Dex nodded. "I think he misses you too, so, you know, when you get back, maybe let him fuss over you, huh?"
Taylor's eyes went wide. He nodded. "When do you think I'll be back?"
"That depends," Sloane said
thoughtfully. "They need to run some tests and monitor your health for a while, but if you agree to some checkups, scheduled sessions with Dr. Winters, and you're willing to ride a desk for a while, Sparks will reinstate you. A month or two. As for how long it'll take before you're cleared to go out in the field, that I can't say."
Taylor thought about it before extending his hand to Sloane. "Deal. To be honest, I'll just be happy to get my life back."
Sloane took Taylor's hand and smiled wide. He patted Taylor's shoulder and stood. "I'll let her know. If you need anything, you have Dex's number."
Taylor smiled. "Thank you, Sloane." He turned to Dex and held out his hand. "Thank you. For everything."
Dex gave him a wink. "That's what friends are for, right?"
Taylor looked stupefied. "Friends?" He shifted his gaze to Sloane, who nodded. "I don't know what to say."
"Just get better," Sloane said, heading for the door.
Hudson put away his tablet and stood. Taylor grabbed Dex's arm, stopping him from leaving.
"Could you, uh, do me a favor?"
"Sure."
Taylor cleared his throat, his face somewhat flushed. "Do you think they'll let me talk to Angel?"
Dex's smile was dazzling. "I think I can make that happen."
Taylor's smile mirrored Dex's, his relief instant. "Thanks."
Hudson patted Taylor's shoulder before he followed Dex and Sloane out of the room. The door was closed behind them, and they walked down the corridor. Hudson couldn't help his smile. He cast a sideways glance at Dex.
"Lost without him, ay?"
Dex shrugged, his smile sly. "I may have embellished a bit."
"Right."
"Herrera's definitely missing Taylor, and if you ask me, he's a little in love with the guy. He just hides it well. Really well."
"And you know this how?"
Dex sobered up, and he elbowed Sloane gently. Sloane cleared his throat.
"He kind of lost it a little bit when Ash took Taylor's name off the roster. Herrera cursed at Ash and shoved him."
Hudson stared at Sloane. "Herrera shoved Ash? The same man who fears retribution for the infamous fern incident?"
Sloane nodded, amusement in his eyes. "The very same. He told Ash what he could do with his fern."
"Oh dear Lord. What was Ash's response?" Hudson was stunned that Herrera, who was not only a cheerful, even-tempered man, but spent a good portion of his time avoiding Ash Keeler, would not only have a few choice words for the fierce lion Therian, but shove him.
Sloane cocked his head. "After the initial shock wore off, Ash just stood there quietly until Herrera was done. Then Herrera stormed off."
"And Ash let him go? Pardon me, but did you say Ash stood there and let Herrera curse at him?" Hudson shook his head. Was he missing something? Ash Keeler had let another person--one whom he threatened with imminent demise on an almost daily basis--be aggressive toward him?
"Ash is more perceptive than he gets credit for," Sloane replied. "Herrera's not one to fly off the handle like that. And he did. About Taylor. Seeing his name removed from the roster hurt him somewhere deep. Ash saw that."