Scarlett reached for Sledge as she fought back her emotions. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s the risks of the job. You’ve nothing to feel sorry for when you’re the one lying in the bed,” Rocker said firmly.
“What will they do about your hand?” she asked Sledge.
“I’m heading Stateside. A buddy of mine heard about the incident. Dude said he knew about this hospital called The Winters Foundation and recommended I check it out after I get clearedby the docs.”
“You must be in pain. Why are you in here?” she exclaimed. “Rocker, why aren’t you in a hospital bed?”
Sledge chuckled, and she heard the sadness seep into his voice. “It hurts like a bitch, but I wanted to make sure you’re all right. You’ve got my ass out of a bunch of situations, and we don’t leave anyone behind.”
“I’m giving the nurses a break. They’re fighting over who’s gonna give me a sponge bath,” Rocker joked, attempting to keep things light.
Scarlett sat for a moment, appreciating their support. “Thanks, guys. I’ll be fine, you’ll see. I made it out alive, and I’m counting my blessings. Will you keep me posted about Parrot’s family?”
“Will do. Get some rest, Sassy Pants. Before you know it, you’ll be at home in your own bed. We’ll stop by in a couple of days and see how you’re doing. Your family’s standing outside and anxious to see you,” Rocker said as he and Sledge headed toward the door.
“Thank you,” she murmured. “Stay in touch. I mean it,” she threatened as she rested against the pillow. Her head pounded as fast as her heart as her family entered the room.
Her job consisted of leading men out of hostile situations. If she couldn’t see, what use was she to them?
CHAPTER 3
Three months later,Rocker knocked and entered Scarlett’s room. He glanced around at the unmade bed, the food tray on the bedside table untouched, and the curtains drawn.
He frowned as he spotted the woman who saved his ass more times than he could count. Scarlett sat in a wing chair in the corner of her room. Beside her, sat a large bookcase bursting with books, her favorite activity. She appeared disheveled with uncombed hair, wrinkled pajamas, and wore two mismatched socks.
“Hey, Sassy Pants,” he greeted warmly.
Scarlett never turned her head to acknowledge him.
Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, he sat across from her. “I hear you’re going through a tough time. I came to kick your ass. Do you remember what you told us when we reported we didn’t have a way out?” Rocker waited for her to reply.
When she didn’t, he continued. “You threatened to have your boss fly you to our location and promised to drag ourasses out. All the time, letting everyone know a woman knew the directions. Talk to me, Sassy Pants,” he encouraged.
Scarlett turned her head toward him. “Don’t call me that anymore,” she said quietly. “I’m no good to anyone.”
“What the hell do you mean?” he said, taken aback. Rocker glanced toward the door where her brother stood silently watching. “You’ve saved a ton of men and women, and you have the nerve to spout that garbage. Where’s your courage, soldier? Do I need to pull you up by your bootstraps and remind you of who you are?”
“Listen. I’m sorry you made this trip for nothing,” she said tiredly. “My family doesn’t understand. I want everyone to leave me alone.”
“Sassy Pants,” he softly admonished. “It’s common for people to go through depression after they experience what we went through. You suffered a huge blow to the noggin, and your brother says you’re refusing to go see the specialists.”
“He’s got a big mouth,” she growled under her breath. “I’m blind, Rocker. The specialists all say the same thing. I’m living it, I don’t need someone else to confirm it.”
“You never know when they might come up with another treatment, or your brother mentioned something about searching for a donor.” He took her hand. “Don’t give up, now.”
“I’m not. It’s called accepting the diagnosis,” she said stubbornly. “Stop pestering me. Since you came all this way, tell me about Sledge.”
“He got accepted into The Winters Foundation. They’re helping him with his stump, and eventually he’ll get a prosthesis. Sledge sent us pictures of his little girl. She’s got a head of black hair and the biggest blue eyes you’ve ever…seen.”
“At least he can still hold his kid. How about you?” she asked.
“My leg feels stiff, and my shoulder will require another surgery at some point. We’re more concerned about you,” he reported.
“Everything’s dark. I can’t make it from my bed to the bathroom without stubbing my toe. If I rise too fast, I get dizzy,” she confessed. “They gave me a medal and thanked me for my service. They let me go, Rocker.”
“I know, Sassy Pants. It doesn’t mean your life ended,” he urged. “You can do anything you put your mind to.”
