Tough Love

Chapter Seventy-Nine

Chapter Seventy-Nine

Ash

What the heck just happened?

“What the...? What the heck was that, doc?”

“Panic attack.”

“No, I know that. I mean why did that just happen? She's been doing fine, so why the sudden change?”

“She's had a rough day. Have you seen Eli?”

“Yeah. He said the detectives were here and it didn't go so well for her. I suppose you can check the wound now.”

“Yes, but I would have preferred her to not have a panic attack. Do you know what time Eli will be back?”

“Probably about 10 or 11pm. Do you need to see him?”

“Not particularly. I just don't want her to be on her own when she wakes up. She'll be sore and disorientated and I don't want her to be scared.”

“I can sit with her, although I don't know how well that will go down after recent events.”

“I'll give her a dose of sedation, just to keep her quiet and I'll reassess in the morning. Her head wound looks quite good, so I'm all set to write her notes. Did you want the nurse to bring something to eat for you?”

“No thank you. I ate before coming here. Thanks tho.”

The doctor leaves and I take a seat next to the bed, just watching Dani and waiting for her to wake up. The nurse appears a few minutes later to add some drugs to Dani's IV and then she's gone again. I take this time to call Eli, just to let him know what went down.

I get his voicemail first off, so I leave a quick message asking him to call me whenever he gets a chance. It's an hour before my cell rings, signaling his return call. After I explain what happened, he sighs and I know he's struggling with something.

“What's going on, man? Talk to me.”

He quietly says, “She's addicted to the drugs. I didn't think it would change her so quickly though. I haven't even had a chance to talk to the doctor about it yet. Today has been crazy.”

“You knew this was a probability though. They did warn you. It's just another set back. You'll sort it and she'll get through it. You just need to figure out how to deal with it. For now, Dr. Stone has put some sedation into her IV and she should be quieter when she wakes up. I just wanted to warn you for when you get here.”

“Thanks man.”

“No problem. I'll sit with her until she wakes up or you get here. Whichever is sooner.”

After we hang up, I take one of Dani's books to read. I notice that the bookmark is at the end of the book, signaling that she's already finished it. I smile at the thought, wondering just how many she's got through today alone.

Eli

It's almost 9pm when I finally get to sit down with the Cap. I spent a couple hours in with Carlos trying to get him clear on training sessions and where to brush up on his team stats. He's got a couple of guys that don't seem to be pulling their weight, so I've suggested putting them into a more dominant role during training, so they can show their flaws or slacking. If that fails, I suggested team building activities and as a last result a formal reprimand.

I relax into the chair in the Cap's office and let out a sigh. I close my eyes as I ask, “What was the result of the arraignment?”

“No bail. The judge wants to wait for the DNA results before he reassesses. He thinks they're a flight risk, seeing as they were hiding in a safe house.”