CHAPTER 11
A groan brought Dan out of the darkness he was floating in. His senses were muddled, and he felt like separate pieces of himself were floating around within him, disconnected to one another. Beneath his closed eyes, he saw blips of people’s faces, heard sounds, and smelled the salt of the Red Sea. He felt like a scuba diver who had gone too deep and was slowly ascending toward the bright light of the surface far above him. There was a dull ache on his left side. It was the discomfort that first snagged his shredded consciousness and forced him to try and focus.
The next thing that got his attention was a warm, soft hand resting on his right forearm. He stopped struggling to see where he was at and what was going on. Dan instinctively knew something was very wrong with him, but he couldn’t piece it together. That hand, steadying and stabilizing, is what he honed in on. It was a woman’s hand, and as soon as he realized that, a flash of Sloan’s face congealed out of the darkness. He groaned again, but this time, it was out of relief because he recognized her. His heart swelled and burst open. She was here. Beside him. Relief sizzled through his awakening body and mind.
There were voices around him now, soft and low, but he couldn’t make out who it was because his brain was incapable of interpreting what they were saying.
Dan didn’t know how long he lingered in that gray state of semi-consciousness, but at some point, the voices left.
Sloan stood next to Dan’s hospital bed and smiled as he barely opened his eyes. The blue color in them was cloudy, telling her that he was still in a heavily drugged state. “Welcome back,” she whispered, leaning forward, and placing a kiss on his wrinkling brow. To her surprise, she felt his fingers barely move as he tried to squeeze her hand in response. “You’re safe, Dan,” she told him, keeping her words simple and spoken slowly so he could grasp what she was saying. Opening his eyes, he stared up at her.
“Are you in pain, Dan?”
He barely managed to form the word no with his lips, but no sound came out. Her voice wobbled. “You’re going to live, Dan. You’re here with me.”
How badly he wanted to lift his arms and draw them around Sloan’s shoulders. Her brown hair was loose, shining in the light coming through the window. Dan closed his eyes again, feeling exhausted from battling to try and speak or move. Then, the darkness closed in on him once more.
*
“How’s he doing?” Tal asked as Sloan quietly shut the door to Dan’s hospital room. She knew Tal was going to drop by the hospital after work. Tal was dressed in a black wool pantsuit with an orange silk blouse beneath it that brought out her shoulder-length black hair and green eyes. She held a thick briefcase in her left hand.
“He’s emerging from the drug-induced coma,” she offered.
“Can I stay awhile and keep you company? You look whipped.”
Giving a weak shrug, Sloan said, “Thanks, but I want to remain with Dan through this. I don’t want him waking up with someone he doesn’t know. It will be confusing and stressful for him.”
Dr. Dara McKinley walked around the corner. She smiled at them. “Hey, how is Dan doing, Sloan? I thought I’d get off the pede’s floor and come down here to see if you need anything.”
Sloan gave her a grateful look. Since Dan arrived home in Alexandria two days ago, Dara had been a regular fixture in Sloan’s life. She was a pediatrician but had been helpful and someone to talk to about Dan’s condition. “I was going to go to the restroom. He’s in the in-and-out phase of the drug coma.”
Dara leaned over, hugging Tal. Dara was married to Tal’s younger brother, Matt. “What are you doing here, Tal?”
“Just dropped by to see if I could be of help. See how Dan’s coming along.”
Dara gave her a kind look. “You work too hard. You need to get home to Wyatt and get some well-earned rest.”
Tal snorted, giving Dara a wry glance. “And look at the kettle calling the pot black. Right. You’re here more than most other docs. I think you should take your own advice? I’ll bet Matt would love to see you home at a decent hour some night.”
Dara laughed and turned to Sloan, placing a hand on her shoulder. “What about you? What can we do for you?”
Tal rolled her eyes. “Hope you get further with her than I did.”
Sloan grinned tiredly, loving these two no-nonsense women. “Neither of you can afford time off. I’m happy being here with Dan. I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
Dara wriggled her arched blonde brows. “Now, that’s new, Sloan.”
Tal smiled faintly, giving Sloan a knowing look. “I think she’s sweet on Dan.”
“Maybe,” Sloan deadpanned.
Dara gave her a kind look. “Ohhhhh…I didn’t realize this.”
“Well, don’t go saying anything to Dan, okay? We’ve been separated for four years, and both of us thought our relationship with one another was over,” she muttered.
“Not by a long shot,” Tal murmured. “Does Dan know it yet?”
“No…I don’t think so. We had a serious talk earlier that same day we got attacked.”
“But where do you stand with him?” Tal demanded.
“I honestly don’t know,” Sloan admitted, shaking her head. “It’s complicated as hell.”
“When isn’t love?” Dara asked.
“Don’t give up on Dan just yet. There’s obviously something good there between the two of you.”
“Yeah,” Dara agreed good-naturedly, giving them a wide grin, “men mature more slowly than women.” She patted Sloan on the shoulder. “That’s a medical fact, by the way. So maybe, Dan has matured, and he’ll be a lot different in how he sees and relates to you from now on.”
“Well,” Tal warned, “when you get into a life-and-death experience, that changes you too. Maybe Dan getting shot and nearly dying, will help him orient to what a special person you are to him.”
“You two are great cheerleaders,” Sloan admitted, giving them a look of gratefulness. “I’m running pretty much on empty right now.”
“Then,” Dara said in her doctor’s tone, slipping her hand around Sloan’s arm, “let Tal sit with Dan while I take you down to the women’s locker room. I think you need a shower, a warm meal in your tummy, and some clean clothes.”
“I’ll stay until you two return,” Tal promised.
“Thanks,” Sloan said, reaching out and squeezing Tal’s hand.
“Do you need a change of clothes?” she asked. “You arrived here two days ago from Sudan, and I’m sure you could use some support in that direction.”
“I did bring a change of clothes,” Sloan said. Dara tugged her gently around the corner, leading her toward the bank of elevators near the nurse’s station. “I have a locker down there, Dara, but the last time I showered was yesterday.”
“You’re exhausted,” the doctor said, walking slowly, watching how Sloan limped along. “And who’s looking out for your wound?”
“No one. I refused treatment when they brought Dan in by ambulance from Andrews Air Force Base.”
“Then,” Dara informed her archly, halting in front of the elevator doors, “I’m going to take care of you. That wound dressing should be changed every day. I’ll do it for you. Do you have a water protective dressing over it?”
“Yes, they gave me one at the hospital in Port Sudan.”
Squeezing her arm, Dara led her through the opened doors. “Well, for the next hour or so, I’m going to care for you, Sloan. You need some TLC yourself.”
Leaning against the railing within the elevator, Sloan gave the doctor a faint smile. “Thanks…you’re a true friend.”
*
Sloan sat in the lounge chair beside Dan’s hospital bed. She hadn’t slept well, dozing off and on throughout the night. Thanks to Dara, she had a chance to wash her hair, take a shower, and put on a fresh set of clothes. Because she’d come straight from Sudan, she only had summer clothes with her, and the October weather in Alexandria was rainy, damp, and cold. Dara had brought over a soft, light green angora sweater for her, and Tal had given her the black wool coat she’d worn yesterday, so Sloan could stay warm if she went outside for a quick walk. They would be bringing her other clothes from her condo this morning. She honestly didn’t know what she’d do without all this help.
Dilara Culver was coming over at nine for a visit. She and her charity spared no expense for their people who did all the hard work in countries across the globe. Sloan was grateful. Dan had a heck of a lot better chance of recovery in the US.
She stood slowly, her back cranky from sleeping in an uncomfortable position all night. The doctor had been in earlier to remove the last of the drugs that would allow Dan to finally come out of the drug-induced coma. She told Sloan that by noon Dan should be fully awake, but that it would take another twenty-four hours for the drugs to completely wash out of his bloodstream.
The door slowly opened, and Tal peeked around the door. She smiled and quietly stepped into the room. In her hand, she carried a piece of canvas luggage.
“Got your winter gear here,” Tal said, smiling at her. She set the bag down next to where Sloan sat. “How’s Dan doing?”
“He came in and out of the coma last night a few times. Right now I think he’s sleeping. The doctor took him off the rest of the drugs at seven a.m. She says he’ll probably wake up around noon.”
Tal stood at the end of the bed, her focus on Dan. “That’s good news. How’s he doing otherwise?”
“The doctor checked the surgery scar on his left side and said he’s doing great. All his vitals are strong and stable, too.”
“Phew. That’s good news for everyone. My mom is a strong believer in prayer. She asked her local mosque to have everyone pray for you and Dan.”
Touched, Sloan looked up into Tal’s green eyes. She could feel the woman’s concern for both of them. “That’s so sweet of her. The power of prayer has been proven to help.”
“It does. Mom is coming over at nine to visit you two,” Tal warned. “My uncles and aunts just arrived last night from Turkey for a three-week visit—and they brought a ton of great Turkish food with them.” Tal patted her shoulder. “I think she’s bringing over some soup and desserts for both of you. Be prepared.” Tal grinned warmly.
“You have no idea how much all of this means to me. Dilara treats us as if we’re her family. I’m so grateful,” Sloan whispered, swallowing her rising emotions.
Tal chuckled. “Oh, get used to it. My mom sees everyone who works for Delos as her extended family. That’s in part why she and my dad created Artemis. She doesn’t want her “children” being kidnapped or killed by those who have sworn vengeance against Delos.”
Grinning, Sloan slowly stood, feeling the stiffness in her left calf. Dara had cleaned it out, given it a brand new dressing, and put a watertight bandage around it yesterday. “Family is everything,” she agreed. “And I love Turkish food.” She glanced at Dan. “I don’t know if he will feel like eating right after he becomes conscious, but I know I’ll take anything Dilara wants to give us.”
Tal nodded, her lips twitching. “Well, Mom will bring you wonderful food, for sure…but she’s got some other things to speak to you about, so this will be more than just a casual visit, Sloan.”
“Okay,” she said, moving slowly, feeling the pain in her gunshot wound. “We can cover that stuff out in the hall. I want Dan to sleep.”
Tal gave Dan a long, studied look. “Yeah, I talked with Dara by phone last night after I got home. I asked her about Dan’s recovery and how long it would take. She said a minimum of eight weeks.”
“That’s right.”
“Dara said he’s going to need round-the-clock care for the first four weeks and after that another four weeks of recovery and not being able to do much for himself.”
“Right,” Sloan agreed.
Frowning, Tal said, “My mom talked this over with me last night after dinner. She’s come up with a plan, and I hope you’ll agree with it.”
“That’s fine. I’ll be happy to listen to whatever she wants.”
Tal gave her a warning glance. “My mom is a tour-de-force, Sloan. You are now on the receiving end of her considerable focus and abilities. Just be adaptable when she tells you what she thinks is best for Dan?”
“Sure,” she said, mystified by the amusement burning deep in Tal’s eyes.
Pointing to the canvas bag she’d set on a nearby chair, Tal said, “winter clothes in the bag for you. I know Dara is going to be checking on you off and on today. She’s taken a second shift because the pediatrician who was supposed to be on duty is out sick. She’s off tomorrow for some well-earned rest.”
“She’s been a real guardian angel for us,” Sloan said, choking up with emotion. Tears burned in her eyes and she forced them away.
“That’s Dara for you. My brother is so damned lucky he found her. She’s so special.”
Tal came over, giving her a gentle embrace. “Now listen, if you need anything, you’ve got my number.” She gripped Sloan’s shoulders, giving her a slight shake. “Speak up. Speak out. We’re here to make this transition for you and Dan as painless as possible.”
“Yes. Thanks for all that you’re doing to help us right now,” she choked out.
Tal released her and growled, “You are family to us. We’re here to circle the wagons and help you both get healed. Whatever you need? You call me. I’ll be there for you.”
“You have no idea how important that is,” Sloan said, overwhelmed with emotions.
Tal walked to the door and opened it. “Remember, Mom will be the whirling dervish coming to visit you at nine. You’ve been warned.” She chuckled and lifted her hand in farewell.
*
Dilara Culver arrived promptly at nine a.m. She had her assistant, Abby, bring in several bags holding containers of soup and Turkish desserts. Sloan had met Dilara several times in the past and smiled as they quietly tiptoed into Dan’s hospital room. Dilara had her red hair in a braid down her back. Her aquamarine eyes sparkled with welcome as she embraced Sloan gently, kissing her cheeks three times, a sign that she was family and not just an acquaintance or friend. She introduced Abby, who smiled and quickly took the bags of food and placed them on top of one of the dressers. She then said goodbye and left.
“How is Dan doing?” Dilara asked quietly, sliding her arm around Sloan’s waist.
Sloan could smell the dampness and rain on the camelhair coat Dilara wore. She had a bright red scarf knotted fashionably around her neck, the gold tassels on the ends hanging down the front of her coat. “He’s sleeping I think.” Sloan filled her in on what the doctors had said. The delicious scents of the food started to waft through the room, and Sloan’s stomach growled. Dilara raised an arched red brow, giving her stomach a significant look. Her red lips curved.
“Have you had breakfast yet, Sloan?”
“No,” she admitted.
Just then, Dara peeked into the room, waved, and entered. She immediately went over to Dilara. Warmth filled her chest as she saw Dilara hug her daughter-in-law with affection. Just being around Dilara infused Sloan with hope. This woman was truly a catalyst in the world, doing so much good for so many. Sloan did nothing but admire her. Now, she was getting a taste of her hands-on management style up front.
“Dara, dear? Do you mind coming and checking in on Dan periodically for the next hour? I’m going to take Sloan out of this hospital and drive over to a wonderful restaurant with the best breakfast in town. She hasn’t eaten yet.”
Dara smiled and released Dilara. “I’d be happy to do that for you.”
Sloan felt the worry slide off her shoulders.
“Wonderful, sweet Dara.” Dilara gently pinched Dara’s cheek, smiling. “We’ll be back in about an hour and a half. Dan isn’t supposed to wake up until noon, so all should be well here.”
“No problem. Go enjoy breakfast,” she urged them.
Sloan thanked her and grabbed Tal’s coat out of the closet, putting it on. She reached into the bag and found a dark blue knit cap, leather gloves, and a blue knit scarf. Putting them on, she smiled over at Dilara, who stood near the door, waiting for her. “How cold is it?”
“It’s sleeting,” she warned. “Cold and nasty out. The limousine is parked out front, and my driver will take us to the restaurant.” Reaching out, Dilara slid her arm around Sloan’s. “Come, we’ll walk out together. We have lots to chat about.”