Chapter Twenty-One
Jaime couldn't figure out why Rudy wanted her to come down to the lab instead of seeing him at the medical clinic, but it was on the way to where she'd be donating the last of Chris's clothes so she dutifully did as he requested. It would be her first formal check-up since she'd been released from the hospital (although Rudy had stopped by every morning for a cup of coffee and to see how she was doing).
When Jaime walked into the lab, Rudy was grinning so broadly that even the tips of his mustache turned upward. "Have a seat and let's get started," he said jovially, giving nothing away. Jaime eyed him curiously as he took her vitals and tested her eyesight. "Any blurred vision?" he asked.
"Nope."
"Dizziness, unusual weakness or -"
"No. I feel fine. Just what are you up to, Doctor Wells?"
Rudy chuckled. "Up to? Just making sure my favorite patient is in the utmost tip-top condition so -"
"Rudy!"
"Well...that same favorite patient might just have a surprise waiting for her – IF she cooperates and lets me finish this exam."
"I'll be good," Jaime promised, laughing.
Rudy checked her balance, her hearing and any other little detail he could possibly come up with – just to be thorough, of course, but also to enjoy Jaime's anticipation. Finally, he was done. "Very impressive results," he told her, still grinning mischievously. "You've recovered even faster than I'd hoped. Unfortunately, I'm fresh out of lollipops today, so..." Rudy picked up the phone and dialed an extension. "She's ready," he told whoever was on the other end.
Jaime watched the door like a small child watches for Santa Claus – and within minutes, Oscar poked his head inside. "Hi, Babe," he said in a pleasant voice (with just a touch of sheepishness). Only his head was visible, as the rest of his body stayed behind the door, shielding Jaime's surprise from view. "I wanted to thank you again for a job well done last week – and to tell you how sorry I am for going against Rudy's orders..."
"And?" Rudy prompted.
"And for not telling you I was sending you out behind your doctor's back."
Jaime shrugged and smiled. "You did what you thought was right for the country, and no harm was done, so..."
"And thanks to your Intel, we were able to take down Santiago and his crew right at the heart of their operation," Oscar concluded. He looked guiltily at Rudy, then back at Jaime. "But I will never – ever – put you in that kind of jeopardy again."
"Oscar, danger comes with the territory," Jaime pointed out. "I'm used to that. But it's a lovely thought, so thank you."
"And..." Oscar said, finally stepping into the room, "there's someone else who'd like to give you his appreciation – and his heart."
Jaime looked quickly toward the door, half expecting to see Steve – and Max bounded into the room, his tail wagging joyfully as he greeted his old friend. "Hiya, Boy!" Jaime cooed, laughing as her face was washed several times over. She looked up at Oscar. "I didn't think he was still around."
"Max? He's ready for retirement with honors," Oscar told her, "but with his bionic components - and regular check-ups - he should have a few good years left. And Rudy and I feel that he should spend them...with you."
"Ooh!" Jaime said to the dog. "Did you hear that? You're coming for a visit!"
"More than that, Honey," Rudy explained. "Max is yours now. That is, if you want him." As if on cue, the dog laid his head in Jaime's lap and stared soulfully up into her face.
"If I want him? Are you kidding?" She reached down to embrace the dog. "We've gotta go shopping!"
"Russ is loading all of Max's things into your car for you," Oscar told her.
"Oh, but he'll need a new bed – won't you, Boy? And some new toys...and doggie treats 'cause he's such a good boy...and -" Jaime jumped to her feet and hugged first Oscar and then Rudy. "I'll take the best care of him."
"And bring him along when you have your check-ups," Rudy requested.
"I promise! C'mon, Max, let's go home! You and I are gonna make a great team!"
Max's bark and the ecstatic wagging of his tail said that he agreed.
END