This morning Jaime ran on the treadmill for an hour and let her thoughts wander. She unsuccessfully tried to work her way through her personal problems. She was glad Rudy had suggested she have her yearly medical physical a week early hoping to take her mind off whatever was troubling her. When they started the testing Rudy inquired as to how things were going. She confessed that she may have messed things up with both Steve and Chris. She explained that Chris did not take it well when she broke off their engagement and she hadn’t seen or heard from him since he packed some of his belongings and left the house. Rudy asked about Steve. Jaime was sullen as she described how she had left him. She also confided about her knowledge of Steve’s contract with the OSI knowing that Rudy would never break their patient-doctor confidentiality. This was the first he had heard of the contract. Rudy was not surprised; he knew Steve would sacrifice anything for Jaime’s happiness.

The first half of the testing had taken all morning. Her legs checked out fine. Early afternoon involved her hearing unit which also worked without difficulty. Throughout the day so far Jaime found the more she talked about her problems the more relaxed she was becoming. Rudy was right she really couldn’t do anything until Steve returned so she should stop worrying. As the afternoon progressed they moved on to testing her arm. As Rudy attached the monitors he was summoned to the phone by his secretary.

“Dr. Wells there is an urgent call for you.”

Rudy immediately went to his desk to take the call. It was short and after hanging up the receiver he sat a few seconds to collect his thoughts. Jaime approached the desk slowly.

“Rudy?” She called concerned over the grim look on his face. “Are you alright?”

Rudy looked up at her. “That was Oscar. He’s en-route here by helicopter and needs me to meet him at the helipad on the roof.” He stood up. Jaime held her breath as he continued. There was no time to soften the blow. “Steve’s been shot.”

“How bad?”

Rudy took a deep breath and finished the news, “He’s was shot once in the head.”

Jaime felt like she was punched in the stomach as her right arm came across her waist and her other hand went to her mouth. “Oh my God,” was muffled as it left her lips. She sank into a chair. After a few seconds the weight of the news sank in and her eyes began to fill with unshed tears. Rudy moved to her side quickly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Jaime he’s not dead. We have to think positive. I’m sorry but I need to go.”

“I’m coming with you.” She jumped to her feet.

He looked into her tear-filled eyes seeing the strong determination behind them. “Jaime I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Just try and stop me!” She challenged as she brushed by him and out the door.

Rudy could only shake his head in resignation as he turned to follow her. On his way past his secretary he ordered her to get his 3 member team assembled and have them meet him with a gurney and oxygen at the elevator. She nodded and began dialing the phone number.

As Rudy, Jaime and the treatment team exited the stairwell onto the medical center roof all eyes were turned upward toward the dull black copter slowing to land. The side door was open. Oscar and the corpsman could be seen moving an inert Steve to the door’s edge. The medical team fought the rotor blast as they rushed forward. They gingerly transferred the limp form to the gurney.

During the elevator ride down an oxygen mask was applied to his face and Rudy cut off the bandage to assess the wounds, the team awaited his instructions.

“As soon as we reach the exam room I want a new set of vital signs, an I.V. placed into his right subclavian and someone call nuclear medicine. Tell them we need a CT scan of his head stat. The team members nodded in unison but Rudy didn’t notice as his eyes never left his gravely injured patient.

Checking the pupillary reflex of Steve’s right eye he spoke, “Corpsman?”

“Yes Sir.”

“Any brain tissue found at the site?” The doctor asked without looking up. It was always a definitive sign of brain damage.

“No sir.”

“Did you get a look at his right eye during the flight?”

“Yes sir, the reflex was normal.”

“Are you sure?” Rudy made direct eye contact with the young military man.

“Yes sir.”

“It’s definitely slower than normal now. Was his eye this bloodshot?”

“No sir, it wasn’t bloodshot at all.”

“Alright that’s all corpsman, Thanks.”

The news was not uplifting to Rudy. The signs he was seeing in Steve’s eye could mean bleeding, brain swelling or both.

The elevator doors slid smoothly open the corpsman stood stationary and watched the team quickly wheel Steve Austin to the examination room. He hit the button for the elevator to return him to the roof. He wasn’t betting on a positive outcome. The doors closed and he felt inadequate.

Oscar was walking with an arm around Jaime’s tense shoulders since she met them on the roof. Watching Steve being wheeled across the threshold he stopped outside the doorway. Jaime just lightly shrugged off his arm and continued ambulating into the examination room undeterred. He felt he had seen enough already but reluctantly followed her knowing she would need his support. Jaime and Oscar deposited themselves stoically in a corner so not to interfere with the treatment team’s efficiency.

Rudy continued to bark orders, “Jane get these clothes cut off and get a catheter inserted. I suspect he will be out for some time, and then get an EKG hooked up. Sarah was on the phone calling the nuclear medicine department. Pam was already finishing up collecting a new set of vital signs when Rudy looked up at her.

“Respirations are 16 per minute and shallow, blood pressure is 90/80, pulse is 120 and thready,” she stated mechanically. She immediately moved to insert the IV line just below Steve’s right clavicle. Jane was already taking a pair of surgical scissors to Steve’s navy blue pants and white shirt. His business tie abandoned on the chopper.

Rudy questioned Oscar about any responsiveness since he had found him. Oscar related that during the turbulence he did hear him groan. Suddenly Rudy was hopeful and began calling Steve’s name trying to get a response. None came. Rudy then began rubbing the knuckles of his closed fist on Steve’s sternum. It was a well known technique that frequently aroused an unconscious or semi-comatose patient. Rudy tried twice but received nothing but stillness from his patient. He double checked that Steve was stable before ordering the team to move him quickly to get the brain scan. He knew he couldn’t make a definitive diagnosis or provide effective treatment without more tests. If there was swelling in the brain he would need to administer large doses of anti-inflammatory drugs but if there was any bleeding in the brain the drugs would cause him to bleed to death.

Two of the nurses pushed the gurney down the hall as the third nurse began cleaning up the examination room. Rudy walked over to Oscar and Jaime. They both stood stone still while Rudy explained Steve’s situation.

“He’s alive. His vitals signs are weak but stable, that was the first hurdle. The bullet apparently entered his right frontal bone and exited out the right parietal bone.” Rudy gestured pointing to the area above his right eye then turned slightly and pointed to the area behind his right ear. Turning back to his friends he went on, “Now this could mean two things. One, the bullet made a direct path through his head or two, the bullet traveled along the inside curvature of his skull. We won’t know until the CT scan is done.”

“Brain damage?” Oscar asked

“That’s hard to say right now. If the bullet took a direct path it’s almost a definite. If it curved around the brain the only damage I might expect would be from swelling, bleeding or infection. Unfortunately any of those three possibilities can cause just as much damage as a bullet if not treated quickly.”

Oscar inquired further, “What are the odds it didn’t make a direct path?”

“I don’t know it depends on the angle from which the gun was fired. If it was fired from directly in front of him the odds are good it went straight through. If the gun was fired to Steve’s left it could have just gone around. Don’t forget Steve has a metal plate in the right side of his head from his plane crash which may have altered the bullet’s path too. You know bullets can do very strange things once they enter the human body.”

Oscar nodded his affirmation as Rudy took a deep breath and finished his report, “As for the other things I’ve seen, the bloodshot eye, the slowing pupillary reflex and the unresponsiveness leads me to believe something progressive is happening in his head, probably bleeding, swelling or both. We just need to wait and see.”

Oscar nodded again as Rudy turned his attention to Jaime and noticed her silent demeanor. Her face was pale and he realized he hadn’t seen her move or even blink.

“Jaime?” he said placing a hand on her cheek. At his touch she broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. Rudy and Oscar exchanged a sad glance as they escorted Jaime to the visitor’s lounge. Once she was seated Oscar left to make a call. Rudy studied Jaime wondering if a sedative might be warranted. Jaime slowly regained some emotional control before speaking. She took a deep breath and asked, “When can I see him?” It was barely audible.

Rudy knelt in front of her, held her hand and answered, “Soon Jaime, soon.”

Rudy understood how this situation distressed her. He also knew it had been days since she slept a full night’s sleep. There was much she needed to say to Steve, even if he may not hear her.

Within an hour and a half after his arrival Steve was in the operating room. Dr. Wells and his surgical team needed to repair the holes in Steve’s skull bones with a synthetic ceramic material. The CT scan found no direct brain damage from the bullet itself and no internal bleeding. However, as the bullet followed the inside of the skull it did damage the thin membrane that lies between the brain and skull causing swelling. The swelling had progressed to the point that there was some pressure on the right parietal lobe of the brain. Rudy was confident that it could be reversed with medication and hoped that surgery could be avoided.

Steve was moved to a small I.C.U. room where he could be constantly monitored. Before allowing her to see him, Rudy had already shared the mixed findings of the CT scan and the surgical outcome. He ushered Jaime into the room with an arm around her waist. He felt her slim body tense at the shock of seeing Steve. Jaime willed herself to be strong. She needed to see him, to touch him, to talk to him. Would he hear the words she needed him to hear? She wondered. Her eyes took in everything about the sterile looking room while her ears were assaulted by the constant beeping of the monitors.

Steve’s head was bandaged with gauze around his forehead. Wisp of his brown hair fell over the whiteness. His eyes were closed and his deathly white face was still. An oxygen mask covered his nose and mouth. His elevated upper body was bare except for the four electrodes that tethered him to the heart monitor. A thin cotton sheet was covering him from the waist down. A near empty catheter bag hung on a low bed rail near the floor.

She silently prayed this would not be how Steve would live out the rest of his life. Rudy watched as she warily approached the bed and gently laid her right hand on his bare chest. She could feel his chest rise and fall with each breath. It reassured her he was still alive. She reached out her left hand and placed it on his right cheek as a tear fell down hers. “He feels very hot.”

“He’s fighting an infection in the wound. We are giving him large doses of antibiotics through the IV to treat it.”

Jaime was silent.

The doctor assured her that even in his comatose state Steve could sense her presence and may even hear her words. Her eyes never left his handsome, chiseled face. She so desperately wanted to see those expressive blue eyes right now. Her hand left his cheek as she sat in a chair next to his bed while the other remained on his chest. Rudy left her to her thoughts and went to call Oscar who left for his office 30 minutes ago.

Every time Rudy checked on Steve Jaime was there. He tried to coax her into leaving if only to go eat something but she would not be persuaded. Occasionally he did bring her a sandwich and coffee for which she voiced her gratitude. She had lost a noticeable amount of weight in the past week. Rudy was becoming concerned for her health. He learned that the night nurses had provided her with toiletries and the hospital scrubs she was wearing as well as hot showers in the nurse’s locker room. He almost wished they hadn’t seeing that it only kept her here without much of a break. He was beginning to worry that a happy ending was not in their future the longer Steve remained in his coma.

By the forth day the Steve’s small improvements were more noticeable. His vital signs were improved and the supplemental oxygen was discontinued, but still he showed no sign of waking up. Rudy followed the same routine every few hours. Check his chart for any noted changes, take his vital signs, check his pupillary reflex and assess any response to physical and auditory stimuli. As he did his chores he tried to lure Jaime into conversation. He knew she was losing hope and it broke his heart.

“Jaime how are you holding up,” he tried to sound cheerful. She sat still in the straight chair with her knees pulled up to her chest and her chin resting on her knees. Right now she looked much younger than her age.

Staring at Steve’s face she shrugged, “Okay I guess. Why isn’t he awake Rudy? You said the swelling in his brain had subsided and the infection was under control.”

“I don’t know Jaime. Some things are controlled by higher powers. I’m afraid I don’t have that answer.”

He leaned toward the bed as he pulled a pen light out of the breast pocket of his white lab coat. Rolling Steve’s head towards him he lifted Steve’s right eyelid to check the eye’s reflex. As the direct light hit the pupil Steve flinched and groaned. Jaime jumped to her feet but kept her presence unknown. She knew it was more important for Rudy to assess Steve’s mental functions right now.

“Steve?” Rudy questioned.

Jaime held her breath and was rewarded with Steve’s voice although it was hoarse and weak

Steve blinked heavily and waited until his eyes could bring the image into focus. “Rudy?” He asked softly.

“That’s right. Welcome back.”

“God, my head feels like it was split with an ax. What happened?” He knew from experience that any movement of his head would just increase his pain. He communicated in a whisper.

“You were shot in the head.”

Steve let out a weak chuckle and Rudy asked why he found that funny. Steve replied, “I thought when people got shot in the head they didn’t feel anything.” He looked up a Rudy with tired eyes having no desire to move his head from its present position.

Rudy was relieved by Steve’s lighthearted comment and explained, “That’s only if they are killed instantly.”

“So why wasn’t I?” Steve closed his eyes hoping to quell the pounding of his head and the spinning of the room.

“Because you seem to have nine lives and you were very lucky. Would you care to answer a few questions for me?’

With his eyes still closed Steve gave a tiny nod, familiar with the routine.

“What’s your name?”

“Steven Austin”

“What are your parent’s names?”

“Jim and Helen Elgin”

“Do you know the date today?”

He thought a few seconds, “No.”

“How about the year?”

“1979.”

“Do you know where you are right now?”

“OSI Medical Center….California? Steve gave his best guess as he reluctantly opened his eyes again.

“That’s right. Do you remember anything that happened on your last assignment?”

“No.”

“What’s the last thing you do remember?”

Steve got a distant stare as he fought through the hammering in his head to recall the information requested, “My briefing with Oscar.”

“That was 8 days ago. Don’t worry it’s to be expected with this type of injury.” Rudy was content with Steve’s mental functioning so far. He planned on testing him further at a later date.

Steve was losing his battle to stay awake. He gratefully gave in wanting to put distance between him and the throbbing in his head.

Jaime stepped closer to the bed as Steve fell asleep and threw Rudy an exhausted smile. Rudy told her it was an excellent sign but he’d probably be in and out of consciousness frequently. He convinced her to go home and get a decent night’s sleep. It was already 9 p.m. He said she could visit with him tomorrow morning. She thanked Rudy and conveyed her gratitude for everything through a tight hug before leaving for home.

Rudy lay down on his office couch to rest a few hours. Since Steve came out of his coma he discarded his plan to go home for some sleep. He wanted to monitor him personally through the night. At midnight he returned to Steve’s room. There was a light on over the bed cascading a dim light over his patient whose eyes were closed. If he was asleep Rudy did not want to wake him. He quietly reviewed his chart, not finding anything new. He looked over the notes from the last 24 hours and was happy to see his vital signs were normal and consistent. Rudy looked forward to moving him to a regular room and getting rid of the monitors and the catheter.

As he began to take Steve’s pulse he was surprised to see Steve slowly turned his head towards him and open his eyes.

“You’re awake.”

“Yeah,” he exhaled, “Hard to sleep with this pounding headache.” His right hand came up to rub his eyes.

“Would you like me to give you something to help you sleep?” Rudy offered.

“Not right now.” His hand moved up to the bandage around his head. “This was a close one wasn’t it?” His tone was serious.

“Yes, you could say that.”

“I’ll never make it through 6 more….” His whisper trailed off.

Rudy heard and understood the meaning behind the comment but feigned ignorance. “What are you talking about?”

“Nothing.” He looked down at the discs on his chest and then in the direction of the incessant beeping next to his bed. “Can we take these off now?”

“Sure.” Rudy turned off the monitor and began removing the electrodes realizing the beeping sound was probably aggravating an already intense headache.

“How long was I out?”

“Four days. You definitely had all of us worried.”

“All of us?”

“Me, Oscar and especially Jaime. She didn’t leave this room for more than the 20 minutes it took to shower and change each day. She’s been here for four days. She just went home this evening after you woke up. If you could’ve stayed awake longer you could’ve talked with her.” Rudy thought Steve would be pleased.

Steve had a concerned look on his face remembering his last conversation with her. Rudy, misreading the cause of the concern, continued, “Don’t worry I know she will be back here first thing in the morning.”

Rudy looked down as Steve spoke, “Rudy I don’t want to see her right now.” Rudy’s hands stopped what they were doing and he stared at his patient. Steve continued in a soft tone, “I can’t handle her right now.”

Rudy removed the final electrode and nodded his intent honor his patient’s request, “What do I tell her?”

“Tell her whatever you want. Tell her I’m too tired, tell her anything. I just can’t deal with this right now.” His hand once again rubbed his forehead and he squeezed his eyes shut trying to will the intense pain away.

“Okay.” He knew this was not the time for Steve to deal with such sensitive issues. Maybe this relationship wasn’t going to turn out like everyone expected. “How about I get you that sedative now?”

Steve just gingerly nodded his head keeping his eyes covered with his hand. Rudy quickly returned with the drug filled syringe and injected it into the intravenous line inserted just below Steve’s right collar bone. Steve removed his hand from his head and saw the concern on his friend’s face and reassured him, “Thanks Rudy, for everything. Don’t worry, Jaime and I will talk when I don’t feel so sluggish and I can think more …”

Steve didn’t see the doctor nod his acknowledgement as he drifted off to a peaceful sleep.

Jaime was surprised to see Chris’ car in the driveway when she returned home. He was watching TV in the living room when she tentatively entered. He smiled at her as she greeted him.

“Jaime you look awful. Are you feeling alright?” He was genuinely concerned as he watched her sit in the chair.

“Yeah, it’s just been a rough few days. I didn’t expect you to be here.” She was being truthful after the way he stormed out.”

“Well while I was on my business trip I had time to calm down think things through. I know my behavior was immature. I hoped we could talk about it more.”

Jaime was so tired she didn’t even want to broach the subject of their engagement which she figured was no longer up for discussion. “How did your trip go?” She said thinking she had changed the subject.

“Oh…ah… it went as expected. I hope to see the results of my efforts come to fruition within the next few weeks.”

“I see. Did you hear Steve was shot?”

“No…are you serious?”

“Yes, on his last assignment. I’ve been at the hospital since they brought him in.” She rubbed the back of her neck trying to relieve some of the tension that perched itself there. Chris moved around behind her and began rubbing out the stubborn knots. Jaime moaned as the muscles were kneaded. “Oh, that’s feels good.”

“So how bad was he hurt?” Chris was expecting a terminal answer.

“He was shot in the head but he’s hanging in there. He awoke from his coma just before I left.”

“You mean he was shot in the head and lived? That’s unbelievable! Does Rudy expect there to be brain damage?”

“He still doesn’t know yet. So far things are looking good. The bullet actually went around his brain. He’s being treated for the swelling and infection it caused.”

“Did you get a chance to talk to him? Does he know who shot him?” Chris held his breath.

“No but maybe tomorrow when I go back I can. I do know the last thing he remembers is his briefing with Oscar before this mission.” She slowly pulled away from him suddenly feeling uncomfortable with his touch. “If you don’t mind I think I’ll go to bed. I’ll sleep in the guest room tonight.”

Chris realized his plan may take longer to play out. Jaime wouldn’t even sleep in the same bed with him. He knew he needed to give her space but not without very close monitoring. Steve was awake and talking. It may only be a matter of days before his memory comes back. He was supposed to die out there dammit!!!! Oh well, he thought, since no one knows I was there they can’t prove a thing.

Oscar was in a 10 a.m. meeting with his three of his four top agents sifting through the evidence collected on Steve’s assignment. As expected most of the heavy weights escaped capture but they had solid leads. Unfortunately it looked like both John Enders and Carlos got out of the country in record time. Oscar’s only hope was that they didn’t end up in a country that would refuse to extradite them. He wanted them hung for shooting his friend.

The fourth OSI agent, an ex- CIA agent named Scott, arrived at the meeting 15 minutes late which annoyed Oscar to no end. When the agent showed the evidence he acquired in the last hour Oscar’s annoyance turned to sheer gratitude as it solved a major part of the puzzle. There was an unknown guest at the party no one expected and Scott had the proof. He handed Oscar a folder containing 5 photographs, each one taken by a satellite that was traveling over the Enders property at the same time Steve was shot. The first 3 pictures showed five human figures in a small circle around a sixth one. The fourth photo showed two men, one on his knees and the other looking up toward the sky. With enhancement they could clearly see his face. The last and final showed, also with some enhancement, the same man firing a weapon. There was no doubt who pulled the trigger. Oscar just couldn’t believe the identity of the guilty party, Chris Williams. Every agent in the room was silent viewing the damaging evidence. Oscar spoke deliberately as he could barely control the anger rising up inside his chest, “I want the four of you to get over to Chris’ house and bring him back here. Use whatever force is necessary. I want him in custody by noon today. Do you understand me?”

“Yes sir,” was the collective response as they all headed for the door. Oscar sat in his high-back leather chair and wondered how Jaime and Steve would take the news.

The following morning, after another sleepless night, she and Chris spoke again about their relationship but Jaime reiterated her decision to call off her engagement to him. She left him pleading in the driveway as she pulled away. She realized he hadn’t been acting like himself these past few months but shelved the thought as she began worrying about Steve. She returned to the hospital at 10:30 a.m., later than she expected, looking as tired as she did last evening. Rudy intercepted her outside of Steve’s room. He could think of several other things he would rather be doing right now, like a having a root canal, that would be far less painful than what he had to do.

“Rudy how is he?”

“He’s doing better. Sometime today I’m having him moved to a regular room.”

“That’s great! Is it okay to see him now? Is he awake?”

“Jaime we need to talk.” She eyed him wondering if Steve’s prognosis was less than favorable. The doctor guided her to a chair in the empty lounge. “Jaime, Steve was awake when I went to check on him last night. I told him he could expect a visit from you this morning.” He sighed heavily and went on, “He said he didn’t want to see you right now…that he can’t handle the situation between you and him now.” He waited for her response patiently.

“I understand Rudy. I figure I deserve it after our last conversation at the lake. He is going to recover right?”

“Yes, I think so. There doesn’t seem to be any permanent damage. Although the last thing he remembers happened 8 days ago but that’s to be expected with this type of trauma. I was just about to check in on him. How about you join me for some coffee and breakfast when I’m through.”

“Sure,” was her half-hearted reply punctuated with a weak smile.

“Okay, I’ll be back in about 15 minutes,” He glanced at his watch and strode off.

With his job completed Rudy quietly exited Steve’s room and, as promised, escorted Jaime to the hospital cafeteria. He informed her that Steve was sleeping and not to worry. He reassured her that Steve wants to see her as soon as he is feeling stronger.

Oscar glanced at the wall clock as he stood outside Rudy’s office door. The hands displayed 11:30 a.m. He needed to talk with the doctor and Jaime if she was here. Frustrated they were not immediately available he headed to the ICU. He padded to the bed and watched his friend sleep quietly. The only visible remnant of his horrible ordeal was a small square of gauze taped to his right forehead with paper tape. As he turned to leave he heard Steve weakly call his name.

“Oscar?”

He turned and was rewarded with a feeble smile from his friend. “Hey pal, I thought you were asleep. How are you feeling?”

“Alright considering. I hope you’re not here to debrief me.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m afraid I won’t be of any help since the last thing I remember was your briefing before you dropped me off. That was what 8, 9 days ago.”

“I see. So you don’t remember anything? Not even getting shot?”

“Nope. Do you have some information yet on what went down?” He nodded toward the file in Oscar’s hand.

“Ah…this…well actually it does pertain to your mission. I wanted to talk to Rudy to make sure you were up to discussing it first.”

Steve couldn’t stand to wait. He was bored being trapped in this room and wanted something or someone to fill the gaps in his memory. “Well, as you can see the doctor is not here but I am and, as the patient, I can tell you I’m well enough to review the information you have.” Oscar hesitated. “Oscar I’m fine except for this nasty headache. Please…” He held out his hand for the file.

Opening the folder Oscar began, “We weren’t able to capture John Enders or Carlos, his right hand man. We did get 4 employees of his organization. They’ll be serving stiff prison sentences for treason and security breeches.”

“What about attempted murder of a Federal Agent?” He pointed to his head.

“Well…actually none of the men was the one who pulled the trigger. None of them even saw it happen.”

“If none of them pulled the trigger, who did?” Steve was somewhat annoyed.

“Steve are you sure you are up to this?”

“Yes I’m sure, now who fired the gun Oscar?” He was now into frustrated.

Oscar took a deep breath and answered, “Chris Williams.”

“Chris Williams! Are you crazy? What would Chris be doing there and why would he want to shoot me? Where the hell did you get your information from?” Both hands instantly went to his head when Steve realized his mistake. He felt like his head just shattered into pieces.

“Steve calm down. You know me well enough to know that I don’t throw accusations around lightly. I have all the evidence I need right here. There’s not even a need for you to testify.”

“Please let me see that file.” Forcing himself to stay calm.

Oscar didn’t feel Steve should have to view photographs of his own attempted execution but he knew Steve would not believe him without seeing them. He handed the file to Steve with a verbal warning, “There are some gruesome pictures in here. You may not want to see them.”

“Thanks, I’ll consider myself forewarned,” Grabbing the file he quickly he leafed through the documentation knowing any attempt to read right now would be next to impossible. He continued until coming to the satellite photos. He eyed each of the five pictures carefully while Oscar watched his friend’s reaction. What a surreal experience Steve thought. He looked at the close-up of him and Chris but it was like the kneeling man in the photo was someone else. He still could not recall one single minute of the experience. Without comment, he returned the pictures to the folder and handed the file back to Oscar.

“Does Jaime know?” expressing his sincere concern for her.

“No. I came here to talk with her.”

“This is really going to shake her, you know?” He said sullenly.

“Yes, I know but she needs to be told immediately. I sent 4 agents to pick him up. I don’t want her anywhere near him.”

Steve was looking exhausted after digesting the information Oscar had given him. His first thought was to go to Jaime but he knew he was still too weak to even stand. Noticing him fighting the much needed sleep Oscar made a suggestion, “Why don’t you get some sleep and I’ll stop in this evening?” Steve nodded before conceding to sleep.

Oscar left his room in search of Jaime. He didn’t have to go far. Rudy and Jaime were getting off the elevator as he exited the ICU. He decided to tell them together after ushering them into an empty room and closing the door. With everyone seated he began explaining how his agents complied the evidence he held in his hand. He did his best to cushion the blow.

“Jaime some information that came out in the investigation of Steve’s last assignment is going to upset and shock you.” Dr. Wells and Jaime looked at him confused. “We found the person who not only exposed Steve as an operative but is also the person who shot him.”

“Who? Jaime asked.

Oscar looked at Rudy then back at Jaime. There was no easy way to break this news. “It was Chris. Chris Williams.”

Jaime went numb. It had to be another Chris. It had to be! Her mind and heart were screaming. Rudy’s face mirrored the shock of his friend. Putting a hand on her shoulder Oscar apologized for having to do his job.

“No. It couldn’t be him. He wouldn’t do such a thing! I know him!”

“Jaime we have proof. Proof strong enough to put him away and that’s without Steve’s testimony.”

“I don’t believe you! I want to see your so-called proof!”

“No Jaime I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Oscar, I want to see it. I need to see it! My God, I was going to marry that man!” She was losing all perspective.

Oscar sighed, unwilling to release the whole file, moved to face them. He first held up the one photo showing Chris’ face then the other photo showing Steve and Chris. Jaime and Rudy leaned closer to view the condemning photo. There he was, Chris Williams, clear as day, with a revolver pointed at Steve’s head. They both took note of the fact Steve was on his knees with his arms behind his head. It was definitely not a case for self-defense. There was no mistake as the photograph had captured the muzzle flash as the weapon was discharged. Rudy, who was curious as to why Steve survived, looked closely at Chris’ position directly in front of his victim. Steve would recover all because Chris is right handed and fired with only one hand making the bullet entry into Steve’s head at an angle. If Chris would have taken a two-handed stance Steve probably would have been killed instantly. There was silence in the room as the visual information was digested.

“Does Steve know?” Oscar found it interesting that both Jaime and Steve asked similar questions after seeing the photo.

“Yes, I spoke with him.”

“How did he take the news,” Rudy inquired concerned.

“He had the same reaction as Jaime. He demanded to see the evidence.”

“You actually showed him this picture?” Rudy could not believe Oscar could be so cold.

“He looked at all of them.”

“My God Oscar what are you trying to do to him? Do you realize the damage you may have caused?”

“Rudy calm down. Steve still has no memory of the assignment. In fact he commented that it was looking at a photo of someone else. Then he fell asleep.”

“I still want to check on him.” Rudy stated as he quickly left the room.

“What’s going to happen to Chris now?” She asked softly not really caring about the answer.

“I’ve already sent agents to pick him up.” Jaime stood to leave. “Where are you going?”

“Home.” Jaime said sternly

“Jaime, I don’t want you in the middle of it.”

“I have news for you Oscar. Apparently I’ve been in the middle of this for a long time. I just didn’t know it.” With that she left.

Rudy was relieved to find Steve peacefully asleep. He had ordered a mild sedative to keep him resting. He hoped that viewing those photographs didn’t cause any psychological damage. When he quietly closed the door Oscar informed him that Jaime left to return home and he was headed back to the office to see if Chris was brought in yet. Oscar was more than a little anxious to here Chris’ story.

On her way to her house Jaime hoped Chris would not be there. As she pulled near the property she witnessed the OSI agents and 2 local police officers securing the scene with yellow tape. She never imagined she would ever see her home labeled as a crime scene. Exiting her vehicle she was intercepted by Ted Young an agent she knew from her days with the OSI.

“Jaime what are you doing here? You can’t go in there?” he grabbed her by the arm.

“Ted, Where’s Chris?”

“In there.” He pointed to the house. “Jaime Chris is dead.” He saw the grief slowly shade her face and the shock envelope her. He assisted her in sitting on the side of the raised planter bed in the front yard. Not letting her go he added, “I’m so sorry.”

“How did it happen?” Her voice barely controlled.

“When we arrived to arrest him he resisted. We tried to subdue him when he grabbed a weapon and shot a local officer in the leg. We returned fire.” He didn’t feel she needed to hear that to all who witnessed the scene Chris wanted to die. It was an impossible situation for him to survive. Ted still couldn’t believe he did it. He stayed with her for awhile when the coroner’s van pulled up. Ted wanted to take Jaime away from the scene. He offered her a lift but Jaime felt she had no where to go. When they were wheeling Chris’ lifeless body out in a large black bag she finally asked Ted to take her back to the hospital. There was only one person who could comfort her right now. He got her settled in the car and drove her from the depressing scene.

During the afternoon the hospital staff had moved Steve to a regular room. All the monitors were gone as well as the uncomfortable catheter. Once he was settled in he was permitted to walk around his room with the assistance of staff. The nurse helped him walk unsteadily into the bathroom. She left alone him to wash up and shave by himself for the first time since he was admitted. When finished he felt like himself again but after taking a good look at himself in the mirror he realized how old and weary he looked. Retiring to his bed he realized the effort took more out of him than he expected. Being beyond tired he could only entertain a fitful sleep. He was tossing and turning feeling helpless and thinking of what Jaime must be going through. He soon felt the presence of someone in his room. He turned his head to the right and slowly opened his eyes. Jaime kept her distance not sure if she would be welcome.

“Jaime?” He whispered.

She stepped forward and Steve could see she was barely controlling her emotions.

Quietly she said, “I know you told Rudy you didn’t want to see me right now but I needed to be sure you were okay. I also wanted to tell you… how sorry I am… that all of this happened.”

“So Oscar told you about Chris?”

Jaime nodded and at the sound of Chris’ name tears ran unchecked down her face. She just stared at the floor hugging herself. Steve did his best to console her not knowing the events that had transpired this afternoon.

“Jaime it’s okay. You are not responsible for Chris’ actions. I don’t blame you.”

“Steve, Chris was killed this afternoon. He resisted arrest and was shot.” She took a deep breath having difficulty saying it out loud for the first time. Her mind still trying to understand Chris’ unexpected, aberrant behavior

“Jaime I’m so sorry.” He knew she desperately needed physical comfort and since he still had difficulty standing he simply said, “Come over here,” And patted his bed.

As she walked towards him he shifted across the bed, making room for her. She slid next to him on top of the blankets and laid her head on his right shoulder, her right arm across his stomach. With his right arm holding her close his kissed her forehead. When she was too tired and emotionally drained to cry anymore she quickly drifted off to sleep. Steve just stared at the ceiling trying his best to make sense of Chris’ actions. He sadly realized only Chris had that knowledge and he probably took it to his grave. Rudy came in to check on Steve before leaving for the night. He smiled at Steve and questioned, “Is she alright? I heard what happened.”

“She will be.” He said confidently

“How did she end up here?” He noticed her tear streaked face

“She came to tell me about Chris and …” He shrugged and nodded toward her sleeping form.

Rudy turned to open the closet and retrieve a blanket. As he covered her he could hear her deep rhythmic breathing and he commented, “I’m just glad she is finally sleeping. I don’t think she has slept more than a few hours over the last week.” He took notice of Steve’s tired face and concluded, “I think you could use more sleep yourself. Can I get you anything before I go home?”

Steve gave him a friendly smile, “I have everything I need right here.” He glanced at Jaime then gave Rudy a wink. The doctor nodded and headed out the door. Before leaving the hospital he made sure the nurse on duty had an order in for two breakfasts for his patients tomorrow morning.

Early the next morning Oscar and Rudy stopped by to see their friends. As they entered the room their eyes took in a reassuring sight. Steve and Jaime were lying on their right sides like spoons in a drawer. Steve’s arm encircled Jaime in a comforting embrace. Jaime’s arms were holding Steve’s as if she wouldn’t ever let him go. Neither Oscar nor Rudy could prevent the large smiles that were planted on their faces. They retreated not wanting to disturb them.

Jaime began to stir causing Steve to wake. After taking a few seconds to orient herself to her surroundings she felt a slight squeeze. As she turned to face him he kissed her forehead.

“Good morning.” She greeted.

“Good morning.”

“What time is it?” She felt like she had slept for days.

“About 8:00 a.m.”

“Steve I’m sorry about last night. I know you said you…..” He quieted her with a finger on her lips.

“Jaime stop. It’s okay.”

“It’s just with everything that happened yesterday I felt so alone and didn’t know where to go.”

“Well, it seems like my bed was a good choice.” He winked and flashed a lopsided grin. “You slept well I assume.”

“Yes… I think I was catching up on my sleep deprivation.” She sat forward, yawned and stretched. She started to swing her legs over the bedside when his arm caught her waist.

“Where are you going?”

“Steve I can’t stay here. What if Rudy comes in and sees us?”

“He already did, last night just after you fell asleep. Who do you think put that blanket on you?”

“Oh God.”

“Jaime come on.” He said with a chuckle. “Besides you can’t leave without sharing my breakfast.” He too had noticed her weight loss.

As if on queue a nurse entered with two breakfast trays and placed them on the tray table in front of the couple. Jaime and Steve exchanged puzzled looks. The nurse addressed their confusion. “Before leaving the hospital last night Dr. Wells ordered 2 breakfast trays for this morning.”

Steve grinned ear to ear, “Nothing like room service.”

They both thanked the young nurse who obviously wasn’t used to seeing two people sharing a hospital bed. As handsome as her male patient was she envied the tall blonde. She turned and left the two alone.

Jaime repositioned herself on the bed looking over the food. She was so hungry even the hospital’s food looked good. As they both slowly ate their meals Jaime spoke, “Steve about our conversation at the lake…”

“Jaime….”

“Steve please let me finish. Why didn’t you tell me the details of your contract?” She turned and looked directly at him.

Something in her eyes and tone told him she already knew the terms of his agreement. “How did you….nevermind. Jaime I didn’t want you to know for two reasons. One, I wouldn’t want you to feel guilty if anything happened to me over the next 6 years. Second, I didn’t want you to feel obligated. Understand?”

“How could I ever repay…”

“Jaime I just said I don’t want you to feel obligated. This is not a debt to be repaid. Do you hear me?”

“Yes but I don’t think you should make a habit of keeping such important information from me.”

“Why?”

“Because when two people love each other and are in a serious relationship it’s not healthy to keep secrets.”

“A serious relationship huh?”

“Yep, you’re stuck with me cowboy.” She snuggled in closer to him.

“I see. Well maybe there is a way to pay off the debt.” He was using his most devious tone.

“I thought you just said there was no debt.”

“That was before I found out I could use it for leverage.” He chuckled.

“Okay, what do I have to do to repay you?” She smiled at him and wondered how interesting this could be.

“Marry me.” He flashed his charming smile her way and she returned it.

“Well, if I must.” She chuckled. “I love you Col. Austin.” She pressed her lips against his.

Oscar and Rudy opened the door to see their friends in a tender kiss. As they both cleared their throats the couple sharing the bed looked at them with guilty faces. They walked closer to the bed feeling relieved Steve and Jaime would recover.

“Oscar it seems I’m being sent on the most dangerous mission of my life.” He looked at Jaime and seriously back toward Oscar.

“What mission. I don’t have you scheduled for any mission.”

“No but Jaime does.” He looked again in her direction cueing her to spill their good news.

“Well gentlemen it seems Steve and I are getting married.”

Congratulations were offered and accepted. Nothing could suppress the happiness that filled the room.