Essex Dogs - a Blur fanfiction

Chapter 5

Graham was transported to the Essex County Hospital to be treated for his gunshot wound. Alex travelled with him while Dave and Damon were going to catch up later. The pain was just now setting in. Graham didn't know it, but he was really a hero. He saved a woman's life by literally taking a bullet for her. His father would have been proud of him.

An orderly took Graham to a trauma center room upon arrival at the hospital. Graham asked the attendant to contact his friends at school. He was more concerned about letting his friends know about his situation than his own health.

Alex waited out in the waiting room for Dave and Damon to come to the hospital. In the meantime, a nurse was removing the lady's scarf and replacing it with real bandages.

She dabbed the wound with disinfectant. "You may feel a bit of a sting, Mr. Coxon."

Graham winced in pain but was otherwise unfazed. He was surprisingly calm through all this.

Dave and Damon arrived at the hospital as soon as Graham was allowed visitors. The trio came in to visit their friend.

"Hey, guys," Graham greeted, looking away. He felt that he failed his group by being in here.

"Graham, you foolish, brave creature," Damon answered. "What compelled you to do that? You could have died today."

"I know. I'm sorry."

"Sorry?" Dave asked, shocked. "Why? You saved all those lives today. We were just there. You did all of it."

Graham smiled sheepishly. "Thanks. It was nothing at all. I did what I thought was right."

Damon patted him on the unwounded shoulder. "Well, great job."

Just then, a Colchester police officer came into Graham's room. The other three were silent, especially Damon who was facing his former superior. Officer Turner didn't even look Damon in the eye. He was the one who had him discharged in '73.

"Evening, fellas," Turner greeted. The others reciprocated. "Graham Coxon, on behalf of the entire Colchester police force, I thank you for your service earlier today. Your selfless act diffused an otherwise deadly situation. You will be honored in the future."

Graham smiled again. "Thank you, Officer Turner. But I'm no hero. I was just a guy who wanted to help. I lost my own dad in a situation like that."

"Anyway, great job, young man. And I'm sorry to hear about your father. Have a nice evening, fellas."

Officer Turner left and Damon loosed his muscles. He'd resented Turner ever since he caused him to lose his job.

"He has a lot of nerve coming in here. It's not like he actually cared about bravery."

"We know, Damon," Alex said, trying to help Damon loosen up. "But it's all over now. For now, let's just be happy that we still have our new friend with us." He ruffled Graham's hair playfully, like he was a little brother.

The trio stayed for another hour before Graham started receiving other visitors. They still had to remain secret, although it looked like they wouldn't be for long.

A/N: Short chapter, I know. The next part will continue in the hospital, so it'll be up soon!