Chapter 31 - Back in Trenton
We touched down in Newark early afternoon to a flurry of texts. Bobby had been sending 30-minute status updates in addition to any pertinent updates, but the inflight Wi-Fi had been spotty.
From what we could tell, Tank was out of surgery but the outcome was still to be decided. Ranger had immediately dialed Bobby, but we weren't surprised when we didn't get an answer as Bobby's main task was to be within arm's length of Tank at all times.
A call to Lester, gave no additional news other than about half of the Rangeman team being camped out in the hospital waiting area.
We'd packed only carry-on luggage, so we hightailed it to the pickup area to find Manny waiting for us to whisk us to the hospital. He only spared a second to give me a hug before we were on our way. The ride was tense and silent.
The greeting as we entered the hospital waiting area was mixed and incongruous. There were smiles and hugs from the men I hadn't seen in months, nods and pats on the back for Ranger, and a tense undercurrent that I couldn't quite name.
Someone must have informed Bobby of our arrival, because within minutes, he was pulling Ranger aside for a private conversation.
Ranger returned to sit beside me with his elbows on his knees and hands supporting his head. I laid a hand on his back not knowing what more I could do. We sat in silence. The men sat in silence. We waited. The men waited.
About an hour later, Bobby came and gave the whole crew a brief update which was essentially, 'we'll know more when he wakes up."
The men dispersed slowly leaving Ranger, Lester, and I along with two men left to guard Tank's door.
At 2200, it was determined that the one person who would be staying overnight needed to take the room and the rest should return to Haywood.
Lester insisted on the first shift. I think mostly because he'd had the most sleep. I almost thought Ranger was going to fight, but it was agreed Ranger would return at 0800 fully rested.
We retreated to Haywood where we held each other before finally slipping into sleep.
The next morning, as visiting hours reopened, Ranger and I headed back to the hospital. Ranger sat by Tank, and I to guard Ranger's back.
This rotation between Lester and Ranger continued for three days with Bobby showing up mornings and evenings and during hospital rounds.
During that time, the Rangemen rotated guarding the door and trying to meet any of our needs, Ella sent food and took care of our needs despite us rarely getting to cross paths.
Watching and waiting gave me much time to think, and I came to realize that Ranger needed his core team, his blood brothers. I realized that I needed these men that had my back when I needed out.
Ranger and I didn't communicate beyond touch during those days, but I knew at least our home base needed to be Trenton. While I missed Zulu and my new team, these men were my family.
On the fourth day, Tank woke for a few minutes. I wasn't in the room to hear the conversation, but Ranger's relief was palpable.
By the following day, Tank was a caged tiger. I could relate, hating hospitals myself.
However, Tank had to stay a week longer until all fears of brain damage and potential paralysis were behind him.
When he was ready for release, Ranger loaded him up and we drove Tank to his house. He lived about twenty minutes from
Haywood. Ranger and I stayed in his guest room and Ella swooped in as the domestic angel she is.
Within the week, Tank was throwing us out of his home. I tried to not take it personally. He'd be back in the office the following week.
