Chapter 18

The late morning traffic from Philadelphia north to Trenton was moving slightly faster than the near gridlock moving south. The suggested speed limit was a wishful dream. Bobby and Malika were returning to Trenton after another visit with her facial surgeon. The wires in her mouth were gone, and the screws holding the plates were not showing inflammation. Her jaw barely moved, but with exercise, she would regain nearly full motion. All that would be left was her voice returning.

Of her other injuries, her ear retained its scars, but longer hair hid most damaged. The body weight still wasn't back to normal, but with the wires gone, eating solid food would become possible. Weight would come back.

"No more Metal Mouth," Bobby quipped. He pulled her close and kissed her, forcing his tongue to her teeth, begging for entry.

After attempting to opening her mouth wider, she pushed him back and signed, "More exercises. Not here."

Bobby looked around the clinic's treatment room and agreed. "Let's go to the car and make out like teenagers." Malika smiled broadly, and they left the clinic holding hands.

Bobby wasn't kidding. After both here in their seats, he pulled her across the console, placed his hand above her jaw and whispered, "Let's keep practicing." While he gently massaged her temporomandibular joints, jaw joints, they worked on creating a mouth opening large enough for tongue tips. Malika was able to extend her tongue out enough to meet Bobby's. After the two muscles met, Malika started silently laughing. Bobby pulled back with a puzzled look. Malika signed, "Just the tip."

"My dear," Bobby said pseudo-sternly, "You are going to have to accept more than the tip soon. I won't be satisfied without full penetration."

Malika felt in innuendo down to her thighs. Sitting back, she waved her hand, fan style mimicking cooling off.

Bobby was nearly the Delaware river bridge when his phone murmured. Picking it up, he listened. "Yes, she's with me," he spoke." After disconnecting, he sped up as much as possible, considering the traffic.

"Shooting. Our guys are down." Instantly he went into combat mode. He glanced at her, "Can you assist? I have an extra medical bag."

Malika nodded.

It had been a while since Malika had been in a combat situation, but her training kicked in. Like an old fire horse hearing the bell, she was ready to roll once again. Arriving at the warehouse, they noted Ranger, Tank, and several others were already outfitted in protective gear and preparing to enter the building. Bobby reached under the seat and unlocked a box. Pulling out a .45 cal Glock and a full clip, he handed both to Malika.

Unlike Stephanie, who would try to void taking it, the Air Force-trained surgeon safety checked her weapon before inserting the magazine and pulling back the slide. Since Glocks don't have safeties, she simply tucked the gun under her belt. Bobby was relieved by her weapon surety, unlike Stephanie, who would be shaking in fear. Going to the SUV's rear door and opening several storage compartments, he pulled out two ballistic vests, helmets, and two medical packs.

After both suited up, helping each other with the straps. Bobby handed her the second medical bag and said, "Wait here for my clear call." Immediately Bobby disappeared into the building. It wasn't long before she heard him call "clear." Instantly she was through the door and assessing the scene.

Bobby pointed to the injured gang members. Knowing not to turn her back on any of the "enemies," she was prepared when one of the wounded gang members drew a knife missed in the initial frisking. Before he could catch Malika's leg, she had her foot on the victim's arm before reaching over and bending his hand 90 degrees to relieve him of his weapon. She instantly flipped him on his face and did a more thorough pat-down as she held him down with her knee. Manny was immediately by her side to assist.

"Nice move, Doc."

She then returned to evaluating the other injured gang members, giving each a quick but thorough pat-down for any additional weapons. Two were critical with abdominal or chest wounds. They required immediate treatment. Three had leg or arm wounds but had already been separated from the others and were being guarded by Rangemen until she or Bobby could get to them. As she worked, she noted the paramedics coming in and watched Bobby signal the patients' trauma. He then looked to Mikala. She stuck two fingers up, indicating critical, three to the side signifying stable, and one thumb down, dead. She did not need to work on the one with no heartbeat. A large section of the heart decorated the wall behind him. Emergency personnel moved to stabilize the most critical while she continued to those with less severe wounds. As more emergency personnel arrived, the victims and injured Rangemen went to area hospitals.

Once the ambulances pulled away, Malika pulled off her gloves tossing them into the medical waste on the floor. Contract cleaning companies would handle the mess. She was repacking her medical bag when Tank came up from behind and quietly said, "I'll take your weapon" and slipped it from her belt. "No use getting Detective Morelli all upset."

It wasn't long before the very same Morelli appeared. He was surprised to see the woman who refused to speak to him from Pino's. "What are you doing here?"

Malika removed her helmet and pointed to a Red Cross on the medical bag as if to say "giving first aid." Did he think she usually wore a ballistic vest and helmet as daily wear?

"Do you work with these thugs? You aren't in their uniform."

She raised both eyebrows indicating," Say what?"

Joe misinterpreted her expression as a surprise, not disdain. "Yeah, they are nothing but thugs from Jersey penal. They should still be locked up."

Malika considered several rude hand gestures but contained herself. Bobby stepped up. "Detective Morelli, this is U.S. Air Force flight surgeon Major… Burns. The doctor and I were returning from …the VA hospital when I received orders to report here. She offered to help after the site was secure." With that, he took her arm," Major, join me. We need to get to the hospital to check on my guys."

"Hey, I need her statement," Joe protested.

Bobby barely turned around to answer, "She'll stop by the station or email her statement this afternoon, Detective Morelli."

Once outside, Malika signed, "You almost blew my cover."

"I know, I caught myself just in time."

At the hospital, Dr. Malika remained incognito, sitting in the waiting area with other Rangemen worried about their comrades. Hal stood, "Major, sit here."

She quickly signed, "Alias."

He nodded an apology.

She sat and shut her eyes for a moment. When she woke up, she was covered in a Rangeman jacket and leaning on Hal. Bobby was touching her shoulder. "You should go back to Haywood to sleep. I would appreciate you filling in for me at the clinic when I send guys back. I'm staying for a while."

She signed "Status."

"We got lucky. Every one of our guys will recover. Eric is in surgery now. He will need to stay here for a few days."

She nodded, stood, and left with Hal. Their first stop was her apartment, where she could shower and change clothes and shoes. Quickly grabbing her to to-go pack, they left for Haywood Street. Once back in the clinic, she went through each injured man's medical records looking for allergies or drug interactions. She also made several cards with simple questions.

Most Rangemen could sign, but the pain meds might make them dizzy. Hal and Raphael worked with her to make sure they were secure in their apartment and their pain meds. Malika visited each letting them know she would be checking on them until Bobby returned.

The first patient was Cal. He blushed to where his forehead skull tattoo glowed. He was not used to a lady medic. Malika started to shuffle through her cards, then remembered Cal could sign. "I'm a military doctor. Male patients are common."

Cal continued to blush and held up two fingers and tipped his head towards the bathroom.

Ah-ha! Now she understood. "Do you need support?" she signed.

He shook his head no and signed. He was without clothes.

"I hear, not speak," she signed back. Cal mumbled, "Sorry."

Cal returned to his living room couch, wearing boxer shorts for modesty. She took his vitals. When finished, the doctor found sandwich ingredients, an apple, and several bottles of water. Cal mumbled he wasn't hungry.

She quickly signed, "Pills require food. Small bites. Drink often." She then pulled out a portable male urinal from her bag. It would save Cal a trip or two. He tattoo glowed again from blushing. She found it endearing these big men blushed easily. The worst was Hal, but then his skin color was as light as Stephanie's.

She smiled and signed, "Wish I use no hose."

Cal tried to chuckle.

Noting his cell phone was handy, she signed, "Call me pain bad. I have ears."

He nodded and grabbed a blanket and the TV remote, dismissing the doctor.

She made a quick sign, "Breathe."

"I'm breathing," he said

She shook her head no and then demonstrated the way to oxygenate your body without tensing muscles fully. "Healing oxygen, relaxed body."

"I understand," Cal replied.

Several other patients required her handmade cards to communicate. Most just wanted to sleep. She made sure their phones were within reach before she left, stacking snacks, water, and the portable urinal on the table. Every few hours she checked on them, most were asleep.

It took several days for all the injured Rangemen to be released from the hospital and return to Haywood Street. Bobby took over the in-room treatment while those who could get up and walk around went to the clinic to have Malika change their bandages. The men grew more comfortable with her. Technically she wasn't a licensed New Jersey medical provider. Still, nobody said a word, especially when she reminded them she was miliary by wearing her Air Force ABU blue pants with a doctor's coat.

-0-

When Bobby had a day free, he proposed, "How about a dinner date? I'm in the mood for Italian."

Dinner was away from the Burg. Vidalia's was in Lawrence near Quaker Bridge Mall. Her eyes twinkled at the thought of a crunchy salad and crusty bread, but the reality was a bitch. Her mouth would only allow small bites of salmon with Pasta Alfredo on the side. Yes, it was against tradition to mix milk with fish, but she could care less. Hunger and mouth mobility were the deciding factors.

"Stephanie's favorite dish," he chuckled. "You know what they say about Pasta Alfredo, don't you? It should always be served with a cardiologist on the side," Bobby smiled.

"Still going for my heart?" she signed. She had dreamed about her first meal after having the jaw unwired. Fresh fruits and raw vegetables, unpureed, rated right along with side corn chips, popcorn, and nuts.

While it was too early for a cold, crisp apple, this meal was about perfect. Using a fork instead of straw was the major plus. Then again, perhaps it was her dinner companion and the entirely typical meal.

"Does Madame want dessert?" Bobby asked quietly.

Malika had her share of ice cream with the milkshakes she had been drinking, plus the Alfredo was rich enough. She wistfully shook her head no.

-0-

The Air Force was getting ready to release her from service due to her vocal chord paralysis.

She was less than two years short of twenty years' service and a pension. She appealed, in writing that she was still a doctor and could do medical paperwork or other jobs that didn't require speaking until her voice returned. Eventually, the military rescinded their decision and assigned her to an off-base medical facility outside of Joint Base McGuire Dix to do patient reviews.

Several weeks later, Malika stood on the scale in the Rangeman clinic as she waited for Bobby to finish cleaning the clinic. Finally, she was above 120 pounds. Eating solid food and exercise had allowed her to start putting on muscle. She'd be at her "combat" weight with seven pounds. Then would be her civilian weight. When discovered in the mountains, her weight was barely 90 pounds. She had lost a third of her body weight while stranded in the Adirondack wilderness for months. Seeing the number read 120.7, she mouthed a YEA! A discernable squeak crept out. Bobby's head snapped around, "Did you say something?"

Trying again, a "yea" squeezed out. It was the first sound beyond blown air she had made in months.

Without thinking, Bobby wrapped his arms around her. "Finally," he said softly and kissed her temple. She was surprised Bobby was as emotional as she. Often he kidded he enjoyed a "seen, but not heard" woman. The long rehab for her was hard on him, as well.

She shuddered as if trying to hold back tears. Perhaps she could finally put Albany behind her and move on, hopefully with Bobby.

He had become more than her rescuer, at first a friend, but quickly became a love interest.

Pulling her chin up, he began kissing her first on her forehead then worked his way down to her mouth and neck. He pulled her close, sharing body heat, which, in turn, positively affected both of them. His arousal was obvious.

As he released, he said, "Would you go for a walk with me?"

She had a puzzled look on her face. A walk wasn't exactly what her body was craving and judging from Bobby's growing groin area, on him as well. However, he was on duty, and the clinic door was open. It would be just like Lester to pass by, observe them, and then report their activity to the entire fifth floor.

"Would 17:00 be OK?" he asked.

She nodded and, after kissing him again, left the office to spend time in the gym or, more likely, take a cold shower. If someone asked her for a Systema lesson, she could work off her frustration. Otherwise, cardio or yoga would have to do until Bobby was available. She had her locker for workout clothes but didn't need a separate dressing room. Military life had reduced her modesty and taught her how to dress quickly and without flashing anything private, though she did save showering for Bobby's apartment.

The drive to Washington State Park took them west from Trenton along the Delaware River. In the parking lot, Bobby asked,

"Can you walk a couple of miles?"

She nodded, yes. Her gym workout was tiring, but she still had a few miles left in her. As they walked along the trail, they held hands. She was enjoying being away from the city though it was only a hundred yards or so back to man's world. Bobby's head often swung side to side. She didn't think he was looking for Hessian ghosts ready to ambush General Washinton, but he was more likely looking for her stalker. She tried to push the thought from her mind as he named the trees and some of the plants. Malika looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Boy Scouts?"

He chuckled, "Not in my neighborhood growing up. The camp is just on the other side of the river from here. I was the camp medic and first aid instructor."

When they got to the overlook, Bobby pulled her close, "As crazy as my life can get, I find coming here and just watching the river roll past has a calming effect. Thank you for joining me." He turned and pulled her into another embrace and kiss. They found a bench and sat watching the sunset. As the sun kissed the horizon, they returned to the car, never releasing their hands. Both of their bodies vibrated with desire, but Malika signed, "Tonight dinner no sex."

Bobby's eyes flashed confusion, but before he could say anything, Malika signed, "Tortoise and hare."

He understood, the slower tortoise won the race. He smiled, "My hormones are the hare, but my heart is the tortoise."

She made a sound that slightly sounded like a laugh and signed, "Still the cardiologist."

He pulled her close, "Yes, and I plan on doing a slow, thorough examination on your heart soon."

-0-

The Systema classes for Stephanie continued, and all were excited at her progress. Stephanie had always been a scraper but had no skills beyond the knee to the groin, which varied in effectiveness based on the target's height and weight. Having an instructor who was smaller than her, who could whip the socks off the larger Rangeman filled Steph with confidence that someday she too could be proficient. The Rangemen were becoming more aggressive as Stephanie's improved. Knife attacks still scared the shit out of her, whereas a gun was less threatening. Malika assured her fear was justified. Knife attacks were close-in, but a handgun, even in skilled hands, lost their effectiveness beyond six feet, especially if the victim remained moving.

In one memorable class demonstration, Malika dispelled Stephanie's belief being a woman put her at a disadvantage. Malika fought off five large, armed, Rangeman attackers while others, including Stephanie, stood watching with mouths open. In one spectacular move, she rolled forward as an attacker tried to hit her face. The roll caught Hal, Halosaurus, at the perfect spot and, like a steam roller, took him down. Zip, the best gymnast at Rangeman, simply said, "I never thought of doing that."

Malika stood and spoke softly as her voice was still tender, "Sambo. Russian MMA."

Ram stood to the side and said, "You should be in the octagon," referring to MMA contests.

She smiled, kissed his cheek, and whispered, "Too hard on my surgeon's hands." Like Stephanie, the large men did not frighten her.

Malika was also successful in getting Stephanie to run. Along with several Rangemen, the group ran the downtown Trenton streets around dawn, before the majority of the business workers arrived for work. Amazingly the runs usually passed Dunkin Doughnuts on State Street if Malika was leading the field. Even Malika learned a properly fed Stephanie in the early morning led to a better day for all. If Ranger knew about the doughnut diversion, he said nothing. Stephanie was becoming fit as well as overcoming mental demons with the help of the Rangeman therapist.

The day came, Ranger dreaded. Stephanie casually mentioned, "Ranger, I'd like to go after a few skips."