“But where do you stand with him?” Tal demanded.
“I honestly don’t know,” Sloan admitted, shaking her head. “It’s complicated as hell.”
“When isn’t love?” Dara asked.
“Don’t give up on Dan just yet. There’s obviously something good there between the two of you.”
“Yeah,” Dara agreed good-naturedly, giving them a wide grin, “men mature more slowly than women.” She patted Sloan on the shoulder. “That’s a medical fact, by the way. So maybe, Dan has matured, and he’ll be a lot different in how he sees and relates to you from now on.”
“Well,” Tal warned, “when you get into a life-and-death experience, that changes you too. Maybe Dan getting shot and nearly dying, will help him orient to what a special person you are to him.”
“You two are great cheerleaders,” Sloan admitted, giving them a look of gratefulness. “I’m running pretty much on empty right now.”
“Then,” Dara said in her doctor’s tone, slipping her hand around Sloan’s arm, “let Tal sit with Dan while I take you down to the women’s locker room. I think you need a shower, a warm meal in your tummy, and some clean clothes.”
“I’ll stay until you two return,” Tal promised.
“Thanks,” Sloan said, reaching out and squeezing Tal’s hand.
“Do you need a change of clothes?” she asked. “You arrived here two days ago from Sudan, and I’m sure you could use some support in that direction.”
“I did bring a change of clothes,” Sloan said. Dara tugged her gently around the corner, leading her toward the bank of elevators near the nurse’s station. “I have a locker down there, Dara, but the last time I showered was yesterday.”
“You’re exhausted,” the doctor said, walking slowly, watching how Sloan limped along. “And who’s looking out for your wound?”
“No one. I refused treatment when they brought Dan in by ambulance from Andrews Air Force Base.”
“Then,” Dara informed her archly, halting in front of the elevator doors, “I’m going to take care of you. That wound dressing should be changed every day. I’ll do it for you. Do you have a water protective dressing over it?”
“Yes, they gave me one at the hospital in Port Sudan.”
Squeezing her arm, Dara led her through the opened doors. “Well, for the next hour or so, I’m going to care for you, Sloan. You need some TLC yourself.”
Leaning against the railing within the elevator, Sloan gave the doctor a faint smile. “Thanks…you’re a true friend.”
*
Sloan sat in the lounge chair beside Dan’s hospital bed. She hadn’t slept well, dozing off and on throughout the night. Thanks to Dara, she had a chance to wash her hair, take a shower, and put on a fresh set of clothes. Because she’d come straight from Sudan, she only had summer clothes with her, and the October weather in Alexandria was rainy, damp, and cold. Dara had brought over a soft, light green angora sweater for her, and Tal had given her the black wool coat she’d worn yesterday, so Sloan could stay warm if she went outside for a quick walk. They would be bringing her other clothes from her condo this morning. She honestly didn’t know what she’d do without all this help.
Dilara Culver was coming over at nine for a visit. She and her charity spared no expense for their people who did all the hard work in countries across the globe. Sloan was grateful. Dan had a heck of a lot better chance of recovery in the US.
She stood slowly, her back cranky from sleeping in an uncomfortable position all night. The doctor had been in earlier to remove the last of the drugs that would allow Dan to finally come out of the drug-induced coma. She told Sloan that by noon Dan should be fully awake, but that it would take another twenty-four hours for the drugs to completely wash out of his bloodstream.
The door slowly opened, and Tal peeked around the door. She smiled and quietly stepped into the room. In her hand, she carried a piece of canvas luggage.
“Got your winter gear here,” Tal said, smiling at her. She set the bag down next to where Sloan sat. “How’s Dan doing?”
“He came in and out of the coma last night a few times. Right now I think he’s sleeping. The doctor took him off the rest of the drugs at seven a.m. She says he’ll probably wake up around noon.”
Tal stood at the end of the bed, her focus on Dan. “That’s good news. How’s he doing otherwise?”
“The doctor checked the surgery scar on his left side and said he’s doing great. All his vitals are strong and stable, too.”
“Phew. That’s good news for everyone. My mom is a strong believer in prayer. She asked her local mosque to have everyone pray for you and Dan.”
Touched, Sloan looked up into Tal’s green eyes. She could feel the woman’s concern for both of them. “That’s so sweet of her. The power of prayer has been proven to help.”
“It does. Mom is coming over at nine to visit you two,” Tal warned. “My uncles and aunts just arrived last night from Turkey for a three-week visit—and they brought a ton of great Turkish food with them.” Tal patted her shoulder. “I think she’s bringing over some soup and desserts for both of you. Be prepared.” Tal grinned warmly.
“You have no idea how much all of this means to me. Dilara treats us as if we’re her family. I’m so grateful,” Sloan whispered, swallowing her rising emotions.
Tal chuckled. “Oh, get used to it. My mom sees everyone who works for Delos as her extended family. That’s in part why she and my dad created Artemis. She doesn’t want her “children” being kidnapped or killed by those who have sworn vengeance against Delos.”
Grinning, Sloan slowly stood, feeling the stiffness in her left calf. Dara had cleaned it out, given it a brand new dressing, and put a watertight bandage around it yesterday. “Family is everything,” she agreed. “And I love Turkish food.” She glanced at Dan. “I don’t know if he will feel like eating right after he becomes conscious, but I know I’ll take anything Dilara wants to give us.”
Tal nodded, her lips twitching. “Well, Mom will bring you wonderful food, for sure…but she’s got some other things to speak to you about, so this will be more than just a casual visit, Sloan.”
“Okay,” she said, moving slowly, feeling the pain in her gunshot wound. “We can cover that stuff out in the hall. I want Dan to sleep.”
Tal gave Dan a long, studied look. “Yeah, I talked with Dara by phone last night after I got home. I asked her about Dan’s recovery and how long it would take. She said a minimum of eight weeks.”
“That’s right.”
“Dara said he’s going to need round-the-clock care for the first four weeks and after that another four weeks of recovery and not being able to do much for himself.”
“Right,” Sloan agreed.
Frowning, Tal said, “My mom talked this over with me last night after dinner. She’s come up with a plan, and I hope you’ll agree with it.”
“That’s fine. I’ll be happy to listen to whatever she wants.”
Tal gave her a warning glance. “My mom is a tour-de-force, Sloan. You are now on the receiving end of her considerable focus and abilities. Just be adaptable when she tells you what she thinks is best for Dan?”
“Sure,” she said, mystified by the amusement burning deep in Tal’s eyes.
Pointing to the canvas bag she’d set on a nearby chair, Tal said, “winter clothes in the bag for you. I know Dara is going to be checking on you off and on today. She’s taken a second shift because the pediatrician who was supposed to be on duty is out sick. She’s off tomorrow for some well-earned rest.”
“She’s been a real guardian angel for us,” Sloan said, choking up with emotion. Tears burned in her eyes and she forced them away.
“That’s Dara for you. My brother is so damned lucky he found her. She’s so special.”
Tal came over, giving her a gentle embrace. “Now listen, if you need anything, you’ve got my number.” She gripped Sloan’s shoulders, giving her a slight shake. “Speak up. Speak out. We’re here to make this transition for you and Dan as painless as possible.”