Chapter 17

"Four weeks!" They exclaimed in unison; Gordon winced at the ringing in his ears.

"That's correct; is there anywhere Gordon could stay in the meantime?" Lizzie looked to them both.

Jeff's mind was accelerating into action. "Let me make a few calls." He placed a hand on Gordon's shoulder before exiting the room. Gordon sat on the bed in a fresh change of clothes ready to be discharged. He couldn't fly or swim for four weeks - it could even be up to two months if he had to have surgery and diving was off the cards too! (Slight problem when you lived on an island in the middle of nowhere and were one of five much needed rescue operatives - well six if you counted Tin-tin).

"Is there any way I could speed the healing process up?" He necked his next dose of painkillers whilst taking a swig of his bottle.

"Nope, the only thing you can do is rest and hope you a quick healer."

Gordon huffed hopping off the bed. He was still struggling to hear but was quickly learning to lip read. Granted; he knew a small amount of sign language for the purposes of rescue but he wasn't proficient enough to use it full time and it was no use when other people could rarely sign back. He held out his hand to the doctor. "Thanks for sorting me out."

She gave a beaming smile. "You're most welcome. Take care of yourself young man, I don't want to see you here again!"

He grinned back before he picked up his bag and waved. He found his father just outside the main hospital lobby. Jeff wrapped up his call before relieving Gordon of his bag, he made to protest but Jeff shook his head which was enough for him to pipe down. They stepped towards a silver SUV where the driver stepped out and took the bags before opening the doors for them both. Gordon hated going anywhere in his dad's personal car. The whole chauffeuring thing drove him nuts. He always liked winding Parker up by beating him to the rolls to open the door but Gordon didn't feel up to trying to outrun his father's chauffeur today, he dipped his head in thanks as he slipped into the back seat. It was a hot day and the leather was warm despite the air conditioning.

"Right, here's what we are going to do." –

Jeff turned to a tugging on his sleeve. Gordon pulled a face cupping his ear. Jeff had been turned towards the window so Gordon couldn't make out what he was saying and the background noise of the radio and the engine starting up was making it even worse. "Ah" Jeff looked sheepish before pressing the button to bring the shield up between them and the front cab, he turned face on towards Gordon.

"Better?" He nodded. "Good. Well don't worry about anything you just concentrate on getting better."

"But Dad, you'll be short" –

Jeff raised a hand. "Yes, we will, but we'll make do. Penny's coming in to help and I can straighten a few things out. You will stay at the condo until you are fit to travel."

Gordon sighed. How ironic. He couldn't wait to get off Tracy Island and now he couldn't wait to get back on it! He felt so guilty leaving them so short staffed, it was never his intention to be away for more than a few days. Jeff caught his expression. "Don't worry about us. What's done is done, you just concentrate on getting better."

Some time later the car rolled up to the forecourt of an expensive looking apartment block with two large palm trees out the front. Jeff told the driver to wait for him before ushering Gordon into the lobby. Jeff had put in some calls to the office and luckily no one was staying in the apartment opposite the office that was reserved for staff members that needed to stay over for business, so Jeff advised them to book it out for the next month. The doors pinged open on the 112th floor, the grey carpets felt plush underfoot as they stepped out onto the landing. The 112th floor was only home to one apartment. Jeff opened the door with the code before gesturing for Gordon to enter. He was pleased to see the cleaner had already been sent in to lay out fresh linen and stock the essentials in the fridge.

Gordon dumped his bag in the lounge before crashing on the unfamiliar leather couch. At least it was quiet here. His ears were still sore, the pain relief keeping the worst of it at bay but he still felt dizzy and the car journey hadn't helped. In fact he felt pretty sick. He groaned and closed his eyes. Jeff dipped the blinds before placing a drink and his medication in reach along with a large empty waste bin just in case of an emergency. He then went to the bedroom and selected a light throw which he draped over Gordon. Gordon lifted it up and burrowed deeper, his short stature meant he could quite comfortably lie flat out on the settee. Jeff looked down at him, God he really didn't want to leave him. Not like this, but he didn't have a choice. What a mess! A gentle knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. He strode across to open it.

Henry grinned from ear to ear his arms full of crisps, chocolate with a bag slung over his shoulder. "Come in." Jeff carried on walking down the short corridor talking over his shoulder. "Thanks for staying on a little longer just till he gets on his feet a bit. I hate leaving him but I have to get back."

"Its no problem Mr Tracy - honestly. I've not seen Gordon for so long its going to be good to spend some extra time, even if he's not up to much." He glanced at his friend's prone form on the sofa.

"If you need anything just call, someone will be here in a couple of days with more clothes and supplies to keep him going and I'll check in every day." He scooped up his bag, threading the strap through his hands. Henry hadn't ever seen Mr Tracy look quite so…. not stressed as such... Strained maybe?

"Don't worry I'll call, he'll be OK."

Jeff gave a sleeping Gordon one last gentle squeeze on the shoulder.

"I'm sure he will Henry, thanks again."

He shook Henry's hand before taking his leave. Time to get back to the island, he had rotas to implement and International Rescue to maintain. He'd told Gordon not to worry but in truth he was concerned, however were they going to manage for a month?

Scott was in a mad rush; his father was due home at any moment. They hadn't had any rescues in the whole forty-eight hours since he'd been gone, but Scott was still fretting about his earlier decision of letting Alan go up to the satellite. His father had since advised him Gordon couldn't travel home for a month. Scott knew his dad was going to say that Alan needed to stay on the island but John was already home resting. He knew his dad would be less than happy. Personally; if Scott had known the full situation, he would have sent Brains to replace John and had them all here. Now they would probably have to waste another trip and running Thunderbird three wasn't cheap. In hindsight it had been a poor decision on his part, he'd just wanted to resume some kind of normalcy for them and Alan was right, John needed to come home. He sat at the desk with his chin supported in his hand.

"Why so glum Scott?" A chipper voice called across the lounge. John had just surfaced from his room with a default coffee in hand.

"Ah nothing, you know how it is. Dad never likes leaving base, never approves of how I manage things in his absence."

"Ah. Try not to get so worked up, you know he's a perfectionist and it comes from the heart – well; deep, deep down somewhere near where his heart should be." He sat himself down on the armchair in front of Scott.

Scott chuckled. "I know. I know. Maybe he won't be so furious this time seeing as we haven't got called anywhere. It's not like I've inadvertently caused a ocean disaster this time." "

"You can hope."

"Hmm. Say where's Tin-tin?"

"No idea." John looked around surprised.

"Did you notice?"

"What? The ginormous Elephant in Thunderbird three?" John set down his coffee in his lap. "Yeah, what going on? Alan tried to kiss her and it took all her might not to recoil. Stiff as a board. I honestly thought he was in deep peril for a moment then the danger passed."

Scott sighed. "Mind keeping an eye on the desk?"

"Sure thing."

Scott made to step out from behind the desk. "Jeff Tracy to Tracy Island." Scott blanched. Dammit! "I swear his ears burn." Scott muttered. John snorted into his remaining coffee.

"Tracy Island receiving you, you're clear to land. See you in five."

"Everything alright son?"

"Just fine, welcome home dad." Scott signed off. John raised his eyebrows at him for being curt. "What?" Scott shrugged.

Ten minutes later Jeff was back in his rightful place having called a family meeting. "John What are you doing here?"

"Good to see you too father."

"Sorry John I didn't mean to sound unwelcoming; I'm just surprised." His gaze fell on Scott in a silent explain.

"It was change over day yesterday so it went ahead. I was going to stop it but Alan reminded me how important it was that we respected each-others respite time and opportunity to all rota regularly so I went ahead with the switch. Obviously had I known the true extent of Gordon's condition it wouldn't have gone ahead."

Scott's eye contact never wavered under his father's scrutiny as he stood behind John.

"Right. Brains if you don't mind, I'm going to need you to do a spell on five."

"T-that's no trouble Mi-Mister Tracy."

"Good Brains, Scott, I want you gone in the hour. Bring Alan home and then together I think we can scrape by."

Tin-tin was trying to keep a brave face but the last thing she needed was Alan back on the island. She was so worried she'd missed half of what Mr Tracy was saying. She sat straighter and hoped she looked attentive.

"I- I could er, send a drone Mr Tracy then no one would have to drop Gordon's stuff off saving personnel and er time."

"Good plan Brains."

Tin-tin protested softly. "But Mr Tracy, the drone could get lost on route or intercepted and poor Gordon is unwell and alone. Let me go, with all the boys on the island you will have a full crew – and not to mention Lady Penelope and Parker." Jeff mulled over her proposal frowning. He didn't like it.

Scott glanced over at Tin-tin catching sight of her anxious expression. "She's right dad; they'll be four of us to four birds, more than enough and with Penny in reserve. Someone's going to need to keep Gordon in check or he's gonna be leaping before he can walk - or even worse swimming and our girl Tin is the perfect role model." Scott gave her a gentle squeeze around the shoulders. Scott was always so kind, it was what she loved about him.

"That is a good point, he's with Henry right now but he has to leave for England in the next couple of days. Tin-tin go and pack enough to see you through for at least a couple of weeks, including Gordon. Do you think you can keep him sane and away from the pool?"

"Oh Yes. I promise, he will do everything the doctor has ordered."

"Good well off you go."

She nodded before making a swift exit. She went straight to Gordon's room to pack. Tin-tin headed for the dresser and started busying herself with pulling clothes out, selecting casual outfits that would match along with a few smarter options. She lost herself in her duties of packing thankful for the opportunity to escape as soon as possible. She folded the shirt too harshly so it just unfurled in a lump. Huffing in annoyance she did it again trying to take more care. How dare he even try to kiss her! She'd ignored him all the way up in three refusing to head up to the top deck and then when John crossed over the threshold and Alan had turned to leave, he had taken her hand and planted a kiss on her lips before she'd even had time to react! She slammed the drawer as if shutting the memory away. He'd obviously thought he was going to get away with an audience in John but Tin-tin hadn't yielded at all and it had been a very awkward moment. She buried her head in her hands. Sometimes she felt guilty at the way she was treating him - not being able to forgive and the next she was so hurt she wondered if she could ever forgive him for what was really a small transgression, or was it? Was she being over the top or was her reaction justified? What am i going to do? she thought.

Gordon had spent the first day mostly vegetating on the settee trying to get his bearings. Henry dutifully saw to it that Gordon wanted for nothing and was welcome company but Gordon knew he was due back in England for an important family wedding that he couldn't get out of. He was watching the TV with no sound and subtitles when the doorbell chimed. He turned, not sure if he had heard something. Henry put a hand out indicating he should stay put and opened the door. Silence loomed. Gordon craned his neck over the edge of the sofa keen to see who it was. He couldn't think of anyone that would visit.

A head of blonde hair peeked around the corner. "Alice!" He beamed with a boyish grin.

"Hello again. I couldn't leave without checking how you were. I went to the hospital but I was surprised to find they'd discharged you already!" She popped some chocolates on the coffee table.

Henry had explained about his hearing so she was speaking louder than usual. He flicked his legs off the end of the couch and patted the space next to him. "Its OK don't move on my account."

"Sit here and I might have a chance of hearing you." He grinned.

She smiled and obeyed whilst Henry passed her a drink. She not met either of these boys before the conference but the disaster had led her to befriending Harry and he suggested she should come and see Gordon as he would be pleased to see her. She had been a little worried that he might not be up to visitors but to look at him you wouldn't know he'd had a close encounter with death just a few days ago. She pointed at him. "You're looking well."

"Yeah, thanks to you! Harry told me what you did, Thank you just doesn't cut it but I am really really thankful you were on hand. Sounds like you gave those International Rescue boys a run for their money."

"Awh it was nothing, just basic training right? If I hadn't got caught you wouldn't have got hurt." She looked down.

"Hey I don't blame you at all, it wasn't your fault."

"Hmm. Well, I'm glad that man from International Rescue arrived when he did but didn't he have the strangest accent, Harry?"

"Really? Piped Gordon. Well, this was interesting, hadn't dad told him Scott had rescued him?

"Yeah, he sounded British but not quite?"

Henry looked amused. "It sounded fake to me, one minute he sounded more well to do then me, then the next he was some kind of Cornish cockney."

Gordon burst out laughing. Ah man! trust him to be unconscious for that, Scott must have felt the need to disguise himself from Harry and thankfully despite the dodge accent it looked like he had been successful. He would have to see if John had it recorded.

"You didn't see the guy's face then?"

"No, he wore some kind of welding gear?" Smart move brother. Gordon was relieved he hadn't busted their cover as well as left them short staffed. His father wouldn't have been so forgiving then.

The conversation soon turned to the doomed Mantra Ray. "You guys heard anything?" Gordon asked. His ears were starting to throb - not to mention itchy and he was struggling to concentrate on the conversation but he was keen to know of any developments. That Man with the large brows and the repulsive attitude hadn't left his mind. He felt sure he'd had something to do with the sabotage.

"They aren't telling us anything. They say its too early at this point in time but a full investigation is under way. I want to know how the suspect went unnoticed." Alice frowned. It shouldn't have happened there were strict protocols in place and it was members only.

"I heard reports that one of the navy crew was killed the others appeared to have been drugged. They know it was a male but he fled the scene and has gone to ground." Harry had been trailing the news for what little info he could find out; Gordon had pinged a message to John but he hadn't been able to enlighten him much more either.

They all sat deep in thought for a moment, none of them voiced it but they knew they were all lucky to still be here but it just wasn't something you discussed, not in their field. Death was around every corner; it wasn't something you needed to dwell upon.

The afternoon drifted away in good company and happier subjects. Gordon had been struggling with having conversations after awhile so Harry had devised an ingenious game where they had to flip old pennies into different types of glasses. It soon became apparent that Alice was a precision thrower and she won all the pennies leaving the boys sore losers. She scooped all her winnings across the carpet into her waiting arms, Harry tried to intercept her winnings but she swatted him off easily pushing him to one side. He almost face planted in her lap but she pushed him off again before he could land. He looked up at her, smiling playfully. Gordon tried to convince Alice to take another all at stake round but she refused. "Nah ah. Have you never heard of quit while your ahead?"

"I'm an all or nothing kinda of guy."

"You don't say?" She mocked glancing at her watch. "Well as lovely as this has been I have a flight to catch. Thanks for having me over."

"You're welcome." He stood to shake her hand. She clasped his arm back. He didn't have to say anything else; she knew he was eternally grateful for her help.

Henry and Gordon followed her to the door, He noticed Harry slip her a piece of paper and smiled, someone was smitten. Henry opened the door. They all paused mid goodbye in surprise for there on the doorstep was Tin-tin with two suitcases at her feet.