Friday Day 10...
Nikki had been awake for around an hour. She was standing in front of the window, watching the lightning out over the water. ( Storm coming… Josh loves storms. He'd find himself a spot to sit and watch as it approached; watching the lightning on the horizon, watching the sea churning. Now I love them too.)
"Josh," she says, turning and sitting near him on the bed, then caressing his cheek. "There's a storm coming, looks like it's going to be a pretty good one. I wish you were awake to watch it with me," sighing she leans over and kisses his cheek.
"Nikki, Good Morning," Dr Swanson says as she enters the room.
"Good morning," she smiles, but there is sadness there.
"Good morning, Josh, it's Dr Swanson. I'm going to look you over."
Nikki was sitting in a chair close to the bed while Dr Swanson completed her exam. When she finished, she brought one of the chairs over to where Nikki was sitting.
"Nikki, we've come to the point where we need to be ready to move Josh to a long term facility."
"No!" He needs more time! He's going to come back, I can feel it!"
"Nikki, moving him doesn't mean to give up hope. It doesn't mean that he won't wake up, but the longer it goes… If he hasn't shown any signs of coming around by tomorrow, we'll have to look for a placement."
Breath hitching, "I won't be able to stay with him, will I? He could wake up alone."
"I'm very sorry, Nikki, I realise how difficult this is for you. But you need to start separating yourself, getting home more, being ready to move on. I don't mean to forget Josh, of course, you can't nor should you, but you will have to return to a somewhat normal life at some point. The Navy isn't going to let you stay on leave indefinitely; eventually, you will have to return to duty.
"I can't possibly return to sea while Josh is like this. What if he were to wake while I was at sea. I need to be close, to be there for him," she said, wiping tears from her face.
"Maybe a temporary shore posting?"
Sniffing, "that might be a possibility."
"I'm sorry, Nikki, but he has until tomorrow to show signs of coming around. I can't justify keeping him in the hospital any longer. He's medically stable." Standing, she gives Nikki's shoulders a squeeze.
Janice stayed close by knowing that Dr Swanson would be having this discussion with Nikki this morning. She moves into the chair that Dr Swanson had just vacated and comforts Nikki the best that she can.
"Janice, I want to take care of him. It keeps me close, connected."
"Maybe arrangements could be made so that you would have unlimited visitation. Overnights wouldn't be allowed most likely."
Drying her eyes, she nodded slowly.
"I'll leave you for a bit. I'll be back to help with Josh's morning care."
The storm had arrived, and it's a pretty good one. The lightning is fierce, and the thunder loud. Nikki drapes herself over him tucking her head under his chin. "Josh, you're missing a great storm, I wish you were sharing it with me. Luv, now is the time, please try, please come back. I need you to come back to me."
The rest of the day passes as had all of the others. She reads to him, plays music, talks to him leaving for home, as usual at 5:00 then coming back to spend the night.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
A feeling of weightlessness...floating...drifting…
Music, soft, beautiful...peaceful
There's a light… shimmering, floating colours... like looking through a soap bubble… beautiful… Bright … warm… getting closer...
A figure...spirit? floating...gliding … so beautiful...not man or woman...shimmering...pure light
"Josh," the spirit speaks but isn't moving its mouth. The voice is alluring, musical, pleasant… comforting… "Josh, it's time…" reaching out a hand. "It's time to choose which path you will follow.
Who are you?...
I am your life, what was and what can be, not what will be. The choices are always yours. You must choose your own path. The paths that we choose define who we are and what we may become, and the lives we may touch. Do you wish to see?... Holding a large leather book out to him."
"What's this?"
"Your journal, your life, where you've been and where you may go. You have reached one of those crossroads. Do you want to see? Just open it, but know that by opening your journal yet another pathway opens up to you. The future is not cast but fraught with possibilities. You can follow me and become the light and eternal peace, or you can choose to return and continue on the road you are on. The choice is yours, choose wisely, but you must choose soon, or the choice will be made for you." the figure slowly retreats… as the light fades to nothing.
The warm light was comforting with its promise of eternal peace, but there was only one choice; Nikki, family, friends.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Saturday Day 11 ...
Slowly he was becoming aware of his surroundings... * I'm in a bed, not my bed. Nikki, my Nikki, she's here next to me. Her scent, her wonderful scent."
Barely opening his eyes, shutting them quickly, Ahhh!… too bright!
Nikki, Nikki... he's trying to reach for her, but his arms won't move. Can't lift my arms, too heavy. Why can't I move my arms? He slips back to sleep.
Nikki wakes sensing that something is different, shifted. Sitting up, she leans over and kisses him good morning. "Babe, I'll be right back," kissing him again.
When she returns, she arrives at the same time that Janice was getting ready to do his daily vital signs.
"Good Morning, Nikki. Did you sleep okay?"
"As well, as usual, I guess. Janice, something feels different, I can't really put my finger on it."
* Nikki… I'm here...*
"Alright, let's get his vital signs… Well, his pulse is up a little, blood pressure too. His breathing pattern has changed. It's more like someone who's sleeping." Then she gets out her penlight and checks his pupils."
* Oi! Too bright! * He tries to flinch away and manages to move his head slightly trying to avoid the light. Janice notices.
"I don't want to get your hopes up, but there are some signs that he may be coming back. I'm going to go and call Dr Swanson. Keep talking to him, touching him, connecting. I'll be right back."
With tears running down her cheeks, she sat next to him on the bed leaning over, caressing, and kissing his cheeks, all the while talking to him, calling him back to her.
*Trying Nikki, I'm trying… I'm here baby *
"Josh, I miss you so much. I'm here. Fight to come back, please, please, open your eyes and let me see those sky blues that I love so much."
"Nikki! What's this, I hear? Let's have a look." Dr Swanson says as she comes into the room and approaches his bed.
"Josh, It's Dr Swanson, I'm going to look you over."
* Oi! There's that freaking light again! * squinting.
"He's reacting to the light. That's an excellent sign, Nikki."
Nikki collapsed into her chair, "He's coming back, my God! He's coming back!"
* Nikki, why are you crying? Don't cry; I'm right here…*
"The signs are pointing that way. It still may take some time, so be patient."
Nodding, "I know, but there's hope!"
"Yes, there is hope, but be prepared. There may be some deficits."
"What do you mean?"
"We don't know what damage the oxygen deprivation may have caused. There may be some speech difficulties, limb weakness. Also amnesia, hopefully only around the time of the incident. There may be memory problems."
"You're scaring me."
"I know, I'm sorry, but I want you to understand what might be ahead for you both. We hope for the best and prepare for the worst."
"For me, the worst would be his not waking at all."
Before leaving the room, Dr Swanson goes back over to Josh, "Josh, you're doing well, but it's time to open your eyes and join us. Nikki is here waiting for you. Come on, fight your way back." Then turning back to Nikki, "Hang in there, we have some very positive signs. Give him a lot of extra stimulation. Remind him why he needs to come back."
Dr Swanson and Janice left, and she looked over at Josh. He looks so peaceful, asleep. Grabbing her phone, she sat down next to him and called Diane.
"Nikki, Luv, you're early. You don't usually call until after tea. Is everything okay?"
With a deep shuddering breath, "Diane, he's showing signs of waking. He's coming back to us!"
"Oh My GOD! What's happened?"
Nikki went on to tell her about the events of the morning. "I know it doesn't sound like much, but it's something. He moved Diane, he moved!"
"Sounds like more than something to me. I'll be on the next available flight. I'll call you when I have the flight details. I can't wait to tell the girls.
"Dr Swanson said that we need to be prepared that he may have some deficits after he's awake. Some may be temporary, some permanent."
"Like what?"
"Speech and mobility problems, coordination. The scariest for me, is the possibility of amnesia. What if he doesn't remember me… us.?
"Let's not go there right now. One problem at a time."
"You're right. I'll see you soon."
"Kiss him for me."
"Of course."
Becoming even more aware, Josh was able to take in some of the conversation.
* Where am I?... I'm in a bed, not my bed...my Nikki, Nikki is close, I feel her next to me... I'm trying Nik,... I'm tired now…
Disconnecting the call, Nikki realised that she had forgotten about Josh's morning care routine with all of the morning's excitement. She put on the music and started in. After his bath, as she was rubbing his back, she would lean over and kiss his shoulders and neck every so often. "Josh, your mum is on her way from Melbourne. She's excited to see you. She'll be here later in the evening," continuing with her ministrations while softly singing to the music.
*Nikki's close, she's next to me... I'm trying Nik *
It was late afternoon, and Nikki laid down next to Josh, her eyes heavy, she quickly fell asleep.
* Nikki's close, I feel her warm comfort. Nikki stay…stay with me...*
Josh opens his eyes just a bit * too bright * he closes them again. …( where the hell am I? Hospital? Am I in a hospital? ) He's feeling anxious and confused. ( I remember leaving Nikki in bed, kissing her goodbye.) He's trying to call out for her; then he finally manages a raspy whisper, "Nikki."
Nikki opens her eyes and sits up; and shakes her head. ( I must have been dreaming.) Then she heard him again, just a ghost of a sound… "Nikki."
She turns so that she can look at him. "Josh? Josh?" cupping his face as tears run down her cheeks. "Josh, Babe, can you open your eyes? Open your eyes, please baby."
* I'm trying baby; I'm trying. * Slowly he was able to open his eyes just a little bit. Then he closed them again for a moment before he opened them fully.
"Nikki…" he uttered softly.
"Josh! My God! Josh!" Sobbing, she places kisses on his cheeks.
Janice happened to be walking past his room, heard Nikki crying and went back to check on her.
"Nikki, are you…" then noticing that Josh is awake.
"Well, Josh Holiday, welcome back!" she says with a smile.
( Welcome back? Where have I been? ) he thinks.
"I'm Janice, I'm your nurse, and I'm going to go and get your doctor."
Josh is slowly shaking his head, confused. He tried to ask where he was, but no sounds would come out, shaking his head in frustration.
"It's okay Luv. You're okay. There was an accident, and you are in Barry General, everything is going to be alright."
Janice returns and sits next to him. "Josh, you're in the hospital. You had a diving accident, and you've been unconscious for over a week. Your voice is going to be hoarse from disuse but no worries, you'll be chatting in no time."
Nikki leans over and kisses his cheek. "You had an accident, do you remember?"
He gives a very slight shake of his head, "No," he managed softly.
"That's okay. We'll talk about it later. You've been in a coma."
He looks confused.
"The important thing is that you're back… I can't… I love you so much." Now tears are streaming down her cheeks.
"Too, love you."
"Your mum's on her way from Melbourne. She'll be here this evening."
A sight nod.
"We've all been so worried." She couldn't take her eyes off of him. "You're really back, I've missed you so, so much."
( Back? Where have I been? Coma?)
He tried again to lift his arm, he wanted to reach for Nikki, touch her, but his arm felt so heavy. Shaking his head, he sighed.
"Babe, what's wrong? No worries, okay? You're awake, and everything is going to be alright."
"Love you," he managed to whisper, then he closed his eyes and drifted back to sleep.
Dr Swanson came in, and Nikki worriedly asked her if he was slipping back into the coma.
"No, Nikki, he's fine. He's going to sleep a lot at first. People think that being in a coma is just like sleeping; it's not. He's going to be tired at first. Everything looks good. I'll check back in a little later."
Josh slept for about an hour before waking again. "Hi Luv," kissing his cheek. "Dr Swanson said that you could have some ice chips, want some?"
Nodding, "sounds good, I'm really dry."
As Nikki fed him some of the ice chips, he greedily sucked on them relishing the feel of the cold water trickling down his throat.
"What happened?" he whispered.
"I'll explain everything, but now you need to rest."
"Coma? I was in a coma? How long?"
"10 days, 10 very, very, long days."
Diane arrived at 7:00 p.m., and she stopped short in the doorway, shocked to find him sitting up, awake and smiling at her. Bringing her hands to her cheeks, "Josh," she choked out. Breaking out in sobs, she rushed to him, gathering him into her arms.
He returned her embrace weakly. "Mum."
"You've had us all so worried. I thought that we had lost you," Diane said, wiping her face.
"Not going anywhere. Mum, meet Nikki, Nikki, meet, mum," he whispered.
"Josh, we've been there and done that," Nikki laughed.
"Joke," he rasps out.
"You're going to be okay," said Nikki.
Diane and Nikki couldn't stop smiling. "Diane, hi, It's good to see you. You will be staying with me, of course."
"I had hoped, but I didn't want to presume."
"Please, you are always welcome. It's not a question."
"Nikki, tell me, what happened?" Diane said.
Nikki went on to tell her of the events around Josh's waking. Josh listened attentively.
Josh slept off and on while Nikki and Diane visited.
"Nikki, are you going to go home tonight?" Diane asked.
"No, I'm going to stay, he seems confused. I want to stay with him."
"Alright, I'm going to be going then if that's okay. It's been a terribly long day."
Handing Diane her keys, "take my car. It's in the car park where it was the last time you were here."
"Thanks, Nikki, but I decided to get a hire car."
"Well, here's my house key then. Do you remember the way?"
"I'm fairly sure that I do, but I'll use my GPS anyway."
"Good."
"Good night, Luv. I'll see you in the morn," kissing his cheek.
Nikki tried reading but was having difficulty concentrating. Closing her book, she laid down next to Josh and tried to sleep. She startled awake when he started moaning, muttering and thrashing his head back and forth, clearly agitated.
"Josh, honey, I'm here, you're dreaming. I'm here; you're okay."
Waking slowly, "I was lost, couldn't breathe, but I could hear you calling, and I couldn't see you. I couldn't get to you."
"It's okay; you're okay. I'm not leaving." Then kissing him lightly, "I love you, so much." Lying back down next to him and drapes an arm across his chest, like she has every night.
"I love you, too. Aren't you going home?"
"Not tonight, Luv. I don't want you to be alone."
"I'm alright. But, you need to rest, you look tired. I'll be okay."
"I'm fine, just sleep Luv." `
Sunday...
The next morning, with the sun shining brightly through the window and reflecting her mood as she sipped her coffee, waiting for Josh to wake.
"Hey," she hears and looks up at him.
"Hey, babe, good morning," going to him and giving him a kiss.
"Are you hungry? Dr Swanson said you could start eating, lightly at first."
"I'm starving."
"How about oatmeal, juice, and tea?"
"Sounds good."
"I'll let them know at the desk, and they'll get a tray for you."
"What about you?"
"I'll go down to the cafe in a minute and get something."
"Nik, what is this IV thing in my neck?"
"It's a special IV line so that they could feed you and keep you hydrated. You've lost almost 10 lbs."
"How do they know?"
"Your bed has a scale built-in."
"Huh, you look like you might have lost some weight yourself."
"Yeah, I haven't been eating all that much."
"Maybe we can work on that. Bring me some ice cream later?"
"Absolutely."
Janice had helped him into the chair for breakfast. He's just finishing when Dr Swanson comes in to check on him. "Well, this sure is good to see. How are you feeling?"
"A bit weak, but otherwise, okay."
"I'm glad to see that you're eating. We'll see how things go today. If you don't have any issues with eating I'll see about getting your TPN line removed tomorrow."
"Dr Swanson, are there any restrictions with his diet?" Nikki asked.
"No, he can eat whatever he's comfortable with. However, Josh, go slow, give your system a chance to recharge. PT will be in later today to work on getting you walking.
Josh, you're doing great. We're going to have you out of here in no time."
"That's good to hear." Dr Swanson left, and he turned to Nikki. "I think I want to get back into bed for a little while; I'm getting tired." Nikki moved his tray table aside and stood close by while he carefully got back into bed.
"Come here, sit next to me. Nikki? What happened? The last thing I remember is kissing you and leaving for the marina? And why are there coppers outside the door?"
"Oh, Josh, there was a terrible accident…what do you remember from that day?" (what if he doesn't remember we're engaged?) she worries. They hadn't mentioned it since he came out of the coma.
Closing his eyes, then opening them, "I remember that you said yes, we're engaged." Then with a goofy grin, "I remember how we celebrated."
With a deep sigh of relief, "it was the best night. What else do you remember?"
"You were still sleeping, and I kissed you goodbye. But that's it. Where was I going? Why did I leave you?"
Nikki sat closer to him, took his hand and proceeded to tell him all that had happened.
"Pearson's boat? All dead? All of them?"
"I'm afraid so. We don't know how you survived. Swain said that the dive mix had been altered."
Josh was stunned speechless.
"Josh, Babe, are you okay?"
"All dead?...all dead? And I don't remember any of it," tears running down his cheeks. "I don't remember. I can't remember anything. Why? Who did this?"
"They don't know. It's a miracle that you survived. Pearson reported the boat missing and Hammersley was sent to search for it. We found you and the other divers on a remote island beach. All dead except for you, but you were… If we hadn't gotten there when we did,"… "Swain and Buffer did CPR. Swaino was amazing. He saved your life, Josh."
Josh laid back then turned onto his side. Nikki spooned up behind him and held him close as he cried for his mates. "How can I not remember?!"
"Dr Swanson said that might happen. You may never remember, or remember only bits and pieces."
Diane came in a little in the morning, just after 10:00 and found them both sleeping. Nikki heard her come in and carefully untangled herself from Josh and got up.
"Hey, Diane."
"Good morning. How is he?"
"He wanted to know everything, so we 'had the talk'."
"And?"
"He doesn't remember anything after he left the townhouse that morning. He was upset when I told him about the dive crew."
"Understandable."
"I'm going to step out, call Kate and then get a brew. Would you like anything?"
"A cuppa would be good. Thanks."
Kates phone was ringing, checking her caller ID she saw that it was Nikki. She became concerned that something had happened. "Nikki, Hi. Is everything okay?"
"Hey, Kate, everything is perfect. He's awake, and he's fine," trying not to cry yet again. She had been doing too much of that lately.
"Nikki, that's fantastic! It's such great news! I can't wait to spread the word. Is he up for some company? Mike and I would love to visit."
"If Hammersley is still in port tomorrow, that would be good. I'm sure that he would love to see you. The doctor said that he would probably sleep a lot today."
"What time would be best, do you think?"
"Around tea?"
"That sounds good. Did he come out of it today?"
"No, yesterday. There was too much going on for me to call then."
"That's understandable. And you? How are you doing?"
"I'm so happy and relieved."
"I bet."
"Kate, I'm going to go. It's going to be great to see you and Mike."
"We'll see you tomorrow then."
That afternoon, PT had Josh walking in the hallway using a walker for support.
"Josh, you're looking good," Nikki tells him.
"Yeah, but now I need a nap, like an old guy."
"I could use a nap too. I'll lay with you."
Putting down her book, "Well, that's my cue, I'll head out, leave you two alone for a bit. I'll be back after tea." Diane said standing.
"Okay, Mum."
"Can I bring you anything when I come back?"
Chuckling, "Ben & Jerry's."
"Of course, you and your ice cream," she said laughing; and it felt so good to laugh. Right now she would bring him the moon if wanted it.
Later that evening, they all ate ice cream and watched a movie on Nikki's laptop. Josh started falling asleep about an hour into it.
"Josh, you're tired, let's finish this tomorrow, maybe," Nikki said, closing the laptop.
"That sounds good," he mumbled.
"I'm going to be heading out. I'll see you tomorrow," Diane said, kissing his cheek.
"Nikki, why don't you go home with Mum," he mumbled. "Get some rest, not that I don't love having you close to me."
"Well…"
"Nikki, he'll be fine, look at him," Diane says, smiling. "Come on home."
"Alright, I guess…"
"That's my girl. Get some sleep; I'll still be here in the morning."
"I'll meet you downstairs in the lobby. Goodnight, Luv."
"Night, Mum." Diane left saying goodnight to the security detail on her way out.
"Come here," he calls to her, patting the side of the bed. "Snuggle in here for a minute." Getting up onto the bed, she nuzzles into his neck as he wraps her in his arms. "No need to worry. I'm fine."
"I know, it's just… I came so close to losing you. On the beach… and then the coma."
"It's over now. I'll be out of here in a few days, and we can get on with things. Go now, keep Mum company and get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning for breakfast. Okay?" He leaned over and kissed the top of her head.
"Okay." Getting up from the bed, she kisses him goodnight. "I'll see you in the morning."
"I'll be here," he said, smiling.
Monday…
Making her morning rounds, Dr Swanson enters Josh's room smiling as she sees him sitting in the chair with a breakfast of scrambled eggs. "Well, this is good to see. How are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling good, walking better. I can feel my strength coming back," he answered while absently scratching at his beard.
"Where's Nikki?"
"I sent her home last night. Janice told me how she's been living here. She looks tired; she needed her own bed."
"I'm glad that you were able to get her to go home for a bit. She would hardly leave your side over the past 10 days."
"It wasn't easy," he chuckled. "Italian stubbornness."
"So, how do you feel about getting out of this place? As things look, I want to discharge you on Wednesday. I'd like you to have another day here just to be sure that everything is on track. If you need it, you can continue PT outpatient."
"Ace!"
"We'll plan on it then. Now, that you're eating well, that TPN line will come out later this morning."
"Good deal."
"You're doing great, Josh. I'm going to set you up with some sessions with a counsellor as well. You've been through some pretty traumatic stuff. Nikki may benefit too."
"I've had some dreams…"
"I'm sure, that's not unexpected."
"Dr Swanson, I'm a Navy diver, and I love to dive, but now I don't know if I'll be able to do it anymore."
"I'll set you up with Adele Palazzo; she's a licensed trauma counsellor. She'll help you through that. Okay, any questions?"
"Nope, all good."
"Alright then, someone will be by later to remove that line."
"Thanks, Doc."
"My pleasure."
Nikki arrived a little after 9:00 with a mid-morning snack of muffins and two brews almost dropping the tray when she sees him sitting in the chair watching tv.
"You've shaved!"
"Yeah, looked in the mirror and didn't recognise myself. Besides, it itched. Do you mind?"
"What? Mind? You look good, and now I can see that handsome face," going over to him and kissing his smooth cheek. "I brought coffee and muffins."
"You're the best! That stuff that they serve with breakfast is vile. Where's Mum?"
Putting the tray of coffees down on the bed table, she leans in to kiss him good morning. "Your mother is so sweet. She said to tell you that she'll be in later, she wanted us to have some alone time."
"She's a romantic; you should have seen her with my dad."
"I'm sorry that I never had the chance to meet him."
"You would have liked him. He would have loved you.
You look rested."
"I do feel better."
"Janice had me walk the hall a bit this morning. Maybe later we can walk some?"
"Of course. I brought you some sleep pants and a couple of tees if you want to get out of that hospital gown."
"You're an angel. Help me into the loo, and I'll change."
Using the walker for support, Josh made his way into the bath.
"I'm here if you need anything," Nikki called to him.
"I think I'm good."
A few minutes later, Josh emerged wearing a pair of the sleep pants that Nikki had brought him and his favourite band tee shirt.
"Dr Swanson was in, earlier," he told Nikki as he got settled again. She said that I should be going home on Wednesday."
"Wednesday?" Nikki exclaimed, "so soon?"
"There's isn't a reason for me to stay, everything that is happening here I can do at home. I can go for PT as an outpatient if I need it. She's going to set up a trauma counsellor as well. Maybe you could come with?"
"Sure."
Josh came out of the loo dressed in his sleep pants and a favourite rock band tee shirt. "Ahhh, that feels better."
Nikki kissed his cheek, "Looks better too. Besides I couldn't stand the thought of anyone else getting to check out that cute ass," Josh snorts a laugh.
As they were chatting, Inspectors Hahn and Callaghan showed up.
"Mr Holiday, I'm Lead Inspector Hahn, and this is Detective Sergeant Callahan with the Federal Police," showing their credentials. "It's good to see you up."
"Thank you. Inspectors, what can I do for you?"
"We're investigating the Pearson dive boat incident. We were hoping to ask you a few questions. Dr Swanson gave us the go-ahead to talk to you."
"He's only been awake for two days," Nikki said to her, giving the inspector her best "Navigator" glare. "Don't upset him…"
"Shhh, Nikki, It's okay, Luv, I won't break."
"Good. Let's start with what you remember from that day."
"I remember kissing Nikki goodbye," he says, looking at Nikki with a grin.
"Nothing else?"
"No."
"Did Nikki fill you in on what happened?"
"She did."
"Do you have any ideas as to why someone would want to sabotage the dive?"
"We dive for little fish and coral. What could there possibly be?"
"Do you know a bloke by the name of Campbell Fulton?"
"Unfortunately. Fulton is a sociopath. Does he have something to do with this?"
"We're not sure. He's become a person of interest. How do you know him?"
Josh went on to tell her of the "bird boat" incident.
"You are convinced that he meant to let you drown?"
"I was pinned by this steel barrel-like thing across my chest with the water rising. Fulton didn't even try to free me. He laughed and sat on the hold's stairs watching like Nero watched Rome."
"And nothing came of it? The charges, I mean."
"Not enough evidence, they said. A simple case of 'he said, she said' sort of thing. Fulton's defence lawyer argued that I couldn't reliably interpret Fulton's actions because I was in such a dire situation. The prosecution agreed. Because there weren't any witnesses, there wasn't enough to indict him."
"He got fired, didn't he? And he sexual assault charges against him that were also dropped I understand.
"He was fired," Nikki spoke up. "And, I filed assault charges against him."
"What happened there? Why were they dropped?"
"My career. Josh's career. He found Josh and me together on the ship. We were just talking, but we were standing close. He had taken a photo of us using his phone and threatened to do a tell-all about us if I didn't drop the charges. I told him that there wasn't anything to tell. His response was 'I have a very active imagination'. I dropped the charges saying that it was a misunderstanding."
"Josh, do you think that he would go after you?"
"For that? Kill nine people because we accused him of crimes that he didn't even get prosecuted for? Yeah, he lost his job, but to kill nine people months later?"
"We can't figure a motive yet, so I don't know. We're looking for him to have a little chat."
"Josh is going home on Wednesday," Nikki tells them. "Won't he still need protection?"
"We'll keep a car on watch for now.
Okay, that's all for now, Mr Holiday."
"Josh is fine."
"Alright, Josh, we will be back in touch if anything comes up."
After Kate hung up with Nikki, Kate called Mike and then Swain to give him the news about Josh. Mike said that he would make a ship-wide announcement before they left port on Tuesday.
Swain finished checking the wardroom supplies for the next day's departure. He left Hammersley and headed to the hospital to see Josh. After checking in with the security detail, Swain knocked on Josh's door and went in and was happy to see him sitting in the chair. "Josh, good to see you awake, mate. How are you doing?"
"Swaino!, I'm doing good, thanks to you. Nikki told me that you and Buff did CPR and brought me back, and Dr Swanson told me that your excellent care on the ship saved me from possible brain damage. I owe you a lot, mate."
"I'm just happy that you came through it okay. It was a horrific scene. Nikki was the one who found you."
"She told me."
"Do you remember anything?"
"Nothing. I don't remember anything after I had said goodbye to Nik that morning."
"This is just the most bizarre incident I think that I've ever come across. That includes my time as a copper. Why? Why kill 9 people and then sink the boat?"
They visited and chatted for about 20 minutes; then Swain got up to go. "Josh, gonna shove off, mate. I'll give you a shout when we get back in. Maybe the four of us can go to dinner or something."
"That sounds great, Swain. Say hey to Sally for us."
"Will do."
Josh and Nikki were once again alone as Diane hadn't gotten there yet. Josh sent her a smile that sent shivers through her, his blue eyes intense. Holding out his hand to her, he pulled her onto his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and settled into his embrace as he leaned in for a short but sweet kiss.
"Ahhh, that's better," he moans into her neck.
They're sitting that way when Janice comes to check on him. "You two look cozy," she says, smiling. "It's such a pleasure to see after the last week. Dr Swanson told me that she's discharging you on Wednesday."
"It seems too soon to me," Nikki says.
Janice smiled, "It's natural after what has happened to feel anxious, but Nikki, he's doing great. There are no deficits that we've seen other than some expected weakness. He's fine."
"I know, I'm just…" she stops as she looks up at Josh. "What?" Noticing the goofy smile on his face.
"Nothing, I just love your protective Italian mother side."
Nikki gives him a swat on the arm.
"Okay, then, Can I get you anything? Juice, maybe?" Janice asked.
"That would be great. Cranberry maybe?"
"Nikki?"
"Please, the same if you have it."
"Be back in a jiff."
When Janice returned a few moments later, she found them still cuddling in the chair. Placing the juice on the bedside table, "Alright you two, keep it PG," laughing as she left the room feeling happy for the couple. ( A happy ending.) She thought.
Nikki looked up at him, gave him a quick kiss and went to get up. Josh held on tight. "Just where do you think that you're going? I need to make up for lost time," kissing her again and she snuggled back in, nuzzling his neck. "Now that's a bit more like it."
"Josh, move in with me. The Navy knows about us, so there's no point staying apart anymore."
With a wide grin, "thought you'd never ask." Leaning in for a kiss.
"I can go over to your place and get some things for you. Clothes and such anyway and anything else you may want."
"Good. I don't know if my mates are around. I'll give Sparky a call and tell him that you're coming. May I see your phone?"
Nikki digs her phone out of her bag and hands it to him. Josh is quiet for a moment, "Uhh, I can't remember his number...damn. Wait I think I remember Little John's I'll try him first." Josh was just about to give up when Little John picked up sounding a bit under the weather.
"Yeah?"
"LJ, it's me, Josh. Big night?"
"Hey mate, yeah, you could say that. Haven't seen ya in a bit. They been keeping you hold up on Hammersley?"
"Nuh, I wish. I had an accident, been in Barry General. So, hey, I lost my keys in the accident. Will you be around to let Nikki in to get my clothes and such? I'm going to be moving in with her. I can get the rest of my stuff in a couple of weeks when I get settled."
"Sure, mate. I'll be here all day, shipping out tomorrow. Sparky's got another week I think before he's back."
"LJ, hold a minute, will ya?"
"Sure."
"Hey babe, Little John is around all day, can you get over there?"
"Sure, I can go now if it's okay."
"LJ, mate, Nikki can come by now if that works for you."
"Sure, I'll be here."
"Do you mind giving her my spare key in case she has to go back, and you guys aren't around?"
"ET, no worries, mate. Is it hanging on the hook?"
"Yeah, pretty sure that's where I left it.
"So what the hell happened anyway?"
"I was on a rec dive and got into some trouble."
"You okay now?"
"Right as rain, mate. Nikki will see you in a little bit."
Disconnecting, he handed the phone back to Nikki.
"One of the first things we need to do is get you a new phone, otherwise how can I stalk you?" Nikki said grinning.
"As soon as I get out of here, that will be mission number one."
"I should be going then."
"Yeah, he'll be waiting."
"So… anything I should worry about finding?" she said, half kidding.
Josh laughed, "Nope. Take whatever you think that I'll need. Okay, Babe?"
Diane came in just then, and she can't stop smiling when she sees them sitting together. "You two look so cute. Josh, you have no idea how good it is to see you awake."
"How long was I out?"
"10 days, Luv," she answers.
They had already talked about this. His forgetting about that conversation caused Nikki to be a little concerned.
Josh shakes his head, "It's hard to wrap my head around all of this. There is such a black hole."
Diane smiles, "Not to worry; you really didn't miss much," she said, trying to lighten his mood.
Nikki untangled herself from Josh, "I'm going to go and see about getting Josh's things from his house. He's going to be moving in when he gets out on Wednesday."
"You're going home Wednesday? Josh, that's the best news."
Giving Josh a quick kiss Nikki turned to leave, then turned back. "Do you have any suitcases or do I need to run home?"
"Little John should know where they are."
"Can I bring you anything when I come back?"
Flashing her a big grin, "Ben & Jerry's, Chocolate Brownie Batter Core."
"More ice cream." Nikki was laughing when she left, and it felt good. (I'll hit every grocer in Cairns if I have to to find that ice cream ) she thought.