Ch5
An hour later Gina was waking up as soon as the nurse was bringing her lunch tray in. With the help of Walker she slowly sat up as the nurse put the food on her tray. She cringed when she saw what was on there and the nurse smiled.
"I know its not a five star meal but Doctors orders. He doesnt want you to have solid food right now so for now its jello and broth. I'll be back to check on you later."
Walker thanked her and she walked out. He looked at Gina.
"Oh come on its not so bad is it?"
"I guess not. What about you? Have you had anything to eat?"
"No he hasnt."
Both turned towards the door as CD walked in with a big pot. He had a plastic bag wrapped around his hand.
Gina smiled.
"Hi CD. Thanks for coming. Whats that?"
"You dont have to thank me Darlin. I cant think of any other place I would rather be. I told you you're a friend. I am just so glad you are all right, and this...well this is my world famous chili. I figured you might not have eaten anything today and I know for a fact Cordell hasnt eaten anything."
He turned towards Walker.
"When in the hell is the last time you ate?"
"I hate to admit it CD but you're right. I dont remember the last time I ate something."
CD put the stuff down.
"Well then I think I got here just in time. How about it?"
Gina looked disappointed.
"CD I would love to try it but the Doctor is making me eat really horrible jello and broth."
"Well lets not tell him shall we?"
He winked at her and she giggled.
As he got the chili ready Walker stared at her.
"What?"
"It feels good to hear you laugh."
"I havent laughed in a long time. It feels good."
CD handed her a bowl and spoon.
"Darlin your taste buds are going to thank you."
"Well it sure smells delicious."
She took a bite.
"Oh wow CD. This is THE best chili I have ever tasted. I love it!"
CD smiled a smile of satisfaction.
"I keep telling you Cordell. Nothing or no one can beat my chili."
"I know CD. Boy do I know."
Gina giggled again.
The three of them talked for awhile. CD told her stories about when he was a Ranger. Walker rolled his eyes as he knew some of the stories were being embellished and CD gave him a look.
"You know I'm not too old to take you on."
"Whatever you say CD."
CD looked at his watch.
"Oh my stars I didnt realize the time. I need to open up the bar!"
He gave Gina a kiss good bye.
"You take it easy little one."
"Little one?"
"Why yes I reckon thats what I'll be calling you ok?"
"Ok. I like it."
He grabbed his pot.
"Uh you dont mind do you?"
She laughed.
"No I understand. Thanks for bringing it I enjoyed it and I enjoyed your stories."
He looked at Walker.
"You better take care of her Cordell."
"I will. I wont let anything happen to her."
CD smiled at her and walked out.
Walker shook his head.
"That CD. The stories he tells."
"I found them entertaining. CD is one of a kind."
"Dont tell him that you'll give him a big head."
She smiled and Walkers heart melted.
Meanwhile at a bar Ricky pounded back another beer. Damn it. Now what was he going to do? He couldnt go back to his apartment. The cops would be swarming the area. He was sure especially Walker. Should he leave town? Not without her. She was HIS wife. Nobody but him would have her. He needed money though so he could at least find a hotel room and get some clothes. He had a friend with a gun collection. He would just ask for a gun. Then he would rob a bank, get situated and then hang low for a few days. Yes. It would be best to hang low for a few days. He asked the bartender for another beer. With the money he had on him he could get one more.
Gina stared ahead as Walker sat in the chair again.
"Whats on your mind?"
"Walker can I ask you a question?"
"Sure. Ask away."
"We've only known each other a short time right?"
"Well yes thats right."
"Dont get me wrong I am SO grateful for what you have done for me. For what you are doing for me but why? We've known each other for like a day. It was like when I first met Alex."
How could he explain it to her?
"Well. I want to help you. We want to help you. Alex knew how much you needed help and when I think of what Ricky was doing to you it made my blood boil. No man should ever hit a woman. EVER. I care about you Gina. I care about you a lot. Like CD said you are a friend and we will look out for you. Honestly I dont know how you took all those beatings. I mean you are so small..."
"I care about you guys too. A lot. I loved meeting everyone that night. I felt so safe. I was so stupid to think I didnt need help. That I could handle Rick. I dont know how I handled those beatings either. Something was keeping me going. As soon as you find him I'm filing for divorce."
Walker took her hand.
"Sounds like a plan. Why dont you try to get some sleep again?"
"Ok I am feeling a little tired."
"I'm here I'm not going anywhere."
She closed her eyes and fell asleep while Walker read a magazine.
After Allison was put to bed and dinner was over Alex looked out the window. She smiled when she felt two arms around her.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
"I'm worried about Gina Bill. She's such a fragile small girl. My heart breaks for her."
"Go to her. You need to see her."
"I cant leave the baby. Shes sick."
"Yes you can Alex. I think I can handle it for a little while. Shes sleeping peacefully. I know where her medicine is and when I need to give it to her. Go. Gina needs to see you."
She turned to face him and they kissed.
"Thanks. I'll be back shortly."
Walker was in the middle of an interesting article when he noticed Gina tossing and turning. She looked to be having a nightmare.
She was running...running as fast as she could. She had to get away from him. She saw Walker right in front of her but he seemed to be moving farther and farther away the faster she ran. He started to disappear as she heard Ricks footsteps behind her. He grabbed her from behind...
"Walker no!"
She sat up fast panting. Walker took her in his arms and rocked her as she shivered.
" Its ok. I'm here. I'm not going to let anything happen to you."
"Walker it was horrible. Rick was chasing me and I kept running faster and faster towards you but you kept getting farther away from me. Then he grabbed me from behind."
"Its ok Gina. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. It was just a bad dream. You're safe."
"For how long Walker? How long until he finds me? When he does I'm dead."
"No your not because hes going to have to go through ME first."
He was still holding her when Alex walked in the room.
"Um hi is everything ok?"
They pulled away and Walker spoke.
"Yeah she just had a bad dream. Shes ok."
Alex walked over to her and sat at the foot of the bed.
"How are you feeling?"
"Sore. Tired. Scared."
"I'm sure you are but you have the number one protector with you. I cant tell you how many times Walker had to protect me."
"Really?"
"Yep and each time I was ok because I knew he was protecting me just like he'll protect you. Right Walker?"
"You got it Alex. Shes not leaving my sight. What are you doing here? Isnt Allison sick?"
"Yes the poor thing has a little bit of a cold but Bill is with her. I needed to see how Gina was doing I was worried. Where are you going to stay once you are released?"
"I'm going to stay at Walkers ranch."
"Thats the perfect place. You will love it, and I'll tell you what."
"What."
"When you get out of here we'll get together ok? We can go shopping, get make overs, facials, massages...how does that sound?"
"It sounds wonderful Alex but I cant afford that stuff."
"Dont worry about that. You just rest. I'll also bring Allison by too if shes feeling better."
"Great I would love to meet her."
"You ARE going to go back to zumba arent you?"
"Absolutely. I love that class. Uh sorry I lied to you about it."
"Dont worry I understand but remember you can tell me anything ok? Any time you want to talk dont hesitate to call."
"Thanks Alex I wont."
She got up.
"I better get going. Take care of yourself Gina."
"I will Alex thanks."
She and Walker said good bye and then she left.
Walker saw Gina flinch.
"Are you ok?"
"I'm in pain again. I could use some pain meds."
He got up.
"I'll go tell the nurse."
"Ok thanks."
After she got her pain meds she began to feel sleepy and let Walker know.
"I'm going to go to sleep. The pain meds are kicking in."
"Ok. Remember I'm not going anywhere. "
"I know. Thanks."
She closed her eyes and fell asleep was Walker watched her sleep.