The Hospital Nurse Affair

Disclaimer: I do not own The A Team movie or television series or any of the delightful characters found on The A Team.

Chapter 12 Brothers in Suffering

B. A. knew the almost five hour drive via U. S. 15 to Las Vegas was going to be a nightmare trip with the first moan he heard from the patient on the bench seat in the back.

He would gladly have listened to Murdock babbling about any crazy subject he wanted. Instead the pilot alternately groaned or ranted in occasional outbursts that sounded too much like something from the Viet Cong prison camp. Hannibal's soothing voice cut over the top of each episode until the Captain's voice turned into vague muttering.

"He don't sound like he's gettin' any better, Hannibal." B. A. glanced in the rear view mirror, a frown creasing his forehead.

Cigar clamped tightly in his mouth, the Colonel knelt on the floor in the back. Murdock lay on the bench seat, a thick blanket covering him. Even in the mild winter temperatures of the Mojave Desert, the pilot shivered.

"I've done all I can for him, B. A. I gave him the methicillin Face scammed, I've applied triple antibiotic ointment to the wounds, changed the dressings. He's going to have to fight this now." Hannibal's voice betrayed his fatigue and concern.

Murdock stirred, turned his head from side to side, the low mutter increasing in volume.

"There he goes again, Hannibal. He's in real bad shape. Don't know how much more I can take of this."

The Colonel stared out the side window. "We're almost to Barstow. Go ahead and pull over at the first gas station you come to. Take a walk. Get some air."

B. A. began to protest but the Colonel snapped, "That's an order, Sergeant."

The red and white Corvette and black van parked side by side in the parking zone of the gas station. Almost as soon as he took the key from the ignition, Face slung himself out of the car. He watched B. A. scowl into the back seat and get out. Even from the few feet of distance between their vehicles, when the Colonel opened the side door, Face heard pleading tortured words in Murdock's voice coming from the van.

"How's he doing, Hannibal?" The Lieutenant climbed into the van and watched the burly driver stalk into the station's convenience store. "B. A. looks angry."

"We've had rides that were more fun."

Face knelt beside Murdock and clasped one of his hands. "Hey, buddy. Another couple of hours we'll be in Vegas. Don't you worry. We'll find Daniela for you."

"Face, he might not hear you. He's been in and out of consciousness and flashbacks since we left L. A."

The Lieutenant glared at Hannibal. "We're the closest thing to brothers either of us ever had. He's hearing me. I know he is."

Murdock's fingers curled around Face's hand and squeezed it. It was unexpected and caught both Hannibal and Face off guard. The feverish muttering slowed and became a whisper.

"Colonel, would you mind taking the 'Vette the rest of the way into Vegas for me?" The Lieutenant kept his eyes on the pilot's face as he handed Hannibal the keys. "Maybe if I keep talking, he'll come out of it."

Hannibal nodded, relief bringing a small smile to his face. A tiny pang of guilt didn't prevent him from mentally thanking Face for taking over the responsibility for Murdock's comfort. "No problem."

Face backed out of the van and let the Colonel pass. Hannibal clapped the Lieutenant on the shoulder. "Thanks for spelling me, kid. Do your best."