Can We Really Get Away

Max tried to focus on the patient he was examining, but it was hard to remain professional knowing Rob could return at any minute from his visit with the police chief. Aware of the importance and value of his position, he forced himself to focus, giving the nurse clear instructions on how to carry out a medication reduction plan so they could discharge their patient as soon as possible.

Walking to an isolated area of hospital tent, Max gazed at his lover. Iago was even more beautiful as he concentrated on every word Kevin uttered. He seemed riveted on the detailed explanation of how to take patients’ vital signs correctly and record them on their charts.

Working side-by-side was never something Max had imagined for him and Iago. He had known deep down in his heart, from the moment they shared their first unexpected kiss, that they were soul-mates, but working together was an added bonus. While some couples might be concerned about spending entire days together, Max knew he would never tire of being close to Iago.

He listened proudly to the questions his partner asked. Iago wasn’t satisfied with only learning to complete the tasks at hand, he wanted to know the reason for checking each vital sign and the impact the result might have on the patient.

Max shook his head. How did Iago ever get caught up with criminals in the first place? Max knew the answer. Iago was left on his own with a single mother fighting to keep them both alive and no one to help them. It could just as easily have been himself who ended up leading a life of crime. With a string of adults trying to act as quality parents, none of whom he could completely count on, if it hadn’t ultimately been for Beni and Peris, Max probably would have fallen into a similar life to Iago’s.

Instead he had finally become a Physician’s Assistant. He’d hoped to be a doctor, but it didn’t look like completing his education would ever be possible.

He remembered the pain of coming out. Max huffed. He was so young when he knew, but it still hadn’t been easy. Despite all the confusion and turns of fortune, Iago eventually came into Max’s life. Out and proud with everyone but his gangster buddies, Iago always gave Max the respect he deserved, placing his needs first whenever possible. Even with Peris, Beni and Clara, Iago always made sure that Max was aware that his needs came first, above all others.

Max leaned against one of the locked medication cabinets and grinned. Iago always loved him unconditionally. On more than one occasion he’d even risked arrest to keep Max safe. Although, thinking back, Max realized he’d done the same in return. Iago was everything, and was proving it again by taking on a career he’d never had any interest in, to please Max and make their life together work.

It was like the story of the mythical lovers, separated at birth and having to spend their lives finding their way back to one another. They were destined to only fit with each other. That was how he thought of himself and Iago. Two halves of a whole -- never complete unless united. He huffed, knowing what Iago would say if he could read his mind, God, Max, sometimes you can be so gay. Then they’d both laugh.

“Hey, Max. Give me your arm.” Iago and Kevin walked toward Max, startling him out of his reverie. “I’m about to become a medical aide.”

Max chuckled. “What did you do, Kevin, give the accelerated course?”

“He’s a quick study. This guy could become a doctor in less than a year if we gave him the chance.” Kevin patted Iago on the back.

“Be careful, I might just try it if you’re all not careful.” Iago smirked at both men.

“I wish I could--” Max quickly silenced himself, realizing his words may cause Iago to feel more guilty than he probably was already.

“Max.” The remainder of Iago’s thoughts were more than understood.

“Iago, I was the one who planned to come back here long before you decided to come with me.”

“But you should be a doctor. You were made to help people.”

“And I have, for years... until everyone who knew me wanted their pound of flesh.”

“So, now it’s your turn to take care of yourself.” Iago turned to face Kevin directly. “Tell me, can Max become a doctor?”

“Of course he can. He can even complete much of his studies under Rob’s tutelage, in association with the university that’s only about 100 kilometers from here.”

“No kidding? Max, did you know this?”

Max looked at Kevin. “Why didn’t Rob ever mention this before?”

Kevin crossed his arms over his chest and grinned. “Because all you ever talked about was returning to a man in Barcelona someday. You never seemed committed.”

“And now?”

“Max, you brought Mr. Barcelona back with you. I get the feeling if you don’t have to leave for any other reasons you’ll be around for a good long time.”

Iago sighed. “Other reasons. Unless I’m much more dense than I think, I’m the cause of those other reasons.”

“No, Iago.” Max spoke up loudly, but quickly lowered his voice when he noticed the nurses all look up in his direction. “This was my choice. Mine, and only mine. Don’t ever forget who brought up coming here, ever!”

Iago nodded, but Max could tell he still felt the only way to remove the guilt would be to confirm their safety.

As if on cue, a local police motorcycle drove up with two men on it. Max immediately recognized the man in the sidecar as Rob. He stepped out amidst a whirlwind of kicked up dust, removed the helmet he was wearing, and returned it to the policeman who was driving.

“Why hello, boys. Are you working, or having a group coffee break?”

Kevin gave Rob’s shoulder a brief squeeze. The two were cautious to keep any obvious displays of affection to a minimum to avoid any accusations of unprofessional behavior.

Max was afraid to say a word or ask any questions knowing he might not want to hear the answers. Kevin picked up the slack. “How’s the chief? And even more important, how’s his attitude toward the possibility of visitors from the Barcelona Police Department?”

“The chief is doing quite well. I’ll let him know you asked after him next time I make a house call, which should be in about three days.”

Max remained silent and staring. Iago’s eagerness was evident. He was moving from side to side, fussing with the blood pressure cuff he was holding. “Do we stay or go -- Max and me? Do we get to stay or...”

“No, or Iago. You stay. It seems the chief doesn’t like it when good citizens, or in your case those who are connected to good citizens, are harassed by outsiders. He’s rather fond of the progress we’ve brought to the area through the makeshift hospital and he doesn’t want anything to affect its ongoing presence in Mozambique.”

“That’s great!” Iago’s smile couldn’t have been broader if he’d tried. It was an expression that Max found both endearing and extremely hot.

“Slow down, cowboy. I’m not finished.” Rob held up his hand.

“What’s wrong?” Max knew he sounded more deflated than he should but he didn’t want Iago’s smile to disappear.

“Sergi did contact the chief. He’s here.”

Max thought Iago would collapse. He supportively put his arm around his partner.

“However, it would seem the chief will be meeting with him in less than an hour with plans to let him know you two were spotted leaving our humble community, suitcases in hand, at lunch time.”

“Do you think he’ll believe him? And what about Gonzalo? He was with us.”

“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about Gonzalo.”

Iago’s brow furrowed and Max felt like he was holding his breath.

“It would seem Gonzalo will be getting a police escort to the airport. He will be awarded a first class seat on the next flight to Spain.”

Max blurted out, “What if he won’t go?” Iago took Max’s hand in his own and squeezed tightly.

“Let’s just say the phrase, I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse, doesn’t only apply to people from Sicily.” Rob winked.

Max’s eyes widened. He turned to Iago, who was all smiles again. “Don’t worry, Max. Gonzalo won’t be bold. He’ll surely leave and keep his mouth shut. The only one he might murmur to is Beni.”

Max could feel the tension fly from his shoulders. “This may really be over soon.”

Rob chimed in, “Only if you’re careful while Sergi is in town.”

Kevin looked at his partner, the two clearly sharing a silent conversation. “You’ll stay with us until we’re informed that Sergi has boarded a plane for your home.”

Shaking his head, Max looked at Iago. “No, Kevin, that’s not my home. Wherever Sergi heads, it won’t be my home. My home is standing beside me.”

“I know what you mean, Max.” Kevin gazed at Rob. “I hope you get the same opportunities we’ve shared.”

Still remaining upbeat, Iago cleared his throat. “Rob, I think we should talk about how to help Max become the doctor he was meant to be.”

Max swung his head to face Iago.

“I think that’s a great idea.” Rob smiled warmly at Max, grabbed his stethoscope, placing it around his neck, and proceeded to thoroughly wash his hands in preparation for going about his rounds. “Max, come on. I’m a great example.” Rob laughed and Max followed him, placing his own stethoscope, a gift from Beni he’d always treasure, around his neck, feeling lighter than he had in weeks.

[TBC]