CHAPTER NINE

How is he? Chief asked as Actor strolled to the sink and emptied the water, cleaning the bowl before drying it out with a dish towel.

His fever is holding at 101.7, I cleaned and rebandaged the cut but he is restless…I am afraid he will get very little rest tonight and the meet is in seven hours. Noticing the steaming pot, he caught the Indians dark eyes.

What is this? Actor bent to sniff at the contents, closing his eyes as he inhaled the sweet scent which reminded him of honeysuckle.

"Warden asked if I knew any Indian remedies that would help with a headache…I remembered a recipe and found the ingredients while I was out, it's almost ready…should help with the pain and help him sleep.

What is in it? Actor asked, "It smells almost like honeysuckle."

Chief smirked at the Con man before replying, "It doesn't taste like it smells, the bark used is bitter but if I add a little sugar and a drop of honey it should be drinkable…I figure the tea would be better than nothing at this point and the bark used will also ease some of the nausea.

How much longer does it need to brew? "If it is almost ready I can take a cup with me and let the LT try it."

Chief stood up, moved to the steaming pot, checking the texture of the leaves and pulp decided that it was ready. Stirring the pot a few times he then used a spoon to prevent the roughage from falling into the mug as he poured the tea. Adding the sugar, honey and a pinch of peppermint he stirred it again then offered a spoonful to Actor. "Go ahead and try it…see what you think."

Actor raised an eyebrow, took the spoon and hesitantly tasted….a smile appeared a moment later. "This is very good…if it can do what you say then the next few days might be a little easier for the Warden.

"That was the point…it can be served cold as well, just add a little more sugar if you need to, the bitterness of the pulp is more noticeable but it will still keep its healing properties. I'm gonna hit the sack, wake me if you need help." Chief made his way to the couch, settling comfortably back.

Are you going to stay in here? Actor asked a little puzzled.

"Goniff is sleeping, you'll be in with the Warden…Casino is doing his rounds someone oughta stay on guard in case someone other than our man tries to get inside. I'm a light sleeper…it seems I should be the one to do it." Chief held the older man's gaze.

Actor gazed back for a moment before nodding. "You are right, of course…I will be moving about from time to time checking on the Warden, getting fresh water etc. Please do not mistake me for the enemy if I happen to disturb your light slumber."

With a soft chuckle, Chief nodded back. "Don't worry man, I'll check before I toss…let me know if the tea works." Chief leaned back and closed his eyes.

Actor, carrying the empty basin in one hand and the hot tea in the other made his way back to the Wardens room. Knowing the LT was still awake he began speaking. "Well, LT…seems Chief has brewed up a healing tea, if you would like to try it."

Pushing himself up into a sitting position Garrison looked at the cup. What's in it?

"I do not know and Chief did not say but I have tasted it…it should help with what ails you." Actor passed the cup to the LT watching as the man hesitantly took a sip…

After the first taste, Garrison found himself settling back against the headboard enjoying the warm brew.

While Garrison drank the tea, Actor took the water pitcher to the kitchen and refilled it, replacing it on the night stand. How is it?

"Not bad…taking the last sip he passed the empty mug to Actor…sliding down until he was flat on his back head resting against the pillows. Have a man cover the front door from inside and…

The Con man seeing the LT was trying to fight the effects of the tea held up a hand. "LT, do not worry, Chief is resting on the couch…no one will get past him."

Garrison blinked several times trying to stay awake. {whatever Chief put in that tea…it was fast working}. Have the men take turns, they all need down time…

"LT, relax, we have it covered…right now you need to let the tea do its job. I will be back in a few hours so get some sleep."

Garrison finally let his eyes slip shut and a few moments later his breathing had evened out.

Actor placed a hand on the LT's forehead...gauging the heat…still warm, with a sigh he straightened up turned the Lt's lamp off and made his way to the other bed, removing his outer clothes, settled under the cool sheets, as his body relaxed his mind went over the day's events. For the moment, Garrison was sleeping quietly, Goniff would be heading out in a few hours…Chief and Casino would switch places, allowing each man to get some rest. Settling back against the headboard he turned the lamp down before pulling the documents from the envelope Casino had retrieved earlier. Reading through the papers for the next thirty minutes, checking his watch, made out four o'clock…it had been a long day…after running through the plan for tomorrow he closed his eyes, rolled over and tried to get a little shut eye.

During the next few hours while Actor and Garrison slept, Goniff took over patrol and Casino came in, stopping to speak with Chief, asking how the Warden was…before heading toward the second bedroom to sleep. The Indian resettled on the couch, closing his eyes...a short time had passed when he heard movement from the Wardens room, taking a moment to listen...heard the murmur of Actors voice. Curious he stood up and made his way quietly toward the voice, stopping in the doorway, he scanned the room. The Warden was restless, tossing and turning while Actor spoke quietly trying to get the LT to relax but having little affect.