by Ira Tabankin
Jay’s leg doesn’t move, Doctor Basco nods his head, “Don’t worry about anything yet. Let’s try the left leg.”
Jay knits his brow trying to lift his leg, nothing happens.
Are you in pain?”
Jay couldn’t speak, he nodded yes.
“Nurse, Prepare an IV of morphine.”
Jay shook his head, looking into the doctor’s eyes. “Okay, I’ll try something less potent.”
Jay nodded up and down. Doctor Basco said, “Jay, I’m going to step outside the room to talk to Lacy, are you okay?”
Jay nods up and down.
After chatting with the doctor, Lacy bursts into the room. Her face is tear track stained. She hugs Jay,
“Jay, are you back? Are you really back?”
Doctor Basco touches Lacy’s shoulder, “Lacy he can’t speak yet. He’s going to need a little time.”
“Will he stay here this time?”
“Yes, it looks like he’s on the way back to us. I’ll need to run some tests to check any issues he may have.”
Tony and Fred stick their heads into Jay’s room. Tony smiles asking, “Is it true? Is he back with us?”
Lacy turns hugging Tony, “He’s coming back. He was able to move his hands. He can’t speak yet, but he’s coming back. It should only be a matter of time before the old Jay is back.”
“We hope so. Lacy, Captain Black is in the cafeteria, I asked him to wait until we checked on Jay. I’m happy he’s returning to us.”
Doctor Basco says, “I think he’s making excellent progress, the feeling in his legs will most likely return when the swelling in his back goes down. We’ll know in a day what if any problems he’ll face. I think we need to let him rest.”
“Can I stay here with him?”
“Lacy, there’s not much space in his room. Why don’t you let him rest, I’m going to give him a sedative which will let him sleep for eight hours, why not come back in eight hours when he should be waking?”
“Okay. I’ll return in seven and half just in case he wakes early.”
Lacy leaves Jay’s room as he’s given an IV sedative which almost instantly puts him asleep. Lacy turns seeing her best friend Nancy, they hug crying in joy. Tony smiles watching his wife and Lacy hugging each other. Tony turns to John, “What are we going to go with the Captain?”
“Let’s meet with him.”
Everyone quickly heard that Jay woke up. Most wanted to stop by and see Lacy to make sure the rumor was true, many forgot about Captain Black, who understood. When Tony and John returned to the cafeteria, Captain Black stood to face them.
“I take it I should return at a better time.”
“Captain, if that’s not going to be a problem. Right now, everyone is focused on Jay’s return from the edge of the abyss.”
“Not a problem, I have a suggestion, why doesn’t John accompany me and we’ll both return tomorrow midday to join you for lunch.”
Tony looks at John who nods his agreement. “Done, John you know how to contact us if you need us.”
“Tony, John will be safe with us. If you feel better about it, I’m willing to leave two of my people in exchange for John, They’re waiting outside your front door.”
Tony looks at the Captain, “Please give me a moment.” He walks over to a red box on the wall, he presses the talk button. “This is Tony, confirmation T123XYZ.”
“Tony, confirmation, go ahead.”
“Todd, what do you see outside the front?”
“Four US Army troops, all are sitting around the large oak, two have mine detectors next to them. They are sitting in a kill zone, want me to activate the mine?”
Captain Black’s face drains of color, “You wouldn’t.”
“No, I wouldn’t. I just want you to know we know everything you do. We’ll take two of your troops as hostage until John returns with you tomorrow.”
“Done, the two with the mine detectors are yours until tomorrow lunch.”
“We’ll take good care of them. You’ll get them back in great shape and well fed, they’ll eat what we eat. I do have a favor to ask.”
“What do you need?”
“We have two stowaways we’d like to give you.”
“How the hell did two people stowaway here? We had enough issues just getting to the door.”
“During the tornado we had a team outside checking Jay’s house. When they ran to get to safety in the shelter, two young women who were staying without permission at Fred’s came running. They ran through the front door with our people.”
“What have you done with them?”
“Not much, they don’t want to help or chip in, we usually keep them locked in a storeroom, we feed them three times a day, they have water and their own restroom.”
“Let me guess, they’re complaining.”
“You won the grand prize of two young liberal women, we hope you enjoy our gift.”
“Hell of a gift. When I think gift, I think of a hot meal, something I can use or a luxury product, not a couple of spoiled women.”
“See, that’s why you should have them. You understand them. We ignore them and keep them locked up.”
Sighing, Captain Black smiles saying, “I’ll take them.”
“Good, we don’t know what to do with them.”
“Tony, you’re going to owe me one for taking them.”
“Look on the bright side, maybe two of your young men will like them. You’ll be a hero bringing them a gift.”
“You’re still going to owe me.”
“Deal.”
Captain Black takes the two young women while sending two troopers, one man and one woman into the shelter where they’re met by Tony. “Welcome. You’re a hostage.”
“HOSTAGE? Does the Captain know what you intended?”
Laughing, Tony said, “Don’t worry, you’ll be treated and fed well, there’s places you can’t go, please don’t venture anywhere there is a red marker on the door. I should also warn you that the walls are very thin. What happens in the shelter stays in the shelter. I’d be careful what you say, someone is always around to hear you and record it.”
“That’s it?”
“No, we’ll show you where you’re going to spend the night, where the mess hall is and the latrines. Other than that, you’re free to roam, eat or sleep, as long as you don't touch a red marked door. If you do, you will be stopped and arrested.”
“We’re free to wander?”
“Yup. We don’t have much to hide from friends.”
Captain Black and John walk towards the castle, John is surprised to see people swarming at every home. What are you doing?”
“What does it look like?”
“It looks like you’re repairing the homes.”
“Looks that way from where I’m standing too. My people didn’t have enough to do so I created work teams to rebuild your homes. You didn’t see us did you?”
“Captain, we saw you enter the farm, we still have a few cameras in Jay’s house, the other cameras are gone after the last battle.”
“So this is going to be a big surprise when I unveil it tomorrow.”
“Big? Huge, you’re going to shock everyone, in a very good way. You’re going to win a lot of friends. What are you looking for in return?”
“Let’s walk around a bit before I tell you.”
“It’s early and I think your people are able to provide protection.”
“Yes, we are, plus some.”
Chapter 17
Jay sleeps a dreamless sleep, he wakes wondering where he is, a side effect of the drugs he was given. He opens his eyes to see Lacy sitting next to his bed. He opens his mouth to speak, Lacy pats him on the right arm,
“Don’t try it yet. Your throat is still very raw from the tubes. Drink some water. I brought you your tablet to write what you want to say. I love you.”
Jay draws a smiley face on the tablet next to the word in caps, COFFEE.
“I’ll find out if y
ou’re allowed some.”
“Sneak it in.”
“Not if the doctor says no.”
“PLEASE.”
Lacy gets up to ask Doctor Basco when Tony walks into the room carrying a cup of fresh coffee with a straw coming out of the top.
“Don’t say anything, Lacy went to find the doc, so drink this quick, it’s not too hot. I don’t want to get caught smuggling you non-approved foods. “
Jay writes “THANKS” on the tablet.
Tony sits down to bring Jay up to date on what’s happened while he’s been out of commission. When he gets to the subject of the Captain, Jay holds up his right hand to stop him.
“What did U say name was?”
“Black, like the color, he’s a Captain in the US Army. Why?”
“He in here?”
“Yes, are you upset?”
“NO, good thing, happy.”
Tony is relieved, you act like his name means something to you. Have you met him before?”
“NO, but good he’s here. I want to see him.”
“Whoa cowboy, you just woke up, doc said no excitement. What’s so important that you need to see the Captain?”
“Trust me?”
“Of course I trust you. We have each other’s back. I admitted I made a mistake with the building supplies, do you forgive me?”
“Yes. Need to see Black.”
“Okay, he’s due here at lunch time. John is with him.”
“Good. Bring Black to me.”
“Okay, when he returns, I’ll bring him to see you. I’m not sure it’s a wise decision, but I’ll find a way to pull it off.”
“TKS.”
“How do you feel?”
“Truck ran me over 5 times.”
“Yeah, I understand. I felt that way the first time I was shot.”
“How arm?”
“Cast will be on for another four weeks, other than the itch I’m fine.”
“John?”
“Fine, bullet went through his arm, no problems.”
“Everyone else?”
“They’re much better off now that you’re awake and the Army showed up.”
“We go home soon.”
“Everyone can’t wait. We’re hoping that this is the last time we have to use the shelter.”
“Inventory and restock everything before we leave, we may need to return here again.”
“I agree. Todd has taken an inventory of everything we used. Our plan is the same, we’ll restock the shelter before we do anything else. I agree with you, we might need the shelter again.”
“What does Black want from us?”
“He hasn’t said, he was about to tell us when you woke, everyone wanted to see you. The cafeteria emptied when the word spread about you moving your finger.”
“Bianca always pulls my heart, space there for all of the kids. No matter where, always here Lacy and kids.”
“That’s what Fred said. He was right twice about bringing you back from the abyss.”
“Abyss, not good.”
“I don’t want to find out. You’ve been there twice, do us all a favor and don’t try for three.”
Jay draws a smiley face.
Lacy returns with a frown,
“Tony, did you give him coffee?”
“Me? I thought it was a cup of water.”
“Bullshit, get out of here, he’s supposed to be resting, not working and scheming with you.”
“Lacy, it wasn’t me, Jay wanted to talk business. I didn’t start the discussion.”
“I’m not sure if I believe you, for now, let’s not drown him with problems, he’s facing a long period of recovery. The doc told me that he’s going to need all of his strength for his recovery.”
“Lacy, he asked me to bring the Captain to see him.”
“No, he doesn’t need to see the Captain.”
Jay touches Lacy’s arm, typing, “Yes I do. Need to see Black.”
“I shouldn’t have given you that damn tablet. I should have left you unable to communicate.”
“Important.”
“Okay, but only for a few minutes. He’s due to return in five hours, I want you to rest until he comes.”
“K.”
Doctor Basco enters smiling, “Good morning Jay, it’s good to see you awake. I know you can’t speak yet. Ah, I see you have a tablet, can you tell me how you’re feeling?”
“Tired, pain, back, side, hard to remember things, throat hurts.”
“The pain will subside soon, I’ll increase your pain medication, your throat will improve today or tomorrow. You forgetting things concerns me. Let’s try a little test. I’m going to write some words on my tablet, I going to show it to you, then I’m going to turn it around. Later, I’m going to ask you to write on your tablet the three words. Are you okay with trying this?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
“Here’s the three words, Tree, Fox, Fancy.”
On your tablet can you draw a diagram of a clock showing me where the hands of the clock are at ten minutes to ten?
Jay uses his fingers to draw a clock with the hands. He shows it to the doctor who nods. (Doctor Basco doesn’t say anything that Jay drew ten minutes after eleven.) Jay, do you have feeling in your legs?”
“?”
“Let’s check. Jay, I’m going to take a pin and prick your big toe, we’ll both know if you feel it. I’m going to move the pin up your leg until you feel it. When we’re done with the right leg, we’re going to do it again on the left side. Are you ready?”
Lacy grabs the doctor’s arm, “Why are you going to stick him? You’re going to hurt him.”
“Lacy, trust me, he’ll barely feel it. Trust me, please sit and be quiet or wait outside. Tony, that includes you.”
Doctor Basco starts at the tip of Jay’s right big toe, he touches the large pin to Jay’s toe. Jay doesn’t move as the pin moves up his leg until the doctor is at Jay’s waist.
Jay quickly writes on his tables, “Don’t go too far with that pin.”
Doctor Basco laughs, “Don’t worry, I’m not going to use the pin on your testicles. I am going to do the same on your left side.”
When the doctor finishes he looks at Jay, “This is most likely temporary, it may be caused by inflammation around your spine from the surgery. I’m not concerned about it, I bet the feeling will return very soon. Can I test the feeling in your fingers?”
“Yes.”
The doctor pricks Jay’s thumb, Jay pulls back shaking his head.
“Good, let’s try the left side.”
Jay lifts his left hand.
“Excellent. Before I leave you to get some rest, can you tell me the three words I showed you before?”
Jay looked at the doctor, he wrote “?” on his tablet.
“I want you to get some rest. I’ll be back in a couple of hours. I’m going to give you a mild sedative so you can rest.” By the time Doctor Basco finishes injecting the medicine into Jay’s IV bag Jay is nodding off.
Lacy kisses Jay’s cheek, she follow the doctor and Tony out of the room.
Lacy stands with her arms across her chest, “Will he walk again? What’s wrong with his memory?”
“Lacy, I don’t know. I think he’ll slowly regain feeling as the inflammation around his spine goes down. I’m going to give him an anti-inflammation med while he’s sleeping. It’s very important that you don’t dwell on his lack of feeling in his legs. We don’t want him to worry about it, I believe he’ll get his feeling back. I need to run some more tests to determine what’s wrong with his memory.”
“He’ll walk again?”
“There’s a very good chance. His body needs to heal. He needs a lot of rest.”
Lacy tries to smile, “I’ll pray for his recovery.”
“Good.”
Tony looks at the doctor, “What can I do to help?”
“Take as much of the load off his back that you can. He’s going to try to take ove
r and run everything like he did before. You and John need to take everything off his plate you can. Give him a chance to recover.”