In Death 15 - Purity in Death

"Peabody."
    Peabody's head snapped up. Eve could see she'd been crying. Her hand slid across the sheet, covered McNab's.
    "He's out. The doctor says he's doing okay. He took a pretty hard hit, but . . . I appreciate you letting me leave the scene to ride with him."
    "I heard he'd come out of it."
    "Yeah, he . . ." Peabody stopped, took one long breath, and seemed to draw herself in. "He went in and out a few times. He was vague on what happened, but he was coherent. They didn't find any brain damage. It gave his heart a pretty bad punch, and I think they're a little worried because the beat's still irregular. And his, um, his right side's numb yet. They think that's temporary, but right now he can't move his arm or leg on that side."
    "Gonna walk funny." The voice was a bit slurry, but brought everyone's attention to McNab's face. His eyes were still closed, but his mouth curved up, just a little, in an attempt to smile that ripped at Eve's belly.
    "You in there, McNab?"
    "Yeah." He tried to swallow. "Yeah, Lieutenant, all present and accounted for. She-Body?"
    "Right here."
    "I could use some water or something. A brew'd be nice."
    "You get water." She snatched a covered cup, brought the straw to his lips. After two shallow sips, he turned his head away. "I don't smell any flowers. Guy ends up in the hospital, people are supposed to bring him some damn flowers."
    "I got a little distracted on my way to the gift shop." Eve moved over to the right side of the bed. "Had to kick a few reporters."
    He opened his eyes. They were green, and they were clouded. From drugs or pain she couldn't be sure, but to Eve's mind one was as bad as the other.
    "Did you get the captain out? I can't remember-"
    "He'll be coming by to see you as soon as he gets out from under the paperwork. He's fine."
    "Halloway."
    "He didn't make it."
    "Jesus. Jesus." McNab closed his eyes again. "What the hell happened?"
    "You tell me."
    "I . . . I can't get it clear."
    "Take it easy for a while, then we'll talk about it."
    "You laying off me that fast? I must be in pretty bad shape. Peabody, if I croak, you get my vid collection."
    "That's not funny."
    "Okay, okay, you can have all the earrings, too. But my cousin Sheila's going to be pretty pissed. Can somebody help me sit up some here?"
    "The doctor said you were supposed to rest." But Peabody was already bringing the bed up to a reclined sitting position.
    "If I croak-"
    "Will you stop saying that."
    He managed a grin while Peabody scowled with her face close to his. "How about you lay one on me?"
    "I'll lay one on you." She muttered it, then pressed her mouth gently to his.
    When she glanced over, she noted Eve was staring fixedly at the ceiling. "Sorry," Peabody murmured. "Just indulging the dying guy."
    "No problem." She looked around when she heard Roarke come in. He nodded, then walked to the foot of the bed. "There seems to be an inordinate amount of attractive female medical personnel on this level, Ian. But I don't suppose you've noticed."
    "Blast didn't screw up my vision."
    "That being the case, you may not want to change locations. Summerset, while efficient, isn't quite so pretty."
    "Sorry. Huh?"
    "The lieutenant thought you'd be happier recovering elsewhere. We've a room for you at home, but it lacks attractive female medical personnel."
    "You'd spring me?" The faintest hint of color crept into his cheeks. "To your place?"
    "Your doctor wants another look at you first, but we should be able to transport you in an hour or two. If that suits you."
    "I don't know what to say. That's so solid. Lieutenant-"
    "Yeah, yeah." Eve shifted her feet. "Let's see how grateful you are once Summerset's poking at you. I've got stuff to do."
    "He looked sick," McNab said and stopped Eve before she turned for the door.
    "Halloway?"
    "Yeah, I was coming in from a field assignment, and he was by the cooler. He got really pissy. Mean and aggressive. Not like him. He could be a pain time to time. Full of himself, but we got along. We were in the squad together two years."
    He closed his eyes again. "Jesus. I don't get it. He came down on me like he wanted to taste some blood. Wasn't just what he said - you ride each other just for kicks half the time. You know how it is."
    "Sure." Eve moved back to the bed. "But this wasn't just riding."
    "No. It was how he said it, how he looked at me when he did. Got me hot enough to suggest we go down to the gym and pound on each other, but the captain came in and broke it