ATF Alternate Universe
I don't own 'em. I ain't gettin' paid.
This is for Laura. Thanks for the script.
"Vin get up."Vin heard the voice but ignored it. Sinking deeper into the soft comforter, he turned away from the voice and pulled a pillow over his head.
Chris Larabee stared at the tousled hair of his lover and smiled. He really didn't blame Vin for not wanting to get up so early. They had just finished a month of stakeouts on a crack house with a successful bust yesterday. His entire team was worn out and tired. He had received permission from his ATF boss to give his men the next week off. The entire team had scattered before Chris could change his mind. He and Vin had come home late, caring take-out and crawled into bed. Their desire for each other overcome by pure physical exhaustion.
Chris had gotten up early and made a few phone calls, calling in some favors. He and Vin needed to spend some time together and Chris knew exactly the right place. An old friend had a condo on the slopes of Vail Colorado. Right in the middle of ski country. The friend was in Europe and the condo was empty. Skiing and the open country air would melt the tiredness from their bodies. Looking down again at Vin, he flashed a wicked grin and took off his robe.
Vin felt the bed dip as Chris slid in beside him. Reaching out from under the covers, he found Chris' chest and stroked it. Chris grabbed Vin's hand and brought it down to his already hardened cock. Vin sighed and let his fingers trace the heavy vein on the underside of Chris' shaft.
Chris let Vin stroke him for a few minutes, then lifted Vin's hand off him and laid down beside him. Starting on his face, Chris began to lick Vin from his eyelids down to his throat. Vin lay facing Chris, his hand on his own penis, stroking it gently as his lover's tongue lapped and sucked his body. After a few minutes, Vin felt his hips find a rhythm with his hand and he pushed his hard-on up so it flattened against Chris' stomach.
"Chris..Chris.." Vin hissed as Chris moved his hands down to take Vin's penis in his hands.
Suddenly throwing back the covers, Chris hung on to Vin's penis and tugged slightly. "Come on Vin. Follow me.." Chris saw Vin open his eyes and look directly at Chris. "This way, come on."
Chris left the bed and went into the to start the shower. Coming back to the bed, he bend over Vin and began sucking the tip of Vin's penis.
"Ah, Chris, yes!" Vin was thrusting in time with Chris' sucking. Chris added his hand to the base of Vin's penis and tightened it, adding more pressure. He felt Vin's hands on his head pressing him down to take more of Vin into his mouth. Tasting the salty liquid that was beginning to ooze from Vin's slit, he reached around and found Vin's anus and pushed slightly against it. "OH GOD!!! So Good.....Suck hard, Chris...you have to....YES!!" Vin exploded into Chris' mouth spreading warm salty liquid down Chris' throat. Chris swallowed convulsively and kept pressing and working Vin ass. "No!! Awww....Oh, Geez!!" Vin groaned as Chris continued to work on his penis, finally feeling it soften in his mouth. Letting it fall from his mouth, he planted a firm kiss on Vin's mouth and dragged him up out of the bed toward the shower.
Chris's hard-on pressed tightly against his stomach. Vin stumbled after him nearly falling as Chris pulled him into the warm water of the shower. Turning Vin to get at his buttocks, Chris quickly soaped his hands and started spreading the soapy liquid between Vin's crack. Pressing his head against Vin's back, he said. "Vin? I can't wait..I need to be inside you.. Please, spread your legs..Oh, Vin...I'm so hard..."
Vin placed his hands on the shower wall and pushed his buttocks backward toward Chris. He immediately felt Chris' finger at his opening rimming it with the soap. Closing his eyes against the water falling on his head, he concentrated on feeling what Chris was doing.
Chris was doing fine. He slipped his finger in and stretched Vin searching for his prostate gland. He felt Vin stiffen and cry out...pushing back into Chris' hand, thrusting madly. "Awee..Chris..more please..another finger.. Spread me more....more....ohhh ...ohhh.." Chris added a second and third finger till he had Vin moaning and tossing his head. Vin had become hard again and was working his own penis frantically waiting for Chris.
Chris waited no longer. Using his hand, he placed his engorged shaft against Vin's hole and pushed. "Huhh....Vin....Vin...." Chris moaned as he felt the large bulb of his penis head, finally work it's way past Vin's sphincter. Pressing forward, he felt Vin forcefully relax and allow him to fall forward deeper. Grabbing Vin's hips, he looked down and watched as his penis pressed all the way into the base. He was inside Vin as far as he could go. He felt Vin straighten his back and pull slightly away.
"Sorry, Vin. Hold on." Chris pulled back slightly and felt the tension ease around his shaft. Despite having been lovers for about six months Chris was so large that Vin often found it painful to take Chris deep no matter how hot they both were. Chris waited until Vin started to grind against him. Taking his signal from his partner, Chris started thrusting back and forth, seeking his release inside Vin.
Vin felt Chris hit his prostate gland as he slammed deeper inside. Bucking and pushing back, he groaned as the pain of Chris' invasion turned to tension and pleasure. He loved this part..waiting to feel the spurting liquid of his lover pulse against his insides. He didn't have to wait long. Chris pushed and moaned pressing himself as deep as humanly possible and he grabbed and held Vin buttocks against him. With Vin stroking him self, they both splattered foamy liquid. Vin felt the warmth of Chris' sperm hit him and gasp as he came. They stayed that way, locked together as the warm water sprayed over them. After a few minutes, Chris raised his head and slowly withdrew from Vin. Vin hung with his head down, trying not to lose the feelings that pulsed inside him. Chris reached around and found his face. Pulling him around Chris kissed him deeply and whispered. "What did I ever do without you?"
Untangling themselves they washed quickly. Drying himself, Vin looked at the sleek body before him. "So why are you so anxious to get up this early?"
"Got someplace to be." Chris smiled and moved into their bedroom. Quickly throwing on a sweater and jeans, Chris watched as Vin searched his drawers. "Looking for something?"
"Yeah, my blue sweater. Seen it?" Vin continued looking as Chris reached inside the closet.
"Here, wear this." Chris said as he tossed a beautiful soft gray fleece sweater piped in blue at Vin.
Vin caught it and looked up at Chris. "What's this?"
"A little something special for our trip. Your blue sweater is already packed. Come on we're losing daylight." Chris picked up his wallet and keys and made for the living room.
"Trip? Chris, what trip?" Throwing on the new sweater, Vin paused a moment to relish the feel of it against his still sensitive skin. Chris was slowly upgrading Vin's wardrobe; Vin hugged the sweater to his chest. Shaking his head, he marveled at his profound luck in having Chris
Larabee as his friend and lover. "Chris. What trip?" Vin asked the question again, but got no answer. Looking around he saw his suitcase next to Chris' in the front hall. The door was open, so Vin walked out to see Chris attaching their skies to the top of Chris' Jeep Cherokee.
"Get the suitcases will you? I've got our boots and jackets in the front." Chris moved toward the house and gave Vin a pat on his butt as he passed. Vin followed him back inside. "Sweater looks good on you. Knew it would." Grabbing his beeper and cellphone, Chris paused in front of Vin and reaching over kissed him passionately. Pulling away, Chris smiled at Vin's expression and motioned to the suitcases. "Come on, let's go."
Vin took a deep breath, letting his semi-erect penis settle, before picking up the cases. Closing the front door behind him, he saw Chris talking with Charles, the young boy who regularly took care of their horses. "Hi, Charles" Vin said as he placed the cases in the truck of the Jeep. Settling in the front seat, he waved to Charles as he headed back to see the horses. AS Chris got in and started the Jeep, Vin looked at him. "So. What trip?"
Chris punched him and Vin giggled grabbing Chris' hand and licking his fingers. Chris traced his wet fingers along Vin's chin line, and pulled Vin forward in another kiss. "Ok, enough! We keep doing this and we'll never get to Vail." Starting the Jeep, Chris backed up and started the drive to the mountains.
"Vail? You got a place at Vail, just like that? In the middle of the season?" Vin looked at his partner in astonishment. "No, wait ...let me guess.. Connections, right?" Vin leaned his head back laughing and let the motion of the car lull him to sleep.
Hours later, with Vin still asleep, Chris pulled into the entrance to the exclusive condo complex. Giving the guard his name, Chris was given a plastic gate card, and directions to the condo. Parking outside of his friend's condo, Chris smiled at Vin's expression. Looking at Chris, Vin said. "Some connections." Opening the door, he followed Chris to the front door.
Next door, Laura Baker watched the black Jeep pull up. Two remarkably beautiful men got out and approached her porch. Mr. Landan, her neighbor, had described the blond over the phone. She felt his description hadn't done the man justice. The younger man who followed was as beautiful in his own more exotic way. Mr. Landan almost never let people use his condo, so these two must be special people. Well, Laura, thought to herself, it's certainly going to be entertaining having these two as my neighbors for a week. Very entertaining.
Chris approached Laura's door and rang the bell. Laura smiled and opened it. The blond man introduced himself. "Miss? My name is Chris Larabee. This is Vin Tanner. I'm hoping Mr. Landan gave you a phone call about us."
Laura raised the condo key in her hand and said. "Yes, he called me early this morning. Welcome to Vail." She crossed the porch and unlocked the door. Stepping inside, she flipped on the lights and motioned the two men inside. "I'll give you the quick tour. I know you probably want to get out on the slopes while there is still some sun left.
Mr. Landan had me get you a few things." Gesturing to the hall table, she said. "Two lift tickets that are good at all the resorts around including our own private lift. That's the key to the snowmobile in shed #6, if you need it. Oh, yes, Mr. Landan's VIP parking pass for the same places as the lift tickets. I took the liberty of stocking the refrigerator and Mr. Landan insists that you use the wine cellar. It's that way. Bed rooms are upstairs, and the sauna and whirlpool in the enclosed porch." Laura smiled at the pleased expressions on the men's faces. Laughing, she said. "Mr. Landan doesn't have many people to his condo. When he does, he wants them to have a good time."
Chris looked at Vin and moved into the living room. "This place is wonderful. He, Mr. Landan, has always been after me to use it. I just never had a reason to come out here by myself." Looking straight at Vin, he smiled slightly when he saw the sharpshooter blush. "So, you live here all year round?"
"Yes, I used to live and work in New York as a registered nurse. Mr. Landan was a patient that needed a private nurse, so when he's in town I help him out. The rest of the time, I write romance and western novels. Actually sell them. Well, enough about me. You guys go and have fun. I'm in the middle of a torrid love scene in my next novel, and I left my handsome gunfighter in the hands of the spunky but innocent school teacher." She
laughed, Vin and Chris joining her.
"Really, let me know if you need anything. Mr. Landan's words were ‘Laura, if those boys spend a dime while in town on anything it's your neck.' Oh, gosh, here." Digging out a credit card, Laura continued. "It's the corporate card and your names have been added. You are to go to Andre's Ski Shop, Mr. Landan has Roy waiting to take care of you. Better get going." Vin and Chris watched she moved gracefully from the room.
"Wow!" Vin walked to the living room window and looked at the view of the mountains. "Chris. This is unbelievable." Chris came up behind Vin and wrapped his arms around him. Pulling Vin's head back, Chris kissed and licked his neck.
"Come on. Let's get unloaded. I've heard about this ski shop. Let's go find out what's waiting for us." Chris smacked Vin's butt and Vin whirled around grabbing for Chris' penis. "Uh, huh..Later.!" Chris backed away and ran outside to the car.Two hours later, Chris and Vin left Andre's with all new outfits including skis and boots. Chris had insisted on black despite Roy's objections. But had gotten Chris' approval for the combination of blues that made up Vin's outfit. Heading for the lifts, they felt relaxed and free for the first time in months.
Skiing until the sun began to set, they ate dinner at the lodge and drove back to the condo in tired contentment. Vin cleaned and dried their ski equipment, while Chris opened wine and started the sauna. Coming to the porch where Vin was finishing, Chris placed a glass beside Vin and leaned over his back. Squatting on his heels, Vin saw the glass appear at his side and felt Chris lean over him. Vin smiled as Chris ground his pelvis into the small of his back. "Hungry, there cowboy?
Thought we just ate?" Turning on his heels, stood up staring at his bare chested lover. "What you got in mind there?" Vin reached forward and pulled at the waist band of Chris' pants. Peering inside, Vin saw Chris was erect, his penis tight against the flat abdomen.
Placing the glass down, Chris pulled Vin's face forward and pushed his tongue deep inside the tracker's mouth. Reaching around behind Vin, Chris slowly pulled Vin's sweater over his head. Leaning forward, he licked at the hard nipples as they were exposed. Continuing to suckle Vin, Chris undid the snap on Vin's ski pants and slowly slid the zipper down. Reaching inside, Chris fingered the bulge held prisoner by the fabric of Vin's ski underwear. Chris found the opening and slipped his hand inside. Pulling gently, he unfolded Vin's penis and brought it forward. Vin felt his knees begin to buckle as Chris fingered his shaft.
"Uh, Chris? Can we?...Ohh...yes." Vin pushed forward pressing his cock further into Chris' hand. Backing Vin up to the small porch couch, Chris pushed him down on his back and knelt beside him.
"Let's see here. What surprises did Andre's ski outfit bring me?" Smiling Chris, closed his mouth over Vin's fully engorged shaft. Reaching deeper with his hands, Chris cupped Vin's balls and began rolling them in his fingers. Vin reacted by lifting his hips off the couch and rocking back and forth. Working his way slowly down Vin's cock, Chris felt his own penis twitch and pulse. He felt Vin's hand reach down and begin stroking his enraged pole. Moving his hips closer so Vin could get a better grip, he started pumping as Vin's thrusting became more urgent. Hearing Vin start to moan, Chris opened the back of his throat as much as he could and let Vin slip even further.
Vin was frantic. Chris' moist mouth and the friction of those lips on his excited shaft, had him thrusting his hips off the couch. Pushing and pushing he fought for the release his body demanded. "Help...oh, God..Chris... Suck me..suck me...More..More...OH GOD!!!!!NOW!!!" Vin felt his balls draw up against Chris' hand. Chris squeezed and began to milk the throbbing balls in his palm. Vin ejaculated forcefully into Chris' mouth. His own hand tightened on Chris' pole and stroked faster. Swallowing as fast as he could, Chris felt his own climax approaching as Vin increased the friction. He began thrusting upward against Vin's hand and finally released Vin's still spurting organ as he leaned his head back and screamed his release into Vin's hand.
"Vin!!! Faster...tighter....so fine.. Ah...VIN!!!" Falling forward, Chris let his head fall on Vin's naked stomach. Gasping for breath, he turned his head to look at Vin's face. Vin lay with his head back exposing his throat. Vin's hands were now working both poles, stoking both in a leisurely contentment. Chris started lapping Vin's cum from his stomach.
They lay together enjoying the feeling of being together in a sexual glow. Finally Chris gave into his knees, and rose pulling Vin with him. Looking at Vin's new ski pants, he smiled. "Good thing these are waterproof."
"Yeah, but are they cum proof?" Vin giggled as he ran his hands down Chris' back. Chris helped Vin step out of the pants. Standing naked, his penis now soft, Vin was a glorious site to Chris.
"Still can't believe you're mine. God, I love you Vin Tanner." Chris said as he began grinding his penis against Vin's.
"Love you too...hey, wait..I'm thinking about that big soft four poster upstairs. Stop, Chris..you're bad. Let's go." Chris followed Vin upstairs. Hours later they lay asleep in each other's arms.
Vin opened his eyes, and started to stretch. Feeling Chris' arms around him, he smiled and snuggled pushing his buttocks against Chris' groin. Chris stirred and started licking Vin's neck, stroking the soft hair that fell around the muscular shoulders.
Reaching down, Chris stroked himself until he felt his pre-cum release. Moistening his fingers, he began to stroke the rim of Vin's opening. Feeling Chris' fingers on him he reached around with his top hand and pulled his cheeks open, making access easier from Chris. Chris took advantage of Vin's move and forced his finger inside Vin. Hearing Vin groan and push back into his hand, Chris added a second and third finger..stretching and opening Vin for his entrance.
Vin felt himself open easily. After going to bed, he and Chris had made love two more times. Chris had come deep inside him each time, and although he was sore this morning, the need to have Chris inside him overrode all other feelings. Stroking himself, he felt Chris' large head rim him and push past the resistance. Despite himself, Vin winced and pulled away.
"You ok, Vin? What's wrong? Shall I pull out?" Chris stopped pushing biting his lip as he fought for control.
"Just sore this morning. Think we set some sort of record yesterday. I'm paying for it today. It'll be ok, if you take it slow, ok?" Vin pressed his lips together against the ache and tried to relax.
Chris began licking Vin's back and reached down and found his balls. Stroking them lightly with his fingernails, he felt Vin soften and open for him. Sinking slowly into Vin, Chris almost cried out from the shear beauty of being inside his beautiful man. Pressing forward to the base of his shaft, Chris rested inside Vin.
When he felt Vin relax and start to thrust, Chris picked up the rhythm and started a slow leisurely stroking that soon had Vin pushing as he thrust forward. Gently Chris brought Vin to a shattering climax, and found himself spilling his seed lovingly inside his mate. Moaning softly, he wrapped his arm around Vin's waist and joined his hand with Vin's locking their fingers together. Another hour found them still joined in a peaceful sleep.
Chris pulled softly out of Vin. Rising slowly so as not to wake him, Chris made for the bathroom where he showered and shaved. Passing by the bed, he saw Vin still sleeping, his face soft and child-like in his sleep.
Finishing breakfast preparations, Chris went upstairs to get Vin. Hearing the shower on, he poked his head in the door and announced that breakfast was ready. Chris was drinking his first cup of coffee, when Vin made it slowly down the stairs. Raising his eyebrows, he said. "Vin, I'm sorry. You need to tell me when you are hurting. I don't want our lovemaking to hurt you in any way."
"Naw, Chris I'm fine, there. Between the skiing and the multiple sessions yesterday, my thighs are killing me. Maybe I'll just make a couple runs today and sit drinking beer while you tear up the slopes." Vin sat down gingerly reaching for the coffee pot.
"Whoops, that one's mine. Your's is this one." Chris pushed a separate pot toward Vin. "Nice to have a kitchen with multiple coffee makers. Did I make it strong enough?" Vin smiled and nodded. Finishing breakfast, they gathered their ski gear and piled it in the Jeep.
Laura stepped out on the porch and waved. "Good morning. How was your skiing yesterday?"
"It was great, Laura. Everything has been wonderful, thanks so much." Chris spoke over the top of the Jeep. "We're going for a short day of skiing, may stay over and eat dinner in town. Haven't decided yet. Those steaks you put in the refrig look mighty good though."
"Ok, then I'll tell the maid she can go in before lunch. Is that ok?" Laura waited for an answer.
"Maid service? Ok, yeah, before lunch will be fine." Chris looked at Vin as they got into the Jeep. "We didn't leave anything incriminating did we?" Vin just shook his head thinking he was a long way from Purgatory.
The slopes were only marginally crowded when they arrived at the next resort on their lift tickets. They had decided they would work their way down the ticket testing out the slopes. Chris and Vin were finishing their last planned run together about 3 pm. With Vin leading, they were making slow large loops on an intermediate hill near the top of the lift.
Vin heard someone yell, but the wind made it difficult to understand. The tone of the voice made him turn his head. He caught sight of the snow boarder just before he felt the board hit his ankle. The forward motion carried the man on the snow board into Vin. Vin felt his left ski dig in trapped by the snow board. The man's weight continued to push Vin forward downhill. Vin heard his leg snap before he felt the driving pain lance his leg. He lay trapped underneath the man, stunned by the pain and sudden events.
Chris saw the middle age man move in between he and Vin on the slope. It was obvious the man had no idea about using the snow board as he rushed down the hill out of control. He hit a bump and the board started taking him straight for Vin. Vin's angle on the hill, kept Vin from seeing the man. Chris tried shouting but knew it was useless. He cried out as he saw the man and board hit Vin, bowling over him and lay still.
Chris reached the pair before anyone else. The snow boarder was getting up, brushing snow from his suit. Chris saw Vin underneath. He was lying on his right side, arms thrust outward. His right knee was bent at the knee and looked ok. The snow board still lay on Vin, shoved up against his rib cage and covering the left leg.
Giving the man an ugly stare, Chris barked. "You idiot!!! Don't you move. Sit down over there get out of my way before I break your neck" The man backed away in terror and sat down in the snow.
Bending over Vin, Chris lifted the snow board and blanched at what he saw. Vin's left leg was bent at an odd ankle. His new ski boot was still attached to the ski where the weight of the man had stopped it's bindings from releasing. Vin's leg was obviously broken above the top of the boot in the middle of his lower leg. Avoiding the leg, Chris moved around to Vin's head. Seeing the ski patrol approaching, he dug snow from around Vin's face and leaned down so he could see.
"Vin? God, Vin. Can you open your eyes?" Chris saw Vin open his eyes and try to focus. "Vin, don't move. Help is on the way. Just lay still." Chris continued to talk softly to Vin as the ski patrol medics came to Vin's side. "He hasn't moved. He opened his eyes, but I don't think he understands what has happened." Chris said to the medic.
"Ok, thanks. What's his name?" The medic asked and Chris told him.
Moving to Vin's head, the medic put a white C-collar around Vin's neck before trying to stimulate him. "Vin? My name is Hank. I'm a ski medic. You've been in an accident. I'm gonna ask you to do some stuff for me but I don't want you to move you head, ok?"
Vin listened to the voice and felt the hands place a rigid brace around his neck. Finding his voice, he said. "Yes, I understand." He could feel a throbbing all along his left leg. The pain began growing as his mind began to clear. Gritting his teeth against the pain, Vin tried to follow the medics instructions. He wiggled and moved his arms and right leg without pain. When asked to take a deep breath, Vin doubled over at the pain he felt in his left side. "Side hurts." He grunted. The medic nodded understanding.
"Where's my friend? Where's Chris?" He asked as the pain in his leg began to tear at him.
Chris heard Vin and moved quickly so Vin could see him. "Right here, Vin. Here, hold my hand. That man on a snow board ran into you. You're going to be ok. I won't leave you."
"Ok, Vin. We're going to roll you over onto a board to get you to the hospital. But first we have to move your left leg and take off your boot. There's no way to do this without causing you pain, I'm sorry. Your friend is right here, so focus on him, ok?" The medic nodded at Chris and went to join his partner.
Several more patrol members had come to help, and two supported Vin's leg as the medics prepared to remove the boot and splint his leg. Snapping the boot off, they quickly cut away Vin's ski pants and inspected the break. Although obviously broken, no bones were sticking out and the skin was intact. Carefully placing a plastic splint along the back of Vin's leg they wrapped it in elastic from his toes to above his knee. Finishing they eased Vin over onto the backboard and strapped his right leg to his left. Placing restraints to hold Vin's head in place, they lifted the backboard and put Vin on a sled behind a snow mobile. Allowing Chris to follow in another machine, they began making their way to the ambulance parked at the foot of the hill. Helping the medics load Vin in the unit, Chris stepped inside and sat next to him holding his hand.
Vin tried focusing on Chris, but the pain rising up his back from his left leg was coating his mind. He tried biting his lip and breathing as deeply as he could, but the pain in his side snapped at him and pushed him over the edge. "Chris? Oh, shit!..It hurt's...Chris?" Vin grabbed Chris' hand and squeezed as if his life depended on it. Trying once more to gasp in air, Vin felt his vision narrow and finally total darkness swallowed him.
Vin remained unconscious all the way to the hospital ER. Unloading him quickly, the ER doctor familiar with fractures of all types quickly had Vin into x-ray, warmed with blankets and pain medications given. Vin regained consciousness, as they were moving him back to the stretcher after x-rays. Looking around he spotted Chris standing in the corner.
"Chris? What happened?"
Chris pulled up a chair and took Vin's hand. Explaining the accident, Vin smiled as Chris described his "conversation" with the snow boarder.
"Vin, my name is Dr. Sam Curtis. Well, that tangle with the snow boarder has bought you a fractured tibia. It's a pretty clean break. I'm gonna reduce it here and place you in a long leg cast. You also have four broken ribs on the left side, the exact shape of a snow board. Are you staying here in town?" When Vin nodded, he continued. "Ok, well, we'll get you organized here and then you can recover at home. Are you from Denver?"
Again, Vin nodded. "Well, I have several good orthopedic men there I recommend. We'll get you the details. Ok, well let's get this over with. Tracy?" The doctor turned to the nurse and nodded. "Tracy is going to give you some medicine to make you sleep while I fix your leg."
Chris sat beside Vin as the doctors reduced and fitted a cast from above Vin's knee to his foot. Only Vin's toes were exposed. Waiting for the sedation to wear off, Chris cursed their luck. Just when things were going great! Vin began to open his eyes and lick his lips. "Chris, water?"
Vin rasped. Surfacing from the induced sleep imposed while they set his leg, Vin began to feel the throbbing associated with a fracture. He knew they wouldn't give him anything more for pain in the ER, so he tried to focus on Chris' face.
Two hours later, Vin was in a wheelchair waiting for Chris to drive the Jeep around. He leaned his head on his right arm, feeling miserable. His left arm was in a sling to restrict the movement of the broken ribs. They had given him crutches, but had agreed Vin would be unable to use them do to the broken ribs. Chris had reassured the doctors that Vin's needs would be tended to. Stopping only to fill the powerful pain medications the doctor had prescripted, Chris hurried to get the sharpshooter back to the condo and more comfortable.
Arriving after dark, Chris pulled as close as he could to the door, parking sideways. Laura heard the Jeep approach and noted the strange angle Chris had parked the car. Opening the door, she saw Chris struggling to get Vin out of the backseat of the Jeep.
"Chris, wait! Hold on! Let me help." Rushing out to size up the situation, she put a restraining arm on Chris' shoulder. "Wait, hold on. I have a wheel chair for Mr Landen, let me get it." Quickly making her way to the back bedroom of their condo, she returned with a wheelchair. Between them, Vin was eased into it and quickly taken inside.
"Oh, no. Vin, Chris what happened?" Laura went back to the back bedroom and began to make up the master bedroom. "Chris bring him back here. This is Mr.Landen's room. This bed is really a hospital bed just fancied up a bit. Vin will be more comfortable here. You want to help him with his shirt and pants, I'll get some water. Did you get the pain pills yet?" Chris smiled as he handed the container over to her. "Good" she said as she read the label.
"Chris.." Vin said in a tired and painful voice. "Can't we just go home tonight?
Shaking his head, Chris looked at Vin. "You should see yourself, cowboy." Helping Vin take off his sweater, Chris frowned at the large black and blue swollen area half way down Vin's left side. They both decided getting the ski pants off anyway but cutting them would be a complete waste of time and pain on Vin's part. Dressed only in his briefs, Vin laid back on the cool sheets. "It's way to long a ride. How about we stay here in these lovely surroundings for a few days until you're not in so much pain?"
Laura appeared in the doorway, with an arm full of pillows and a flask of water. Helping Chris raise Vin's leg up and fixing his left arm on another pillow to help ease the pain in his ribs, Laura placed two hydromorphone tablets in his mouth and helped him swallow them. Turning to Chris, she handed him the glass and began to adjust the bed position to make Vin more comfortable. Feeling Chris standing behind her, she turned. Suddenly it dawned on her. "Oh, Chris. I don't know..I didn't mean to come in here and..I'll leave."
Chris stopped her with his arm. "Laura, please having you here is a blessing. I could never have taken care of Vin like you've done in such a short time. Mr. Landan certainly knows quality when he sees it. Do you mind a few questions. The paper says here I'm supposed to ‘check his toes' every so often. I remember hearing what the nurse said, but honestly....what about if he has to go to the bathroom. He's kind of private about that. Can he get up to the bathroom?" Laura looked at Chris, noting the exhaustion covering his face.
"Look, Chris. Why don't you go get a shower, and put some sweats on . I'll cook us a snack. And we can discuss what to do. I'll watch Vin while you're gone. Those pills are powerful stuff, he won't be waking up for several hours."