CHAPTER TWELVE

Chief managed to get Garrison on his feet, luckily the man had regained consciousness within a few minutes of his arriving. Unfortunately, the Warden could barely stand on his own, the impact had torn the stitches on the wound and blood was running down his neck. he had thrown up upon waking and Chief figured the concussion was now a little more serious. Carrying most of the LT's weight he tried to get them to the alley where they were to meet Actor…relieved when he caught sight of the car. As quickly as he could move, made it to the passenger side of the vehicle, quickly opened the back door and pushed the LT inside, moving to sit beside him. Slamming the door shut before telling Actor to get moving, slowly Actor backed up and turned the car in the direction of the safe house.

As Actor drove toward the house, Chief pulled a handkerchief from his back pocket and placed it on the back of Garrison's neck applying pressure to try and stop the bleeding.

What happened Chief? Actor asked, glancing at both men through the rearview mirror.

"Warden just finished with his contact and was heading toward me when he was hit by a runaway horse…hard…knocked him out for a few minutes. Hey Warden…Warden!"

Not receiving a reply Chief tried tapping the man's face but still no reaction. "He's out cold, man."

"How's his breathing? We can't stop now but when we get back to the safe house I will check him over."

Chief put a hand on the unconscious man's chest, feeling the steady rise and fall he caught the Con man's worried glance in the mirror. "Steady and clear."

What about the cut?

Chief lifted the handkerchief. "Still bleeding, not as bad though." He reported before placing the cloth back over the cut and applying light pressure.

"That is good…keep trying to wake him." Actor pressed a little harder on the gas and five minutes later they were turning into the lane that led to the safe house…the Con man listened as Chief tried without success to wake the LT. Actor brought the car to a halt, as he stepped from the vehicle he caught sight of Casino walking toward them. Moving toward the driver side, back seat he reached in and with Chiefs help managed to pick the LT up in his arms, adjusting the unconscious man's weight he turned toward the house.

When Casino saw the car, he was relieved and headed back to the house but as he moved closer to the car, relief turned to worry. Hey, what's going on?

"We will tell you once the LT is settled. Chief can you get the door?"

The Indian used the dove call again and a few minutes later Goniff was standing at the open door. "What took you…" taking in the Warden being carried by Actor and the worried expression on Chief and Casino's face he stepped aside to allow the men to pass.

Goniff, take over patrol…Casino heat up some water and bring it to the Warden's room? Actor ordered. Chief help me with the LT.

Goniff didn't question the order. he shouldered his rifle, moved toward the front door, stepped outside wondering what had happened.

Thirty minutes later, Actor had cleaned, stitched and bandaged the Wardens head wound, luckily no further damage had occurred but during the examination the Con man did find bruising on Garrison's chest giving an indication where the runaway had hit.

Will he be alright? Chief asked, concern lacing his voice.

Glancing over at the younger man, Actor replied. "I believe so…the bruise is deep which mightl cause a little discomfort when he breathes…right now his breathing is even… there is no sign of any other injuries."

Garrison heard the voice of his second as he slowly regained consciousness and tried to focus on what was being said but could only make out one or two words. Actor…

The Con man glanced quickly down at the prone man. LT! Are you with us?

Blinking several times Garrison looked from Actor to Chief. What happened?

Chief stepped closer to the bed. What do you remember Warden?

Frowning, Garrison thought for a moment. "I met up with James, was making my way to you when I heard a commotion…I turned to see what it was but…I don't know what happened next."

"You were hit by a runaway horse, Chief supplied. Knocked you out for a time."

How did I get back here? Garrison asked as he tried to set up only to drop back against the mattress with a groan, when the pain in his head spiked and his stomach protested the change in position.

"Easy, Warden… Chief said as he placed a hand lightly against the man's shoulder. Shouldn't try to sit up just yet."

"He is right, LT…when you fell, the impact tore the stitches I had to redo them…since you are awake it would be a good time to check your reflexes but before I start, drink some of the tea Chief brewed…there is no sleeping agent in it just ingredients for pain and nausea.

With assistance from the Con man, Garrison finished off the tea then settled back against his pillows. Actor checked his eyes, pupils were a little uneven but responsive, asked a few basic questions which the LT answered easily then checked his temperature…it was 101.9.

Well Doctor, what's your diagnosis? Garrison asked in a low tone, his head was really pounding.

Taking the hint Actor responded, keeping his voice low as well. "I would say you now have a mild concussion and we still have to keep an eye on the fever. I recommend, bed rest for the next two days, some of Chiefs tea as needed and depending on your stomach a warm meal."

"That isn't going to be easy as we have to be at the extraction point this evening." Chief reminded him