Chapter 34 #2
“I want to,” she said softly. “I know you’re concerned for your friends, and from the bags under your eyes, you haven’t slept.”
“Do I still have some clothes here?” he asked, feeling his body relax.
“I washed your pants and shirt before we fought. I’ll get them while you dry off. Do you want me to make you something to eat?”
“No. I need to see Whiskey, Bear, Archer, and Stormy,” he said, as she rinsed him off. “We need supplies, and I’m hoping Stormy will talk to Sparky about Ice. She’s determined to go back.”
“I’ll make you a sandwich while you dress. I’m accompanying you to the hospital. Stormy will be worried about Cole. Ty will be beyond himself when he hears about Sparky,” she said, handing him a clean towel. “I’ll be dressed in a minute.”
“I love your hair,” he said. “You got it cut. I like how it frames your face.”
“Thanks,” she said, smiling as she pulled off the shower cap and combed it out.
She disappeared around the corner, and he took in the little things she changed since he left.
The walls were covered in color. A small vase of flowers sat between his and her sinks.
Drying off, he walked into the bedroom and saw Sam’s picture on her dresser, no longer sitting by her bed.
In its place, he picked up the frame holding a selfie of the two of them, making him smile.
It seemed like Addy changed during his absence.
Bustling into the room, she handed him a sandwich made with fresh bakery bread and piled high with meat, lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
Taking a bite, he watched as she slid into a pair of her silk panties and a matching bra. She marched to her closet, pulled out a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, and then passed him his clothes.
Taking her brush, she combed his hair down and sat beside him.
“This is the best sandwich I’ve ever tasted,” he moaned.
“I’m enjoying buying the fresh bread from Bryanna’s. I sometimes grab a coffee and visit with her while she makes those pastries. I don’t know how she stays slim when she makes all those goodies.”
Tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, he said, “It sounds like you’re making friends.”
“You’re right, ya know. I did stop living when Sam died. I’m finding myself again. I don’t think I’d have done it if you didn’t point things out to me.”
“Sometimes we all need a kick in the pants. I prefer getting into yours instead,” he quipped as she pushed him playfully.
Setting the plate down, he put on his clothes and kissed her.
“Thank you for this,” he said.
“Let’s go check on everyone,” she said, tugging him to his feet. He reluctantly stood, only wanting to pull her back to the bed, pull the cover over them, and shut out the world.
Addy drove them to the hospital, and they held hands as they entered the ER. Chase saw them in the hallway. “Can you do me a favor?”
“Name it,” Liam said.
“Gabby thinks she’s coming in with Claire to have a meeting. Claire’s aware of the situation. When they arrive, page Kassie. I’m taking Cole to surgery.”
Stormy ran inside with tears streaming down her cheeks. “Where is he? Where’s Cole?”
Chase put his arm around her. “He’s fine. Cole caught a piece of shrapnel, and I’m taking him to surgery to remove it. Why don’t you come with me and see for yourself?” Knowing Stormy suffered from severe anxiety, Chase handled her with care.
“I’ll watch for Gabby. Go see your teammate,” Addy urged.
Walking into Knight’s room, he smiled at seeing his brother sitting up in the bed. “I hope this means you feel better.”
“Gabby’s on her way, and I don’t want her to get stressed. It hurts like a bitch.”
“Do what Doc tells you. I’m leaving in the morning. Hopefully, we’ll be back with good news,” he said. “I’m checking on Sparky and Kerrigan. They took Cole to surgery.”
“See ya on the other side, brother. Thanks for helping me.” Knight said groggily.
“Knight?” Gabby whispered behind him. “Oh, no,” she rushed forward.
He held her tightly. “I’m all right, Baby. Don’t cry. In a few weeks, I’ll be up and running again.”
She clung to his neck, and he put his hand on her stomach. “You’re beautiful. You’ve grown since I last saw you. Maybe Doc will give us another peek while I’m his guest here?”
She kissed him as Liam backed out of the room.
As he walked toward Sparky’s room, Ty passed him, running down the hall. “Sparky,” he called out as he rounded the room. She sat up in the bed and held her arms out. He watched as the couple embraced each other tightly. Addy took his hand and watched the scene unfold as Ty kissed her face.
Kerrigan’s door remained closed.
Kassie met them down the hall. “Why don’t we go to my office, and you can contact everyone?” she suggested. “Archer will meet you at the facility.”
They walked down the hall and entered Kassie’s office. “Take your time. I’ve called the otologist to check your ear. He’ll be here in an hour.”
“Liam,” Catherine exclaimed.
“Catherine?” Kassie said. “What are you doing here?” she said, steering her to her office.
Catherine jerked her arm away and smiled. “Why didn’t they tell us they planned to come home? That’s why he hasn’t answered my calls and texts. He wanted to surprise me.”
“Catherine,” Kassie said gently. Addy stood and entered the hall.
“Why don’t we go to your office?” Kassie suggested.
“Where’s Leo?” she asked as they led her inside the room next door.
“The whole team didn’t come home,” Kassie explained. “They ran into a bit of trouble. Cole’s in surgery and Knight has a GSW to the leg.”
“What about Leo?” she asked.
Kassie glanced at Addy. “Why don’t you sit down?”
“Come on. Hit me with it. What did he do? Did he get shot in the ass again? Let me guess, he’s complaining already and shouting orders,” she laughed.
“Honey, Leo’s not here,” Kassie said slowly. “They found out about who killed Cole’s friend, and it ended up with an entire unit involved. They set the team up. Leo saved the team and, in the process, was wounded.”
Catherine started to stand when Addy took her hand. Her face fell as Liam stood at the door. “Where’s Leo?”
“Saint and the team are searching for him now,” Kassie said.
“How long has he been missing?” she asked as her face blanched.
“Two days,” Kassie whispered with tears in her eyes.
“What?” Catherine breathed. “You said he got injured. How badly?”
“We don’t know,” she replied.
“Yes, you do. You’re keeping it from me. You don’t want me upset because of the baby,” she said, her voice getting louder.
“We don’t have all the details,” Kassie comforted her. “You know the team’s on it. They won’t come home without him.”
“You think he’s dead?” She backed up. “Leo’s dead,” she cried out. “No, no, no. This can’t be happening. He can’t be gone. He said things would be different when he returned.”
“Addy, why don’t you contact Carol?” Kassie said, holding her friend and crying.
“Noo,” Catherine sobbed hysterically. “I can’t lose him now.”
Liam’s attention turned to Addy, who watched in horror as Catherine cried out in pain. Taking out his phone, he called Jake. “Catherine knows. She’s in her office with Kassie. Can you send Carol?”
“Maddie and Joe are bringing her now. They’ll be there any minute,” Jake informed him.
A minute later, Carol ran down the hall, hearing her daughter’s pain. Liam ran his hand through his hair as he listened to her misery.
“Mom, I’ve lost him. He’s gone. I’ll never get to tell him I love him again. My children have lost their father. Leo’s gone, Mom. How can I live without him?”
“Oh, baby,” Carol cried, holding her daughter.
Addy stood mechanically and backed out of the room. Liam knew he needed to get her away from the scene. He imagined she relived the day they told her about Sam. Her face appeared pale as she gazed up at him.
“Will you drive me to the facility?” he said softly.
He put his arm around her as he led her down the hall. Catherine’s wails drifted to them, causing patients to come out of their rooms. For once, Addy didn’t act like the nurse in charge. She acted like a woman in shock, stuck in the past.
He rushed her out to the SUV and took the keys from her. Driving them to the facility, everyone except Stormy met him there. Entering the kitchen, he listed everything the team needed.
“I’ll get this packed up. Do you want me to take it to the plane?” Archer asked.
“Yes. If you want, you can take it to the plane in the morning. I can hitch a ride with you. I’ll be spinning up at 0800. We can meet at 0600,” he said.
Addy turned to him. “What? What do you mean?”
“I have to return. They need my help. As soon as the doctor gives me his verdict, I’m heading back,” Liam said gently.
Archer and Bear discreetly left the room.
Addy stood. “You’re leaving? Leo’s most likely dead, three of your teammates, and a woman I’ve never met lie in the hospital. I’m supposed to send you off with a smile on my face?”
Liam reached for her. “Addy, he saved my life. I can’t leave him there.”
“He did it for a reason,” she shouted. “He gave you a chance to have a life.”
“I can’t sit here and twiddle my thumbs while my brothers and sisters are all in pain. Leo gave us all a second chance at something bigger than us.”
“I thought we felt like something bigger,” she whispered.
“You’re my world,” he said, standing.
“I can’t do this,” she said, shaking her head.
“I can’t, Liam. I won’t sit and wait for someone to come to my door again.
Did you see Catherine? She’ll relive every single moment they spent together.
Every argument will be her fault. Every time she didn’t say I love you because the kids interrupted or a patient needed her, it will make her feel guilty. ”