Thank you for all your reviews. I am really sorry I have taken so long to get chapter 5 up. I hope you enjoy it and please keep reviewing. Thanks again to my beta reader soldier heart. Hope you enjoy!
An hour later, true to his word, Doctor Brackett sent a nurse for the six men who were occupying the doctors' lounge in the emergency department.
As they were walking the halls of Rampart to the ICU wing, all men were silent, their posture showing the stress of the day and their eyes showing the stress of their soul. Captain Stanley was especially silent.
Vince had come back to the hospital after they had been given the word on Karen. He had a sad look in his eyes. He had told Cap that the same guy who had hit Karen had hit another person, a little 6 year old girl. He them plowed his car into a telephone pole. He walked away with out a scratch. The little girl had died at the hospital.
Cap was tormented deep into his soul. His only thought was that if he had only stopped the guy somehow. The tears that had begun to fall again he wiped away as he and his men entered Karen's ICU room.
Doctor Brackett was still in her room, checking to make sure Karen was okay and settled. He watched out of the corner of his eye as the guys walked in and surrounded Karen's bed.
As he finished checking her, he said, "You realize this is the only time all of you are in here at once, right?"
"Yes, Doc," Cap replied, standing at the head of the bed.
"Okay. I'll be in my office. Just don't stay too long," Kel replied on his way out the door.
After Brackett left, the six firefighters took in Karen's still form. Any spot on her that wasn't covered by a cast or bandage was covered by bruises or cuts. Her face was almost unrecognizable. Her eyes were swollen, her face completely bruised. She had IV's and tubes running all over the place. The only sound in the room was the hiss of the ventilator and the beeping of the heart monitor.
"Man, she looks so still," Johnny said quietly.
"Yeah, I'm praying she gets better," Chet said from beside Cap.
"I do too. I think she has a little luck on her side. For her to make it this far, it's a miracle," Roy said, rubbing his eyes.
"I'm still shocked she made it to the hospital. After being hit like that," Cap said, lightly brushing his fingers on Karen's bruised cheek. A single tear fell down his face.
"Guys, who's staying tonight? Since the Chief gave us the time off…" Mike said quietly.
"I will," Cap replied, simply.
"Are you sure Cap? I mean, you look beat. One of us can stay," Marco said, coming up beside Cap and laying a hand on his shoulder.
"Yes, I'm sure. You guys go home and get some rest. I'll be okay. I'll make sure to call if anything changes," Cap said, sitting in a chair.
The others said nothing as they took another look at the young, energetic girl who was lying in the hospital bed, fighting for her life, the young girl who had changed their minds about women who want to be firefighter/paramedics.
"Alright then, Cap, I'll be here in the morning," Roy said as he left the room. The rest of the crew followed Roy out of the room.
After the guys left, Cap was left alone for the first time with Karen since the accident. He stood up and walked back over to Karen's bed. As he took a hold of one of Karen's bruised and cold hands, he poured out his thoughts and heart.
"I want to apologize to you sweetie. I saw the car coming, but I didn't move fast enough. I feel so responsible. You don't know this, but that drunk hit a little girl after he hit you. Then he plowed his car into a telephone pole. He killed that little girl. I hope they put him away for life. I just wish none of this happened. I hate seeing you like this."
Hank wiped the tears away before he continued.
You've brought life to our shift. I love John and Roy like they were my own kids and they work well together. But, you've brought a light to them I've never seen before. They work better with you. And the other guys too. The pranks have been very original, Chet being in his element. Marco is cooking so much better and Mike talks more. You've changed us. You've changed me. I'm a better captain. I'd never forgive myself if you don't make it. You are a good person, very dedicated, passionate and loving. You have to come through this."
Hank pulled his chair up and sat down, still holding Karen's hand. He sat and cried until he fell asleep, his head lying on Karen's bed.