Psyche-Out was having a bad day. Wreck was basically back to square one and not being helpful at all. Last night, he'd had an episode and developed a fever due to a mild infection. The psychiatrist scratched his head. It wasn't easy helping someone cope with mental, physical and emotional scars. A knock at the door caught his attention.
He jumped up to salute but was waved off. "General, what brings you here?"
General Clayton Abernathy looked at the beleaguered man. "How are you doing today, son? Have you gotten much sleep this past week?"
"No, sir, not much. Occasionally, the nurses push me in here to rest but other than that…" He walked over to the observation glass and placed his palm flat on it. "Sir, I'm sorry about last night. We should've had someone watching…"
"Son, I've read the report. Sometimes, things happen. What I need to know is…how he's doing." The unasked question hung in the air.
Psyche turned to face his commanding officer. "I don't think he's suicidal. Depressed, yes. Disconnected, yes. It's like a fracture. He's in the painful reset time only this isn't quick and easy. Sir, if there is something you know that can help me, I really need to know. It isn't fair to ask me to treat him if I don't have all the pieces."
The general gazed at the lieutenant for several seconds before answering. "We have help coming in from outside but they won't be here until Saturday."
"We can't bring them in sooner, sir?" The desperation in the psychiatrist's voice was evident.
Abernathy shook his head. "I'm afraid not. It took a bit of doing to get them this far this soon. Until then, I am re-assigning SE to this ward to help you."
"Sir?"
"He has personal experience with this type of trauma. Let him help you. Follow his lead." The general took the younger man by the shoulders and made him sit on the couch. " Anyone you need to work here for the next day or so is here for the duration. No one who is detrimental is to be allowed down this hallway until 0900 Saturday. Now, get some sleep." He held up a hand. "That's an order, Ken. I'll watch him for a while."
Psyche leaned back and closed his eyes. Maybe there was a light at the end of the tunnel after all.
In the room, the general watched as the sailor sat facing the window, his eyes covered but his face to the sun. He could tell the younger man had lost about ten pounds and was in dire need of a haircut and a shave. What distressed him most was how still he was. Wreck was never still unless he was napping or being lazy. Seeing him just not moving was…not normal for him.
Abernathy moved to sit in a chair next to his soldier. "Son, you want to tell me about it?"
The wolf that was sitting with his head in Wreck's lap snuffed.
"No, sir," came the whispered response.
"That's okay. I'll just sit here with you for a while. Its not often I get to sit back and just see the world go by." With that, the room lapsed into a companionable silence, the younger man drawing off of the strength the older man offered.
dvdv
Green Book 17Sue almost made it to lunch with Bobby but a hot lead on an old case took him out of the office right before noon. She sat at her desk toying with Levi's 'bunny'. A hand dropped into her little zone and she looked up with a start.
"I know this is unusual but since the ladies are otherwise occupied and Jack isn't here, would you join me for lunch? I'll buy." Myles stood before her, holding her coat.
She gave him a tired smile. "Sure. Why not?"
They went to quaint little place that served Italian and were seated in a back corner at the tall Bostonian's request. When Myles asked if he could order, she gladly assented. The night before was beginning to wear on her.
The waiter brought them some water and was gone.
"I want to get right to the point, Thomas. I see you." At her confused look, he held up a finger. "I have seen how well you read people. You've even managed to get past some of my facades. So I'm returning the favor. I've seen shell shock before. I don't know what it is you have seen recently and I won't pry but talk to whomever you can. And soon. It will eat you alive until you talk about it. I'll drop you at your apartment and you make the call. I'll come get you later. I have to meet an informant so it will be easy to arrange." He held her gaze until she nodded. "Ah, well, now that we have that covered, shall we eat?"
Once Myles had left the apartment, Sue gave Levi some fresh water and a small bite to eat. She sat on the couch toying with her blackberry. She wanted to call but it didn't feel right. The timing was wrong. So many things could be messed up talking now. Sighing, she set her phone aside and slid to her knees seeking the only advice she knew she could trust.
