Title: Flashburn
Chapter 3 – Eyeing the Target
A/N: Well was hoping that those that came for the first chappy would come back for the second so to those that didn't sorry and those that have stayed thanks so much, your encouraging reviews are golden so thank you and hope you all like this just as much!
"How is Ed?" Greg asks in concern.
"Angry and hostile and pissed off and…you pick a word that describes mad and Ed's it," Donna replies in a quiet tone; Ed still asleep in their bedroom.
"Yeah even though the doctor said temporary, longer than a few hours is going to have Ed crawling the walls so to speak. How are you holding up?"
"I'm worried…scared…I don't want him to hurt himself but am afraid to baby him and I just…" Donna's voice trails off with a heavy sigh. "I'm scared for him more so than angry."
"I honestly can't imagine."
"I sit here, close my eyes and try to wonder what it's like but as soon as I hear even the slightest noise I open my eyes. He can't…Greg he…can't. What if…"
"He's going to be fine. If anyone can fight this and win it's Ed."
"I know. Thanks."
"Okay, but I did call about another reason related to the case. It's about the shooter."
"The shooter? Ed said he thought the gunman died in the explosion."
"Was made to look that way," Greg's tired sigh is heard on the other end of the line. "Spike and I just went through the security footage and it seems he had a getaway vehicle planned."
"Okay and since you have an APB out on him you're just calling to tell me as sort of an FYI right?"
"Actually…no."
"No? Greg what's going on? Just tell me."
"The car was unmarked and was just a plain navy sedan with no make or model anywhere to be seen. Spike is checking the getaway path so maybe we can at least get a location of where to start looking but Donna…"
"Yeah he's on the run."
"It's not just that. Ed's the only one that saw his face. He wore gloves and had nothing unusual about him. Donna he's killed two people and…"
"You think he might come after Ed?"
"I'm not taking any chances. I'm sending an unmarked cruiser over there but Donna…"
"Yeah…he could be anyone or anywhere. One more thing to worry about. Thanks."
Donna hangs up with Greg and looks back toward the bedroom, her mind and heart racing that while her beloved husband is dealing with a temporary but terrible setback that he could also still be a target for a remorseless killer.
XXXXXXXX
'I'm sorry officer Lane there was just too much damage. You've lost your eyesight for good. You will never see again.'
"No…" Ed's lips mumble as his body starts to stir under the wake of his tormented nightmare.
'I'm leaving you Ed…I don't want to be with a blind man. You'd be a burden to me for the rest of my life. Here's the divorce papers. See ya!'
"NO!" Ed shouts as his mind awakens in a cold sweat from a tormented nightmare later that evening; the doctor's face fading as he jerks back to reality. But when he finds he's unable to see anything but darkness, his hands race to his face, fingers resting on the damp compresses and pulling back, his nails slightly scraping the burnt skin and his lips uttering a heavy curse.
"Ed?" Donna's voice asks in concern as she enters the bedroom after hearing him shout.
"I'm…fine," he grumbles as he slowly sits up. "For a few damn moments I forgot about those," Ed sighs as her hand rests on his back and gives it a tender rub.
"Hungry?"
"Not really."
"Are you really not hungry or are you just saying that because you want to sit and wallow?" She lightly teases as she places a small kiss on his cheek. Knowing it was more so the latter than the former Ed's lips purse as his brow furrows heavily. "I ordered in your favorite."
"I can't eat, I'm blind remember!"
"Blind people eat," she reminds him rather candidly. "Even those temporarily blinded."
"I'm not hungry," Ed insists.
"Ok-ay," Donna frowns. "Want to talk about the nightmare?"
"Doctor told me I was blind permanently."
"Ah figured it'd be something like that," she leans in closer. But when she feels his frame stiffen beside her she looks at him in wonder. "You will get better."
"And if I don't?"
"Ed…"
"Donna what if I don't?" He asks gruffly. "I just sit here thinking about the worst case scenario. What if the chemicals did more damage than the doctor suspected? What if me rubbing my eyes caused them to do more damage? What if…"
"We'll cross that bridge…"
"What if I'm going to be permanently blind?" Ed's voice stammers in anxiety.
"What if you are?" She counters in concern as her hand gently rests on his unburnt cheek and gives it a tender caress. "I still love you no matter what. If that happens….then we'll figure it out."
"If that happens then you…you just tell me and I'll…I'll be okay."
"What? What are you talking about? Tell you what? Okay with what?"
"Nothing."
"Don't shut me out. Tell me what?"
"I know you don't want to be saddled with a cripple for the rest of your life," he pauses as he jaw tightens and her eyebrows instantly rise in shock.
"A cripple. Ed you…wait…you saw me leaving you right? In your nightmare?"
"Yes."
"I never would. Ed I love you and I married you."
"If I can't do my job then what good am I?"
"There's more to you than just the job Ed. And when we got married…"
"I wasn't blind when you married me and if I was I'm sure you would have even given me a second tho…"
"I'm not that shallow!" Donna quickly interjects in anger and then backs down.
"I never meant that," Ed insists in remorse.
"Ed, I won't lie and tell you that the big bad ass SRU sniper team leader didn't instantly turn me on when I came in for my interview…when I first walked into the SRU and saw you in full gear…damn," she lightly giggles, his jaw instantly relaxing. "Because it did and still does, but it wasn't the first time I saw you."
"Yeah and when was that?"
"Not sure I ever told you," she replies warmly as she rests her head on his strong shoulder. "It was a Saturday afternoon a few weeks before my interview."
"What?"
"Yes and you were with Wordy and one of his daughters at the Bloor street market and I saw you from a distance. The little girl couldn't reach something and Wordy was distracted at another booth and you picked her up and held onto her as she reached for whatever toy she wanted and then you put her onto your shoulder and paid for the item and then handed her off to her father. But your playful smile and kindness toward her just…I was in love. I didn't know what you did or who you were…but I knew," she tells him in truth. "And then I was called in for my interview and we met…and that was it, you know the rest. I love you and that means through everything. But it wasn't the job. I know it's probably hard to believe right now, but I hope you'll trust me and our love and know that I'm not leaving no matter what your temporary insecurity might tell you."
"I didn't mean to imply you're…shallow," he nervously swallows.
"I know and I love you and I'm not leaving…no matter what. So you better get used to the idea of being stuck with your overly protective wife."
"Who carries a gun," Ed adds lightly.
"And that."
"I love you too…Donna I do…I'm just…scared."
"I am too. Okay so…before it gets cold, supper's ready. Want some help?"
"No," he answers a bit sharply and then winces. "Donna…"
"Hush or I'll tape your mouth shut," she teases as she kisses him. "Ed, I know this is tough and your temper is going to flare and that we'd never let work affect us at home but this situation is unique. I'm learning too and angry and frustrated. You want me to back off or if I'm smothering you…just tell me, but I'm concerned and just want to help."
"Okay," Ed simply replies as he gives her a small nod. "I'm hungry."
"Me too."
The two of them slowly stand up, Donna slowly pulling away and allowing Ed to try to get his bearings on his own before jumping in to lend a hand.
"Just tell me…how close I am to the door," Ed mutters in frustration as his left thigh bumps into the side of their dresser.
"About three feet," she replies kindly as he extends his hand and finally finds the doorframe. "You know after this we'll be able to play hide and seek in the dark," she lightly quips, however, frowning when only a frown adorns his face. "Hallway is about fifteen feet long."
"Okay," Ed replies in quiet tone, his heart wanting so desperately to find some humor in her flirty remarks but his mind not able to push aside the very real possibility that maybe his eyesight would be damaged, even in the slightest. In silence they head down the hall and Ed's senses pick up the aroma of the food and the warmth from the living room fireplace as he nears; his mind able to invisibly picture the room that he had been in many times before.
"Here," Donna instructs gently as she leads him to one of the chairs and helps him sit down. "Be right back."
Ed's anxiety once again soars as he twists his head to the right, trying to remember the layout between the table and the kitchen appliances. Just relax…take a deep breath and think… his mind instructs as he hears her putting a plate down in the kitchen.
"Smells good," he remarks in truth as she places the fresh plate of food down before him.
"It does," she answers in kind as she sits down beside him rather than opposite. "Okay so on the right side of the plate is…"
Ed's fingers fumble for the fork but instead of picking it up, he leans back in his chair and growls in an undertone. "I feel like a damn child!" He snaps in frustration.
"I um…okay…"
"Donna…"
"What Ed? You want me to sit here and watch you spill food on yourself and then say oh gee you should know better? It only feels like I'm treating you like a child because you can't see what's in front of you and…and I don't know what else to do."
Ed with an invisible kick to his own ass for being so agitated, Ed's fingers feel for the fork once more and he takes a deep breath. "Greek right?"
"Okay try this…think of it like a clock. Salad is 12, rice is 3, beef is 6 and potatoes are 9. Bread and dip are a bit north of 12 o'clock and you can't have any alcohol with the meds tonight."
Instantly his mind pictures the food; it's a scene he'd been familiar with every time they had food and something he had normally taken for granted. He pictures the clock, reaches for a morsel, spears it and is thankful that he's able to nearly get it into his mouth.
"Yummy," Donna whispers as her lips rest on his cheek and tenderly nibble the small bit of food that missed his mouth. "You know Ed is short for edible," she comments lightly, his face finally relaxing enough to reward her with a small smile. They eat a bit more in silence, Donna not mentioning to Ed about the food that would miss or be inadvertently pushed onto the floor as she didn't want to make him feel guiltier than he already was.
"Sorry about the silence."
"Just concentrate on the food," she assures him warmly. "I don't mind being the chatterbox tonight."
"Different from…" he retorts with a small playful smirk.
"That's more like it," she offers with a warm smile. But as she notices his fingers tightly holding the fork her mind now wonders if telling him about the escaped killer before bed was such a good idea. He's going to have a tormented night no matter what…one side of her brain argues. Wait until the morning in case he actually might get a few hours of solid rest…the other side argues back. Ed's the only one who's seen his face…Wordy is coming over tomorrow to get a better sketch…he needs to know…to be prepared…
"You've gone silent," Ed finally mentions, drawing Donna's tormented gaze back up to him; her lips uttering a heavy sigh and forcing his face to frown. "What is it?" He dares to ask again; his tone softer.
"How was supper?"
"Fine but what's really going on?"
"I too am worried," she answers in truth.
"I hear the tension in your voice. I guess nearly losing my sight has um…made my hearing sharper," Ed lightly huffs.
"Wordy's coming over tomorrow to uh…"
"To what?" Ed presses.
"The shooter…the one you fought with."
"Why's he coming…Donna what is it?" Ed asks with some agitation.
"Apparently no one was able to see his face…he wore gloves and his getaway car is untraceable. Spike lost his trail when he darted into a subway tunnel. You're the only one who saw his face. So Wordy's coming by to help get a sketch."
"So he's still out there," Ed states more than questions.
"Probably heading out west by now but they want to get a bulletin out," she explains, trying to hold back the small hint of panic starting to creep into her voice. "Let's just concentrate on getting through the next few days okay? We'll let the locals do their job," she ends lightly; her mind almost thankful that her husband couldn't see her obvious expression of concern.
"Okay let me finish up here and then we'll put some of that cream on your skin okay?"
"Sure," Ed replies with a small frown as he feels her get up from the table and head back toward the kitchen. His mind now races to recall the familiar layout of his home as he hears his wife moving around in the kitchen and once again feels his anger rising at the fact that he can't offer to help out in even the smallest way.
"Wanna do this here or in the bathroom?" Donna inquires after the few dishes were put away and the table cleaned up.
"Here is fine," Ed answers somewhat mechanically.
"Be right back."
Ed hears her footsteps fade from the room and slightly pulls the chair back from the table but as he slowly stands up and is greeted with only darkness he feels his helpless anxiety surge once more. Where the hell can I go? I can't watch TV. I can't read…what do people who are blind actually do?
"Hate this…" Ed mutters in misery as he slumps back down into his chair; Donna watching in silence a few feet behind him, her mind unable to find something new and comforting to say. It would suck but she knows that people who are blind learn to adapt and can lead full, happy and very productive lives. Ed's not permanently blind! Her mind reminds her. It's a temporary setback so don't wallow in pity either.
"Alright…now let me see what's going on here…" Donna's warm voice is heard as she quickly swallows and then nears him.
"Am I allowed to even open my eyes?" Ed wonders in a soft tone.
"Dr. Eng's instructions are to keep them closed most of the time. I have turned off all the lights except the kitchen and it's not that bright so…maybe?" She lightly groans. "I don't know either but this paper says that rest, moisture and total darkness are the best for rapid healing."
"I'll keep them closed."
"I have no makeup on anyways," Donna comments lightly.
"You're still…beautiful," Ed manages as his eyes water just as Donna removes the eye pads. She feels her own eyes instantly water at his tender words and as she gazes upon the burnt skin. "How…does it look?"
"Honestly, like a bad sunburn," she replies in truth as she reaches for the small tube and carefully reads the instructions. "How does it feel?" She dares to inquire.
"Tingly…sore…dark."
She looks at his dark lashes resting on his flushes cheeks, the area around them damp and puffy and feels her heart instantly sink; wishing she could beg even once for him to open his eyes and she could at least see his warm blue sapphires looking back at her. But she knows it might harm him so once again shelves her own selfish wants and carries on.
"Okay so this…cream is just going to go on the skin to help heal it okay?"
Ed merely nods as her fingers start to gently dab on the soothing cream, her mind always mindful of keeping it clear of the tip of the lashes resting on his cheeks; the skin below having no other choice but to heal on its own.
"Is that okay?"
"Stings but…I guess it should right?"
"It says here that is normal and should subside after about a minute." She puts the tubing away and then offers him a rather glum expression; her mind unable to fully comprehend how frustrating it would be to be in the dark like that.
"Stinging has gone down," he informs her as she starts to moisten two of the thick, soft pads with cool water from a small bowl and then tap out all the drips before asking him to tilt his head back so she could put them back on. Ed feels his fists automatically tighten as she lays the moist pads over his eyes, the cooling sensation instantly adding some relief to the chaffed skin around his eye sockets and his body stiffening. But as he starts to feel the comfort taking over and the tingling subside slightly, his body relaxes; allowing Donna to gently wrap the gauze around to keep them in place.
"I know it's going to suck but when Wordy comes over tomorrow…"
"I know keep them on," Ed grumbles as she finishes and he slowly sits back up.
"He's your best friend and will not think less of you, you know that right?"
"It will just feel…odd."
"I just think about those that suddenly lose their eyesight later in life. I think it would be almost worse than…right, not helping," her voice trails off as she looks at his heavy frown.
"I agree…just hard to hear but it's true," he resigns as he hears her putting stuff away. "At least someone born blind never really knew what they were missing and could imagine what they'd want to…to make it easier for themselves."
"But on the other hand if you do lose later then you could remember what you did see and picture and…and yeah wow suddenly it just gives you a whole new appreciation for something most of us take for granted every day."
Her hand gives his a small comforting squeeze before she takes the supplies and put them away in the bedroom, out of any harm from being spilt or lost.
"I know it's early but…it's been a long day and…"
"And your husband can't do anything," Ed retorts in remorse.
"Well that's not entirely true but after such a trying day I don't blame you for not wanting to do anything. Bed is fine with me and remember you can't sleep on your stomach."
"Right," Ed mutters as they slowly stand up and head for the hallway, Donna flipping off the kitchen light and bathing the area behind them in darkness. Donna pulls away to dress for bed, watching as Ed slowly feels his way around to his side and resisting the urge to mother him every step of the way. He's at home and safe…Greg parked an unmarked car outside just to be safe so…course it doesn't matter since Ed only gave a very vague description and it in reality could be anyone, her mind grumbles in silence as she watches Ed finally get into bed and ease himself down into the covers.
"Goodnight," she whispers as she settles in beside him, her head resting on the crook of his arm.
"Goodnight," Ed offers in return as he lays on his back in quiet misery. Normally he'd be turned on if she blindfolded him in bed, but tonight the mood was quiet, somber and nowhere near sexually stimulating. The covering over his eyes not there for any kind of kinky fun but as a stark reminder that there was a small but very real chance his life could be altered forever. He tells himself to remember how amazing she looked on their wedding night; the thought coming clearly into his mind and allowing him to feel some semblance of peace for a few solid hours. But it's not long until the nightmares take over – reminding him that he wasn't in control.
'Ed…help me!'
'Donna! Where are you?'
'She's right in front of you! But oh…you'd know that if you could see. Now I'm going to take great pleasure in killing your wife right in front of yours eyes!'
"Donna…NO!" Ed's body thrashes as his lips gasp; his mind roughly jerking him awake from the surreal nightmare. His arms flail to get free of the covers, Donna instantly awake but pulling back just as his fist inadvertently connects with her cheek. Her head pulls back with a small stinging sensation and her lips muttering a small groan which isn't lost on his ears.
"Donna…" Ed gasps as he tries to get his heart rate under control…his mind showing the killer doing horrible things as he just stood there unable to see or act.
"It's okay…" her hand rests on his damp back, her lips not telling him he had accidently struck her in the darkness – darkness for him. "Just breathe."
"The killer…he came back…he…"
"It's okay…I'm okay," she quickly reassures him. "This is why I should have waited until morning," she huffs as she continues to stroke his back as his brain tries to get his lungs under control.
"No…I just…" Ed's voice stammers. "Ah…I HATE THIS!" He shouts and then instantly subsides; Donna not having the heart to chastise his very frustrated sentiment.
"I know," she agrees warmly as she leans against him, her head resting on his shoulder. They linger in silence a bit longer before once again settling into bed and trying to fall back to some solid rest. But the day's events take their toll on both as Donna sees Ed getting the bad news and taking his life out of pity and he sees her leaving him for good. Morning couldn't come soon enough.
XXXXXXXX
Donna awakens early the next morning, agitated and tired, looking over at Ed beside her; unable to tell if he was sleeping or lying silently awake. She recalls their playful encounter from the morning before and how the days leading up to their first anniversary would play out.
"Donna?" Ed asks in a somewhat quiet voice.
"Morning," she leans over and kisses his cheek. "Tired?"
"I am. You?"
"I'll let Tom drive this morning," she lightly sighs. But when she notices his jaw tighten her brow instantly furrows. "Sorry."
"No don't be. I don't expect you to stay home and pity me."
"Right because that was my plan," she replies as her fingers rest on his tight jaw. "You need a shave. Want some help with that?"
For a split second, Ed's mind scoffs at the idea; wanting to verbally tell her that he knows his face and has shaved for a few decades now and he didn't need her help with a simple daily function. But as he hears the kind pleading in her tone he knows she just wants to offer loving assistance in his time of need. How could he say no?
"Afraid I'll shave off my eyebrows?"
"Then you'd really look like Mr. Clean," she teases.
"Hey he has white brows."
"And big muscles," Donna adds with a smile as much to her delight his jaw relaxes under her touch. "And remember size matters," she whispers into his ear before planting a small kiss and then pulling back. "Don't frown. If you want tomorrow we can…"
"Get past my handicap?" Ed retorts. "How the hell can I get in the mood when I can't see a damn thing?"
"Well if it'll help with the mood I can put on a real blindfold. We have used them before you know," she calmly reminds him.
"Different this time," he argues back.
"When we have sex in the dark you can't see me. Unless…you don't want to have sex with me?" She asks outright as his lips purse. "Because I think you know it doesn't take much to turn me on," she replies with a loving tone.
"Different this time," he repeats with a sad whisper.
"Alright…so shall I bring the shaver to you?" She quickly changes the subject, not wanting to let him wallow as she know she might be just as down as him.
"Donna…"
"Not taking no for an answer this time Ed so to bad," she mildly retorts. "We'll work on getting you in the mood later. Come on now…time to get up."
Without another protest, Ed allows her to toss back the covers as he slowly sits up, his weary frame instantly cooling but his mind thankful that she wasn't allowing him to wallow. He slowly gets out of bed and feeling his way along the floor with his foot manages to get to the entrance and into the hallway. Her hand guides him into the bathroom, making a light joke about him remembering where the toilet is and hoping he has good aim; Ed's lips unable to hold back a chuckle.
"There…perfect," she praises after the shave, putting his razor away and kissing his smooth cheek. "After breakfast I'll put on some fresh pads and then…"
"Go to work," he adds with a sour note.
"Just a half day so tha…"
"Donna, you can work the full day. Team Three needs their captain. I'll just….do whatever."
"You sure?"
"I am."
"Just don't try to make dinner," she lightly quips as she takes her leave from the bathroom, closing the door for his privacy and heading back into the bedroom to get ready for the day ahead. But as she ponders leaving Ed alone in their apartment to fend for himself, her motherly instincts kick into high gear and she reaches for the phone. She knows either way she's doomed…if she stays home he might resent her mothering…but if she goes she knows he'll resent his setback.
"I'm screwed either way," she groans as she pulls on a sweater and then heads for the kitchen; Ed joining her about ten minutes later. "Okay coffee maker is at your 11 o'clock, toaster at your 2 o'clock and counter 6 o'clock."
"Tonight I'm going to dream of clocks," Ed deadpans.
"At least they are harmless," she replies with a friendly tone. They sit down for their as normal modest breakfast; Donna quickly putting the dishes away and then heading for the hall closet. "If you need anything…"
"You're number one on speed dial," Ed concludes as he leans against the wall, a fresh dressing keeping his eyes cool and dark.
Donna looks at him in concern, seconds away from picking up the phone and telling Tom she was going to stay home and tend to her husband for the day and see him on Monday.
"I will be fine," Ed assures her, reaching into her brain and pulling out her very thought. "I mostly know my way around. You've left a sandwich in the fridge. I'll make do. I'm just gonna sleep most of the day."
"Okay," she manages in a weak tone, pasting on a fake smile that he couldn't even call her on. "The swelling has already gone down," she reminds him in a tender tone as her hand snakes behind his head. "I love you and will call later."
"Love you too," he tells her in truth as their lips lock for a few heated seconds and then she pulls away; the space between them instantly cooling. He offers her a small goodbye and then listens as she opens and then closes the door and is gone. Silence. Growing silence. Thickening silence.
"Hate this…" Ed grumbles as he pulls away and heads for the living room, wanting to at least turn on the TV and fill the void with some noise. His lips utter an angry curse as he misjudges the distance in his mind from the entranceway to the coffee table and hits it with his leg. He bends down and starts to fumble with for the remote, knocking a book over the edge but thankful that it wasn't something breakable – yet. He finally finds the remote and feels around for the power button, remembering it was in the top right corner and feeling a small pang of elation when it springs to life. He turns the volume down, flipping to the news channel before feeling his way into a nearby chair and slumping down. He shakes his as his anger surges. "Donna gets to go to work…what hell am I supposed to do all day?"
XXXXXXXX
"Morning…how's Ed?" Tom asks in concern as Donna heads toward him at SRU headquarters.
"Frustrated…angry…feeling sorry for himself…angry…" she huffs as notices him looking at the small bruise on her cheek. "Nightmare. Ed would never…hit me on purpose."
"I know," Tom replies in truth, knowing that while Ed Lane might unleash his fury on some deserving criminal, his wife was his cherished treasure and her life and well-being were everything to him; it was something he respected about him immensely. "Can't even imagine his frustration but I get it."
"Trust me so do I," she sighs as they head toward their own team three meeting room. "I almost called and cancelled shift today but he gave me the whole don't stay home to pity me shpeel and I couldn't do it. But now I'm just as useless. I'm wondering if he's okay…has he knocked something over…cut himself…burnt the apartment down," she ends with a small sarcastic groan. "I'm trying to stay positive but…"
"But there's a chance it could be permanent?" Tom dares to inquire.
"I mean it's there and we both know that. But in a few days he goes back to the hospital and then we'll know for sure. I tell you though…it's given us both a new appreciation for what real blind people face. Ed's always respected the handicapped but when you're in the same situation…your empathy can't help but grow. I just worry that he'll sit and pity himself all day."
"Hopefully Wordy won't let him do that," Greg's voice is heard from behind. "How is our boy?"
"I'm glad the guns are locked," Donna retorts with a wry smile. "He needs some good news come Monday. Anything on our shooter?"
"Spike found the vehicle…well what was left of it. It was burn out when he finally traced where its trajectory landed."
"Destroying of course any lingering DNA," Donna groans.
"Once we get that sketch we can at least canvas the area and see which direction he went but yeah…not going to be an easy one this time," Greg frowns. "As soon as we have something I'll let you know."
"Okay," Donna agrees as they both watch Greg leave and she turns back to Tom. "Maybe Wordy will have better luck cheering him up."
XXXXXXXX
Greg had told him to not worry about hurrying with Ed; get the sketch and then just spend some time with his friend and he'd get team two to help fill in the missing gaps or Donna's team if necessary. Wordy hears Ed fumbling on the other side of the door, slowly unlocking it after he was sure it was actually Wordy on the other side.
"Come in," Ed simply mentions as Wordy looks at his best friends defeated posture with a heavy frown. Wordy gives Ed a brief hug before pulling back and looking at him in concern. "I'm okay."
"Donna told you?"
"So Spike didn't see his face anywhere?"
"He even wore the mask driving in traffic," Wordy groans as he slowly follows Ed toward the kitchen table, biting back a small wince as Ed bumps into it and curses.
"Wordy…"
"I'm not in any hurry okay? Am here to get the details, send them to Spike, order in a pizza for lunch and just…you know hang out."
"What? Look I don't need a damn babysitter!" Ed growls as Wordy offers him a small sympathetic gaze. "Wordy I'm sorry…for snapping at you like that."
"I'm not here to babysit…you're my friend Ed, we've been friends over twenty years, since we were practically kids. I'm worried okay."
"Donna told you to come here?"
"Greg," Wordy replies in truth. "He's worried too. We all are. You would be too if it was one of us and you know that."
"I know," Ed huffs as he shakes his head and leans back in his chair. "Stuff I took for granted before…how she'd look in the morning, checking the weather for the day…seeing if the toast was burnt. Just simple stuff. Damn shaving and going to the bathroom. Now…now it's all changed. I can still function but…but I can't and it just …"
"Pisses you off," Wordy lightly smirks as Ed nods in agreement. "I'm not here to make you feel sorry for yourself."
"I know," Ed's tone softens. "Okay so what do we do first?"
"The sooner I can get that sketch out to Spike the sooner they can start looking."
"Okay," Ed nods as he allows his mind to travel back to that horrible incident; Wordy noticing Ed's fists tightening as he remembers the fight that left him temporarily out of commission. But as much as he wants to tell Ed they'd do it later, he knows that Ed values procedure as much as any of them and would want this to move forward as fast as possible.
"About my height," Ed starts as he recalls fighting with the killer eye to eye. "Blue eyes. No uh…no facial…well maybe some stubble but nothing major. Brown hair. A small hair lip," Ed recalls the sneer in his minds-eye. "His ear…the bottom part of the lobe had one of those large circles in them."
"Just one?"
"Just one," Ed confirms. "Dark eyebrows…that's it. I know not much to go on. Sorry. I just thought…"
"Ed don't worry about it, this will work. Spike will make it human and the unis will start canvassing the area."
"Okay. So now what?"
"Now we just…take it easy for a bit."
Ed at first protests but then realizes he's not getting pity from Wordy either and soon he's able to talk about what it's like to be in the dark, how both he and Donna are scared it could go either way and how he feels about having to readjust things even temporarily.
"You know when you do get your sight back I will have to stop making comments about you being the dark about a few things," Wordy lightly quips as Ed offers as small chuckle. A few minutes later both hear a knock at the door – lunch had arrived.
"I got this," Wordy heads for the door and pulls it open.
"Mario's pizza," the man before Wordy states in a firm tone, his eyes momentarily darting past Wordy as he looks down to get some money and resting on Ed seated at the table. As they were right in the middle of changing his dressing the delivery man doesn't see the bandage wrapping and can only assume one thing – Ed had seen his face and is still a walking threat.
"Thank you," the man takes the money and heads back into the hallway; having already paid the real driver so as not to arouse suspicion. He gently tugs at one of the longest strands on the wig that had covered the earring disc and twitches his fake mustache.
"Target acquired," he whispers meanly before he disappears out the back exit doors.
A/N: Hope are you are all still feeling the angst and frustration for both. Donna try to find a balance and Ed trying to work past his frustration. Course you knew the baddie wouldn't stay away for too long (hehe) so what do you think his next move will be and will our couple ever find some middle ground in dealing with this current situation? Would love your thoughts as always so please do review before you go and thanks so much.