Page 19 of Luck Be Mine (The Defenders #3)

? Back to Life ?

The bustle in the Operations building told Hunt something was afoot the moment he walked in the door. Another ping hit his conscience for taking duty hours to go with Cait to the neurologist.

But they’d waited a week to get in.

He had to go with her.

He was home. No excuses would work.

The conflict between his job and his wife many times jabbed him with unrelenting guilt. He could have all the logical conversations with himself about important matters, but the Navy had a differing definition.

Mission first.

He violated the standard and went with Cait.

He had to hear in real time the doctor’s prognosis.

He skipped main operations, knew Doogie would have monitored whatever mess was in the making. He should visit his office first and check in, but he wasn’t going to do it. This mattered, too.

He approached the workroom and hesitated. Should he knock? It wasn’t his workroom anymore, after all. He’d emptied his cage right after promotion.

Hunt skipped the debate and entered the room, noting the usual chaos. They were cleaning cages and reorganizing, reviewing equipment and talking shit.

“LC,” Baxter called.

Brennan shook his hand. “Good morning, sir.”

“Jack, you can drop the sir in here.”

“Sure thing, LC.” He grinned. “What’s up? New mission?”

Hunt shook his head. “Ask Doogie. I’ve been out. Which is what I wanted to talk to everyone about.”

Doogie moved to his side. “Answers?”

“Yep.” Hunt shifted so he could see all the men.

They’d gone silent.

He cracked a smile. “I’d like to announce…” He paused to draw it out. “Cait has the feeling back in her left hand.”

Whistles and clapping erupted.

“Thank God,” Tommy offered, coming to shake his hand. “Give her our best.”

Doogie crossed his arms and looked him square in the eye. “What’s the word from the neurologist?”

The others quieted. “Everything is as expected. A hard rush of pain, tingles, and hard jabs surged the other morning. The discomfort has continued, it is manageable with painkillers. Nerves are still settling, but testing supports full recovery. They’ll reassess again in a few more weeks after the nerves calm and heal more. ”

Carter moved in from the back, his blue eyes intense. “Is she doing okay? Must have been a jolt.”

“Oh, yeah. Unexpected for sure. Orthopedic appointment is up next to make sure some of the pain isn’t from her shoulder injury, but she’s home. Resting. Dealing.”

“Is this why you’ve been out?” K-Rock and the others noticing his absence surprised him.

“Yeah, I didn’t want her doing this by herself. Her surgical career is in balance. It has been since Afghanistan. This recovery will make or break her decision.”

“Let’s hope for good news,” Mateo said. “If she needs any help, holler.”

Hunt nodded his thanks. “QM has her covered every which way, but I’ll tell her.”

“Those guys always beat us to the punch,” Baxter complained. “But I guess it’s Quaid and Commander Scott, so we’ll let them throw in with us.”

Hunt laughed. “Thank you. Wise choice.”

Doogie patted him on the back. “I got dinner for you tonight. Tell that woman not to cook.”

“Uh, better text her. She may have plans.” Hunt dashed out a message, and his phone immediately dinged in response. “She wants the details on what you’re making.”

Doogie huffed. “It’s a surprise.”

Brennan elbowed Hunt. “Such a surprise he doesn’t even know.”

Hunt text Cait back with a question mark. “It’s okay. He and Cait usually kibitz anyway. Text Cait, Doogie. I need to get over to my office. Nothing like getting promoted and then being out.”

“Congrats to the Doc, sir.” Brennan opened the workroom door. “We’re rooting for her.”

“Thanks.” Hunt stopped in the door to wave. “Get back to work, gentlemen. Your day is only beginning.”

Mateo gave him the side eye. “So is yours, sir.”

Hunt went to his office with a smile on his face. It lasted until the reality of a new command job hit him like a fall off an aircraft carrier.