Chapter 21

“Biscottis was great, babe, but what made it great was us being there together.”

“Good save, Mick.”

11

NAS Jacksonville, FL

IT WAS EARLY IN the morning and everyone in the OR was ready to go. Unfortunately, they couldn’t begin because the surgeon was absent. Chris was about to pick up the telephone and call Scooter when Dr. Shively backed through the door holding his freshly scrubbed hands in the air.

“Sorry I’m late, folks,” Dr. Shively said. “I got stopped by an officious deputy sheriff.”

“Why?” Chris said.

“It’s overcast out there and I was driving with just my parking lights. Apparently, that’s illegal in this state, but who knew? The deputy actually lectured me about the dangers, then gave me a warning ticket. Is everybody ready?”

We’ve been ready for quite some time, Chris thought, but he kept his mouth shut.