“You did nothing of the sort. If you really want to know, you're making good headway. Every time one of these memories surfaces, you can put it back in its box under your terms. We are aware of the toll each flashback takes.” Tim paused a moment. “Remember, the men and women you share these memories with feel blessed by your trust. And they feel badly for you. That’s not pity; that’s human. There is no way you can undo what happened to you. But, man, you went through some horrible days to get to where you are now. And all of us will do everything we can to make sure you keep moving forward.
“Drink that wonderful drink, and I’ll start an IV. I need some blood, and radiology will inject some contrast too. We're going to take some pretty pictures of your abdomen and pelvis. While you’re drinking, the GI doc will come in to meet you and chat.If you drink it while it's cold, it's not too bad.”
* * *
Gwen returnedto her room after her scan, where her father sat waiting. “You look great.”
“I feel better than yesterday,” she said as one of the nurses helped her back into bed.
“I’m waiting to hear from Dr. Miller to pull the catheter, and then we’ll get you up and walking,” the nurse said.
“Thank you.” Gwen watched the nurse leave.
“Princess, this was sitting on your pillow when I got here.”The general handed her a note.
“Did you read it?” Gwen cocked her head.
“It was hard not to. It wasn’t folded. It confirmed what I thought yesterday. He cares for you more than a boss does for an employee.”
Gwen blushed and took the note from her father. “I care for him too.”Who am I kidding? I’m in love with him.She unfolded the note and read.
My Beauty,
I hope your night was peaceful and pain-free. My mom delayed her flight, and Tim has altered my schedule. I will see you when I come up for air. I need to apologize again for what occurred Wednesday. Faulty intel is not a viable excuse. And, yes, I will keep apologizing because you deserve so much more than I’ve given you.
Good news, you are an aunt. Julian Troy Dupart was born last night. I will tell you a story to make you laugh.
TB
“Gwen,” her father called to her.
Gwen teared up as she refolded the note. “Dad, please don’t criticize him.”
“I was going to say he impressed me when I met him. And that note impresses me more.”
“He has a lot going on with his health. He is leery of starting any relationship until he has his surgery.”
“That’s honorable. Does he expect you to wait?”
“I told him I would wait.” She swallowed. “I made such a mess of things.”Gwen reopened the note and explained what happened the day before. A knock on the door drew her attention. “Come in.”
“Good morning.” Kip extended his hand to Glenn North. “General, I’m Kip Brennan, Interim Assistant Executive Director of the San Diego Branch.” He pulled up the second chair. “Gwen, how are you feeling?”
“Better. Thank you. How’s Troy?” She looked down.
“Prepping for a CT scan. Tim and Trask are with him,” Kip said. “I’m concerned for you. I’m working with Eric on a secure discharge plan with appropriate medical care.”
“Mr. Brennan, that’s awfully generous and appreciated,” the general said.
“We do this for all our staff who require post-discharge care. Our employees are family,” Kip explained the policy.
The cell phone rang on the patient bedside table. Gwen scrunched her brows, reached for her phone and showed Kip. The caller displayed as Chase Communications.
“Put it on speaker.” Kip frowned.
“Gwen North speaking.”
“Miss North, I have a man on the line. He refuses to leave a message on your office voicemail and insists on speaking with you immediately. He says it’s life or death.”
