Solemn Duty (1997) (42 page)

He asked about you."

Ashley's jaw muscles rippled. "The bastards held me at a debrief until just an hour ago. I should have been here when he arrived. Can you get me in to see him?'

Brewer looked around and lowered his voice. "They're moving him up to the fourth floor once they clean him up, Room 410. I came to get you. Nobody's supposed to see him until after his debrief, but I talked to the doc and he said if we made it quick you could see him. Look, I told the doc you two were engaged, so if you see the doc, play the game, will ya?"

Ashley patted Brewer's shoulder. "Thanks. Let's go."

Minutes later Brewer opened the door to Room 410 and allowed Ashley to step in first. He was about to follow her, but she turned around and was coming out, saying, "He's not here yet."

A doctor walked toward them and smiled at Ashley. "Well, he looks pretty good considering what he's been through, doesn't her'

Ashley canted her head. "He's not here yet, sir."

The major's face paled. "That's impossible. I just left him ten minutes ago. He said he was going to the bathroom before he put on his gown. The nurse should have wheeled him up by now."

Brewer shrugged. "I'm sure the nurse is on the way with him," he said to Ashley.

She dipped her chin. "Please excuse me, gentlemen. I have to find a rest room myself." Bag in hand, she quickly walked down the hallway and went directly to the elevators.

Three minutes later she stepped out the doors of the hospital onto the lighted sidewalk. As she walked toward the small park across the street, she picked up her pace. He was seated on a bench, looking up at the stars. Seconds later she slowed her steps and forced herself to walk as if on a stroll. When she was within six feet of him, she saw that his left arm was in a sling and his head bandage was just like hers.

Eli broke his skyward gaze, sensing the presence of another, and lowered his eyes to the approaching woman.

Without a word, Ashley set the shopping bag on the bench and took out a bottle of Budweiser. She twisted off the cap and handed it to him. Reaching into the bag again, she took out a cassette player, set it down on the other side of him and pushed the Play button. Immediately, Garth Brooks's voice broke the silence with "The Last Dance." She leaned over and spoke into his ear. "Wind-down time, Tanner-you deserve it." She kissed his cheek, and giving him a last look, turned and began walking down the sidewalk. Tears rolled down her cheeks.

She was ten yards when he barked, "Hey, Sutton, ya wanna share my stars?"

She stopped and turned around. "I'd love to share your stars, Tanner, but Ramona told me what you saw in your head before the mission-that you were alone."

Eli took a sip of beer and raised the bottle. "Okay, now I've done what I saw. Come here and join me . . . please. I . . . I was worried about ya . . . real worried."

Ashley walked back, took a beer from the bag and sat down beside him. "Yeah, well I was worried about you, too, Tanner."

He leaned back again, looking up at the stars. "Garth can sure sing that song, can't he?"

She leaned back and rested her head on his shoulder. "He sure can. . . . You feeling all right?"

"I'm feeling a whole lot better now. Thanks for making it come true. . . . I had to get away for a while. It was the smell, ya know? I'll face it after I drink this beer and share my stars with you."

"I know, Eli. You don't have to explain to me; I know."

Closing his eyes, he put his arm around her shoulder and began humming along with Garth.