Hondo sent Tan a text, as Deacon went to find Luca. They all gathered in the waiting room, as Dr. Michaels made her way through the first of the two sets of doors towards them. She had two clipboards, and was still wearing the surgical gown and cap, as she removed the gloves and washed her hands in the sink to the side of the hall. She was followed by two other nurses, all three with tired faces.
"Ready?" Tan asked the men.
There wasn't anybody else in the waiting room, since Chris' uncle and cousins left shortly after the service and her aunt was on her way back after leaving to wash up and bring a bag with clothes and other supplies requested by the hospital for when Chris was awake. Luca had prepared Street's bag.
Everybody took a deep breath, as the doctor hit the access button and the last set of doors opened. She removed her cap and gown and threw it in the trash can next to the doors.
"Officer Alonso's friends or family?" she asked, even though she was well aware of who they were. She was eternally grateful they had helped her and her hospital during the scary events that happened with the father of a young victim, a couple of months ago. Thanks to the officers and the squad, the hospital resolved the issue rather quickly and everyone felt safe again, include Dr. Michaels.
"Ok, so"- she started to explain, as all officers gathered around her-"Christina will take some time, and will need antibiotics and plenty of rehabilitation , but- she paused- we are confident she will make a full recovery."- the officers let out a subtle celebration- "But she is still very weak, and X-Rays showed multiple abrasions and injuries to her upper body. We were able to stitch her leg, but she will remain in ICU until her blood is clear from the infection. Her burns and cuts will need time to heal as well. Head scans came back clear, and her lungs and vital organs are recovering slowly, so there is a positive picture for Officer Alonso"
"Yeah!That's my girl!" Luca celebrated. He fist pumped Tan and all four men showed bright smiles.
"We are so glad to hear that doc. Any news on our boy?" Hondo said quickly
Dr Michaels let out a long sigh, and shifted her stare to the side, trying to avoid their stare.
"Oh no. That bad, doc?" Luca asked eager
"Well, the diagnosis is not as bright as Christina's, unfortunately. We are very worried about James' back and the lack of movement and response of his lower extremities. We did a full body scan and a CT, and found two small blood clots in the back of his head and evidence of head injury. Two ribs were fractured in several parts and his spine showed some trauma. Even though the head and spinal injuries may be mild, we are concerned about Officer Street's being able to regain sensation in his legs. We will know more in the morning."
The faces of the officers were filled with worry, and sadness. For one part, they were glad both had survived, but the path towards getting back to 100% looked to be longer and more complicated.
The doctor interrupted the silence, "I do have to say, for such a traumatic episode, these two are extremely lucky. They will need to stay in the ICU for now, and if they show better condition and stable progress, their prognosis is extremely encouraging. They just survived extreme conditions, and are alive. If we can get them through the night, tomorrow could be a major step towards their full recovery."
Slowly the frowns and worried faces turned into grins and nods. They couldn't expect things to be a walk in the park for Chris and Street, so they needed to be supportive now more than ever.
Deacon asked the doctor a couple of questions, while Hondo and the two others chatted aside.
"Boss, I think this could be good news after all." Luca whispered
"Yeah, I mean, they just survived a major event. We can't expect things to just get better tomorrow!" Tan continued
"I know that's right, but...I feel for them. You know?" Hondo tried to stay positive
"Yeah, I get you. Just have to stay positive. We need to be strong, for Chris and Street. We gotta keep the good vibes going on coz that's how they're gonna get better." Luca cheered on
The other two just nodded, as Deacon joined the group. Doctor Michaels excused herself, and announced that they could go home. ICU visiting hours were done for the day, but one person could stay with each officer.
In that moment the sliding doors to the visiting area opened and Aunt Helena came rushing in. "Doctor Michaels? How's my Christina?" she almost ran over everything to get to the doctor, who had already turned around to leave.
The medic patiently debrief the old lady and even though there were tears coming down her face, she was able to smile. She held on to something in her necklace, as she mumbled "Amen! Gracias, Señor!" (Amen! Thank you God!)
The men whispered, as the doctor finished briefing Aunt Helena. When the doctor excused herself for the second time, Aunt Helena joined the group.
"Thank you for being here for my niece" tears still crowded her eyes, "You're like her second family. She always talked about you." She sobbed softly.
"And she will continue to do so, because she is gonna get through this, and we will help her!" Hondo said firmly. The old lady hugged him for comfort, and cried softly. She wiped her tears gingerly with her handkerchief, and excused herself to be with her niece.
"Luca, are you staying with Street?" Tan asked
"Yeah, man. I can't leave my bro hanging."
"Alright, well, if you need anything, just call me. Okay? I'll come back early tomorrow."- Tan said and made a pause-"I don't think I can work tomorrow. My head is all over the place. Still have some head pain."
"Hey, Tan!"- Hondo interrupted-"it's been a long day and you heard Hicks, take the day. Rest. Bonnie will take care of you, I'm sure. I'll take the day to try to gather strength coz what's ahead aint gonna be easy." Hondo shook his head slowly
"Yeah, it's gonna be a mess, especially with the press and all." Luca agreed
"Guys"- Deacon spoke softly, almost whispering- "there's something that has been weighing over me."
They all turned to the veteran with puzzled expressions.
"Relax, D. The doc said both of them have a long way to go, but at least it looks promising. We"-
"No, it's not that." he interrupted quickly, cutting Hondo off and surprising the group
"What's up, Deac?" Luca asked confused.
"We need a team meeting. Urgent. I can't be keeping this from you guys any longer." his face was so alarmed, the others got scared and wondered what could be so bad that had Deacon so worried.
"Aight, how about this? Let's get my momma's food and find a place to meet. Whatever is that's bothering you, Deac, we're here, man!"
"For sure"
"Yeah, Deac"
Hondo grabbed one of the bags, while Tan grabbed the other and Luca the cutlery, and all three followed Deacon as he tried to find an empty table or an isolated place to talk.
YOU ARE READING
Unexpected 1: Trojan Horse
FanfictionStory #1 A mission that becomes life or death for 20 David and his Squad, now depend on the help of friendly faces. Read to find out how they untangle their dilemma to end up with a huge secret! Action, suspense and...of course, STRIS! ❤ Don't forge...
