Chapter 25
Doc checked on Hanley and Thompson one last time before deciding to step outside and enjoy some fresh air. The rain had stopped a short time ago and as he stood outside the tent Doc took a deep breath enjoying the cool air left by the storm. As he looked around the area he caught sight of Saunders and Kirby heading toward him, both looked a little wet and were removing their ponchos as they walked over to the medic.
"You two look a little worse for wear but I see you made it back in one piece." Where's the rest of the men?
"They were heading to the sleep quarters to dry off and get some rest, Kirby and I wanted to see if Brockmeyer had made it in with the Lieutenant."
"Yes, brought the Lieutenant in about three hours ago after we got Hanley settled Brockmeyer went to get some sleep."
"Is Brockmeyer alright?"
"Yeah, from what I could tell Brockmeyer just needs a good night sleep, said Hanley's fever spiked yesterday afternoon and he spent the evening trying to get it down." He still has a low grade fever but I'll keep an eye on it.
"That's good news Doc."
Doc took a closer look at Kirby's face. Are you alright? "You look a little pale."
"I'm good Doc just a little bit of a headache."
"Why don't you let me be the judge, while Saunders visits the Lieutenant I'll check you over."
"It's not necessary, I'm fine."
"Let him check you out, Kirby."
"But Serge..."
"You can look in on Hanley after the Doc looks you over."
"Alright Serge, I'm fine though."
Doc led the two men inside the tent motioning for Kirby to have a seat on one of the exam tables while he escorted Saunders over to Hanley. Leaving the sergeant sitting beside the cot made his way back to Kirby asking a few questions as he began the examination.
Saunders removed his helmet stuffing his poncho inside, placed it on the floor with his Thompson. Leaning forward he scanned Hanley's face, pausing on the bandaged cut, noting how dark the bruising around it was, seeming more so against the paleness of the man's skin. Glancing down he caught sight of the bruising on Hanley's left side, Kirby was right it looked bad and would probably take a while to heal. Saunders had placed a hand on the Lieutenants forehead to check for fever when he felt the brush of lashes against his palm, removing his hand he caught Hanley blinking trying to wake up.
"Hey, Lieutenant."
Hanley wasn't sure if it was really Saunders or not, several times in the last few days he thought the Serge had been with him. Reaching out he clasped a forearm and caught his gaze. "So it is you this time Saunders."
Saunders looking a little puzzled, Who did you think it was?
"When my fever was up there was several moments I thought you were with me but it was Kirby or Brockmeyer." How did the patrol go?
"The Germans were there, after we reported the numbers back to Captain Jampel he told us to come in." "This morning he sent us out on another patrol, we just got back."
Everyone make it back alright? How's Kirby?
"All the men made it back, Doc is checking Kirby out now.
"Think I hit him a little too hard trying to get us to cover, probably has a few bruises as a result and the back of his head hit the ground when he landed."
Closing his eyes briefly Hanley tightened the arm bracing his ribs and started to press a hand to his head when it was intercepted.
"Told you before Lt. that isn't going to help." Doc hasn't given you anything for the headache and ribs?
"What he could give me he can't because of the concussion and you know I can't take a lot of the other pain medicines.
{Saunders knew about the Lieutenants allergies he had learned the hard way and wouldn't want to repeat that lesson.}
Looking closely he noted the uneven pupils and could tell by how pale Hanley had gone that the man was in some pain. "Has Doc said how long you'll be laid up?
"Haven't had a chance to ask, think I've been sleeping since I got back." Can I get some water Saunders?
Saunders located the canteen and as gently as he could lift the Lieutenant up far enough that he could drink without choking and a few minutes later he eased the man back. Serge could tell the Lieutenant was getting tired and figured it was time for him to go placing a hand on the man's shoulder he gave it a light squeeze.
"I think you've talked enough for the moment why don't you try to go back to sleep and I'll come by later to check on you."
"I'd like to see Kirby first Saunders."
"Alright, I'll go see if Doc is finished with him."
"Thanks Saunders."
Saunders bent down to pick up his gear, as he stood up took one more glance at the Lt. noted the tense posture, tight jaw and beads of perspiration now showing on the man's face. With his gear in his right hand he clasped the Lt's left hand offering support, feeling the pressure from Hanley's grip. "What's your pain level Sir?
Hanley responded in a tight voice. "About four, Saunders." (A few moments passed then Hanley started to relax a little) "I'm, alright now, thanks for the anchor."
"Any time Lieutenant." (Turning he went to check on Kirby)