You Are On My Mind

Just Doin' My Job

Linda yawned into Danny's shoulder. She was scared; somebody shot a Frank. She knew Danny wouldn't rest until the shooter was found, and she worried about him almost as much as she worried about Frank. She snuggled closer to Danny, trying her best to stay awake.
Danny, arm around his wife, rubbed her upper arm, and kissed her temple. He sensed something was wrong with her, and it was more than sheer worry for Frank. "What's the problem, baby?" He whispered.
"I'm worried." She whispered back, not meeting his eyes.
"Dad's a tough ol' goat. He'll pull through."
"No, not him. I mean, yeah, I am worried about him. A lot..... but he's not gonna go relentlessly searching for his shooter; he's not gonna skip much needed breathers; he's not gonna stop thinking with his head."
"I'll be careful, I swear."
"No, you won't. You say you will, but you won't. You'll have me on the edge of my seat, praying that you won't get shot..... you worry me."
"I'm sorry, baby. But I will be careful. Honest." He heard her yawn again, and felt her shaking her head. He tilted her head up to look her straight in the eye. "I. Will. Be. Totally. Careful." He kissed her between words. "Okay?"
She closed her eyes and nodded, not fully believing him. "Okay," she barely whispered.
He smiled a little bit, "why don't you lay down for a bit? Try to sleep."
"I can't," Linda yawned again, fighting the sleep that had wanted to take her hours ago. She looked at her watch; one in the morning.
"C'mon, babe. They said he's just gonna sleep. He'd want us to do the same."
"Danny's right," Jamie spoke up, everyone turning to him. "Dad wouldn't want us all stressing ourselves out, when all he's doing is sleeping. If something goes awry, the doctors will tell us."
Erin sighed, "I feel wrong; sleeping when he's in there."
"Tell you what. All you try to get some sleep," Henry took charge, "I'll stay up and wake you should something happen."
Linda looked at Danny, as if asking his permission.
He nodded, "lay down for a bit."
She kissed his lips, "I love you."
"I love you more."
"I love you most." She kissed him once more before settling down on the couch cushions. Her head was on Danny's lap, her legs curled to fit the length of the couch. "I'm not gonna sleep," she sleepily protested. "Just close my eyes."
Danny smiled as he carded his fingers through her hair, "of course." He knew she'd be out in a matter of minutes.
Jamie looked over at Danny and Linda a few minutes later. "Is she asleep?"
"Yup. Fastest sleeper I know... that didn't sound right, did it?"
"No." He shook his head. "Do you think Dad's gonna be okay?"
"Yeah, kid. I do. Do you think my stubborn-assery is just my trait? Pops and Dad- stubborn as they come."
"Damn straight," Henry agreed, keeping his eyes on Frank's door.
"But what if- I mean- it's harder for people his age to heal." Erin's worry was evident in her voice.
"He'll be okay, I know so. Try to get some sleep, okay? If we wanna get this ass, we gotta get at least some rest."
Erin and Jamie nodded, shifting to get comfortable. They were asleep within minutes as well.
Henry smiled, "still the protective older brother."
Danny shrugged. "Just doin' my job."