out. He's signed all the forms, and they've given him some IV pain meds. The anesthesiologist stopped in and said they'd be back as soon as an operating theater became available. The surgeon said it would be a simple slice-pull-stitch thing, but he didn't want to leave the bullet in Brock's arm that close to the bone as it could cause problems."
"Well I should hope they wouldn't leave a bullet in him." Hannah sounded scandalized.
"Hell, Mom, he's still got metal in him from when he was a Marine. What's an ounce or two more?"
Kallie whipped her head around. The man who walked in was someone she'd watch closely if she saw him on the street, because he was one tough looking mother... but then she saw his eyes. The same light blue irises rimmed with a darker edge.
"Hey, you must be Kallie, his new partner. I'm Brody, his younger brother."
"The J-DET sergeant."
He walked over and hugged his mom. "That's right," he responded, but his eyes were on his brother. "How are you doing, dude?" He took Brock's good hand and leaned down to give his brother a hug.
"I'm fine. Shouldn't you be at work?" Brock asked as Brody moved away and stood.
Brody shoved his hands into the leather jacket he wore. He was probably as tall as Brock, but he was thicker through the chest. His hair was the same color but longer and not cut the same. The scruff Brody wore, the tattered jeans, the old biker boots, the heavy-metal band t-shirt and worn leather jacket, coupled with the chain that ran to his wallet, sold his bad-ass vibe, but it was the man's eyes that told Kallie Brody was one tough customer. "Nah, seems brothers getting shot in the line of duty get you a pass at work for a while."
"It was just a .22." Both Kallie and Brock spoke at the same time. Brock's eyes met hers and they laughed. He elevated his good arm, and she gladly slid across the small space to take his hand.
"Oh!" Hannah's small gasp diverted her attention from Brock.
His mother's hands clasped over her heart. "You have a girlfriend!" The smile on her face as her gaze shifted from Brock to her was endearing, if a little scary.
"Mom, please, God, don't embarrass me." Brock yawned again. The pain killers were trying their best to pull him under.
Brody snorted. "As if." Hannah slapped Brody on the arm. "Hey! It's the God's honest truth, Kallie, she has no boundaries. None."
"Truth." Brock squeezed her hand. "It's new, Mom, don't put any pressure on us, okay?" He closed his eyes but kept her hand in his.
Hannah winked at her and held up a finger pressing it against her lips. She cleared her throat, "No pressure, honey. I can call Clarissa over at the Grand Hall and see what she has open for next June. I love June weddings."
Brock's eyes popped open. He struggled to sit up.
"No, Brock, I was joking. Seriously, stop trying to get up from that bed." Hannah sidled up on the bed sitting by his hip. "I'm just happy for you." She stroked his cheek. "All any mother wants is for her children to be happy."
The door opened and a swarm of medical personnel entered. "Detective King, we're ready for you, now." The transfer from his hospital bed to the gurney was quick and efficient. She managed to squeeze his hand before he was wheeled down the long corridor.
Over the course of the next two hours, Kallie met every member of the King family, except the Commissioner. Brock’s sisters were mirror images of their mother. Bekki held court. Her vivacious energy affected anyone nearby. Her older sister, Brianna, was content to let Bekki shine. Blay, the youngest brother, was on duty, so it seemed his entire fire station made the trek to the hospital with him. Hannah's friend, Sharon McBride, who she learned was Sean's mom, arrived along with her husband, Colm. Sean ducked in for a short time but was called away. The small waiting room was filled to bursting. She was definitely the odd duck out even though Hannah took great joy in introducing her as Brock's girlfriend. She wondered if Brock would even remember outing them to his mom.
During one of Bekki’s particularly animated stories, she slid from the room and strolled to the end of the hallway only to hear a familiar voice.
"We are a lot to take in, aren't we?" Brody leaned against the wall next to