Chapter 4

Face slept for some hours before he started to mumble and shift in his sleep. Eventually it woke Hannibal and he tried to calm Face without waking him. Calming him worked but he did wake up. When he opened his eyes and looked at Hannibal the Colonel felt odd, something was different. Face used to have a haunted look after a nightmare but this time something was odd. Hannibal couldn't put his finger on it before the moment passed.

"You alright kid?"

"Yeah."

"Your arm?"

"It's okay."

"Sleep, you need your rest. You know that when those antibiotics really kick in you won't get much rest again." Hannibal settled back in his chair and Face closed his eyes. He vowed not to sleep again that night. The dream was still too fresh in his mind and he was afraid he would keep dreaming if he slept. The picture, or rather little film, didn't want to vanish and kept playing. "One more time and you are off the team Lieutenant." It was words spoken with venom and the conclusion of a long lecture he would never forget.

So Face pretended to sleep but was actually awake. The doc came to check about every other hour if his feeling for time was right. Hannibal tried to get comfortable on his chair but couldn't sleep much from how it seemed. Face kept himself awake but it wasn't easy to do so while trying to feign sleep. Finally he was too tired to keep it up and fell asleep again. By then he was so tired that he slept deep without any more dreams.

The next morning Face woke very early and wished he could sleep again. His head pounded and he felt sick but he knew he had to pull it together if he wanted out of there, and out he wanted by all means.

Hannibal woke shortly after him and seeing that Face was up he didn't try to sleep more on his chair. He got up stiffly and stretched. "How are you feeling kid."

Face lit up a smile, or at least he hoped it was one. "Far better than yesterday. I hope the doc will come soon to release me."

"Sure." 'You sure hope he comes soon, as long as you can pull it together.' He mentally added.

They didn't have to wait long until the doc appeared."Good morning. How are you feeling?"

"Good, far better than yesterday. The pain is almost gone."

"Good, how's the meds sitting with you?"

"For once okay, I feel good and my stomach is also not rebelling. Can I leave now?"

"Let my check your arm and your vitals." He did and was okay with the results. The fever was down, the wound looked good and the patient seemed okay considering how he was a day before. "I think I can release you. I'll take your father away from you for the paper works and you'll have some breakfast in the mean time. Nurse, some bread, banana and tea for this patient. I want to see at least the tea gone before you leave."

"Okay, thanks."

As soon as the door closed behind them all Face ripped the bread in two, got up and stuffed the other half and the banana in the bag Murdock had brought back for him and poured the tea into the toilet. He then got dressed as fast as his pounding skull and the dizziness allowed and then sat in the chair that was formerly occupied by Hannibal. The plan was to sit there for a while and get the dizziness under control to be able to keep up the act when the others returned. To his relieve they took longer than expected and by the time the door opened he was feeling quite okay.

"All done. You sure you are okay with the meds?"

"Sure."

"I equipped your father with more meds. Make sure you finish all the antibiotics."

"I will."

"You did well with the breakfast."

"Couldn't finish all the bread. The tea felt good, thanks."

"Okay, you can get on your way now. Make sure you bring him back should he get worse again."

"Sure doc, thanks for everything. Come on Tim."

Face got up under the watchful eyes of the doctor and followed Hannibal into the waiting area. He did his best to appear stable on his feet.

"Sit down, I'll go and call Murdock to get us."

Hannibal walked around the corner to the payphone and saw the way Face held onto the seat before he sat down. He knew they would not leave the place if they didn't move fast. Should the doc or the nurse see him sway on his feet he would be back in his room for sure. He also saw the car rental opposite the street and made a decision. He waited for just long enough give a believing picture and then returned. He's not picking. Let's rent a car from over there. Come on there's a bench outside, the fresh air will do you good."

Face got up and Hannibal made sure to walk behind him so he would block the view of the nurse that had returned. With a last good bye they were out the door.

"Sit down, I'll go get us a car."

Face was grateful to sit again. He was sure he could not have made it to the other side of the street. He was also grateful that Hannibal continued walking and did not see him leaning against the wall before sitting down on the bench.

In less than five minutes Hannibal was back with a car. The fresh air had actually done Face some good and he was able to get into the car while keeping up the act. Once the car was moving that got more difficult. He was really glad about the decision not to take in anything. His stomach was rolling as it was and he was sure Hannibal would turn around if he puked in the car. He was sure he was white like a ghost by the time the car stopped in front of the motel but tried a smile anyway.

"You can stop acting now. Sit here for a while. I'll get our things inside and then come for you."

If possible Face turned even whiter and his eyes widened, the smile was gone.

"Oh come on, I know you for how long now? You have never been able to con me when you are real sick. " 'granted you did a good job until yesterday but that is classified information.' Hannibal got out of the car and left a stunned Face behind. The colonel was still pissed and it showed.

Face just sat there. Funnily knowing that he didn't have to act any longer made it sheer impossible to do so. He could have gotten out of the car and walk inside moments ago but now couldn't find the energy to do so. Instead of Hannibal BA and Murdock appeared some minutes later.

"Hi Face, wanna come inside? You need a hand?"

Hannibal had probably told them already so there was no need in acting, but he still had some pride left. "I can manage."

He pushed himself out of the car where Murdock steadied him until he had his balance. He attempted a few swaying steps on his own but Murdock simply put an arm around his waist and they went in together. Murdock steered him towards the bed but Face changed the route, he was no longer able to battle his stomach. Murdock stayed back to give some dignity and helped him on the bed when he was done. Face was shivering and clearly miserable. As Murdock pulled a blanket around his shoulders Hannibal came in.