Aftermath
“We haveto stop meeting like this,” Rusty said, sitting on a chair in the corner of Grant’s hospital room.
“Don’t take this the wrong way, brother, but you are not who I hoped to see,” Grant said.
“Ouch,” Rusty said, clutching his heart. “That hurts me right here.”
“Put some hot shrapnel there and then talk to me about pain.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, you are the king of injuries,” Rusty said. “Maybe it’s time to pass your crown to someone else.”
“Happy to do it anytime,” Grant said. He tried to stretch his arms behind his head but winced. “Just let me get out of these casts first.”
“Faith will be here shortly,” Rusty said. “She’s still giving her statement to the police.”
“She’s got a lot of beans to spill on Xander Campbell,” Grant said.
“I don’t think there’s enough money in the world to buy him a ticket out of jail,” Rusty said. “At least, I hope not.” He took his face mask off. “These things are so uncomfortable. A university upstate is donating a lab so Faith can finish her work away from the city. She says another three months and the vaccine should be ready. Until then, a little bird told me that the data Inquisitis was sitting on is about to become public domain. Your girl is quite the life saver.”
“She sure is.”
“I’m not going to lose you to a married life, am I? I already lost Sawyer on all his philanthropic missions overseas with Lila. Bryce tours with Hayley. Colt wants to move down to the land of big mosquitos with Natalie. I need you, man. I can’t hire anyone new right now. What is it with you guys? Every one of you ending up with a client.”
“In all fairness, Faith and I met long before she asked Redmond for help. And aren’t you about to propose to a client?”
“Good point.” Rusty kicked his legs up on a table. “How long before they let you go?”
“Few more days,” Grant said, pushing away the wheeled tray with his hospital cafeteria lunch on it. “I’ve got to see a guy about a diamond in Colorado. And no, you cannot wear a Superman shirt under your tux.”
“Try and stop me,” Rusty said.
Grant shook his head. “Better get one for each of us.”
A knock on the door alerted them to Faith’s presence. She looked at Grant with teary eyes.
“I’ll give you guys some privacy,” Rusty said, walking toward the door.
“I was so worried,” Faith said.
“I’m okay. These are just flesh wounds. Be glad you weren’t there after I got blown up.”
“Is this what you’ve been doing for the past decade? Risking your life?”
“More or less. But that’s behind me now. I want to start a new life with you.”
“Are you going to quit being a bodyguard?”
“Couldn’t do that to Rusty. With my skillset, there is no other job more suitable. It is who I am, Faith.”
She walked over to his beside and took his hand. “I know.”
“But that doesn’t mean I can’t take long vacations. And I’m pretty sure I deserve one after today. I’m thinking… I’m long overdue for a visit to our hometown. Will you join me? After you make your vaccine, of course.”
Faith smiled from ear to ear. “Absolutely.”
