The Ghosts that we knew
Chapter 16
~Don't let me darken your door
That's not what I came here for
No it's not what I came her for~
They drove an hour outside of town, straight into the jungle. It was hot, steamy and sticky and Carolyn could think of other more pleasant ways to get in that condition, saying so out loud which caused John to laugh and Riddick to growl lightly in the back of his throat. Carolyn looked over at him, even more hot and bothered than she cared to admit as she fanned herself. When Riddick sniffed the air and gave his lopsided grin, she blushed all the way to her roots.
"Brute," she mumbled which only caused him to raise an amused eyebrow.
When they arrived at Johns "camp" as he called it, Carolyn could see it was actually more of a small village with children and animals running through the hard packed earthen paths, while men and women went about their business.
"Do you think Sam would mind taking a look at some of these stitches I put in Riddick? It's been a while since I've done any official medic work."
"And miss a chance to condemn, criticize and make fun of you? Please." John said his eyes dancing as she audibly groaned while waiting for Riddick.
"What is it?" She asked seeing him tense up.
John stopped, watching them, his weapon lying easily in his arms.
"Military?" Riddick inquired of John tightly.
"Former military." He informed them. "Every single one of these men are wanted somewhere for something. We don't ask a lot of questions. I'm thinking you'll fit right in." He said directly to Riddick before heading out again.
Carolyn stood quietly waiting to see what decision he would come to. After a few moments he gave a quick nod of his head in Reapers direction. Carolyn let out the breath she had been holding and gave him a smile as she tagged after John, Riddick following closely behind.
He was waiting for them by the double doors of a large building. "Glad you decided to stay," He told Riddick.
Riddick just shrugged and nodded in Carolyn's direction.
John eyed the man again and swung open a door, ushering them in.
Carolyn heard Sam's voice before she actually saw her, as the woman made her way to the front to see who had just entered her domain.
Not seeing them standing to the side, she rushed to John embracing him for a moment before pulling back to look at him worriedly. "What was it? Is everything ok?" she asked.
John smiled at her, running his hands up and down her arms. "Everything's fine, Sam. We just have some unexpected guests," he said calmly before turning her in Carolyn and Riddick's direction.
Carolyn knew the instant she recognized her, as Sam's back went stiff and her look soured.
"Carolyn."
"Hello, Samantha. How are you?"
"Fine, thanks," she said relaxing somewhat as John wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
Carolyn visibly relaxed as well. "This is Riddick," she introduced as his hand came up to her neck.
"Nice to meet you,' Sam replied.
"Carolyn was wondering if you take a look at some of Riddick's injuries. Evidently her medic skills are a bit rusty."
"Hmpft. I bet." Sam said. "Follow me." She told them making her way into the building.
Glaring at John as he passed by, Carolyn followed making sure Riddick was behind her.
Sam picked a child up off the exam table, pointing at Riddick as she did so. "Sit" she said gruffly while handing the child to Carolyn.
"What am I supposed to do with this?" Carolyn asked holding the child at arm's length.
"Well, not dropping her would be a start." Sam said dryly rolling a supply tray next to the bed.
"Oh God, is she yours?" Carolyn asked horrified. Sam gave her a look which caused Carolyn to promptly shut her mouth and pull the whimpering child close to her.
Instructing Riddick to take his shirt off, Sam raised her eyebrow and looked over at Carolyn. Carolyn just shrugged with a smirk before turning her attention back to the wriggling two-year old in her arms.
John propped himself up against the wall as Sam looked over Riddick's wounds and Carolyn attempted to placate the child.
When Sam finished, Carolyn promptly gave the child back causing John to laugh at her.
"Are you hungry?" He asked the two of them.
"Got anything other than protein bars?" Riddick asked.
"Come with me," John said taking the child from Sam as Riddick stood slipping his shirt back on.
Carolyn watched as Riddick followed John out of the room.
Closing the door behind them, Carolyn turned leaning against it.
"Why are you here, Carolyn?"
"You know, you don't have exclusive rights to caring about John," Carolyn snapped back before slumping tiredly against the door. "It wasn't planed, Samantha. I just needed to get Riddick somewhere safe. Somewhere we could just stop for a while and not have to worry about watching our backs. Interfering in you or John's life was never my intention. I'm not here to cause trouble."
Sam looked at the woman that she hadn't seen in years, studying her face and her eyes. There was a look that hadn't been there before. One much like the haunted look that had set up permanent residence in John's eyes. Sam knew all about the kind of demons that could haunt a person.
"So, Riddick." Sam asked with a sly grin on her face. "Is he that big all over?"
A slow smile crept onto Carolyn's face her, eyes twinkling. "You could say that."