6.
Mike Yates hated these extra-early morning hours before the sun had even come up. Night should be night, day should be day. It was only decent. Still, pulling a 'morning' shift that started before it was even morning sometimes couldn't be avoided. The cup of tea he'd swigged before going out the door of his flat had already worn off and he hoped at least have a chance for seconds before having to face any problems.
Making his way through the quiet halls to the canteen he was more than a little surprised to see Jo looking around the room as if completely lost. "Miss Grant? Good morning, if you can call it that," he greeted her, then grew concerned as she startled and turned fearfully towards him. She didn't look well at all. "Are you all right?" he asked, reaching out to touch her shoulder.
Her demeanor immediately changed and she looked up at him with something more like her usual self, reaching up a finger to trace where his name was on his uniform jacket. "Yates! Oh, I'm sorry. I've just had the most awful night, and I'm just …Do you think you might help me?"
"Of course!" Yates said, "What can I do? Do you need to sit down?" Offering a supportive hand to her arm, he reached out a foot to hook a chair from a nearby table. "Really, you look like you could use a medic."
She pressed a hand to her side, shaking her head at the chair. "I already have. I just want to go home."
"Then I'll walk you to the car park," he decided as helpfully he steered her out the door. "Whatever happened?"
She gave a little sob. "Sergeant Benton shot me."
--
Benton signed the papers with resignation. This would be on his record now, he know. Even if it was an accident. He was grateful for an understanding superior officer, but it didn't help his conscience. "I wonder if I might at least check in, back downstairs," he said. "To see if he's awake yet."
"Oh good heavens," the Brigadier suddenly said. "Miss Grant! She was going to check in on the Doctor. She won't have any idea what's going on."
"She's here?" Benton said with surprise. "Well, we can't leave her alone, sir, not with him like that."
"I completely agree," he nodded. "Come on, Sergeant."
--
Mike nodded at the guard on duty at the door and pushed it open, allowing Jo to pass him. She was still holding her side, and he was struggling with concern and consternation over her being hurt in the first place, much less having to hear his own trusted colleague had been to blame.
The car park lay ahead of them, dark and cool, dotted with pools of light that shone off of the few night-crew's vehicles. She hesitated blankly. "I don't see my car," she said after a moment.
"There it is, right down there," he said helpfully, concerned that she might be about to black out if she was missing something so obvious.
"Of course. Thank you," she said and began moving the indicated direction.
"Are you sure you're all right? I could drive you."
She paused, looking back at him, then gave a grateful smile. "Yes, I'm afraid this is taking a bit out of me. Thank you."
Mike nodded and offered his arm again, surprised she'd accepted his help so tamely. His concern went up another notch. "All right, no problem at all. This way."