A/N: I WAS GOING TO COMBINE TWO CHAPTERS, BUT THE NEXT ONE IS A LITTLE TOO LONG, SO HERE IS THE SHORT ONE. PLEASE KEEP READING AND REVIEWING, AND AS ALWAYS, ENJOY. STILL DON'T OWN 'EM.
CHAPTER 28: DESK JOB
It was the middle of October before Woody was allowed to go back to work, half days for now, he still needed extensive physical therapy. Progress was still slow, but he did regain some feeling in his hips. Cal came by to take Woody to work, Jordan was already on a call and Max had a meeting with a friend. "C'mon big brother, let's roll.", Calvin chuckled. "Cute Cal., Woody rolled his eyes, Geez, my stomach hurts." Woody couldn't believe how nervous he was, like a kid on his first day of school.
The ride to work felt unusually long. Woody made Cal park a block away from the station, so no one would see him get out of the car. "Want me to come with you ?", Cal asked his brother. "I don't need a babysitter, Calvin.", Woody yelled as he got into his chair. "I'm sorry Cal, I need to do this on my own.", Woody apologized, pushing away. "Good luck Woods.", Cal called out after his brother. Woody waived back in acknowledgement. As Woody got closer to the building, his head started to pound, "Here goes.", he mumbled under his breath. As he entered, there was a group of superiors waiting to greet him, there was also a welcome back banner and cake in the lobby. It took Woody almost an hour to get from the front door to his office. He was exhausted from the handshaking, well wishes, hugs and kisses.
As he made his way to the double doors of the homicide department, a voice called from the hall, "Hey partner, you'll be working with me for now.", Lois Carver stated. "I couldn't ask for anyone better.", Woody replied, hugging her. Lois was the one detective that steadily visited Woody even after he was released from the hospital and rehab. She was the only one from work who didn't look at him with sadness or pity. She was a true friend. "Ready to go in?", she asked patting his shoulder. "As ready as I'll ever be.", he replied, nervously. Woody wheeled in, feeling all eyes on him. He made his way to his desk, only to find Detective Matt Seely sitting at it. His feet were up on the desk as he leaned back on the chair, the phone to his ear. He saw Woody and jumped up, "Gotta go.", Matt whispered into the phone. "Glad to have you back, Hoyt. Just keeping it warm for you.", he stumbled. Pointing to the swiveling desk chair. "Thanks Seely, but I brought mine with me.", Woody stated sarcastically, pointing to his wheelchair. Seely nodded and slinked away, head down.
Woody remained at his desk for the entire shift, doing paperwork and taking phone calls. He tried not to let the staring bother him, he could feel people look at him, then turn away when he noticed. He tried to look appreciative, not uncomfortable when others asked if he needed anything, or brought things to him. He had accumulated three cups of coffee, two sodas, two bottled waters, five donuts and three pieces of cake. He had accepted them all with a smile and a thank you, each time glancing across the room to Lois, who just shook her head or shrugged. In reality, Woody could not wait for this day to end as he thought to himself; Maybe this was a bad idea. I can't do this. I never should have come back.