Chapter 10

Kim slowly opened her eyes. She blinked at the bright light. Suddenly she was engulfed in a tight hug. 'Woah, can't breath.'
'Sorry.' It was Helen.
Kim slowly sat up and looked around. She was in some kind of hospital. 'Where are we?'
'In a military base hospital, on the island of Gozo. We were rescued by some British soldiers.'
Then one of the medics walked in. 'Ah, you're awake. I should let the commanding officer know. He will contact your team.' he walked out again.
'How long have I been unconscious?' Kim asked.
'You were in a coma for three weeks.'
'Three weeks!' Kim exclaimed.
'That's right.' A male voice said from the doorway. Kim looked up. 'Sorry to interrupt. I'm James Collins, I'm glad to see you finally awake.'
'It was James' unit that saved us.' Helen told Kim.
'Then I thank you, and I'm sure my team will too.' Kim said to him. James nodded in response.

'Well, the medics say, that if you feel up to it, you can get up. All your injuries are fully healed and we've been expecting you to wake up for a couple of days now. At first we weren't sure if you were going to make it, that's why we didn't contact your team. We didn't want to disappoint them.'
'They'll understand.' Kim replied.
James smiled and went to leave. 'Oh, before I forget. The man who held you captive has been arrested along with his men. They are all facing several charges.' Kim and Helen looked at each other in joy.

'Are you sure John.'
'Positive father, that is what I have been told and the informant is very trustworthy.'
'Ok, thank you John. I think I'll go alone. It'll be a surprise for the rest of the boys. But I'll get Scott and Gordon to come and get you.'
'FAB.' John cut the connection and Jeff smiled in relief. Kim had been found.
He opened a comm-link to Gordon and Scott. 'Boys, I need you to go get John. I've got to head out to run some errands.'
'FAB Dad.' The two boys replied.

Kim stepped out of the bathroom, she had been given some shorts and a t-shirt. She wanted to keep her International Rescue boots, so that was what she wore on her feet. Helen looked up at her as she re-entered the hospital room. They had taken away her flight suit. The two girls left the hospital. Helen began to fill Kim in on what had happened in the three weeks she had been in a coma.

James drove the Jeep down the road towards the base. He took a glance at the man sat next to him. He looked to be in his 50's/60's, but he was obviously a leader, and Kim's father. He could definatly see some of him in Kim. The man had been quiet the entire journey from the airport. James turned the Jeep onto the base and the man shifted slightly, sitting up.

Commanding Officer Craig Demond sat waiting in his office. Corporal Collins was on his way with the Commander for International Rescue. A knock on the door made him look up. 'Come in.' He called. James entered the office and saluted, he was followed by an older man. 'Thank you Corporal.' James saluted again and left the office.

Kim caught the tennis ball that was thrown at her, she spun around, her hair twirling with her. She laughed along with the others she was with. It felt good to laugh again. She tossed the ball at Helen, who easily caught it. 'Come on Kim, that was hardly a throw.' She called out, tossing the ball back.
'You want a throw?' Kim asked, as she pelted the ball back. Helen barely had time to duck before the ball sailed over her head.

'Is there anyway I can thank you?' Jeff asked Craig. He had been told everything the officer knew about Kim's captivity and her escape. He was amazed that his precious daughter was still alive. He wanted to repay those who had saved her life.
Craig stood and moved to the window, which overlooked the field where Kim and Helen were. 'Well, there is one thing.' He said.
Jeff and Craig left the office and headed outside. Jeff had accepted Craig's request and now it would not just be Kim he was going to be taking home.

Helen was about to throw the ball when she stopped. She stared at something behind Kim. 'Helen, what is it?' Helen just nodded towards behind Kim. Kim looked confused and turned around. She froze and her breath caught in her throat. Then she bolted, straight into her father's arms. She clung to his shirt, not wanting to let go. Her body began to shake as tears flowed down her cheeks. 'Daddy.' She mumbled. Her father held her close, as if he was afraid that if he let go she would disappear again.