You Are On My Mind

My Job Is To Protect

"All she needs is rest right now. I suggest you get some, too," the nurse told the detective. When he didn't budge, she tried again. "Nothing's going to come from you being here. I know Linda. She wouldn't want you worrying about her."
"It's my job to worry about her."
"Yes, I realize that-"
"My job is to serve and protect. As a police man and as a husband. And right now, I have to protect." Danny opened the door and walked in, closing it behind him. He took his shoes off and belt; both his holsters following. He dropped them on the chair and loosened his tie. Brief thoughts of what the tie was used for a few nights ago crossed his mind before he dropped the fabric to the chair as well. He loosened a few buttons on his shirt; he turned to the bed, then stopped. He looked at the gun in the chair; he took the gun in his hand and lifted the blankets.
Linda whimpered, and tried to put the blankets down.
"It's me, baby," Danny almost whispered.
"I thought I told you to go home."
Danny hated how her voice sounded like she was going to cry. "Since when have I listened to direct orders?"
She closed her eyes, just wishing the whole thing hadn't happened. She felt Danny get in the bed behind her, and his arm draped over her.
Danny kissed her cheek, and hated how she tasted like tears. "I love you."
"I love you more."
"I love you most..... it'll be okay, Linda. Tru-"
Linda jumped and quickly sat up. Her face immediately scrunched in pain.
"What? What? What happened?"
"Your- it's- wha...." she closed her eyes, and the tears started coming.
"Oh, baby. What's wrong?"
"I.... your gun."
"Huh? Oh, yeah. I wanna keep it close." He watched her nod, "try to sleep?"
"I can't."
"Yes, you can. Come on," he helped her lie on the side that didn't have a bullet removed from it a few hours ago. He tucked the blankets around her, then kissed her cheek. "I'm gonna be right here, protecting you."
"Thank you," the scared blonde barely whispered.
***********
Danny frowned, watching his wife shiver. She hadn't been able to sleep at all; finally, she restlessly dozed, softly crying in her sleep. He carefully extracted himself from the bed and quietly snuck out of the room. He walked up to the nurses desk. "Excuse me."
The nurse looked up, and then smiled a little bit amused. "Yes?"
"Can I get an extra blanket please?"
"Of course. I'll be just a minute."
Danny turned around and watched his wife's hospital door. He was going to protect her at all costs.
"Here you go, sir."
"Thank you." He smiled a little and went back to the room. He put the blanket over her, and got back under the covers. He tucked the blankets around her, and dropped the same protective arm over her. "G'night, baby. Remember I love you. So much." He kissed her cheek, then her shoulder. He needed to get some sleep if he was going to catch the bastard that hurt his wife.
*********
"Detective.... detective.... Detective!"
Danny sleepily lifted his gun, "M'no' movin'."
"Danny," Linda patted his arm, ignoring the nurse beside her. "It's time to get up."
"'Kay." He sat up, still half asleep.
"Babe, go home. Get changed, and get that kid."
Danny nodded, "okay. But I'll be back. And I'll be checking on you."
She nodded, and smiled a little when he kissed her cheek.
"I love you."
"Love you more."
"Love you most. Bye." He kissed her lips and slid out of bed. He was going to get that son of a bitch if it was the last thing he did.