by Laura Acton
She turned her gaze to Ray. “So, why are you on the floor, and where are Jon and Bram?”
Nick resumed his seat as he handed Ray another juice box with a bendy straw. His silent command to drink was understood when Ray complied as Nick answered, “Debated coming to tell you, but you had your hands full. Ray is recovering from giving more blood than he should’ve.
“The latest report is Loki’s still critical yet stabilizing. However, the medical team ran out of the O negative they brought, and the explosion compromised the hospitals’ blood stores. They couldn’t use O positive since Loki screened positive for the anti-D antibody.”
Ray sucked up the last of the juice and set the box down, more exhausted than he would typically be after being awake for almost twenty-four hours. But he noted Lexa’s confusion, so explained, “Someone who is O neg requiring a massive transfusion can receive O pos blood in certain cases. Loki’s not one of those people. When he was a kid, Narciso forced Loki to go camping once.
“The asshole made Loki chop wood. He was like eight or so at the time and never used an ax. His step-father handed him the tool then went back to drinking beer. We all know how scared of spiders Loki is, well, unfortunately, as he took the first swing, a huge spider scurried up the handle to his hand. Loki missed the wood entirely, and the blade hit his leg.
“Narciso drove to the closest medical facility, berating Loki the entire way for ruining the trip. By the time they arrived, Loki needed a transfusion, and the quack treating him, gave him Rh-positive blood because he didn’t have any negative on-hand. Loki didn’t meet the criteria for Rh swap, and his body reacted, developing the antibody.”
Lexa stared. “How did I not know this? And how do you know so much about transfusions?”
Ray shrugged. “Loki doesn’t like to talk about his past with Narciso, and well, spiders were involved. I found out on a movie night about four years ago. Loki picked some weird B comedy flick about vampires getting sick because they drank blood from the wrong people. It was terrible. Even Loki couldn’t sit through the whole thing, and that’s saying something. We ended up shutting it off and started talking about blood types.”
“We discovered we’re both O negative, universal donors, meaning our type can be given to anyone, but we can only receive O Rh factor negative units. Loki shared what happened to him as a kid, and we decided to participate in the blood drives. Figured we’d help others since we have one of the rarest types. And as dangerous as our jobs are, we reckoned someday we might be helping each other or ourselves.” Ray yawned. “I’m wiped out.”
“Donating almost two pints will do that to a guy,” Bram said as he joined the others at the table.
“How is Dan?” Nick shifted his gaze to Bram, hoping for good news.
Lexa scrunched up her face. “Were you allowed to visit him?”
“Wouldn’t classify it as a visit. More like a brawl.” Bram lowered himself into a plastic chair and rubbed his aching shoulder.
“Huh?” Lexa evidently missed something while fixing the plumbing.
Bram sighed. “Dan woke, confused and combative. His words didn’t make much sense, although I believe he was fighting Noah. Kept yelling he should’ve killed trigger-man in Central Bank. A long time ago, Dan shared with me his nicknames for the Barton brothers. Anyhow, took six of us to hold him still enough for Dr. Peterson to sedate him.”
He chose to keep to himself many other things Dan screamed, including, ‘Take your filthy hands off Lexa, you murderous SOB. You killed Loki, and I’m gonna break your fucking neck.’ None of them needed to hear those words. And they certainly didn’t need to be told about how Dan freaked when the doctor approached with the needle. It was a hundred times worse than what Bram witnessed in the hotel when Heather gave him painkillers by injection after the gang war. Dan’s reaction would stay between those who were in the room.
“Dan is resting quietly, and the surgeon is monitoring him closely, given his strange reactions to medications. Though Dr. Craig saved his leg, Dan’s fever is still quite high, and the blast ruined the samples he took. Dr. Pastore obtained new specimens and repacked the wound. They also drew blood to test for whatever’s causing his temp to spike. Their lab tech is processing the cultures now, but until results come in, we’re in the dark as to whether it’s MRSA.”
“Where’s Jon now?” Nick asked, aware both Bram and Jon had been in the hall when an army medic ran out of the emergency treatment area seeking help in restraining a combative patient.
“He needs a few moments to himself. We’re gonna need to have a little discussion with him. He’s blaming himself for all this. Thinks if we had caught the Bartons after the Central Bank heist … well, he’s wrong, but needs time to clear his head.” Bram slumped back, weary beyond belief.
Nick nodded. He had a ton of stuff to sort out for every member of his team. Guilt ran high, and with overwhelming emotions and sleep deprivation, they all needed several hours of rest. Though he realized none of them would be willing to bed down until they knew for sure Loki would pull through.
“Did you reach Gambrill or General Broderick?” Bram asked.
“Relayed the status to Gambrill, and he will contact Dan’s father. Also spoke with Lundgren. He is bringing additional supplies and volunteers from his detachment.” Nick checked his watch. “Should be arriving soon.”
Lexa sipped the coffee as conversation died down. As the day caught up with her, the highs, lows, and adrenaline crash, she wished to find a place to grab forty winks, but thoughts of Dan would ensure she didn’t sleep. Yes, she cared about Loki and worried a great deal about him, but her mind kept centering on Dan. The dream of something dark overtaking him wouldn’t leave her alone. If Loki died … she feared for Dan’s mental state.
The sound of footfalls pulled Lexa from her internal world. She twisted her head as Jon entered, noting his weariness, but didn’t comment on his fatigued state since they were all bushed.
Jon went straight to the cooler and snagged another juice. He pushed the straw in on his way to the table they claimed with their gear and crouched beside Ray. “Drink. You need to replenish your fluids after filling up Loki’s tank.”
“Thanks.” Ray chuckled despite the situation.
Bram smiled at Ray’s slight laugh and attempted to lighten the mood a little more. “We realize you’re willing to go above and beyond for Loki, but dude, giving a hundred percent to the effort doesn’t include all your blood.”
Everyone groaned yet grinned, and realizing humor would help release their tension, Lexa chimed in with, “You and Loki are now truly blood brothers. Do you think Loki might calm down with Mr. Cool’s blood in his veins?”
Nick chuckled. “Hard to imagine Loki without a bouncing knee or expressive face, but if we’re lucky, his movie preferences will improve.”
Ray joined in the much-needed joking. “Hope all my suaveness doesn’t dilute Loki’s geekiness. We need his computer skills.”
A grin came to Jon’s face. “Bet he’ll be craving tacos and enchiladas instead of lasagna and pizza now.”
Lexa’s stomach rumbled at the thought of food. “Loki and I made taco lasagna for movie night once. I could go for some right about now.”
Their conversation halted as their attention diverted to the people entering the room, many of them carrying boxes. Jon stood when Zach approached them. “How did you swing coming with the reinforcements?”
“Helo is grounded now due to the storm. My dad got my CO to approve me staying to help.”
Captain Tadman strode in behind Zach. With the threat neutralized, the senior military officer took charge of coordinating relief efforts with Captain Lundgren, who just arrived with the needed provisions and personnel. He directed the Mounties and soldiers following him inside, “Put the food in the kitchen. We’ll convert the other half of the café to a bunking zone.”
As the men did as instructed, Tadman caught sight of Sergeant Pastore’s team. “Pastore, would your tea
m help with arranging the sleeping area and bringing in supplies?”
Nick nodded. “Everyone except Ray.”
“I can help.” Ray started to swing his feet off the chair, intending to rise.
Bram put a staying hand on Ray’s legs. “Loki’s alive because of you. You’ve helped enough tonight, and earned the right to rest.”
Ray didn’t like it but complied as the remainder of the team and Zach headed out. He closed his eyes and drifted on the verge of sleep as his mind replayed everything since arriving. The images were stark and painful, and he regretted his words about Dan. Bram’s right. The Bartons are responsible.
Like everyone else, Ray wanted to find out what led to the explosion. They discovered a damaged nitrous-oxygen tank in the breakroom, and the valve in Noah’s head appeared to have been ripped from it. Forbes indicated gunfire occurred right before the blast, so they theorized a bullet struck the compressed gas cylinder. But until someone inside or near the surgery woke, they must wait for confirmation.
Hearing the squeaking of wet, rubber soles on linoleum and the voices of several people as they carried in plastic totes and other things, Ray decided he should relocate himself to one of the chairs. Moving slow, he lowered his legs and sat up. Still woozy from giving the maximum possible donation because Loki needed every drop, Ray wavered until a pair of hands steadied him.
“My dear boy, you shouldn’t be sitting up yet.”
Ray lifted his lashes and focused on Maisie Craig. Introductions having been done hours ago, he smiled at the kind, elderly lady. “Probably true, but I’m in the way down here. Gonna sit in a chair. Less likely to be stepped on.”
“Allow me to help.” Maisie held fast as she assisted Ray. “Have you been replenishing your fluids?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Ray pointed to the multitude of empty juice boxes on the table and the few on the floor.
“Smart boy.” Landry rolled his chair towards his wife. “Perhaps more is required if you’re still lightheaded.” He held out a bottle of apple cider.
“Thanks.” Ray unscrewed the cap and sipped, taking no offense at being called boy, since the term appeared to apply to everyone younger than Landry, even Boss. He found Landry and Maisie to be a pleasant couple and hoped he and Maurita would enjoy a happy marriage like them.
Maisie picked up all the empty cartons and took them to the trashcan before returning and taking a seat. She released a soft sigh, glad for a moment of respite. “Loki, Scott, and Dan are brave. Their actions saved everyone. Vanessa woke briefly a little while ago and shared a bit of what occurred in the OR.”
“Nick will want to know. Boss.” Ray waved to Nick as he entered, lugging several cots. He waited until Nick handed the folding beds to one of the other helpers, and hurried over. “Vanessa told the Craigs what happened.”
Nick nodded. “I should go talk to her.”
“I’m sorry, but you can’t, she’s sleeping. She awoke in significant pain, and I ordered a strong palliative. I can relay her recollection,” Landry proposed.
When Jon, Lexa, Bram, and Zach strode in carrying more cots, blankets, and boxes, Nick gestured for them to come over. Once they gathered around, he turned his attention to Landry. “Please share what Vanessa recalled.”
Landry, Maisie, Ron, Yasmin, Vera, and Ethan’s parents had already given detailed accountings of the events leading up to the point where Landry and Ron went upstairs before the explosion, so Landy related the final minutes in the operating room per Vanessa’s memory.
Maisie’s eyes teared up as Landry shared, “When Noah recognized Dan as a constable, aimed at him, and said he never misses, Loki jumped in front of Dan. Noah fired twice, missing Dan but hitting Loki. Although Dan moved in and out of lucidity since arriving here, when he spied Loki bleeding, he threw himself at Noah in a rage, knocking both guns out of Noah’s hands.”
“Guns? As in plural?” Jon interrupted.
“Yes, two. Barton held one in each hand. Anyway, though in no condition to fight, Dan managed to grapple with Noah long enough for Vanessa to pull Minna into the back corner and hide behind the equipment cart. The last thing she recalls is the sound of breaking glass and three more gunshots in quick succession.”
Maisie shivered as she called to mind how the whole building vibrated with the explosion. At the time, she believed no one close to the detonation could’ve survived. Yawning and feeling every year of her age, she recognized recent events had been extremely taxing on both her and Landry.
Lexa caught sight of Maisie’s shiver and yawn. Softly, Lexa offered, “You are exhausted. How about I set up beds for you two in a quiet corner?”
“That would be lovely. Thank you,” Maisie said wearily. She observed the petite constable closely over the past hours and found her to be as a capable and caring woman. As handy with a wrench as she was likely with a gun since she wore a sniper patch on her uniform.
“I’ll help.” Bram stood and followed Lexa. As he reached for a blanket to unfurl on a cot, he connected with Lexa’s hand. “Geez, Lexa, you’re ice cold. You should grab a warm shower and borrow a set of scrubs, so you don’t freeze in those wet clothes.”
“I will after the doctor gives us an update on Loki.”
“That might be several more hours. You’re gonna end up ill. I promise to get you if Dr. Pastore comes in.”
Lexa shivered, considering the idea, but said, “Pastore isn’t a common name. Wonder if she is any relation to Boss.”
“No deflection. Dan’s rubbing off on everyone. Go shower, or I’ll unleash Jon on you.” Bram glanced over and found their team lead winding up, noticing his clenched fists as he spoke to Nick.
Following Bram’s gaze, Lexa sighed. “No need. Jon’s ticked off, and well, neither of us need more aggravation.” She turned back to Bram, peering up, and up. The team’s teddy bear was fourteen inches taller, and he often seemed like a giant to her. She grinned. “If you can help Landry, I’ll find some scrubs and take a hot shower.”
“Deal! See ya in a bit.” As Lexa headed out, Bram strolled over to the Craigs, happy to assist the elderly surgeon who took care of Scott and Dan. Stealing another glance at Jon, he thanked his lucky stars he was not currently in Boss’ shoes and dealing with Jon’s ruffled feathers.
Jon glared at Nick. “Both of them took unacceptable risks. Loki threw himself in front of a bullet for god’s sake. And don’t get me started on Dan. A minor wound? I should have ordered him not to go skiing. He should’ve been at home resting and taking his medication as the doctor prescribed.”
Nick understood concern drove Jon’s anger and truthfully surprised his team lead controlled his outburst for so long. However, learning what occurred in the surgery snapped Jon’s last straw. He allowed him to bluster before attempting to rein him in. “Jonny, calm down. Scott clearly said Dan took his antibiotics. The combination of events which led to this is no one’s fault.
“Our guys did as we trained them. You can’t tell me if you were in their place, you wouldn’t have done what they did. If you were in Loki’s position with a weapon pointed at Dan, you would’ve done exactly what he did. As for Dan, we both are well aware of his protective nature. If there is the slightest chance of saving an innocent, he will take action. Just like you.”
Refusing to concede, this whole situation ate at Jon. Loki nearly died … might still. And Dan? Christ, if they don’t control the infection, he might lose the lower portion of his leg. “I need air.”
Nick puffed out a breath as Jon stomped out of the café. His second-in-command wouldn’t go far, not in this storm, and Jon did better when given some space to work out his frustrations. Too bad there isn’t a gym with a heavy bag here for Jon to go to town on.
Turning his attention back to the table, he would focus on coaxing Ray into laying down on one of the cots, though Ray would likely not sleep until the Army surgeon provided them an update on Loki. Stretching his neck to release some tension, Nick exhaled using a slow four-count. Might
join Ray at least for a short lie down, but until we receive news on our family members, there will be no rest for the weary.
Silver Lining
49
November 25
Hospital – Café – 7:30 a.m.
Doctor Fiona Pastore stopped at the entrance to the café to draw several breaths as she glanced around to locate Sergeant Pastore. She wondered once or twice since meeting him if he might be a distant relation to her husband and father-in-law, but now would not be the time to inquire as their primary concern was for their teammates.
Finding Nick, Jon, Bram, Lexa, and Ray still gathered around a table, some with their heads settled on crossed arms, she hoped her news would provide them a bit of relief and allow them to sleep. She strolled forward, halted behind an empty chair, wanting to sit a spell, but not doing so since she was not entirely sure her body would cooperate with rising.
“Doctor Pastore,” Nick said as he noted the army surgeon’s approach. Bram’s and Ray’s heads lifted at his words.
“Please call me, Fiona.”
“Then it’s Nick to you,” he returned with a smile.
Fiona grinned. “Alright, Nick. I have an update for you.”
Lexa stood. “Hold a moment, please. I need to rouse Dan’s cousin.” She hurried over to Zach and shook him awake without disturbing all the others now slumbering on the cots. “The doc has news on Dan.”
Zach rubbed his sleep-crusted eyes and nodded. “Thanks for waking me.”
When Lexa and Zach returned to the table, Fiona said, “Loki is doing much better and stabilizing. The bullet missed his vital organs, and we managed to repair all the bleeds. I’m cautiously optimistic Loki will be strong enough for transport tomorrow, weather permitting.”
Happy Loki was doing better, Ray asked, “Can I visit him yet?”
“He’s being moved upstairs. Once he’s settled, a brief visit should be fine.”
