Authors Note: Firstly, I must apologise once more for the delay with this chapter; I'm afraid I just haven't found the time to polish it and post it. Unfortunately, real life has become rather a big issue of late. However, this one is a bit longer than normal! Secondly thank you to the few who contacted me with a review for chapter 16. Your comments were greatly appreciated, as always. All feedback is highly valued, so please let me know your comments.
Chapter Seventeen – Words of Wisdom
Scott watched in horror as his brother slipped from his flimsy grip, plummeting towards the ground. For a few seconds his breath caught in his throat; unable to speak or move he could only watch Virgil's flaccid form crash towards the floor.
Soon enough the urgency of the situation took him over and he rushed to kneel beside his brother.
"Virgil?" He reached a hand out to Virgil's shoulder, where he lay on his side. "Can you hear me?" He gave the shoulder in his grip a gentle shake. Still receiving no response, he continued to carefully roll his brother over, until he was laid on his back. The movement seemed to rouse Virgil. When a groan escaped his lips Scott's head immediately snapped up, relieved to see Virgil's lashes beginning to flutter. "Virg? Open your eyes." Scott waited with baited breath as Virgil struggled to battle his way back to full awareness.
Eventually he managed to keep his eyes open for longer than a few seconds.
Scott sat back breathing out a heavy sigh, thankful to be reacquainted with the familiar brown eyes he now stared into. He let the relief run through him as if it were in his very veins. Taking place of the panic that had begun in his fingertips and extended to take some sort of control of him.
"Wh…What happened?" Virgil looked confusedly up to his older brother. He took a while to focus on Scott's face, before spinning his vision up to the sky.
"You passed out, it was my fault." Scott informed him shamefully bowing his head. "Don't you remember?" He frowned.
"Your fault…" Virgil seemed dazed. "Huh?" Virgil moaned again, frowning. His deep breathing still caused pain to shoot through his chest on occasion. "Oh…." He paused, evidently, his memory returning. "Yeah, I remember." His eyes roved the skies and surroundings as if trying to identify where he was.
"Virgil…" Scott sighed. "I didn't mean…"
"Can you help me up?" Virgil spoke over him, apparently anticipating what he was about to say. He attempted to get his arms underneath him and push himself up. The pain though, took him by surprise and he had to stop.
"Whoa! Stop!" Scott called out, halting any movement on Virgil's part with a hand to his shoulder. "Look at me." Scott told him, firmly. "Are you hurt anywhere?"
Virgil slowly shook his head. "Nowhere I wasn't hurting before." He ground out, blinking as Scott's face began to sway before his eyes. "I'm fine. Now, are you going to help me up or do I have to struggle?"
Scott sighed. "Are you sure?"
His only response was the rolling of his brother's eyes as Virgil tutted. Attempting once more, to push himself up.
"Okay, okay!" Scott stopped him again, not wanting him to hurt himself. "I'll help you, here." He leaned over his brother, placing one arm around his waist and the other around his shoulders. "Put your arms around my neck." Virgil obeyed and Scott grunted as he pulled his brother to his feet. He took his weight as Virgil swayed unsteadily. Scott felt him waver and held him a little tighter around the waist. "You alright? Maybe you should sit down." He suggested already locating the nearest patio seat and estimating the distance.
Virgil took a couple of breathes, as deep as he could muster. "No, I'm okay." He shook his head. "I'm alright Scott." He assured his older brother when Scott's grip didn't slacken. "You can let go. I promise I won't fall over."
Reluctantly and extremely slowly, Scott removed his arm. His eyes met Virgil's gaze and held it for a while, trying to assess the truth in his brother's words. Cautiously he took a step back, allowing Virgil to stand unaided.
"Let's get you inside." Scott sighed, gesturing to the open balcony doors. "Do you need a hand?"
"No, I'm fine." Virgil swallowed. "I can do it."
The first few steps were a little unsteady, but he gained confidence with every successful movement. Scott hovered by his side, ready to offer his support in the event of Virgil's legs failing him once more.
Suddenly Virgil stopped.
"Come on." Scott encouraged. "You're nearly there now." He coached but Virgil didn't move; his feet firmly fixed to the floor. "You alright Virg?"
"A little light-headed." Virgil swallowed, his eyes tightly closed. "Just give me a minute."
Scott reached out a steadying hand to grip his brother's arm. He braced himself for Virgil's legs to give way again but thankfully, it didn't come to that. Scott allowed his brother a minute to collect himself, before gently coaxing him until they were stood alongside his bed. "Here, sit down." Virgil hesitated again, closing his eyes against the giddiness that remained.
Scott sighed, rubbing his arm reassuringly. "It's alright," He whispered. "I've got you." He continued to take the most of Virgil's weight as he lowered his younger brother until he was sat on the edge of the bed. Virgil cautiously opened his eyes, waiting for the room to come back into focus before smiling his thanks.
Scott sat back on the opposite bed frowning guiltily at this sudden decline in his brother's health. "You okay?"
Virgil nodded. "Yeah, yeah I think so." He frowned as he watched Scott reach out for the videophone that rested on the bed. "What are you doing?" He asked. A sudden urgency to his voice.
Scott continued to dial a number, before selecting voice only and holding the small piece of gadgetry to his ear. "I'm calling Dad." He said firmly.
"No." Virgil shook his head, still breathless. "No, don't Scott."
Scott spoke over him. "Dad?" He spoke into the phone. "Hi. What? ... No, nothing's wrong, it's just…" He looked up to his brother. Noticing for the first time how Virgil's hair had matted to his forehead; it made him look even paler. "Virgil's decided that it'd be a good idea to see Charlie Gore after all." Scott paused, listening to his father's obviously terse reply. "Nothing's wrong." Scott lied, he listened again. Virgil could hear their father's voice beginning to rise. "He's fine Dad." There was a pause. "No, he can't talk right now, he's err … he's in the bathroom." Virgil watched his brother drop his head, evidently having been rumbled. "No, Sir, I didn't…." He trailed off. "Yes Father." He said contritely, finally cutting the link.
"What did you do that for?" Virgil frowned, moving slightly and wincing at the discomfort. "The last thing he needs is more worry."
Scott leant forward in his seat. "Virgil! Look at yourself, look at the state you're in." He shook his head in exasperation. "You need to see a Doctor. Dad's going to call Charlie and you're going to talk to him, even if I have to pin you to that bed myself."
Virgil raised an eyebrow and for a second Scott thought he was going to laugh the situation off. He was sorely mistaken. "I'm fine Scott. Dad's worried enough as it is. He has enough on his plate without having to worry about me too. You shouldn't have done that; I'm okay."
"For Gods Sakes Virgil!" Scott exploded. "Would you stop being so damned stubborn!"
"Only if you stop trying to order me around!" Virgil fired back.
"Sure!" Scott replied sarcastically. "I shouldn't have to order you to see a doctor. If you had an ounce of sense, you wouldn't need telling twice!" He ground out in frustration. "Can't you see I'm worried about you? Dad is too, and is it any wonder? You just passed out Virgil!"
"Yeah and why was that Scott!" Scott's face fell at the scathing words and he dropped his head. Sitting back on his bed with another sigh. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean that how it sounded." Virgil apologised immediately, watching Scott frown sadly. "It wasn't your fault."
Scott looked up, meeting his brother's gaze. Words weren't really necessary to convey how much he disagreed with that comment. "No, you're right. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm sorry." Scott's face contorted as he swallowed and looked miserably at his brother. His expression indicative of his remorse. "I'm so sorry Virgil."
"Don't be. I shouldn't have tried to hide how bad I was feeling." Virgil frowned as he attempted a sigh. "We're both as bad as each other."
"No, that's not fair." Scott shook his head sadly. "What I did was inexcusable. The last thing I would ever want to do is hurt you."
Virgil opened his mouth to reply but a sharp rap at the door turned both their heads.
"You look like you've seen a ghost. Lie down, you'll feel better." Scott told his younger brother firmly. As he got up in order to attend to the constant knocking
Virgil smirked. Scott's perceptiveness never ceased to amaze him and he sometimes wondered if his older brother really could read his mind. He was shaken from his thoughts by the urgent knocking at the door, once more.
"It'll be Dad." Scott turned to glance at the exit, before facing Virgil again. "I couldn't fool him; he knows something's going on." Scott hesitated at the foot off the bed. The way he frowned and sighed anxiously was enough for Virgil to know he had something he wanted to say. "Virg, for what it's worth you know… I'm sorry."
Virgil met his anxious gaze with a sympathetic smile. "I know." He paused. "Me too. We were both out of line; I'm sorry too Scott." He said seriously, conveying his own regret. "But can we talk about this after you've stopped Dad taking that door off its hinges?" He was rewarded with a gentle smile as Scott disappeared to appease their father. They both knew though, that the issue wouldn't end there.
"Virgil!" Jeff exclaimed, rushing into the room. "Are you okay?" Jeff asked hurrying over to his second eldest son, the anxiousness in his voice was unmistakable.
"I'm fine Dad." Virgil said softly.
"Fine!" Jeff exclaimed, turning on Scott. "What happened? And don't try fobbing me off with the lies you told me on the 'phone."
Any other time, Scott would have taken offence at the tone his father used. Today though, he felt as if he truly deserved it. Turning his vision to Virgil just reinforced that feeling. "It was…"
"…an accident!" Virgil cut him off before he could admit liability and Jeff turned to him in interest. "It was silly really." He looked up to Scott, holding his gaze and pleading with his brother not to say anything. "I … I was talking to Scott and walking out onto the balcony. I must've got my sleeve caught on the door or something. I felt it jar my ribs and then this pain, like nothing I've felt before. I remember reaching out for something and then… I was waking up on the floor."
"You passed out!" Jeff exclaimed. He sensed the unusual yet troublesome atmosphere between them and turned back to his oldest son to check the validity of Virgil's claim. Scott swallowed guiltily under his father's stare, and made his way to sit on his bed alongside Virgil. "Scott?" Jeff asked. "Is that how it happened?"
Scott coughed uncomfortably as Virgil glared at him. "Err, yeah. Yeah Father, that's pretty much what happened."
Jeff looked sceptical. It was obvious they were lying, covering each other's backs no doubt. Facing Virgil momentarily, he turned back to Scott. "How long was he out Scott?" He demanded
Scott shrugged, answering to the floor and not daring to meet Jeff's gaze. His father's tone was not one to mess with. "I'm not sure." He hesitated. "Maybe a minute."
"Is that all?" Virgil frowned.
"Are you kidding me?" Scott turned on his brother. "It was the longest minute of my life." He added quietly, meeting Virgil's concerned gaze.
"Look boys, I don't know what you two are trying to hide. I appreciate that you two keep a lot of things to yourself and you probably don't want to tell me what the hell's going on. But when it comes down to your health, you don't have a choice! Who do you think you're fooling with this …" He was cut off as his 'phone rang and both Scott and Virgil let out dual sighs of relief. "That'll be Charlie; he's about half an hour away. We're not finished." He waggled a finger in their general direction before walking away. Flicking the palm size 'phone open and greeting his friend jovially.
Scott leaned closer to his brother. "He knows we're lying, just tell him the truth. Tell him it was me. I can handle the consequences."
Virgil shook his head sadly. "No, we're both equally to blame." He said softly, rolling his head closer to his brother. "Just do as I say, he doesn't need to know. I should have told you."
"Told me what? Virgil, you're not making any sense." Scott said softly. "Are you sure you didn't hit your head when you fell?"
Virgil scoffed at his brother's genuine concern. "I'm sure. I'm alright Scott." He paused. "Look, we can talk about this later." He met Scott's gaze, pleadingly. "Please Scott, Dad doesn't need this and neither do you. It's better this way. Trust me, don't say anything. If you can't do it for yourself or Dad, do it for me."
Scott seemed to hesitate for a long time. Then as Jeff snapped the 'phone shut and strode over, he nodded softly in Virgil's direction.
"Right then." Jeff began as he sat alongside Virgil on the bed. "Somebody better start talking…"
Virgil and Scott exchanged glances before the former began. With Scott's help, hopefully convincing their father that this was, to all intents and purposes, an accident.
XxxxX
"Stop deluding yourself Kid!" Gordon crowed as he let himself and his younger brother into their room. "She was definitely looking at me."
"Don't call me Kid." Alan retorted petulantly. "And she was looking at me! You're just jealous!"
"Jealous!" Gordon exclaimed as they made their way into the room. "Why would I be jealous? Look, if it means that much to you, you're welcome to her." He shrugged nonchalantly. "You know what they say about us sailors having a girl in every port!" He winked at his brother, sniggering.
"You're not a sailor." Alan pulled a face and flopped down onto one of the beds. "Hey guys!" He changed the subject, looking up to Sam and John. Both mumbled a reply, too deep in thought to be coherent. He turned his attention back to Gordon. "Beside, you shouldn't be looking. I thought you were going to make a move on that Captain you'd got your eye on."
"Alan!" Gordon exclaimed, rolling his eyes. "I told you that in confidence!" He hissed.
"Ah come on! Calm down!" Alan waved a hand vaguely in the direction where Sam and John huddled around a tiny computer. "They're too engrossed in their brainy science stuff to be listening to us!"
Gordon coloured when both Sam and John turned slowly to face them. He tuned on his brother, half heartedly annoyed. He reached for the nearest object, luckily a pillow and threw it. "Oh scary Gords." Alan grinned sarcastically. "I haven't had a pillow thrown at me since I was… eleven. Grow up!" He paused, turning his attention elsewhere. "What are you two doing anyway?" He asked with a frown of intrigue as he laughed off Gordon's attack.
More than prepared to let his teasing cease, Gordon grinned and sat up; also intrigued. He was unable to muster up any further retaliation anyway. It seemed unfair when he was secretly pleased at this albeit temporary, return to Alan's usual self.
"Going over the stuff from the car." Sam said distractedly.
"Are these the camera recordings?" Alan picked up the black discs and was surprised when both John and Sam turned sharply to look at him. "What?"
"Nothing." Sam said quickly as he snatched the items from Alan's hand and stuffed them both in his pocket. "There's nothing on them." He lied. "We tried, but the discs are too scratched to be of any use. Right John?" He turned to the blonde haired Tracy, hastily requiring back up.
"Yeah." John agreed a little too enthusiastically. "Too much damage."
"Oh, right." Alan frowned at their suspicious behaviour. "Okay, well what have you been doing all afternoon then?"
"We've made a reconstruction of the crash." Sam told them excitedly. "Want to see?"
"Really?" Gordon seemed surprised yet interested. "How does it work? Can we really see it?"
"Oh." Alan sunk back against the mattress, his interest waning. Gordon, on the other hand, jumped enthusiastically to his feet.
"Sure." John replied in answer to Gordon's question. "Watch the TV." He gestured with one hand to the flat screen as he explained. "We ran a programme that can estimate the damage to the car but we're still waiting for some of the results. In the meantime, we loaded on a copy of the track and the computer ran a simulation of what may have happened." He paused to shrug. "It's not exact or anything; it's just one theory, of many."
"Wow!" Gordon exclaimed. "I never knew you could do that, that's amazing. Cool!"
"Wait until you see it!" John exclaimed. The screen flickered into life and the computerised image of the track and cars appeared.
"This is Alan's car here." Sam pointed out with the wrong end of a pen. "And this one's Marks." He waited for the programme to run and the animated cars to start moving.
Alan found he couldn't turn away from the unfolding presentation. His eyes glued to the screen despite the fact that it was the last thing he wanted to see. His palms began to get sweaty and he swallowed in a futile attempt to quell his suddenly dry mouth. Wiping his hands on his shirt, he realised Sam was talking Gordon through the crash. The younger blonde wasn't really listening to the mechanic as he watched 'his' car spin until Mark's careered into it. The animation was surprisingly accurate, right down to when he jumped and a little caricatured version of himself rolled away from the danger. However far from thinking the display 'cool' or 'amazing' as Gordon had proclaimed. Alan raised a hand to his mouth, feeling utterly sick.
"Excuse me." He pushed passed Sam out on to the balcony. Desperate for fresh air and to get away from having to relive that nightmare, yet again. No matter how unrealistic the animated depiction was.
"Perhaps that wasn't such a good idea." Gordon said softly, watching his brother's exit.
"Damn!" Sam cursed. "I should've thought, I'll go and talk to him."
Gordon was about to offer his services but John made it clear that he wanted a word, no doubt to ensure his younger brothers had reconciled. So Gordon let Sam go, moving over to John as the mechanic followed Alan out onto the balcony.
"I'm sorry, Al." He said, coming to stand alongside his younger counterpart. "I should've thought; that was really inconsiderate. I didn't mean to upset you."
"No." Alan shook his head. "I overreacted. I'm sorry. It's just you make it all seem so clear and clean-cut and it wasn't like that at all."
"I know. It was horrible… I mean, it must have been, I'm sorry." Sam continued.
Alan didn't pick up on the slip. "It was chaos in that car. Virgil was yelling at me and we were spinning so fast, Sam. It wasn't calm or coordinated; in fact it was the complete opposite." He paused. "And it wasn't 'cool', it was scary." He impersonated Gordon, with a gentle but exhausted sigh.
"I don't think he meant the crash was cool, I think he meant the technology." Sam put forward, watching Alan sigh.
"I know." Alan shrugged, sighing again. "I'm sorry." Sam placed a hand on his back, squeezing his uninjured shoulder in an attempt to comfort the young man. "Listen, I err, I wanted to talk to you anyway. To thank you, for everything you've done."
The mechanic frowned. "You make it sound like you won't be needing my services anymore." He paused. "I thought you were going to wait and see how you felt later."
"Honestly, Sam." Alan said frankly. "I don't see how anything that happens on Wednesday is going to make me feel any better. The man still died and I can't kid myself into believing that it hasn't affected me." He paused, looking out over the city. "I really appreciate everything you've done Sam, and Kenny Malone too."
"I know you do Al, but let's just see how Wednesday goes first yeah?" Sam suggested. "Virg is right; you shouldn't make any rash decisions just yet. Just give yourself some time first and see what happens."
"Yeah." Alan agreed. "I will, but I just wanted to make sure you knew."
"I know." Sam smiled. "And so do Kenny and Virgil."
"You alright Al?" Alan turned to face Gordon's voice behind him. Taking in the concerned glances both his approaching brothers were giving him.
"Yeah, yeah I'm fine." Alan shrugged, smiling at Sam. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to freak out on you."
"It's our fault." John said remorsefully. "We weren't thinking straight, that was really unfair of us."
"Forget it." Alan shrugged. "So have you finished doing all your calculating and stuff?"
John nodded, looking to Sam for conformation. "Yeah, I think we've done enough for one day. Don't you?" The mechanic nodded and he carried on. "Besides my brain was starting to hurt with all that screen watching."
"Brain?" Gordon was mocking. "What brain?" He dodged an annoyed glance from John and then swatted back a playful slap on the arm.
"Y'know with comments like that, I'm real pleased I don't live with you guys anymore." John sighed, sitting down in one of the chairs on the balcony. Gordon joined him, a mischievous smirk still lingering on his lips.
"Y'know." Alan started. "The idea of you all coming to see me race was so that we could spend some time together. Throughout the whole weekend, I don't think we've spent any time together, not all of us."
Gordon nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. So why don't we go out tonight, go for a drink together or something?"
Alan smiled at the idea. "Yeah that'd be nice." He turned to John. "John, what do you think?"
The older blonde smiled too, pleased to see the grin on his younger brothers lips as much as anything. "Yeah, great idea Al. Sam?"
The mechanic seemed surprised. "Me? I thought you'd want to go, just you five. It should be a family thing. I'll stay here; take your Dad with you. "
"Dad?" Gordon laughed. "You've got to be kidding me! It's bad enough Scott'll be there. Dad would seriously cramp our style." Gordon waved a hand, dismissing the idea. "Besides, don't be silly, we're not going to leave you here on your own!"
"You'll come, won't you?" Alan asked.
"Well, yeah." Sam smiled. "If you're sure you don't mind."
"Of course not!" John replied. "Somebody better find Scott and Virgil though and see if they've got anything planned." He aimed the comment at Sam.
"Planned?" Gordon scoffed. "Those two! Yeah, probably knitting or basket weaving." He said with a sarcastic grin.
"Last I heard, Virgil went out to the gardens to paint." Sam said conversationally, trying not to show his concern. "I don't know where Scott was going." He shook his head. Glancing at John, knowing full well where they both were. "Do you want me to go and find them?"
"Nah." Alan shrugged, glancing up at the looming dark clouds. "It looks like it's going to rain. Virgil will have gone inside by now and I'll bet you any money that they'll be together, wherever they are."
Gordon nodded. "He's right. I'll give Scott a call."
John realised that if Scott were confronting Virgil about the video footage, as he suspected, then disturbing them would not be a good idea. He looked across at Sam; seeing his thoughts reflected in the mechanics eyes. "I'll call him Gordy, give him a few minutes."
When Gordon agreed with a simple, "Sure." John smiled falsely, pleased that the moment had passed without comment from either of his other brothers. He hated having to lie to them but was comforted by the knowledge that should Alan find out the truth about what happened after he'd jumped. He'd not only be devastated to know what Virgil'd been through but he'd never be able to forgive himself for not staying in the car.
"It'll be fun." Alan was nodding with a smile. "As long as we don't have to talk about this damned investigation." He said morosely.
John smiled. Taking in the inquisitive, yet serious look on Gordon's face. He intended to get revenge for his earlier teasing.
"Oh no," He smirked widely. "I think we've got plenty of other things to discuss." He grinned especially at Gordon as he got to his feet. "Like this Captain Gordon's so interested in." He grinned again, placing a hand around Alan's shoulders carefully. "So come on Al, spill it. You've got a choice; you either tell me or you tell Scott and Virg." The two blonde brothers smirked and whispered as they both walked back into the room. "Now, what do you know?"
"Now hold in a minute!" Gordon jumped to his feet, hastily following them. Leaving Sam on the balcony shaking his head and smiling at the brothers' humour.
XxxxX
"Jeff!" The tall, stocky man smiled widely as he extended his hand. "It's good to see you."
"You too Charlie, you too." Jeff smiled a greeting in return but couldn't help the worry eating away at him from showing either. "It's just a shame it's not under better circumstances." He said softly, as he shook his friends hand warmly and felt a pat on the back.
"Don't tell me this is Scott!" The doctor exclaimed, eyeing the tall, dark haired pilot. His handsome features were obscured due to the way he frowned at his younger brother. "Good Lord isn't he the spitting image of you Jeff, when you were his age! Well, the last time I saw you, young man, I'll bet you weren't even this high." He reached a hand out to half way down his chest. "Chasing my Kirsten round the garden, if I remember correctly." He laughed.
Jeff smiled fondly. "Yes, yes I think you could be right there Charlie." He laughed. "How is Kirsty?"
"Oh she's fine, followed in my footsteps after all." He beamed proudly. "She's an emergency doctor now, practically runs one of those Emergency Departments single headedly!" He smirked, with fatherly pride again. "Speaking of doctoring…" He made his way over to where Virgil lay. "Your father tells me you've been in the wars Virgil." He addressed the chestnut haired man.
Virgil just nodded. "A bit." Had it been a painless process he would have squirmed underneath the dual gazes of his older brother and father. "I told them, I'm alright." Virgil sighed softly, unable to conceal the wince.
"Hmm," Charlie was frowning as he perched on the bed and opened the small black bag he'd brought with him. "Well I think I'll be the judge of that." He smiled good naturedly. "Now, tell me what happened this afternoon. You passed out, didn't you?"
Virgil repeated the tale he'd told earlier. Not ignorant of the way that Jeff scrutinized Scott as his brother guiltily looked away. "Okay, then." Charlie dragged Virgil's gaze from his brother, and rumbled around in his bag to withdraw a small pencil light. "I'm just going to look into your eyes, Virgil. I need you to relax for me, okay?"
Virgil nodded cautiously as he felt the older man's hands on his face, softly prizing his eyes open and shining the light in. "You didn't hit your head or hurt yourself any further when you passed out? Any neck pain?" He asked as he withdrew and Virgil blinked to refocus his vision.
"No and no." Virgil responded.
"Okay, let's take a look at these ribs then." He lifted up the hem of Virgil's shirt and frowned. "Were the bruises like this at the hospital or have they gotten worse?" Virgil hesitated, gazing across to where his father and older brother stood, not far away. Charlie obviously picked up on the young mans uncertainty and looked up to his friend. "Oh Jeff, didn't the hospital give you a copy of the records they made?"
The oldest Tracy nodded. "Yes, Scott gave them to me when he got back. Would you like to see them?"
"Yes please, that'd be very helpful." Charlie, said as he busied himself with putting his pencil light away.
"Scott, will you go and fetch them? They're in the safe in my room." Scott turned to his father, clearly unwilling.
"Actually Jeff," Charlie smiled. "I was hoping you'd go so as I could send young Scott here to get me a cup of tea. You don't mind do you Scott?"
Scott shook his head, despite looking to the 'phone and briefly wondering why room service couldn't bring one up.
After a few minutes, both he and Jeff departed. Leaving Charlie alone with their patient, as had been his intention.
On the other side of the door, Scott was unsurprised when his father grasped his arm before he could walk away.
"Scott, I know you're not telling me something. I'm trusting you that it's nothing that could affect Virgil's health." Jeff eyed him warily. "If it is something that I should be aware of, you need to tell me. Now Son."
Scott shook his head. "It's not Dad. We were … I was trying to talk to him, that's all." He paused. "All this kind of happened at an awkward time."
"Hmm." Jeff seemed unhappy with the reply. "Just so long as bad timing's all it is."
Scott nodded. "It is. Look, I'll talk to him again later; I'll make sure things are right between us. I promise you."
"It's funny you should say that Scott." Jeff frowned as he began to walk away. "Someone else made me that very promise not five hours ago."
Scott frowned after him for a few minutes before the penny dropped. Silently brooding, he made his way across to the reception area cafeteria.
Meanwhile Charlie was chuckling. "It's only because he's worried about you. It's a father's job to be worried. And quite frankly Virgil, if my Kirsty came home with these bruises, I think I'd be worried too." He looked to Virgil for an explanation. "So are you going to tell me what happened?"
The younger man shrugged sheepishly. "I didn't feel this bad at the hospital; most of it came on yesterday. I was…upset and I went for a walk." He cringed as he admitted his foolishness.
"Well gentle exercise can be good for these kinds of injuries." Charlie told him. "If you can tolerate it."
Virgil grimaced. "It wasn't exactly gentle. Every step I took it hurt more than the last but it seemed a better option than facing the music back here." He sighed again. "I may have pushed myself a little too hard. Ever since then, my chests felt really tight. And it's getting harder to breathe. To begin with, I thought it was just my ribs but the more time goes on, the more it hurts. The pain medication the hospital doctor prescribed doesn't do anything for me. And whereas before resting used to lessen the pain, now resting doesn't seem to make it any better."
"May have over done it?" Charlie raised an eyebrow, critically looking down at Virgil's chest. "And you said you were fine!" Charlie exclaimed. "Virgil," He began with a sigh. "Usually when we feel pain it's our body's way of telling us that we need to take it easy. These injuries aren't going to heal if you keep ignoring what your body is telling you."
"I know." Virgil said sadly. "I know it was a stupid thing to do and I'm paying for it now. Believe me; I won't be doing it again."
Charlie sighed. "I take it your father doesn't know about this little excursion?" Virgil shook his head and the doctor nodded. "I suppose he's worried enough with Alan hurt as well." Charlie theorised.
"Yeah." Virgil agreed. "You could say that. Plus there's this investigation, we've all been under a lot of stress. Worrying about me is the last thing he needs. I've learned from my mistake, I'd appreciate it if it didn't go any further."
Charlie nodded reluctantly. "I respect your decision, even if I don't agree with it. Your father's very worried about you."
"I know." Virgil sighed heavily, inciting a wince.
"Does that hurt?" Charlie enquired with a frown. When Virgil nodded, he continued. "So it hurts you to take deep breathes?"
"Yeah." Virgil confirmed.
"And is the pain confined to your chest?" Charlie frowned. He sat back from his perched position on the bed. One arm wrapped around his chest as the other stroked his chin in contemplation.
Virgil nodded. "Yeah…" He hesitated. "My left arm kind of … tingles sometimes."
"And does the pain increase with movement?"
"Yeah." Virgil told him.
Charlie nodded. "Okay, first things first." He rummaged around in his bag once more. Eventually, pulling out a silver box and putting it down on the bed. "This machine here…" He gestured to the box, opening it up to reveal a small screen and a few buttons. "Is going to record your heart rate, blood pressure and temperature amongst other things. Alright?" Virgil just nodded, as Charlie expertly connected all the necessary wires to appropriate places about his body. "Now, I'm going to feel your ribs. I want you to tell me if it the pain increases when I put pressure on certain areas. Okay?" Virgil nodded in response and settled back, looking at the ceiling. "I'm not going to lie to you Virgil, this will probably be uncomfortable."
Uncomfortable was the understatement. Cold hands worked their way down his chest painfully slowly. Virgil bit his lips together tightly, trying to somehow avoid the pain Charlie was inflicting. "When I press here, does that hurt?"
Virgil's groan in reply was enough. He rolled his head away in an effort to evade the agony that erupted in his chest.
"I'll take that as a yes." Charlie said. Smiling sympathetically towards his patient. "Okay, just once more. How about here?"
Virgil braced himself. He couldn't stop himself stiffening though, and that was indication enough of his distress. "Okay." Charlie sighed. "That's fine." He sat back as Virgil struggled to drag air into his lungs. Charlie fumbled around in his black bag. "Well," He sighed. "It is natural that the bruising would come out later on. However, you've probably done more damage to parts that were already injured. I hate to say this Son, but you really shouldn't have pushed yourself like that." He gave Virgil a stern look before turning away. "Still," He said brightly. "It's nothing that won't heal; you've just made it a harder and longer process." Virgil felt his cheeks flush at the lecture, embarrassed at his own stupidity.
Charlie smiled reassuringly as he carried on. "I'm just going to listen to your heart and lungs okay?" He leant forward. Reaching for the stethoscope in his black bag, warming the metal end in his hands. "Okay, now I want you to breath in as deeply as you can but not so as it hurts." He reached forward, placing the stethoscope in the correct position and listening hard. "Okay, that's good and again." Virgil complied once more and the process was repeated on his opposite side.
"Right." Charlie sat back, pulling the stethoscope down so as it dangled around his neck. "Now I need you to sit up for me." He held out his arm, strategically placing his hands about the younger but larger man's chest and helping him up. The listening process was repeated as the stethoscope was held to his back before he lay back down. Finally Charlie placed the item away. "How's that wrist holding up?" He asked, gesturing to the bandaged limb.
Virgil shrugged. "Not too bad." He gingerly rotated his wrist. "It kind of pails into insignificance with the rest of it."
The door opened with a clatter as Jeff returned. "Here you go Charlie." He passed his friend the document and retreated to a safe distance. "That's the only hard copy we've got, all the rest is on the disk." He watched the doctor absorb the file, nodding and muttering. His own attention turned to Virgil. He still looked too pale for Jeff's liking and he seemed a little distant too. The wiring spread across his second eldest son's chest did not bode well and Jeff's worry only increased.
"Okay." Charlie glanced up to where Jeff sat on Scott's bed, obviously worried. "And this medication's not making much difference with the pain?" He picked up the bottle on the bedside table and read the label.
"Not really." Virgil said honestly. "I'm managing though."
"Hmm." Charlie muttered again, making himself comfortable on the bed. He placed a hand on the top of Virgil's arm in a comforting gesture. "I'm sure you are Son." He smiled as he went about retrieving the information gathered by the small solver box. Going on to study it with the odd mumble and frequent nod. "But we can't have you fine Tracy men collapsing all over the place. Ruining that sturdy reputation you've built up, now can we?" He paused as the door banged open again and everyone looked up.
Scott absently placed the cup of tea in his hands on a surface out of the way, having realised it only really served as a distraction. He glanced at the array of monitoring equipment on Virgil's chest and the soft beep of his heartbeat that the small silver box was monitoring. His eyes widened, before he met Virgil's gaze. Scott became immediately anxious at the scene in front of him and found himself wondering just how serious the situation was. Virgil for his part, saw Scott's worry and attempted to reassure him with a confident smile. Scott just numbly sat down alongside his father.
"Well Charlie," Jeff was saying. "What's the verdict?" His anxious frown exposed his fears.
"Jeff, I think Virgil is suffering from a condition called Costochondritis."
"Costa what?" Scott's eyebrows raised.
"What's that?" Virgil frowned.
"Costochondritis. It's aggravation or inflammation of the junctions where the upper ribs join with the cartilage that holds them to the breastbone or sternum. It causes localised pain, sometimes in the arms and abdomen. That pain can usually be reproduced by putting pressure on the cartilage at the front of the chest." He paused to glance solely down at Virgil. "As I did earlier." He brought his vision up to Scott and Jeff. "It's a relatively harmless condition and it'll usually heal itself without any specific treatment of any kind."
Scott looked across to Virgil anxiously. Apparently, not buying Charlie's last words. "What's caused it Charlie?" He frowned.
"Well sometimes it's difficult to pinpoint a cause as such." Charlie sighed. "It's a condition that's aggravated by stress. I can only assume the stress of Virgil's interview this morning would have contributed to the pain he was experiencing before he passed out." Scott silently considered how big a part he'd played in amplifying Virgil's stress. "The risk of developing Costochondritis increases with any physical activity that causes trauma or strain to the ribcage, especially after an injury has already occurred. It's usually worsened by activity or exercise." He glanced down to Virgil, to ensure he'd made his point. Virgil swallowed in an effort to prevent his checks from flushing again. He could practically feel Scott's gaze on him.
"Don't you need to run more tests Charlie?" Unsurprisingly the question came from Jeff.
"Not in this instance Jeff." Charlie shook his head. "The patient's medical history and an examination are usually adequate. I'm satisfied that the pattern of pain doesn't suggest any other cause. It's not exactly a common problem but having said that, it is most common in chest trauma cases. Virgil's blood pressure, heart rate and pulse are all textbook. His temperatures a little elevated but that's to be expected with this condition."
"Can you give me anything that'll help?" Virgil frowned.
"I'm afraid there is no definitive treatment that will cure Costochondritis. However, there are several helpful things to do in order to help manage the symptoms. That's the best we can do." Charlie leaned forward, ready to count off each method with his fingers. "Firstly; rest. In order to decrease the inflammation, you will have to avoid activities that cause pain and exacerbation of the inflammation. Exercise, deep breathing, and strain on the muscles of the chest may worsen the symptoms of pain and slow the healing process. However, we'll talk about breathing in a minute. As a general rule of thumb, avoid or limit activities that worsen your pain." Charlie took a breath himself, linking a finger around the next digit of the hand he held out. "Secondly, ice packs or heating pads. Now, I'm presuming Dr Williams mentioned that?"
Virgil nodded. "Yeah, I remember now."
"Whichever of these techniques help to decrease your pain, use it. Usually for about ten to twenty minutes at a time." Charlie smiled at his patient. "Believe me, it'll help and you'll start to feel the difference pretty quickly. Obviously, avoid unnecessary exercise or activities that make the symptoms worse." Virgil looked to the floor at the obviously pointed comment.
"How long should he expect to feel like this Charlie?" Jeff asked, leaning forward in his chair.
"It should heal itself within three to six weeks. You really need to make an appointment with your own physician when you get back to…" Charlie hesitated, thinking. "Aren't you at still in Colorado Virgil?"
"Denver." Virgil corrected. "I'll make an appointment to see a doctor as soon as I get back."
Charlie nodded, obviously approving. "Good. Now about what I said earlier regarding not worsening the pain by taking deep breathes. When you were at the hospital Virgil, did the Doctor mention anything about your breathing?"
Virgil looked to Scott, but shook his head indicating that he didn't think so. "Not that I'm aware of." Virgil frowned. "But then again, after he gave me that sedative I was pretty out of it. Scott?" He queried.
"No, not whilst I was around." Scott said softly. "But he could still have said something. I mean, you only remembered what he told you about the ice yesterday."
Virgil nodded. "He's right, it gets a bit hazy."
Charlie nodded. "I see. Well frankly, I don't think this medication is the main problem. I'll warn you now, usually pain relief doesn't really help Costochondritis. However, I understand it's not having a worthwhile effect and I'm quite happy to prescribe you something else. You obviously weren't responding to it very well in the first place." He rummaged in his bag again, bringing out a pad of paper and a pen. "I'll prescribe you something stronger in the hope that it'll help ease the pain when you're breathing. It'll need taking regularly but hopefully it'll ease your discomfort more." He paused to write a few notes as he spoke. "Have you been taking ibuprofen as well?"
Virgil nodded in reply. "Yeah."
"Well keep taking that, it'll help with the swelling." Charlie nodded as he scribbled something else down on the file Jeff had handed him.
"Should this Dr Williams have prescribed him something stronger?" Jeff frowned, obviously unhappy at the prospect of his son not getting the best possible care.
"It's difficult to say Jeff; this bruising has come out a lot over the last twenty fours or so. Some people just don't react to pain medication as well as others. This particular type of pain medication isn't working for Virgil and of course, he's now developed Costochondritis; I don't see how Dr Williams could have foreseen any of that." He paused; it was obvious he was holding back to everyone in the room.
"Come on Charlie, be honest with me. He may be a doctor and I know you've got a professional duty of care to him, but I'm your friend." Jeff frowned. "Would you have responded the same way he did?"
"It's impossible to answer that question. If anything I'd say he should really have spoken to Virgil with Scott around but then technically he doesn't have to, it's just more practical in my experience. Legally Dr Williams hasn't done anything wrong. In fact, some hospitals now, will only talk to the patient themselves for confidentiality purposes." Charlie shrugged at his friend as he turned his attention back to Virgil.
But Jeff didn't let it drop. "If there's the slightest possibility he was negligent, I'd want to know Charlie."
Charlie glanced down to Virgil. "Dad please." The patient responded. "I shouldn't have pushed myself so quickly. Just leave it will you? I'm okay now, so stop making a fuss."
Jeff barked a short but sharp ironic laugh. "Fuss? This is nothing; if I find out he was negligent in any way…"
"Dad please." Virgil turned to face him. "I don't want to cause a scene."
Jeff opened his mouth to reply, but was silenced by Scott's hand on his arm. "Dad, Virg is right. He's okay, that's the main thing. Just leave it huh?" The glare both brothers received in return told that the conversation wasn't over yet.
Charlie, however, carried on oblivious. "Emergency departments are NHS run Jeff. Now I know it's come along leaps and bounds over the last decade or so, but … Well, I'm afraid that's the reality of it. The care might not be up to your usual standards." He grinned, as he turned back to his patient and away from the debate. "Now, there is one other thing that worries me Virgil. I am a bit concerned about your breathing, which is my main reasoning for prescribing you the different pain medication." He said softly.
"His breathing!" Jeff exclaimed, his frown deepening.
"What's wrong with his breathing?" Scott matched the tone and expression.
"Well," Charlie sat back form his perched position on the bed so as he could see all three of them. However, he still directed his speech at Virgil. "Your breathings very shallow, Virgil." He glanced across to see both Jeff and Scott were sat bolt upright, obviously worried. "It's not really any cause for great concern just yet." He emphasised. "However, it's not a good thing. It means there's the potential for infection. Believe me, the last thing you need right now is a chest infection or worse, pneumonia."
"And did this Dr Williams miss that too?" Jeff asked, almost snapping at his friend.
Charlie took it all in his stride though. "Oh no Jeff this is a very common problem with rib injuries and it's probably got progressively worse over the last two days." He paused before launching into an explanation. "Because Virgil's ribs are extremely painful, seeking to lessen the pain he's not been breathing correctly. Unfortunately, only moving the ribs minimally also restricts lung and subsequent air movement. This means that natural secretions from breathing, which are normally coughed up through movement of air… well they just aren't. These than settle and consolidate in the air sacs of the lungs and eventually the lungs can't fulfil there primary function; gas exchange. That's when infection sets in, usually leading to pneumonia or bronchitis."
The doctor looked up to see what kind of a reaction this explanation was getting, and was only met with three equally anxious frowns.
"Hopefully the pain medication I've prescribed will ease Virgil's ribs enough so that he can take deeper breathes" He paused, seeing the anxiousness not showing signs of lessening. "I don't want you to worry unnecessarily; this isn't a problem, but it has the potential to be one." Charlie turned back to Virgil. "I know it's sometimes painful but you should try to take a good deep breath every few minutes. Also, prop yourself up; don't lie flat on you back. That should help with the breathing." Virgil seemed to nod slightly as if accepting the words and Charlie noted Scott was listening carefully. He paused to take a breath before continuing. "The best advice I can give you is lots of rest, the last thing you want now is any bacterial infection. So, no hiking in the gardens and no stressful physical activity. I know it's difficult at the moment with the strain you're all under but I want you to try not to get stressed too. Take it easy, you have four brothers and a father to fuss around you. So you sit back, relax and let them fuss. Okay?"
Virgil nodded reluctantly, evidently uneasy about that last order. Especially at the glance he was receiving from Scott at the comment. "Does he need to take these pills…" Scott reached for the newly prescribed pills and palmed the label. "…with food or anything?"
"No." Charlie's reply came. "No food, just take them with water but you should wait until you're sure the other pills have left your system; we don't want you overdosing. They do need taking regularly; five times a day." Scott nodded, accepting the reply and Charlie turned back to Virgil. "If you have any problems whilst you're still in England give me a call and I'll come back. Or if you've got any queries at all just give me a call."
"We really appreciate you doing this Charlie, thanks." Jeff said sincerely.
"Not at all Jeff, not at all." He packed his things away and finished adding a few notes to the hospital file. "Remember what I said, young man." He got to his feet addressing Virgil. "Sit up, lots of rest, deep breathes every so often and keep taking the pills." He smiled as he picked his bag up and Scott rose to meet him as he made his way around the bed. "And remember, no extra stress."
Jeff also stood, talking to Virgil quietly for a few minutes. Eventually, he perched on the bed, deep in conversation.
"Thanks for coming out like this Charlie," Scott was saying as the doctor reached for the lukewarm cup of tea Scott had left him. "We do really appreciate it."
"I know Scott." Charlie smiled. He took a sip from the white cup in his hands and watched Scot's gaze drift back to where Jeff had perched on the bed. Still hovering over his brother, plumping up pillows. "You're still very close aren't you?" Charlie's words startled the young pilot. He turned to the doctor, a little surprised at the comment. "Well, you two always have been. I always thought you both leaving home and the responsibility of looking after the others behind, would mean you'd drift apart. Your father was right though, you're still close."
"I guess, but not as close as we used to be. Sometimes I wish I could go back to those days." Scott sighed distractedly, deep in thought. "Especially at times like this. It's going to be hard going back tomorrow, leaving him behind when I know he's like this."
"I know you're worried about him Scott, but in reality, I've seen a hell of a lot worse. He's fit and strong and he'll soon recover from this." Charlie assured him, soon finishing off the warm tea. "Try not to worry, he'll be fine." He paused, noticing how his words weren't having the desired soothing effect on the eldest of Jeff Tracy's sons. "Unless there was something else Scott?"
Scott turned to him, surprised at his acuity. He took in a deep breath. "Actually," He glanced back to Virgil and his father to check they were still engaged in meaningful conversation. Taking Charlie's arm, he pulled him further out of the room. "There's another reason why I'm worried about him. .." Scott shook his head sadly, fast approaching his wits end. "He's not coping with this very well."
Charlie nodded in understanding, an inquisitive yet concerned frown tugging at his brow. "How do you mean?"
"I'm worried it might go deeper than we can handle." Scott confided cautiously.
"You mean some kind of emotional or shock disorder? Has his sleep been disturbed?" Charlie frowned, surprised at the candidness of the confession. It wasn't something this family was renowned for; he concluded Scott must be worried indeed to approach him with such a concern.
Scott nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, I guess so. He's been up well before me for the last two days."
"And that's unusual?" When Scott nodded in reply to Charlie's question, the doctor continued. "How about his behaviour; he seemed a little withdrawn. Is he always that quiet or have you noticed a change? Perhaps he's a little short tempered or snappy?"
Scott sighed, shaking his head. "Virgil is one of the calmest guys I know. It doesn't matter if the skies caving in and its raining canon balls, he'll be calm and he'll keep me calm but yesterday…. He's not thinking clearly. Yesterday he was irritable and completely irrational. And… and just a few hours ago, he was hysterical. I'll be honest Charlie; I'm really worried about him. I'd talk to Dad but he has enough on his plate at the minute, without all this. I'm asking your medical opinion. Honestly, what do you think?"
Charlie leant against the doorframe. "Scott…" He sighed, shaking his head. "Withdrawal, anger, behavioural changes and the sleep disruption; its all normal." He shook his head slightly. "That crash can't have been pleasant for him, Scott. I know his behaviour might be disturbing but I assure you it's a natural reaction to such a traumatic experience. Sometimes people just don't deal with things how we would expect them to. Virgil's reaction is perfectly understandable, just give him some time."
"The fact that he's constantly blocking me out and pushing me away isn't natural, or normal, and it's not Virgil. He's not like that, I just think the barriers are starting to come down and he suddenly clams up again." Scott shook his head with a sigh. "I know it's normal for him to feel vulnerable right now, and I know he's still trying to cope with all this. But I'm normally a part of that coping process Charlie."
"Scott, we all have our own emotional and psychological scars to deal with, and we all deal with them how we see fit. The key is not to try doing it on your own. " He patted Scott's shoulder. "Be honest with him and make sure he knows you're there, the rest will come eventually. If what your father told me of that crash if anything to go by, he's had a pretty tough time of it. Look, Son." Charlie sighed. "Virgil's a lot stronger than you think. I'm ex – RAF Scott, I know what you're thinking. But you can't compare Virgil's reaction to the men you've seen breakdown. Just like you can't compare a car crash, no matter how bad, to the scenes those same men are exposed to. I know it's difficult when you've seen how easy it is to lose control but there's a line between a soldier and a civilian. You don't really realise how big that line is, until you get out. You'll see."
Scott nodded, silently wondering whether his experiences of military breakdowns were shadowing his thinking. Sighing he looked up to the doctor. "Yeah, you're right. Virgil's nothing like them."
Charlie reached out and took a firm grip of the top of Scott's shoulders. "Trust me Son; it's a perfectly acceptable, natural reaction; Virgil will be just fine. If you're still worried about him when those ribs have healed, give me a call. You know as well as I do Scott this kind of thing just takes longer to heal. It doesn't mean it doesn't need treating," He smiled knowingly, "A little big brotherly TLC could go a long way."
Scott smiled, feeling a little relieved. "Thanks Charlie."
"Not a problem." He paused. "Just make sure you keep an eye on his breathing."
"Don't worry, I'll look after him." Scott promised, with newfound strength.
"We all will." A deep voice from behind him made Scott jump and turn quickly. "Come on Charlie," Jeff smiled. "Ill show you out."
Scott sighed sombrely as he perched on the bed, watching Virgil's chest rise and fall for a few minutes. He'd watched that same chest rise and fall on the playback. Thoughts rushed through his head at lightening speed as he sat there. Just trying to bring some kind of order to his confused, anxious feelings. Virgil's behaviour earlier had troubled him greatly and though he was loathe to admit it, it scared him to see his brother lose control as he had with the sketchbook. That's what had made him consider the fact that this might be too great an emotional burden for Virgil to carry. Virgil was at all times cool, calm and collected.
He didn't lose control.
Ever.
He was always the one to calm Scott's own rising temper. Had his brother really changed that much? Or was this an indication of the terrible weight on his shoulders? Either way it had terrified Scott to see it, almost as much as it had broken his heart to watch the playback. Is that what this insecurity stemmed from? Scott thought; his own fear?
He was reassured by the knowledge that Charlie had been right. Subconsciously he was putting Virgil on a par with colleagues he'd known, colleagues that were no longer. Perhaps that's why Virgil's guarded and detached behaviour troubled him so much, he pondered. Perhaps he was being overzealous. Afraid that his brother; a man who had held him together more times in his life than he cared to remember, was becoming suffocated by his own internal suffering. He'd seen men crumble under the emotional and psychological pressures of his job, men that he had thought it impossible to affect.
Scott shook his head, unwilling to believe Virgil was one of those men and forcing himself to recall Charlie's words. His earlier discussion with his brother resounded in his head like a tennis ball. Much of what Virgil had said was true, unwelcome maybe, but definitely true. He became mesmerized by the rise and fall of his brother's chest, as he truly comprehended Virgil's words. For the first time, it all clicked into place; John's words before he confronted Virgil, Alan's words in the car, even Gordon the night of the crash. They had all tried to warn him in their own way, only he'd been too blind to see it. Now it had taken Virgil to knock the truth home, in the most painful way possible. And the worst thing about the whole atrocious situation? He had no-one to blame but himself. His own arrogance prevented him from taking on board his brothers comments. And it was his own pig headed desire to be needed, that had forced Virgil into a conversation he wasn't ready for. Now he was obliged to face those facts. Silently he nursed the devastation and deep sorrow continuing to perforate his very soul, at such inevitable realisations.