Single and Seeking Barson story

Chapter 35

Barba rushed into the hospital, happy it was not yet 5PM. He hoped Olivia finally had an appetite, and that she would enjoy the food he ordered for her. He sprinted to the front desk, placed the bag of food down next to him, and scribbled his name quickly on the guest sign in sheet. As he grabbed the bag of food off the floor next to him, he caught a nurse smiling in his direction. The closer he got to Olivia's room the calmer he felt. By the time he exited the elevador, he had almost no anxiety, but that was short lived. When Olivia's room came into view, he was hit by fresh waves of fear and anger. He walked faster, and finally he was standing in front of his best friend's unguarded hospital room. He took a deep breath. His green eyes slowly focused on a man strolling up to the room with a cup of coffee in hand.

"Hi Mr. Barba." The officer said, as though he didn't have a care in the world.

"How long have you been gone?" Barba said in a low angry voice. The officer was silent.. "Let me rephrase. Officer Peterson, How long has this room been unguarded?"

"Let me explain, the officer said.

"How long?""Barba asked, getting argier by the second.

"A while.

"As long as Lieutenant Benson is in this hospital, she is supposed to have 24 hour security."

"I know."

"And you leave her? For what? To get coffee. If you need a break, you call someone to cover for you. You could have asked me to bring you some coffee. You don't leave her alone."

Barba walked closer to the hospital room door, and opened it. His green eyes took in the sight of his best friend lying in the hospital bed, He walked as quietly as he could into the room. In front of the bed was a small table on wheels, he placed the food bag on it. He approached Olivia and gently placed his right hand on top of hers. She was warm and breathing. He watched her sleep for a moment, before walking out again. He was not done with officer Shawn Peterson.

Shawn Peterson watched as Barba quietly shut the door. He watched as Barba walked in his direction and stopped in front of him. The officer saw that Barba was livid and trying hard to cope with all the emotions swirling inside him. "I'm sorry." officer Peterson said, "What do you want me to do?" He regretted speaking the second he heard himself.

"What do I want you to do? I want you to do your job. If you can't do it, find another way to make a living." Barba's courtroom voice dripped with outrage, but he kept it quiet. He didn't want to disturb patients or staff. He wanted things done right, he wanted Olivia protected.

"I know you're pissed off". officer Peterson replied in a thick Brooklyn accent . "I get it. The Lieutenant... she doesn't want me around, and I don't blame her. I wouldn't want to be watched." Barba silently shook his head in disgust. It was a waste of time to say anything more to Shawn Peterson. it would only make things worse.

"I'm sorry." He heard officer Peterson repeat. Barba ignored him, and quickly walked back into Olivia's room closing the door behind him. He found Olivia sitting up in bed.

"Counselor What's wrong?" She asked, a mixture of happiness, and worry in her voice.

"Nothing", he answered. He wanted to say I can't believe they put such an idiot in charge of your security, but he kept his mouth shut.

"Rafa talk to me." He walked toward the bed, and sat in the chair beside it.

"Nothing now." He replied looking into his best friend's beautiful brown worry filled eyes. He gave her a half smile before speaking again. "How are you?" He asked softly.