Troy deadpanned, “They do have access to a change of clothes. They might need them after that.”
“We’re early, so we can check on Gwen and be back before the rest of the staff gets in.” Julian cocked his head. “I saw you talking to Trask yesterday.”
“He’s having a hard time processing the Richmond case. I want to bring in someone for a stress debrief. If he’s willing to admit it, there’re more in trouble.”
“Have I told you how glad I am you’re here?” Julian sighed as the elevator doors opened.
The two heads of the branch crossed the bridge to the medical tower. An elevator ride later, they exited onto the secure twenty-five-bed inpatient unit. Eric Seton, wearing a lab coat over his suit, sat at the nurse’s station in discussion with the one of the branch’s medical directors, Russ Sommerfeld.
“Good morning,” Julian said.
Russ stood and extended his hand to Troy. “Good to see you.”
“Good to see you too, Doc. How’s Gwen North doing?” Troy looked around at the hive of activity.
“We’ve got a relatively full house,” Eric said to Troy.
“And why weren’t we alerted?” Troy slipped into boss mode.
“Four Eagle’s Talon Quebec Team operators were flown back from Andorra overnight with multiple broken bones. Mountain biking and skiing gone bad,” Eric explained.
“When will they be operational?” Julian frowned.
“Anywhere from six to twelve weeks,” Eric said. “We are still assessing.”
Troy looked at Julian, who raised his brow. “I’ll explain later.” Julian rolled his eyes. “Go visit Gwen; I’ll speak to our Quebec Team injured.”
“How is she?” Troy asked.
“I’m holding her one more day. Not because she’s that ill, but because she’ll put stress on her leg. The fever broke around 0200. She’ll be on oral antibiotics for about ten more days. Limited walking. Tim Holland is with her. He’s got his act together. Go on.” Russ smiled.
Troy approached the slightly ajar door, listening to Tim speak, “Gwen, you weren’t responsible for what happened to you. It was not cancer—you were maimed. An evil human hurt you. You can’t let that horrific act define you as a woman.”
“I need my go bag. It should have my bra,” she said.
“It’s right here. Think about what I said.”
Maimed?Troy inhaled deeply. “Knock, knock.” He came in smiling. “Don’t you look better?”
“Anything is better than death warmed over,” she said. “Tim said he’s keeping me another day. But I can do some work.” Gwen batted her eyes.
“Tim?” Troy asked the PA.
“She can do some paperwork. Gwen, I’m heading out. Troy, I’ll see you tonight for your appointments.”
“I hate for you to lose any sleep, but I need to discuss something with you about a new case. Could you come in three hours early? I need you to take a ride to San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital with me,” he asked Tim.
“You finally figured out I’m crazy, and you’re going to admit me,” Tim chuckled. “What time?”
“1745.” Troy sat beside Gwen.
“See you then.” Tim clicked the door closed behind him.
“How are you?” Troy asked softly.
“Better than yesterday. I can’t believe how fast it took me down,” she sighed. “I wish you a good first day. Are you ready?”
Troy told her about coming in, and Julian scaring the front desk personnel. He blew out a breath. “I’m planning to take it slowly. I keep telling myself I can do this.”
