Meet Nevada Cintrone

Chapter 10-Desperate Prayers and Measures

Nevada wasn’t going to give up that easy. If she was going to die she would do so fighting for her life. She hadn’t quit praying but it didn’t look like it was going to help any. Her cell went off. It rang 5 times and then went to voice mail. She knew that when that happened and Jim got her voice mail that he would send back up. She knew him that well.

Her Irish was up also which meant someone was going to end up dead or injured. She hoped it wasn’t her but she didn’t see a way out as of yet. She felt like she did in the clutches of the man who had hold of her as he did now 26 years before. She was forcing back the scared 14 year old girl she had been to protect herself. It would take everything she had with Felix she knew that too well.

“Lover boy calling?” Asked Felix smugly.

“I do not know.” Said Nevada as she looked into Felix’s eyes. Then she started screaming “Fire” like a banshee.

“Shut up Bitch!” Yelled Felix. But she did only too bite him. He slapped her leveling her to the ground. She got up quickly and with cool conviction put her hands up in martial arts defensive posture. There was no time to get the knife with him having the gun in his hands.

“What, you think you are going to kick my ass little girl? HA!” Said Felix chuckling a bit.

“You afraid of a woman you dog?” She asked. “I am no longer a child. Now you can pick on someone your own size.”

That made him madder. He lunged at her and she was fighting him pretty good but hadn’t managed to get the gun out of his hands. However; she had kicked the silencer off. If he fired a round off it would be heard now. He knew boxing and was countering her moves pretty well. But she got a few good jabs in cutting his mouth and welting his eye.

“Your formidable.” Said Felix. “I’ll say that for ya.”

“How long you been watching me?” She asked.

“Oh since yesterday. The Boss told me you were back and alive. He knew who you were. Don’t think you can deny that. You did yesterday when his son was arrested. That’s going to be thrown out too. You shouldn’t have touched him or aint you been a cop long enough to know that little girl?” asked Felix.

“They have not said anything about me being in trouble. I will not deny who I am.” She said.

“Lover boy, humm I guess he want to try and keep you safe but your one loose end I have really regretted over the years. I am about to remedy that.” Said Felix.

Nevada tried to kick the gun out of his hands and managed to at least take him off guard. She did but he only fumbled with the gun. After that last move Felix had enough of all this. As she came around with a roundhouse kick things became very grave.

“Enough foreplay Bitch.” He said and aimed and fired before she could finish the kick.

Inside the back door Grissom was calling for back up when he and Heather heard the shot ring out. You could hear it on the broadcast because Nevada had kicked off the makeshift silencer. Grissom didn’t have time to talk to the dispatcher nor fight with Heather he went though the door to out side the back of grocery store.

Nevada lay crumpled on the ground. Grissom’s first thought was to go to her. But Heather was behind him.

“Get him Gil, I’ll take care of her.” Said Heather.

Grissom saw the man running toward another building. The man turned and fired at him. Grissom ran a little then took aim and fired hitting Felix in the right leg just missing an artery. Felix fell to the ground yelling in pain. About that time Vega and Vartan showed up and ran to the suspect and got his weapon out of his hands. It was no contest at that point. Grissom stood there a second and then got his radio out and put his gun away.

“Officer down at Marty’s Market, send rescue…….Hurry.” He said.

Jim and Greg were almost there when they heard the shot on the broadcast. They looked at each other both scared and Jim pushed the peddle to the metal. Then the officer down came.

“That was Gil.” said Jim. “It’s Nevada.”

“Yes it was Grissom. “We don‘t know that yet Jim.” Said Greg.

“Well, I know.” Said Jim.

Meanwhile Heather had managed to get a makeshift pressure bandage on Nevada using her shawl. Grissom bent down and looked at Nevada. She had lost a lot of blood and it seemed the bullet had entered at her spleen and there was no exit. He looked her over to see what was up. Heather looked at him her eyes looked serious and a little fear mixed in for flavor.

“Dr. Grissom. Why are you here?” Nevada asked weakly. Grissom got closer.

“Just stay still Nevada. Help is coming I called for back up and rescue. I was here to get extra bungee cords to secure whatever to help you move. Heather told me what she though was up and I listened to her. Thank God I did this time.” Said Grissom who was stroking Nevada’s hair. He had gotten on the ground and was helping Heather with the pressure bandage.

“Tell Jim that man you shot is Felix. He knows……..” She coughed, blood coming up a little. “He knows what he is and who he is. Please Dr. Grissom……..” She got hold of him and pulled him closer. “Please tell him I love him. Promise me.” She said weakly.

“Nevada, you can tell him yourself it’s going to be ok.” Said Grissom.

“If not please. I beg you tell Jim I love him. Tell him I’m sorry.” Said Nevada.

“Sorry for what? Listen you are going……..” She passed out.

“This isn’t looking good Gil.” Said Heather. “She’s lost a lot of blood.”

About that time Jim and Greg arrived. Jim got out of his car running to where he saw Grissom and Lady Heather with Nevada. He looked at her and his face held anger and fear. Then he looked harder and got down, Grissom moving so he could help Heather with the bandage.

“Nevada! Duchess don’t you leave me! Damn it don’t you leave me!” he ordered touching her hair and then almost holding her.

“Jim, she said she knew her attacker. His name is Felix. She said you knew about him.” Said Grissom. Jim looked at Grissom with a little horror and anger mixed.

“Where is he?” Jim asked. Like Heather and Grissom, Jim now had her blood all over him.

“Vega and Vartan have him over…….” Jim got up. Gently put her down caressing her hair and walked over to where they were holdinlix.lix. He then unholstered his Glock and he fed a bullet into the chamber. Grissom walked beside him. Jim was in a fever right now. He wasn’t hearing much.

“Jim they aren’t going to let you kill him.” Said Grissom.

“Well, we will have to see about that.” Said Jim madder and more pissed than Grissom had ever seen him before. Jim pushed him back a little.

“A man’s gotta to do what a man’s gotta do Gil. It’s non negotiable. Felix is going to be one dead cat.” Said Jim as they went around and he saw Felix, a man about his own age. Grissom was still standing beside Jim hoping he wasn’t going to do something stupid.

Vega got up seeing Jim with his Glock and the look on his face.

“Jim we have him, don’t do this. He will go down for shooting her. Grissom is going to get the evidence.” Said Vega pushing Jim back a little. “Holster your weapon.”

“Sam, this isn’t up for discussion that scum is going to die.” Said Jim as he pushed Vega away and cocked the trigger at Felix’s head standing over Felix. “So you’re the low life that likes to rape little girls. Nevada was just a child! She was just an innocent child and you made her……you made her make a choice. Her for Dallas right?” Felix didn’t answer. “RIGHT!” Jim shouted pointing his Glock at his head.

“Eah, Bugger off.” Said Felix slyly but still with pain. “Either shoot me or screw me with thatng. ng. But get it done. By the way she was choice, prime and sweet. I probably ruined her for other men. She wont have another like her first. It‘s kind of funny Mate….” Felix smiled at him knowing Jim was Nevada’s significant other. “Her first and her last looking at each other.”

“I’d shut up if I were you man. I might just let him kill you or do it myself with what I just heard.” Said Vega angrily.

Jim took the butt of his gun and was going to knock the hout out of Felix. But thought on it some and figured that might get the case thrown out. He wanted justice for the girls. That’s what he had been after all along. This wasn’t going to turn out to be justice if Jim killed or injured him. He knew that finally. Then he bent down and got in Felix’s face.

“Ya know……I’m not going to bother wasting a bullet on you. Why waste a perfectly good bullet on the likes of you. I’m going to let the state of Nevada take care of you. When you enter our prison system some big, hairy homeboy will take you for his wife in there. By the way…….Mate……..I’ll make sure when you get there that everyone knows you have a thing for little girls. The guys in there don’t like child molesters and rapists. Then you are going to know the feelings Nevada had all those years ago. You’re not going to keep your virtue long.” He said as he backed off put his gun away and went to where Nevada was.

The Paramedics were t alr already. Grissom had sent Greg for his kit. Jim was now in shock. Full blown shock at seeing what was going on. His anger was turning to desperation about then. He didn’t realize it but he was praying quietly.

Greg went running though the store and got an idea before he went to get Grissom’s kit he stopped at the office.

“Sir there has been a police officer shot at the back of the store. Could you please get on the PA system and ask if there is a Doc available?” Asked Greg. His eyes were pleading and the starting of tears.

“Sure.” Said the manager who stopped what he was doing and made the announcement.

“If there is, please send him back to the dumpster area. Thanks man.” Said Greg as he hurried out of the store and to Grissom’s SUV.

A man about of about 60 came to the managers office. He was dressed in an Air Force Uniform. He was a full bird colonel. He had been there getting a certain kind of ice cream for his wife that only Marty’s carried.

“I’m a flight surgeon out of Nellis. Can I help?” He asked.

A few minutes later the doctor was assessing her wounds. He knew if they didn’t get the bleeding stopped she would die before they got to the hospital. She was already starting to turn ashen. Not a good sign. Jim had got down on the ground with her taking Heathers place with the bandage.

“I have seen a lot of this type wound in Nam and the Gulf many times . It needs cauterization. Does anyone have a stun gun?” he asked. “It’s tricky and unethical as hell but we don’t have much of a choice for being ethical at this point.” Said the Doctor.

“I have one in my car. They gave it to me but I have never used it said Jim. If it will save her life………” Jim got up and one of the paramedics moved in. He ran off to his car and grabbed it.

“I need a Kelly clamp guys.” Said the Doctor. “What I am going to do is wrap the electrodes around the Kelly clamp and put the Kelly clamp down inside the bullet tract then turn the unit on stun. It’s going to stun her but it’s either this or we loose her. Her blood pressure is dropping to fast. We are going to have to have at least 5 layers of gloves guys.”

Everyone listened as the Doctor explained what he was g to to do. Grissom was fascinated at seeing it. The Doctor in his time at being one had to do a lot of makeshift things over the years and he had read a report of the possibility of it working. Nevada was out anyway. Everyone looked on as the doctor quickly took the unit from Jim and did what he had to do to it. He put the Kelly clamp down inside the wound tract and turned the unit on for about 5 seconds. It was working. The bleeding had slowed and was pretty much stopping. Then he took the Kelly clamp out and the paramedics put on mass pants for her internal bing.ing. The pants slows the bleeding process down for stabilization to get the patient to the hospital.

“Ok guys haul ass.” Said the Doctor. He went to where Jim was standing. “I think she is going to be fine now Good Luck to you.”

“Thanks Doc.” Said Jim as he went and got in the back of the ambulance. The doctor smiled at him. Jim threw his keys to Greg. Greg nodded at him as if to say I’ll take care of it. Grissom had only gotten a few things from Nevada. Ence nce wise.

“Tell them to put her clothes in a bag for evidence. Good luck to you and Nevada Jim.” Said Grissom. Jim nodded. Grissom closed the door of the ambulance. It sped off toward Desert Palm Hospital. Grissom turned around and the doctor was gone. He wanted to thank him too but it was too late. No one got his name either.

“How did a doctor know to come back here?” Asked Grissom to Greg.

“I did that Grissom. I went by the managers office before I got your kit. I saw she was in real trouble. I had to do something to help her and this is what I came up with.” Said Greg with a weak smile.

Grissom looked at Greg and smiled a guarded smile putting his hand on Greg‘s shoulder.. “You may have saved her life Greg. It was intuitive of you to do that.”

“No, I just don’t want to loose a good friend and I saw it was serious.” Said Greg.

Grissom had a new feeling about Greg. In the crisis he had thought of a way to save her. He had grown up a lot since they had that bus accident they had to process a few years ago. He was almost certain that in a pinch now he could trust him to do what needed done.

“Now what would you like me to do?” Asked Greg.

“Well, this evidence needs to be taken to the lab. I got some off of that Felix guy too.” Said Grissom handing Greg a few bags. “I forgot to give Jim her purse. I bet there will be informationwillwill need in there.”

“I’ll take it to him Gil.” Said Heather. “No point in me not doing it. You are busy and everyone else will be.”

Grissom smiled at Heather. “You know you may have saved her life too Heather. I want to thank you for telling me something was going on. I’m sure Jim will too.” Said Grissom.

“It’s not thanks I need. I’m hoping that she will pull though. I like her Gil. We only said a few words to each other but the way was was when I told her what I did for a living…she just excepted that. I mean she wasn’t judgmental.” Said Heather.

“Ma’am, Nevada is one cool lady and a good friend. If the roles were reversed she would do the same for you. As for being non judgmental that’s Nevada. She has always treated me fairly.” Said Greg.

“We had better get going.” Said Heather to Greg. “But thank you for telling me that. I look forward to knowing her better. She’ll make it she is a strong woman. I knew that right off.” Said Heather.

Grissom gave the go ahead to leave and they did walking out into the store together and the parking lot.

“My name is Greg.”

“I’m Heather.” They shook hands walking out to the cars.

At Jim’s place Warrick and Nick got the heavy things into his house as Catherine and Sara got the clothes in.

“They have been gone a while.” Said Catherine. She put the box down and hit Jim’s cell number. It went to voice mail. “Humm, voice mail. He answers in the shower even.”

“What’s up Cath?” Asked Sara.

“Jim’s not answering his cell.” said Catherine. Warrick and Nick stopped what they were doing too.

Sara hit Grissom’s number on hers.

“Grissom.”

“Yeah, what’s up?” Asked Sara.

“You don’t know do you? Nevada has been shot. A guy named Felix. I don’t know much about him but he had something to do with her and Dallas’ kidnapping. They took her to Desert Palm w miw minutes ago. She’s in critical but stable condition.” Said Grissom.

“Oh My God!’ Yelled Sara.

“What?” Asked Catherine all of them came as Sara yelled. The look on Sara’s face almost told the full story.

“Relay the message Sara. I have to go I’m processing the scene.” Said Grissom.

“Grissom, you want me to come and help?” asked Sara.

“Yeah, if you aone one with what ever you were doing for Jim and Nevada.” Said Grissom.

“Yeah we are just about done bringing in boxes. Cars, you want me to get Cath and she can get Jim’s car?” Asked Sara.

“Yeah, Greg has Nevada’s and he is on his way to Jim’s house. So no one should leave until he gets there.” Said Grissom.

“Ok someone will wait here for him.” Said Sara. She hung up the phone. Nick, Warrick and Catherine were still looking at her concerned.

“Something’s happened.” Said Catherine a grave look on her face.

“Yeah, seems like Jim was right in her not going by herself. A man named Felix who Grissom just told me was part of the kidnapping plot she was involved in as a teenager……….shot her………She’s on her way to Desert Palm as we speak.” Said Sara.

“Ok, first thing let’s you and me Sara, go and pack a bag for both of them. We are here and can find their things. I’m sure Jim wont think on having clean clothes. As for Nevada I guess just the tooth brush, hair brush bit. Maybe a night gown or two and some street clothes.” Said Catherine.

“Ok, Oh and someone needs to stay here and wait for Greg. He is taking the evidence so far to the lab in Nevada’s car. He needs to leave it here and someone is going to have to take him back over to get his car.” Said Sara.

“I’ll do that.” Said Warrick. “Then I will come to the hospital. Then I have to work tonight. I know Brass is beside himself we all know he saw her like that. I bet he went off on the guy. I hope not because cases get thrown out like that.”

“Man, just when they were so happy too. Did Nevada know someone was following her?” Asked Nick.

“I don’t think so. She went off on her own because of who she is and she wasn’t about to let someone else dictated on what she could and couldn’t do. Not even Jim. But you know that.”

“Were are done here Cath.” Said Nick. “Maybe I should go and help Grissom and now Sara at the crime scene.”

“That would be a good idea he is going to need help. I’m going over to be with Jim he doesn’t need to be alone at the moment.” Said Catherine.

“Give him my best and I’ll be praying for Nevada. She’s a good lady. Warrick I’ll wait for Greg and get him back to his car. Go on and see what you can do.” Said Nick.

“Ok.” Said Warrick. “But I’m going by and see about Gris first.”

Meanwhile at the hospital they had taken Nevada into assess her. Jim stood just outside the door looking in. He didn’t realize either that he was somewhat covered in blood. His hands, arms, t shirt and face told of it. A tall, black 50ish nurse came out of the Triage room and got a hold of him almost pulling him down the hall. She had a Jamaican accent. But an educated one.

“We have to take her into surgery stat sir. Are you her husband?” She asked.

“No, But I’m her significant other and her supervisor will that do?” He asked.

“For now. We need to contact her family as soon as possible we don’t have time to get full consent to treat. She’s critical.” Said the nurse. “The bleeding stopped buen yen you have loss of blood.”

“Oh, I can call her family.” Said Jim quietly. A little more bass in his voice than usual. He wasn’t really with it but he was fighting it because he didn’t want to loose what little control he had.

“Ok sir. Oh and if you want to get that blood off your hands just go down to the bathroom on your right there.” She said pointing.

“I have blood on me?” He asked.

“Yes. You do sir.” Said the nurse. “Here are the forms to fill out. She will be going shortly into surgery as soon as we can get some blood into her. She’s a lost about two and a half pints.”

“Should I go and give some?” He asked. “If she needs it it’s hers.”

“That would be a fine idea sir but……..” Jim felt like he was going to faint he realized he had her blood on him. He had seen all sorts of things but her blood on him……it was just too much.

“Sir, sit down before you fall down.” Said the nurse she guided him to the waiting area. Then she sat him down.

“I’m sorry. It’s just……..”

“I understand sir.” She said. “I’ll send a nurse to check you in a little while. I know this isn’t easy ting to see someone you care for like this.” She prepared to get up. Jim caught her hand and held on for a moment.

“Nurse, I more than just care for her I love her.” Said Jim tears starting to form in his eyes. The nurse looked at him a gave a faint smile.

“I know. I can’t promise you anything but know this God is looking out for her and you too. Keep your faith. Do what you must to get though this. God helps those who help himself.” She said.

“Yes, yeah he does.” Said Jim. “Thanks.”

“I’m Claudia Filbin RN. You need anyting you just ask for me.” She said smiling a very white smile over her very ebony skin.

“Captain Jim Brass LVPD.” he said.

Heather walked in about that time. She saw Jim sitting with the Jamaican nurse.

“Captain Brass.” She said Gently.

Jim looked up to see a pair of intense blue eyes staring at him. He was kind of taken aback by her being here. But he knew she had been at the crime scene.

“Lady H. What are you doing here?” He asked.

“Gil said to bring her purse to you. That you might need information in it.” She said. “I was happy to help out. The rest of them are going to be busy. How is she?”

Nurse Filbin got up and smiled patted Jim’s shoulder and left them then. Heather sat down beside him.

“She’s critichey hey are going to take her to surgery pretty soon.” Said Jim. “I don’t understand all of it. For one why are you in this?”

“I met her in the store and we talked about finding someone to help her get boxes for the move. I saw Felix watching us talk. When we were done talking, I saw him follow her so I happened to see Gil in the store and told him something was wrong.” She said. “The rest you know.”

“Oh. Ok.” Said Jim. He looked down at the forms he was to fill out. Heather smiled at him. “I don’t know what they want me to do with these.”

Heather took them from his hand. She looked strait into his eyes and almost cried herself. Being intuitive can either help or hinder and right now the look in Jim’s eyes was that of pain, disbelief and some helplessness. She knew it wasn’t like him but, he was afraid of loosing the woman he loved. She saw that too.

“I can do this. Just sign them after I finish them ok Captain?” She asked sweetly.

“Ok Lady H. Thank you.” He said as he put his head in his hands and ran his hands over his hair. “I’m not myself right now.”

“It’s to be expected. Nevada talked very lovingly of you. She loves you very much that much I am sure of.” She said.

“I know you know people Lady H. I love her just as much. I can’t loose her. By the way thank you for helping in saving her. I owe you a lot for that alone. I know you were first on the scene. I guess you know first aid.” He said.

“In my line of work Captain I have too. I also know insurance forms.” She said as she looked in Nevada’s purse for her wallet and found it. She copied down the license address.

“No that’s not the right address. We already filled out a change of address today.” He said.

“Then what is it?” She asked.

Jim gave her his address and she wrote it down along with his home number and cell.

“The only thing that needs changing now is her last name. If she lives……..”

“She will. She’s still young and strong and I don’t think that anything is going to stop her from sticking around to see what happens with you.” Said Heather. She patted his arm and continued on with the forms.

5 minutes passed without a word and Catherine came with their clothes and his car. Warrick would take her back to Nevada’s place to get her vehicle. He was on his way too. Greg would go with Nick to get his car.

Jim saw Catherine come in. He immediately rose and went strait to her. She took one look at him and dropped the bags and embraced him.

“Catherine I………..”

“How is she Jim?” Catherine asked pulling back a little. Jim’s eyes were filling with tears. So where Catherine’s.

“They said she is critical they are stabilizing her now. Oh God Catherine……I don’t……..”

“Shush now. Jim, no one is going to die tonight least of all Nevada. You know how strong she is.” Said Catherine trying to get a determined look in her eyes fast enough for Jim to believe it. There was desperation in Jim’s eyes. Something she had never seen before.

“Captain Brass.” Came Nurse Filbin’s voice.

“Jim the nurse needs you.” Said Catherine. She walked over with him.

“We are taking her to surgery. She is stable enough now. You can follow us there but you can’t go in.” She said very gently.

“Ok.” Said Jim as they brought Nevada out of triage. She wasn’t awake but Jim got beside the gurney they had her on falling into step. “Nevada I know you can hear me. Don’t think about leaving me. Because I love you Duchess. You stay with me ok?” Jim had her hand and could faintly feel a response of her fingers closing on his. She was trying to tell him that she wasn’t going to if she could help it and that she loved him too.

“I think she heard me.” Said Jim.

“She did Captain. Comatose patients hear and feel everyting. Did she try and grip your hand?” Asked Nurse Filbin.

“She did.” Said Jim.

“That’s a good sign. Her vitals are strong and her blood pressure has come up. I will come and tell you how she is doing during the surgery. There is a bullet lodged in her spleen. I’m sure they will remove it but she can live without it.” Said these.

“Ok.” Said Jim. “That’s good.”

They got to the surgery waiting area and the nurse asked them to go and wait in there. She handed him Nevada’s jewelry. He put it in his front pocket for now.

“Be a good girl Duchess and I’ll see you later. I love you.” He said bending down and kissing her forehead. She faintly gripped his hand again. He let her go and walked with Catherine into the surgery waiting area.

Heather had picked up the bags and all and come down following them. She peeked in to see if they were in there.

“Heather we’re in here. How did you get into all this?” Asked Catherine as Heather sat down next to her.

“I met Nevada in the store looking for Boxes and Felix was watching us I watched Nevada and thought something was wrong. Gil happened to be in the store and I went to him. As to me being a witness to the shooting I didn’t see it but I heard the shot. I did first aid on Nevada at the scene. Gil asked me to bring her purse to Captain Brass for her information.” She said.

“Has anyone taken your statement?” Asked Catherine.

“No, before I came here I stopped and got a bit to eat. I’m diabetic I’m good don’t worry. I got one of those wraps at Big Burger.” Said Heather.

“That’s good. I guess I can do that. I‘m glad you were there to help Nevada.” Said Catherine “But not just yet ok? Jim you need to go and clean up some.” Said Catherine gently turning her attention to Jim who was still looking like he had been in a blood bath. “Jim?” Catherine gently touched his shoulder.

“Oh, I’m sorry Catherine what is it?” He asked still a little dazed and confused.

“Jim, you need to go and change. Clean up some. Your not injured are you?” She asked.

“No. This is all…….her blood.” He said. “I’ll go.”

“Here I brought you some clean clothes.” She said handing him his over night bag. Sara got something together for Nevada. Do you need me to help?”

“No, I can do it, I think. It’s just……….it’s her blood Catherine. I have never acted this way on something like this. You know what I have seen over the years.” He said.

“It makes a difference if it’s someone you love. Remember…….I know about that too.” Said Catherine.

“I guess you saw Eddie didn’t you?”ed Jed Jim. “That……..I’m not going there. I’ll be back in a little while.” he picked up the over night case and headed quickly to the bathroom down the hall. Jim was loosing it and Catherine knew it.

“Eddie was my ex and Lindsey’s father he died a few years ago of a gunshot wound. I saw him on the coroners table. So I know what he is facing if she does die. But she wont.” Said Catherine.

“I’m sorry Catherine.” Said Heather. “I agree with her not dying. I don’t know her well but what I do know tells me she is a fighter.”

Meanwhile in the bathroom Jim looked at himself in the mirror. He looked 10 years older than he actually was He took some paper towels and started getting the blood off his hands, arms and face.

“What made you think you could have a woman like that huh, buddy?” He asked himself. “You dumb ass you don’t get something that lasts forever. You never have. Par for the course.” He said splashing water out of the basin. “God Bless it……………Damn it! To hell with it all!” He yelled. “Why her God? She is the most innocent thing I have ever known. Not even my daughter is that innocent. She’s an innocent, gentle, loving woman who deserves life and love. Oh God! Let me have another chance…….I’ve tried to mind my p’s and q’s. I know I’m not innocent with any stretch of the word but damn it I try! Please give me another chance with her. You gave us to each other now please don’t take it all back. I couldn’t stand to live like I did again. I couldn’t stand going into that house with nothing in there. I can’t live with out her God, I can’t live with out her!” He yelled. He put his fist though the mirror about that time. Breaking the glass and cutting his hand. Then he hit the paper towel dispenser leaving a dent in it. “I can’t do this without her!” He sobbed slowly going down to the floor with his knees to the bathroom floor. Paper towels were on the floor as was broken glass.

Catherine heard all this and so did everyone else. Warrick came about that time. He heard the commotion in the bathroom going by it. He went into the surgery waiting room.

“Jim’s loosing it Warrick. I‘m worried he is going to….well. ” said Catherine urgently. “I’d go in but……..”

Warrick looked at her and nodded his head. He turned around and went to the door and knocked.

Jim heard the knock and came back to the here and now. He straitened himself up. “Yeah who is it?” He asked.

“Brass, it’s me Warrick.”

“Yeah, what do you want?” Asked Jim.

“You need to talk man. Can I come in?” He offered.

“Yeah. Come on in Rick.” Said Jim as he straitened himself up a little and got off the floor. Warrick pensively went into the bathroom Jim was standing on the other side of the room. Paper towels and glass from the mirror lay on the floor. He saw the broken mirror and the dent in the paper towel dispenser. Then Warrick looked at his hand. It was cut and bleeding.

“Brass, your hand is bleeding.” Said Warrick.

“Yeah.” Said Jim. He nervously chuckled. “I was loosing it.”

“Yeah, I think you were. Catherine was worried about you and asked me to come in and talk with you. Look, if it were my lady in there I’d be doing a lot more than you just did. Don’t worry about it. What can I do for you?” He asked.

Jim looked at Warrick for a moment. He understood the gravity of the situation. Jim knew that Warrick was an ok kind of guy and they had started somewhat of a friendship since Ellie had reeked her havoc a few years before. Jim hung his head and flexed his left hand nervously. His eyes looked hopeless and held tears.

“Rick I can’t make it with out her.” Said Jim. “I just don’t think I can do the alone bit again.” Said Jim.

“You wont have too, man. She’s going to make it. We all know that even though we are all scared of loosing her. It’s normal.” Said Warrick gently. “My grandmother always said trust in the Lord and you will have your comfort. She also said that when things like this happen he’s carrying you. You just don’t realize it.”

“Yeah, I know.” Jim said. “I just love Nevada too much to loose her.”

Warrick got closer as Jim leaned on the water basin. He put his hand on Jim’s shoulder. “Brass, everyt is is going to work out. You know that. You’re a smart man. You have friends to lean on. You can count me in on that now but you know that.” Said Warrick.

Jim looked up at him. “You mean that don’t you.” He said.

“Yes I do.” He said giving Jim a half smile. “First of all we need to get you cleaned up and then someone look at you hand. I can stay while you do that if you want.”

“I’d appreciate that. I’m afraid to be alone right now.” said Jim. “It’s hard to admit that but I am.”

“No problem Brass. Now let’s see if we can get you cleaned up some.” Said Warrick.

“I can do that but just stick around ok?” Said Jim.

“I can stay for a little while but I have shift tonight.” Said Warrick. “I’d stay otherwise.”

Jim started getting the blood off him and the men talked some. This was going to be the true beginning for Jim and Warrick friendship wise.

“Have you called her family yet?” Asked Warrick.

“No I haven’t I need to pretty soon I guess. I think I’m going to wait a little while so I can give them something as to how she is doing. This is my fault, if I had just put my foot down and went with her……….”

“Now don’t start the what if’s Brass. Just thank God there was someone there to help her.” said Warrick.

“Well, you’re right about that Rick. I just don’t know what I’m going to say to her Uncle and Aunt. I have never talked with either of them but her sister and I have talked on the phone several times.” Said Jim. “I bet she knows something is wrong too. Those girls are right on the money with knowing things about each other.”

“Yeah, well I wouldn’t know about brothers and sisters. I grew up with my Grandmother.” Said Warrick.

“I didn’t have siblings either. My mother told my dad that I was enough kid wise.” Said Jim.

“So we got that in common. Since you know her sister, at least a little, maybe you should call her first. Might make it easier on you.” Said Warrick.

“Maybe I should.” Said Jim as he finished cleaning up and put on another t shirt that Catherine had brought him.

“Catherine is a good lady. She thought of everything. But now that I think on it I’m not sure if I want her in my dresser drawers looking over my skivvies.” Said Jim chuckling.

“Hey, if it was me I wouldn’t mind Bra Sai Said Warrick.

“I see your point but, my heart belongs to Nevada now. I never thought in all my life that I would have anyone as good as she is.” Said Jim. “I want to thank you for coming in and helping me calm down. I have a feeling, and I don’t usually, that everyone is right she is going to make it and when she does and this is behind us I’m going to marry her. If she will have me that is.” Said Jim.

“Well, I knew that was coming. She’ll have you Brass. I’ve seen women glow before because of a man but never halogen light. Nevada has that when your around. It’s directed at you that’s what I’m saying. By the way………you got it all over you too the light that is.” Said Warrick.

“Yeah, it’s pretty much been that way since the picnic.” Said Jim starting to remember that night and what happened.

“I take it it’s a good memory?” Asked Warrick.

“Oh yeah……….boy it sure is.” Said Jim starting to come out of his funk and smiling a little. “My Duchess is a real winner.”

“That’s obvious, but I’m glad yre rre remembering something good.” Said Warrick smiling.

“Rick, good aint the half of that.” Said Jim smirking. “I don’t just mean that way either. She’s a good woman.”

“No doubt, let’s go and see if there is any news now.” Said Warrick smiling back at him. “You need to get your hand bandaged too.”

Jim finished clog ung up and had the clean t shirt on he threw away the towels.

“We will have to tell someone that there is broken glass in here. I didn’t mean too…..”

“I know you didn’t. I’ll take care of that.” Said Warrick. Jim looked up at Warrick and stuck out his hand for him to shake. Warrick smiled and took Jim’s hand in his and shook it. But it didn’t end there. Jim pulled him into a guy hug.

“Thanks Rick.” He said quickly and let him go. It would have looked strange if someone were to come in. Two guys hugging in a bathroom and all.

“Your welcome man let’s go.” said Warrick as Jim got the bag and they left the bathroom walking down the hall together. This time as real friends and having real understanding of each other.