Chief
Between the two of them, Amber and Diesel watched Chief throughout the night. The man at first seemed a little better, but then deteriorated again. Amber didn't know if it was still the infection or something else. Whatever it was, cleaning the wounds and administering the penicillin hadn't stopped him from being sick. Dehydration was now their main worry - even water wouldn't stay down.
Diesel finally slid away to his own room to grab an hours sleep. "Gonna run with the Warden," was his only explanation as he left. Amber nodded. He'd been a rock throughout the night but she felt it had cost him, brought back memories of something from his own past that she wasn't party to.
Alone with Chief, rather than take up her seat on the hard wooden chair again, she lay down beside him on the bed. He was shivering steadily, so she tried to lie close to share body heat, even through the bedding. Amber hoped the doctor would arrive soon, something still wasn't right and it was beyond her experience.
"Warden'll be up soon." Diesel had returned without her hearing his approach. It was his subtle warning to her to get off the bed and back to her station. "Told him Chief was better, stopped being sick and not to worry."
Amber rolled over and regained her feet. "Why'd you say that?"
"Because if he thinks Chiefy's no better he'll stay here and worry even though he can't help. He needs this time off more than anyone and if the Warden makes mistakes we'll all get hurt. I'm just being selfish."
Fortunately Amber could see the man was smiling. If she'd only heard his words she might have reached a different conclusion over his meaning. She walked over and put her arms around the tall man and gave him a big hug. After a moment he reciprocated. "Whaddya do that for? I'm all sweaty."
"Because I needed a hug and you were the nearest thing that was huggable. You'd better get used to it, I think I might need quite a few to get me through this."
Diesel laughed. It had been the hug of a sister and she was right, hugs did make you feel better. He kissed the top of her head and headed off for the shower, still smiling.
The smell of coffee and the squeak of a stair tread announced the imminent arrival of Garrison. Amber had tidied Chief as much as she could, straightening bedding and wiping sweat off his face with a towel. She thought he was awake but playing dead. If he'd heard what Diesel had said, and she thought it likely, he'd go along with the con so far as he was able.
"Everything OK?"
"He's fine. Just sleeping. I'm sure the doctor'll give him a clear bill of health when he turns up later." Oh you little fibber, she thought. The Warden just has to have heard the lie in my voice.
But clearly the Lieutenant hadn't. "Anything I can do?"
That question was easier. "No, I can manage fine. Diesel's been a brick. Go enjoy your break."
Internally Garrison breathed a sigh of relief. He was relieved he needn't change his plans. He headed for his room to shower, change and head for Oxford.
GG GG GG GG
The doctor turned up at 10 o'clock, to Amber's relief. Quickly he checked over the injuries and also ran a second full body inspection that turned up no real surprises, although the Indian's back was showing signs of a red rash. "You say he still can't keep anything down?"
"Yes."
The doctor looked thoughtful. "Both wounds look good now. I'm wondering if it might be a reaction to the antibiotics. It's not common but I've heard about it. Like you I'm most worried about the dehydration now, so I'm going to set up a drip and I'll give him an injection that should stop him being sick. Did you have any more penicillin?"
"No, gave him the last injection a couple of hours ago."
"OK, that's good. Let's see how things go over the next hour or so. You know how to manage the drip?"
Amber nodded. It was something she did day in day out at the base, but this doctor wasn't one she'd worked with before, so he wouldn't know.
"I'll telephone late afternoon and see how things are going, but if he gets any worse before then call the hospital and get an ambulance out. OK?" He looked Amber in the eye then turned back to administer the promised injection.
So he knew that both Garrison and the hospital preferred the men treated 'at home'. "OK," she replied.
Chief waited until he heard the sound of the front door opening and closing before rolling carefully onto his back and opening his eyes. "I might be sick but I'm here y'know. Everyone talks over yer head when yer lyin' flat."
"Sorry Chiefy. Just habit," Amber apologised. "Shall we try another sip of water?"
Tiredly Chief nodded. Worst case he'd only be sick again. Nothing new there.
By the time Diesel turned up carrying a plate of corned beef sandwiches to share with Amber it looked like the injection had done the trick. Diesel offered one to the girl which she took with enthusiasm. What with one thing and another she'd not had any breakfast.
"What did the doctor inject?"
"Scopolamine."
"Isn't that the stuff they use for interrogations?"
Amber, her mouth full of half-chewed sandwich, nodded. She swallowed. "Same thing. But it's really good for post-operative sickness too."
"So tell us your deepest darkest secrets, young man," commanded Diesel, in an attempt at a creepy voice.
Both Chief and Amber laughed. "Can it, Diesel."
Chief turned his attention to Amber. "If that last glass of water is still on board in half an hour how 'bout a sandwich?"
"It's worth a try," she agreed. Maybe, just maybe, things were looking up.
GG GG GG GG
The water stayed in place, as did the corned beef. Even better was when Amber spotted Diesel walking past to the bathroom carrying a full 'bottle'. The two had spelled each other all afternoon in the sick room, which meant both caught up on a little sleep.
It was getting dark when Amber thought she heard the front door close. A moment later Diesel stuck his head around the door and motioned for the girl to join him in the corridor. "Goniff's just come home and Sapphire dropped by to ask if I can take her and Emerald over to a 'do' at the USAAF base. Can you manage? I should be back around midnight?"
"Is Goniff OK?"
"He's fine. Just sounds like things didn't go to plan in London. He's just grabbed a sandwich and headed over to the farm to see if Millie'll go to the Doves with him."
"That's quick work."
"He said it was what he'd been planning on doing this evening before Casino twisted his arm."
Amber smiled. "I can manage here. Have a nice evening, Samuel, you've earned it."
Diesel looked surprised. It was the first time for a long time he'd been called by his given name. "Would you like another hug? I think I can spare one."
"Yes please and tell those sisters of mine not to take advantage."
With only herself and Chief in the house that night, Amber didn't bother lighting the common room fire. Throwing propriety to the winds, Will had moved in with Molly once their engagement had been announced, so even the sergeant-major had disappeared once he'd cleared the work the Lieutenant had left for him.
Instead she took a risk that the small fireplace in Chief's bedroom was still viable and didn't have a blocked chimney, set a fire there and settled down with a tray to eat her supper with the Indian.
Chief had managed a small amount of food himself before dozing off. He probably didn't need someone sitting with him any more, but Amber was pleasant company, sitting quietly in her chair reading one of the myriad of books from the library.
By the time Goniff came home at about eleven both the patient and his nurse were asleep. The little Cockney put an ear to the Indian's door, but there was silence within. He headed for his own bed. He'd had a lovely evening, he doubted that Chief and Amber were up to anything untoward and even if they were, he decided, it was their business.
Diesel had similar thoughts when he returned an hour later. He didn't even bother to listen at the door, but went straight to his own bed. Em and Saffie had both enjoyed their evening. Peter had managed to join them for an hour or so, to his wife's delight. Em had danced with a few of the flyers, shared a coca cola or two with the Mohawk and generally let her hair down. Diesel had managed to stay awake with difficulty. He still missed Nicole at an event like this, but he knew he couldn't be anti-social forever.
Chief had heard both Goniff and Diesel come home. He could also hear Amber breathing quietly in her chair. He was reluctant to wake her, but knew it had to be done. He couldn't hang on until morning and there was no way he could make it to the bathroom on his own.
"Amber?" he asked quietly. "Amber?" he asked again, a little louder, this time eliciting a response.
"Chief. Are you OK?" She'd made her way to his bedside in an instant.
He was embarrassed, but it had to be said. "I need a leak."
Amber helped matter of factly and dealt with the contents, returning a little while later. "I think we can probably take the drip out now," she offered. "You'll be more comfortable. Can I get you anything else?"
"Just some water." He sipped at the liquid he was offered then handed the glass back. "I don't need sittin' now. You need some rest."
Amber shook her head. "One more night." She yawned.
Chief patted the bed. "Plenty of room for us both. No point you bein' uncomfortable."
Oh what the hell, thought Amber. She turned out the bedside light, took off her shoes and crawled under the feather eiderdown. Chief took a few minutes to fall asleep. He'd been dozing on and off all day, so wasn't desperately tired. He was also recovering quickly now he no longer had an infected wound or was being given the anti-biotic. Amber wriggled in her sleep to get more comfortable and unconsciously tucked her hand around his arm. It took him by surprise when his body showed an immediate response to the gentle touch of the young nurse lying alongside him.
GG GG GG GG
Chief woke at his normal time and lay for a while listening to Amber's steady breathing. In the normal way of things this was a time of day he loved. He would have been getting ready for his run, breathing in the cold sharp air, listening to the wild creatures waking up and preparing for their day.
The creak of a floorboard above his head told him that Diesel was on the move. He would be running alone today. Amber was stirring alongside him. She would be awake soon too. He'd enjoyed having her sleep alongside him last night, it had made him feel calm and peaceful.
Amber awoke with a start, clearly wondering where she was. Had she overslept? With the blackouts closed it was impossible to tell.
"Six-thirty. Diesel's just gone out and Goniff won't stir for a stretch. You don't need to go yet awhile."
Disoriented, Chief's gentle voice had taken the nurse by surprise at first, then she remembered where she was and why, and relaxed. He was right, she didn't have to move - not for a few minutes.
Eventually, guilt prevailed and Amber started to extricate herself from her warm cocoon. "You need anything?"
"Nah, I'm good for now."
"OK, I'll just get a quick shower and change then come and give you a hand." Amber did just that, as quickly as she could. She couldn't stop smiling to herself. She'd knew she'd been totally unprofessional, but probably got away with it.
"How does a shower sound?" Amber had returned, hair still damp and curling, dressed in what was probably a spare set of Goniff's army fatigues. The shirt and trouser cuffs were rolled back.
Chief thought she looked pretty sexy, but he wasn't meant to be thinking that way. "Yeah," he said non-committally, trying not to sound too keen. He hated being dirty and although everyone had done their best since he was shot in Italy a rub with a wash cloth couldn't match standing under a cascade of hot water.
"Ready?" Amber waited for his nod, before throwing back the bedclothes and helping the man unsteadily to his feet. His head spun, and for a moment there was a little nausea, but a few deep breaths and nothing untoward happened. Together the two made their way to the bathroom where Amber set the shower running before stepping outside to leave him with a little privacy.
Cleverly, Amber had placed a stool in the tub so that the Indian didn't have to rely on his somewhat unsteady legs. She'd also gone as far as she could to protect the man's dignity. "Can you manage, or would you like a hand?"
Instinct said 'I can manage'. Practicality, however, won out. "Don't think I can do this myself," were the words he finally uttered, closing his eyes and surrendering himself to Amber's ministrations.
The day passed slowly. Breakfast, a visit from a chatty Goniff, with a story he didn't quite understand, another flying visit - this time from the base doctor - who checked him over briskly, praised Amber then disappeared as quickly as he'd arrived... and finally the early return of a subdued Casino and an exhausted-looking Actor.
After lunch things had quietened down again. Goniff had gone over to the farm, in the hope of persuading Millie to go to the Doves again, Casino was tinkering with the wrecks in the garage and Actor was in his room. He didn't know where Amber was, but he hadn't heard her in the house for some time. Diesel was clearly 'on watch' for the afternoon.
"They all gone?" enquired Chief. He could just about manage the trip down the corridor on his own now, but his guardians were still keeping a close watch. He didn't know whether he was irritated by the constant attention or pleased that they cared.
"Yep. Need anything?"
"Clothes?"
Diesel laughed. Knowing that the best way to keep Chief in his room was to restrict his clothing, Amber had clearly stolen everything that could be construed as outdoor attire.
"Sorry, Chiefy, I like my manhood far too much to risk Amber's wrath."
The man sighed heavily. He must be getting better if he was getting bored, he acknowledged to himself.
Services not required, Diesel wandered over to the garages. He watched Casino at work for a while, but couldn't get up his own motivation to join in. Instead he just kept walking, following the well worn trail from the kitchen garden across the fields to the farm. All was quiet there too, of the Land Girls and the men there was no sign. Charlie was in his box half-asleep. Even the collies were in their kennels, dozing.
"Hello Diesel, left you all alone?" Saffie emerged from the feed shed, a bowl of grain in her hands.
"Kind of. When everyone's there all you want is peace but it's kinda odd when you're on your own. Can I help with anything?"
"No, thanks, but it won't take me a minute to give this to the rabbits. Why don't you go in and have a cuppa? Goniff's here already, might as well make it a full house... oh, and I just wanted to thank you for last night. It was sweet of you."
Diesel watched Saffie wander off towards the hutches, then made his way over to the Bothy. Maybe a 'cuppa' and a bit of company was just what he needed.
The reason for Amber's absence became clear later that afternoon when she returned smelling of a mix of fresh air and motor oil. She plonked herself down on the edge of Chief's bed, performed a quick temperature check with what was a very cold hand, then planted a quick kiss on the nearest part of him, which happened to be his cheek. "You're looking better," she pronounced.
"Uh huh." What was coming next? He waited.
"They need me back at the hospital tomorrow, I'm sorry. I'll have time to help you with a shower, but I need to take second shift." She was sorry, too. It had been a nice night, last night, even if it had been chaste, but with all the team back on site and Chief seemingly now well on the way to recovery, there was no need for her here.
She stood to leave and he put a hand on her arm to stop her. "Will you stay here tonight? It might be the last time."
"With the boys here?" It seemed a foolish thing to do.
"They won't say nuthin."