Ryker (Hope City #6) - Kris Michaels Page 0,28

make sure that joint is being good and staying in position. We’ll immobilize your shoulder for the first portion of rehab. That's to make sure your muscles and tendons have a chance to heal. You can take off the sling to shower or at the instruction of your PT and for no other reason. Otherwise, you'll mess up my work, and I hate going back into someone I've already fixed. Screw this up and I'll make one arm a couple inches shorter than the other.”

He glanced at the doctor. The man's neck wiggled when he talked, but damn if he didn't believe the guy. Tough little bastard.

“How long does it take to heal?”

“I won't blow smoke up your hospital johnnie, this injury is going to take time to mend. Six weeks in the sling, and you and your physical therapist are going to be on a first-name basis, but you’re strong and healthy, you’ll bounce back quickly. Desk duty starting in three weeks, reevaluation after four months. If everything goes well, we can release you to full duty in six months. Some patients can take up to a year to recover fully.”

“I don't have that long.” He needed to be back with his people and out in the field.

“Then I suggest you follow your PT's exercise and rehab schedule to the T.” The doctor shut the lid on the computer. “I've ordered anti-inflammatory medications and a cold therapy machine which circulates ice water around your joint in a tubing under a pad. It will help with discomfort and swelling.”

He lost interest in what the doctor was saying the moment he saw her. Tears shimmered in her beautiful blue eyes as she moved forward. He raised his good hand, careful of the IV that skewered the back of his hand.

“Oh, God.” She took his hand gently and dropped her forehead to his.

The doctor chuckled and cleared his throat. “And that's my cue to leave. I'll see you tomorrow afternoon after I read the x-rays.”

Ryker didn't acknowledge the doctor; his entire focus stayed on Brianna. “I'm okay.” He repeated the words over and over as she cried. Her ‘I love you’s and his meshed into soft kisses.

Finally, she moved away and wiped her tears. “I'm sorry. I promised myself I wouldn't cry.”

“You can cry, I'm sure it upset you. Who called you?” God, he wanted to hold her next to him.

“Amber. It was a joint decision between her and Kallie.”

“It was the right decision.”

She half-laughed, half-sobbed. “I was so frightened, and then when Fenton...”

“What?” He watched her face flame. “Brie, what did you do?”

“I might have told him off.”

“Good for you.” He closed his eyes for a moment before a thought struck him. “So, Brody knows now?”

“Ah, yeah. Brody, your entire team, my dad, the Deputy Commissioner, and a couple people I'm pretty sure were here for someone else.”

“You made a fuss, huh?”

“Son, she told Colonel Fenton to whip out his dick and show the entire team what he was lacking.” Commissioner King's voice preceded him into the room. Out of habit, Ryker struggled to sit up, sending a blast of pain through his shoulder and arm.

He hissed, and Brie hovered, trying to help. “Do you need something for the pain?” Brie's hand trailed down his cheek.

He shook his head and fell headlong into her eyes. “No. I'll be fine.”

“Brie, maybe you could go tell the rest of the team that he's okay. I'd like a word alone with Captain Ryker.” He watched as father and daughter stared at each other. Finally, she nodded. “I'll be right back.” She leaned down and kissed him then ducked between the curtains.

Commissioner King put both hands in his slacks pockets and rocked back on his heels. “What did the doctor say?”

“He replaced my shoulder, long rehab, but I'll be ready for desk duty in three weeks.”

Brie's father nodded. “Exactly how long have you been having problems with Fenton?”

“Sir?”

“Answer the question. You look coherent enough to understand what I'm saying.”

“Since I took the position.” Which was the truth. Fenton had a hard-on for him as soon as he started forming the team.

Commissioner King nodded and stared at the IV stand as he spoke. “Here's what we're going to do. From now on, you report directly to Mavis. JDET is now under Central. The politics and economics of the situation be damned. Fenton and Hughes are no longer in your chain of command. As there seems to be a conflict of interest brewing, Deputy Commissioner Duckworth will