Disclaimer: In previous chapters.
A/N: Thanks always to Kasman for the betas and her attempts to make me a better writer. Thanks to Kyre for answering my questions and providing the right clips of Max and Logan that I needed. Thanks again to those who have read and those who have reviewed. Each and every one is greatly appreciated.
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Chapter 4 Basicxxx0xxx0xxx0xxx0xxx
Logan's Apartment:
Logan pushed himself into his apartment. He threw his keys and phone onto the side table and went into his office, where he swung in behind his computer and was about switch it on when he heard the front door close. He pushed himself back from the desk and leaned back in his chair leaving his left hand resting on the wheel.
"Hey, Logan," Bling called out as he rounded the corner of the partition.
"What are you doing here?" Logan asked, surprised and slightly irritated.
"Hey, man, was just wondering what Doctor Carr had to say." Was he expecting Max? Guess he's disappointed, Bling smiled to himself.
Logan relaxed slightly and pushed himself towards the kitchen. "Good to go. Just about to get outta here. Better take some water, though," Logan muttered.
"Yeah, good idea…is Max meeting you here?" Bling asked following Logan. So what were you doing sitting behind the computers?
Logan stopped and turned to face his physical therapist, "Why should she?" Logan asked in a puzzled tone.
Bling looked at his employer for a moment. "Right, she has her own transport," he said dryly.
Logan grabbed a bottle of water and headed into his room, returning with a sports bag on his lap. "You coming with me or are we going separately?" Logan asked as he passed Bling, who stood with his arms crossed over his chest. Logan pushed into the office where he picked up his laptop, put it into a rucksack and slung it over the back of his chair, then turned to face Bling.
"What?" Logan asked a touch of annoyance coloring his tone at the constant stare Bling has focused on him.
"Nothing…just wondering why you would need that."
Logan looked at the computer and the rest of the equipment that made Eyes Only function from the shadows. Krane's been able to get away with what he's doing not because he's got some corrupt official in his pocket or paid off some cop. No, he's getting away with supplying arms to all and sundry because nobody gives a damn. Logan refocused on Bling, "Just habit, I guess. I need a change, to have some fun, but it always pays to be prepared, and I'm doing this as part of an Eyes Only investigation, after all," Logan said with a shrug and a touch of irony. And maybe to prove that I can still function, that having Bronck play me isn't going to be a regular thing. Don't wanna disappoint Max again.
Bling nodded at the irony in Logan's tone. This learning to scuba dive is not just about getting Krane…or it shouldn't be. It's about learning something about yourself. Krane just happens to be the trigger. "Yeah, I'm going with you. Thought I'd just tag along and introduce you to Felipe and, you know, help out," Bling said finally, his tone neutral, as a slight smile twitched his lips. "So, you ready?"
Logan took one last look at the computer and pushed himself towards front door.
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339 Waverly:
Max folded the swimsuit into a towel and stuffed it into a rucksack, then stood there looking at the bikini on the bed. This thing's going back. When will I ever get to use it? But it's…
"Max, you going out again tonight?" Kendra asked in her breathy voice as she poked her head around the door.
"Yeah, meeting a friend," she answered evasively with a slight wave of her hand. Starting to repeat myself.
"What's that?" Kendra asked as she walked further into the room and spotted the swimwear on Max's bed.
Max made a grab for the suit and stuffed it in her rucksack. "Nothing," she replied with a pout.
"Come on, Max, another night out, meeting a friend, and taking an itsy bitsy teensy weenie string bikini? The same friend who got you outta Langford, the same friend who came and got us outta the Stienletz. You're meeting that guy Cale, aren't you?"
Max scowled at her roommate, pulled the drawstring on her bag, threw the flap over and fastened it.
Kendra looked at her friend seriously. "What's the deal? He buy it for you to make up for brushing you off about the dinner?"
"There's no deal…anyway, I wouldn't let him buy me gifts," Max said with a give-me-a-break expression all over her face.
"And why not? He's obviously got the cash and he's always calling you…I'd let him buy me expensive gifts."
"Because…because we're not like that," Max said lamely. Geez, I'm starting to sound like one of those sound bites.
"Well, if you aren't, can I have him then?" Kendra asked with a twinkle in her eye as she looked at Max.
"No…no, you can't…gotta blaze," Max said with a back handed wave. What now? I'm gettin' jealous of Kendra and Logan, sheesh. Max stopped at the room door, and looked back at her roommate who was grinning from ear to ear.
"Go on, Max, go be with your friend. I got a date anyway."
With a snort, Max turned and walked away towards her waiting motorcycle.
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The Seattle Athletic Club:
Logan pulled the grey-blue Aztek into the parking lot of the still-exclusive members' club, which was under a mile from his apartment,just as a light shower started falling.
"Wise move, driving all that way," Bling said with a smile, at the look of justification on Logan's face.
"Yeah, and it wouldn't do to arrive here without a certain style," Logan replied dryly as he looked at the expensive cars still in the parking lot.
Logan quickly assembled the pieces of his chair as Bling grabbed his and Logan's bags out of the hatch. They made a dash for the door, Logan taking a slight detour to the sidewalk ramp.
Logan looked at his watch and scanned the parking lot.
"She'll be here, don't worry," Bling said with a twitch of a smile. You worry more about Max than you do about yourself.
"I'm not worried," Logan said peevishly. Of course I'm worried. There are people out there who want Max dead and worse, but why does Bling have to imply something that isn't there, no matter how I wish it.
"I'll go in and check if Felipe has arrived You gonna wait out here or ya gonna come in?" Bling said pushing at the door as it opened.
"I'm coming. Max will find us," Logan said with one final look at the parking lot, then with a sigh, pushed himself through the door into the lobby.
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The parking lot/inside:
The roar of a motorcycle shattered the quiet of the parking lot as Max rode in and pulled up next to Logan's Aztek. Max jumped off and strode for the door, ignoring the rain and the gaze of the two club members who had just stepped out the door.
As she walked through the open door, Max saw Logan and Bling talking to a striking red-headed woman. Logan seemed to be on very friendly terms with her and Max hesitated for a second, a look of jealousy flashing across her features, quickly replaced by one of studied indifference. As she started to stride forward, she was distracted by a chuckle from the security desk near the entrance. Max spun around with a frown to find a man sitting in a wheelchair grinning up at her, the whiteness of his teeth accented by his natural dark complexion, and his long dark hair pulled into a pony tail. His legs ended just above the knees.
"She does have that effect on many men's wives…and girlfriends," he said, his accent faintly South American.
"Whatever," Max replied off handedly stepping back slightly as the handsome man came towards her.
"You must be Ms. Guevara. I'm Felipe, Fe for short," he said sticking out his hand and canting his head to one side. "I'm Brazilian, if you're wondering about the accent."
Max smiled slightly and took his hand, "Max. You the instructor?"
"Yes, me and Terry," he indicated towards the woman and smiled again at the slight scowl on Max's face as she looked at the group at the end of the hall. "My wife," he added, straightening his face as Max turned again to look at him.
Max visibly relaxed and turned to smile at the man in front of her. Why can't Logan relax like this?
Logan looked over his shoulder at the sound of voices and saw Max talking to a man in a wheelchair. A frown furrowed his brow as he realized how relaxed she was. She seemed not to even notice he was sitting there without legs.
"Is that Ms. Guevera?" Terry asked following Logan's gaze.
"That's her," Bling replied with a faint smile as he noticed the frown creasing Logan's brow.
"Well, I see she's met Fe, so we can get started. Come on, Logan, and meet my husband," she said with a musical laugh at Logan's stunned look. "Hey, you weren't the only charmer I've met, and I see you still got the charm, Cale," she said as she stepped around Logan and walked towards Max and Fe.
After a moment of shocked silence, Logan looked at Bling who wore a very neutral expression on his face, "You knew?"
"I told you I knew an Instructor from back in the day. What I didn't know is that you were an old boyfriend of his wife," Bling said with a chuckle.
With a snort, Logan released his brakes and followed Terry, "We were just friends, never thought she'd settle down…did they meet before or after?" Logan asked softly. Why did you ask that Logan? Why does it matter…because of Max…because you need to know?
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Flashback, Friday Harbor, 12:05, June 1st, 2009:
Logan, with the help of Terry, had lowered the sail of his uncle's yacht. It had taken some fast talking to get uncle Jonas to trust him alone with the boat, but Bennett had provided the necessary backup. They were now motoring into Friday Harbor after a great day of sailing and swimming, everything still ship-shape. Logan still wasn't sure about his feelings for Terry, but she was definitely a friend.
As Logan glanced down at the sat-nav, it suddenly went blank. It had crashed. He struggled to stay in the channel as other boats all seemed to be suddenly heading his direction. In a desperate attempt to avoid a smaller yacht, he swung out of the channel and ran aground. Well, the end of the world is coming, and Uncle Jonas is gonna be pissed.
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Why does that not surprise me? That's what Max had asked, then she had collapsed on my couch and begged me not to leave her, and I didn't…how could I? As I brushed the hair from her brow and the seizures took hold...
Bling gave his employer a sidelong glance, "After, pretty soon after, I gather. She was his therapist." he answered mildly. Max doesn't see the chair, Logan.
"Oh," was Logan's only comment before they reached the other three.
"See you made it," Logan said with a smile at Max. He stopped next to her and applied his brakes with a quick flip.
"Didn't beat the rain, though," Max replied with a quick grin and a pout as she ran her hand through her hair that still glistened with raindrops. As she reached into her rucksack for her towel, the batik-patterned bikini fell out and floated down to land on Logan's knees.
Logan stared from the two part swimwear dangling on his knees and up into the mortified look in Max's brown eyes.
"Ah-hem," Bling cleared his throat, "Felipe, this is Logan Cale."
"Logan," Logan interjected tearing his eyes reluctantly from Max. She quickly made a grab for the offending objects and stuffed them out of sight.
Felipe leaned forward with his hand out stretched, "Fe. You ready to get wet, Logan?" Fe asked then looked at Max with a wicked smile, "Wetter in your case, Max."
"But first some theory," Terry said. She rested a hand on her husband's shoulder while a smile twitched her lips at the expressions on the faces of their new students. This is gonna be interesting. Bling said they were friends but there's a lot more going on here. Logan needs somebody after Val, the bitch, and what's happened to him now, and this Max looks to be just what he needs.
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A room at the Seattle Athletic Club:
Max and Logan sat together, at a table facing a white board. A film showed divers, both disabled and non-disabled, diving in various environments. Despite their attention being focused on the screen, there was the subtle shifting of two people who were feeling uncomfortable. There was an awkwardness between them, as if this close proximity or the material being shown, was not to their liking.
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Flashback One hour earlier:
Max and Logan followed the two instructors and Bling, who were in deep conversation.
Logan glanced at Max and saw her regarding him from the corner of her eye.
"So, Terry was a good friend?" Max asked mildly.
"So, the bikini is for?" Logan asked keeping his voice low avoiding Max's question.
Max pursed her lips and her cheeks darkened slightly.
Logan turned his head and looked fully at Max. "I'll tell if you will," he said in a needling tone.
"Forget I asked," Max said irritated.
"Fine," Logan snapped and pushed ahead into the doorway of the room Terry had arranged through her membership in the Seattle club. So, the fact Max can have a swimsuit like that but can't tell me why says a lot about me…what is my problem with women? Terry, Val…why can't they trust me?
Max opened her mouth then shut it. With a shrug, she followed. What do you want from me, Logan? That I like you? I like you a lot…but I'm afraid. Why does that make me afraid?
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Bling sat in a chair at the side and noticed the occasional furtive glances they threw each other, avoiding full eye contact. I'm sure that wasn't something Max intended Logan to see…at least, not at that moment anyway. With a low chuckle, deep in his throat, he returned his attention to the screen
As the video finished, Felipe and Terry came back into the room. Felipe came to a stop in front of Max and Logan while Terry went to sit beside Bling.
"Well, you can see diving is still being done, despite the Pulse," Felipe said with a laugh.
"Just back to low tech," Terry commented dryly.
"So, we're gonna explain the equipment to you and why we use it, and how to care for it. Then we'll hit the water," Felipe added lifting a dive bag onto his lap with one easy movement.
"First, we have the mask - to provide an air space so our eyes can focus underwater. You need to enclose the nose for equalization and most important clearing the mask. Here are some of the features you have to look for," Felipe said, flipping the mask over and pointing to the inner seal. He tapped on the tempered glass lenses, then he looked up at Logan. "We can still get tempered prescription lenses, better than wearing contacts in my opinion. I've got a couple downstairs you can try," he said putting the mask down on the table.
Logan reached forward and picked up the mask. He looked at it and offered it to Max.
"So how do you know you got the right one and that it won't leak?" she asked, examining the piece of equipment closely.
Felipe reached forward to take the mask from Max. "Like this." He put it on over his face without the strap and sucked in a breath. The mask stuck to his face. He shook his head around and it remained in place. Letting out the breath, Felipe caught the mask as it dropped into his hand and offered it to Max to try. Max tried, but it fell off instantly.
"Guess I gotta try a different one," Max commented with a chuckle and passed it to Logan.
Self-consciously, Logan removed his glasses and tried the same experiment. The mask stayed on for a second then slipped and clattered to the table before he could catch it. Logan hastily put on his glasses, trying to hide his embarrassment. " Sorry," he mumbled.
"No problem, we've got several down by the pool." Felipe said as he shifted the mask to one side and reached into his bag. "Now, the snorkel, which is used to allow breathing at the surface without having to raise your head all the time." Felipe said with a grin, and received a weak smile from Logan. Quickly explaining the features to look for and what to avoid he handed it to Logan who passed it to Max. She put it into her mouth and took a couple of noisy experimental breaths, receiving a glare from Logan.
"What?" she mouthed then shrugged and put it on the table.
"The next thing are fins, something we don't really need Logan, but some people need the extra propulsion," Felipe commented with a wink and pulled out a couple of pairs of fins. Quickly he showed Max the two types of fins and the type they used in diving locally, the features to look for and avoid. "We've got some pairs downstairs and booties to try with them. That's the basic equipment. Any questions?"
"No."
"I'm good."
Felipe picked up the equipment and placed it in the bag, "Then let's get down to the pool and go over the scuba equipment and take our first try okay." He released his brakes and pushed himself towards the door, followed by the others.
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Pool Deck:
Logan, Bling and Felipe were on the pool deck waiting for Terry and Max to arrive from the change room.
"Bling said you were injured in a shooting," Felipe said mildly.
With a raised eyebrow at Bling, Logan nodded slowly, "Yeah, right place, wrong time."
With a snorting chuckle of amusement, Felipe slapped his legs above his non-existent knees. "Stepped on the wrong thing in the wrong place. Lost my legs in Ecuador on a mission. That was a bad one," he said ruefully.
"Yeah, lost a few friends down there, and it's still going on," Bling said a note of sadness in his voice.
Logan looked up at his friend, then over at Felipe. He saw the same thoughtful, sad expression reflected on the faces of the two men. Then memory hit. The Brazilians and us were on opposing sides. Another mess created from pissing off your friends and allies. Guess these two have made their own peace.
At that moment, Max and Terry walked out, talking companionably. Logan took an involuntary breath, his attention fixed on Max in a one-piece swimsuit that outlined the contours of her lithe body.
Max walked along the beach, as Logan leant back in a beach chair, watching as she sauntered towards him. A smile lit up her face and water glistened on the skin not covered by her batik native symbolized bikini.
"So where's Max from?" Felipe asked.
"What…what did you say?" Logan asked shaking his head as he tried to clear the vision from his head.
"I asked where does Max come from?" Felipe repeated his question, looking at Logan with a puzzled expression.
"She was born somewhere in the mid-west, lost her parents just before the pulse," Logan said, recovering. Max looked away from Terry and smiled ruefully in his direction obviously hearing the conversation.
Logan smiled slightly in return. "So how did you and Terry meet?"
"Oh, after this happened, she was the one who got me back on an even keel. She was one of the aid workers in the area." Felipe said with a smile. As Terry walked up, he put his arm around her waist.
"So, are you ready to blow bubbles?" Terry asked looking at Logan and Max.
"Sure," Max said confidently.
Logan nodded, if a bit reluctantly.
"This is how we're going to work it. Terry is gonna to instruct Logan with Bling assisting, while I teach Max…that way, Logan, you get the extra help you need and Max will learn how to help a disabled person underwater," Felipe said then frowned at the look on Logan's face, "Questions, Logan?"
"Nope, no questions," Logan replied tersely. Damn, why did I agree to this?
"'K, let's get on with it then."
Quickly Max and Logan tried on different masks and selected those that fit them, along with a pair of fins and booties for Max. They also tried on some wetsuits, with a pair of neoprene socks to protect Logan's feet from abrasions.
Felipe released his brakes, spun and pushed himself towards the scuba equipment laid out on the pool deck. He locked his brakes and slid out of his chair onto the deck. Grabbing a tank, he flicked it up into a standing position, the muscles in his arms upper back and shoulders rippling while he counter balanced with his left hand on the floor.
"This, folks, is the scuba tank. It contains compressed air not oxygen!" Felipe emphasized. Then he quickly explained the markingsaround the neck, the fact that the design had not changed over the years, that there were still only two materials used to manufacture scuba tanks, and finally, how to care for them.
Terry walked over and picked up the regulator. "Here we have the regulator, which is composed of three parts. The first stage, which connects to the pillar valve, and reduces the air pressure from the cylinder." Felipe pointed to the valve sticking out of the tank. "The intermediate pressure hose and the second stage is what you breath from, and supplies air to you on demand," Terry continued pointing to each part, "Any questions?"
Max and Logan shook their heads.
"In addition we have a pressure gauge or contents gauge, and an alternate air source or octopus for use by your buddy in an out-of-air emergency. Finally, there's a direct feed to inflate the Buoyancy Compensator Jacket, that, besides allowing you control your buoyancy, is used to carry all this." Felipe lifted one of the jackets and waved at the equipment. "We will be using an integrated weight system, as this way, we can arrange the weight using the jacket for better distribution and streamlining."
Max looked down at Logan who had thoughtful look on his face. I wonder if Max even realizes what she's doing…what effect she had on me…now the bikini…
"Hey, Logan, you get to play underwater with your ex-shipmate," Max whispered teasingly, a slight note of sarcasm in her voice.
Logan looked up at Max, his expression questioning.
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Flashback ladies change room:
An older woman was just leaving as Max and Terry walked in. Terry nodded at her. She sniffed in disdain and walked past Max wearing a haughty look, only to be ignored.
"Her attitude didn't bother you, did it, Max?" Terry asked curiously.
Max shrugged and waved her hand in dismissal. "Life's too short," she said with a faint smile. Logan said that once.
Terry laughed softly. "I can see why you and Logan are together," her tone softly inquiring.
Max looked at her for a second. "We're…just friends…I help him out with some legwork," she said mildly. She's gonna mention the swimsuit…I'm gonna get rid of that thing.
Terry looked closely at Max for a moment. "Right." Then, as she took out her swimsuit, she looked sidelong at Max, "I was just a friend…lost touch with him soon after we ran aground on his uncle's yacht the day the pulse happened." The look between them when that suit fell on Logan's legs was priceless. They may just be friends now, but that's gonna change. Terry smiled faintly. "Heard he'd got married and divorced though," she added.
Max paused in opening her rucksack and then continued, a faint smile on her lips. Why is she trying to reassure me about dead history? It's not like we're dating or anything. But it clears up that little secret, Logan Cale.
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"Logan, Max, grab a set of gear and we'll show you how to set it up." Felipe called drawing their attention back to the now.
Logan looked at the tank lying on the ground just out of reach and then over at Felipe, who sat on the pool deck, a neutral expression on his face.
Max bent and picked up both tanks and stood waiting with her head cocked to the side, ignoring the nods from Felipe and Terry and the quick smile from Bling.
"Thanks," Logan whispered.
Max nodded, "No big," she whispered back.
"Now, we learn to set up the gear and test it…from now on, you'll set up your own gear and work as a team."
As Felipe demonstrated the procedure, Terry checked that Max and Logan followed along. When they were finished, Terry gave the briefing for the session in the pool. Felipe indicated that Logan should get down onto the deck. Terry then sat down and Felipe lifted her equipment onto her back and Terry returned the favor. Max and Logan had to do the same. They then demonstrated the buddy check and ensured that it was carried out correctly. Finally, Felipe slipped into the water to demonstrate the forward roll entry to be used by Logan.
Logan followed him into the water with a tentative smile of apprehension on his face, and held onto the side of the pool. Terry demonstrated the giant stride entry to Max, then she and Felipe assisted to sort Logan's weights and buoyancy so he floated upright in the water. Max floated nearby with Bling, her concentration focused on the three, taking in all that they did.
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Surface/Underwater:
After exchanging signals, Terry stared down with Logan, holding on to him and watching closely as he cleared his ears and vented his jacket. Felipe looked at Max as she watched Logan disappear under the water. "He'll be alright, Max, he's done some of this before." Felipe injected confidence in his voice, trying to reassure her.
With a quick smile, Max put her regulator in her mouth and ran through the descent check, and with a final nod, started to descend without the help of Felipe. Sure, he's done this before, but this is now…hell, Max, cut the guy some slack. He ain't helpless and he does look cute in that wetsuit, even if it was a bitch to get on.
Logan drifted down to the bottom of the pool, and with the help of Bling and Terry, got himself seated with his back to the wall. He slipped and Terry grabbed him and straightened him. Logan held up his hand in a half hearted attempt at indicating he did not need any help, causing himself to slip again. This time it was Bling who helped him. I haven't felt this helpless since the hospital…why did I agree to this? Damn, damn.
Terry backed off, and gave him an okay signal, which Logan returned tentatively. I'm not okay. I'm underwater, and I can't move without help…
Terry gave Logan another okay signal, more demanding, the look in her eyes behind the mask intense but encouraging at the same time.
Logan looked at her, then past, watching Max descend and move underwater with Felipe. He moved gracefully alongside her, using just his arms and a barely noticed movement of his torso.
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Flashback Seattle Aquarium:
Logan stood holding his mother's hand as the seals cavorted under the water. They moved rapidly, twisting their bodies and using their fore-flippers to propel themselves into fast turns.
He looked up at his mother and saw the tired look on her face, "Come, let's go and sit down, Mom."
"I'm all right, son, but maybe an ice-cream would be nice," she offered with a smile.
With a nod and a quick smile, Logan took one last look at the seals in their tank. At that moment, one swam up to the viewing window and pressed it's nose against the glass. It stared at him, then it seemed to wink. It turned rapidly and joined it's family. Logan blinked, and shook his head in surprise.
»»»»»»»
With more confidence, Logan returned Terry's signal. Max swam by and winked at him. He smiled to himself at that small gesture. Beside him, unnoticed, Bling relaxed.
Max drifted down with Felipe in close proximity. He watched her as she cleared here ears and controlled her descent. She glanced over to where Logan sat, Bling hovering nearby. Noticing the slight hesitation in Logan's reply to Terry, she frowned. Damn, I shoulda realized he was gonna feel helpless with us all being able to move so easily in the water. Max looked across at Logan and winked just as he lifted his hand again and gave Terry an emphatic okay. Bling relaxed and Max smiled to her-self. Well he seems to have come to terms with this.
Felipe dropped to the bottom and signaled Max to kneel in front of him. After an exchange of signals, he began the lesson, by demonstrating the clearing of a mask and progressing to the next skill as soon as Max demonstrated her ability to perform it.
Across the pool, Terry was doing the same with Logan, not as rapidly but he was getting the hang of it as nearly forgotten lessons came back. Eventually, Terry signaled Logan that they were gonna practice swimming underwater.
Logan slowly inflated his jacket, and as he left the bottom, he sculled his hands to turn himself onto his stomach. He lost it as he started to rise and turned to one side. Terry grabbed him quickly and straightened him out, then helped him get streamlined. With another okay signal, they started moving, Bling on one side and Terry on the other, while Logan propelled himself with his arms.
Now I'm glad Bling had me do all that swimming in the last few months. Logan smiled slightly, which caused his mask to let in some water. With one hand and a quick blast of air from his nose, he cleared it without disturbing his swimming pattern. Beside him, Terry nodded encouragement at Logan's performance. Logan looked over to Max as she swam by and gave her a confident okay signal, showing his enjoyment.
Swimming with Felipe, Max stole glances at Logan as he made his way around the pool. Occasionally, he needed help, but he was getting better at keeping himself level and moving. Max smiled to herself and quickly adjusted her buoyancy with her breathing. This is as much fun as watching paint dry. Guess it's one of those things about Manticore training - you pick up things easily…to easily. Max signaled back and smiled. Maybe I'll enjoy this after all.
After forty-five minutes and with Logan swimming and now able to control his buoyancy by himself, Terry and Felipe called a halt. They brought Logan and Max together to carry out the ascent.
On reaching the surface, Logan inflated his jacket and spat out his regulator. He grinned across at Max whose eyes gleamed as she returned the smile.
After the debriefing and pulling down the equipment, everybody headed for the change rooms.
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Men's changing room:
Logan sat in his chair looking at his legs, the rest of him felt slightly chilled, despite the warm pool and the added warmth of the wet suit, but his legs gave no hint of that.
"You okay, Logan?"
"Yeah. No, feeling a little cold," he said reflectively.
"Let's see," Bling responded and reached down. He felt along first one and then the other of Logan's legs. "Hmmm,"
"Is that a good hmmm or a bad hmmm?"
"A maybe hmmm. They're okay. Should get them covered quickly though…I'll see if Felipe can start the drysuit training earlier, and Logan, you're gonna have to get Max to check them after you dive," Bling said looking up into Logan's frown. "Who else you gonna get to do this, man? I can't be here every night."
Logan sighed in resignation. "What's she going to think if I asked her that? We have our boundaries," he finished softly. That sounds so lame.
"Who else you gonna trust? Give her a chance, Logan. She's in this too. She's gonna be your buddy, and she already knows what to look for."
Logan looked up at his physical therapist, bodyguard, and friend, an incredulous look on his face.
"Hey, she needed to know," Bling replied with a shrug of indifference.
"Right. Bling, Next time, ask me first," Logan said mildly. I should have been the one to tell her…or would I...
After giving him a penetrating look for a moment, Bling nodded. "Go on, I'll meet you outside. I want to talk to Felipe about the drysuits for you and Max," he said, then turned and left.
Logan looked at his bare legs once more and shivered. He reached for his socks and trousers. "I bet it was Max who asked him…no, persuaded him," Logan muttered then smiled.
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Ladies changing room:
Max and Terry headed for the door after changing.
"You know you're gonna have to make sure Logan doesn't get cold," Terry said
"Yeah, Bling told me how to check him…It's getting him to let me," Max finished softly.
Terry glanced at Max. "So how did you and Logan meet?"
Max glanced warily at the woman next to her. "I dropped in on him," she said mildly with a twitch of her lips.
"Oh, that's right, Bling said you were a bike messenger. So you were dropping something off for him?"
"No, actually picking something up." I wonder what Logan did with that statue of Bast?
"Guess he tried to charm you too…"
"Yeah, he tried," Max said with a barely discernible wistful note.
"Was that before or after the shooting?" Terry asked as she looked at Max standing there regarding her.
"Just before…then after…he offered a better deal," Max replied off-handedly.
Terry regarded Max as the younger woman checked the contents of her rucksack, taking note of the barely concealed defensive look and stance, "Well, you've known him for a while now, so I don't see why he should object. You're gonna be his buddy and he yours, so that means working together," she hinted.
"Right."
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The Space Needle:
Max stood at the edge part of the roof and stared out over the city. Well, I guess Logan's gonna be cool with the diving now. He's gonna wanna to actually go on this trip of Krane's…well, that's how you got him outta his tower to get some fun…just have to pay Dive Down Trips another visit. "How whack is that? DDT," Max muttered as she looked in the direction of Fogle Towers.
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This chapter is dedicated to the real Felipe who still has a lot of spirit.
TBC
