Chapter 10

Lee's recovery was slow but steady. Once the Seaview had returned to Santa Barbara, Lee was transferred to the clinic at the Nelson Institute. He had spent more than his fair share there, and the staff was always a bit leery when they knew Captain Crane was being brought in. He was not known as a model patient. This time, however, Lee seemed content to remain in the hospital while his body healed. This last episode had taken far more out of him than he liked to admit. It disturbed him that he had reached the point where death seemed preferable to living.

Admiral Vandergriff and his adjutant, Captain Johnson, had disappeared. Nelson had been even more furious when he found out that Johnson had lied about contacting the ONI director. If Nelson had known that, ONI operatives could have rescued Lee much sooner. The Director had been adamant that ONI had no knowledge of Lee's so-called mission and was appalled when he had learned of it.

"I'm sorry, Harriman," Admiral Kerr had said, "I had no idea that Jacob Vandergriff had some kind of vendetta going against Lee Crane. You know I wouldn't have sent Crane anywhere without talking to you first. I wish I had known about this sooner. We could have had him out of there in no time! We're doing our best to track Vandergriff down though it might take some time. Evidence points to him having left the country, but I'll let you know as soon as we've found him."

Lee sighed as he thought about everything that had happened. Admiral Nelson had discussed with Lee what Johnson had told them about Matthew Harrison. Lee shook his head as he stared out the window into the hospital grounds. He'd barely known Matthew before their one mission together. Yes, he had been a very gifted cryptographer, Lee admitted, but a complete idiot as well. Lee felt a pang of guilt. He had been positive Matthew was dead when he left him and to find out now the cryptographer had still had a spark of life left in him had been devastating to Lee. Matthew shouldn't have died because of that mission. There was no excuse for it and even though Lee knew it was due to Matthew's own arrogance and stupidity, he still felt personally responsible. He had been in charge and he should never have let his guard down. Lee just hadn't expected his own partner to brain him. And to think his current situation was all because Matthew's grandfather had vowed to get revenge. It was just insane. Well, thought Lee grimly, fortunately he didn't succeed.

Lee had been in the hospital for three weeks now and although still weak, he was able to get up and move around more every day. His arm was healing well as were his broken ribs. Even the lacerations across his back were causing him less and less discomfort. Dr. Jamison was pleased with his progress and promised him that if he continued this way, he could go home in a few more days. Lee gave a small grunt of amusement. He hadn't even asked to get out of the hospital and here Jamison was offering him a "get out of jail free" card. The ironic thing was Lee wasn't sure he was ready to use it.

"Lee?"

Lee looked up to see Chip standing in the doorway. "Morning, Chip," Lee smiled, greeting his friend and executive officer. "How are things in the real world?"

Chip gave a short laugh as he pulled up a chair. "Same as usual. We've got some problems in the torpedo firing system, but Chief 's got some men working on that as well as installing the new sonar equipment. Nothing too exciting."

It might not have sounded exciting, but Lee yearned to be back on board his boat. Even the tedious day to day routines that were necessary to keeping the Seaview running smoothly would have been a welcome diversion. Lee wished that he could just leave the hospital and immediately return to duty but he knew he was facing several more long boring weeks of recuperation. He sighed wearily.

Chip watched his friend carefully. He knew only too well how Lee was feeling. His own recent forced period of inactivity had nearly driven him nuts and that had only been a week! "Doc says he's going to let you go home soon."

Lee stared out the window for a few moments before answering. "That's what he says."

Chip tilted his head and frowned. "Don't you want to get out of here? Normally by this time you'd be plotting your escape! I'm surprised you haven't started digging an escape tunnel with your soup spoon."

Lee laughed but Chip could tell his heart wasn't in it. "I don't know, Chip. For some reason, I just don't care. If I can't go back to the Seaview I don't seem to care where I am. Here seems just as good as anywhere." He sat thoughtfully for a moment. "But, maybe I'll feel differently once I do get home. "

Chip said nothing. This was so out of character for Lee that he wasn't sure how to react. "Have you spoken to the doc about this?" he finally asked.

Lee shook his head. "No, although he keeps looking at me like he expects me to start demanding he let me go. I know he's thankful I'm willing to follow his orders but I think he's suspicious I'm planning something!"

Chip laughed quietly. "I'm sure he's more than a little confused. Griping is your hallmark here in the clinic. I imagine the entire staff must be wondering what's going on."

"Well, they don't have to worry. I'm not planning anything. I'll take my medicine, get my rest and wait for my release then I'll go home, do the same thing and hopefully I'll get my clean bill of health sooner than later!" Lee closed his eyes and leaned back against the pillows. He suddenly felt very tired and unbidden, Matthew's face appeared to him. Lately, he had been having dreams about that mission and they weren't pleasant.

"Well," began Chip noticing his friend's fatigue, "I guess I had better get going. If Doc says it's OK, maybe I can bring you some paperwork next time!"

Lee smiled. Even that was sounding good.

Four days later, Lee was released from the hospital. Admiral Nelson and Chip both arrived to help move him back home. "Now, Captain," began Dr. Jamison as Lee was dressing, "You are not to overdo. Take things easy. Angie arranged to have a bunch of meals made up and put in your freezer. All you have to do is heat them up. No skipping meals! You are still considerably underweight and you need to build up your strength."

"Yes, Doc. I know!" grunted Lee as he bent over to tie his shoes. He had heard this all before. He had every intention on working hard to regain his health as quickly as possible. Despite his earlier reservations, he found he was actually looking forward to going home now that the day had come. Going home would give him something else to do beside brood about what happened to Matthew Harrison.

Jamison nodded but was still apprehensive. Lee remained very thin and pale despite his continued improvement. "Remember, if you start running a fever or feel ill, call me or the clinic immediately. It could be a relapse of the typhoid." Lee just glared at him. This must have been at least the tenth time Doc had gone over all of this!

Jamison sighed in surrender. He knew he was being an old mother hen, but they had come so close to losing the skipper, he still felt nervous letting Crane out of his sight. Jamison knew the captain had an aggravating tendency to downplay the seriousness of any injury or illness and in this case, it could be life threatening.

"Doc?" Jamison looked up to see Admiral Nelson standing in the doorway with Chip hovering behind.

"I didn't think you guys would ever get here!" Crane smiled in relief and stood to greet them. His smile turned to a grimace when he noticed the wheelchair they were pushing through the doorway. "Why can't I just walk out?"

Jamison sighed again. How many times had he had this same argument with Captain Crane? "You know the rules, Captain. However, if you would like to remain here a bit longer…"

"All right, Doc," Lee cried holding up his hands, "You win! I'll ride." Chip and Nelson exchanged grins and waited as Lee settled himself with a significant amount of grumbling into the chair. He was just relieved to finally be on his way. Once he was home, he would finally feel like he was making some real progress.

It wasn't long before they were all loaded into Nelson's car and on their way to Lee's beachfront home. Lee sat back against the leather seats and smiled as he watched the scenery speed by. He had been in the hospital for so long, it was like entering a whole new world.

"We aren't leaving on our mission for a few more days, Lee," Nelson was saying, "So if you need anything, someone can be there in no time." Lee closed his eyes. He was tired of having people hovering over him. He was desperate for some time alone to do what he wanted, when he wanted. No more nurses checking on him at all hours of the day and night or doctors scolding him for not eating enough. He knew they had his best interests at heart but it was wearing

"Thanks, Admiral," he replied opening his eyes. "I'm sure I'll be just fine. I'm feeling stronger every day. I just hope I'll be fit enough to go on the next cruise!"

"Well, if you continue as well as you have," replied Jamison, "I think that's a good possibility."

Chip, Nelson and Jamison stayed for dinner that evening, making sure that Lee was settled in comfortably. They all seemed a bit reluctant to leave but by 9, Lee was shooing them out the door. He was exhausted from all the activity and more than ready to get to bed. So, it was with a deep sigh of relief that he watched the Admiral's tail lights disappear down the road.

Lee quietly closed the door and collapsed on his sofa. He closed his eyes as he felt his body relax. He wasn't sure he had the energy to actually get up and go to bed. I could just sleep here on the couch, he thought drowsily. It is so good to be home!