What Friends are For Chapter Three
A/N Guest; Thanks for catching my mistake about the aspirin bit. I've fixed it to say Tylenol.
A/N There are some similiarities between this story and one I did for Adam-12. Since I am doing this for my special neds friend, I am not going to worry about it. Except to say that-in spite of what it might seem like for awhile...there is NO romance ANYWHERE in the story.
The sun relentlessly bore down upon the men searching the landscape in hopes of finding Captain Stanley. Staggered footprints led them on a winding path, stretching for a good five hundred yards. Their hopes started dwindling as the trail vanished—obliterated by a combination of animal tracks and the tire marks left by dirt bikes. At least, that is what the men were thinking was the cause of Captain Stanley's footprints disappearing. Even any trace of blood had disappeared, adding to the mounting frustration felt by the searchers.
"What are we going to do?" Johnny asked Roy, who was now standing under one of the nearby trees. "We're supposed to start our shift in another hour. I can't believe we haven't found him."
"We, meaning everyone, continue the search as their schedules allow-maybe even expanding the area that's being searched. After all, we really have no clue as to which direction he went." Roy looked around, not surprised to see a few doctors and police officers, who were off duty, had joined the search.
"We should have found a place in town to have our activities." Johnny slapped the side of the tree, more than upset their friend and coworker was still missing.
"Maybe, but no sense beating that issue to a pulp." Roy stepped away from the tree. "It won't change anything. I don't know about you, only I'm going to search as long as I can." Roy started walking away from the tree. He wasn't surprised when his partner quickly joined him.
Captain Stanley, who sat propped up in bed by a couple thick pillows, looked towards the door when he heard footsteps. He saw eight-year-old Cassie standing in the doorway with her mother. Her dishwater hair touched the top of her shirt and looked to have a natural curl to it. Mrs. Hansen had a small bowl and spoon; Cassie was holding a folded TV tray.
"I heard your stomach rumbling a little while ago, figured you must be hungry. I hope you like chicken noodle soup and crackers. It's not a gourmet meal, only it's all I have." Jennifer said as she walked into the room.
Captain Stanley wasn't going to argue; he simply smiled as Cassie set up the TV tray and her mother set the bowl of soup on it-making sure to express his gratitude for the food. "Thanks, it will be fine."
"I want to go outside and swing." Cassie looked at her mother as if to ask if she needed anything first.
"All right," Jennifer nodded, Once her daughter had exited the bedroom, and the sound of the front door closing could be heard, she turned her attention to Captain Stanley. "My phone still isn't working, and I doubt my cousin will be by with my car until tomorrow. I am sorry, Mr. Cap."
Captain Stanley said nothing at first and then flicked his wrist. "You're not at fault. I'm just sorry to be a burden to you. Though, please, just call me Cap." Mister was far too formal, and just didn't feel right.
"Cap it is. Though, if that is the case, you can call me Jennifer. However, don't think of yourself as a burden." Jennifer hurried to assure him he was fine. "I just feel bad is all. I mean, you've got to have friends and family who are worried sick about you. And," she shifted her weight a tad bit. "I really hate not having a doctor nearby to examine you. Sure, you appear to be doing okay overall; only, you are still getting headaches and still can't remember anything."
"At least the headaches are not constant. When they do come, they are not so severe. I think, given time, they'll go away altogether." He paused and then admitted he'd had a lightning fast flashback. "There were two cars. One was weaving all over the road, the other seemed to be trying to dodge the first one." His eyes held a non-verbal question that Jennifer heard loud and clear.
"You had no alcohol on you, not even a drop." Jennifer assured him. "I would have smelled it if you had. No, if you're remembering what gave you your injuries, I'd bet my life on you being the sober one, Cap. If anyone was drunk, it had to have been the other driver. That is, if alcohol was involved." She could see the crystal clear look of relief flood through his face.
"That's good to know." Captain Stanley hesitated before asking, "Won't your husband be upset when he returns home and finds someone who is clueless to who they are in your home?"
A look of sadness flew across Jennifer's eyes, something that did not pass by Captain Stanley. Only, before he had a chance to say anything else, Jennifer had sat down on the nearby chair and was talking. "I'm a widow. My husband and sons died in a fire while we were visiting his sister and her family four years ago. The blaze was caused by faulty wiring. One of my nieces and sister-in-law perished as well. Cassie, I, my brother-in-law and the rest of that family would have died as well only the firemen were able to get us out. A part of me wanted to ask questions and find out exactly which firemen they were only," she shrugged her shoulders. "I couldn't do it at the time, hurting too much I guess." She paused and then continued. "Jake, my brother-in-law, took his surviving children back to Montana. It's his home state. I hear he's remarried."
Captain Stanley felt horrible for his lifesaver-especially since he thought he heard a faint sound of guilt in her voice. "I'm sorry. Though, I wouldn't blame yourself for anything. Such accidents sadly do happen."
"I know, for the most part I've been able to let go of what I've been told is known as survivor's guilt- just," she shrugged her shoulders. "some times wish things were different." She stood up and walked to the window. She could see her daughter on her swing which hung from a tree.
"Well, I am grateful you chose to help me-I'm sure there are those who wouldn't have. I appreciate it." Captain Stanley started eating the soup he'd been given.
Jennifer watched her daughter swing. On one hand, life had been down right cruel to her yet, on the other hand, it had given her a lot of blessings. She saw no reason to be like the group 'Mr. Cap' had just mentioned. "It's no problem. I maybe not be able to do everything and, like everyone else, can hardly do everything under the sun. Still, I don't mind helping out." She turned away from the window and headed for the door. "I'll be back in a little while to get the dishes."
Captain Stanley continued to eat the food, grateful to find the soup tasted quite good.