Chapter Twenty
Lifeline's return to The Pit was relatively quiet, with only a few of his fellow Joes seeking out the medic to get a report on their comrade. Edwin was, of course, summoned directly Duke's office upon his arrival back, the big blonde grilling his subordinate on what had happened at the STRATCOM facility after he had been unceremoniously disconnected by the medic. Lifeline had answered all of Duke's questions quietly, his tone surprisingly calm despite the myriad of emotions that were still swirling within him. Once Duke had been satisfied as far as Devil Dog was concerned, the hard-eyed blonde had then verbally laid into the medic regarding his conduct and attitude over the past few weeks. By the time he had finished, Duke's voice was noticiably hoarse as he dismissed Lifeline.
True to her word, Rebecca called or e-mailed Edwin with a daily update on Billy's condition, assuring the medic that the Marine's prognosis was still looking good. Though he wanted to be there to see his lover's progress himself, Lifeline had to content himself with Rebecca's reports. About a month or so after his return, Edwin had mentioned to the young woman that he wanted to come and see Billy, only to be told that the Marine didn't want want any visitors and was quite adamant. Edwin had been upset, though in the end he had given in to his lover's wishes and remained home.
The weeks passed into months with Rebecca's reports slowing to every other day then every few days to once or twice a week. Though Billy didn't want anyone to visit him, the Marine did call Edwin a few times, the blue-eyed man speaking briefly to reassure Lifeline that he was alright and would be back soon. While the calls did lessen some of Edwin's anxiety, he still wished that he could see Billy in person. The medic also found himself fielding several calls from Billy's son, the boy concernced since he had not heard from his father in several weeks. Edwin had tried to reassure Robby that his father was alright and that he would call him as soon as he could.
While Billy remained at the STRATCOM facility, life at Joe Headquarters continued on with the team responding to various threats and natural disasters. After the destruction of Lakeview, Cobra had pretty much gone to ground, the terrorist organization falling quiet except for a few quickly quelled strikes. Zarana had apparently escaped the destruction of the facility, the mercenary having been spotted in Australia several weeks later by an undercover C.I.A. agent.
Lifeline found himself falling into a daily routine of his own, the medic taking up running once again, getting up early in the morning to jog around the indoor track at headquarters before reporting for duty. He also returned to practicing Aikido, having taken the Japanse martial art up while in high school, but letting it slide over the past few years. Quick Kick, one of the Joe's resident martial arts experts, had been more than happy to assist the medic as a sparring partner. Between work, running and Aikido, Edwin tried to keep himself busy.
Lifeline was glad for any distraction, no matter how small, for it kept him from dwelling on what had happened with the parasite, how the creature had appeared to reach out to him, as if trying to plead with him to help it. Edwin found himself haunted by the thought that the parasite had seemed to be much more sentient that any of them had believed; and more than once, he found himself wondering if they had done the right thing by destroying it. True, the parasite had struck out at them, but it had only done so because it had felt threatened; and it had not physically harmed them. The more he thought about it, the medic couldn't help but question whether killing the parasite had been the only alternative or if it had merely been the most convenient.
By the end of a five month period, things had gone silent everywhere, it seemed. No more reports came out of the STRATCOM base. No phone calls, either. Rebecca was hard to reach, new threats and potential B.O.W. sightings keeping her and the rest of the team busy. In her last report, two weeks before, Rebecca had done her best to assure Edwin that the reconstructive surgery on Billy's back had gone extremely well. He would scar, but not overmuch, and the places the grafts were taken from would, in the long run, leave few marks of their own. Since that report, however, there had been nothing.
Because of this, there was no fanfare when a small sleek plane landed on the Joe airstrip, and there was only one person to meet it. Shielding his blue eyes with his hand, Duke watched the craft as it touched down, the big blonde man's countenance cool as he waited for its passengers to disembark.
There were only two. One was Rebecca Chambers. The other, of course, was Billy Coen himself. As the man stepped off the plane, it was clear he had spent a lot of time recovering. His tan had paled considerably, and he leaned slightly against Rebecca for support. But he was visibly in good health, his appearance not out of place for a man who'd been through what he had. Although unsteady, Billy was a soldier first and foremost, and when he saw Duke finally, he snapped into a shaky but still precise salute. The Joe Field Commander returned the Marine's salute. "Welcome back, Devil Dog."
"Thank you, Sir," Billy replied, dropping out of the salute slowly. "And thank you for keeping this quiet."
Duke nodded his blonde head mutely, his attention moving to the young woman at Billy's side. "Doctor Chambers," he said, his tone neutral, the big man still under the impression that Rebecca had used her outside influence to have Billy taken into custody by STRATCOM.
"Sir," Rebecca replied, her own tone neutral as she stepped forward, offering an envelope to the larger man. "This is the Lieutenant's medical records, spanning the time he's spent with us at our treatment facility." She smiled. "I'm pleased to say we've given him a clean bill of health. He only requires physical therapy to get him back to his old standards, and he'll be good as new."
The blonde man took the envelope. "Thank you, Doctor." His icy blue gaze swept to Billy once again. "I know of quite a few people who will be happy to see you."
"It'll be good to see everyone again," Billy replied with a smile. "But if it's all the same to you, Sir, would it be possible to get out of the sun?"
"The antibiotics he's taking have made him a little photosensitive," Rebecca explained.
"Of course," Duke replied. "Right this way." He indicated the waiting vehicle which was thankfully not the usual topless jeep, but a sedate dark sedan.
The waiting driver got out of the car and opened the back passenger door for Billy and Rebecca, waiting until the pair had settled inside before returning to the driver's seat. Once Duke was also safely ensconced, the car started on it's way to the main complex building.
The drive itself was relatively short, which kept conversation to a bare minimum. The vehicle parked in front of the main entrance, the Green Shirt driver once again opening the door for Rebecca and Billy, the young recruit even assisting the Marine out of the car. Rebecca, however, made no move to get out of the vehicle. "I imagine I'm still not terribly popular in there," she said quietly, her tone steady in spite of the restless jittering of her hands. "Unless you need to speak with me, Duke," she said. "It might be best if I don't stay."
Duke's eyebrow rose slightly as he looked at the young woman quietly for a moment or two. "That's your decision, Doctor."
"You should at least be here long enough to talk to Lifeline," Billy replied, leaning against the car and watching the interior of the vehicle quietly. "I'm never going to remember to tell him everything you wanted me to, about the prescriptions and stuff."
Rebecca blinked; she had completely forgotten about that. Then her gaze slid to Duke. "If that's all right."
"I know there are some hard feelings, Doctor, but we did all have the same goal in mind," Duke replied.
She nodded. "All right, then," she said, and slid out of the car with as much dignity as she could muster. Billy gave her a pat on the shoulder in reassurance. Indicating that the others should follow him, Duke headed into the building.
Billy was right behind him, Rebecca walking in step with Billy, wanting to be nearby should he require her assistance. As they passed through the automatic doors, a pair of Green Shirt guards snapped to attention at the sight of their commanding officer, the only people to be seen as the trio made their way down the hallway. Duke's intent was to deliver Devil Dog and Doctor Chambers into Lifeline's immediate care since it seemed as though the young woman didn't intend to stay any longer than was necessary. They had just reached the elevator when a female voice called out. "Duke!"
The big blonde turned around, recognizing the voice even before it's owner came into view. Not quite running, Scarlett hurried after the small group, the flame-haired woman breaking into a beaming smile as her blue eyes fell on Billy. "Devil Dog!"
Billy's eyes brightened and he felt his lips breaking into a grin of his own. "Hey, pretty lady," he teased. "Miss me?"
"No fair," Scarlett said giving the Marine a playful punch in the arm as she reached him. "Not telling anyone you were coming." Standing on her toes, she gave Billy a hug.
Billy laughed at the punch and returned the hug warmly. "Didn't wanna get tackled right off the chopper," he replied, still grinning. "Besides, who ever started that vicious rumor I was fair?"
"And you," Scarlett turned her sapphire gaze to Duke as she released Billy. "You never said a word either."
The big blonde held his palms up. "It was Devil Dog who wanted it kept hush hush."
"Aww, don't beat him up too bad," Billy said, clearly amused at the exchange. "It really was all my idea."
Rebecca couldn't help but cover a smile with her hand.
Scarlett chuckled a bit her eyes going back to Billy. "It's good to have you back."
"Thanks," the Marine replied. "How're my little minions holding up in my absence?"
"Beach Head has been keeping them in line," the red-head replied. "I'm sure they'll be happy to hear that you're back."
While Scarlett and Devil Dog talked, Duke pushed the button to call the elevator, sure that if the red-head knew of the Marine's return then it was a sure bet that the news was making the rounds around the compound and it wouldn't be long before the returning man was inundated with well-wishers. Rebecca fell silent as Scarlett and Devil Dog kept talking, feeling a little uneasy and restless. To her credit, she wasn't fidgeting, but when Duke hit the elevator's call button, she let her eyes drift to the indicator lights, watching them in an effort to keep her mind occupied. It didn't take long for the car to arrive, a ping sounding as the door slid open revealing the empty interior. "Why don't you and Devil Dog go the rest of the way down yourselves?" Duke offered up to Rebecca, the blonde man holding the door of the elevator to keep it from closing before its passengers could enter.
Rebecca blinked at that, clearly taken off-guard. "If you're sure that's all right," She said.
"I don't see why it wouldn't be. I'm sure between the two of you, you should be able to remember how to get to the infirmary." Duke handed the envelope containing Devil Dog's medical records back to the young woman.
"Easy, boss-man, I can get her down there," Billy said, his conversation with Scarlett concluded, the smile still on his face as he turned toward Duke and Rebecca. "My back's still out, but my head works fine."
"Well as it ever did," Rebecca remarked dryly, not quite sure if she appreciated banter being made at her expense, and finding herself wondering if Duke was poking fun at her or not.
Billy looked down at her, scooting her into the elevator car. "See if I play knight in shining armor for you again, Miss Do-it-Yourself," he said, using a nickname Rebecca hadn't heard since the Training Facility all those years ago.
Scarlett was still beaming as the door started to close, the redhead starting to say something about celebrating when her words were cut off as the elevator door sealed shut and the car started to descend.
Their walk to the infirmary was taken quietly, Rebecca in her unease and Billy wrapped in his own thoughts and excitement at getting to see Edwin again. He hadn't told the medic of his homecoming, of course, wanting it to be a surprise to him. Heck, he hadn't told anyone to expect his return except Duke.
As the pair entered the infirmary, a few people within glanced up, the eyes of those that did widening a bit at the sight of the Marine, who had become well known to the staff due to his close friendship with Lifeline. The initial shock was quickly replaced by smiles and murmur's of "welcome back" as more and more of the staff took notice of Devil Dog and Doctor Chambers.
One of the last to notice the pair however, was the ever reliable Lydia Sorenson, the blonde nurse having been caught up in conversation with the medic from Billy's B.O.W. Unit, Marcel Hancock. Lifting her head, Sorenson caught sight of the newcomers and she quickly shook her companion's arm, alerting him to their presence. Hancock blinked at the shaking, then looked over. When he saw what Sorenson was pointing out, however, his eyes lit up and he beckoned to her. "C'mon," He said quickly. "We gotta go say hi."
Billy, for his own part, was a little embarassed at the attention, but bore it well, returning the smiles and murmurs with almost shy waves. Trailing after Marcel, Lydia Sorenson couldn't help smiling as they reached Billy and Rebecca. "Devil Dog, Sir!"
Billy paused at the sound of his name, and Rebecca smiled when she saw who was approaching. Hancock was all grins as well as they reached the pair. "Sir!" He said, snapping to attention.
Billy returned the salute with one of his own and shook his head. "At ease, soldier."
Hancock relaxed out of the salute and studied Billy for a few moments, a broad grin on his face as he met his commanding officer's eyes and spoke. "With all due respect, Sir," he said. "You look terrible."
"With all due respect, Hancock," Billy echoed, grinning himself, "bite me."
Rebecca couldn't help but roll her eyes, amused in spite of herself. Sorenson found herself trying to stifle a giggle, the young blonde woman standing very close to Hancock. "It's good to see you back, Sir." she said. "And you too, Doctor."
"Yeah, welcome back, Doctor," Hancock said, his eyes going to Sorenson briefly before back to Rebecca.
"Thank you," Rebecca said, her smile warming some at that, and then noticed the byplay between the two of them. "It looks like the two of you are getting along well in our absence."
Lydia blushed faintly, something that she rarely did. Hancock did the same, and smiled. "Well...yeah..."
Billy chuckled, then looked at Sorenson. "Be gentle with him," he said with a wink. "I want my medic in the best possible shape."
"Speaking of medics," Rebecca stepped in before the teasing could go on too much longer. "Is Lifeline in?"
"Not right now," Sorenson replied, as she looked down at her watch. "Although he should be back in about fifteen or twenty minutes." The blonde looked back up at Billy and Rebecca. "He's probably with Quick Kick. They've been meeting a couple of times a week for the past few months at about this time."
"Okay," Billy said, nodding. "So what now, Doc?" He asked Rebecca.
She smiled. "Let's wait for him here."
It took a little time, but they managed to get everyone to promise not to give them away, and went to wait in Edwin's office.
Showered and dressed in his trademark red and white uniform, Lifeline entered the infirmary. The medic was immediately struck by the silence that seemed to fall upon his entry, his brows crooking together a bit as he glanced around at the staff. Edwin found himself frowning as gazes were dropped as he looked around the room, his brown eyes finally fastening on Lydia Sorenson and Marcel Hancock, the pair, who had become an apparent item in the insuing months, giggling a bit as they glanced in his direction before quickly looking away. "Everything alright, Lieutenant?" Lifeline asked as he approached Sorenson's desk.
"Uh, yes Sir," the young woman replied as she got to her feet and gave him a salute. "Fine, Sir."
"Corporal," Edwin said to Hancock with a slight nod of his head.
"Sir," Hancock said, standing himself and saluting the older man.
"I'll be in my office," the medic informed Sorenson before stepping away and towards the short hall that lead to his small office.
"Yes, Sir." came the reply.
As he walked, Lifeline glanced back over his shoulder, his frown deepening a bit as the two junior officers, their heads close together, giggled as they watched him walk away. Edwin could only shake his head and tell himself that he was being paranoid as he made his way to his office and opened the door, having left it unlocked.
Billy and Rebecca had been conversing quietly, but the moment they heard Lifeline's voice in the room outside, they had quieted, Rebecca nudging the door completely shut so Lifeline wouldn't know anything was amiss. She had found a seat just out of sight, while Billy stood, leaning against the desk so he would be sure to be the first thing noticed as Edwin entered. He felt a little silly, but Rebecca had assured him it was a good idea. They both looked toward the door as it opened, and waited anxiously to find out if she was right.
Lifeline pushed open the door and had just taken a step over the threashhold when his dark gaze fell on the figure of the man leaning against his desk. The medic froze, his eyes widening. "B-Billy..." he managed to fumble out. "Oh – Oh my god..."
The Marine only smiled. "Surprise..."
Edwin's hand went to his chest, the brown-eyed man uncertain what to do since there were so many things running through his mind at that moment. "Close the door," Billy murmured softly, seeing the other man's indecision. Stepping out of the doorway, the medic shut the door, his eyes never leaving the other brunette. The Marine pushed away from the desk then, and making sure the door was closed completely, opened his arms to the other man silently. There was no hesitation as Edwin all but threw himself into the waiting arms of his long absent lover, his chocolate brown eyes misting up a bit as he wrapped his arms around Billy.
Billy embraced the other man tightly, closing his eyes, reveling in the warmth and scent and touch of his lover. The sensations were intoxicating for their intensity, and having been so long apart, they were only amplified that much more. Moisture beaded on Lifeline's dark lashes, his hold on the Marine just as tight, half afraid that he was dreaming as Billy's warm body pressed against his. Edwin's hand slid upwards, his fingers sliding into the dark strands of of hair, which were much longer than they had been the last time that the medic had seen the other man, at the back of Billy's head.
Billy made a soft purring sound at the touch, tilting his head to let it rest on Edwin's shoulder. "Damn but I've missed you," he murmured.
"It's been so long," Edwin whispered. "I can't believe you're here..."
"I'm here," Billy replied. "I'm home, and I'm not going anywhere anytime soon..." Lifeline pulled back a bit, his fingers sliding from the other man's hair as he brought his hand to Billy's cheek, his fingers and thumb gliding over the plans of the Marine's face as he looked at him with glistening eyes unsure as to whether he wanted to cry or smile. "Sorry I didn't tell you," Billy murmured as the fingers slipped away. "But I wanted to surprise you."
"You certainly did that," Edwin said softly. "I'm not so sure my heart didn't stop when I saw you." The medic slipped his other arm from around Billy and brought both his hands up, cupping the Marine's face. "Why? Why didn't you want me to come and see you?" he asked, his coffee colored gaze on the other man. "Were you mad at me because I couldn't stay?"
"Why would I be mad at you over that?" Billy asked, smiling at the touch. "It wasn't your call, lover..."
"Then why didn't you want me there? I wanted to be there with you so much..."
"I didn't really want anybody there," Billy murmured softly, closing his eyes. "I looked like hell, I felt worse...I...really didn't want anybody to see me like that."
"Like I haven't seen you looking like death warmed over before." As he spoke, Lifeline's hands slid away from the Marine's face and settled on Billy's upper arms. Admittedly, Billy did look five hundred times better then the last time Edwin had seen him, though he was much paler and leaner.
"That was different."
"Stubborn Marine..." Edwin murmured as he leaned in to kiss Billy.
The blue-eyed man smiled into the kiss, making a soft sound in agreement of Edwin's assessment. The kiss was gentle and over all too soon, some part of Lifeline's mind still conscious of where the two of them were. Despite the closed door, there was still the possibility of someone walking in on the two of them. As the kiss ended, Edwin settled his arms around Billy in a hug once again. "So now that we're done giving Rebecca a free show," Billy murmured after they remained in that embrace for several minutes. "You might wanna say hi."
"Rebecca?" Edwin immediately dropped his arms and stepped back from the other man, turning to look around for the young woman, the medic blushing darkly when his coffee-colored gaze found her. The young doctor was smiling, clearly embarassed herself at having been witness to such a private moment. She raised her hand and gave a little wave. "R-Rebecca..." Lifeline said haltingly, feeling the heat of another flush as it crept over his face.
"Hi, Edwin," She said softly, rising to her feet.
"N-Nice...nice to see you again."
"It's good to see you too," She said, and meant it, walking over as Billy released Edwin and giving the medic a warm hug.
Lifeline returned the embrace, though he was still feeling embarassed. "I should've known you'd be here too."
"Well somebody had to see Billy home," She said, pulling back a little to get a better look at Edwin. "You're looking well, though."
"You too."
"Thanks," She said, smiling a bit. "And sorry about the reports dropping off like they did. We were in kind of a hurry to wrap up Billy's treatments so we could get him home."
Edwin nodded. "I just figured that you were busy. If something had happened you would have let me know."
"Absolutely."
The medic released the young woman from his embrace. "So you're finally sick of him and ready to pawn him back on us, huh?"
"Well, you know how it is," Rebecca replied, grinning. "We decided this pup was ready to come home and see his loved ones."
"Pup?" Billy asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Down boy," Edwin said to the other man, a grin finding its way to his face as well.
"You two are a bad influence on one another."
"No," Rebecca corrected. "You've been a bad influence on both of us."
"Which means you have no one to blame but yourself." Lifeline added.
Billy laughed at that, and said nothing more on the subject. Rebecca smiled a little at that, and looked at Lifeline again. "He's not at one-hundred percent again yet," she said, and proceeded to explain to Edwin about the physical therapy Billy would still need. "We may have to call him back for another skin graft or two as well," she said softly. "But it's a slim chance."
Edwin listened intently, ocassionally breaking in to ask a question or two. By the time Rebecca had finished, the medic had a pretty good picture of just what needed to still be done to insure Billy's complete recovery. "We have a pretty good P.T. facility," he said afterwards. "Billy used it when he first came here, when he was in our custody while everything got cleared up."
"He mentioned it," Rebecca said with a nod, then smiled. "How do you think I talked the higher-ups into letting go of him so soon?"
It was Lifeline's turn to smile at that. "I'm sure Beach Head won't mind setting up a routine for him. He's our physical training expert," he added for Rebecca's benefit since she had never met the taciturn Joe.
Rebecca nodded at that and smiled a bit. "I'm looking forward to seeing him back up to full capacity again."
"We all are," Edwin said as his coffee-colored gaze went to the Marine.
Billy smiled some. "Definitely."
The rest of the afternoon passed rather quickly as Billy went through a physical as part of his reinstatement with the Joes since he had been given a medical leave of absence during his time at the STRATCOM facility. Lifeline also spent some more time with Rebecca, going over the various medications that the Marine had been given and was still taking, as well as things to look for that could become potential problems with Billy's continued recovery. The three of them were interrupted several times by well wishers, Devil Dog's fellow Joes stopping by to welcome him back to the fold until Edwin had been forced to issue orders that they were no to be disturbed unless it was an emergency.
Other then his still slightly weakened physical state, Billy was given a clean bill of health and officiallly reinstated with the team, although with limited duties. During the exam, Lifeline filled Billy in on what had been going on since he had been away, particularly with Nina Hutchinson taking her rightful place in the Marine's bio-weapons unit, which had temporarily been put under Beach Head's command during Billy's absence. Edwin also broke the news that Kenya Strong had been given a temporary leave of absence and left the base, the young woman still trying to come to grips with what had happened at Lakeview. She had recently been given an additional ninety days to either report back for duty, request a transfer out of the Joes, or submit a request for a medical discharge from the service altogether.
Most of the news Billy took well. He was pleased to hear about Hutchinson taking her proper place in the unit, although the news about Strong visibly depressed him. Not for the first time, he wished he'd had a chance to talk to Strong himself, but she wouldn't come near any of them. Billy didn't blame her. He had heard the stories about what had happened in Lakeview, and of course he knew about Raphael Hopper's death in the facility. So her leave, in and of itself, hadn't surprised him. That she had been given the additional ninety days, however, was a more depressing blow. In a situation like this one, a choice like that would likely mean Strong would ask for a transfer out of the Joes, or a discharge from the service. And while she would go with his blessing, it still hurt.
Once Billy had been squared away as far as the infirmary was concerned, Edwin had accompanied the Marine down to the central personnel office to have all of his security clearances reinstated. Billy was visibly fatigued by the time the pair returned to Lifeline's office where Rebecca had waited for them, the two of them walking in to find her in conversation with Main Frame, the computer tech having stopped by under some pretense of upgrading the operating system on the medic's p.c.
Contrary to their last meeting, Rebecca seemed much more willing to allow herself to be engaged in conversation, and blushed softly as Billy and Edwin entered the room. The Marine shot her a knowing look, which only made her blush darker. Without a blink or a blush, Main Frame smoothly welcomed Devil Dog back, giving the Marine's hand a firm handshake before making his exit, the dark haired man giving Rebecca a wink as he departed. "Main Frame, huh?" Billy asked, clearly tired, but not too tired to rib her a little. "I'm kinda surprised."
Rebecca's blush hadn't faded at all from Main Frame's departing wink, and she gave Billy a tiny shove. "Don't read too much into it yet, Billy," she scolded. "He just wanted to look at the computer terminal in here, that's all."
"Did he actually look at it?" Edwin asked.
"He did something to it...I think..." Rebecca replied sheepishly, realizing she hadn't been paying enough attention to know for certain.
The medic could only chuckle and smile. Billy did the same, and then shook his head. "So are you staying in town for a few days, Rebecca?" he asked, "Or are you needed back right away?"
Rebecca smiled a bit. "I was granted a little leave time, since I've been so wrapped up with your case. I hadn't really decided how to spend it yet."
"I hope you can stay for another day at least," Edwin said. "I still owe you a dinner."
"Well, since I wasn't chased out of here with pitchforks and torches, I think I wouldn't mind sticking around for a few days, at least," She said, smiling more warmly.
"I think if you would have shown up without Devil Dog here, you might have been." Lifeline looked at Billy as he spoke, his brown eyes eyes lingering on the other man as a faint smile found it's way to his lips.
Billy grinned faintly back, then looked at Rebecca. "Regardless of what they think of your methods, Becca," He said. "No one here is going to argue with results." Then he grinned. "And besides, looks like you might have somebody else to play knight in shining armor once in a while now."
"Oh will you lay off?" Rebecca said, looking away, embarassed. "Shouldn't the two of you be going home or something?"
Billy chuckled. "Soon as the man here is finished with his work." His blue eyes slid over to Edwin. "It'll be nice to be home again..."
Billy's words pleased the medic, that the Marine thought of Edwin's place as home made his smile widen a fraction more. "Just give me a couple of minutes," he said as he moved around the desk and sat down, turning the swivel chair towards the computer so that he could finish a few things before quitting for day. "What about you Rebecca?" he asked as he worked. "I can arrange something here in the guest quarters if you like, or there's a nice hotel in town."
"I wouldn't want to impose here," Rebecca said with a smile. "I can get a room at the hotel."
Pausing momentarily, Lifeline reached into one of the drawers and pulled out a copy of the local phone book which he handed to Billy. "Here, why don't you call the Carlton and make a reservation for Rebecca." He instructed as he moved to pull out his wallet. "Have them bill it to me," he continued on as he opened his wallet and pulled out his credit card, tossing it on the desk near the Marine.
Rebecca blinked. "Oh...you don't have to do that..." she said, looking from one man to the other as Billy picked up the phone book, and started hunting for the number.
Edwin waved off the young woman's protest. "I want to Rebecca." he said softly. "It's the least I can do in return for everything that you did for me – and Billy."
"Well...I guess I can't argue with that," Rebecca replied. "Thank you..."
"So make sure you take advantage of it," the medic said with a smile. "Room service, massage, the whole bit."
"That's really not—"
Billy chuckled. "In other words, you'd better spoil yourself, Becca, you deserve it," He said, marking the number he was looking for with his finger as he dialed, his other hand moving to slide Edwin's credit card closer.
Letting Billy take care of arranging for Rebecca's lodging, Lifeline returned to his work, the medic anxious to finish up and head home with the Marine. By the time Edwin was finished, Billy had booked Rebecca for three days in the local hotel, and she was still slightly overwhelmed but clearly more than a little pleased at the accomodations. Shutting down his p.c., Lifeline straightened up his desk a bit before the three headed out. They took a slight detour so that Rebecca could retrieve the overnight bag that she had brought with her from the STRATCOM plane that was still parked out on the tarmac before climbing into the medic's Jeep and heading into town.
Stopping at the hotel, the two men went inside with Rebecca, the desk clerk verifying Edwin's identification and signature before issuing a keycard to the young woman for the reserved room. Before they parted ways for the night, she gave both men a warm hug, and promised she would be in touch with them sometime late tomorrow morning, or sometime early in the afternoon. Billy and Edwin saw her as far as the elevator before returning to the medic's vehicle to resume their trip home.