Relieved that Brad was alive, Leigh Ann inhaled deeply. The room seemed to be spinning as Nick reached to steady her. When he took her in his arms, she buried her face against his chest and sobbed. He held her tightly and felt the shudders that tortured her body.
Nick could hear the faint sounds from the bar as the dull noise mixed with the street traffic. He shared her concern and silently prayed that his friend would be okay.
"Go ahead, let it out." He pressed her head into the hollow of his shoulder and gently stroked her hair.
Glancing at the IV bottle hanging next to his bed, Brad Austin focused his eyes and took inventory. He had both feet and both hands, so he obviously had his arms and legs. His bruised stomach hurt, and his chest felt as if someone had dropped an anvil on it.
He slowly raised his head off the damp pillow and surveyed the spotless room. A sudden chill ran through him as he remembered seeing Allison fall to the ground and struggle to get to her feet. His head plopped back on the pillow, and he heard a distinct voice.
"Captain Austin," the unsmiling nurse said while she checked his dressings and the IV, "you have visitors, if you feel up to having company."
His first attempt at talking came out as a croak. He tried a second time. "Sure."
The terse woman walked out, and a moment later Leigh Ann appeared in the doorway, followed by Nick Palmer.
Brad's eyes reflected his happiness. "Leigh Ann… Nick." He lifted his hand a few inches above the bed.
As shocked as she was to see Brad in his condition, Leigh Ann maintained her poise while she walked to the bed and clasped his outstretched hand. "You had us worried."
Nick remained by the door. "The drill sergeant…" He coughed and cleared his throat. "The nurse gave us five minutes, so I'm going to step outside. I'll see you later."
Austin turned his head to look at Palmer. "How is Allison?" He felt Leigh Ann squeeze his hand at the same instant Nick lowered his head and quietly replied.
"Brad, Allison didn't make it."
Brad stared blankly at the ceiling, then glanced at Leigh Ann while Nick stepped from the room.
She fought the tears that suddenly filled her eyes. "Brad," Leigh Ann patted his hand, "Nick told me you did everything you could for Allison."
He forced the pain and anguish deep inside him and kept his thoughts to himself. No one could know the guilt he felt about Allison.
Leigh Ann leaned over and gently kissed Brad on the forehead. "The doctors told us that you're going to be fine… and I'm going to take you home as soon as you're able to travel."
Brad smiled, and his eyes glistened. "I'm ready now, if you can smuggle me out of here."
Leigh Ann laughed softly and wiped a tear from her cheek.