I push Shay out into the corridor and Caleb and Lucca are sitting waiting for us.
“Lucca, can you wait here and grab Shay’s discharge papers? She won’t wait any longer,” I say.
“Of course. I’ll catch you up.”
I walk away a few steps and stop and turn back to Lucca. I hold out my hand to him and he looks between my face and my outstretched hand. “I’m sorry that I didn’t listen to you. I should have known that you were no threat to us. Thank you for all your help.”
I don’t think Lucca is going to do or say anything, but he reaches out and takes my hand, squeezes it tighter, and nods. “I understand, Clay. You were doing what you had to for your woman. Anyone of us would have done the same.”
I nod and turn back to push Shay through the corridors in silence. I already know where to find Chris, because Caleb told me earlier. It’s becoming natural to be walking these hospital floors.
We see Chris sitting on the floor outside double doors that say Strictly Staff Only. He’s still covered in Josh’s blood and he looks exhausted. Our job can be draining at times. I just hope that whatever happens next, we can get some downtime to process everything. A holiday sounds perfect right now.
“Have you heard anything?” asks Shay.
Chris’s head lolls to the side. “Not yet. He crashed in the ambulance, but they said it was probably due to blood loss. I’ve managed to contact his parents; it was a good thing you had his mom’s contact details. How are you?”
Shay shrugs. “I’m fine. A few bumps and bruises. I’ll live. What happened with that dick, Michael?” she asks Caleb.
“He’s in custody as we speak. He won’t be getting out anytime soon. Hopefully, he finds a heart and gives up all the information to help our soldiers.”
“We need to help them.”
Caleb nods. “We will do all we can from our end, you just need to concentrate on getting better. Josh is going to need you.”
“He couldn’t even look at me in that building. He said we should have both died. They’ve fucked him up big time.”
I bend down to Shay’s level and take her hand in one of mine. “I think it was all an act, Short stuff. Josh saw me hiding behind the container. He was ready to fight for you. I don’t doubt he’s going to need help, but I don’t think he’s as bad as you initially thought. We’ll all be there when he needs us.”
“I hope you’re right,” she sobs. She leans into my body and buries her face into my neck.
Chris leans over and takes her other hand in his. “Josh has us all here to help him. Look how far you’ve come in a short time.”
Shay looks over at Chris from my chest and smiles at him. “My pain in the ass.” We all laugh. “I can’t thank you all enough for what you did today.”
“No thanks needed. We’re all family. Family looks out for one another.”
Everyone goes quiet for a few moments. Shay sits forward and focuses on Caleb leaning against the wall opposite us. “Amber. How is she? She’s not...?”
“Mike is with her. She’s going to have a sore head for a few days, but there’s no lasting, life-threatening damage. She’ll be back to bossing us around very soon.” Caleb winks at Shay and we all settle back into silence.
The waiting doesn’t get easier. I’m just glad I’ve got Shay beside me this time, because I don’t know how I’d handle waiting for news on her health. Call me a pussy if you like, I don’t care. When you find the one, you don’t care what it turns you in to.
Chris jumps up onto his feet and walks past us all. Caleb stands up straight and I look to see what has their attention. Josh’s mom and dad are rushing toward us. Chris catches them and holds Josh’s mom’s hand.
“Please, tell me he’s okay.”
“He’s in surgery. He got shot in the upper chest, but we’re waiting on news now. He’s a fighter. I don’t doubt that he’ll be ready to see you,” says Chris.
“Oh, God. Please let my baby be okay,” she cries into Chris’s chest, and he moves her to a seat and sits beside her. Josh’s dad sits at the other side of her and takes her hand in his.
“He’ll get through this.” Shay speaks loud enough for all of us to hear. I squeeze my girl tightly. I’m grateful for how today has panned out. We could have lost a lot more.
***
Shay
We’re sitting for what seems like hours. People pass and look at us. Doctors and nurses give us that pitiful look. But still, we’ve heard nothing about Josh.
I look over at Chris still giving comfort to Josh’s parents. He has been a gentleman today. There’s more to Chris than first meets the eye. He’ll do anything for his loved ones, friends, clients, and acquaintances. When we get out of here, I’m looking forward to finding out everything there is to know about Chris Shawland.
I close my eyes and lean my head against Clay’s shoulder. No words are spoken between any of us. Silence is exactly what we all need. We need that silence to get our heads around everything that has happened. Just a few hours ago I was moaning about silence. It just shows how quick things can change.
“Hi.”
We all jump to attention when a doctor approaches us. He’s still in his surgical scrubs. Specks of Josh’s blood are noticeable.
“How is he?” I ask.
“He came through the surgery. We had to stop the bleeding and repair some damage to his shoulder, but he’s going to be okay. We’ll keep an eye on him for a few days.”
The loud collection of breaths was noticed by us all. We’ve all been sitting on tenterhooks waiting for some positive news. I don’t know about everyone else, but I expected bad news.
“Can we see him, Doctor?” asks Josh’s mom.
“Of course. Only two at a time, because he’s in ICU for the next twenty-four hours as we keep an eye on his vital signs.”
Josh’s mom turns toward us all, tears streaming down her face. “Thank you. All of you, for bringing my boy home. I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”
Clay stands up. “If you ever need anything… anything at all, you be sure to let us know. We’ll be here for you all.”
Josh’s mom rushes into Clay’s arms and holds on tight. Her small frame makes him look like a giant. She turns away and follows her husband and the doctor. We’re all left staring at the doors they all just walked through. The weight on my chest has lifted, and for the first time today, I can breathe easily. This is nearly over with. We’re free. Nothing is stopping us from living the life we want.
Epilogue
Shay
One week. Seven days. 168 hours. That’s how much time has passed since I’ve been free. I’ve spent the last seven days working on my personal training, my mental health, and my relationship with Clay. We’re meant to be together. Nothing but death will ever separate us again.
I’m walking across the compound parking lot with my walking sticks. Chris is right by my side. He’s been distracted lately, but he assured me that all is well with him. I won’t let it lie; he knows he can talk to me whenever he wants to.