A/N: THIS CHAPTER IS A BRIDGE TO EASE INTO THE NEXT HALF OF THE STORY. PLEASE R&R, I LIKE THE FEEDBACK. I'D BE WILLING TO TAKE THEM, IF THEY WERE AVAILABLE.
CHAPTER 25: ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
Woody came through the surgery without any complications, although now it was another waiting game. This was compounded by him having to heal from another surgery, his third, and having to start back at square one in therapy. Woody tried to stay positive, the doctor said it would take weeks before there was improvement, if there was to be any at all, they still weren't sure of the extent of the damage; the damage from the bullet, the surgeries and all of the complications. In the mean time, he would have to stay in Boston, at least for a few weeks, until he heeled from the surgery; then he could fly back home to Wisconsin. But now Woody wasn't sure he even wanted to leave. Do I really have a reason to stay? he wondered. That question was answered with his next two visitors.
Woody's captain had visited a few times during his first hospital stay. How ya doin' Hoyt?", the captain asked, shaking Woody's hand. "Fine Sir, what brings you here?", Woody questioned. "I have something of yours.", Captain said holding out Woody's badge and handing him the resignation papers he had signed a few weeks earlier. Woody took his badge, it felt heavy in his hand, his eyes started to mist. "Your job is waiting for you, if you want it.", the captain said as he turned to leave. "I appreciate the offer Sir, but how? I mean….I can't….", Woody stammered. "Hoyt, we can make some accommodations , after all, you are one of my best detectives.", Captain smiled. Woody thought about it for a while. "I don't want any special treatment, Sir.", he insisted. "Of course not, you can start back slow, desk work first, and since you have such a good relationship with the staff, maybe liason to the morgue. We'll take it from there. Sound good?", the captain said, heading for the door. "Sounds really good.", Woody smiled as he called after his captain. "See you in a few weeks."
Woody was still smiling, leaning back in his bed when Jordan walked in cautiously. He was still a little angry with her for not trusting him. He knew how much she loved him, and it hurt that she thought he would try to kill himself. She knew why he was angry and she felt guilty for letting her emotions get the best of her, before she had all of the facts. "Hi there.", Woody said brightly. "Hi?", Jordan replied, questionably. "Did the doctor come to see you? Any improvement, feeling?", she asked hopefully, looking at his legs. Woody frowned and shook his head. "Oh, sorry, I just thought you got some good news, you're so upbeat.", she said sitting next to him on the bed. "Well I did get some good news.", he smiled, revealing the badge he hid under the sheet. Jordan looked at him surprisingly, "What does this mean?", she asked, running her fingers across the badge. "I'm going back to work. I'm staying in Boston.", Woody chuckled, tearing up the resignation papers. "Oh Woody, that's wonderful.", Jordan exclaimed, hugging him. It was that moment she realized, Maybe we still have a chance.