned, recognizing Thorne’s voice behind her. She’d been angry with him for forcing her away, for not letting her comfort that young man, but Thorne had been right.
She needed to be out on the trauma floor, practicing medicine and not translating. If she’d disobeyed orders she wouldn’t have been able to operate on her patient and save his life. Her back might’ve liked that, and definitely her feet, but she was glad she was in the OR doing what she loved.
Saving a life.
Damn. He was right and he probably wasn’t going to let her live it down.
“Yes. Part of the engine decided my patient was a good resting place.”
Thorne winced. “The prognosis?”
“So far so good. He’s in the ICU. How’s your patient?”
“Resting comfortably in the burn unit. From what he was telling the translator, that trawler was not fishing off the coast of Okinawa.”
“I thought as much.”
Thorne crossed his arms. “What made you think that?”
“There were traces of methamphetamine in my patient’s blood stream. We had a few close calls on the OR table. A few codes.”
Thorne nodded. “The proper authorities have been called. Since they weren’t in international waters, we’ve called the Japanese officials. I’m sure several patients will be interrogated.”
“I wouldn’t doubt it.”
Thorne hesitated, as if he wanted to say more, but couldn’t.
Or wouldn’t.
Though she barely knew him, Erica recognized a stubborn soul. Sometimes it was like looking in a mirror, because she was stubborn too. Stubborn to the point it had almost cost her her commission a few times.
“You did good in there, Commander.”
Erica nodded. “Thank you, Captain.”
“Go rest.” Thorne turned to leave, but then stopped. “I heard the Hope will be in port in a week.”
“Really?” she asked.
“Does that make you happy?” he asked.
“It does bring some cheer. Yes. It’ll be good to catch up with some old friends.”
A strange look passed over his face. “I thought you didn’t make friends. I thought you were something of a lone wolf. Like me.”
“I had a select few on the Hope. It’s hard to be confined in close quarters and not make friends, Captain.”
“You’re right.” Then he turned to leave.
“What about our rain check?” she asked, not really believing that she’d asked that. “The Cornerstone of Peace?”
He glanced over his shoulder briefly. “Maybe some other time.”
And with that he walked away. He never once brought up her insubordination to her. How she’d almost disobeyed his orders in that triage room. Nor did he apologize for ordering her out. Not that he had to. Captains rarely apologized.
Especially when they were right, and he’d been right.
She’d been the fool. The one in the wrong. And it had probably cost her the friendship.
And more.
Erica closed her eyes and took a deep, steadying breath before turning and heading back toward the locker room. Really, she should be glad that it was such a quick break. That nothing awkward had come between them, which would make it impossible to work with him and would result in her eventual transfer.
This was better.
A working relationship. That was all she wanted from him. He was her commanding officer and she’d do her duty right by him, this hospital and her country.
Still, it stung when he walked away from her and she hated herself a bit for that because, despite every lie she told herself, she really enjoyed their day together.
She liked being around him.
For that one brief moment, it was nice to have a friend.
It was nice to go on a date.
&n
bsp; CHAPTER NINE
SHE DIDN’T KNOW he was watching her and Thorne didn’t really know why he was watching her. From the research room, he could see out onto the trauma floor. After the trawler accident he’d put her back on some night shifts just so he could get some space from her.
With the Hope coming into port, well, it reminded him of when she’d taken his leg. It reminded him of his pain, of his vulnerability, and that she had seen him so exposed.
It was an easy way out, but he hadn’t seen her in a week.
Erica had the next two days off while the Hope was docked in port.
Still, he didn’t know why he remained after hours to do research.
So you could see her. Who are you kidding? He liked to torture himself, apparently.
The research room had a one-way window. You could see out, but not in. He’d really intended to catch up on some work, but the trauma floor was quiet tonight and she was spending a lot of time working on charts at the nurses’ station. Again he acted irrationally and avoided her. It was easier than dealing with the emotion she was stirring inside him.
He knew that she was breaking down his walls, ones he’d had up for ten years since Liam had died. He didn’t deserve to be happy again. He’d been the foolish one who’d cost his brother his life.
So he hated himself for wanting Erica, for enjoying the time they spent together. He hadn’t realized he was so lonely.
Focus.
Thorne tore his gaze from her and returned to his work. There was a knock at the door.
“Come.”
The door opened and Captain Dayton of the USNV Hope opened the door.
Thorne stood, saluting the other captain. “Captain Dayton, I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow.”
“We got in a bit early and I wanted to check in at the hospital and visit with an old colleague of mine.”
“Commander Griffin?” Thorne asked.
Captain Dayton smiled. “Yes. She was a formidable surgeon. I took her under my wing, thought of her like a daughter.”
Thorne nodded toward the trauma floor. “She’s out there charting if you want to speak with her. I’m sure she’ll be pleased to see you.”
Captain Dayton smiled. “I will. Thank you. And thank you for accommodating some of my nurses and surgeons. It’s very important we have this simulation training to keep us up to date. After this we head back to San Diego to get some retrofits and some much-needed shore leave.”
“No problem, Captain Dayton. Your staff has free run of facilities here.”
“My thanks, Captain Wilder.”
“I hope your staff can have a bit of off-time here in Okinawa. There is a lot to offer.”
Captain Dayton cocked an eyebrow. “Is that so?”
“Yes. In fact, I know Admiral Greer was planning on throwing a bit of a social while the Hope is in port. Though that’s supposed to be a secret.”
Captain Dayton laughed. “I’ll keep that secret safe. That sounds like fun. Well, after my crew completes their simulation training, I think they’ll have earned the right for a bit of rest and relaxation before heading to San Diego. I’m very much looking forward to your simulation course, Captain Wilder.”
Captain Dayton extended his hand and Thorne shook it.
“I look forward to presenting it.”
“I think I’ll go visit with my former prized officer.”
Thorne sat back down as Captain Dayton left the research lab and headed over to Erica. He tried to look away, to give them their privacy, but he couldn’t. Something compelled him to watch.
When Erica saw Captain Dayton her face lit up as she saluted him and then embraced him, kissing his cheek. A surge of jealousy flared deep inside him as he watched Erica being so intimate with another man. His jealousy was misplaced. He had no right to feel this way.
He had no claim.
Erica wasn’t his.
She could be.
He cursed under his breath and turned back to the computer, but his curiosity got the better of him. Even though he knew he should keep away from Erica, he couldn’t help himself.
Despite the warnings he watched the interplay between the two. Captain Dayton was old enough to be Erica’s father, but what did that matter? Age was meaningless.
As she talked to her former commanding officer Thorne saw her eyes twinkle. Her smile was genuine and as they talked she reached out and touched him.
When Thorne and Erica talked there was no touching. When they were together it often felt tense at best because Thorne was too busy trying to keep Erica out.
Thorne sighed. His leg was aching. It was time to get back home, have something to eat, a shower and then bed.
He didn’t have time to worry about Commander Griffin. There wasn’t enough emotion in him to invest in her.
At least, that was what he kept trying to tell himself.
He went to log off when the door to the research lab opened again.
“Captain! I’m sorry I didn’t know you were in here.” Erica’s face flushed pink, but only for a moment.
“I was just leaving for the night, Commander.”
She nodded and stepped into the room, shutting the door behind her. “Are you prepping your simulation for the crew of the Hope?”
“I am. It’s how to deal with some common medical issues and emergencies Special Ops have to face. Wounds…infections.”
Erica sat down at the computer next to him. “Infections like yours?”
“And more. Communicable diseases as well.”
“Sounds like a potpourri of fun that you have planned.”
He chuckled. “I try my best. I see Captain Dayton found you.”
“Yes,” she said quickly. “He was a good commanding officer, but a bit suffocating.”
Now he was intrigued. “Suffocating? You looked pleased to see him.”
“Were you watching me?”
“For a moment.”
“For someone who has been ignoring me the last week and giving me endless night shifts again, you’re very observant about who I associate with.”
“Is this how you usually talk to your commanding officer?”
“No.” She grinned. “Just you.”
He rolled his eyes. “Thanks. I do appreciate that, Commander Griffin.”
“So, you wanted to know how he suffocated me— well, he wouldn’t let me do anything without clearing it with him first. At least, for the first year I served under him.”
“Everything?”
“Everything. I have to say it’s a nice change being under your command, Captain.”
“Why’s that?” he asked, secretly pleased to hear it.
“You let me do my work.”
“I expect nothing less from members of my surgical trauma team. I pick the best of the best.”
She blushed. “And I’m the best?”
“One of.” He had to get out of here. When he’d moved Erica to some night shifts it was to get some distance between the two of them. This was not distancing himself from her, but Erica had this way of drawing him in.
He both loved and hated that.
“I better go. My shift ended hours ago.” He stood. “Have a good night, Commander.”
“Thank you, Captain.”
* * *
Erica had seen many men turn tail and run from an uncomfortable social situation. Usually she thought it looked a bit ridiculous. So much so that it amused her. But this actually made her feel a bit of hope again.
Hope that maybe Thorne hadn’t completely washed his hands of her. That maybe, just maybe, he would tear down his walls to let her in.
You’re not tearing down any walls.
Which was true.
She wasn’t exactly an open book either.
Scooby had called them both stubborn and thought that Thorne and her together would be volatile. She thought maybe Scooby was right in this instance.
Still, she was drawn to him.
She was attracted to him.
Get a grip on yourself.
She couldn’t want him. She couldn’t have him.
Keep lying to yourself.
Erica didn’t know he was still in the hospital. She’d come in early to see if she could catch a glimpse of him, but he’d stayed holed up in his office for the entire week. She had heard from some of the nurses that he was dealing with the aftermath of the trawler explosion with the authorities as well as protecting those who were on board the ship and were innocent.
Like the burn victim, Drajat.
He was only eighteen and had had no idea that his uncle, the patient Erica had saved who’d had part of the engine in his abdomen, was drug running.
Drajat had told the authorities that he thought they were actually on a fishing trip. He thought he was earning money so he could attend school; the trace amount of methamphetamines in his system was equal to that of an innocent bystander being around the drugs, but not using them.
Meth was easily absorbed into the skin.
As soon as Drajat was stable enough he would be flown back to Jakarta.
As for Drajat’s uncle… He was progressing well, but was still in ICU. Once he was able to be interrogated, well, Erica wasn’t sure what the Okinawan police would do with him. This was an international issue as the trawler had crossed into Japanese waters.
“Commander?”
Erica turned in the swivel chair to see that Thorne had returned.
“Yes, Captain? Is there something I can help you with?”
He opened his mouth but then shook his head. “No. It’s nothing.”
“It’s obviously something. I thought you were leaving for the night.”
Thorne scrubbed his hand over his face. He looked tired and she didn’t blame him in the least. There was also pain behind those eyes. His whole body was clenched tight, taut like a bowstring. It was the leg again.
“I’m sorry for bothering you, Commander. It’s nothing.” He turned to leave, but hissed through his teeth and reached down.
The last time she’d seen him suffering like this had been when she’d first arrived at the base. When she’d tried to help him he’d bit back at her, lashing out in anger and humiliation.
“You’re in pain.”
“I’ve been here too long. It’s nothing.”