Lea and Rica ended up in the Hospital canteen having a cup of coffee.
“I had no idea when I sent up a flare you would be taking the job.”
“Just keeping my eye out for any interesting prospects. Saw your name on the email from Tex and figured I’d see what was up. Just can’t keep out of trouble can you Hendo.”
“Well I was trying.”
“As a nurse. I know you have the quals Hun but you are so much more. I expected to see you back in the squads.”
Lea looked at her friend. “You left.”
“I know, but I was always going to Hun. Got what the Navy could give me and took it. But you were born to be Navy, Hendo, that’s what made you so good.”
“After, well you know. I just didn’t have it in me anymore. Nursing’s good, stable I’ve been at the Base 3 years now. No more chasing demons around the globe, no more wondering where the next assignment will take you and for how long, no more killing. No more having to lie about what you do. I’m settled Rica, I like my life.”
Rica saw the flash across Lea’s eyes. “What gives Hun? You like your life but?”
“Now I have met someone and I have 12 months to go before my discharge. It’s the first time in my life I ever considered leaving the Navy.”
“Sebastien right?”
Lea just stared at her friend stunned. “Is it that obvious?”
“My radars pretty good Baby. So He’s the one who will break your ties with the Navy then. I wondered what would be so strong that it could do that. You didn’t leave after, well we both know what. So I figured it would have to be something big. I guess you can’t get bigger than love.”
“But I am worried that after all this settles down, He will just vanish. I’ve been through a lot of dangerous stuff but this really scares me.”
Rica reached over the table and took Lea’s hands. “Love is scary Baby, but it is beautiful as well. For what it is worth, from what I saw between you, nothing is going to take him away from you.”
Lea smiled, that was all she needed. To hear that from someone she trusted. “I’m really glad you are looking after them Rica. Any of the old team come with you?”
“A few. Danny’s on fringe detail and Eric is off ferreting for information about the gunman.” Rica looked at Lea... “You got any theories?”
Lea smiled, if it had been anyone else asking she would have said no. “Someone has been watching them since I got to New York I know that for sure. Before then I can’t say. I thought I caught a glimpse of someone the other day across from the apartment block. You know about the rock throwing?”
Rica nodded. “What about the shooting?”
Not much help I am afraid. “Two shots, I was more focused on Urs than the environment. Sorry. I should have paid more attention.”
Again Rica smiled. “That’s okay Hun. Any idea if your stalker is male or female.”
Straight away Lea said male.
“See you do know something. We are just going to have to wiggle it out of your brain Hendo that is all.”
Just then one of her team entered the canteen and nodded. Rica looked at her watch. “Time to get ready for the press conference. I do really hate these things.”
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Lea and Rica meet the others in a large conference room on the first floor of the hospital. No one got onto the floor let alone into the room without Rica’s team knowing about them. A few press personnel had tried to gain entry without their ID. The room was surrounded by security. It reminded them of the Navy Base. Rica had pulled all her team in for the conference. Lea nodded at Eric and Danny and they bowed their heads slightly to acknowledge her. Sebastien had been watching Lea’s interaction with these strangers. It was obvious that they knew each other well.
Simon, David, Carlos and Sebastien were seated at along table. Behind them stood some of Rica’s team and off to the side stood Rica with Lea and Tam. David looked over and Rica gave him a wink. He could feel himself melting into her eyes and again Sebastien had to nudge him. He’d been asked a question and not heard it.
Rica let Simon take control of most of the conference until she decided that the questions had started to invade on her space. That is when she put herself behind David and leaned over him to use the microphone, her long hair gently washing over his shoulder. “You all just be patient. This is an on going investigation and when those questions can be answered they will be. That’s all for now boys and girls.”
Rica motioned to her team and they escorted Simon, David, Carlos and Sebastien back out to Tam and Lea who had been waiting for them near the elevator.
Rica looked at Eric. “Time I think these boys got to see there friend.”
No more was said. They entered the lift leaving Rica to make sure that all their media guests had left.

Tam had already seen Urs twice but the others were still shocked at what they saw. Reality hit home hard.
David went to speak to him. “Hey Buddy. How you doing. You should see the security team they have for us. They got a lady boss. You think Lea’s tough. This one’s wicked I tell you but she’s drop dead gorgeous.”
Sebastien slapped him on the back. “Careful what you say David.”
He talked for a little while longer then the room went silent. Tam sat next to him holding his hand.
The nurse that had given Lea her pager number came in. She smiled at them all. This is not how she had expected to see her idols. Up on stage singing or a quick glimpse as they where going to or coming from a concert, but not like this.
She spoke to Tam. “He’s doing well; I should think he will be awake by breakfast if you want to come back then.

They all left using the same procedure as they had to get into the hospital. At the apartment building they noticed a few things that they may not have done before. One of the team across the road, A few in the lobby and now there were a few on their floor. Rica had said they may not see all of her team. They all wondered if this was not all then how many did she have covering them. But they all had to admit that they felt more secure knowing they were watching.