***

Amber sat in the waiting area away from the others.  She could feel them watching her and the longer it went on the more nervous she became.  She glanced over at the small group, silently wishing they would stop staring at her.  Taking a deep breath, she decided to try to break the ice.  "Are you friends of Frank's?" she asked nervously.

Monica smiled and shook her head.  "I'm not sure you could call us 'friends' exactly, but we work with him...for him to be honest."

"Oh?" Amber replied curiously.  "Work for him?"

"You could say that," Cody responded.  "My name's Cody.  This is Monica, Jake, and Alex.  And you are?"

She stood and strode the couple feet to where they were seated.  "Amber Davis," she answered, extending her hand.

Alex clasped her hand firmly.  "Nice to meet you.  And...just what are you to Donovan?"

Jake chuckled.  "Direct and to the point as always, Alex."

"Sorry, but we need to know."

Amber frowned and sat in a nearby chair.  "I...we've been seeing each other for about three months."  She watched as they all gaped at her and immediately regretted saying anything.  Obviously Frank had not told them a thing about their relationship.

"Three months!" Cody exclaimed, shocked.  "How serious are you two?"

Amber blinked at his forwardness.  "I'm sorry," she began.  "If Frank hasn't said anything about us, perhaps it's best if I..."

"It's okay," Monica interjected.  "We understand.  Frank is a very private person.  You don't have to tell us a thing."

Amber smiled tentatively and wrung her fingers anxiously.  "Thank you for understanding."  Her attention turned to the doorway and then back to the small group.  "What happened?  How did Frank wind up in a coma?"

They all glanced at each other before Monica spoke.  "How much has Frank told you about his work?"

Amber sighed.  They were just as reluctant to discuss his work as she was to discuss his personal life.  "I know he works for the Justice Department and runs a Special Ops group."  She sighed heavily and pushed out of the chair.  She began pacing the room.  "And for the past three weeks, I've had no word from him and..."

"Hey, guys, come on," Cody urged.  "We can't give details, but while chasing a perp, Frank had gone up to the roof of the building we were targeting."  He stood and went to Amber's side.  "The guy went down the fire escape and Frank gave chase.  Unfortunately, the grating wasn't fastened into the wall properly...it was old and rusted...and...well...Frank took a two-story header into a garbage bin."

Amber gasped audibly.  "Oh, God!"

Cody nodded.  "I think God had a lot to do with it.  Although Frank whacked his head a good one when he hit the bin...there was a large piece of metal in the bin that he missed by inches."  He paused while Amber sat down none too gingerly.  "If he'd have hit that...it would have...well...been messy."

"Cody, you didn't have to share that!" Monica admonished.  She went to Amber and sat beside her.  "Hey, are you going to be okay?"

Amber nodded slowly.  "Yes.  It's a lot easier dealing with it after the fact."  She turned toward Monica.  "How long was he in a coma?"

Monica reached over and patted Amber's forearm.  "Today was the thirteenth day."

Nearly the entire time we've been apart, Amber thought.  She looked up toward the ceiling before her attention was drawn to the doorway.  The doctor was approaching and when he entered the room, he addressed Frank's co-workers.  "Agent Donovan is responding well to preliminary tests.  I've scheduled more extensive tests for the morning and we'll know more then.  In the meantime, you can go back in for a few minutes and then I suggest you let him get some rest."

"Thank you, Doctor," Monica acknowledged him quietly.  She followed behind the others, but came to a halt when she noticed Amber was not with them.  She turned and held out her hand.  "Come on, girl.  They'll kick us out soon and I know you want to see that man before they do."

Amber chuckled softly.  Whoever this woman was, she sure could read a lot into situations.  "Thanks."  She accepted Monica's hand and they entered Frank's room together.

***

When they entered the room, they found Frank awake and his bed had been adjusted to allow him to sit upright.  A nurse was holding a cup for him while he drank from a straw.  Amber could see from just the look in his eye how annoyed he was at being treated like a child.

He lifted a weak arm to push the cup away when he saw his visitors approach the bed.  "Nice to see everyone," he said quietly.  It was much easier to talk after the water moistened his parched throat.  His eyes searched the crowd and fixated on his chestnut haired beauty.  For a second there, he was worried she wasn't returning.

Monica noticed the look that passed between Frank and Amber.  It was one of longing and need.  "Donovan," she said, taking control of the group.  "We just wanted to say goodnight before we head off."  She shook her head when Cody made move to protest.  "And we'll be back in the morning to check on you."  With that said, she ushered the rest of the team toward the door. 

Amber smiled as Monica neared her.  "Thank you," she whispered.

"Not necessary.  See you tomorrow, I'm sure," she replied with a wink.

"What was that all about?" Frank asked after the team left the room.

Amber shrugged and went to his bed.  Perching herself on the edge, she leaned down and kissed his lips briefly.  "I...told them we'd been seeing each other," she admitted hesitantly.  "I'm sorry...I never would have if I thought you..."

"It's okay," he assured, taking her hand gently in his.  His eyes found hers and held them for several moments before he spoke.  "I...Amber, I know I left under less than favorable circumstances," he began, but was cut off when she laid a finger against his lips.

"Frank, please.  I know the things I shared with you that night are more than a bit bizarre," she stated.  "But, when you didn't call...I assumed the worst."

Frank closed his eyes and leaned back into the pillow.  "I'm sorry, really.  The case got crazy right from the start and time got away from me."

Amber nodded and squeezed his hand ever so gently.  "Cody told me what happened to you."  Tears filled her eyes and she was finding it difficult to speak.  "You...you could have died, Frank."

"My career...is one of high risk, Amber," he explained cautiously.  "You knew that going into this relationship.  If you want to end it now, before things get more complicated..."

The soft, sensual feel of her lips upon his cut off his words.  He returned her kiss, his fingers finding her hair and wrapping around the silky tresses.  He had missed her, had hated leaving her the way he had, and many times during the week before his accident found his thoughts drifting from the case to her.  He should have picked up the phone and just called her, unfortunately, every time he tried, some new development had sprung up. 

When the kiss ended and she pulled away, he looked deeply into her eyes.  "Amber, something odd happened and I really need to tell you..."

"It will have to wait until tomorrow, Agent Donovan."

Both Frank and Amber turned toward the voice.  The doctor had returned.

"I'm sorry, Miss.  He needs rest."

"I understand," Amber replied, easing off the bed.  She leaned down and kissed him one last time.  "I'll see you as soon as visiting hours begin."

Frank nodded.  "Swing by my apartment first," he said.  "Doctor...where are my belongings?"

"Your wallet, keys, and other small things are in the top drawer of the nightstand.  Your clothing is in the closet over there."

"Amber, take my keys and bring your tin box with you tomorrow, please?" 

She nodded and retrieved the keys from the drawer.  "Sweet dreams, Frank."

***

When Amber went to the hospital the next morning, the nurses on the coma ward informed her that Frank had been moved to another floor.  She immediately went to the semi-private room he had been assigned to and found Monica, Alex, and Cody waiting there.   Cody was sprawled out on the spare bed, whereas Monica and Alex were each comfortable in a bedside chair. 

Monica looked up when Amber entered the room.  "Hey, girl!  Frank's off getting poked and prodded." 

Amber nodded and moved further into the room and laid a small suitcase on the bed.  "I went by his apartment to pick up an item he requested and also brought him a few things I thought he might need while in here."  She placed his apartment keys on top of the suitcase.  "Any idea how long it will be before they bring him back?" 

"Naw, none," Alex answered.  "Frank did ask us to give you a message when you arrived."  She looked toward the ceiling as if trying to remember what she'd been told and then back toward Amber.  "Something about not missing your class?"

Amber smiled at the irony.  "Oddly enough, the reason I stumbled onto Frank here in the hospital was that I was visiting Professor Brown.  It's his class I would be attending today," she informed them.  "Actually, I'd like to pop up to his room for a quick visit while Frank is out for tests." 

"Sure thing," Monica acknowledged.  "We'll let Frank know you're here when they bring him back."

"Thanks."  With a nod, Amber turned and left the room.

***

Frank cast an irritated look toward at the back of Cody's head.  Cody was busy rather animatedly telling the group about a movie he had caught on late-night cable.  When Frank glanced back at Amber, he knew she had caught sight of his irritation.  Damn it, he was tired of having a room full of people when he so desperately wanted to talk to his ladylove about the experience he had while coming out of his coma.  He wanted her input on things; he wanted to be assured he wasn't losing his mind.  Amber offered him a supportive smile, attempting to say, "Soon, Baby.  Be patient."  He gave her a wistful smile in return.  He could just ask them all to leave, but somehow their loyalty and heartfelt concern for his well-being would not allow him to speak his request out loud.

Amber glanced at her watch.  It was nearing time for visiting hours to end and, as if on cue, a nurse appeared insisting everyone leave for the evening.  Amber hung back after Frank's team said their farewells.  The nurse had gone on to the next room, leaving Amber with a few moments before anyone returned to check on Frank.  She thankfully sank down onto the edge of the bed and slid into his tender embrace.

He placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head as he clung to her.  Her warmth and presence had a healing quality to him.  He was still quite weak, but otherwise, felt fine.  He had high hopes that after the results of the tests he had undergone earlier that day came back the doctor would release him from the hospital.  Another day, maybe two at the most, and he would have all the time he needed to explore the strange dream he had.  Was it a dream?  It felt like no other dream I've ever had. 

He heard a contented sigh escape Amber.  How could one person make him feel this way?  It was an odd realization to him, and yet, her voice, her smile, even the tiniest little sigh such as the one she just released soothed him like an old-fashioned elixir.  He couldn't put into words exactly what he was feeling.  The whole idea of the supernatural connection she had with another man left him off kilter.  The thing that had bothered him most was the striking resemblance between this Ardeth character and himself, and that of Amber and Miranda.  No rationale could make it normal or acceptable in his mind.  And yet, why did he not push Amber away?  Instead, he clung to her as if there were no other being or force on Earth he could live without.

He broke himself away from his wandering thoughts and took a deep breath.  "Amber, the strangest thing happened..." he trailed off when she lifted her head and their eyes locked.

"Strange?  In what way?" she asked, placing a tender hand to his cheek.

He closed his eyes for a moment and leaned into her touch.  He felt a feather light kiss flit across his lips and he smiled warmly as he heard her whispered "Tell me".  He chuckled softly while he ran the fingers of one hand through her silky tresses.  He trailed his other hand slowly down her back to cup her buttock.  "You make it difficult to think, let alone speak."

"Frank, really," she admonished him softly.  "There will be plenty of time for that after you've been given a clean bill of health."

Her smile and the soft, smoky quality of her eyes conveyed the message that she wanted him as much as he wanted her.  Damn hospitals.  Still, her soft-spoken reprimand did not deter him from capturing her lips in a demanding, hungry kiss. 

Moments later, breathless, Amber broke the kiss and gazed lovingly upon him.  "I thought you had something to tell me," she reminded him softly.

The sound of someone clearing their throat from the doorway brought Amber off the bed in a single bound.  Frank grinned playfully at the nurse who stood in the doorway with her arms folded in mock outrage.  Meanwhile, Amber fidgeted like a teenager that had been up to no good. 

The nurse unfolded her arms and motioned to the door.  "Whatever he has to tell you, can wait until tomorrow."  She waited impatiently for Amber to gather her things and head for the door.  "Besides, I'm thinking much more of that kind of talk would lead to something that is frowned upon while a patient is recovering." 

Amber felt the blush that entered her cheeks travel all the way down to her toes.  She shook her head and waved to Frank.  "I'll be back after class tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Amber," he called out to the closing door and a soft "Sweet dreams" floated back to him. 

He settled back onto the bed and rested his head on the pillow.  He was restless and not one bit sleepy.  His eyes drifted to the small tin box that sat on the nightstand.  He picked it up and placed it in his lap.  He opened the lid slowly, as if he was afraid of what he would find.  That thought almost made him laugh.  It was ludicrous.  He knew what the box contained.  Papers.  Simple pages.  Some old and ancient looking, some that seemed they were only written days before.  He shook his head slightly, pushing the strange feeling aside and pulled out the bundle of pages Amber had said were Ardeth's transcribed journal.  The journal was the beginning.  He would start there.

Frank grunted against the jolt his body received as the steel fire escape came loose from the side of the building.  As he toppled over the edge, he reached out in an attempt to grab hold of anything solid, but his fingers were met with nothing but air.  In his dream, he made no noise as he watched the ground draw near.  The only sound he heard was the beating of his heart.  He closed his eyes, bracing himself for the impact and opened them instantly when his hands contacted something solid and he held on for dear life.

Glancing around, he found himself in unfamiliar territory.  He was in a darkened chamber, lit only by the flickering of torches that were placed strategically at various intervals around the room.   

"Hey...you okay?"

Frank glanced to the left of his precarious position.  Not only did he find himself dangling from the beam he frantically clutched, but also next to him he discovered another man in much the same position.  Tall, dark, and boyishly handsome, the man was familiar to him in an odd sort of way, although Frank had never laid eyes on him before that moment.  Inherently, he knew the man held a kinship with him.  He also knew his name.  Rick.

Frank laughed with great effort.  "Of course.  Don't I look all right?"

"Sure ya do, Medjai.  About as good as I do," he joked and looked down at the floor.  "We could let go and take our chances that we only break a leg or an ankle," Rick mused. 

"Or, perhaps, we could ask Evie to bring the ladder?" Frank inquired, slightly amused, and at the same time amazed to find he actually knew who 'Evie' was.  "You seem to enjoy making things more difficult than they need to be." 

"Naw, not me," Rick assured him.  "That's Evie's job."  He craned his neck searching for his absent wife.  Apparently she hadn't discovered that he and Ardeth had fallen through the floor from the room above.  "EVIE!!!"

Frank shook his head softly.  How did he always manage to get mixed up in their escapades?  He frowned.  What was he thinking?  He didn't even know these people.  He looked up at this hands wrapped firmly around the beam he hung from.  He recalled the tattoos on the back of his hands.  He had seen them somewhere before.  Where?  They weren't his.  A slight breeze wafted through the drafty room causing a stray lock of hair to drift into his eyes.  He blew at it in annoyance until it was no longer in his face.  HUH?  My hair's barely an inch long... He then looked down at his body and his eyes took in the attire he wore.  He was dressed just as Amber's Ardeth had been in that photograph.  I'm seriously losing my mind.

"Ardeth, snap out of it, man," Rick urged.  When he received no response, he kicked out, contacting the Medjai's shin.

"Ouch!" Frank groaned.  "What are you doing?"

"Getting your attention, Oh, Warrior for God," he snapped, not unkindly.  "You want to get on the damn ladder before my arms fall off?"

"Uh...right," Frank responded.  He reached out and grabbed the rickety ladder that was now located beside him and began climbing down. 

Once he reached the bottom, he was met with a familiar image. Amber.  But, he knew instantly it wasn't his Amber.  She must be Miranda, he told himself.  This woman's hair was just a slight shade lighter than Amber's, perhaps bleached from the sun.  It was also coiled into a tight twist at the back of her head.  He never recalled Amber wearing her hair thusly.  He was unprepared for the smart slap he received to his cheek and his eyes widened in shock.

"You scared me to death, Mr. Bay!" she stressed in her clipped British accent.  "I would thank you to be more careful in the future."

Frank watched incredulously as she turned on her heel and stomped off in a huff.  What the hell?  I almost fall to my death and she HITS me?  He heard a soft chuckle behind him followed by the word "Women" before he felt a firm hand slap down on his shoulder.

Frank woke with a start, feeling something tugging on his hand.   When he opened his eyes, he found the nurse setting the small tin box back on the nightstand. 

"I'm sorry, Sir.  Didn't mean to wake you, but you fell asleep reading," she stated simply.

Frank grunted his response and closed his eyes again, sinking back onto the mattress.  What were these strange dreams?  He felt as though he were reliving an experience, not just dreaming.  Amber, what's happening to me?

***

To be continued...