Dark Dreams – Part 3

[Chris/OFC - ATF AU]

"I know this is difficult, Mr. Larabee," the hospital psychologist said.

"You have absolutely no idea what I'm going through," Chris replied through gritted teeth.

"The doctor does believe your full memory will return in time. You have to be patient."

Team 7's leader turned an angry glare on the older woman. "I've just been told I've lost 9 years of my life. Not just my life but my wife and son are dead – they've been dead for years and I don't even remember losing them. What do you expect me to feel?"

"Mr. Larabee my intent is not to upset you."

"Well you're doing a damn lousy job."

Emily made her way down the hospital corridor toward Chris' room. She steeled herself as she stepped into the room, fully prepared to face Chris' wrath.

Larabee looked up at her light footstep.

"Hello, Chris," she said quietly. "How are you feeling today?"

The blond shrugged, "Like crap."

The brunette journalist fought not to smile. "I imagine so. Do you mind if I sit with you for a while?"

"Suit yourself." Chris turned his attention back to the television set but snuck glances at Emily as she moved a chair nearer to his hospital bed and took a seat.

Once Emily was seated she looked at Chris and gave him a smile. "I thought you might want to talk. You know – about us? That maybe you had some questions?"

Chris clicked the remote control and muted the television. He turned slightly to look at Emily. "Buck said we were engaged. Is that true?"

"Yes. You proposed to me about two months ago. We were camping in Roosevelt National Forest when you popped the question."

Chris rubbed his eyes, "I just don't remember."

"Don't worry – I know all this is a shock to you. You have to deal with getting well first. Did the doctor tell you that you were in a coma for nearly five days after the explosion?"

He nodded.

"That in itself is pretty serious. Then learning that you've lost your memory. Losing your family a second time – well, I can't even imagine the anguish you are dealing with on top of the physical injuries," she said. "You and Buck have told me so much about Sarah and Adam – it just breaks my heart that you have to suffer through all this."

Larabee nodded slowly. "I just don't remember," he repeated. He studied Emily carefully. "I know you – but I don't know you." Shaking his head, he added, "You look familiar but that's all. I don't have any memories of you. Of you and me. My last memory is working a case when I was with Denver PD and Buck was my partner."

"You just have to give it time, Chris. I know that's not a good answer and I'm sure frustrating for you to hear but you need to heal – both body and soul. I just want you to know, I'm here for you. If you need anything at all, I'm here."

"Tell me about how we met," he said.

Emily smiled, "I'm a freelance reporter. I was living in Los Angeles when we first met. I'd come to Denver to write a story on Team Seven. Originally, I was going to interview your Assistant Director, Orin Travis but I really wanted to interview you as the Team Leader. You flat out refused. 'Don't do interviews' was the word you sent back. But Travis overruled that and ordered you to meet with me. I'm sure you weren't happy about it. But I came to your office on the morning we were to meet and – something happened. I don't know how to explain it but there was an immediate rapport between us. The hours flew and suddenly it was lunchtime. You asked me to join you for lunch. We talked all day and quite honestly, not all of it was about work. I'd never opened up to someone quite the way I did with you." She flushed. "That evening we had dinner together. It was just so comfortable between us. Like we'd known each other for years instead of hours. I had planned to stay in Denver for two weeks to finish my research and you and I spent a lot of time together. The evening before I was supposed to leave, you asked me to stay."

"And you did."

A slight laugh escaped her, "Well, it wasn't quite that easy. I had to go back to LA, tie up loose ends and all that. But within a month I was back and we were living together at your ranch. I think we both surprised a lot of our friends."

"Are you still at the ranch?"

"Not since your accident. I've been staying in a hotel a half block from here. I wanted to be close by. But Vin – Vin Tanner, he's one of your team in the ATF. He's been going out to the ranch to see to the horses every day, picking up the mail. Have no worries about the ranch."

"Tanner, yeah I met him."

"He boards his horse at your ranch. He's a good man, Chris. They all are – your team, I mean."

Chris released a breath, "Yeah. They've all been here at some point. Seem like good men."

"Trust your gut. They are."

The pair was silent for a moment when they heard the sound of a footfall approaching Chris' room.

They both looked toward the doorway at the entrance of Doctor Jacoby.

Jacoby nodded to the pair, "Miss Bradshaw, Chris. How are you feeling today, Chris?"

"All right I guess. Doc, when am I going to get out of here?" Larabee asked.

Emily stood. "I should go so you can speak to the doctor," she said.

"Actually, Miss Bradshaw," Jacoby said, "I'd like you to stay. And Chris, going home is exactly what I'm here to speak with you about. I'm releasing you. Tomorrow." The doctor moved to the foot of the bed and picked up Chris' chart as Emily resumed her seat.

"My concern," Jacoby said, "is that I don't want you going home alone. Not just yet. Miss Bradshaw, will you be staying with Chris?"

Emily licked her lips, "I suppose that's up to Chris." She turned to the Team Leader. "Chris, I don't want to crowd you. I think this should be your decision."

"Buck can stay with me," Chris said, looking at the doctor.

Emily's heart sank. She stood. "Please excuse me. Buck's in the waiting room. I'll send him in," she said, hurrying from the room.

Outside of Chris' room Emily paused and took a deep breath. 'Hold it together, Em.'

She headed toward the waiting room. Wilmington smiled at her approach.

"How's Chris?" Buck asked.

"Okay. The doctor is releasing him tomorrow," Emily replied.

"That's great. But you don't look too happy. What's wrong?" The ladies man asked, rising to his feet.

She shook her head, "Nothing. But they need to see you about Chris' release."

Buck nodded, "Yeah I guess you both will need a ride home. Are you coming?"

"No, I have a few things to do. I'll see you later," Emily said.

Buck watched as Emily left the waiting room. He headed into the hall and watched as she headed toward the hospital entrance. Wilmington frowned. Something wasn't right.

He turned and headed toward Chris' room.