A/N: Warning! This chapter contains a scene with surgical procedures. it could get "squicky" for some. So be warned! And with that, thank you once again to my loyal reviewers and readers, and to my secret readers who don't review, I appreciate you as well, I just hope you are ALL enjoying the story! LDB.
It took a lot of work, but after a couple of weeks, Bret and Adam got their work schedules in a sync. Adam usually always had the middle day of Bret's three days off; of as well.
Adam was now used to being alone in the big house when Bret was gone. He'd even taken to feeling safe in the attic, surrounded by music and his artwork. The physician was working on a new painting. He planned on giving to Bret on his birthday, July second. He still had a few weeks to work on it. The painting was from one of the pictures he'd taken on the day he and Bret had gone horseback riding. With the mountains for a background, he painted their two horses as they drank from the creek. Adam had painted them without their saddles and bridles, giving the impression they were just two wild horses, enjoying their freedom.
Adam also had another painting he was working on that he could use as a "ruse" when Bret was around the house. Normally though, if Adam was up in the attic painting, Bret didn't bother him. He would be in the garage tinkering around on his work bench.
Bret was usually working on his pet project. He had an old Indian motorcycle he was slowly restoring. He was currently rebuilding the engine. It was a labor of love. He couldn't wait to take Adam for a ride up in the mountains. He'd started the project while Davy was still alive, but Davy really had no interest in riding, so Bret hadn't worked on it too much. When Adam saw the motorcycle in the garage, he'd been excited and begged for a ride. Bret now worked on the restoration with enthusiasm.
Wade Barrett was still trying to sabotage Adam at work. When the second parental consent form went missing, last week, Adam was called on the carpet. As much as Hunter hated to do it, he had to put a disciplinary demerit in Adam's personnel file. Once he could over look, but twice was carelessness. It upset both Hunter and Adam. It was the first negative mark in the young physician's file.
Adam understood that Hunter did what he had to do, but he didn't like it. He couldn't figure out what had happened to the form, he'd watched the mother sign it. Adam knew he'd put the form in the chart, he even double checked it. Where could it have disappeared to?
Wade did an Oscar worthy job of being concerned for Adam. He'd even helped his fellow doctor search through all the charts and trash cans. He was "mad" that Hunter had made a bad report on Adam. While Adam thanked the Englishman for his support, internally Wade smirked. The form was in his brief case and would soon join the other one in the file folder at his apartment.
Shawn had watched from the "sidelines". He knew Hunter had no choice but to discipline Adam, but he didn't like it. The nurse also had his suspicion, but until he could back them up with facts or proof, he kept his mouth shut.
Wade was also very careful around Shawn. It seemed like the nurse was always watching him. Wade was extra careful not to do anything when Shawn was on the same shift. When he was, Wade was polite and kind, the picture perfect English gentleman. Wade had decided to hold off his plan for a while. He was now working on ways to "get" to Adam during their upcoming camping trip.
Hunter had managed to get the last week of July off for himself, Shawn Adam and Wade. They would all have to work a lot of double and a couple of triple shifts, but it would be worth it. After explaining the camping trip, Bret was also able to get the same week off. Chief Jerry Lawler was more than happy to see that Bret was doing so well, and had met someone as sweet as Doctor Copeland.
Bret had invited Adam and Chief Lawler to a dinner at the fire station last Saturday. He formally introduced Adam as his "official" boyfriend. John Cena shot Phil Brooks a look that said "I told you so"; Phil just rolled his eyes with a laugh.
The men of Station 51 welcomed Adam to "the family", it made the physician glow with happiness. To celebrate, Adam slid down the pole; he landed perfectly on both feet. After the doctor had landed, Bret gave him a passionate kiss in front of everyone.
The love Adam and Bret had for each other continued to blossom and grow. They spent as much time in bed together as they could. Sometimes they were rough and wild, other times it was gentle and tender. Either way, both of them were more sexually satisfied than they'd ever been.
Adam was also trying to plan a party for Bret's birthday. Bret would be in the middle of a four-day shift; he too worked more hours to make up for the vacation. So, with the help of Chief Lawler and Lieutenant Cena, Adam was slowly working it out.
"So John and the boys are in charge of the food. Would you be willing to help me make the cake? I need a really big sheet cake, those firefighters eat like horses," Adam asked with a laugh as he and Shawn were on a break at work.
"Of course I will. We can bake six nine by thirteen cakes, then frost them. Buddy's favorite is spice cake with cream cheese frosting," Shawn said thoughtfully. He started making a list of things they would need.
"Yeah, I know. He asked me to make him one, I keep promising him. His birthday will be a perfect time for me to make him a spice cake. Good idea, six cakes should be enough, and we can cut smaller pieces." Adam said with a bit of a sigh. He made a check mark on his list he kept in his day planner.
"Something wrong, son?" Shawn asked in a worried tone. He'd been concerned about Adam ever since the missing consent form incident.
"No, well... yes. I know I had that form, I just know I did. Shawn do you... no, I'm just being stupid. Bret said to just let it go, that everyone gets a bad mark at some point. He says anyone who is passionate about their job will eventually make a mistake. I guess he's right, but I don't get the connection and I feel; stupid," Adam said with another sigh.
Shawn smiled, "Sometimes Bret's thoughts get a little deep and complex. What he was trying to say is that, when you do something you love, you sometimes get so involved, little things get missed. You get so involved with caring for a patient something like a form gets lost in the shuffle. Understand now?" Shawn asked, his brow raised. He hoped he'd put it in a way Adam would now comprehend.
"Okay, I understand it better. What I don't understand is where the form went. Did Hunter tell Doctor Heyman?" Adam's tone continued still full of worry. Where was that fucking form?
"No, it's in your personnel file, but Hunter isn't going out-of-the-way to point it out. Hang in there son, it could still turn up. We believe you, Adam. We know you wouldn't lie. Look, it's hard, I know, but try to just drop it. Concentrate on Buddy's party and the camping trip. I still can't get over that Wade wants to go, it should be worth a few laughs. Seen Chris lately?" Shawn asked pointedly. He wanted to get Adam's mind to focus on something other than that missing form.
"Thanks for that, Shawn. Having you believe me makes me feel better. You're right, it's done and over, maybe it will show up. Yes, keeping this party a surprise from Bret is hard work! He has a way of reading my mind, kind of like you. It's scary sometimes. Bret suggested sending Wade on a snipe hunt," Adam was interrupted as Wade came into the break room.
"What's a snipe hunt? Should I bring a gun?" Wade asked in a curious tone. He was looking forward to the camping trip. He was going to use the time to get to Adam, play some mental games, break the blond.
Both Shawn and Adam had to work hard to keep the smiles off their faces, "No, no. Snipes are endangered, can't kill them. It's a photographic hunt, you'll enjoy it," Shawn said with a perfectly straight face. He might also be a pastor, but he wasn't against a little harmless fun.
"Oh okay, sounds like fun. Listen, Shawn, I know you're the camping expert. What kind of equipment do I need to purchase?" Wade asked as he sat down with a freshly made cup of tea.
Shawn and Adam glanced at each other, they silently agreed not to say anymore about a snipe hunt. Adam continued to eat his lunch while Shawn answered the camping novice Englishman. "Well, we have a spare tent and sleeping bag for you. You'll need a backpack, jeans, flannel shirts, thermals, thick socks, heavy boots. Tell you what, we'll plan a day of shopping. We can go to REI, the best store in Denver for sporting goods. Adam, you want to go too?" Shawn explained then asked both doctors sitting at the table.
"Yes, please. I need a few things. Oh, Wade, I'll remind you closer to the time, but we all chip in with food, drinks, water and other supplies," Adam said after he swallowed his bite of food. He'd brought a thermos of homemade soup to work.
"Yes, sounds good. I have some of those things, the boots and clothes. I hiked a lot back home, but nothing requiring a backpack. Guess I'd better get a supply of camera batteries, don't want to miss capturing a snipe on film. Oh, by the way, I'm not falling for it. I know snipes are shore birds, found along the east coast. But, you're type of snipe hunt is a practical joke played on innocent victims," Wade said with a laughing wink and a smirk. It made him feel superior to Shawn and Adam to burst their snipe hunt bubble. A friend in England had warned him about the American joke of a snipe hunt.
Shawn and Adam looked at each other in stunned surprise, Wade had cheated them out of their fun. "Oh well, we'll have to think of something else. It's a tradition to prank a camping virgin. Okay, we're all on third shift tomorrow, how about shopping this afternoon, after work? That is if Hunter is free. We can have dinner while we're out, if you want," Shawn suggested as he looked at his smart phone. He kept all their schedules in a file on the device.
Both Adam and Wade checked their day planners. "Fine with me. I'll call Bret see if he needs anything," Adam said in a thoughtful tone.
"Me as well, of course not calling the Captain Hart part," Wade said with a laugh. Shawn and Adam both laughed then jumped up as they were paged to the trauma room. Work called. The three men entered the trauma room. It was a sight none of them liked to see. A Denver Police Officer had been shot during a routine traffic stop.
Officer Ken Shamrock had pulled a car over for a simple, random traffic violation. As he stood next to the driver side door, another car, passing by slowed down. A shot blasted out from the passenger window of the passing car. Both Officer Shamrock and the pulled over driver were hit.
It turned out that the driver the Officer had pulled over, and the driver of the passing car were neighbors involved in a domestic dispute battle. The shooter's car had chased the victim's car, Officer Shamrock had been the innocent in the middle.
At least the shooter was caught, almost immediately, and was now sitting in a police station, waiting to see if he faced a murder charge or an attempted murder charge.
Wade started working on the driver. The man had not been hit by any shot directly, but by glass from the windshield. There was a piece embedded in his eye. Barrett patched up what he could and immediately sent him for surgery by the Ophthalmologist. She happened to be one of the top rated eye surgeons in the state, Doctor Stephanie McMahon, who was also the daughter of the Mayor of Denver. She invited Wade to assist, he was honored as she rarely allowed others to observe, let alone assist.
Adam and Shawn started to work on Officer Shamrock. He'd been shot in the upper back almost directly between his shoulder blades. He was lying on his stomach, his face turned to the left.
"Feeling any pain, Ken?" Shawn asked as he cut off the fallen Officer's uniform shirt. Adam was checking the man's blood pressure. Beth, the other nurse with them was making notes on the Officer's chart as Adam gave her the information.
"Hey Shawn. Actually, I don't feel much of anything. Heartbreaker, am I going to die?" Ken asked in an almost emotionless tone. Ken had gone to the University with Shawn and Hunter. He dropped out after the first year and went to the Police Academy.
Shawn glanced over at Adam. Adam gave Shawn a look that said, "I don't know yet." Adam then started assessing the situation. "Don't worry about that Ken. You're in great hands with Doctor Copeland, just let him work and try to relax," Shawn said with a gentle pat to his friend's shoulder.
Adam had Shawn draw blood and start an IV, while he sent Beth to bring the X-ray team. The hospital had just gotten a new X-ray machine, that could be used on the spot. It saved a lot of time. It meant time wasn't wasted transporting a patient to and from the X-ray Department. Also, results were much faster as they were digital and instant. No more waiting for films to be developed. It was just one more of Hunter's plans put into action.
"Shawn, you'd better call Hunter. See, the shot fragment is sitting right near the spine. At least it's on the opposite side, missed the heart area. It has to come out, and only Hunter's fingers can do it," Adam said in a near whisper as he looked at the digital X-ray. The Head Nurse nodded and went to pull his husband out of the class he was teaching.
Adam went over to speak to his patient. "Well, Officer Shamrock, you're going to need surgery. The shot fragment is lodged next to your spinal cord. I can tell you the wound isn't fatal, missed your heart by a mile. I just need you to be as still as possible. I'm going to have Beth start another IV, it will make you a bit drowsy, and help you relax. Any questions?" Adam's tone was soft, yet forthright. He never "gilded the lily" when he spoke to his patients.
As Beth prepped the new IV, the Officer spoke, "Thanks Doc. Bret was right, you are sweet. 51 responded, thought the car might blow. Yeah, am I going to walk?" Ken asked in a blunt tone. His mind was in a thousand places at once.
Adam blushed a bit, he was always so embarrassed when Bret "bragged" on him. "I hope so, Ken. Hunter is the best. We'll just have to wait and see what happens. We won't know how much damage, if any, there is to the spinal cord," he again spoke openly and honestly. Adam hoped he could assist Hunter. He'd never worked close to the spinal cord and he wanted to watch Hunter in action.
"Okay Doc. How's the driver? I never saw a windshield shatter like that, from one gun blast," Ken asked a bit slurred as the medicine began to take effect.
"He's had to go in for surgery, he'll probably lose the eye, but he'll live. Windshield must have already been broken or cracked," Adam explained as he worked on cleaning the Officer's wound carefully.
"Yeah probably. Doc? Should I be worried? Shouldn't I be feeling a lot of pain?" Shamrock asked in a worried tone.
"Don't worry, Ken. The body and the brain are complex machines. It's probably the adrenaline blocking any pain. Normally, I would ask you to move your arms and legs, but I don't want to risk dislodging the fragment. That's Hunter's worry," Adam again explained as best he could. Both men were avoiding the word that hung like an elephant in the air; paralysis.
"Come on Doc, you know what I mean. Am I paralyzed?" the Officer finally asked by using the dreaded word directly.
"As I said earlier, I honestly don't know. Right now you need to keep positive. Your mental outlook will have a lot to do with your surgery and recovery. If worse comes to the worst and there is paralysis, we'll go from there. People can make great progress with rehab. So see, it's far, far too early to begin worrying about anything but getting better," Adam spoke honestly as he gently stroked the Police Officer's hand. He hoped he'd given the man a bit of comfort.
Shamrock almost purred at the doctor's comforting strokes on the back of his hand. He thought Bret was a very lucky man. While waiting for the ambulance at the scene, Bret had been the one to keep him company. The others from Station 51, looked after the driver. Bret had told him he would be in good hands at the hospital. When Ken questioned Hart about why he was so sure, Bret told him that his 'boyfriend' was the lead doctor on duty. He'd told Ken how sweet and caring Adam was. Bret also said it didn't hurt that Adam was so beautiful.
"Thanks, Doc. You're right, best to worry about one thing at a time. Will you tell my husband? I'm sure he's tearing up the waiting room by now. His name is Scott Levy," Ken asked in a hopeful tone.
"I'll do even better, I'll let him come back and see you. If you promise not to move or get upset. Beth, I'll be right back," Adam said firmly but kindly. He thought if Ken saw his spouse, it might help his morale.
"Okay Doc, I'll be good," Shamrock said as Adam left the room. Beth moved about the trauma room, making chart notes from the monitors that were keeping track of the policeman's vital statistics.
Adam went out to the waiting room. He was surprised to find his lover sitting with another man in a police officers uniform. Bret was rubbing the man's back and talking to him quietly. There were several other police officers, either standing or sitting, drinking coffee or talking. They all wore the same worried expression on their faces. They all turned toward Adam as the doctor came through the door.
Bret whispered something to the officer he was talking to, the young man looked up. It was obvious he'd been trying not to cry. The Captain and Police Officer stood and started walking towards Adam. Adam went towards them, the three men met in the middle of the room.
"Hi Adam. This is Scott Levy, Ken's husband. Scott, this is Doctor Adam Copeland," Bret made the polite introduction. He then gave Adam a brief but love filled kiss. One thing about Hart, he wasn't the least bit afraid of public displays of affection.
Adam blushed slightly, "Hi Bret. Nice to meet you Officer Levy..." Adam the went on to briefly explain the situation of Ken Shamrock. He then led his lover and the worried Officer Levy to the trauma room. Shawn had returned and was helping Beth prep Ken for surgery.
Shawn took Scott to see Ken then returned to where Bret and Adam were standing. "Hi Buddy. Listen Adam, Hunter wants you to assist with the surgery. So say good-bye and go scrub in, you have fifteen minutes," Shawn said in a harried voice. He moved off to finish the pre-op procedures.
"Good to see you, Bear, but I'd better run. Oh, I'm going camping shopping with Shawn, Hunter and Wade, dinner after. I'll call when I get home. Need anything from REI?" Adam asked as he and Bret walked out into the hallway.
"Okay as long as you're with Trips and Heartbreaker you'll be alright. Naw, I have everything I need. Just bought some new camping gear just before Davy died. Here, get what you want," Bret said as he pulled out his wallet. He handed Adam four one hundred-dollar bills.
Adam laughed at the way Bret growled, then smiled, "Bear no. I have my own money. Don't worry, it's you I love, no one else," the doctor sealed his words with a kiss to Bret's lips. Bret pulled Adam up against him, as he passionately kissed his boy. He put the money into Adam's pocket. He enjoyed spoiling Adam and he knew, despite Adam's protests, the doctor liked it too.
"I saw that, Bear. Thank you, I do appreciate it. Student loan payment wiped me out last week. Be careful and see you tomorrow night. I love you," Adam said a bit sadly as he kissed Bret once again.
"I will be. Yes, you will and my love, you shall have the fuck of the year. This ass is mine, and don't you forget it," Bret said in a very possessive growl and a last kiss. After another hug, Bret left. After reporting to the officers in the waiting room, he left the hospital and went back to Station 51. Sometimes being the ranking officer had its benefits.
Adam went up to the surgical floor. When he got to the scrub room, Wade was there, bragging to Hunter about how Doctor McMahon let him assist. Hunter listened as he scrubbed his hands and arms up to his elbows. He used a hard bristle brush and strong disinfectant soap.
Adam changed into a pair of surgical scrubs, foot covers, cap and mask. He then took a scrub brush from its sterile packaging and began washing his own hands and arms.
Shawn was standing by, ready to help both Adam and Hunter into their latex gloves. He too had changed and scrubbed while Adam had said good-bye to Bret. Beth was also scrubbing up and would assist Shawn.
"Did he lose his eye, Wade?" Adam asked as he kept scrubbing. Hunter required a ten to fifteen minute scrub time. Sometimes it felt like his skin would come off, but it was part of the job.
"Sadly yes. A piece of glass severed the optic nerve. Doctor McMahon tried to laser it together but it was too frayed. It was absolutely brilliant surgery though. I learned a lot. I hope yours goes well," Wade said as he removed his used scrubs and put them in a bio-hazard trash bin.
"You can scrub in again if you want, but Adam is assisting," Hunter said to the Englishman. As much as he liked Wade, the man could be a bit of a braggart. He wanted Adam to have his moment as well. Hunter also trusted Adam more, they worked well together while Wade tended to over step.
"Thanks, I'd love to. The more experience the better. I'll scrub in again," Wade said as he went to change into a fresh pair of scrubs. Shawn helped Hunter into two pairs of latex gloves, then did the same for Adam. They always wore two pairs in case the top layer of glove got a hole or rip during the surgery.
While all the doctors were preparing, the other nurses and the Anesthesiologist, Doctor Vicki Guerrero had gotten Officer Shamrock ready for surgery. Everyone and everything was ready when Hunter and his team entered the operating theater.
In a gallery that overlooked the surgical theater, the students from the class Hunter taught were seated. After all, this was a learning hospital, through the University. It wasn't often they got to see Hunter doing such a demanding and delicate surgery. The majority of the students were already busily taking notes.
"Okay Ken, we're going to do all we can for you. If you're ready, Doctor Guerrero will send you into a deep sleep and when you wake up, it will be over," Hunter said in a kind but professional voice, as he spoke to the wounded police officer.
"Yeah, let's get this over with. I trust you, all of you. I just... I have to walk, Trips, I just have to walk," Ken's voice was heavily slurred as the pre-op muscle relaxer coursed through his veins.
With a nod to the Anesthesiologist, the process of putting the Officer under began. It only took a few minutes. Doctor Guerrero sat on a stool near Shamrock's head. She would closely monitor his breathing and other vital statistics, like heart and pulse rates. She was also responsible for his oxygen intake and his sedation.
While Vicki was putting the Officer to sleep, Shawn and Beth prepared the area to be operated on. First a sterile drape with a large cut out that exposed the wound was laid over Shamrock's back. Shawn then bathed the wound area with a betadine solution. Beth opened up the packets that contained sterile gauze swabs and surgical instruments. She placed them neatly on a tray in the order Shawn had instructed her.
As the nurses did their work, Hunter and Adam were carefully studying the X-rays. Wade joined them after he'd finished scrubbing in. All this took only a few minutes. The team worked like a well oiled machine.
"Adam, I want you to open. You can do it, I'll be right here to guide you," Hunter spoke with utter confidence. He also wanted Adam to know that he still trusted him, despite the problem with the forms.
"Aright Hunter, thank you. I won't let you or Ken down," Adam spoke with equal confidence. He wanted to prove to Hunter he was worthy of his trust.
Hunter told Wade to stand on the opposite side of the patient, so he would be out-of-the-way, yet still able to observe. It miffed the Englishman but he couldn't argue with Hunter, especially with the students watching. He also couldn't afford to let his professional jealousy of Adam show.
"Lord, bless the hands of the doctors as they work to heal one of your wounded lambs. May your healing spirit pour over brother Shamrock. We ask in the name of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ," Shawn spoke the prayer he said before every surgery he and Hunter performed. It always calmed everyone.
Before Adam could even ask, Shawn held out the number ten blade he would need to make the first incision. "Making the first cut," Adam said aloud as he began the surgery. This was done for two reasons, one for legal purposes, as all surgeries were recorded on video and audio, and secondly for the benefit of the students watching in the gallery.
It took Adam a few brief minutes to open the area where the fragment was lodged. They could see the end of the fragment, it was embedded so near the spine, that Hunter still couldn't tell if the cord was damaged.
"Okay, Doctor Copeland, let's get rid of that nasty projectile. Hold this area open with the forceps. I'll go in and get the little bugger. Just don't breathe," Hunter said seriously with no humor in his tone.
It seemed like the world stopped and held its collective breath. Shawn wiped Hunter's brow, then stood ready with the gauze that would be packed into the wound to stop the blood and other fluids from spreading. Beth stood just to Shawn's right, her deft fingers ready to hand her supervisor what ever was needed.
Although Adam's hands were as steady as stone, Wade spoke, " Your grip is all wrong Adam, try..." he was interrupted by Shawn.
"Be quiet Doctor Barrett! He is doing fine," the older nurse's words were harsh. There was a bit of a buzz in the gallery that was unheard down below in the operating theater. It wasn't often a nurse told a doctor off like that.
Wade glared at Shawn, but he also saw the Hunter's eyes were flashing with amber anger; towards him. "I'm sorry," he said in a humbled, almost sheepish tone.
"Okay Doctor Copeland, you're doing fine. Doctor Guerrero everything alright?" Hunter asked as he studied the fragment and it's position.
"Everything is fine Doctor Helmsley. Vitals are stable, blood pressure is up, but that's normal. You have plenty of time," Vicki said as she double checked all of Officer Shamrock's vital statistics.
Once again all the previous words and actions had only taken a couple of minutes but felt like hours, the tension was high. It always was when there was a delicate operation in progress. Hunter took a deep, steadying breath. Shawn gave his husband's brow a final swipe, then he did the same for Adam. He wanted no wayward drops of sweat to fall into the open wound. It was time to remove the deadly projectile.
With nerves of steel, Hunter's fingers held the forceps like they were the most delicate flower God had ever created. Gently, ever so gently he eased the surgical instrument around the end of the metal fragment. Adam's equally deft fingers held the forceps that kept the way clear for Hunter. They were working in a space that was about the size of a half-dollar coin.
Again it seemed like hours as the clock in the operating room silently ticked off each second. It felt as if for every second forward, it swept back two. Every student watching held their breath. The beeps from the machines that measured Ken's vitals were the only noise in the background.
With another breath, Hunter grabbed the fragment. In one smooth, steady movement, he ever so slowly pulled it out. With a "clank" that echoed in the near silent room, Hunter dropped the fragment into the small metal bowl that Beth held in her hand.
"Packing," Hunter said as he took the material Shawn held out to him. He packed the bleeding wound then nodded to Adam to let go.
"Well done. Now, get in there and get some X-rays. Maybe now we will be able to see if the cord was hit," Hunter said to the two X-ray Techs that had waited on the far side of the room. The moved quickly to do their job.
"Wade, take over for Doctor Copeland," Hunter said a bit sharply. He wasn't really mad, he was always a bit snappy after a tense surgery. Everyone was used to Hunter's ways during operations. In a carefully timed maneuver, Wade's fingers replaced Adam's on the forceps that still held the wound open. For a moment, Adam's long, graceful fingers were cramped. He opened and closed his hand a few times, while the X-rays were being taken. It too would give nearly instant digital results.
"You did well Adam, very well. If we're lucky, all we will have to do now is close," Hunter spoke proudly to Adam. His face masked moved with the breath that passed over his lips.
"Hunter, thanks, but you're the one that did a fantastic job..." Adam was interrupted by the lead X-ray Tech.
"Doctors the results are on the monitor," the Tech said with a nod of his head toward the large monitor screen on the operating room wall. The results were also projected to a matching monitor on the gallery wall. The students gathered around to look.
"Excellent, excellent. There is some bruising on the cord, here, " Hunter stated as he pointed out a dark area on the X-ray. The students could also see the area, as Hunter used a special "marker" to circle the bruising.
"So, that's why he couldn't feel anything? Just enough pressure to cut off the nerve?" Adam asked in a questioning tone. He really prayed the answer was that simple.
"Yes. He may still be a bit paralyzed for a few days, it's a very deep bruise. However, with a lot of rest and rehabilitation, he should be back on the job in three maybe four months," Hunter said with a tone of relief. He was happy for his friend. He knew how much Ken loved his job. Shamrock was one very lucky Denver Police Officer. Somewhere in a jail cell, a man would face attempted murder charges.
"Alright, let's unpack that wound and close it all up. You opened it, you close it," Hunter said happily to Adam. He was going to let Wade close, but not after his criticism of Adam.
"Be proud to, thanks Hunter," Adam too spoke happily. He knew how pleased their patient would be.
Hunter took over from Wade and held on to the forceps as Adam began the tedious task of first stitching up the area where the fragment had rested, then the layers of muscle and tissue, finally ending with twenty very small, neat stitches to close the skin on Ken's back.
The last thing Adam did was swipe over the stitches with betadine, then covered them with the bandage Shawn had prepared. When the stitches were covered, the operation was complete.
"Doctor Guerrero, you can bring Officer Shamrock back to the land of consciousness and take him to the recovery room. Well done everyone. Another successful job," Hunter said proudly. He had a great team and he knew it. He never failed to thank them.
Vicki finished her job and after all the machines were disconnected, went with the patient as Beth and another orderly wheeled him across the hall to the post operative recovery room.
As that was going on, the students left the gallery and the team of Hunter, Adam, Shawn and Wade went to the scrub room and changed back into their clothes they had worn before. They also once again scrubbed their hands. Hunter was just as strict with post op cleanliness.
"Shawn, take these two for a well-earned cup of coffee and I'll go speak to Scott. Meet you in the break room," Hunter said with a pat to his husband's shoulder.
Shawn kissed his husband, "I'm proud of you baby. You did really well. Give Scott my love," his voice was soft and gentle.
"Couldn't do it without you, babe. I will, now go take a break. I'll buy you that bow you've been drooling over when we go to REI," Hunter said with a wink and a swat to Shawn's pert, luscious ass.
Shawn gave Hunter a resounding kiss, then herded Adam and Wade to the break room. He poured three cups of coffee and gave one to each doctor, then sat down to join them. Shawn had to clear the air.
"Look, Wade. I'm sorry I snapped at you during the operation. Adam was doing and excellent job. If he had tried, at that moment, to move his hands and the forceps had slipped, Ken could now be paralyzed. Hunter does not like interruptions like that. I was trying to keep him from snapping at you," Shawn explained in detail. He was firm, but kind.
As much as he hated to do it, Wade swallowed a nearly choking piece of humble pie. "No, no you're right. I'm sorry Shawn, and you too Adam. I don't know what I was thinking. I guess I was still flying from helping Doctor McMahon and I wasn't thinking. Tell you what, I'll shout for dinner tonight," Wade did a good job at sounding and looking chastised and apologetic.
"It's alright, Wade. I just wanted to explain and apologize. Thanks we'd appreciate that. Now, enjoy your coffee, you've earned it," Shawn replied as he put a plate of cut slices of cake on the table.
"Yeah, Wade, no problem. To be honest, I didn't even hear you. I tune out during surgery, I only ever really hear Hunter," Adam said as he stuffed a piece of cake into his mouth, he was starving.
"You did a great job. I will never be able to stitch like you do. To put it as best I can, your work is like a sewing machine. I've never seen such even, tiny, yet secure stitches in my life," Wade said honestly. Despite his professional "hatred" for lack of a better word, for Adam, he was impressed with the beautiful blond's skills.
Adam smiled softly, "I owe it to my ma. She taught me how to sew, and though he will deny it from the rooftops, she taught Jason how to knit. He can knit anything. Say, I haven't been up to see Chris lately, how is he doing?" Adam asked Shawn as he ate another piece of cake and took a sip of coffee.
"He's doing really well. Probably be out of here next week. Evan is pushing him; hard. I know it isn't easy for you, but that boy is good for Chris," Shawn said with his own bite of cake.
"I'm glad to hear it. I'll try to get up to see him before he leaves. Yes, funny how things work out. Now, after only a few months, I can't imagine a life with Chris. Bret is just..." Adam let his words trail off and fade, he was just to embarrassed to say it.
Wade growled inside and Shawn just beamed. He was so pleased Bret and Adam were happy together. He knew Bret had loved Davy and deeply, but the connection with Adam was even deeper and he knew Adam felt the same. Now Shawn had another question, was marriage in their future? Well, he wasn't going to ask or push.
"It was good that Bret was able to spend some time with Scott. He and Davy were friends with him and Ken. Bret used to be quite the poker player. Always had a big game on their joint day off. Hunter played when he could, me too," Shawn said with a soft smile, those were fond memories.
"He never said anything about it. Maybe we can start again. Jay and I used to play in college. How about you, Wade?" Adam asked with a bit of enthusiasm. He wasn't great at poker, but he loved a good game.
"I'm a Bridge player. Poker is a … commoner's game. I'm surprised you play, Shawn. It's a gambling game is it not?" Wade didn't mean to sound so snobbish, it just came out before he could stop it.
"Well, we are a fairly common lot. Money isn't evil, it's the love of money. As long as you don't win by cheating and you aren't excessive about it, gambling it's self isn't a sin. Wade, son, we talked about this; loosen up. You'll love a good poker game," Shawn responded in a kind tone. He knew Wade was still a bit upset about earlier.
Wade was taken aback, he'd expected a telling off, but Shawn had been very polite. "You're right, I'm sorry. I'll give it a try. Maybe during the camping trip? You'll have to teach me the details. I know the basic principles, of course, like the hands and their ranks. I mean things like when to raise or fold," Wade said in a thoughtful tone. Maybe he could figure out a way to use the game against Adam. He'd have to give it some thought.
"That would be fun. Maybe I can learn a few things too, I'm a terrible player. I can't hold a poker face worth a darn..." again Adam was cut off as they were again called to the trauma room.
The team spent the rest of the shift busily tending to patients. Any hope Adam had of seeing Chris went out the window. They were kept busy with broken bones, cuts and a heart attack.
It was after five by the time the Helmsley's, Adam and Wade met at the REI Sporting Goods Store. Barrett was amazed by the amount of choices of available things. There were over fifty options of backpacks alone. In the end Wade chose the Gregory Denali pro pack for one simple reason, at $549, it was the most expensive back pack in the store.
Adam made a purchase he hoped Bret would like. He paid $169 for a North Face Dolomite 35, double sized sleeping bag. He didn't want to sleep alone, even while camping.
The Helmsley's purchased a new Coleman two burner camp stove. Shawn and Adam also picked out a new camping cook set, that would give them plenty to work with. They would probably be doing the majority of the cooking. Wade bought an outdoor gourmet kitchen set and gave it to Shawn as a gift to make up for being rude earlier in the day. Shawn appreciated the gesture and told Wade they were square.
Together they all bought bags of camp food, for days when they didn't catch fish or wanted a change of taste. They got things like meals of pasta and granola cereal with fruit and several different types of energy bars, coffee, tea and things for dessert like cookies and brownies. At least they wouldn't starve. Water and other drinks would be bought at the last-minute on the way out-of-town.
Adam grabbed two packages of camp toilet paper so fast, it made the other three laugh. Shawn then explained about what happens when poison ivy accidentally gets used for toilet paper. Adam had done that last year, Hunter and Shawn never let him forget it. Adam hurried, alone, to the other side of the store.
Hunter also purchased the best and most complete first aid kit in the store for $250. Their old one needed replacing and anyway they should be replaced every two years.
Adam found a Leatherman Raptor Shears Medical Multi Tool for $60. The tools included, medical grade shears, strap cutter, ring cutter, oxygen tank wrench and glass breaker. It was just like the one Bret always wore on his belt when dressed for work. He could use it for camping then later for work.
Wade picked up a camping chair. He might be willing to sleep on the ground, but he wasn't about to sit on it all day as well. He wanted some comfort.
The last purchase Adam made was also his favorite. He bought a double nest hammock. He hoped he and Bret could lay in it and gaze up at the stars. Maybe from some private, out-of-the-way place.
Shawn was thrilled when Hunter kept his promise and bought him the new Carbon Express bow he'd been wanting for a long time. He couldn't wait till the fall bow hunting season began.
Adam, Wade and Hunter bought a few new flannel shirts and thermal underwear. Wade got a new pair of boots after all. Finally everything was loaded into their cars. The four men met up again at the English pub, where Wade treated the others to dinner and drinks. They had a fun time and Hunter kept asking Adam if his butt was itching.
By ten pm everyone was in their own home, admiring their new purchases. It had been a long and tiring day. Sleep came quickly that night to all of them.