Page 95 of No Fear

“You can’t blame him for being depressed. And just like when Nate died, it’s probably shock, too. I’m sure just being there is helping.”

“I hope so. I hate seeing him like this. If he can’t work again, he’ll be devastated. He’s so close to his team.”

“Sounds to me like you need to distract him. Give him something else to think about.”

“And how am I going to do that. He won't go out. He sits staring at a blank TV screen.” Or lying in bed. Alone. Like he was now. It damn near broke her heart.

The phone buzzed in Charlie’s hand, and she glanced at it, seeing Mackie’s name.

“I have to go. It’s Mackie, one of Donnie's teammates, calling. I’ll talk to you soon. Love you.” Not giving Maddie a chance to respond, she ended the call and answered Mackie.

“Hi.”

“Hi, Charlie. Sophie filled us in.”

“Oh, she did?”

“Yeah. Sounds like he didn't take the news too well, even though it was positive. Look, we just got out of a briefing. The team are going to come over so we can talk to him.”

“Oh. Right. Of course. I can leave.” She had no idea where she would go but she didn't want to intrude.

“You don't need to leave, but Sophie thought you might like a little break.”

“Sophie? As in Dr. Summers?”

“Yes.” She heard the smile in Mackie’s voice. “She’s finished her shift and is getting together for an early dinner with Diane, Kelly, and Mira. We spoke about them last night?”

“Yes, of course, I remember.”

“Good. You’re invited to join them. Give us boys some time with Donnie, and you some more cheerful company. What do you think?”

Charlie was quiet. Sophie had been lovely at the hospital, and she was kind of intrigued to meet the other women. Between what Donnie and Mackie had told her, she felt like she knew them already.

“I don’t want to be a burden to anyone. I mean I can go out by myself for a while.”

“You won't be a burden. Trust me, you’ll love these women. We’re a tight knit bunch and now you’re a part of that, whether you like it or not.”

Charlie smiled. She liked the idea. Other than Maddie, she didn’t have friends. This might actually be fun.

“OK. That sounds great.”

“Good. We’ll be there shortly. I'll introduce you to the team, then Sophie will come and pick you up.”

“Wow. You got it all planned already.”

“Yeah, well. The ladies don't tend to take no for an answer.”

Charlie laughed. “Good to know. I’ll go check on Donnie and see if I can persuade him to get up.”

“If he doesn't want to, don't worry. We’ll drag his ass up.”

They might have to. He was so down today. Broken.

“Charlie?” Mackie brought her back to the present. “Are you alright? How much of a pain in the ass has he been today?” His voice was soft, concerned.

“He hasn’t really. I’m just worried about him. He seems even more down than before,” she said honestly.

“He’s going to be OK. Trust me. He’s got us and he’s grateful you’re here, even if he doesn’t show it.”