Chapter Nineteen: Bring Him home
Esposito cradled Kate in his arms, stood with her and gently laid her on the couch. Lanie was sent for and arrived within minutes. She checked Kate's vitals and then said; "She's okay she'll come around in a few minutes." She took a wash cloth out of her bag and asked Karpowski to wet it for her. Lanie took the damp cloth and bathed Kate's face with it. Kate's eyes opened. They were pools of misery. "Lanie, she whispered, Rick he's…he's. Lanie soothed her friend. "Shhh Kate, all we know is that Rick's hurt. We don't know how seriously. You need to go home, be with Alexis and Martha be strong for them." Kate nodded and with Lanie's help sat up then stood. Gates looked at the distraught woman and said, gently; "Go on home Detective, you're needed there."
Kate entered the loft just minutes behind Martha. Someone in her school had seen the report and told her. Kate immediately hugged her and then said; Martha call Columbia for me. I'm going to pick up Alexis." Alexis was waiting for Kate in front of the student union. As she got into the car she said; "What's going on Mom, why are you picking me up?"
Kate's eyes were somber as she told Alexis; "Your dad's been wounded we don't know how badly. We need to be at home." When they entered the loft Alexis ran to Martha and hugged her.
Martha said; "I think that we could all use a glass of wine to settle our nerves."
Kate said; "You two go ahead I need something stronger." She went into Rick's office to get his bottle of single malt Scot's whiskey. (Don't call it scotch) as she did something caught her eye. It was a custom built model of the FA-18. Presented to Rick by his men. She wanted to pull it off the shelf and break it into little pieces but she knew that Rick treasured it so she restrained her impulse.
When Kate came back out of the office Martha instantly sensed the combination of sorrow and anger. The sorrow had been there moments before but the anger hadn't. Martha stepped up to her. "Kate?" "I'm so worried and afraid and I'm mad. Kate said. That F-18 model set me off. I'm mad at that damned reporter, I'm mad at the Marines for sending him into combat, I'm mad at Rick for accepting in the first place but most of all I'm mad at myself for causing this whole mess. If I'd only admitted that I love rick back in May none of this would ever have happened."
Surprisingly it wasn't Martha who calmed Kate down. Alexis put her arms around Kate.
"Mom don't be mad. You can't change the past and it's not helping you. Or me. Wait and see what happened. Whatever it is we will deal with it. As a family. We have to support each other because you can be sure that as soon as Meredith finds out about it she'll be on a plane here to see what she can get out of the situation."
Alexis hadn't referred to Meredith as her mom or even her mother since the Katrina Borodin incident when she came up at all it was as Meredith. Kate wasn't really surprised. Meredith had never made a real effort for Alexis. She'd send elaborate gifts, expecting lavish praise for it or occasionally breeze into town expecting Alexis to do whatever Meredith wanted to do.
But really be there when Alexis need her? No way. She was much too busy looking out for herself and she wasn't even doing a good job of that. In the past four years when Alexis was sick, needed advice or just wanted someone to confide in, Kate was there. So as far as Alexis was concerned Kate was her mom. Meredith was just some silly ditz who popped up from time to time, bent on annoying her.
It was late afternoon when Martha said; "We should be thinking about dinner." Kate looked up. "I'm not hungry Martha my stomach is doing flip-flops." Alexis shook her head giving Kate a stern look. "No Mom you have to eat to keep your strength up... I'll make something simple. mac and cheese.
They had just finished dinner when Kate phone rang. "Is this Mrs. Katherine Rogers?" Kate's breath caught. "Yes it is." She replied. Martha and Alexis watched as a smile of relief spread over her face. "Mrs. Rogers I am Major Allen Woodrow your husband's executive officer. Colonel Rogers is out of surgery and resting comfortably. His wounds are serious but not life threatening. He took shrapnel in his left shoulder and arm. He's going to need orthopedic surgery but the doc says he will fully recover. He'll call you when he's out of the sick bay which should be in about an hour. He should be in Walter Reed by tomorrow night."
Kate flopped down on the couch. "Thank you Major, thank you so very much. Kate turned to Martha and Alexis. The fear and pain that had been reflected in Kate's eyes were gone but the anger was still there. She was angry at the reporter, the network, the Marines and the situation. But she couldn't hold on to her anger at Rick. After all, his sense of duty was as strong as hers and he'd never been angry at her being a cop.
Despite her anger Kate gave a big smile to Alexis and Martha. "He's alive! Injured but alive and the wounds are not life-threatening. He'll be at Walter Reed by tomorrow night! The three women indulged in a group hug then Kate proceeded to Call Esposito, Lanie, Ryan and her dad that rick was wounded but would be okay.
Kate might not be comfortable with her new status as a very wealthy woman but for once she was going to put it to good use. She called the airline and booked first class tickets to Washington D.C. and then reserved a Mercedes sedan for their use. She also booked them into a five star hotel.
Kate walked into the precinct the next morning and asked Captain Gates for a week off, explaining that rick was alive and would be at Walter Reed tonight. She needed to be with him.
She was surprised when Gates gave her two weeks off and shocked when Gates said; "Tell Colonel Rogers that he's missed around here and wish him a speedy recovery."
Even though it was a short flight from New York to Washington D.C. Kate was impressed with the amenities in first class and the black VISA card definitely got the attention of the hotelier. The suite they were shown to was luxurious beyond anything Kate had ever experienced in a hotel. She called Walter Reed and was told that Rick had not arrived yet but was expected about 19:00 hours. She could see him first thing in the morning.
She demanded to be allowed to see him tonight. But the woman had dealt with distraught wives before. "Please understand Mrs. Castle Colonel Castle has to go through admitting and then he'll need to be examined. There is a good reason for visiting hours being limited. Also the Colonel is likely to be tired and cranky after a long flight and he may be sedated. It is best for all concerned that you wait until morning when the colonel will be rested and alert."
Kate ended the call and almost threw her phone against the wall in frustration. Damn those bone-headed straight-laced by the book types. I need to see my husband now. Another night without him, another damn nightmare. The nightmares had not plagued Kate every night that Rick had been gone but often enough to be annoying and sap her energy. The longer he'd been gone the more frequent they'd become. She'd even gone to see Dr. Burke but it hadn't helped much.
She was pacing back and forth and cursing under her breath. Alexis walked into the room and immediately grabbed Kate's hand. "Stop it Mom, what's wrong now." Alexis asked.
Kate frowned but she stopped pacing. "It's those bastards in the hospital they say that I can't see your dad until tomorrow. It's so unfair I need him." Alexis chuckled. Kate was acting just like Rick. "It's only one more night Mom. You can handle one more night. You don't want to give dad anymore ammunition to tease you with, do you?" Kate sighed and rolled her eyes. A gesture that Alexis had copied. "You're right Alexis but we're going to be there precisely at nine-oh-one!"
That night Kate got a new nightmare to add to her collection. One that had her moaning and crying in her sleep: The carrier was stable but the winds were gusting and swirling and rain swept across the deck. The conditions were bad but the crippled fighter had no other choice for a landing. The pilot was injured and he couldn't eject safely. The damaged aircraft had an engine out and was leaking fuel. If he didn't make it on board on the first try he'd be bingo on fuel. The fighter was coming in too high and the pilot had to flare higher than normal. The tail hook missed the third wire and the aircraft slammed into the crash barrier, bursting into flames.
Kate sat up in bed, a short half scream half sob escaped from her throat. Alexis was there in seconds. She and Martha had been taking turns sitting outside Kate's bedroom. She jumped on the bed and wrapped Kate in a fierce hug. Kate's eyes appeared huge in the dim light and the tears were streaming.
"It's okay Mom, you're okay, Dad's okay. It was only a dream a nightmare. Hush Mom, I'm here." Kate calmed down in a few minutes then lay back and looked up at Alexis, with a sad look. "I'm so sorry Alexis I shouldn't be putting you through this." Alexis smiled gently, her blue eyes so much like her father's.
"It's okay Mom. You can let someone else be strong once in a while. You're not Wonder Woman you know even if Dad uses her theme for your ringtone." That little comment was enough to bring a hint of humor into Kate's face. "I'm not Wonder Woman; does that mean I have to get rid of the lasso and the bustier?" Alexis smirked and made a snarky comment;
"Not if you keep the costume in the bedroom and use the lasso to tie Dad to the bed." That comment had Kate blushing bright red then bursting into laughter. Martha came in with three cups of a soothing herbal tea on a tray. "Room service is amazing in this hotel."
Kate awoke feeling like she hadn't had enough sleep but as soon as she got up and had her first cup of coffee she felt energized. Partly by the coffee but more by the fact that she would see her husband today for the first time in almost four months. She didn't feel like eating breakfast but Alexis insisted. Kate was doing better at taking care of herself since marrying Rick but was still somewhat careless about breakfast. A Bear claw and a cup of coffee was not a good breakfast. Alexis called room service and ordered steak and eggs with hash browns, toast and coffee for all three of them. Kate rolled her eyes at the elaborate breakfast. "Alexis this is too much for breakfast. I can't eat all this." Alexis put her hands on her hips and gave Kate the look Kate had used on Rick several times when she wanted him to do something he didn't want to do.
"You can and you will Mom. You're going to have to deal with both dad and the Navy at the same time. You're going to need all the energy you can get." Kate laughed and sat down. Alexis was right. She surprised herself. As soon as she took her first bite her appetite returned with a vengeance and she ate everything on her plate, following it with a blueberry muffin from the complimentary tray already in the suite. She smiled at Alexis and said; "Thank you Alexis that was just what I needed. Now I need to get ready to wow your dad."
Kate took her time with her make-up applying it with special care paying close attention to the concealer underneath her eyes. She didn't want Rick to notice the dark half- moons there. Alexis came in and helped her with her hair. She chose the red dress she wore the night Rick proposed, a black lace push-up bra, black lace panties and black diamond pattern hose.
Alexis was wide-eyed as Kate came out of the bedroom. "Mom you look absolutely stunning." Alexis said, slightly in awe. Martha agreed, smirking as she said;
"Katherine Darling, I agree with Alexis but you've already got the man."
Kate laughed. "Yes I do and I intend to keep him. I've seen too many wives let themselves go and thus let their man go. My competition was fierce before what do you think it's going to be like now? Rick's not only handsome, rich and famous he's a genuine hero.
The drive to Walter Reed was quiet. Although they knew Rick's injuries were not life threatening that didn't mean they were minor. All three women were apprehensive. Kate had to produce dependent ID to prove that she was Rick's wife. After what seemed like an hour's wait which was in reality only a few minutes they were directed to the third floor. Kate almost choked on the irony when they were directed to room 325. She had to restrain herself from running down the corridor to his room. She arrived at his door and hesitantly peeked in. He was sitting on the edge of his bed wearing pajama pants and a t-shirt with the left arm cut away to clear his heavily bandaged shoulder and upper left arm, the arm held in place by a sling. He was fumbling with his phone. She was pretty sure that he was calling her. She smiled and slinked into the room using the same line she had at the launch party. "Looking for a good time Marine?"
Rick's face lit up at the sight of his beautiful wife but at the same time he decided that two could play that game. "Why, do you know where I can find one?" This time her answer was different. "You're damn right I do." She held her husband's face between her hands and kissed him, pouring all the pain, fear and longing of the past months into her kiss. His mouth opened under her onslaught welcoming the thrust of her tongue and the sweet taste of her. They finally broke apart and she curled into his good shoulder. Half laughing half sobbing.
"Oh Babe, you're home, so good you're home. I've missed you so much. Never leave me again." They spent a few more moments cuddling and then heard someone clear her throat. Alexis was waiting at the door. Rick beckoned her in and Kate stood just far enough away to let Alexis in. The redhead hugged her father and echoed Kate. "Mom's right dad, never leave us again. You scared the hell out of us." Martha came in. hugged Rick, smiled at Kate and Alexis. "What they said."
Now Kate sat back and took a good look at Rick's face. The toll command had taken on him was subtle but definitely there. Though his hair was cut short she could see gray at the temple that hadn't been there before and deep lines around his eyes and mouth. Her hand resting on his shoulder could feel the tension in his muscles. Whatever it takes she wants him out of this environment and home where she could work on relaxing him. (And her). It was only a few minutes later when a tall, beautiful Naval Officer walked in. Dark hair, green eyes and a heart shaped face, she was definitely not what Kate wanted to see right now.
"Excuse me ladies but you'll have to leave for a few minutes I need to speak with Colonel Rogers for a few minutes in private."
Kate glared at her. "Who are you and why do you think that you have the right to order me around?" Kate challenged.
"I'm Captain Susan Warren USN. Medical Corps. I'm an orthopedic surgeon I'm in charge of Colonel Roger's surgery. And I need to discuss his case with the colonel." Kate hadn't missed the predatory look in the good doctor's eyes. What is it with surgeons do they all think that they're all above the rules? First Josh with me and this one with Rick. This is the first time she's seen him. I'll be damned if she gets away with it.
Rick spoke up. "With all due respect Captain, these three ladies are my wife, my daughter and my mother. Anything you may have to say to me can be said in front of them." You could see on Dr. Warren's face that she didn't like to be thwarted but even in the military the doctor was required to bow to the patient's request if it was at all reasonable. Dr. Warren's voice was rather cold as she said; "Very well Colonel Rogers, you were very lucky. There was damage to the structure of the shoulder itself but it can be easily repaired if surgery is accomplished rather quickly. You should regain full use of your shoulder fairly quickly but there will be physical therapy involved."
"Where would the surgery be performed?" Rick asked. "Right here at Walter Reed." Warren replied. "Would it have to be performed at government facility?" Kate asked.
"If you want the government to pay for it, yes it would." Warren snapped.
Kate grinned. "Well Captain since I don't want you anywhere near my husband and since he will be on medical leave we will have our own surgeon perform the surgery in New York. Lord knows we can afford the best in the world and I would advise you not to try and block it in any way. I can be very nasty when crossed."
The Captain huffed. "If that's the way you want it, fine. Just be sure that you sign waivers releasing the government from responsibility."
Rick managed to get in touch with the doctor in overall charge of his case. He was a civilian employee of the Navy department. The doctor agreed that rick could be released from Walter Reed if he agreed to come under a doctor's care as soon as he reached New York.
Rick was on the phone as soon as they were in the car. Of course he had a guy. He always had a guy. He made an appointment with the top orthopedic surgeon in the country for an evaluation the following morning and chartered a private air ambulance to fly them home.
Walking into the loft with Kate on one side and Alexis on the other Rick sighed in relief. Finally home. Rick was thankful that he only had two pills to take. A pain pill and an antibiotic. As soon as Rick was settled Kate called Rick's regular doctor and asked him what restrictions Rick might be under. After hearing the description of Rick's injuries the doctor chuckled, knowing full well what Kate was wondering. "As long as you or he don't do anything to strain that shoulder or pull the stitches and no alcohol I can't see any undue restrictions."
Kate thanked the doctor and broke the connection, grinning. I'll just do all the work tonight!"