Chapter 9
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Danny was at his desk putting his notes and reports in order when he heard a cell phone ringing. He hit 'save' on his computer and pulled his cell out when he saw Sam answer hers. He was about to return to his work when he noticed Sam's expression fall. Whatever she was talking about was making her worried. After a few minutes he saw her hang up so he decided to head over to see if she needed to talk.
"Hey, everything alright?"
Sam looked up at him, slightly surprised to see him. "Um, yeah, actually I have good news. That was Martin's mom, he's awake."
"Martin's awake?" Danny's smile spread wide. "Sam that's great news!"
Danny turned towards Viv and shouted. "Viv! Martin's awake!"
Viv released a breath, looked up and silently mouthed, "Thank God."
Danny couldn't believe it. "Sam, the expression on your face…I thought you got some bad news….." Danny stopped himself. Sam said he was awake but he didn't wait to hear if he was actually okay. His voice dropped as he asked, "Is he okay?"
Viv had gotten up from her desk and walked over to join Danny and Sam. She was curious to know all the details as well.
"Um, yeah." Sam gave a forced smile that did not go unnoticed by Vivian. "His mom said that he's awake. He has almost all his memories and there is not sign of any kind of permanent damage."
"What do you mean by 'almost all of his memories'?" Danny asked.
"She said that he doesn't remember the shooting."
Danny couldn't help but think that Martin doesn't know how lucky he was to not remember. He would give anything to have those images removed from his memory.
"Can we call him?" Viv asked with excitement.
"No, no, his mom said he is still adjusting and isn't really ready to talk to anyone yet." Danny noticed that while Sam's voice was trying to sound cheery it was laced with hurt.
Viv must have noticed it too, "That's completely understandable. I'm sure it was quite a shock to wake up and hear that you were out for two months. We just have to be understanding and give him the time he needs." Viv then placed a hand on Sam's shoulder.
"Yeah, I know you're right." Sam offered up a weak smile. "I'm going to go tell Jack." Sam jumped up from her seat and went into the hall.
Danny and Viv exchanged knowing looks.
"I'm going to call Marcus." Viv announced as she headed back to her desk.
"Yeah." Danny replied as his eyes followed Sam's retreating form. He wondered if the time would ever be right for Martin and Sam before he hurried to his own desk, pulled out his cell phone to call someone who would also love to hear the news. The other line picked up after two rings.
"Hi, it's Danny." The smile on Danny's face grew. "What time is your lunch break?"
