Page 14 of No Regrets

“Hang on. I’ll dim the lights.”

The bright lights overhead went out and Kelly opened her eyes. One fully opened. She only managed a slit with the other as it felt badly swollen. Sophie stood by the bedside. Kelly glanced nervously around the room.

Sophie gripped her hand. “It’s OK. You’re safe. You’re home.”

Kelly couldn't stop her tears falling. Sophie didn’t move, holding her hand and letting her cry it out. Several minutes passed until finally she was spent.

“It’s good to have you back with us, lieutenant.” Sophie smiled.

“Kelly. We’ve known each other long enough, Sophie,” she whispered. Her voice sounded so hoarse. Dex and the team had been in Westside too many times to count over the years and she had gotten to know Sophie very well. She might be head of the emergency room here, but she was also a friend, and it was good to see a friendly face.

“You are not usually my patient,” Sophie said warmly. “But Kelly it is. Do you know where you are?”

“Coronado. I don’t remember...how did I... get here?” Her throat hurt. Sophie took a cup of water with a straw and placed it to her lips. Kelly took a few sips, revelling in the taste of clean water.

“Do you remember where you were?”

Kelly nodded, not wanting to think about it, let alone talk about it.

“A team rescued you and you were transported straight here.”

“Dex.”

“Yes. It was Dex’s team. I assume they had to go and debrief. I’m sure he’ll be here as soon as he can.”

Kelly glanced down and saw her wrist in a cast.

“Your wrist has a small break. You also have two broken ribs. The cuts and bruises on your body have all been treated. But we can discuss everything in more detail when you’re ready.”

Kelly closed her eyes trying not to see the dark, damp cell. Trying not to see Lazir’s face above hers. Her physical injuries would heal, but her mental ones? How would she ever be able to put what he did behind her?

“How is the pain?”

“I don’t feel much right now.”

“Good, the pain meds are working. If it starts to get bad, just let me or a nurse know.”

Kelly stayed quiet.

“You should rest. The drugs will make you drowsy. I’ll leave you for a little bit, but if you need anything, press the red button and a nurse will come. And I mean anything, Kelly. I’ll come back and check on you in a little while.”

Kelly waited until she heard the door close before she reopened her eyes. She moved to sit up, cursing as her ribs protested the movement. Ever so slowly she got upright and shuffled to the adjoining washroom, her legs wobbly, barely supporting her. Switching on the light she waited for her eyes to adjust. As her surroundings came into focus, she leaned against the sink, plucking up the courage to look in the mirror. Seeing her own reflection she gasped, barely recognizing the gaunt, hollow face that stared back. Her hair was a matted mess and those eyes. Lifeless, soulless. With one hand she gingerly lifted the hospital gown, revealing her legs and stomach. Grey, purple, and yellow bruising peppered her skin, together with cuts from the slash of Lazir’s knife. She forced her eyes to her inner thighs but suddenly dropped the gown, unable to continue looking when the image of Lazir on top of her came roaring back. Gripping the sink to steady herself she heard an animalistic howl. Arms grabbed her. She resisted, fighting them off.

“Kelly, it’s Sophie. You’re OK. You’re safe. Let’s get you back to bed.”

Kelly stared at Sophie. The fight left her when she realized the howling sounds had been coming from her. Allowing herself to be led back to the bed, she curled onto her side in a ball, determinedly ignoring the pain.

Sophie was talking and injecting something. She didn’t care. Hopefully, it knocked her out. At least then she wouldn’t have to think about what happened. Didn’t have to see the pitiful, beaten, shadow of a woman she had become.

DEX LOVED THIS ISLAND, having lived here all his life. As third generation Navy, living on Coronado, famous for its naval base, made it even more special to him. He belonged here. Home was just a ten-minute drive. Hell, you could drive around the whole island in under an hour.

Steering his truck onto his street, he intended to shower and change before heading to Westside. He was desperate to see Kelly, but he also needed a shower and a little time to process his conversation with Joe. A review board? Possibly a court martial? What the hell? He knew ignoring the order to stand down would call for punishment but damn, the mission had been a success.

He passed by Kelly’s house, just a few doors down from his. Like him, she lived in the same house where she was raised. Alone. Dex at least still lived with his father, who now toured the country as part of a Navy recruitment program and loved every minute of it. With his father’s travel and his deployment and missions, they were rarely home together.

At home, Dex showered, changed, and was ready to head to Westside when his cell rang.

“Hey, pops.”

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