Fic: [NR] Firmly Entrenched in Actual Fact [1/6]
Firmly Entrenched in Actual Fact [1/6]
Word Count: section: 4,158; total: 24,428
Pairing: Dani/Matt at first then hints to Dani/Nico
Characters: Dr. Dani Santino; Nico Careles; Terrence “TK” King; Vivica; Lindsay Santino; Ray Jay Santino; Ray Santino; Gabrielle Pittman; Xeno
Spoilers: thru Episode: 1.13
Summary: Nico is not all-knowing. He cannot predict every bad thing that may happen. Nor can he be everywhere to stop everything.
Disclaimer: don’t own, just like rewriting the crazy
Author’s Note: a longer post-finale fic… one that fixes that crazy ending most of us screamed at.
She stared at him. This could not be happening. It was a nightmare and she’d wake-but she was looking in Nico’s eyes and the truth was quite clear. She reached out to put a comforting hand on his arm.
“How the hell did you let this happen?” Matt’s voice broke the silence that had descended since Nico’s announcement.
Dani felt his muscles tighten even as she looked up her stairs, her mouth falling open. The irony was that it was a question she had been asking herself as she opened the door for Nico. “Can it, Matt. This is no more Nico’s responsibility or fault than it is yours TK couldn’t play for the first half tonight.”
Nico blinked at the speed and venom in her defense of him. He looked down at Dani.
Matt flinched. “His mind-.”
“Exactly. It was a crazed fan. An unhinged man looking for attention. Some random asshole. Who knows-well, Nico will know in short order, I suspect-but it isn’t his responsibility or job to predict or stop everything. That’s not humanly possible.” Her eyes narrowed as Matt’s jaw worked. “You make reference to those rumors right now and I will hit you.” She turned to Nico. “Let me grab my purse. Was Vivica there?”
Nico sighed. “From the limited intel, yes, she was on scene. Yes, she is at the hospital. No, she was not shot. No, she is not taking this well. Neither are the guys who were with TK tonight. They beat the shooter unconscious. It will not be pretty. The lawyers are already dealing with the police.”
“Were others shot?” Dani asked quietly.
“No.”
Dani nodded and realized Matt was still on her stairs. “Get moving, Matt.”
“There’s nothing-.” He cut his own words off at the look she gave him and headed upstairs for his things.
“How did I get blinded by the fun?” Dani asked softly.
“Too many responsibilities pulling at you.” Nico’s quiet answer was unexpected.
She snapped her head up-she hadn’t realized she had asked that question aloud. She sighed: he was right.
“We all make mistakes, Doctor Santino.”
“But how many times do I have to repeat this one? Thank god it didn’t go too far this time.” Dani stated softly.
Nico blinked at that admission but then Matt was back on the stairs.
“Matt, I’m sorry-.”
“We can pick this conversation up later-.”
“No, Matt, I’m sorry I succumbed to temptation. We both know this is fun, convenient, and incredibly satisfying, but this won’t happen again. I like you, I do. You make me laugh, remind me I’m a woman, but fun is a luxury I cannot afford right now.” Dani sighed. She turned to Nico. “I need to tell the kids on the way.”
Matt watched them leave and wondered how this night turned from pleasure to hell so quickly.
-%-
“Ray jay, I need you and Lindsay on the phone and sitting down right now.” Dani said as she got him on the phone. “Ray Jay, please. This is serious and important and I only have seconds to do this.” She waited a moment for their okay. “It will hit the news soon. TK was shot. He is alive. He’s in surgery. There will be no tweeting, Facebooking, emaling, texting or calling about this. I will send updates as I can. I am sorry I am not there to break this to you in person but I’m on the way to the hospital with Nico. I need to help the players and TK’s girlfriend.” She sighed and listened to their hysterical questions and concerns. “No: it was a random act of violence at a club. A crazed fan. I’m sure there will be plenty of security at the hospital. Nico’s handling it.” She glanced at Nico’s profile and frowned. “I promise I will update you as I can. I love you both.” She hung up the phone and focused on the quiet man next to her.
“What is it, Doctor Santino?” Nico didn’t move his eyes from the road.
Dani smiled for a second before it was lost in the gravity of the situation. “Something’s not right. Something has you on edge. Something about this shooting concerns you.” They were observations, not questions, and she wasn’t quite sure how she knew: she just did.
Nico blinked, his eyes involuntarily moving to her for a second before they were back watching the road. He stayed quiet but the subtle increase in speed gave her the confirmation that she was right.
She grabbed his arm as soon as the car was in park-Nico suspected she had been lying in wait. He glanced down at her hand on his arm then glared at her.
Dani almost smiled at the typical Nico behavior and tightened her fingers on his arm. “It is not your fault nor did you fail anyone.” Then she let go and stepped out of the car.
Nico stared after her for a second before he blinked and got out. “One of my men will be at your side at all times. Xeno is on TK’s door as soon as he’s out of surgery. He knows to allow you and Vivica in. No one else. If you want another in, talk with Xeno first.”
Dani nodded, closed her eyes, took a fortifying breath, and straightened her posture. Nico likened it to preparing for battle. “I won’t get push back from the nurses?”
“No.” Nico was firm.
She frowned, realizing he wasn’t coming in. She turned to face him again. “Three things, Nico, before you go do what you do. One, be careful. Two, check in. Three, mind my words.” She held his steely gaze for a moment then turned and headed into the hospital. She smiled at the man who fell into step beside her.
Nico allowed a half smile before he turned and got back in the car. He had answers to find.
-%-
Dani frowned. “Can we commander a waiting room with a door? I need them away from people.” She asked her shadow.
“You got it, Doc. Use the one right over there.” He pointed to the one on the floor they were on.
Dani nodded then caught the attention of everyone. “Players, get in the waiting room. Now. You’ve disrupted the staff here enough.”
They weren’t used to Dani being forceful. She was bright and sunny to Matt’s fun and to Nico’s cold and fear. It worked for her, though, because it was unexpected. They shuffled in and one of Nico’s men materialized to stand guard. Dani nodded to the man then moved to Vivica’s side.
“It was like watching a nightmare.” The other woman whispered.
Dani took her hand. “I know, Vivica. He’s in good hands. He’s strong.”
“If I hadn’t-.”
“If you hadn’t gone, Vivica, it would hurt you and him even more. Your presence or absence didn’t matter. The crazed fan would have fired the gun either way. No one had a clue about this. It came out of nowhere. Violence is like that-it comes out of the blue and blindsides us.” Dani whispered.
“There was so much blood, Dani.”
“He’s strong. He’s in great shape. He has so much to live for-you, making my life hell, being king of the Hawks.” Dani smiled. “He really likes you, Vivica. He thinks about being a better man with you.”
Vivica blinked. “He’s so over-the-top. Larger than life. How do I fit into that?”
“You stick, Vivica. He’s been abandoned all his life, so you don’t put up with his bullshit and you just be there. It’ll take a lot of strength, but I know the rewards are worth it.” Dani squeezed her hand. “Besides, the over-the-top is his public persona. Inside, he’s just a scared little boy.”
“Sometimes he’s so vulnerable then he can flip to mean.” Vivica sighed. “But I’ve started to see when that’s going to happen.”
Dani nodded. “I need to go in and talk to the guys. Will you be okay here for a bit?”
Vivica nodded. “Go ahead.”
Dani headed into the waiting room and whistled to get their attention. “Quiet!” she called out then waited.
“Doc D, what’s the news?”
Dani sighed. “Still in surgery. He’s strong, guys. He’ll be the first to say he can’t die without a ring.” She smiled. “Come on, guys, you know the first thing he’s going to say is ‘The King lives!’” Everyone laughed at that. “I need a favor, guys. I need you all to behave and to help Vivica. TK really likes her and she’s traumatized right now. She needs our support. I’d like a couple of the wives to come support her but I also want you to close ranks around her. She goes nowhere alone. No reporter talks to her. No public gets near her. Can I count on all of you for this? For TK?”
They nodded. “Why are we in here?”
“Containment. My orders. I don’t want reporters or fans getting to you all right now. You have enough to deal with. Also, for the sanity of the hospital staff. They need to do their jobs and it’s hard when twenty 300-lb guys are taking over hallways.” Dani answered. “I’ll send Vivica in then see what I can find out.”
-%-
“You Doctor Sanitno?” A nurse asked.
“I am. I’m trying to keep the guys contained to the waiting room. You are?” Dani asked.
“Head nurse, Amy Beckett. I’ll brief the next nurse when we switch in seven hours.”
“Thanks. Do you know if there is any news?” Dani asked softly.
Amy shook her head. “I’m sorry, but no, not yet. He’s only been in surgery for about three hours. I know there was significant damage but his heartbeat and breathing were strong when he went in.”
Dani smiled, shook hands with the head nurse, and made her way slowly back to the waiting room. She could hear herself asking TK, how would you play if this was your last game? Shaking her head, she knew those thoughts were dangerous. She entered the waiting room and had her guard cull the five players who had been with TK during the shooting and they moved to an empty room.
“Guys!” Dani started but they all erupted into talking at once. She felt their fear, frustration, and anger and sighed. She counted off two minutes to let them vent it out then let loose an ear-shattering whistle.
All five guys turned to stare at her. “Geez, Doc!”
Dani flashed a quick smile. “Couldn’t get a word in, gentleman.” She sighed and felt the exhaustion starting to hit her. “Guys, I know you are frustrated and angry, even afraid for TK. He’s strong. He’s still in surgery. It’s going well. There was a fair amount of damage but his breathing and heartbeat were strong going in.” Dani met each one’s eyes.
“Are you sure, Doc D? He was so still. That’s not TK. The man just doesn’t do still!”
Dani nodded. “True, he doesn’t. He’s gunna learn now. I just talked to the head nurse. While she doesn’t have news, she has experience. His breathing and heart were strong, those are huge plusses. The bullet did a good amount of damage but he’s young and in great shape, more plusses. And this is TK we are talking about. You all know he’s only leaving this world on his terms-not some crazed Chicago fan’s.” Dani studied them as she brought that up. They all tensed.
“We-.”
Dani raised a hand to stop their words. “No. Stop. You stopped him. He could have shot more people, guys. He could have shot one of you or Vivica or any other person there. You did good stopping him. Did you lose yourselves in your grief and shock? Probably, but you never have to apologize to me for your actions.” Dani went around and hugged each one of them before she continued. “You did not kill the man. Yes, the lawyers are involved. You’ll have to talk with the cops again. Regardless, you five are heroes in the eyes of the public. You saved a lot of lives tonight so do not worry one minute on consequences. You did right tonight.”
She watched them all sag a bit in relief.
“Heroes, Doc D? No. We just reacted.” One spoke up, shaking his head, denying the term.
Dani smiled up at him and patted his arm. “I know but being a hero is just doing what you think is right in a time of fear. TK is tonight’s game hero with that hit. You all are tonight’s heroes because you stopped a shooter before he hurt more people.”
“Nico should-.”
“Do not even finish that, Patrick.” Dani’s eyes hardened. “Nico is not all-knowing. He cannot predict every bad thing that may happen. Nor can he be everywhere to stop everything.”
The guys stared at her: someone defending scary, all-knowing man in black Nico? He defended and protected them. He didn’t need anyone to defend him.
“Doc D, I was just going to say Nico should know we don’t blame him. We kinda ditched his guys.”
Dani smiled. “Sorry. Someone already tried to say it was Nico’s fault.”
“Are they stupid? They should try Nico’s job with the rest of us ditching his people constantly.” Another player spoke up.
Dani breathed a sigh of relief. “Do the rest feel as you all do?”
“If they don’t, we’ll deal with it. You’s gots enough to deal with, Doc D: your Chicklets, Vivica, Booz.”
“And all of you. This is going to have a huge impact on all of you.” Dani spoke up. “My door is always open, boys. For all of you.” She hugged them all again and they headed back to the waiting room.
Another three hours passed as Dani spent time with each of the players and Vivica. When Amy came over to get her to talk with the doctor, she finally admitted it was going to be okay. She immediately told the guys and Vivica the good news: the cheers were deafening in the room. She moved outside and sent a quick text to Ray Jay and Lindsay. She paused then sent a text to Nico: Check in. TK out. Good prognosis. No visual yet. Boys say not your fault. I say kick ass.
-%-
Nico glanced at the text then glanced at his watch.
“I want the players here-.”
“No. You want to talk with the players you can send the two detectives to the hospital. The players are not leaving the hospital. And they certainly are not going to be seen entering a police precinct. Besides, the media will crucify you: the five are media heroes for stopping the shooter.”
“A guy they beat unconscious!”
Nico kept his gaze steady. “Who had just shot their friend in a crowded club. I have a certified therapist who will say the trauma of witnessing that caused a dissociative state. Your own psychologist will agree. We all know no charges will be leveled against any of the players. I am here as a courtesy because the lawyers already met with the DA.” Nico stated as his eyes strayed to the clock on the wall.
“You have somewhere else to be, Mr. Careles?”
“I do but I have been attempting to be nice and accommodate you.” But he was through being nice and stood. “The lawyers know how to reach me if you have more questions.” And he walked out of the interrogation room he had been in for the last two hours.
-%-
“How are they handling this?”
“Holy shit.” Dani jumped, spilling her hot coffee on her hand.
Nico sighed and helped her clean up. At the tremors in her hand, he eyed the cup of coffee. “How many cups of coffee have you had, Doctor Santino?”
Her eyes jumped to his at the quiet question. “I don’t know.”
“Five hours, ten cups.” Her shadow answered. He shrugged. “I kept her to two an hour. And I made sure she’s eaten every couple hours since she’s made the team eat twice and she switched them all to decaf two hours ago.” He eyed the doctor. “No, I didn’t switch you to decaf, Doc. You needed the caffeine to handle everyone else.”
Dani smiled up at him and reached over to squeeze his hand. “Thanks, Frank.”
He nodded down at her and moved a couple steps away.
Nico eyed how all of the men on duty kept a careful eye on the Doctor. He filed that away for analysis later. “The police will be coming back to talk to the five players soon. With knowing that TK is out of surgery and his prognosis is good, I think we should start sending the players home. Vivica’s mother and sister will be arriving soon to take care of her.”
Dani smiled. He had done a lot in the few hours he was gone-she bet he’d spent a good part of them with the police. “Started already. About half the guys have gone home. Matt took a couple home about thirty minutes ago. I told the five guys they would need to stay a bit longer because of the police.”
Nico raised a brow. “Then why am I here?”
“Because you are checking in like I asked you to.” Dani shrugged. She started to move back to the nurse’s station when she saw Amy but stumbled in her heels.
Nico and Frank both reached out to steady her. Frank dropped his hand as Nico got to her first. He swallowed a smile at Nico’s frown.
“You need to rest. To sit down.” Nico stated firmly.
Dani eyed him. “I am fine. I need to talk with Amy, the head nurse.”
“Fine. I’ll get her and bring her here to you. You sit.” Nico ordered and maneuvered her to a chair. He looked over at Frank. “See that she stays.”
Dani’s eyes narrowed and Frank sighed. Sometimes the boss was not exactly the smartest man when it came to females. He watched Dani unzip her boots and kick them under the chair before she stood and made her way to over to the room she had seen Amy head into.
“Amy, I wanted to let you know I’m sending most of the boys home. The five who were with TK are going to stay, the police want to speak with them some more.” Dani told the other woman.
Amy eyed her lack of boots and smiled. “I never understood how women could wear those all night in a place like this. You’ve been on your feet almost as much as I have and I never saw you teeter or stumble.”
Dani smiled back at her. “You just missed it which is why they are off. I’m too tired to stand in them anymore. I just got used to them; they are surprisingly comfortable most of the time. Standing not so much, but walking they are pretty comfortable, especially with a gel insole.”
Amy chuckled. “Want me to get you some flats? And thanks for giving us back the halls and waiting room.”
“That won’t be necessary. Doctor Santino is heading home shortly.”
Amy kept her eyes on Dani. “Dani?”
Dani smiled. “I’d love some. Thanks, Amy.” And the two women left Nico standing there glaring.
Frank sighed and shadowed after Dani. “Boss, she’s not exactly one to be ordered.”
Nico growled and decided to move to the waiting room to clear out the rest of the guys and let Vivica know that her mother and sister would be arriving soon.
-%-
“What’s with Man in Black?” Amy asked as she handed Dani her spare pair of Crocs.
“Holy shit these are comfortable!” Dani sighed as she stepped into the shoes. “Ah, Nico, my man in black. He runs security for the team and is the fixer. He likes to order people because it works with the team: they are all scared of him. They have good reason: he can be scary. But I don’t scare easily; besides, I’m starting to understand him a bit.”
Amy nodded. “Men in Black usually are scary and demanding. I take it you are staying the duration?”
Dani nodded. “At least until I can see him. Nico knows that. He doesn’t like it but he knows I won’t leave until I see TK.” She looked over at the waiting room and sighed. “I should get back there and see how they are doing. And how Vivica is doing. Thanks for the shoes, Amy, and I may never give them back to you.”
Amy chuckled and watched her walk away.
-%-
Dani stood in the doorway and listened to the five players talk with Nico. They were the only ones left besides Vivica who had finally fallen asleep on the couch. One of the players had covered her with a coat and Dani smiled at the gesture. She turned to focus on the words of the players and blinked. The players were telling Nico it hadn’t been his fault-and how they had slipped his men so he could stop that from happening again. She could only watch Nico’s profile but she saw him blink. Turning so no one would catch her observing that scene, she caught sight of two detectives walking down the hallway and of one of Nico’s men with two women.
“Nico, police coming down the hallway.” Dani spoke up as she moved to Vivica’s side to wake her up. “Honey, Nico got your mother and sister here. They’ll take you to a nice hotel near this hospital. I’ll call you as soon as he wakes up, but you need some rest and a shower to feel human again. It’s going to be okay, Vivica.”
Nico monitored the detectives with the five guys in a private room while Dani met Vivica’s mom and sister and had one of Nico’s men take them to the hotel. When she was finally alone-except Frank-in the waiting room, she let herself sit down and dropped her head in her hands. Sighing, she dug out her phone and sent another text to her kids then dropped it on the seat next to her. “Frank, can I get some water?”
The man moved to the door and talked to one of the others still standing guard and three water bottles materialized.
Dani smiled, her eyes closed. “A gal could get used to this service, Frank.”
He chuckled. “But you would never let it go to your head, Dani, you’re too grounded for that.”
Dani shook her head. “I wouldn’t take that bet. Service like that can make any woman melt.” She downed half the bottle. “Frank, I’m not leaving until I see TK. I know he’s the boss, but I’m not leaving until I see TK with my own eyes. Even then, I might not leave. He shouldn’t wake up alone.”
“Dani, you need to take care of yourself or you won’t be any help to TK, Vivica, your kids, or anyone else.” Frank whispered.
“I know but I can’t leave him alone. He’s been left alone all his life. Besides, it isn’t like Nico is going to rest.” Dani stated and curled up on the couch she was sitting on. “I’ll get rest, Frank, just promise me you’ll wake me when I can see him.”
Frank sighed and was about to make the promise when Nico spoke up. “Danielle, you will be woken up when you can see him. I will not force you to leave.” Nico knew when he was beaten on a topic. He might not like it but he wasn’t about to add to her stress right now.
Dani smiled with her eyes closed. “Thanks, Nico.”
He sighed and moved over to cover her with his coat. Then waved Frank to follow him out. “The rest of the players are done with the police and are heading home. They each have a team watching their houses and will keep press away. I have a couple of things to finish up but I want you and Gino here with Doctor Santino. I should be back in an hour or two. I will let you know if it takes longer. When I get back, you two go home and rest. You will be needed later today to take over for Xeno and someone else.”
“She’s a strong lady, boss. Not only did she push her own fears down, she took care of everyone here, especially the five who were with TK and Vivica.” Frank chuckled. “She even defended you to the five. They surprised her by saying anyone who blamed you was stupid, but those five never saw her defense of you coming.”
Nico blinked, not prepared for his man’s words. “I will be back soon.”
Section 2
Word Count: section: 4,158; total: 24,428
Pairing: Dani/Matt at first then hints to Dani/Nico
Characters: Dr. Dani Santino; Nico Careles; Terrence “TK” King; Vivica; Lindsay Santino; Ray Jay Santino; Ray Santino; Gabrielle Pittman; Xeno
Spoilers: thru Episode: 1.13
Summary: Nico is not all-knowing. He cannot predict every bad thing that may happen. Nor can he be everywhere to stop everything.
Disclaimer: don’t own, just like rewriting the crazy
Author’s Note: a longer post-finale fic… one that fixes that crazy ending most of us screamed at.
She stared at him. This could not be happening. It was a nightmare and she’d wake-but she was looking in Nico’s eyes and the truth was quite clear. She reached out to put a comforting hand on his arm.
“How the hell did you let this happen?” Matt’s voice broke the silence that had descended since Nico’s announcement.
Dani felt his muscles tighten even as she looked up her stairs, her mouth falling open. The irony was that it was a question she had been asking herself as she opened the door for Nico. “Can it, Matt. This is no more Nico’s responsibility or fault than it is yours TK couldn’t play for the first half tonight.”
Nico blinked at the speed and venom in her defense of him. He looked down at Dani.
Matt flinched. “His mind-.”
“Exactly. It was a crazed fan. An unhinged man looking for attention. Some random asshole. Who knows-well, Nico will know in short order, I suspect-but it isn’t his responsibility or job to predict or stop everything. That’s not humanly possible.” Her eyes narrowed as Matt’s jaw worked. “You make reference to those rumors right now and I will hit you.” She turned to Nico. “Let me grab my purse. Was Vivica there?”
Nico sighed. “From the limited intel, yes, she was on scene. Yes, she is at the hospital. No, she was not shot. No, she is not taking this well. Neither are the guys who were with TK tonight. They beat the shooter unconscious. It will not be pretty. The lawyers are already dealing with the police.”
“Were others shot?” Dani asked quietly.
“No.”
Dani nodded and realized Matt was still on her stairs. “Get moving, Matt.”
“There’s nothing-.” He cut his own words off at the look she gave him and headed upstairs for his things.
“How did I get blinded by the fun?” Dani asked softly.
“Too many responsibilities pulling at you.” Nico’s quiet answer was unexpected.
She snapped her head up-she hadn’t realized she had asked that question aloud. She sighed: he was right.
“We all make mistakes, Doctor Santino.”
“But how many times do I have to repeat this one? Thank god it didn’t go too far this time.” Dani stated softly.
Nico blinked at that admission but then Matt was back on the stairs.
“Matt, I’m sorry-.”
“We can pick this conversation up later-.”
“No, Matt, I’m sorry I succumbed to temptation. We both know this is fun, convenient, and incredibly satisfying, but this won’t happen again. I like you, I do. You make me laugh, remind me I’m a woman, but fun is a luxury I cannot afford right now.” Dani sighed. She turned to Nico. “I need to tell the kids on the way.”
Matt watched them leave and wondered how this night turned from pleasure to hell so quickly.
-%-
“Ray jay, I need you and Lindsay on the phone and sitting down right now.” Dani said as she got him on the phone. “Ray Jay, please. This is serious and important and I only have seconds to do this.” She waited a moment for their okay. “It will hit the news soon. TK was shot. He is alive. He’s in surgery. There will be no tweeting, Facebooking, emaling, texting or calling about this. I will send updates as I can. I am sorry I am not there to break this to you in person but I’m on the way to the hospital with Nico. I need to help the players and TK’s girlfriend.” She sighed and listened to their hysterical questions and concerns. “No: it was a random act of violence at a club. A crazed fan. I’m sure there will be plenty of security at the hospital. Nico’s handling it.” She glanced at Nico’s profile and frowned. “I promise I will update you as I can. I love you both.” She hung up the phone and focused on the quiet man next to her.
“What is it, Doctor Santino?” Nico didn’t move his eyes from the road.
Dani smiled for a second before it was lost in the gravity of the situation. “Something’s not right. Something has you on edge. Something about this shooting concerns you.” They were observations, not questions, and she wasn’t quite sure how she knew: she just did.
Nico blinked, his eyes involuntarily moving to her for a second before they were back watching the road. He stayed quiet but the subtle increase in speed gave her the confirmation that she was right.
She grabbed his arm as soon as the car was in park-Nico suspected she had been lying in wait. He glanced down at her hand on his arm then glared at her.
Dani almost smiled at the typical Nico behavior and tightened her fingers on his arm. “It is not your fault nor did you fail anyone.” Then she let go and stepped out of the car.
Nico stared after her for a second before he blinked and got out. “One of my men will be at your side at all times. Xeno is on TK’s door as soon as he’s out of surgery. He knows to allow you and Vivica in. No one else. If you want another in, talk with Xeno first.”
Dani nodded, closed her eyes, took a fortifying breath, and straightened her posture. Nico likened it to preparing for battle. “I won’t get push back from the nurses?”
“No.” Nico was firm.
She frowned, realizing he wasn’t coming in. She turned to face him again. “Three things, Nico, before you go do what you do. One, be careful. Two, check in. Three, mind my words.” She held his steely gaze for a moment then turned and headed into the hospital. She smiled at the man who fell into step beside her.
Nico allowed a half smile before he turned and got back in the car. He had answers to find.
-%-
Dani frowned. “Can we commander a waiting room with a door? I need them away from people.” She asked her shadow.
“You got it, Doc. Use the one right over there.” He pointed to the one on the floor they were on.
Dani nodded then caught the attention of everyone. “Players, get in the waiting room. Now. You’ve disrupted the staff here enough.”
They weren’t used to Dani being forceful. She was bright and sunny to Matt’s fun and to Nico’s cold and fear. It worked for her, though, because it was unexpected. They shuffled in and one of Nico’s men materialized to stand guard. Dani nodded to the man then moved to Vivica’s side.
“It was like watching a nightmare.” The other woman whispered.
Dani took her hand. “I know, Vivica. He’s in good hands. He’s strong.”
“If I hadn’t-.”
“If you hadn’t gone, Vivica, it would hurt you and him even more. Your presence or absence didn’t matter. The crazed fan would have fired the gun either way. No one had a clue about this. It came out of nowhere. Violence is like that-it comes out of the blue and blindsides us.” Dani whispered.
“There was so much blood, Dani.”
“He’s strong. He’s in great shape. He has so much to live for-you, making my life hell, being king of the Hawks.” Dani smiled. “He really likes you, Vivica. He thinks about being a better man with you.”
Vivica blinked. “He’s so over-the-top. Larger than life. How do I fit into that?”
“You stick, Vivica. He’s been abandoned all his life, so you don’t put up with his bullshit and you just be there. It’ll take a lot of strength, but I know the rewards are worth it.” Dani squeezed her hand. “Besides, the over-the-top is his public persona. Inside, he’s just a scared little boy.”
“Sometimes he’s so vulnerable then he can flip to mean.” Vivica sighed. “But I’ve started to see when that’s going to happen.”
Dani nodded. “I need to go in and talk to the guys. Will you be okay here for a bit?”
Vivica nodded. “Go ahead.”
Dani headed into the waiting room and whistled to get their attention. “Quiet!” she called out then waited.
“Doc D, what’s the news?”
Dani sighed. “Still in surgery. He’s strong, guys. He’ll be the first to say he can’t die without a ring.” She smiled. “Come on, guys, you know the first thing he’s going to say is ‘The King lives!’” Everyone laughed at that. “I need a favor, guys. I need you all to behave and to help Vivica. TK really likes her and she’s traumatized right now. She needs our support. I’d like a couple of the wives to come support her but I also want you to close ranks around her. She goes nowhere alone. No reporter talks to her. No public gets near her. Can I count on all of you for this? For TK?”
They nodded. “Why are we in here?”
“Containment. My orders. I don’t want reporters or fans getting to you all right now. You have enough to deal with. Also, for the sanity of the hospital staff. They need to do their jobs and it’s hard when twenty 300-lb guys are taking over hallways.” Dani answered. “I’ll send Vivica in then see what I can find out.”
-%-
“You Doctor Sanitno?” A nurse asked.
“I am. I’m trying to keep the guys contained to the waiting room. You are?” Dani asked.
“Head nurse, Amy Beckett. I’ll brief the next nurse when we switch in seven hours.”
“Thanks. Do you know if there is any news?” Dani asked softly.
Amy shook her head. “I’m sorry, but no, not yet. He’s only been in surgery for about three hours. I know there was significant damage but his heartbeat and breathing were strong when he went in.”
Dani smiled, shook hands with the head nurse, and made her way slowly back to the waiting room. She could hear herself asking TK, how would you play if this was your last game? Shaking her head, she knew those thoughts were dangerous. She entered the waiting room and had her guard cull the five players who had been with TK during the shooting and they moved to an empty room.
“Guys!” Dani started but they all erupted into talking at once. She felt their fear, frustration, and anger and sighed. She counted off two minutes to let them vent it out then let loose an ear-shattering whistle.
All five guys turned to stare at her. “Geez, Doc!”
Dani flashed a quick smile. “Couldn’t get a word in, gentleman.” She sighed and felt the exhaustion starting to hit her. “Guys, I know you are frustrated and angry, even afraid for TK. He’s strong. He’s still in surgery. It’s going well. There was a fair amount of damage but his breathing and heartbeat were strong going in.” Dani met each one’s eyes.
“Are you sure, Doc D? He was so still. That’s not TK. The man just doesn’t do still!”
Dani nodded. “True, he doesn’t. He’s gunna learn now. I just talked to the head nurse. While she doesn’t have news, she has experience. His breathing and heart were strong, those are huge plusses. The bullet did a good amount of damage but he’s young and in great shape, more plusses. And this is TK we are talking about. You all know he’s only leaving this world on his terms-not some crazed Chicago fan’s.” Dani studied them as she brought that up. They all tensed.
“We-.”
Dani raised a hand to stop their words. “No. Stop. You stopped him. He could have shot more people, guys. He could have shot one of you or Vivica or any other person there. You did good stopping him. Did you lose yourselves in your grief and shock? Probably, but you never have to apologize to me for your actions.” Dani went around and hugged each one of them before she continued. “You did not kill the man. Yes, the lawyers are involved. You’ll have to talk with the cops again. Regardless, you five are heroes in the eyes of the public. You saved a lot of lives tonight so do not worry one minute on consequences. You did right tonight.”
She watched them all sag a bit in relief.
“Heroes, Doc D? No. We just reacted.” One spoke up, shaking his head, denying the term.
Dani smiled up at him and patted his arm. “I know but being a hero is just doing what you think is right in a time of fear. TK is tonight’s game hero with that hit. You all are tonight’s heroes because you stopped a shooter before he hurt more people.”
“Nico should-.”
“Do not even finish that, Patrick.” Dani’s eyes hardened. “Nico is not all-knowing. He cannot predict every bad thing that may happen. Nor can he be everywhere to stop everything.”
The guys stared at her: someone defending scary, all-knowing man in black Nico? He defended and protected them. He didn’t need anyone to defend him.
“Doc D, I was just going to say Nico should know we don’t blame him. We kinda ditched his guys.”
Dani smiled. “Sorry. Someone already tried to say it was Nico’s fault.”
“Are they stupid? They should try Nico’s job with the rest of us ditching his people constantly.” Another player spoke up.
Dani breathed a sigh of relief. “Do the rest feel as you all do?”
“If they don’t, we’ll deal with it. You’s gots enough to deal with, Doc D: your Chicklets, Vivica, Booz.”
“And all of you. This is going to have a huge impact on all of you.” Dani spoke up. “My door is always open, boys. For all of you.” She hugged them all again and they headed back to the waiting room.
Another three hours passed as Dani spent time with each of the players and Vivica. When Amy came over to get her to talk with the doctor, she finally admitted it was going to be okay. She immediately told the guys and Vivica the good news: the cheers were deafening in the room. She moved outside and sent a quick text to Ray Jay and Lindsay. She paused then sent a text to Nico: Check in. TK out. Good prognosis. No visual yet. Boys say not your fault. I say kick ass.
-%-
Nico glanced at the text then glanced at his watch.
“I want the players here-.”
“No. You want to talk with the players you can send the two detectives to the hospital. The players are not leaving the hospital. And they certainly are not going to be seen entering a police precinct. Besides, the media will crucify you: the five are media heroes for stopping the shooter.”
“A guy they beat unconscious!”
Nico kept his gaze steady. “Who had just shot their friend in a crowded club. I have a certified therapist who will say the trauma of witnessing that caused a dissociative state. Your own psychologist will agree. We all know no charges will be leveled against any of the players. I am here as a courtesy because the lawyers already met with the DA.” Nico stated as his eyes strayed to the clock on the wall.
“You have somewhere else to be, Mr. Careles?”
“I do but I have been attempting to be nice and accommodate you.” But he was through being nice and stood. “The lawyers know how to reach me if you have more questions.” And he walked out of the interrogation room he had been in for the last two hours.
-%-
“How are they handling this?”
“Holy shit.” Dani jumped, spilling her hot coffee on her hand.
Nico sighed and helped her clean up. At the tremors in her hand, he eyed the cup of coffee. “How many cups of coffee have you had, Doctor Santino?”
Her eyes jumped to his at the quiet question. “I don’t know.”
“Five hours, ten cups.” Her shadow answered. He shrugged. “I kept her to two an hour. And I made sure she’s eaten every couple hours since she’s made the team eat twice and she switched them all to decaf two hours ago.” He eyed the doctor. “No, I didn’t switch you to decaf, Doc. You needed the caffeine to handle everyone else.”
Dani smiled up at him and reached over to squeeze his hand. “Thanks, Frank.”
He nodded down at her and moved a couple steps away.
Nico eyed how all of the men on duty kept a careful eye on the Doctor. He filed that away for analysis later. “The police will be coming back to talk to the five players soon. With knowing that TK is out of surgery and his prognosis is good, I think we should start sending the players home. Vivica’s mother and sister will be arriving soon to take care of her.”
Dani smiled. He had done a lot in the few hours he was gone-she bet he’d spent a good part of them with the police. “Started already. About half the guys have gone home. Matt took a couple home about thirty minutes ago. I told the five guys they would need to stay a bit longer because of the police.”
Nico raised a brow. “Then why am I here?”
“Because you are checking in like I asked you to.” Dani shrugged. She started to move back to the nurse’s station when she saw Amy but stumbled in her heels.
Nico and Frank both reached out to steady her. Frank dropped his hand as Nico got to her first. He swallowed a smile at Nico’s frown.
“You need to rest. To sit down.” Nico stated firmly.
Dani eyed him. “I am fine. I need to talk with Amy, the head nurse.”
“Fine. I’ll get her and bring her here to you. You sit.” Nico ordered and maneuvered her to a chair. He looked over at Frank. “See that she stays.”
Dani’s eyes narrowed and Frank sighed. Sometimes the boss was not exactly the smartest man when it came to females. He watched Dani unzip her boots and kick them under the chair before she stood and made her way to over to the room she had seen Amy head into.
“Amy, I wanted to let you know I’m sending most of the boys home. The five who were with TK are going to stay, the police want to speak with them some more.” Dani told the other woman.
Amy eyed her lack of boots and smiled. “I never understood how women could wear those all night in a place like this. You’ve been on your feet almost as much as I have and I never saw you teeter or stumble.”
Dani smiled back at her. “You just missed it which is why they are off. I’m too tired to stand in them anymore. I just got used to them; they are surprisingly comfortable most of the time. Standing not so much, but walking they are pretty comfortable, especially with a gel insole.”
Amy chuckled. “Want me to get you some flats? And thanks for giving us back the halls and waiting room.”
“That won’t be necessary. Doctor Santino is heading home shortly.”
Amy kept her eyes on Dani. “Dani?”
Dani smiled. “I’d love some. Thanks, Amy.” And the two women left Nico standing there glaring.
Frank sighed and shadowed after Dani. “Boss, she’s not exactly one to be ordered.”
Nico growled and decided to move to the waiting room to clear out the rest of the guys and let Vivica know that her mother and sister would be arriving soon.
-%-
“What’s with Man in Black?” Amy asked as she handed Dani her spare pair of Crocs.
“Holy shit these are comfortable!” Dani sighed as she stepped into the shoes. “Ah, Nico, my man in black. He runs security for the team and is the fixer. He likes to order people because it works with the team: they are all scared of him. They have good reason: he can be scary. But I don’t scare easily; besides, I’m starting to understand him a bit.”
Amy nodded. “Men in Black usually are scary and demanding. I take it you are staying the duration?”
Dani nodded. “At least until I can see him. Nico knows that. He doesn’t like it but he knows I won’t leave until I see TK.” She looked over at the waiting room and sighed. “I should get back there and see how they are doing. And how Vivica is doing. Thanks for the shoes, Amy, and I may never give them back to you.”
Amy chuckled and watched her walk away.
-%-
Dani stood in the doorway and listened to the five players talk with Nico. They were the only ones left besides Vivica who had finally fallen asleep on the couch. One of the players had covered her with a coat and Dani smiled at the gesture. She turned to focus on the words of the players and blinked. The players were telling Nico it hadn’t been his fault-and how they had slipped his men so he could stop that from happening again. She could only watch Nico’s profile but she saw him blink. Turning so no one would catch her observing that scene, she caught sight of two detectives walking down the hallway and of one of Nico’s men with two women.
“Nico, police coming down the hallway.” Dani spoke up as she moved to Vivica’s side to wake her up. “Honey, Nico got your mother and sister here. They’ll take you to a nice hotel near this hospital. I’ll call you as soon as he wakes up, but you need some rest and a shower to feel human again. It’s going to be okay, Vivica.”
Nico monitored the detectives with the five guys in a private room while Dani met Vivica’s mom and sister and had one of Nico’s men take them to the hotel. When she was finally alone-except Frank-in the waiting room, she let herself sit down and dropped her head in her hands. Sighing, she dug out her phone and sent another text to her kids then dropped it on the seat next to her. “Frank, can I get some water?”
The man moved to the door and talked to one of the others still standing guard and three water bottles materialized.
Dani smiled, her eyes closed. “A gal could get used to this service, Frank.”
He chuckled. “But you would never let it go to your head, Dani, you’re too grounded for that.”
Dani shook her head. “I wouldn’t take that bet. Service like that can make any woman melt.” She downed half the bottle. “Frank, I’m not leaving until I see TK. I know he’s the boss, but I’m not leaving until I see TK with my own eyes. Even then, I might not leave. He shouldn’t wake up alone.”
“Dani, you need to take care of yourself or you won’t be any help to TK, Vivica, your kids, or anyone else.” Frank whispered.
“I know but I can’t leave him alone. He’s been left alone all his life. Besides, it isn’t like Nico is going to rest.” Dani stated and curled up on the couch she was sitting on. “I’ll get rest, Frank, just promise me you’ll wake me when I can see him.”
Frank sighed and was about to make the promise when Nico spoke up. “Danielle, you will be woken up when you can see him. I will not force you to leave.” Nico knew when he was beaten on a topic. He might not like it but he wasn’t about to add to her stress right now.
Dani smiled with her eyes closed. “Thanks, Nico.”
He sighed and moved over to cover her with his coat. Then waved Frank to follow him out. “The rest of the players are done with the police and are heading home. They each have a team watching their houses and will keep press away. I have a couple of things to finish up but I want you and Gino here with Doctor Santino. I should be back in an hour or two. I will let you know if it takes longer. When I get back, you two go home and rest. You will be needed later today to take over for Xeno and someone else.”
“She’s a strong lady, boss. Not only did she push her own fears down, she took care of everyone here, especially the five who were with TK and Vivica.” Frank chuckled. “She even defended you to the five. They surprised her by saying anyone who blamed you was stupid, but those five never saw her defense of you coming.”
Nico blinked, not prepared for his man’s words. “I will be back soon.”
Section 2