Judgement Call
Chapter 7
The four cons were still eating when Garrison showed up at the table, his phone call completed. Actor, who was the closest, fixed a plate with the last of the eggs and toast and placed it in front of their leader. He then poured him a cup of coffee.
"Thanks Actor."
"You are welcome." He waited until the Officer had finished his meal before he spoke again. "Have you heard from London?"
"No."
"May I have a twenty four hour pass to go to London? I have some unfinished business I would like to take care of."
Garrison saw the sharp look Chief directed toward the Italian and he wondered what the conman was up to. "We're on stand-by. Eight hours is the most I can give you but I have to know where you'll be at all times in case we're called."
"That would be sufficient. I would like Chief to accompany me."
"What?" asked Casino sharply as Goniff looked on in surprise.
"I lost a bet to Chief and so I owe him a new suit."
"You lost a bet to him? What was the bet?" Casino was confused and suspicious. Actor sounded sincere, naturally, but instead of the look of a winner Chief looked embarrassed.
"That is unimportant. What is important is that I pay my debts in a timely fashion." Actor turned to Garrison and said, "Eight hours will be sufficient but we must leave within the half hour if we are to make the train."
While Garrison went to his office to fill out the required paperwork Actor started to clear the table. Chief stood up to help. As he reached across in front of Goniff to get his cutlery he noticed a smell that he was unfamiliar with. Was it from the painkillers? Or was something wrong with him. It smelled like something bad. He should tell someone one but who. Actor? Maybe tell Garrison. Or had he imagined it? He tried to manoeuver himself into a position where he could smell his breath without being obvious. Goniff had pushed himself away from the table so his opportunity was gone.
"Are you ready to go?" asked Actor.
Chief knew what was coming and he dreaded it but he had no excuse. "Yeah."
"If you will get our passes, I will get my shoes and we can be on our way."
This was his chance to mention it to Garrison but then it could be nothing and he would look like an idiot. He would say nothing.
Actor sat comfortably on the train. He enjoyed this mode of transport, the time to just sit and watch his fellow travellers or watch the sights going by. Chief preferred going by car, if he was driving. He enjoyed the feeling of control. He felt so powerless in much of his life so it was the little things that meant so much to him. Oddly jumping out of an airplane left him at the mercy of gravity and the wind but he loved the freedom. This train ride was especially uncomfortable because it was taking him to something he dreaded, getting fitted for this suit that Actor said was the payoff from a bet. Speaking of, "What'm I supposed to say when Casino asks what this bet was?"
"Like I said, that was between us. You do not have to tell him," he answered with a smile. Actor knew that would drive Casino crazy. He was not above tormenting the safecracker.
Chief did not like that answer. He would not have had to ask when he had first joined this outfit but now he wanted to fit in and that meant not having secrets. He would have to come up with something. What could he win at? Actor know he was good at darts and would never challenge him at that. So what could he win at?
Actor had watched the young man as he sat stony faced looking out the window but knowing Chief he saw the worry in his reflection. Chief wanted an answer. "You could tell him that I saw a pretty lady."
"And I bet you that she would turn you down."
"Such a blow to my ego," he said dramatically with a hand over his heart. Chief smiled. "But yes, that would work. It turns out that her husband was across the room. I saw that she wanted to but because he was watching she had to say no. There, you won the bet." He grinned pleased to have solved the problem without destroying his reputation.
Chief's mind switched to the next thing worrying him. "Do ya think Goniff's gonna be all right? You don't think there's something… I don't know… something wrong with'm?"
"The doctor at the hospital released him. I am sure he checked him over. Do you have a specific concern or are you just worried about him?"
"I don' know. It's probably nothing." He looked away.
"What is it?" Actor knew Chief was astute. He watched and he listened.
"Yer gonna think this is stupid…"
"Chief, I do not think I have ever heard you say anything stupid. Go ahead. What makes you uneasy about Goniff?"
Chief continued to stare out the window before muttering, "He smells bad."
"I take it that you do not mean body odour."
Chief looked back puzzled until Actor lifted his arm and tipped his head toward his arm pit. Chief shook his head. "His breath an' I don't mean like a bad tooth."
"A bad tooth has a smell?" When he thought about it, it made sense, he had just never thought about it before. "I guess it would. This is something else you smelled."
Chief's lips thinned. "It's probably nothin'. Forget I said anythin'." He turned back to the window signalling the conversation had ended.
Actor thought back. Goniff had looked a bit peaked and he had not eaten much. He had put it down to his injuries. Was there something else? Had the beating done internal damage that the Doctor had missed? He would make this trip as short as he could. It was a shame that he could not show more of the high life to Chief but his question had raised some doubts.
The day was mild and the cloud cover was thin when the two men disembarked from the train. The platform was crowded but Actor's height made it easy for Chief to track him through the throng. The taxi took them directly to their destination.
Chief followed Actor out of the car but remained at the curb as it pulled away. Actor understood and spoke quietly. "Just relax and remember the end result. When this is done you will have a suit that will fit you perfectly. This is the basis for a gentleman's wardrobe." He saw that that was not enough of an incentive so he reconsidered.
"Once we are inside, keep your eye on me. Concentrate on how relaxed I am. Ignore the tailor like you would ignore an insect. Can you do that?" he asked with a smile.
"I'll try. It's just…" Bad memories sharpened the worry lines around his eyes and between his brows.
"Yes, but you can do this. I have seen you step into the line of fire without hesitation. This is much easier than that." He watched for a moment then added, "Come, let us get this done and then we will have some lunch before we return to our base and check on Goniff."
That did the trick. With a steading breathe the Guardian took a step and then another.
Inside the Tailor was glad to see them. He told Actor that he worried that something had happened to them. These were dangerous times. Actor laughed it off and went to the shelf where the shirts were laid out. The Tailor had no idea how dangerous the times were. He picked one out and held it up to Chief as the tailor went to get the suit pieces he had basted together. Throughout the ordeal Actor remained in front of or within eyesight of the reluctant recipient of his largess. He kept up an easy banter with the tailor as he worked. When he saw Chief begin to hyperventilate he distracted the tailor with a question about some material he was examining. He did not need to know but it pulled the tailor away and allowed Chief to calm himself before they resumed.
Finally it was done and the suit was removed. Chief bolted as usual and when Actor joined him outside he smiled and told him he had done well.
"Is it because of what happened at G-CAT…" was all he got out before Chief interrupted angrily.
"NO!" he shouted as he turned and started walking away angrily.
"I'm sorry Chief. I didn't mean to pry." He hurried to catch up. "I would like to help you. It hurts me to see you in so much pain. You have so much potential."
"Don't ever say that again," he ground out. "I don't want to think about that. It's always there." He stopped and turned on the Italian. "I don't need you reminding me." The look on his face was pure anger, killer anger.
"I am sorry and I will never mention that again." He watched as Chief turned his head away and took several deep breaths.
"This was a mistake," he said before looking back to the conman. "I shoulda never let you talk me inta this."
"Having a suit is never a mistake." He was at a loss at this change of heart. The hardest part was over.
"Don't you see? Yer tryin' ta make me into somethin' I'm not. I'm a G…" He caught himself as he looked around in fear. Had anyone heard what he almost said? No one had taken notice so he lowered his voice. "I'm a Guardian dog. I ain't no gentleman an' I'll never be one. Yer wasting your time an' yer money. Go back an' tell'm ta forget it."
"Chief! A gentleman is not bred. A gentleman is how he acts, what he does, how he comports himself. I will teach you how to act until it becomes second nature to you. You already have the heart of a gentleman." His voice became stern. "And as I have promised never to mention certain things to you I want a promise from you that you will never refer to yourself as a dog again." He paused watching intently. "Promise me," he added insistently.
Chief was caught off guard. He was a dog. That was what Guardians were called. They were trained dogs. That was all he would ever be. "But…"
"No," interrupted Actor. "You are a man. You obviously trust the Lieutenant. To him you a man, not a dog. He treats you like a man. Now it is time for you to step up and act your true nature. You are a man, a man who will have a gentleman's suit the next time we return. Promise me you will not say that again."
In a small voice he whispered, "All I can do is try."
"That is all I ask." He stepped back and said lightly, "Now, let us have some lunch."
Fortunately they were early so they were able to get a table and fast service. Actor let the young man consider the menu and then as he had the last time he talked about a few of the menu options and told him what he was going to order. When they began to eat Actor prompted him to slow down by asking if he could detect a certain flavor but he knew Chief was eager to get back. His suspicions about Goniff's health were weighing heavily on his mind as well.
The two men arrived early at the station and heard the announcement that the train had been delayed so they had time to wait. As they sat Chief began to wonder what it would be like if Actor had been his Hearth. He wasn't but he couldn't help wondering. Would he have taken him places like Rome and Paris like he talked about? That would be exciting but then he thought about what Actor did. Actor loved the ladies and what lady would want him around? Actor would have to leave him somewhere while he wined and dined. He couldn't leave him at the hotel in case he wanted to bring her back there. And it got worse. Actor couldn't even take him to a nice place because his manners would embarrass him and show him to be the dog, yes, dog, that he was. Stupid idea.
That led to the thought about what would happen with Garrison. Someday when the war was over he was going to meet someone he wanted to wine and dine and impress. No lady wanted a dog hanging around. Garrison had to know this. At the end of the war Chief had fantasies about staying with Garrison. In the harsh light of reality they were just stupid childish fantasies. Throw them out. When the war ended and their six months were over could he take off? Would Garrison let him go? He played by the rules; would he break them so he could go free for as long as he could? The war did not look to be ending anytime soon. Who knew, he might not even survive until the end. No point worrying about it now.
Eventually they made their way back to their base. Actor headed to Garrison's office to let him know they had returned and for word about Goniff. Chief went directly to the room Goniff had been recovering in. As he pushed open the door his eyes went to the floor. The blood had been cleaned up. A quick look to the bed showed the sleeping figure. Quietly he slipped up to the side of the bed. Goniff was lying on his side slightly curled. He did not look well. Chief leaned in and smelled the same odour. It was stronger now and Goniff was hot. He had a fever. Pivoting on his heel he hurried out the door and down to Garrison's office.
"Goniff's sick. You gotta do somethin'. Ya gotta take him to the hospital." Both men had stopped to look when he burst in. Now they rose and Garrison grabbed his coat. Chief grabbed the keys that his Hearth tossed to him as the other two ran upstairs.
Chief had the car pulled around in front as the door opened and two figures came out carrying the third. A fourth man ran ahead and opened the vehicle door. Not bothering with speed limits, signals or courtesy Chief had them at the hospital door in record time. Goniff was rushed in and the others were left to wait.
They had questions but no one spoke. The questions were for the doctor who maddeningly refused to appear. Casino paced then Garrison joined him. Chief went outside to silently ask for help from the white man's god. He did not believe but figured it could not hurt to try. Maybe their god did not listen to Guardians but he had to try. All the while he kept an ear on Garrison's heartbeat. It was a little fast but he knew when the Doctor arrived it would get even faster. He waited until he could not stand it and he returned to the waiting room. More waiting. Such was their concern that when a young woman came in to see if anyone wanted coffee or a biscuit, not even Actor reacted.
Finally the Doctor came into the room as he buttoned his white coat. "Lieutenant Garrison?" he asked settling on the correct man. "Your man is in Recovery. He'll be…"
"Recovery?" queried three voices.
"Acute appendicitis. It's a good thing you brought him in when you did. It burst as we were taking it out. We got him all cleaned and he should make a full recovery."
"When can we see'm?"
"Give us an hour and he should be on the ward. Go get yourself something to eat. He should be ready by then but only one person. He needs to rest."
There was a chorus of thank you's and the four men headed for the cafeteria.
"How'd you know?" asked Casino as they all sat with their trays.
"He smelled sick." He did not want to admit he had suspected this morning and had still gone off to London and he held his breath, fearing Actor would tell. He did not. His secret was safe. He had failed Goniff again. At least this time he had come back in time. Goniff was right, he had left him again. Why had he done that? He should have told Garrison right then but he hadn't. He was not a good friend, not even a good team mate. Maybe he should tell Garrison what he had done.
As if reading his thoughts Garrison said, "It's a good thing you noticed and came and told me. You saved his life."
But he hadn't. The guilt was consuming him. He had known and done nothing. He had put his own pleasure ahead of Goniff's life. Even if the pleasure had been pure torture it was still the fact he had gone off to London leaving a sick man to almost die. What if the train had been delayed even more? He would have died. He was guilty of deserting him again. He promised himself that he would not leave again.
Garrison was the only one admitted in to see the patient. When he returned the others wanted details. "He's resting comfortably and no, he didn't say anything. They've got him sedated. We'll come back tomorrow."
They filed out with only a few backward glances. The return trip was slower but just as quiet. They were all imagining what it would have been like if they hadn't got him there on time. The team wouldn't be the same without him. Casino was considering what he could bring him when they came tomorrow. Flowers were the only thing he could come up with. Could you eat chocolates after surgery? What if he couldn't eat? He had to grimace at the thought of Goniff not being allowed to eat. Poor guy. Just the thought of Goniff in that much pain brought an ache to their hearts.
The morning dawned clear. Even the appearance of the sun, when it rose, heartened the men. Breakfast was a hurried affair until Garrison spoke. "I don't know what the rush is. Visiting hours don't start until ten." He consulted his watch. "You have almost two hours."
When they were finally admitted to the ward Goniff was laying back against the propped up head of the bed, eyes closed. They approached quietly and waited for him to open his eyes. He did not look good. The bruises from his incarceration were fading and the swelling was almost gone but there was a tightness about his eyes and he was as white as the sheets.
Finally the blue eyes opened and he smiled a weak smile.
"Good morning Goniff. How're you feeling?"
"I don' know." His words were slurred from the sedative he had been given. "What 'appened? I'm not at 'ome, am I?"
"You had acute appendicitis."
"A cute what?" He sounded serious but they saw the twinkle in his eye.
Goniff kept drifting off so they did not stay long. It was enough to just see their team mate and know that he was going to be all right. Chief was especially relieved.
Back at their base Garrison had caught Chief's eye and nodded to his office. He waited until he entered and then closed the door.
With the guilt of leaving him weighing so heavily on his mind Chief thought that this was it. Garrison was going to punish him. He kept his eyes downcast waiting for the blow.
If Garrison noticed he did not say instead he headed for his desk and pulled out a bottle and two glasses. After pouring two shots he handed one to the Indian. A confused Chief took the glass.
"Thank you, Chief." He had to have seen the frown of confusion but again he said nothing. "I should have noticed that Goniff wasn't right. I thought it was just his injuries making him so tired. I gave him the extra medication when he said he was in pain. I should have noticed. I didn't and it almost cost him his life. Thank you for looking out for him and checking on him. You saved his life."
"No, I didn't," he said anguish clear in his voice. "I almost killed him again." He wanted to kneel and ask forgiveness but a word from his Hearth stopped him.
"Don't."
He hesitated a moment then spoke determined to expose his guilt. "I smelled it this morning and I said nothing."
"You knew he was sick?" Garrison was questioning not accusing.
"No, not sick. I smell something but I didn't know what it was. I wanted to tell you," his voice was strong but then tapered off meekly, "but I was afraid."
"You're afraid to talk to me?" Again it was just a question.
"I was afraid you'd think it was stupid, that I didn't know what I was talking about. I ain't a doctor. I didn't want you to think I was…" he stopped abruptly.
"You were what?"
There was a long silence broken by Garrison's, "Drink up." He hoped it would relax the man enough that he could get to the truth. Chief was consumed with guilt which Garrison knew from past episodes was not always deserved. The Indian complied. Garrison asked the question again even more gently. "You didn't want me to think you were what?"
Chief knew he had to explain. It was bad enough knowing but now he had to put it into words. As long as no one mentioned it then it wasn't real, it wasn't true. He had to make it real. His shoulders sank and his head went down.
"Guardians are …, we're not good enough, we have no right to tell real people what… to… I yelled at you. You're within your rights to beat me." He put the glass down on the desk with a shaking hand and waited.
"Chief," said Garrison gently. "Look at me."
Chief shook his head. "I have no right."
"Look at me." His tone was firm, his command voice. Garrison could see the conflict between obedience and fear. "As your Hearth," and he stepped closer and lowered his voice, "I ask you to look me in the eye."
It was almost painful to watch but eventually the Guardian complied. From the tension he knew that one sudden movement and the Guardian would be on the floor. "As your Hearth, I swear on everything I hold dear, that I will never beat you. Do you hear me? Never. No matter what you do, I will never raise a hand to you. Do you understand?"
Chief's mouth had fallen open in an attempt to get enough air into his lungs. He was so tense it made breathing difficult so it took a moment for what his Hearth had said to register. He would not beat him. He would not…
Carefully the Officer poured another shot into each glass, replaced the bottle and picked up his glass. Holding the vessel up he said, "To my friend," and he waited.
Chief was confused at first then he picked up his glass and said tentatively, "To my friend."
"Say it like you mean it, Chief," he said with a smile.
Chief took a shaky breathe, released it and said, stronger, "To my friend." They both drank. Chief reached out to put the glass down but Garrison told him to go ahead and drink it. He did, maybe a little too quickly because it began to feel the effects of the alcohol. When the phone rang he took the glass and headed for the back door. He went out and sat on the step and tossed back the last of the fiery liquid. He had a lot to think about. Goniff was going to be all right. He had fucked up by leaving but Garrison wasn't mad at him about it. Twice he had almost gotten him killed and Garrison still called him friend. His Hearth called him friend. It felt good. Could he really believe it? His Hearth…
Three days later Goniff came home and everyone turned out to welcome him, even Chief. The Englishman was so glad to be home that he told them he did not want to sleep in that fancy room with its 'too soft bed' that he wanted to sleep with his 'mates' in their room. By now his ankle was much improved and he occasionally used a cane, especially when Garrison was around. He figured that his injury might buy them some time off and for a time it worked at least against overseas missions. It could not prevent danger coming to them.
