Deadeye’s priorityis keeping Elise comfortable and making sure Worm is okay. Straw had called and said that Worm was in surgery. It would be a while before they had any news on his condition. Deadeye asks Edward to arrange transportation for the team to the hospital. After arrangements have been made for sleeping quarters and the team has been loaded up, they head for the hospital.
“Elise, you should come home with me while they are checking on their team member.” Edward instructions as Elise moves toward the transport the team was getting into. Elise whips around with wide shocked eyes.
“Edward, he was wounded while trying to keep me from being taken hostage again. I have to know that he is okay after his surgery.” Elise insists when Edward tried to keep her from going with Warren and the team. “He is important to me and to Warren. I feel responsible for his injuries. I will not stay behind.”
“Alright, Elise. I will meet you there in a little while. I have some things to finish here anyway.” Edward concedes reluctantly. They arrive at the hospital and gather in the waiting room with Straw and Mercury. Everyone is quiet and tense. As the time passes, the tension builds even more.
“What’s taking so long?” Mercury demands. “They said it would be like a 30-minute surgery. It’s been an hour and a half already!” Mercury is pacing the room and making everyone else more agitated.
“Sit down!” Tank exclaims. “You are driving us all crazy. It’s not going to make them update us any faster.” Mercury looks chagrined but takes a seat near the door. A few moments later, a man in scrubs enters the waiting room.
“Staff Sergeant Vickers?” the man inquires.
“Yes, I’m here.” Deadeye stands with Elise and heads toward the man as does the rest of the team. They all crowd around the man in scrubs. Each member wants to get closer so they can hear every word.
“Sergeant Chapman did fine during surgery. We were able to remove the bullet and repair the damage to the muscle. He was very lucky. It was very close to the artery, but fortunately for him not too close. It wasn’t damaged. He will be in recovery for a while and then be moved to a ward for the night, but he should be ready to travel in the morning. I understand your team is to head back to the States tomorrow?”
“Yes, that is our current plan.” Deadeye agrees with the man. “Will we be able to see him for a few minutes?”
“Yes of course. I will send the nurse to get you once he’s awake in recovery.” The doctor then turned and left the room. The team’s cheer was deafening in the small room. The men were all relieved and it was plain to see on their faces. A few minutes later, a nurse appeared at the door.
“Ok, two at a time, please. Follow me.” She turned to head back down the hall, not waiting to see who was going to follow.
“Deadeye you and Elise go first. Her brother will be here anytime to take you to his apartment. You don’t want to hold him up.” Tank tells his leader with a smile. Deadeye nods and taking Elise’s hand heads out into the hall to follow the nurse.
“Warren, I don’t want to keep one of the team from seeing Worm.” Elise tries to protest as they hurry down the hall, to the room where Worm was being cared for.
“Don’t worry about that. They will all have a turn.” Deadeye gives her a smile as he looks at her. He gives her hand a gentle squeeze. “Besides, Worm will feel special that you are coming to see him. He would rather see your pretty face than one of our ugly mugs.” Deadeye laughs when Elise gives him a stern look before rolling her eyes.
“Deadeye, there is not an ugly mug on your team.” Elise declares. Deadeye looks at her with a questioning look. “Every one of you is seriously hot. I’m sure women fall all over you guys when you go out.” Deadeye just grins and shakes his head, but doesn’t deny her words.
Worm was still groggy when they entered the room, but it was just as Deadeye had said, he was happy to see Elise.
“Hey, beautiful lady!” Worm exclaimed when Elise approached his bedside. “Best way to wake up with a pretty woman standing next to you.” Elise smiled at Worm’s antics.
“How are you feeling? Are you in pain?” Elise’s worried voice was quiet in the room. Deadeye leaned in to hear Worm’s answer. While Deadeye would never admit it, he had been very worried about Worm and the outcome from the surgery.
“I’m fine as frog hair.” Worm declares as he flings his arm wildly. “They gave me the good stuff.”
“I’m very glad.” Elise smiles at the him.
“Are you alright, Elise?” Worms asks. When Elise nods he continues. “Good. When I’m out of here we can go to diner and then dancing.
“Looks like you are ready for duty.” Deadeye smirks at Worm.
“Oh no. I need at least a couple of weeks off with my own personal nurse.” Worm slurs his words. “You know anyone who would want the job?” Worm cocks his head toward Elise and reaches for her hand. She laughs a little at his playfulness.
“No, but I’m sure Warren will find you just the right person for the job.” Elise looks at Warren. “Isn’t that right?” Deadeye nods in agreement. He turns back to Worm.
“Seriously. Take it easy. Don’t give the nurses too much trouble, okay?” Worm nods sleepily. Deadeye and Elise leave Worm and head back to the waiting room. Edward is waiting for them when they arrive. Mercury and Straw head down the hall next.
“I’m glad to hear your man is doing okay.” Edward says after Deadeye has given an update to the team.
“Thank you. He’s a good man. We need him on our team.” The other team members nod in agreement.
Deadeye makes sure his team is settled before they leave for Edward’s apartment. The trip through the city doesn’t take too long. Soon they are trudging up the stairwell to Edward’s third floor apartment. It is a small place with an open combination living room kitchen dining area that the door opens into. Edward leads Elise to a small guest bedroom and shows them the extra bathroom next to it. His room is at the end of the short hallway that includes an in-suite bathroom. After the short tour of his space, they settle into the main area while Edward gathers some food from the kitchen.
“I’m sorry to have not have a hot meal ready, but I was in meetings most of the day.” Edward says with a smile. “We could go out if you want.” Elise is shaking her head, but then stops to look at Deadeye. He too shakes his head, no.
