Page 117 of Lucky Charm
Quaid offered the reason that sealed the idea. “Once she’s in recovery mode from all the surgeries, it might be easier on recuperation efforts to be at the hotel instead of here, too.”
Hunt raised his hand. “Okay, okay. We’re in.”
“Let me check on the surgery status.” Jackie walked away to the nurses’ desk.
Hunt watched her go, hoping for some word. “Thank you, Quaid.”
“Anything for the two of you. I appreciate everything you tried to do to find Reid.”
“Stocker told you?”
“Yeah.” He went silent and moved to a small alcove. “I don’t understand it. What exactly was he doing? Then to end up dead? Feels like he was in the crosshairs of you know who.”
Always mindful of listeners, Hunt gave the only answer he could. “We may never know, Quaid. It stinks all the way around.”
“I appreciate you taking me in as a member of your team and not giving me a lot of flak. I know that wasn’t what you preferred.”
“It worked and you pulled your weight. What’s going on with you now?”
“Not sure yet. My aunt lost her son in Afghanistan about a year ago. She’s working for my grandfather, travels with him, but she’s not doingwell. I’m hanging close. Not sure I want to go back to CIA work anyway.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Hunt glanced back at Jackie and noted her move toward him. “We’re going to lunch. Join us?”
“I could use some food and some neutral, easy conversation.”
Hunt slapped him on the shoulder. “I don’t know how easy it’ll be, but you can keep us company.”
“My conversation with Doog was short and sweet. Got instructions to keep your back in my crosshairs.”
“Glad to have a wing man. I’m navigating fire.”
“I’ve got the extinguisher.”
Jackie stopped between them. “It’s going well, but they have three more hours. They finished her hip and now have the hard work of her arm and shoulder. They’ll get me access to her tests and x-rays. I’ll look at them after we eat.”
Quaid glanced at her shirt. “Doctor?”
“Yes, and a surgeon.”
“In our line of work, that’s helpful,” Quaid said, dryly.
“Are you planning on getting shot again?” Hunt started the walk to the elevator, hiding the smirk on his face.
“Not ever again if I can help it.”
“So, Cait was your doctor?” Jackie’s question launched the conversation that took them through lunch.
Hunt wouldn’t say he was wallpaper, but he let Quaid and Jackie talk and worried about Cait.
For a SEAL who was known for acting not waiting, the agony of the slow ticking surgical clock grated.
∞∞∞∞∞
December 12, 2019
Day 43
Cait woke in a panic from a dream that made no sense. Floating on a sea of pain and deeply uncomfortable in her hospital bed, her entire existence had shrunk to this room.
