Chapter 33

Can Time Heal All Wounds

1245 – Hereford, UK

Georgie pressed the mobile closer to her head and plugged her other ear with a finger. It was difficult to hear everything Elvis was saying, what with his ranting and the harsh popping sounds from the pistol range.

"Elvis. Elvis! Babe…..hold on just a second." She sprinted into the Training Center and made way to her office. "Go on."

"Did ya know he was 'ere?" Elvis said.

"I knew there was a possibility, yeah."

"Fuck sake…."

"What difference does it make Elvis? Laura was examined by the Chief of Pediatric Neurology. Does it really matter who that is?" She could almost hear her husband grinding his teeth. "Now settle down and tell me what Jamie said." She could almost feel the hot breath of his sigh coming through the phone.

"He said they're classing her as a level three concussion because we don't know how long she was out."

"Ok. But you said she knew you when she gained consciousness."

"Yeah. She's a bit fuzzy on details though."

"That's not unexpected. What else?"

"Light bothers her."

"Vision clear?"

"I don't know. She can see faces and followed his finger around."

"No skull fractures or bleeding?"

"Nah."

"Good. Elvis, I think it's just gonna take some time."

He did not fire back with any comments or questions. The silence was enough of a response to make her close her eyes and wish she could take him in her arms for a much needed hug. She knew he was falling apart inside from the sound of his voice when he finally said, "She's my little girl George."

Xxxxxx

1330 – London, UK

The family waiting area was populated by three individuals. One was engrossed in their phone, one flicked the pages of a magazine, and the third was sprawled on a small sofa. A television was on but the sound was muted. No one was interested in the droning background noise.

Debbie stopped in the doorway on her way to Laura's room. She spent a long time taking in the form of the sleeping man on the sofa. There were two empty plastic cups on the small end table next to him as well as several wrappers from consumed trail bars.

"You don't understand" he had said.

No. She realized she did not. She did not understand the complexities of the man who broke her heart, who fathered a child with her, and who to this day, never severed his responsibility in the matter. Elvis needed to rest. For however long that would be. Debbie needed to sort out what to do on the home front. Reginald would surely attempt to contact her eventually. Her mother was making way to London and for that she was grateful. Elvis' threat nagged at her though. It frightened her to think of what will happen if, and when he confronts Reginald.

Xxxxx

1400 – Hereford, UK

The first practical exam involved extraction of wounded personnel. A range of casualties were simulated to test the medical skills and mental stamina required to carry out their mission. The sound of the helo's descending and the mobilization of forces securing the wounded onboard bombarded Georgie with memories of her last tour in Afghanistan. She loved working with the Resolute Support Mission team until one of the casualties was Elvis. Her chest heaved with heavy breaths as her mind watched her unravel the bloodied head covering revealing the face of the man she loved. He had suffered a concussion from a bullet graze. Although he had no long-term damage, it took months to heal. She knew Elvis was wondering what Laura would face in the days and weeks to come. Not to mention PTSD.

Xxxxxx

1500 – London, UK

Olivia Simms was always impeccably dressed. She appeared to have walked right out of the pages of a fashion magazine. She looked up when she noticed Elvis coming through the door. She and Debbie were so engaged in conversation that neither heard his pre-entry knock. His eyes immediately went to Laura. He hoped she would be awake, but she was not, and her sleepiness was to beginning to weigh on him.

Georgie said it would take time. But just how much time? It was months before he felt normal again after his head trauma. He smiled at the bright pink cast surrounding his daughter's left forearm, thinking she would have preferred camo.

"Hello Elvis," Olivia said.

He met her eyes and nodded, "Olivia."

She briefly glanced at Debbie, at the same time she looked him up and down. He knew she was judging him. She always did. He brushed his dark hair back and said, "Well was a rough day at the office, wha' can I say?"

Olivia realized he read her like an open book and diverted her gaze. Debbie cleared her throat and said, "did you get some rest Elvis?"

"Yeah. I bunked in the family room down the hall."

"Really Elvis. You could have gotten a hotel room nearby," Olivia said.

"That's not necessary. I told him the house is open to him. There is plenty of room," Debbie said hoping her mother would not interfere.

Elvis glanced at Olivia. It was clear she did not share her daughter's notion of hospitality. He smiled. "I appreciate the offer and may take ya up on 'at tonight."

Olivia squirmed. "Do you think that wise Debra considering the issues with Reginald?"

"You can referee our fight, Olivia. Reg don't stand a chance. My money is on me!" Elvis said.

"Oh shut up!"

"The two of you just stop it!" Debbie snapped and looked over to check if the adult squabble had any effect on Laura. "That's not what my mother meant. Reginald is gone."

"Gone? Wha' the hell does 'at mean?" Elvis said.

"I threw him out," Debbie said, not intending to elaborate.

"Ya binned him?"

"She is seeking….."

"Mother please! Let's have this discussion later," Debbie said thrusting herself to her feet to prove her point.

Elvis read between the lines and agreed that now was not the time to hear this out. "Deb, you're exhausted. You and your mum go home. I'll keep eyes on Laura."