*nodding* One....two...*lifting on saying the word 'three'* Dang it, Chet, lay off the flapjacks. *heaving him up as carefully as I can under the arms.* Where do you want him, MaryAnne? *glancing toward the deputy.*
Right. *knowing MaryAnne must have hated having to take him out like that* I'm sorry I let him go, just wasn't sure how to keep him here, short of knocking him out myself. *reaching in to carefully help draw out the unconscious man.*
*Leaning against the wall, I watch all of this, glancing around the room, mostly staying out of things for right now, but ready to act if necessary. Brian's returning sense of humor is encouragement that things really will be okay.*
*watching Brian sleep, smiling a bit as Garrett stirs, glad that they'll both be okay.* I'll stay with you for a bit, Luke. I didn't do all that much - and I don't think I could sleep right now. *the memory of the horse running Brian down, and the gunshot are too fresh in my mind...some of my worst nightmares came to pass in that moment.*
*Looking up as Luke comes out, a smile lighting my eyes as he delivers the good news. Following him back inside and to the treatment room.* Dang is it good to see you awake. *stepping close to Brian* You did scare the heck out of all of us.
*watching Chet ride off, pounds fist against the porch railing, not knowing that at least one of the patients is now awake. Leaning back against the wall of the clinic, head bowed.*
*releasing him sharply* Fine. Go on with ya then. *turning away, frustrated with the situation, angry at Chet's running, and worried about Brian and Garrett.*
*stalking up to Chet, grabbing him by the arm and holding him there.* Don't you DARE run away. *voice low* You screwed up - big time. But going away will be an even bigger mistake.
*Watching Chet and listening to him* I won't deny that you've made a mess, Chet. And that no, Brian probably won't want to see you right away. But Duke's don't run when something goes wrong. And this is about as wrong as it gets. You need to stay and do what you can to fix it.
*follows Chet outside, watching him pick up his saddle and blanket* Chet, leaving ain't the answer. *speaking from the porch* What happened, shouldn'ta...but it did - and you leavin' ain't gonna make it any better.
*Leaning against a wall, I tip my head down and offer my own silent prayer that these men come out of this okay. No one should get hurt, or lose their life over what started as an innocent bit of tomfoolery. *
*In the treatment room, I watch over the patients, occasionally checking heart rate and making sure that they are breathing properly. My thoughts can't be stilled however, as I worry about how this all happened and how it will resolve itself.*
*nodding in response to Chet, then looking over to the corner and seeing another chair, grabbing it I settle in, near Alex, watching both unconscious men.* I'll be glad when they both wake up.