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Jules gave him a tight smile as Renzo approached, saying in a hushed tone, “He’s talking to his grandfather. It’s not going well. I don’t think he believes Canaan that he’s fine. Canaan’s worried he hasn’t taken his meds.”
Finally. After hours and hours of relying on others for the rescue and transport and even a room for the night, something concrete Renzo could help with. He crouched in front of Canaan, trying to catch his eye.
“Let me talk to him.”
Canaan released a heavy sigh and put a hand over the phone. “Can’t go any worse, I guess. See if you can convince him to let my friend Maureen come visit to count his meds.” Then into the phone, he said, “Hang on, Grandpa. Renzo wants to talk to you.”
“Mr. Finley? This is Renzo Bianchi, Canaan’s friend. You remember me, right?”
“The SEAL.” Canaan’s grandfather’s voice sounded weary. “You said you’d keep him safe.”
“And I did that, sir.” For the first time all day, Renzo’s legs trembled. God, how close he’d come to failing at that promise. The thought of having to make a very different phone call sobered him, made his words come out that much more intense. “I’ll be delivering him back to you tomorrow, good as new. I know you’ve had a scare, but I promise you he’s uninjured. The medic checked him out and didn’t even find him that dehydrated.”
“I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to Canaan.”
You and me both, Renzo thought, but tempered his response. “I know, sir. But trust me, sailor-to-sailor, I’m not sugarcoating things. He really is fine. But he’s worried about you. Did you take your meds today?”
“I... I’m... I think so. Didn’t sleep much last night.”
“I bet. And I am so very sorry about that. But, here’s what we’re going to do. Canaan’s friend Maureen is going to come by, check on your med situation. That way Canaan can rest knowing that you’re okay.”
“It’ll help Canaan if she comes?” Mr. Finley’s voice was uncertain, but Renzo could tell he’d won.
“Yes, sir. He needs sleep, and he’s not going to get that worrying about you. So Maureen’s going to come, report back, and then we can all rest easy tonight, and tomorrow I’ll have Canaan back to you.”
“Well, I suppose that’s a plan.”
“Excellent. I’m going to give you back to Canaan now.” Smiling, he returned the phone to Canaan, who quickly ended the call.
“Damn. You’re like the parent whisperer.” Cindy laughed, and Jules joined in too. “Haven’t seen that outside of Damian.”
“Damian.” Jules’s face crumpled.
“What happened?” Fuck. Bile rose in Renzo’s throat. Didn’t matter how much he disliked Canaan’s ex, he really didn’t want the guy hurt.
“He and Eric were in the rear group with us. We had to outrun the flood that the guide sensed coming. Damian fell, then Eric slipped trying to help him, and both got pretty injured. Broken leg for Damian and broken arms for Eric and other injuries too. They’re going to live, but they’re in the hospital now.”
“Fuck.” Every cell in his body was screaming for food and sleep and time alone with Canaan, but as Canaan pocketed his phone, he forced himself to ask, “Do you want to go to the hospital? See your friends? My truck is still here. I can take you.”
Taking a long moment to consider, Canaan finally shook his head. “I’m not sure what good I’d do there. Bunch of the group is there and apparently Damian’s parents are on the way too.”
“Yeah, we don’t want to be in the way.” Relief coursed through Renzo. “And you need food. I promised you Thai, remember?”
“I want a shower more than food,” Canaan groaned.
“Why don’t you guys order in? I’m sure there’s one of those delivery apps you can use to get Thai?” Cindy suggested.
“That sounds perfect.” Canaan sank down further into his chair, offering Renzo a very tired smile.
“Do you need food too?” Renzo made himself be polite and not drag Canaan upstairs right that minute.
“No, we’re good.” Jules made a shooing motion with her long, elegant hand. “I need go find Ridley and the others. You guys rest.”
She and Cindy had hugs for them, and then finally, finally Renzo was able to haul Canaan out of that chair and steer him to the elevator.
“We can do the stairs.” Canaan’s protest was pretty weak, so Renzo had to laugh.
“Nothing doing. Even I’m tired enough for the elevator.”
“You? Superman? Figured you’d be ready to run a marathon despite everything.” Canaan followed him onto the elevator.
“Not Superman.” Seldom had Renzo been more aware of how mortal he was. He’d needed the rescue team to get them both out safely, and needing to depend on them was humbling. Part of him felt like as a SEAL he shouldn’t have needed the help, like he should have been able to keep Canaan safe all on his own.
