Page 78 of Assassin

This man was…something.

Poe had this overwhelming need to make sure he survived—more so than ever before.

“Lean your head back,” he said, pulling a low stool over to sit beside the tub. Gently, he massaged the shaving cream into his face, and worked it into the five o’clock shadow there.

Someone had clearly been helping him shave.

“They had an electric razor,” Gamble said, as if reading his mind. “No one will let me have sharp objects and with good reason. I’m broken.”

That was probably for the best.

Poe made a mental note to put away the knives and anything that this man could use to harm himself.

To shave him, Poe picked up the razor, and slowly began moving it over his face, and then rinsing it off in the sink. When half of his face was done, he began working on the other side.

“What would you like for lunch?” he asked, trying to make small talk.

“I just ate.”

Oh, he was aware.

Only, he was withering away, and the man needed calories to survive.

“You’ve lost weight. Your file says you were two fifty. You’re only about a hundred and ninety now. You need to get some weight back on you. That means, three meals a day, and snacks. I do love a good snack at High Tea.”

Gamble was curious.

“Why are you fighting so hard for me?” he asked Poe. “Why do you care if I make it or not?”

All doctors had a reason, and his were personal. With each soldier, he thought about his brother.

And how much he missed him.

He was honest.

“Because you’re a human being and you have feelings and emotions. That’s enough of a reason, but add in that you’re a hero, and loved…that’s why.”

Gamble liked him. The man was kind, and he wasn’t like the VA doctors.

He was gentle.

That meant warning him.

“I’m a mess and dangerous, Doctor. I have nothing left to live for anymore.”

He didn’t think he did, but at one point, they’d make the turn around the corner and life would start again. He’d make sure of it.

“You’re only dangerous to yourself now,” he admitted. “I’m not worried about you hurting me, Gamble. I’m going to help you through this.”

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Gamble grabbed his arm, yanked, got the razor from him, and pulled Poe into the water with him.

Then, before he could even open his mouth, the razor was against his jugular.

Poe was surprised and caught off guard.

Holy shit!

Someone moved fast.

---