Angie looked at the figure in the bed and gasped…It was Jake!
They moved closer to the bed, and watched as Jake shifted slightly, a quiet groan escaping his lips.
“AJ?” Angie whispered.
Jake’s eyelids fluttered and finally opened slowly. He focused on Angie and lifted up a hand towards her.
“Hey baby,” he croaked.
Angie ran to him, her anger forgotten, and wrapped her arms around him the best she could. Jake winced, but bit off the moan so as not to upset her too much.
“Baby, I’m so sorry. I couldn’t…”
“Shh! It’s okay, don’t say a word. Just let me look at you.”
“Ahau aroha koe,” Jake muttered, losing his battle to keep his eyes open, and on Angie.
Angie gently stroked Jake’s cheek, careful to miss the extensive bruising there.
“Hei ahau mahi koe," she replied lovingly. "You just go back to sleep now.”
She stayed by the bedside, holding onto his hand, until he dropped back into a deep, healing sleep. Then she turned to Mike and Tom, the look on her face letting them know she needed some answers. Tom indicated they should leave, and they headed towards a small office behind the nurses station.
As soon as the door closed behind them, Angie rounded on Mike and Tom. Before she could say a word. Tom raised a hand for silence, then began to speak.
“It’s not as bad as it looks, Angie.”
“I’m a nurse, Tom, and it looks bad enough to me!”
Mike reached out for Angie and gently steered her down into a chair. Once she was seated, Tom went on to explain that although Jake looked bad, most of his injuries were superficial, and a couple of days in hospital should put him right.
“The worst injury is to his hand…he’s been shot. The bastard decided to ventilate him. He must have forgotten Mitch is a leftie and aimed for his right hand."
“Hold on, are you telling me the low life that did this knows Jake?”
“Yes, Angie, I’m afraid he does. It was an office from the unit. There's always been bad blood between them.”
“So what happens now?”
“We’ve got him, and we’ll deal with him. It’s an army matter. Don’t worry, he'll not be getting away with what he did. The only thing you need to think about is helping Jake follow orders. That way, he’ll be home in a few days.”
Angie smiled slightly at the thought of the army nurses trying to keep Jake in bed as ordered by the doctor. She once again wondered how on earth he had managed to rise to the rank of Major in the regiment, knowing how stubborn and rebelious he could be. She guessed it was because he was a born leader. The top brass had known it and acted accordingly. She felt proud of her man, and wanted to be with him. She got up and headed for the door, looking over her shoulder and winking at the two men, she went to see if Jake was awake.
She could hear the commotion well before she got to Jake’s room. On entering, she quickly took in the scene. Jake was definately awake, and struggling to free himself from the grip of two military nurses.
“C’mon, mate, do us all a favour and get back into bed…NOW!”
Jake still struggled to get up.
“Lay down!”
From the look on his face, Angie could see Jake was simmering at just below boiling point. She decided it was time to make herself known.
“Actually, I think you’ll find he outranks you, Lieutenant.”
The nurse spun round on her heel to face Angie.
“Excuse me?”
“I said, he outranks you, luv. Shall I make the introductions?”
Angie stepped forward until she could read the name on the nurse’s badge.
“Lieutenant Brown, meet your patient: MAJOR Mitchell.”
Angie winked at Jake and laughed as the two nurses let go of him like he was a hot potato, spluttering their apologies as they realised that this wasn’t a civilian as they had at first thought.
Jake smiled and resumed his attempt to get out of bed.
“As you were, soldier! Back in that bed like you were told!”
The nurses grinned as Jake sheepishly did as Angie ordered, and whispered a grateful thanks to her as they left her alone with Jake. She went over to the bed and leaned in to give him a loving kiss.
“And just where did you think you were going, babe?”
“I need my jacket.”
“Why?”
“Can you just fetch it for me please, seeing as how you won’t let me get it myself.”
“Okay, okay, if it’s that important to you, hang on while I fetch it.”
She picked up his jacket from the back of a chair, and took it over to the bed.
“There ya go. Are you going to tell me why it’s so important you have it right now?”
Jake was fumbling about in the pockets, intent on finding something. He pulled out his clenched fist and patted the side of the bed with it, inviting Angie to sit with him.
“Angel, I know I messed up your birthday…”
“It’s okay, AJ. You would have been there if…”
“Listen, please. I know I ruined your day. I made a promise that I couldn’t keep and I’ve never done that to you before. I was going to give you this at the party.”
He took her left hand in his bandaged right one, raising it to his lips and kissing her knuckles. He then slowly and lovingly placed an exquisite diamond and aquamarine ring on her third finger.
“Märena au?” Jake asked, gazing intently into Angie’s face.
Angie said nothing. She sat staring at the sparkling jewel on her finger for a moment, then slowly looked up at Jake with tear filled eyes. She flung her arms around his neck and burst into tears.
“Would that be yes?” asked Jake, gently rubbing the small of Angie’s back, trying to calm her down.
Her sobs eventually turned into hiccoughs, and she lifted her face from his shoulder and beamed at him.
“That would be YES!” she laughingly replied.
Jake lay back against the pillow, relief washing over his tired face. Angie kissed him gently and told him to rest. She waited until he was asleep once more, and headed out of the door to find Mike and Tom. They were both still where she’d left them, and rose as she entered the office.
“How is he?” asked Mike.
“He’s very tired, and has gone back to sleep.”
“And how are you?”
“Engaged!” Angie replied, grinning like a Cheshire cat and waving her hand under Mike’s nose.
“Well, well, so the big guy finally got his arse in gear did he? Congratulations!”
Mike and Tom both gave Angie a hug and kiss, and dutifully examined her ring, agreeing that it was the best thing they had ever seen. She slapped Mike playfully when he raised it to his mouth and went to bite it to check it was real. She then got serious.
“When can we get him out of here?”
“Well, apart from his hand, he doesn’t have any serious injuries, so we’ll see how he is after a good night’s sleep, then maybe, with supervision, we can get him home tomorrow.”
“I’m sure Drew will help us keep him in line,”
“Yes, it must be handy having your doctor living in the same complex as you.”
“Not when the ‘you’ is Jake, Tom. You know how much he hates doctors. He’s only happy to see Drew in an unprofessional way, like when they both take their morning run together, or in the pool. I’ll have a word with him though, he’ll be more than happy to try and keep Jake in line.”
TWO WEEKS LATER
“Jake, are you sure you’re up to this party?”
“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life, luv,” Jake replied, taking Angie in his arms and swinging her around the lounge room. “Anyway, Drew will no doubt be here to keep an eye on me,” he added, winking.
Angie laughed as Jake carried her out to the balcony and gently set her down, ordering her to relax as he went back inside to bring out the breakfast tray. He returned a few moments later, groaning under the weight of the loaded tray, and set it down on the table.
“Enjoy your brekkie, luv,” he said, snagging a slice of toast as he headed back inside.
“And just where do you think you’re going?”
“I thought I’d keep out of your way. I’m sure you want to decorate the shite out of the place,” Jake replied, ducking a cushion as it made its way through the balcony door.
“I’m going to show my face in the office for a couple of hours, don’t worry, Drew is giving me a lift in.”
Angie sighed. She knew he was getting cabin fever being kept in the apartment since coming out of the hospital, but she was still worried that he was going to do too much too soon. She came in and gave him a hug.
“Okay, sport. Go and say G’Day to the troops, and I’ll see you back here later.”
She kissed him goodbye and went back out to the balcony. She leaned over the rail and watched him walk down the boardwalk towards the road where she could see Drew waiting. Jake turned to give her a wave, and Drew stepped out of the car to do the same. She smiled, thinking they looked like a couple of school boys let off for the morning. As soon as they pulled away, she went back to her breakfast, already going over in her mind what she needed to do before the party that evening. In a way she was glad Jake had gone out, he would only get under her feet if he was there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jake and Drew rode the lift together until the 10th floor, where Drew had his office. As he walked out he told Jake he’d see him later. Jake carried on up to the 12th floor. He suddenly felt nervous and had no idea why, he was the boss for god’s sake, not a new boy. As the lift came to a halt, he took a deep breath and stepped out.
He was greatly relieved when he found himself alone in the corridor, no fanfare, no welcoming committee. He realised that’s what he was afraid of…he hated fuss. He turned and headed towards the reception area. Sandi looked up as he approached and nudged Dee, who was on the phone. They both grinned and gave him a little wave and carried on with what they were doing. He smiled to himself and turned towards his office.
Jenny was just coming through the door and she looked up and saw him.
“Hey, boss. Had enough skiving and decided to come back to work?”
“Hell no, Angie chucked me out so she can get ready for this party. Missed me did ya?”
“Like a hole in the head. How about getting back behind that desk of yours and going through some paperwork?”
“Jeez but you’re a slave driver, woman!” Jake said, laughing, as he made his way past her and into the office.
Just as he made himself comfortable, the door opened and a pile of papers came in, Jenny barely in sight behind them.
“You’ve gotta be joking, luv. I promised Angie I’d only be gone a couple of hours!”
“Don’t worry, Jake. They aren’t all yours. I thought I’d join you, if you don’t mind.”
“Never. Pull up a chair and get comfy. Wanna drink?”
“A cup of tea would be lovely, hang on a minute and I’ll just put these down.”
“No worries, Jin. I’ll go get them. I think I remember where the kettle is,” Jake winked, getting up and heading out the door.
He was surprised to find the rec room empty, but glad in a way as he didn’t feel too much like talking. He made the drinks and headed back to his office, laughing when Sandi and Dee demanded to know where their drinks were. He tilted his head down the hall, telling them they knew where to go get their own.
“There ya go. Earl Grey, no sugar, slice of lemon.”
“Thanks, Jake,” said Jenny, taking the cup from him and placing it on the coaster he slid across to her. She watched him place his steaming giant mug on another before she spoke again.
“So, how are you…really?”
Jake sighed and leaned back in his leather chair.
“Truth?”
Jenny nodded.
“I’m embarrassed. I fell for the oldest trick in the book. I let my guard down around a bloke I knew hated my guts, and paid for it.”
“So, what’s the damage?”
“I was lucky, Jin. He could have done a lot worse. I got away with cuts, bruises and a few minor burns.”
“And a hole through your hand!” Jenny snapped, her voice catching with emotion.
Jake looked a little sheepish as he went around to Jenny. Crouching down in front of her, he took her hands in his.
“Hey, really, I’m fine. I’ve had a lot worse. Please, don’t get upset,” he said, wiping away a tear that has escaped and was trailing down her cheek. “It’s healing up already, and after the therapy, it will be as good as new, promise.”
Jenny looked at her boss and smiled, kissed him on the forehead, took a deep breath and sipped her tea.
“Better now?”
“Yes, sorry. I was just worried about you.”
“I know, ‘mum’, and I appreciate it, really. So…shall we hit this pile and then get outta here?”
“Jake, I’m meant to be working, I can’t just swan off.”
“Now, I know I’ve not been here for a couple of weeks, but last thing I remember, I was the boss, and you were my p.a. right?”
“Right.”
“Alrighty. So, if the boss tells his p.a. that she needs to accompany him away from the office, it’s a safe bet that she won’t get a black mark for ‘swanning off’ now will she.”
They both sat back, drinking their tea in companionable silence, then began working through the pile of papers. When they’d finished, Jake took Jenny’s cup away from her and took it back to the rec room, washed it, and his mug up, then returned, picking up her jacket on the way.
“C’mon. We’re outta here.”
He pulled her up from her seat and headed off towards the lift, waving goodbye to the girls and reminding them not to be late for the party. Once outside the building, Jake headed off on foot towards the Quay with Jenny following in his wake. He stopped to buy them both an ice cream, and they strolled along past the Opera House and headed towards the gardens for the short walk back to his apartment.
“You can protect me from Angie when she tells me I’ve got back too soon,” he joked.
Ten minutes later they had arrived at the wharf and Jenny was surprised when Jake steered her to a seat outside the café. His friend Pete was on duty and came out to take their order.
“Cuppa, Jin?” Jake asked.
“That would be lovely, thanks.”
“Two teas, Pete, mate. One Earl Grey with lemon, and a usual.”
“Coming right up, mate.”
Jenny looked over at Jake, wondering why he stopped for a drink here instead of going straight up to the apartment. Jake caught her quizzical look and explained.
“I think it might be safer to have a cuppa down here. I’ll bet she’s up to her eyes in it and will do her block if I waltz into the kitchen and get in her way.”
“Chicken!” laughed Jenny in reply. “Don’t worry, I’ll look after you.”
“Never doubted it for a minute, luv.”
Angie was pleased to see Jenny, and between them, they managed to park Jake on the balcony, with orders not to set foot back inside until they told him to, then they set about getting things ready. Angie was having the party catered, but they needed to shift some of the furniture around before the caterers arrived. It wasn’t long before the security phone rang. They were here. Jenny was getting as excited as Angie, and couldn’t wait to see what was on the menu.
Half an hour later, everything was set, and it was a battle to keep Jake away from the food. He was sent to the bedroom in disgrace, and told to take a shower and get ready. On his way to the stairs he snagged a bug, and ran off before Jenny could retrieve it. He pronounced it to be *delicious* as he shut the bedroom door behind him. Angie and Jenny collapsed in helpless laughter.
“He will never grow up,” said Angie.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The party was well underway when Mike arrived dragging Darren and David behind him. David was still a little in awe of Jake, and was dreading having to try and be *sociable*, but at the same time, he felt honoured at being invited. He still wasn’t too sure what the party was about, but assumed it was to celebrate Jake and Angie’s engagement.
Jake hated socialising, he usually left that kind of thing to Mike, but to see him circulating amongst his guests, you would never know it. He noticed Mike and the lads come in, and waited until they got a drink before turning off the background music and asking for everyone’s attention.
“Okay, folks. First of all, I’d like to thank you all for coming, and would like to thank Angie and Jinny for getting everything ready despite their misfortune of having me hanging round the place while they were getting set up. I guess it’s time to let you know what this little gathering is all about, and despite public opinion, it’s NOT anything to do with a beautiful young lady who has done me the honour of accepting a certain item of jewellery on her third finger, left hand.”
“It’s about time she made an honest man of you!” quipped Mike.
“Go bite yer bum, mate,” replied Jake.
“Right, as I was saying, before I was rudely interrupted, I guess I’d better tell you what this evening is all about. As you are now all aware, I had a little bit of trouble a few weeks ago, and if it wasn’t for the combined efforts of our newest members of the company, I don’t know how it might have ended up. As it was, they worked out where I was, and how to get me out before I sustained too much damage.
So, I’d like to ask Dazza and David to stop hiding in the kitchen and come up front for a second, so that I can say well done mates, thanks a million for what you did, and consider your ‘first assignment’ a 100% success.”
Rough Translation
Ahau aroha koe = I love you
Hei ahau mahi koe = As I do you
Märena au = marry me