WAITING
{NCIS - added scene for season 9 end episode, "Until Death Do They Part"}
"I - I just don't know I'll do if he doesn't pull through." Jimmy Palmer's already shaky voice faded to a whisper on the last two words.
He looked up at the young man standing in front of him and automatically accepted the Styrofoam cup held out to him.
The stranger sank down onto the hard plastic seat next to him. "He regained consciousness a little on the way in and I'm sure the doctors here know what they're doing," he reassured in his English accent.
Jimmy glanced at him curiously. "Are you a doctor?" He took a gulp from his cup and sputtered, "That's not coffee!"
"No, it's tea. And no," he added emphatically, "I'm not the… not a doctor. I'm a nurse."
"A nurse? That's amazing!" The man bristled, ready to argue with yet another person who thought that all nurses were women, but Palmer continued, "What are the odds of a nurse walking on that exact stretch of beach just when there's an emergency?! And you were able to get him here so quickly." Jimmy paused, thinking. "How did you manage that?"
"A friend gave us a lift. I'll have to go back soon." Time for a change of topic. "By the way, I was just wondering. You and your friend - you're both rather dressed up for this hour of the day. Was there a party?"
"Sort of," Jimmy looked down and shook his head, a soft smile on his lips. "It's my wedding day. I got married this morning."
"Oh! Well, congratulations."
"It's not quite going as we planned," Jimmy admitted.
"No, I wonder if they ever do. Our wedding day also ended completely differently than we planned," came the wry reply.
"Really? What…?" They were interrupted by the approach of the doctor, who informed them that Dr. Mallard was resting comfortably and was expected to make a full recovery. He accepted Palmer's effusive thanks, said that they could visit in a few minutes and left for his next call. Jimmy turned and grabbed the man in a big hug of relief.
"I can't thank you enough! You saved my… my mentor, and you kept me company." Another hug was forestalled by the arrival of a lovely, if breathless, young woman. By the way they flew to each other, the stranger figured this was Jimmy's wife. After a moment or two of conversation, they turned to him and Jimmy introduced her.
"This is my wife," even under the circumstances, that made them both smile, "my wife, Breena. Breena, this is.. you know I don't think I ever caught your name."
"I'm pleased to meet you." He shook her hand and then addressed them both. "I really need to get going now. I'm glad your friend will be alright."
"Wait!" Jimmy put a hand on his arm. "What's your name? I want to know who helped us!"
"Oh, sorry, yes", he said. "It's Rory, Rory Williams." And with one more handshake he was out the door.