Sam straightened papers on his desk and rearranged his bobble heads for what had to be the fiftieth time that morning. So far, this had been a very unproductive first day back at work. He had done little more than replay the look in Red's eyes as she had handed him the package—a blueberry bran muffin-–and reread her note over and over:
S—
Blueberries have antioxidants which reduce heart attack risk. Bran reduces the risk of heart-related deaths. Oats lower cholesterol. None of these ingredients were easy for me to obtain. If I can go to these lengths to take care of your heart from the inside, then surely you can do the same on the outside.
No more eggs.
–G
He shook his head and chuckled at what appeared to be Red's idea of a coded love letter. And he smiled when he looked at the scrawled "G". It felt like a privilege to be be granted permission to use her given name and he marveled at his streak of luck. A little ironic to think of a heart attack as lucky, but he'd trade a heart attack for Galina Reznikov any day of the week.
There was a rap on the door and he looked up sharply.
"Doggett," He muttered, his heart sinking as he waved in the scrawny girl.
"Hey Mr. Healy. I know you're probably getting all settled in and all, but I just wanted to say again how glad I am to have you back here. Cause I really need someone to talk to-I have so many ideas just bustin' out of me. Like, for instance, I would really like to start Safe Place again, only a little different this time, like, a place that's safe for everyone to work stuff out, like regular people and homosexuals. It could be like a forum, or like a round table kinda thing where we all, you know, state our case and maybe listen to each other and try to get a little understanding between us all. And I don't just mean the Lesbos, Mr. Healy, I mean like all them other people in here who don't walk in the light, like those Wiccans and Norma-lites and Catholics...We could get all the sinners into one big room and just hash it out, civil like. And who knows? Maybe we'd even save a few souls. And if we don't," she shrugged. "We still might learn something. Like, for instance, just cause we're not all the same doesn't mean we have to be enemies."
Sam blinked and shook his head. Good god, he'd been back for less than three hours…He was not ready for Doggett on a mission.
"Listen, Doggett…" He shuffled his papers and looked up again and straight into Red's blue eyes. She stood at the door, hand on her hip, a secretive smile on her face. "Doggett, I'm going to have to get back to you. Those sound like some…interesting plans, and I'd like to discuss them at length. But Red and I have a…"
"We need to discuss my stove," she said brusquely. "It's an emergency."
Dogget stood to leave. "Sure thing, Mr. Healy. I'll be back later. Maybe I'll just swing on by here after lunch, so I can give you some details about the whole Safe Place idea."
"Why don't you write up a proposal, "Red interrupted. Outline your ideas with a clear presentation. Then come back. Should take you a couple of days." She quirked an eyebrow at him and he sent her a silent thank you.
Doggett nodded. "That's sound advice. A presentation. I like that." She stood and walked over to Red. "You know, I'm interested in improving my skills with things like this, like making proposals and the like. And I feel like you would be into some of these ideas I've got. Maybe I'll swing by the kitchen when I get a draft ready and see if you have any input. You've got your shit together Red," she nodded. "i could learn a thing or two from you."
The look of alarm on Red's face was almost comical, but Doggett was turning to address Sam and missed it entirely.
"I'll hash this out with Red, and then I'll come in here and pitch it to you Mr. Healy. Catch you later." Finally Doggett walked out the door, but turned around at the last minute. "I'm really glad you're back, sir. And I'm so glad you didn't die." she said over her shoulder and then she was gone.
Red shut the door and leaned against it. "Most of what comes out of that girl's mouth is sheer ignorance and bigotry but I finally agree with her on one thing…" She smiled sweetly and walked towards him. "I'm really glad you're back too.
Sam stood up as she came around his desk and stopped right in front of him. "And I'm so glad you didn't die," she said, and her voice broke and tears filled her eyes as she brushed the hair off his forehead. "I really missed you."
He slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her to him, cupping her beautiful face in his hand. "I really missed you too, Galina," he whispered against her lips as he bent down to kiss her.
