Ian and Kieran both wished him well. Seeing Troy growing emotional, they left.
Zach and Wes followed. “You and I have a zoo trip with Sadie planned,” Zach said, hand over heart.
“Okay, asshat, lie still and cooperate,” Wes instructed.
The first deputies followed. Unlike Caleb, Janice and Blake, who wore business attire, Trask wore a paramedic uniform. Each wished him well, and Trask took up his post in the room.
Fani Bremen and his sisters followed the group. As his mom prattled on in Greek, he was distracted by Gwen not being present. “Troy, I’m watching you carefully. Circe was mean to me. She is not wife material. You don’t need to be worrying about her while you recover.”
Troy’s monitor screamed, and his face heated in a failed attempt to calm down. “Momma, I love you. I will always make sure you’re taken care of. Don’t force me to choose.” His chest heaved with anger.
“Mrs. Bremen, if you can’t be here to encourage your son, I’ll have to ask you to leave,” Tim said. “Troy, lie back. A few deep breaths for me.” He cycled the monitor, but his BP still flashed red.
He opened his arms. “Momma, come here. I know you’re worried. You’ve had to worry about me too much.”
“Oh, Troy, I don’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry. You be good for the doctors.” When she hugged her son, tears dripped against Troy’s cheeks.
“Troy, Gwen is marvelous. We’ll keep Mom away from her. She’s the easy target for her fear. We love you,” Evie said. She and Sofia hugged and kissed him.
“One more visitor. Then I want you to lie back and close your eyes,” Tim warned.
His beauty walked in, dressed in her uniform, her hair in a loose ponytail flowing down her back, her bruises changing color. “I was worried.”
“I don’t want you to worry. Think happy thoughts,” she said.
“I’ll think of you.” He opened his arms.
Gwen slipped into his embrace. “Troy, I’m serious, only happy thoughts.”
“Kiss me,” he begged.
She leaned in for a sweet kiss, and Troy claimed her mouth. His tongue explored every space, his lips soft and demanding.
“I’m sorry, but it’s time,” Tim interrupted them.
Gwen offered a watery smile. “I’ll see you when you wake up.”
Tim lifted the bed brakes and, with Trask’s help, wheeled Troy to the OR.
* * *
Gwen walkedinto the waiting area, accompanied by Noah Paulsen. She asked her dad and Scott to check in with her later.
Fani stood to greet her. “I am sorry, Gwen. I want you to have this. It will ward off danger.” She placed a charm of the evil eye in her hand. “My boy, he loves you.”
She stood, stunned, as Martin wrapped his arm around Fani. “Come, we will get some breakfast. If something happens, they will call us.” He led Fani away.
She wished she had friendships like Troy’s. She headed up the stairs and cut across the bridge. Reaching her office, she found Verna at her post. “Miss Gwendolen, Major Pesce and Captain Brody Garrett are here as you requested. Can I get you some breakfast?”
“That would be wonderful. Um, an egg sandwich, fried with bacon and cheese and an extra-large coffee. Black. Noah? And, Verna, get something for yourself.”
“I’m good, Verna.”
“I’ll be right back.” Verna locked her desk.
“Comfort food?” Noah asked.
“When in doubt, eat. Could you occupy Captain Garrett? I need to speak with the major alone.”
