Chapter Five - ("Very few have seen what I've seen, even fewer have felt what I've felt.")


      Twenty minutes later, Sonny was sitting in orthopedics watching the technician prepare the inner sleeve of his cast. Bri had seen, in black and white, the damage Strohe had inflicted on his patient. Two of the smaller bones in Sonny's right wrist were fractured. Bri had stared hard at the x-ray for a moment. That sadistic bastard had succeeded in snatching away a large part of Sonny's new-found independence. Bri could feel his anger building again.

      Sonny looked so miserable as the technician carefully pulled the soft material over his hand, wrist and forearm. Six to eight weeks with his hand and wrist in a cast meant a loss of his hard fought freedom. His disappointment had combined with shock and exhaustion to leave him with no control over the tears that slowly leaked from his eyes.

      When Rico saw the tears, he'd had to leave the room. In the corridor, he slammed his fist into the wall with frustrated fury. He left a small dent in the wall and the stinging in his hand made him try to shake it out.
      Bri had followed Rico and heard the detective quietly cursing under his breath. He touched a stiff shoulder. When Rico looked up, Bri saw tears in his eyes as well.
      "Why?" The question hung in the air.
      Bri just looked at him and shrugged. "It was a cowardly act, turning on a helpless man." Bri shrugged. "Strohe obviously 'lost it' somewhere along the line." Tired, the doctor leaned against the door-jam. "It's a set-back, I know. But it'll only push his progress back a few days."
      "But his swimming, his pushing himself around.... Walking on crutches even...."
      "No. Listen," Bri tried to reassure him, "it's a fiberglass cast, so it's not so critical that it stay absolutely dry. We'll put a plastic bag over it, secure it at the elbow and he'll be able to swim all he wants. Sonny's come so far. He'll cope." He saw the exhaustion in Rico's features. "Look, you're both upset and tired. Sonny's in mild shock. As soon as they've finished, we'll get him back to his room. Get him something hot to drink and let him get some sleep."

**

      Rico sat and quietly watched Sonny sleep. His partner was curled on his side, with his newly casted wrist propped on a pillow in front of him. He was asleep but he shifted restlessly, sometimes muttering softly.
      Reaching gently for Sonny's left hand, Rico gently stroked the fingers that clutched the stuffed alligator. Where was the 'nursery magic fairy' when you really needed one? Rico prayed Sonny was not having bad dreams.

      The room darkened as the last of day's light faded. Tomorrow, Sonny would face the questions of homicide detectives, IAD investigators and have a chat with DeLelo. Rico was grateful that Fielding had flatly informed the police that Detective Tubbs had to be there during Sonny's questioning.

      Rico woke with a start. Opening his eyes he saw Sonny, by the light of the outside street-lamps, struggling to get into his wheelchair on the other side of the bed. He was having difficulty transferring himself from the bed to the chair. Sonny'd had no time to become accustomed to the cast, he was weary and still in a great deal of pain.

      Rubbing sleep from his eyes, Rico sat up. "Sonny. Are you okay?"
      "I just need to use the bathroom." He grouched in reply. "I'm fine."
      Too damned tired to hear the warnings in his partner's tone, Rico muttered, "Here, use the bedpan. You're in no state to get out of bed tonight."

      But Sonny seemed determined. "No. I can manage." Rico frowned at the edge in his partner's voice. Sonny continued, "I'm not a cripple."
      Rico was mildly surprised by Sonny's mood. "I'm not implying you are, Partner. But you've just had your wrist fractured."
      Sonny ignored him, and continued to struggle. Giving up on trying to talk him out of it, Rico got up and started to help Sonny into the chair. When Sonny first felt Rico's hands on him, it warmed him. But Strohe's words were echoing through his mind, still tormenting him.

      Sonny shrugged Rico off, but his partner could be just as determined. Rico was not going to let Sonny hurt himself simply because he was being stubborn. Finally, Sonny reluctantly accepted Rico's help. But he insisted on wheeling the chair himself, even though Bri had advised against it.

      Rico watched the bathroom door close. Sonny was definitely unhappy. He glanced at his watch. It was way past time for his partner to have his night meds, so he went out to the nurses desk to ask for them.

      As he struggled painfully in the bathroom, Sonny felt his tears stinging his eyes. He was so tired. His wrist hurt and his back ached. It would be so easy to call Rico, to get the assistance he required and to get back to bed quickly. But again, he heard Strohe's words, 'You're a child... helpless little woman....' Harshly, he wiped the tears from his eyes. "I'm not a child! I can do this myself."

      What if there was something wrong with him? Why couldn't he control his emotions? Why did he keep bursting into tears like a baby? A terrible thought crept in. Maybe he had suffered some sort of brain damage and had reverted to his childhood....
      'You're a pitiful cripple!'
      *I am a cripple. Why the hell does Rico stay with me? It must be out of pity?* Sonny looked down at himself in disgust. *He can't love me - he can't possibly find *this* attractive!*
      'You're not a man....'

      'You're a pitiful cripple!'.
      Anger surged through Sonny. *Yeah, I'm a cripple'* Sonny thought through utter misery. *And you've made it worse, you bastard!* Abruptly, he brought the cast down heard against the safety railings next to the toilet. White hot spikes of agony shot through his wrist and arm. Sonny had to bite down on his cry of pain, and squeeze his eyes shut against the rising flood of tears.

      Eventually, Sonny backed himself out of the bathroom and wheeled himself awkwardly back to the bed. His wrist was starting to throb unbearably. He noticed Groggy tucked into the sheets and pulled it out. The plush fur was soft against his skin and for some reason made him think of safety and love.
      'You're a child clutching at soft toys.'
      Miserably, Sonny opened the locker door and threw the toy inside.

      Rico opened the door to Sonny's room in time to see the alligator being put away. Something was going on in Sonny's head that Rico just could not figure. As Rico attempted to help Sonny back into bed, he questioned him about Groggy. But Sonny just shrugged it off.

      Rico settled back into the chair and watched Sonny trying to get comfortable. When the nurse came to give Sonny his meds, for the first time, Sonny asked her what the pills were. She explained that one tablet was a pain-killer/anti-inflammatory, the other was a muscle relaxant. They would help him sleep.

      Sonny knew too well the effects that the drugs would have on him. After a short time, the pain would go away, and he would be able to sleep. They were effects he was powerless to stop once he had taken the pills. But he remembered the confusion he had felt during Strohe's first visit. What if he had been in that state when Strohe had returned? Would the madman simply have shot him out of disgust? Sonny was scared, beyond all reason, that it would all happen again. That if he took the pills, he would be completely unable to control anything that happened to him.

      He looked up at the nurse. "I'm not in pain." He lied. "I'll sleep fine." The feeling that he had rejected something important bore down on Sonny. He closed his eyes, once again fighting to stop the tears of misery that were threatening.

      The nurse was surprised. Sonny had never been a difficult patient before. Her concerned gaze met Rico's. He knew as well as she did that Sonny was in pain. It was very obvious. Why would he lie?

      She gave Rico the pill cup, completely against regulation. "Note what time he takes them." She kept her voice low, not wanting any argument from the patient, and not wanting to upset him. It was clear that something was wrong. Rico was the one to try to sort it out. He nodded his understanding and watched the nurse leave.

      Sonny was shifting, unable to get comfortable.
      "Sonny, do you want me to read to you?"
      Sonny hesitated. He so wanted to say yes. The sound of Rico's voice made him feel safe and secure, it also would help him to sleep on a night he knew his dreams would be haunted by Strohe's words. But he could heat that awful, mocking voice in his head. 'You're a child...'
      "No." He reluctantly gave his answer.


      For a long while, Rico sat silently listening to Sonny's breathing. His partner was not sleeping. Rico thought that maybe Sonny needed to work things out, things about the afternoon's incident. He wished Sonny would talk to him. The impact Strohe could have had on his partner was enormous. Rico was sure that Sonny had remembered Bodelle shooting him, or at least bits of it. From what he had said to Rico - "I thought he shot me" - it sounded like Sonny had relived the shooting right there and then.

      After some time, the rhythm of Sonny's breathing changed. He fell into an uneasy sleep. Exhausted himself, Rico began to doze.

      The sounds of Sonny, screaming in terror, yanked Rico back to consciousness. His partner was huddled against the pillows, partly sitting, beads of sweat sliding down his forehead. He was muttering something over and over. Only when Rico stopped and listened closely, could he hear the separate words. "...oh god not again please not again oh god not again...."

      Rico quickly sat on the bed and pulled Sonny's shaking body into his arms. "Sonny, it's okay, it was just a nightmare. It's okay." On first contact, Sonny was stiff in his arms, but finally he gave in. He curled against Rico, his mutterings quieted, and his trembling slowly ceased. Rico soothingly stroked his hand over Sonny's hair, hugging him close.

      When Rico thought the last images of the nightmare had left his partner, he lifted Sonny's face to look into the frightened and tired eyes. "What's been bothering you, Love?"
      Sonny reached up and took Rico's hand. He looked down at it, so dark against his own paling skin. It was the first time Rico had called him by any affectionate phrase. To Rico, it had just happened naturally. For Sonny, it lit a warm glow inside him.

      Rico had kicked off his shoes. He pulled the sheets around Sonny, ensuring he stayed warm. Patiently, he waited for his partner to speak, somehow knowing that, eventually, he would.
      Sonny started playing with Rico's fingers. "Strohe... Strohe called me a cripple...." *Strohe called me names - God, you sound pathetic.* "It's - it's not important, Rico."
      "Sonny. Look at me." When his partner did not raise his head, Rico kissed Sonny's forehead. Sonny looked up. "This afternoon, you watched a man killed in front of you, a man who was holding a gun to your head. Everything's important. Strohe's upset you. He's dead and he's *still* making your life a misery. Tell me what he said to you."

      "He told me I wasn't a man. I was a child playing with cuddly toys. He said I was covering for you, that I was your helpless little woman." Tears of self-loathing began to roll down Sonny's face. "Rico, I'm so scared. There's gotta be something wrong with me. I can't control my emotions. I keep thinking maybe there was some brain damage...."

      Rico listened, shocked and angered at what Strohe had said to Sonny. He could not believe that even Strohe could have sunk to such depths. When Sonny crumpled in heaving sobs, Rico gently rocked him in his embrace.
      "Sonny, everything you're feeling is natural." He gently rubbed Sonny's back. "Fielding told me that when you're in constant pain and being medicated regularly, it's common for your actual brain chemistry to change. It can alter your moods, your personality. It can even affect your ability to control your emotions." Sonny looked up at him with a glimmer of hope in his swollen, tear-filled eyes.
      "You've been through so much trauma, Sonny. You're getting better." Rico continued to rock Sonny and rub his back. "The pain will go away. The drugs will stop. As you heal, your emotional state will stabilize. I promise."

      "But Strohe said...."
      "Don't think about what Strohe said." Rico held Sonny tighter. "Just forget it. The man had cracked. You know how much he hated you. If you weren't as strong as you are, you wouldn't have come this far. You wouldn't have been able to cope with the constant pain. You wouldn't push yourself forward the way that I've seen you do." Rico was determined to get this through to Sonny. "You're the most amazing man I have ever met. And I love you." He would keep saying that to Sonny until he believed it.

      Carefully, Rico let go of Sonny and stood. Going around to the locker, he retrieved Groggy and returned to the bed. Once again, sitting beside Sonny, he pulled him into his arms. Rico put Groggy on the bed in front of them. "What does that toy mean to you, Sonny?"
      Sonny looked at Groggy, then up at Rico. There was confusion in his drying eyes. "What do you mean?"
      "You sit and play with it. You sleep with it in your hands. Why?"
      "Because it... feels nice." He shrugged. "I don't really know. Everything hurts so much, it's nice to feel something soft...." Sonny picked up the toy. "It gives me something to do with my hands I guess."
      Rico nodded. "So what's wrong with that? Did it bother you before Strohe said anything?"
      Sonny shook his head. "Stan and Gina, everyone in the office - they gave him to me. And that...." He indicated the bear sitting on the windowsill. "It was a present."
      "Exactly. Forget what Strohe said. It's your friends you need to be listening to. The people who care about you. Like me."

      Sonny thought for a while. "I'm sorry I gave the nurse a difficult time about my pills." He fiddled with the fur on Groggy's back. "It just scared me all of a sudden."
      "What scared you?" Rico wasn't sure what this part was about.
      "Not being in control." Sonny drew a shaky breath. "What if I'd been drugged and asleep when Strohe arrived? Like the first time."
      "Oh, God, Sonny." It had never occurred to Rico that Sonny would suddenly be afraid of his meds - out of control - vulnerable. " No one's going to hurt you any more. Strohe's dead. You're safe." He hugged Sonny tightly. "You need to take your meds so you can rest and heal. Okay?"
      Sonny was quiet for a while. "Did the nurse give you my pills?"
      "Yeah. You don't lie very well for an undercover cop." Sonny smiled at Rico.

      Once Sonny had taken the meds, he looked up at Rico. "Will you stay with me tonight?"
      "Sure Sonny. I'm not going anywhere."
      "I mean - " Sonny could hear that inner voice, mocking him. But it was growing quieter, and he really wanted this. "Will you hold me?"
      Rico smiled. He slipped under the sheets, on his back, and Sonny curled up around to him, his casted wrist rested on Rico's stomach, his head on Rico's chest. "S'that okay?" Sonny inquired, his words starting to slur.
      Rico gently combed his fingers through Sonny's soft hair. "That's perfect."

****

      First Homicide, then Internal Affairs detectives spoke to Sonny the following morning. IAD had been apologizing to Castillo since the incident occurred. As an apology to Sonny, for their errant detective, they had paid for an electric wheelchair to be made available to him until he was properly able to use a manual chair again.

      Rico sat quietly and listened to Sonny twice recount what happened. He remembered it all, up until Strohe pulling his gun. Past that, it was really a blur. He could remember what was said, but not what happened.

      Mike DeLelo arrived mid afternoon and found only Rico in the room. Sonny had managed to persuade Fielding to let him go swimming. Despite the friendship that existing between his partner and DeLelo, Rico could not bring himself to get on with the guy. Too many bad memories. After Sonny's three-month amnesia-induced nightmare, DeLelo had not been entirely supportive. He had offered to help Rico come to terms with the loss of his partner, but Rico had insisted that he would continue working with Sonny. DeLelo had advised that Sonny be suspended until the truth came out, even though Sonny's doctor had said that the truth might *never* come out; Sonny may never remember.

      So Rico had done the only thing he could think of doing. He threatened to resign unless Sonny was treated with a little more respect. It'd had the right effect. Castillo had stepped in and taken Sonny back to work - desk duty only. But it had given Crockett something to take his mind off the three-month hole in his memory.

      Rico knew, however, that Sonny often met Mike for a drink in the evening. Sonny was like that. He would see through the facade that a lot of people built around them, to the person inside. Sonny had liked what he had seen in DeLelo. Rico had to admit to himself, that he was a little jealous of Mike. But Sonny did not have boyfriends. Rico knew that his relationship with Sonny was new ground as far as his partner was concerned. Mike was just a friend, like Sonny's many other friends.

      When DeLelo arrived, Rico remembered that he owed the man an apology. Back when Sonny had just been taken into surgery for the third time, Rico had let his anger loose on Mike. He was not sure what he would have done if Stan had not have stepped in. So Rico made his apology, and Mike told him that he had forgotten the incident already. It had been a stupid question to ask. Rico's reaction was exactly what he should have expected.

      So with the truce in place, the two men sat down to wait for Sonny's return.

      Sonny had other ideas. He did not want to speak to DeLelo. He liked Mike. But as far as Sonny was concerned, his personal privacy had been invaded enough lately. He planned to go straight to the pediatrics unit after his swim.

      Bri sat down by the pool. He admired his patient's willpower and strength. This time yesterday, Sonny was sitting almost catatonic on his bed, a dead body across the sheets in front of him. The body of a man who had threatened to shoot him. Fielding had also realized that Sonny must have remembered the night on the docks, or at least some of it.

      The doctor had been sitting in his office, content that Sonny would speak to the psychiatrist about it, when suddenly the same thought that had crossed Sonny's mind had crossed his own. For two months Sonny'd had no privacy. He had woken surrounded by invasive tubes. He'd had nurses and doctors prodding and poking him. He had been bathed by strangers. And even now he had come so far, his body was still being manipulated by the physical therapist. His dignity and pride were as low as his self-esteem. He was not going to sit and talk to a psychiatrist.

      Fielding knew he had been wrong to suggest it. In most cases it was the right thing to do. But not in Crockett's case.

      Sonny surfaced and looked over at Fielding. Before he could speak, Bri pre-empted him. "You're not going to talk to DeLelo, are you?" Sonny shook his head. "I'm sorry, Sonny. I should have asked you. You were in no state to make any decisions yesterday and I felt so guilty about what happened."
      "I talked to Rico last night." He smiled ruefully. "I don't want everybody knowing what's going on in my head. It's the only part of me that's still a secret."
      Bri looked up at the clock on the wall. "Well, maybe we should let Rico talk to DeLelo, and you and I should go get a coffee."

      It was the first time Sonny had eaten or drank outside his room in two months. The hospital canteen was a sight for sore eyes. When he told this to Bri, the doctor said that maybe they should start to get Sonny out more.

      Even the coffee tasted heavenly. As they sat together, Sonny finally asked his doctor what he had been wanting to ask for weeks; when could he go home?

      Fielding had been thinking about that too. Sonny's insurance company was beginning to hassle the hospital administrators about the cost of Sonny being kept there. But even though Ben Waltham was no longer in the state, his influence remained. Sonny was not going home until *he* felt that he was ready.

      "Do you feel ready, Sonny?" Reluctantly, Sonny said no, he did not. "I'll be a lot happier about discharging you when you're walking using crutches. Until then, I don't think either you or Rico could cope. I would like you to get out for a day-trip or two. Maybe you and Rico could catch a matinee, or even just go for a drive." He saw Sonny's face light up. "Rico drives. Obviously. I've seen your car!"
      Sonny nodded in agreement. "Sounds *great* to me."
      "I understand you live on a boat?"
      "Yeah...."
      "Well, I spoke to Ben last night, do you remember Ben Waltham?" The name was vaguely familiar, but Sonny could not place it. "He was the neurosurgeon that operated on you." Sonny nodded. He remembered. "He and I used to be quite close. He has a beach house over on St. Andrews in the Bahamas. I asked him if it was okay for you and Rico to stay there for a couple of weeks, once you were out of here."

      Bri found himself almost drowning in Sonny's grateful gaze. "That would be incredible.... Is he sure?"
      "He's very proud of you, Sonny. Your recovery has been miraculous. And there's not a lot he wouldn't do if I asked him." Bri smiled mischievously. He read the look on Sonny's face and raised a halting finger. "I'm talking in several weeks, Sonny. When you first get out, you'll have to spend at least five days at Rico's place. There's no way you'll be able to manage on the boat. And, of course, the physiotherapist will want to see you every day." Sonny nodded reluctantly. "I think the best idea is for Rico to learn how to do your exercises with you. That way you can continue doing them when you're on the island."

      In Sonny's mind he could picture himself and Rico walking along the beach. He could almost feel the sun on his skin. God, he missed feeling the sun. Finally, he brought himself back to the present. "Thanks, Bri. I really appreciate it. You've done so much already."

      "Umm...." Fielding's gaze fell on Sonny's casted wrist. *I should have done more.*

      DeLelo stopped pacing and glanced at his watch. "I'm gonna have to go."
      Rico smiled. He, too, had finally realized that Sonny was not going to talk to this man. Sonny was probably in the pediatrics unit right now, reading to his new found friends.

      "Sonny, can we talk about what happened yesterday?" Sonny frowned. "I know, I know, this is why you're here and not sitting talking to DeLelo. But I think you remembered something yesterday. And I think you should talk about that one thing."
      Sonny thumbed his cast. "When Strohe pulled the gun, I went back to that night, the night I was shot. I saw Bodelle. I saw him pull his gun." Sonny looked up at Fielding. "I remembered what I was thinking as he pulled the trigger. I thought he was going to shoot Rico. See, Rico had been the main player, I was just his partner in this one. That was why I wasn't going by the name 'Burnett', which I normally would. I saw the gun and I heard it go off. And I felt the bullet hit me, like I'd been punched really hard. Then there was a white-hot pain. And then nothing."

      Bri watched him intently as he spoke. Sonny seemed to have already worked all this through. "Do you want to know what happened after that?"
      "Rico told me everything up to my being shot."
      "Did he tell you that he rescued you from the water?"
      Sonny looked confused. "What water?"
      "You fell over the edge of the docks, into the ocean. Rico dived in after you and saved you from drowning. I know this because when Rico arrived with you here, we tried to check him out for hypothermia and shock."
      "Tried?"
      "According to the medic who took care of him, he wouldn't stay in the treatment room. He was too concerned about you."

      Sonny absorbed this new information. Suddenly, there was somewhere else he wanted to be.

      Sonny grinned at Tubbs as he found his room empty except for his partner. Rico tried to scowl at Sonny. "How could you leave me with him? You know how I feel about the guy!"
      "Sorry, Partner. I decided sometime last night that I wasn't going to talk to him. I thought Fielding would freak. But he found me at the pool and bought me coffee."
      Rico winced. "The stuff from the canteen?"
      "Umm, yeah. Wonderful."
      "Aw, Sonny, you really will have to get out more!"

      Rico waited while Sonny used the bathroom, then helped his partner back up onto the bed. "Fielding told me that on the night I was shot, you rescued me from the water. And when the medic here tried to check you over, you refused."
      Rico sat down on the bed opposite Sonny. "I was concerned about you. You would have done the same if it had been me."
      Sonny took hold of his partner's hand. "I want you to promise me something." He looked directly into Rico's eyes. "When we go back to work, you won't protect me. There's always the risk that it's going to happen again. After yesterday, I don't know what'll happen out there. I don't want you getting shot because...."
      It dawned on Rico exactly where Sonny was going with this. He leaned forward and silenced Sonny's lips with his own. "Let's cross that bridge," he whispered, "when we come to it. Okay?"
      Sonny nodded, and leaned closer in the hope that he could get a replay of the kiss. Rico's mouth gently claimed his and Sonny felt a warm shiver run through him.

      When the kiss ended, Rico stayed close. "Did Bri tell you about the beach house on St. Andrews?"
      Sonny nodded. He should have known that Fielding would have cleared the plan with Rico first. "It sounds wonderful. Two weeks, alone with you. No nurses, no doctors, just me and you. Sun, sand and surf."
      "Are you okay with me doing your therapy?"
      Sonny nodded. "If you don't mind." He looked up into Rico's loving eyes. "You must be sick of all this."
      Rico shook his head. "Never. I'm in this with you, in case you hadn't noticed."

      Sonny smiled at Rico's use of the usual phrases they used while they were working. Sonny thought back to those too few confession-type conversations they would sometimes have. Too tough to get too close, but still trying to tell each other the depth of their feelings for one another.

      There would be no more of those carefully-worded conversations. Now Rico could tell Sonny that he loved him, and mean it. And Sonny would know he meant it. Now, when they wanted to touch, they could. When the only thing that could make the pain go away, even just briefly, was a hug, they could hold each other close.

****

      Four days later Sonny's wrist was x-rayed to ensure the bones were knitting properly. A week after Strohe had almost killed him, Sonny was allowed back into his program of regular physiotherapy.

      But every night, after the meds had worn off sufficiently, Sonny would wake screaming and sweating from the same nightmare. In his dream, Sonny was sitting cross-legged on his hospital bed. Suddenly, the room would erupt in flames. He was tangled in the sheets, unable to move. He could not reach his wheelchair; it was just out of reach. He legs simply would not respond. It did not take a psychology degree to interpret the images.

      Fielding tried to reassure Sonny. But in his therapy sessions, Sonny was pushing himself harder and harder. He wanted his independence back. He wanted to walk again.

      The constant interruptions to Sonny and Rico's sleeping patterns were starting to take their toll. After his morning therapy sessions, Sonny was totally exhausted. He returned to his room and would sleep through the afternoon. It was only at night, in the dark, that the nightmare haunted him.

      This had been going on for five days, when Martin Castillo dropped in to see his detective. He had seen how drained Rico looked the day before and remarked on it. Rico had explained about Sonny's nightmares. So Martin had brought Sonny a present.

      It was shortly after lunchtime when Castillo arrived. Sonny'd had his midday meds about an hour before, and was sleeping. Fielding spotted the Lieutenant just outside the door of Sonny's room.
      "Lieutenant, how are you?" They shook hands.
      "Fine, thank you." He nodded toward the door. "Can I visit?"
      "Certainly, just go quietly." Bri advised. "Don't make any sudden moves or loud noises. Strohe really shook him up. When he wakes, try to stay in his line of sight until he's completely alert."
      Castillo nodded.

      It was the first time Martin had seen Sonny sleeping on his back. He must have been exhausted. Martin reached down and took Sonny's left hand gently into his. Sonny's eyes opened slowly, he smiled. "Marty...."
      Castillo sat carefully on the edge of the bed. "You're having trouble sleeping?"
      "Umm... bad dreams."
      "IAD has been very apologetic. But I thought I could do something constructive." Martin picked up the small box he had placed on the windowsill. He opened it as Sonny watched with curious eyes. Inside was a small, ceramic globe and a tiny night-light candle. Martin placed the candle on the bedside locker, and lit it. Then he placed the globe over the candle. The small, cut-out areas of ceramic were done in the shape of stars and moons. It was difficult to see the effect of the shapes in the light, but at night, they would project on to the walls and ceiling.

      "It's a smokeless candle, so no problem with hospital regulations."
      Sonny looked at the present in wonder. "Thank you."
      Martin blew out the candle. "I hope it helps." He turned his attention back to Sonny. "How are you feeling, Sonny?"
      "Okay."
      Martin frowned at him. "You don't have to do that."
      Sonny smiled. "Habit. Sorry. I'm sick of this place - desperate to get out of here." Martin watched him as he sat up, and tried to find a comfortable position. "*But*," Sonny continued, "the therapist says that maybe in a another few days I can start practicing with crutches."
      "Anything you need?"
      "Decent food? Only joking." Martin smiled at his detective. He could not shake the image of Sonny lying in the recovery room the night it all started. Needing to be closer, he took Sonny's hand again.
      "Please, Sonny. Don't do this to me again."
      Sonny saw the expression on his boss's face. His voice softened. "Marty, I'm okay. Honestly. Rico's doing... everything. He's wonderful. I don't know what I'd have done without him." He met Martin's gaze. "Hey, maybe you could persuade him to go back to work. He really should...."
      Castillo instantly shook his head. "Not yet. It's too early. I don't want him on the street. He'd be too preoccupied." He gently squeezed Sonny's hand. His detective shifted again. He obviously was not comfortable, but Martin was only going to help if Sonny asked him. "You need Rico here. And he needs to be here with you. He does some paperwork when he comes in in the mornings."
      "Is there anything I can do?"
      "Recover. You're not working until you're cleared by the doctors and ready to work." He squeezed Sonny's hand. "Rest. Relax. Get better for us."

      Sonny retrieved a squashed Groggy from under him. Martin smiled when he saw it. "Is that what Stan brought you?" Sonny nodded and handed the stuffed toy to his boss. "He brought the giant bear to the office with him, but I thought I saw something green with it as well. He's got quite an imagination. If he'd left it to me, I would have brought you grapes."
      "Grapes!" Sonny perked up. "Marty, I long for grapes." Martin smiled and handed Groggy back. "There's a boy in pediatrics, Jamie. He's kinda fond of it. I figured I'd give it to him, when I eventually get out of here." Sonny smiled. "'Sides, if I take it home, Elvis'll only eat it." His boss chuckled. "Have I had any phone calls?"
      "Hundreds," Castillo nodded, "literally."
      Sonny frowned, suddenly feeling very helpless. "I'm sorry, so many things I should be doing...."
      "Don't apologize! We're lucky to have you here, we're just thankful for that. I hadn't realized how popular 'Burnett' is. You won't want to come back when you see the growing mountain of paperwork on your desk."
      Sounding a bit like Homer Simpson, Sonny remarked, "Ummmmm, paperwork....".

      Through the following week, Sonny's therapy sessions became more intense as he tried to walk with the crutches. At Sonny's request, Rico started attending some of the sessions with him. Rico experienced first-hand the pressure that Sonny put on himself during these sessions. Sonny wanted to walk using crutches - that was the current goal.

      While he still had the electric wheelchair, Sonny spent a couple of afternoons in the pediatric unit. Being with the kids was something else that had made the last month bearable. They would line up, taking turns, sitting on Sonny's lap as he took them for a 'ride'. For Sonny, it was worth the exhaustion just to see the smiling faces, especially Jamie's.

      As Rico learned to do Sonny's physiotherapy, it became obvious to him just how tiring the exercises were. The therapist warned him to keep a close eye on Sonny. During the first week, when he had collapsed at the parallel bars, it had been because she was not used to reading him. Sonny was just too good at times, at hiding the strain and pain. It was important that Rico remember that. Rico assured her that he too was becoming an expert at reading Sonny's reactions.

      For Sonny and Rico, it was a painful struggle. Sonny tired quickly and usually pushed himself to the brink of exhaustion. Rico hated to see his partner in pain, and always urged him to stop when it became clear Sonny was over-doing it.

      But when Sonny walked unaided, except for his crutches, from one side of the therapy room to the other, it had been worth all the effort and all the agony.

****

      Sonny turned the water off in the shower and reached around the curtain for the towel. Drying off quickly, he reached for the clean pajamas he had left on the counter. What the...? He blinked in surprise as he encountered different clothes than he had brought in with him.

      Opening the curtain, he stood carefully and looked at what he had found. A pair of tan chinos and a pale blue polo shirt were waiting for him. Rico must have brought them in while he was showering, but he had no idea why. Not having much choice, either the towel or these new clothes, Sonny dressed quickly. They fit well. Grabbing his crutches, he left the steamy bathroom.

      Rico was waiting for him. "Looking good, Sonny." He held up a pair of leather Dockers and socks. "Want some help with these?"
      "Rico," Sonny settled on the edge of the bed, "what's the occasion? Why am I dressed in this stuff?" He accepted the shoes and socks but made no move to put them on.
      "Well," Rico's grin got even wider, "I thought you might want to wear something besides pajamas for a ride in the Ferrari."
      "What?" Sonny was flabbergasted. "You mean I get to escape this place?" It hadn't sunk in quite yet.
      "Well, Bri felt it was time to get you out of here for a while." Rico saw the realization finally hit Sonny. "Only for the day." He shook his finger at his now nearly glowing partner. "And Bri wants to check you out before we go."

      Bri insisted on accompanying Sonny, an expert now with his crutches, out of the hospital to the curb. Rico had gone ahead to bring the car up to the entrance. The doctor would have felt a lot happier about this if Sonny was using the wheelchair, at least then there would be less of a chance that Sonny would over-extend himself. But he had to be practical. Sonny owned a Ferrari Testarossa. Engine in the boot, carrying space for a small rodent under the hood. There was no way the chair was going in the car, and Rico had assured Bri that taking Sonny's beloved Ferrari would make his patient a very happy man.

      "Sonny," Bri was really trying to impress this on his favourite patient, "if you have any problems - too much pain, spasms or cramps - I want you back here as soon as possible. Okay?" Sonny nodded but Bri was not sure he was really paying attention. And as they waited for the elevator to reach the lobby, he turned and caught Sonny's eye. "I'm serious, Sonny. If you overdo it and hurt yourself, you'll be stuck here even longer than anticipated. Understand?"
      "Yes, Bri," Sonny rolled his eyes and started off the elevator. "I won't overdo it. If I have any unusual pains, or spasms or cramps, I'm to get back here pronto." The automatic doors at the entrance opened and Sonny found himself smiling in the sunshine.

      Bri shook his head, but smiled. This was a good idea. Sonny needed to get out for a while. Rico and the Ferrari appeared and Sonny's eyes sparkled. Freedom *and* his car.
      Rico jumped out to help Sonny get in and Bri handed him a card with a couple of numbers written on it. "My direct line here at the hospital and my pager number." He held the crutches and Rico helped Sonny get settled in the passenger seat.       "Any problems, give me a call and then get him back here. Okay?"
      "You bet." Rico couldn't help but smile. Sonny was so happy to be 'escaping' this place. "What about his meds?"
      "All taken care of," Bri handed Rico a prescription envelope. "I know he won't want to 'sleep' the afternoon away, so there are two half-doses in there. If he's okay, he can take just one dose at lunch. If he needs more, give him the second dose but at that point it would probably be best to wait until he gets back here."
      "Come on, Rico," Sonny remarked impatiently. "The day's a wastin'."

      Sonny was squinting at the scenery, when Rico tapped him on the shoulder. "Almost forgot," Rico handed him his sunglasses and turned back to driving.
      "Thanks." He slipped them on and smiled. He could almost pretend everything was back to normal.
      "So," Rico started, a few moments later, as they waited for the light to change, "any particular places you'd like to go? Or do you want to just drive around for awhile? Or...?"
      "Hmmm," Sonny considered. He had not really thought much beyond just getting the hell out of the hospital for a while. "Can't think of any place special at the moment. Whatever you want to do is fine with me." He settled back in the seat.
      Rico nodded and they headed south on the highway out of the city staying along the coastline. He and Bri had discussed some possibilities. The doctor had ruled out visiting OCB. He did not want Sonny going there just yet. They wanted this to be a relatively stress free day.

      Rico followed the highway out of Miami and down to Kreggie Point, one of Sonny's favourite spots. Rico knew his partner often brought the St.Vitus down here. There was not much around, a small marina with a couple of boats moored, a closed-down ice-cream parlour, and several wooden benches.

      With the aid of the crutches and his partner, Sonny clambered out of the low car and hobbled over to one of the benches. Just to smell the fresh air, and to feel the breeze blowing was amazing - at once familiar and foreign. It seemed strange that having been cooped up in the hospital for so long. The things he missed were the things that he used to take for granted - including his car. As Rico drove, Sonny had felt pangs of jealousy - he treasured his car, not because it was expensive and extremely sexy-looking, but because he enjoyed driving it. He enjoyed the power beneath the hood.

      Sonny desperately wanted to be able to drive again, to feel *his* car respond to him. Sitting watching the sun glinting off the ocean, he thought about the hundreds of things he was not going to be able to do for a long, long time. In the hospital, he realized, he had only ever thought about what he *could* do, the multitude of abilities he had claimed back over the months he had been in there. Now he could only seem to think about how far he still had to go.

      Sitting beside his partner, Rico stayed quiet, allowing Sonny time to adjust. But when he saw tears start to fall, he moved closer and reached an arm around Sonny's shoulders. He still did not speak. Over the time he had spent nursing and supporting Sonny, he had leaned when to comfort, and when to simply be there.

      After a short time, Sonny drew in a deep breath and turned to Rico. "I'm sorry."
      Rico shook his head, "Nothing to apologize for."
      "It just hit me, how far I still had to go. I thought I'd accomplished so much, but I haven't. I'm still so dependant, so useless...." He frowned. "So depressing to be with." The words were quiet, but Rico heard them clearly.
      "Sonny, you have no idea how far you've come, do you? Three months ago I walked into the hospital Recovery room and sat by your side. The only reason they allowed us into that room was because you were dying. Do you understand? You weren't gonna make it, no one believed you were going to live." He made sure he had Sonny's full attention. "And on the off-chance that you did make it through the operations, the chances of you not being paralyzed and not being brain damaged were hardly even existent. Now look at you. Not only are you alive, you're awake, you're walking and talking. It's a miracle you're here. God, Sonny, you couldn't have come any further any faster!"

      Sonny was staring at him. "I just keep thinking I should be pushing myself harder."
      "I know. But you're doing so well that you've gotta be careful that you don't overdo it. You'll be out of hospital soon. I think the stay on the beach'll do us both good."
      Sonny smiled. "I can't wait."

      They sat silently, comfortably, listening to the water against the coast. After a while, Sonny felt himself being watched. "What's up, Partner?"
      His partner was thinking. "Sonny, are you comfortable with this relationship? With us, now? Out here."
      "What d'you mean? Why should out here be any different?"
      "I dunno.... I'm afraid I keep remembering what you told me that night at the garage, about Evan and Mike Orgell. Your reaction to Orgell being gay." Sonny gave that small, knowing smile of his. It had been too long since Rico had seen that smile.
      "That was a long time ago, Rico. I was very young, very innocent I guess. I know how I feel. And I think I know how you feel. The night I told you about Evan, and I found you in that nightclub - you left that girl and came after me. You were so wonderful that night, Rico. I dropped you home, and you got out of the car, and for one, fleeting moment, I felt something.... I don't know. But I've never forgotten it. I love you. That's all there is, but it's all I'll ever need."
      "Are you sure?"
      Sonny gave Rico a sideways glance. "What's wrong? After everything we've been through lately.... Are you having second thoughts?"
      "No!" Rico shifted closer to Sonny, touched him. "But I know you never saw yourself as gay...."
      Sonny shrugged. "You're right there. I still don't.... But that doesn't stop me wanting you and loving you. Believe me, Rico, I never thought I'd be where I am now, but I'm glad I'm here."

      They had lunch at a quiet cafe on the way back to Miami. Real food that tasted good. A real treat for Sonny. By the time they reached the hospital, Sonny was exhausted, but happy.

      Bri met the car at the curb with a wheelchair, apparently expecting Sonny to be drained from his day out. The doctor fussed about him, but Sonny insisted he was fine, just a little tired. He really was exhausted because he accepted a ride in the wheelchair without protest. Once he was back in his bed, Sonny fell asleep without the aid of the meds.

      The doctor watched his patient, noting the contented smile on his face. He shook his head. Sometimes he found himself wondering who was going to have more difficulty backing off, he or Rico.

***

      Bri paused at the door. It was going to seem strange to come to the Trauma Unit and not stop to check on Sonny. His favorite patient would be gone by tomorrow afternoon - his miracle patient. He sighed and knocked politely.
      There was a muffled, "Come in."
      When he pushed open the door, he found Sonny sitting on the edge of the bed sorting through cards and envelopes. "So how's my favorite patient this afternoon?"
      "Just great, Doc." Sonny smiled. He really did feel like a kid waiting for Christmas. He waved a hand at the mess on the bed. "I thought Rico had taken all the cards and stuff with him yesterday and today, but I found this bunch stashed in the bottom of the bedside table." He paused for a moment. "Didn't realize that I was so popular."

      Bri glanced around the room. It seemed bare, sterile, now that Sonny's stuff was mostly gone. "Well, looks like you're all packed up."
      "Yeah," Sonny grinned. "So any idea what time I can expect to be sprung from this place, Bri?"
      "Well, I want to do one final exam." He saw Sonny roll his eyes. "Then there's the office and their paperwork - I'd say probably around 10 - 10:30."
      "Good," Sonny nodded, "I'll let Rico know." He managed to shuffle the mess into two piles. Grabbing his crutches, he stood and picked up one pile and dropped in unceremoniously into the garbage can. The other pile he took over to one of the bags sitting by the locker and stuffed into the side pocket.

      Bri watched Sonny. He knew better than to offer to help. "So where is Rico?"
      "He took a load of my stuff to his house." Sonny made his way back to the bed and sat. He waved a hand at Bri indicating he should have a seat. "Then he said he was stopping by the station." Sonny snorted. "Oh, yeah, he also has to stop and pick me up something to wear. My stuff doesn't fit at the moment."
      Bri nodded. He had nearly forgotten that Rico had asked him about bringing in a dinner for Sonny on his last night in the hospital. Hopefully, Sonny would eat well. Pulling the visitor chair close to the bed and Sonny, Bri sat. "Sonny, there's something else we need to discuss."
      "Sure." He looked expectantly at the doctor, who had become a friend as well.
      "Actually, it's a two fold subject." Bri hoped Sonny would be okay with this. "First, as you know, when you were admitted, you were given numerous units of blood and plasma." Sonny nodded, not quite seeing where this was leading. "Although all blood and blood products are thoroughly screened and tested, there is always a minute chance of contamination with each unit given. With the number you were transfused with, the chance increases."
      Sonny nodded. Now, he seemed to know where this was heading.
      "I'm talking about HIV/AIDS." Sonny nodded once again. "You've already been given a routine test for HIV and the results were negative. You'll need to be tested in six months and once again six months later. If your negative at that point, you're basically considered clear."
      "Okay." Not the world's greatest news, but not completely unexpected or devastating. "And the second part?" Sonny asked.
      "Well," Bri was not going to beat around the bush on this one. "You and Rico are going to have to practice safe sex." He saw Sonny's eyes widen and then a blush tinged his face. "Sonny, this is to protect Rico." Bri knew that Sonny would listen if it concerned his partner's safety. "You're going to need to wear a condom. And he won't be able to... go down on you."
      "Oh, umm...." Sonny was obviously uncomfortable now. "I... uh... understand." He wasn't looking at Bri anymore, instead he was picking at the foam cushion on one of his crutches.

      "Do you have any questions?" Bri wondered if there was something more was going on than Sonny being worried about AIDs and safe sex. "Rico and I have already discussed this." Sonny looked up. "Back when you were recovering from the skin graft procedure. He understands the need for the precautions." Sonny's eyes dropped again.
      "Sonny, the actual possibility that you're infected is very slight after all is said and done." Bri hoped to alleviate any worries his patient had. "This is just taking reasonable precautions. Okay?"
      "Sure."
      Sonny still seemed uncomfortable, but Bri did not have a chance to dwell on it as his pager beeped at that moment. Glancing at the readout, he stood up. "Look, I've got to go." He gave Sonny's shoulder a brief squeeze. "If you have any questions or concerns, you know how to get a hold of me." At the door, Bri looked back at his patient still seated on the bed. "You okay?"
      "I'm fine." Sonny smiled. "Really." But his smile faded as the door closed.

      When Rico arrived with several bags, a box and a basket, he was too relieved to have gotten everything to Sonny's room without dropping anything to notice, at first, that Sonny was very quiet. His selection of a pale green henley shirt to go with the white linen slacks were greeted with a smile and thanks from his partner.
      "And now for a treat," Rico began. Sonny smiled expectantly. "We're going to have a picnic supper right here in your room as a celebration of your last night in the hospital." He handed Sonny the basket. "Why don't you dig the cloth out of there?" Rico started rummaging through the box.
      "Do you want to do this on the floor or on the
      bed?" Offering his partner the choice, though he knew it would likely be more comfortable for Sonny on the bed.
      "The floor." Sonny pulled the drop cloth out and shook it open. Rico helped to spread it on the floor. Then lending an arm to hold onto, Rico watched as Sonny settled himself on one side of the cloth, leaning against the bed. "So what're we having?" He sniffed the air appreciatively. "Smells good." He finally seemed to be getting into to the mood.
      "Well, I thought we'd have something special." First he retrieved a white tablecloth and spread it over the center of the drop cloth. Then, Rico reached into the basket and pulled out flatware, cloth napkins, plates, water glasses and wineglasses. Sonny frowned at the glasses.
      "Rico," he started. "It's a nice thought, but I can't have - "
      But his partner cut him off, "I know. No alcohol. Not to worry. Okay?" Sonny nodded. Rico then pulled out a pair of candle sticks and holders setting them up on the cloth. Sonny watched as Rico put together an elaborate table setting for a 'picnic' dinner. He filled their water glasses with chilled spring water from a small cooler that had been tucked into one of the bags.

      "I stopped at Abrucci's." Sonny's eyebrows raised. It was one of the best, most expensive seafood restaurants in the Miami area. "Now to start us off," Rico reached into the box and pulled out an insulated container. "We've got Clams Casino, followed by Frutta Del Mar."

      The meal was delicious. And Rico was pleased. Sonny seemed to be getting some of his appetite back. He was still nibbling at a piece of Focaccia, when Rico announced. "For later, I have a great dessert for us to share. They said it was a house specialty." Sonny groaned and dropped the bread.
      "I can't eat another bite." He had not eaten this much in a very long time. "I'll explode." Rico grinned.
      "But Sir," he started, in an atrocious British accent, "it's just one wafer thin mint."
      Sonny chuckled. "Seriously, it was a great meal, Partner. Thanks." Then he shifted uncomfortably on the hard floor. Rico noticed.
      "Look, I'll clean this up." He stood and held out his arm for Sonny to pull himself up on.

      After his partner was seated on the bed, Rico picked up their wineglasses and set them on the bedside table. Handing a bottle of chilled sparkling white grape juice to Sonny, he suggested. "Why don't you open that while I take some of this out to the nurses?"
      Sonny was just pouring as Rico returned. He handed a glass to Rico as he sat down on the edge of the bed. As they raised their glasses, "To being discharged." Sonny toasted.
      Rico grinned. "To the future." They touched glasses and drank the light sparkling liquid. Rico noticed a flicker of something dark in Sonny's eyes.
      "Sonny, what's wrong?" Rico could see there was something bothering his partner.
      "It's nothing, really."

      "It's not nothing...." Rico frowned. "There's been something bothering you all evening." He set his glass down and took Sonny's hand in his. "You can talk to me. You should know that by know."
      Sonny sighed. "Bri spoke to me earlier. He told me about the HIV risk, with all the blood they had to give to me...."
      "It's a tiny risk, Sonny."
      "That's not it." Sonny shook his head. "I know there's a risk, I understand that. But Bri also said he'd spoken to you about... us. Being careful."

      Rico nodded, smiling in amusement. "He did broach the subject, or tried to. he was really nervous about talking to me. He wasn't sure what stage our relationship was at."
      Sonny frowned, looking away. "I think he found his courage. He basically told me that we had to practice safe sex; that I had to wear a condom and that you couldn't give me a blow-job."
      Rico's eyes widened. "Straight to the point then?!" Sonny nodded, he was not smiling. Rico looked at him closely. "What's up? So we have to be careful." Rico could not figure what was going on in his partner's head. "It doesn't bother me, if that's what you're worried about."
      "Rico, exactly what stage do you think our relationship is at?" Sonny was studying their clasped hands, not looking directly at his partner.

      The question sent shivers of cold dread through Rico. "Sonny... I thought... after you said you loved me... after we kissed."
      "It was just a kiss," was Sonny's quiet reply.
      Shocked and upset, Rico stared at his partner. Sonny was not even looking at him. "Do you mean that?" He could not keep the hurt from his voice.
      "No...." Sonny looked up, his gaze still troubled.

      Relief flooded through Rico. "Then what is it?"
      "I don't...." Sonny's voice trail off. He dropped his eyes, suddenly finding the glass he was still holding to be fascinating. Rico wrapped his hand over Sonny's fingers careful of the edge of the cast.
      "Sonny?" He gently took the glass from his partner's hand and set it aside. Sonny finally looked up. "Talk to me. Please." Rico held onto both of his friend's hands tightly.
      "I don't want you to feel obligated to stay with me." Rico blinked in surprise. Sonny continued, in a rush now to get it all stated. "You can't possibly find me physically attractive anymore. I mean, I'm too damned skinny. I've got these scars and...." He swallowed hard. "I don't want you to stay with me out of pity or some sense of duty.... I love you and that won't change. But you need to get on with your own life and stop being burdened with me."

      With that said, he tried to pull his hands away from Rico's. His eyes were bright with unshed tears.
      But Rico would not let go of Sonny's hands. "Sonny, I'm going to keep saying this until you believe it." He gave his partner's hands a firm squeeze, "I *love* you. You are not a burden to me." He looked directly into Sonny's stormy green eyes. "*And* you are one sexy and attractive guy. Haven't you noticed the physiotherapy aide, Karen, I think is her name, checking you out?"
      A tear slipped unheeded down Sonny's cheek. "But - "
"No buts about it." Rico interrupted. He touched a finger to the wet track on Sonny's face. Then suddenly he snickered. "Well, actually, it *is* your butt she's been watching."
      Sonny started to blush and Rico grinned in amusement. "I never thought I'd see you shy about the ladies, Partner."

      Finally, Sonny looked up. "I've never done this before, Rico. I've never been with a guy...."
      "Sonny, Love, when we're ready, I'll show you."
      Sonny still looked so miserable. "It's just, when Bri said it, it sounded so... impersonal. Like we were just gonna screw each other senseless."
      Rico had to suppress the laugh. "Sonny.... " He could not keep the amused smile off his face. "I'm sorry...."

      Sonny looked at him, fighting his tears. Rico saw the expression in his eyes and the mirth was gone. He moved closer on the bed next to his partner. "Sonny...."
      Sonny looked straight at him - confession time. "I'm scared, Rico." His desperation was clear in his voice. "The only time I've ever been with a guy, I was raped. And it hurt, Rico. It really hurt." Rico was shocked. He never imagined that Sonny would be equating them making love to what happened to him at the Dome.
      "Sonny, what happened to you, and what we could share, are two completely different things. I know Cintaro hurt you, I should have realized.... I'm sorry." Rico put his hands on Sonny's shoulders. "I promise that I won't hurt you. I promise that we will take things as slow as you want, as slow as you *need*. We won't do anything you're not ready for. And we don't do anything you're not comfortable with."

      At last, Sonny relaxed. He leaned into Rico, taking his hands. "I know it's stupid...."
      "Sonny, it's not stupid. Everything you're feeling is natural. You were raped, for God's sake. You've dealt with victims of rape. You know the consequences. Don't for one minute think that I've forgotten what you've been through, what I was partly responsible for...."
      "No...."
      "Yes. Sonny, I would love to screw your brains out. But when we make love, it'll be a two way thing." He placed a gentle, sensuous kiss on Sonny's mouth. "And I promise you, you'll want it just as much as me. So don't worry about it, okay?"

      This time it was Sonny who claimed Rico's mouth, taking him in a deep kiss of relief and thanks.

*****
EXCERT FROM MIAMI TRIBUNE

      "Miracle cop goes home. In five days, Vice Detective Sonny Crockett will perform a miracle, he will go home.
      "Three months ago, this paper reported that Detective Crockett was rushed to the hospital with five gunshot wounds from a drugs bust that went sour. Suffering massive internal injuries, including a bullet lodged against his spine, Crockett was not expected to survive the first night. But with the support of family, friends and colleagues from the Metro Dade Vice Dept., Sonny not only survived, he's being released. He'll be walking out of the hospital on crutches, but he's expected to make a full recovery."
      "The doctors at the hospital are calling the detective's recovery 'a miracle.' Dr. Bri Fielding, Chief Trauma Specialist and Internist, Crockett's physician, told us, "When Sonny was first admitted, he was so weak he couldn't breathe on his own. To look at him now.... It's incredible that he's come this far, this fast.""
      "Detective Crockett has a long way to go before returning to work. But everyone here at the Tribune would like to wish him all the best."

***************************************

Chapter Six