Part 3 Speculation.
Jesse would normally have left such things to the hospital spokesperson, who after all was paid for this sort of thing, but he was angry. Angry with what the reporter had said. Angry that she had made out that Steve was not badly hurt when his friend had damn nearly died. Angry that they were blaming him when someone else had pulled the trigger, but most of all angry at the effect this would have on his friend's recovery. Didn't these people care what effect their word's might have?
Without the irrationality of anger he would have known the answer to that last question. He might also have thought better of talking to the press whilst he was so wound up himself but he wanted to put the record straight about Steve's injuries and the risks he had obviously taken to try to help people.
Jesse had experienced the attentions of the press before. Several of the cases they had worked on over the years had attracted the attention of the media so he thought he knew what to expect but as he entered the foyer the movement, lights and noise as the press pack moved in almost overwhelmed him. He couldn't even count the number of microphones that were thrust into his face and he blinked in the bright lights of the cameras.
Hospital security did their best to hold the seething mass back so that they didn't literally, as well as figuratively, smoother Jesse with their attention. There were so many questions coming at him that he couldn't hear any one of them. He held up his hand. "One question at a time please." He said loudly, channelling his anger to allow him to sound much more confident than he suddenly felt. He pointed at one of the reporters.
"Dr. Travis Could you tell us how lieutenant Sloan is?" The young woman asked.
The reply should have been 'resting comfortably and we expect him to make a full recovery' or something equally bland, The hospital only usually gave out details of a patient's injuries to family but Jesse's anger at the injustices to his friend made him want to tell them more. "Lieutenant Sloan was hit by five bullets from an automatic weapon fired at close range." He answered.
Just that short comment caused another cacophony of questions to be asked as the reporters absorbed the fact that the police officer involved was suffering from more than just shock, but once again Jesse held up his hand, until there was quiet. "Fortunately he was wearing a vest so his injuries were less serious than they otherwise might have been," he continued.
"Yes, I understand the other victims weren't so fortunate." The reporter who had asked the question replied, not even attempting to hide her hostility.
Jesse swallowed, for the first time it occurred to him that this may not be a good idea. "The other four victims are all in a critical condition," he confirmed before quickly pointing at one of the other reporters, hoping that his question would be better.
"You say lieutenant Sloan was hit at close range. That would confirm that he was in the building when the shootings took place. Have you had a chance to talk to him? Did he offer any explanation as to why he went inside?" The reporter asked.
"Yes, why did lieutenant Sloan not wait for backup?" Another reporter chipped in.
At this point it occurred to Jesse that not only was this not a good idea, it was a major mistake, by confirming that Steve had been shot at close range the press no longer had to speculate on whether he was inside. They could concentrate all of their efforts on pointing out that such action was against procedure and speculating that Steve may have provoked the shootings. Jesse felt the blood drain out of his face as he tried to form a reasonable reply.
"I'm afraid that the lieutenant has not regained consciousness since he came in. So I can't answer that question," Jesse replied before adding as firmly as he could in an attempt to salvage something from the interview. "Until all the facts have been ascertained I don't think there is anything to be gained from speculating about his actions."
Speculation, however was exactly what the reporters wanted. Jesse was too flustered to quieten them down and select the questions he wanted to answer, so again they all began to talk at once
Jesse felt a hand on his arm and turned gratefully to see Greg Matthews, one of the hospital administrators who dealt with press relations. He gave Jesse an understanding look before turning to the reporters and holding his hand up for quiet. "I'm afraid Dr. Travis has to get back to his patients. So if you have any more questions then I will do my best to answer them."
Jesse could take a hint and gratefully backed away from the group who were now aiming there questions at Matthews. He walked away down the corridor waiting until he was out of sight before stopping and leaning his back against the wall. He closed his eyes and tried to clear his mind, bringing both hands up to cover his face. What was he thinking talking to the press like that? He had just made things worse.
He took a deep breath and tried to control the anger that he now aimed at himself as well as the media, when his pager went. He pulled it from his pocket and checked the number. He was needed in Steve's room. Instantly alert he all but ran down the corridor.
Amanda sighed as she moved on to the third autopsy. There was no way that she was going to get them all completed until the next day, she was already working well after her shift should have ended, but she knew that it was important to get all of the facts in as quickly as possible. Not that anyone ever asked for a delay in an autopsy report. If Amanda had had a dollar for every time she'd been asked for results in a hurry, then she wouldn't need to worry about CJ and Dion's college funds.
This case however, was a real priority. Not just because of the massive media interest that always accompanied a high body count, but because of the involvement of one of her best friends. She needed to complete her work as quickly as she could so that they could figure out what had happened.
There had been no surprises so far. The victims had died from gunshot wounds which had caused massive trauma and blood loss. She pulled back the sheet on the next victim and let out a small gasp. It was a young girl of around twelve years old. With all her experience she normally didn't let things get to her, but then, she rarely saw victims of this age killed by such violence. She sighed and restored her professional detachment before getting back to work.
Mark had seen the signs that Steve was returning to consciousness and had moved to stand next to the bed. Steve opened his eyes slowly blinking as his eyes adjusted to the light.
Mark found himself strangely uncertain about what to do. He had been through this often enough, too often, waiting for his son to return to consciousness and normally he would have placed a reassuring hand on his son's arm but he remembered how Steve had reacted to his touch at the clinic, so instead he rested his hand on the bed and watched his son carefully.
Steve looked up and very briefly made eye contact with his father as he regained his focus, then he looked away his eyes moving rapidly around the room. As the images cleared he realised where he was. "Dad," he said quietly and then a sudden realisation hit him, his expression reflected a mixture of horror and pain. "Oh God," he whispered "It wasn't a nightmare," he stared off towards the far wall as his senses cut off from the outside world. "It wasn't a nightmare." He repeated his lips forming the words but no sound coming out.
Mark watched as the emotions played over his son's features and he could not help but feel the pain with him. Once again it felt like someone was wrenching at his heart. "Steve," he spoke softly but firmly. "Steve, can you hear me?"
There was no answer, no indication that Steve could even hear what he was saying. For the time being he had withdrawn from the world. Mark sighed heavily and paged Jesse.
Captain Newman stormed back towards his office. He was furious. He had just been chewed out by the chief and he was looking to take his anger out on someone himself. As he moved through the squadroom he called out the names of half a dozen detectives adding a curt "my office" at the end.
None of those on the list wasted any time in joining Newman in his office, they all recognised his mood. When they were all assembled he began. "Someone has been talking to the press." He said, his tone was harsh. "Some of the officers at the crime scene have been speculating about what happened, to the media and now they are convinced that the LAPD caused this tragedy. So everything we do from now on is going to be under the utmost scrutiny. I want all of the i's dotted and the t's crossed. If we don't do everything out in the open we will be accused of a cover up and I'm sure," he allowed his gaze to settle on each of the officers in turn. "That I don't need to remind any of you how the people of this city could react if they think there has been a police cover up."
He paused to allow his words to sink in. "That is not to say that I want any of you talking to the press, because I don't. From now on anything going to the media comes through official channels. Malone, Walters," he looked at the two detectives in question "I want you to concentrate on plugging our little leak."
"Yes sir," They both said nodding.
"As for the rest of you," the captain continued, "I want you to find out everything you can about our shooter, from where he was born to what he had for breakfast this morning. Let's see if we can figure out why he decided to go crazy in a Malibu clinic tonight."
All of the officers nodded but did not move.
"Well what are you waiting for?" Newman yelled.
As they made their way quickly out of his office Newman spoke again more quietly. "Not you detective Turner."
Nathan Turner had been about to leave with the others, instead he stepped back from the door to allow the detectives behind him to pass. He waited patiently.
"Close the door," Newman said, "and come and sit down." He waited for the young officer to comply before continuing. "I don't need to tell you who the press are speculating is at fault in all of this?"
"No sir," he replied quietly.
"Then I won't waste time. In my opinion Lieutenant Sloan is a good officer but there is great political pressure here to hang him out to dry." He placed his elbows on the desk and leaned forward. "There are those that would be quite content to see him used as a scapegoat if it keeps the media happy, but I'm not about to let that happen and I'm guessing that you don't want that either."
Nathan knew Steve well. He had worked with him on several cases now, becoming quite friendly with Mark, Jesse and Amanda too. He had even been invited out for dinner at the beach house a couple of times. The last thing he wanted was for anything to happen to Steve. "No, I don't," he replied firmly.
"Good, then we need to do all we can to help. Internal affairs will be sending someone out to talk to him but I want us to get a statement first." The Captain paused. "I hate to ask you to use your friendship with the Sloan's like this but in the long run you'll be helping them. Get out to Community General, stay there all night if you have to but make sure that you get to talk to lieutenant Sloan first." He held the young detective's gaze. "I don't want to believe that he did anything wrong but if he did I'd like to know about it before anyone else, and, if his actions were justified, then I want to ensure no one gets a chance to twist his words."
"Yes sir," Nathan replied getting up to leave.
"Oh and Detective," Newman called after him just as he reached the door.
Nathan turned. "Sir?"
"If you could persuade your friend Dr. Travis to delay the guys from IA.."
"Yes sir," Nathan said with a slight smile on his face as he left the room. He had never considered the Captain to be much of a political animal, but the best way to protect Steve, if those in more politically sensitive positions were going to be gunning for him, was definitely to keep IA away from him until they had all the facts. He picked up his coat and keys and headed for the hospital.
Mark stood impatiently on the corridor whilst Jesse examined Steve. When the young doctor came out he was frowning.
"Jesse?" Mark asked.
"He's still completely unresponsive I'm afraid. How long was he like that before I got here?"
"About five minutes."
"And did he respond at all when he woke up?"
"He recognised me when he first came round, called me dad," Mark said unable to prevent the slight quiver to his voice. "Then he whispered something about it not being a nightmare and that's when he seemed to withdraw into himself."
Jesse leant his back against the wall and folded his arms across his chest. "All I can suggest at the moment is that we keep an eye on him. He's obviously in a deep state of shock, which is hardly surprising considering what he's been through."
Mark nodded in agreement and looked across to his son's door. Jesse followed his gaze both of them lost in a moment of empathy for Steve's suffering. It was Jesse who pulled himself back first.
"I think the best thing I can do is give him something to help him sleep and we'll see how he is in the morning, but I..er.." he hesitated slightly before continuing knowing his comment was going to be hard to take. "I'd like to bring someone else in on this one."
Mark turned to look at his young friend. "Psych consult?" he asked.
"Yes, I was thinking Dr. Carter since she's worked with Steve before." Jesse replied, "After what he's been through, at the very least he's going to need someone to talk to."
Mark nodded again and stared down at the floor briefly before letting out a long slow breath. "I think that's a good idea," he said quietly, adding silently 'That's if he'll talk to anyone.' He knew how difficult his son often found it to put his feelings into words.
Jesse watched his old friend's reaction, painfully aware of how difficult this must be for him. Mark was once again deep in thought.
"Mark," Jesse said, in an attempt to get his attention. He really needed to tell him about the news reports and what he had said to the press, but as the old doctor's eyes met his and he saw the pain and concern reflected in them, he realised that he couldn't do it, not yet, There would be time enough for him to find out about that later. For now he had enough to worry about "I'll go get the sedative," he said instead. "You go and sit with him."
"Thanks Jess." Mark gave him a half hearted smile before going back into Steve's room.
.
Mark sat with Steve whilst the sedative took effect and he drifted back to sleep. As he watched he said a silent prayer that things would be better for him when he woke, but he was very much afraid that that was a prayer that was not going to be answered, at least not quickly.
Jesse had been paged a few minutes after returning and had rushed off to treat one of the other surviving victims of the massacre, leaving Mark essentially alone with his thoughts.
Mark had no idea how long he had been sitting thinking when there was a knock on the door. He got up to open it, not wanting to risk disturbing Steve. Detective Nathan Turner was standing outside. "Nathan," Mark said smiling in recognition.
"Hi, I'm sorry to bother you Dr. Sloan but Captain Newman sent me."
Mark moved out to join him on the corridor closing the door behind him. "I'm afraid that if you've come here to talk to Steve then it's been a wasted journey. He's still in a state of shock and Jesse's given him something to help him sleep."
"That's OK, I can wait." Nathan replied.
"Until morning?" Mark asked. "Because he's not likely to be ready to talk before then, maybe not even then."
"I know," Nathan replied, "but under the circumstances I'm here for the duration. The Captain wants to make sure that we get his statement first, before internal affairs."
Mark looked confused.
"Given what's being said it's..."Nathan began but stopped speaking as Mark's look of confusion deepened. Of course, Mark would have been at Steve's side since leaving the clinic. If no one had told him then he would have no idea of the accusations being levelled against Steve.
"What's being said," Mark repeated flatly looking bewildered.
"I think you'd better sit down and I'll explain," Nathan said and ushered Mark towards the doctor's lounge.
Once there, he explained to Mark what the press were saying and why, and also the reasons Captain Newman had sent him. Mark remained quiet and thoughtful as he digested this latest information and the implications for his son. When Nathan had finished Mark stood up.
"Dr Sloan?" Nathan questioned his action.
"I think this is something I need to see for myself," Mark said and moved over to the TV in the corner of the room. He tuned it to the local news channel and watched the report, as Jesse had done before him, with a growing sense of anger and injustice.
Jesse walked into the room and came to a dead standstill at the door as he saw himself on the screen.
'"Lieutenant Sloan was hit by five bullets from an automatic weapon fired at close range." His image was saying. The screen than cut to the station anchor.
"We have confirmation there from Lieutenant Sloan's doctor that he was indeed inside the building when the shootings occurred and we can only guess as to...." but Jesse was no longer listening instead he was looking at Mark who had turned to gaze at him.
Jesse would normally have left such things to the hospital spokesperson, who after all was paid for this sort of thing, but he was angry. Angry with what the reporter had said. Angry that she had made out that Steve was not badly hurt when his friend had damn nearly died. Angry that they were blaming him when someone else had pulled the trigger, but most of all angry at the effect this would have on his friend's recovery. Didn't these people care what effect their word's might have?
Without the irrationality of anger he would have known the answer to that last question. He might also have thought better of talking to the press whilst he was so wound up himself but he wanted to put the record straight about Steve's injuries and the risks he had obviously taken to try to help people.
Jesse had experienced the attentions of the press before. Several of the cases they had worked on over the years had attracted the attention of the media so he thought he knew what to expect but as he entered the foyer the movement, lights and noise as the press pack moved in almost overwhelmed him. He couldn't even count the number of microphones that were thrust into his face and he blinked in the bright lights of the cameras.
Hospital security did their best to hold the seething mass back so that they didn't literally, as well as figuratively, smoother Jesse with their attention. There were so many questions coming at him that he couldn't hear any one of them. He held up his hand. "One question at a time please." He said loudly, channelling his anger to allow him to sound much more confident than he suddenly felt. He pointed at one of the reporters.
"Dr. Travis Could you tell us how lieutenant Sloan is?" The young woman asked.
The reply should have been 'resting comfortably and we expect him to make a full recovery' or something equally bland, The hospital only usually gave out details of a patient's injuries to family but Jesse's anger at the injustices to his friend made him want to tell them more. "Lieutenant Sloan was hit by five bullets from an automatic weapon fired at close range." He answered.
Just that short comment caused another cacophony of questions to be asked as the reporters absorbed the fact that the police officer involved was suffering from more than just shock, but once again Jesse held up his hand, until there was quiet. "Fortunately he was wearing a vest so his injuries were less serious than they otherwise might have been," he continued.
"Yes, I understand the other victims weren't so fortunate." The reporter who had asked the question replied, not even attempting to hide her hostility.
Jesse swallowed, for the first time it occurred to him that this may not be a good idea. "The other four victims are all in a critical condition," he confirmed before quickly pointing at one of the other reporters, hoping that his question would be better.
"You say lieutenant Sloan was hit at close range. That would confirm that he was in the building when the shootings took place. Have you had a chance to talk to him? Did he offer any explanation as to why he went inside?" The reporter asked.
"Yes, why did lieutenant Sloan not wait for backup?" Another reporter chipped in.
At this point it occurred to Jesse that not only was this not a good idea, it was a major mistake, by confirming that Steve had been shot at close range the press no longer had to speculate on whether he was inside. They could concentrate all of their efforts on pointing out that such action was against procedure and speculating that Steve may have provoked the shootings. Jesse felt the blood drain out of his face as he tried to form a reasonable reply.
"I'm afraid that the lieutenant has not regained consciousness since he came in. So I can't answer that question," Jesse replied before adding as firmly as he could in an attempt to salvage something from the interview. "Until all the facts have been ascertained I don't think there is anything to be gained from speculating about his actions."
Speculation, however was exactly what the reporters wanted. Jesse was too flustered to quieten them down and select the questions he wanted to answer, so again they all began to talk at once
Jesse felt a hand on his arm and turned gratefully to see Greg Matthews, one of the hospital administrators who dealt with press relations. He gave Jesse an understanding look before turning to the reporters and holding his hand up for quiet. "I'm afraid Dr. Travis has to get back to his patients. So if you have any more questions then I will do my best to answer them."
Jesse could take a hint and gratefully backed away from the group who were now aiming there questions at Matthews. He walked away down the corridor waiting until he was out of sight before stopping and leaning his back against the wall. He closed his eyes and tried to clear his mind, bringing both hands up to cover his face. What was he thinking talking to the press like that? He had just made things worse.
He took a deep breath and tried to control the anger that he now aimed at himself as well as the media, when his pager went. He pulled it from his pocket and checked the number. He was needed in Steve's room. Instantly alert he all but ran down the corridor.
Amanda sighed as she moved on to the third autopsy. There was no way that she was going to get them all completed until the next day, she was already working well after her shift should have ended, but she knew that it was important to get all of the facts in as quickly as possible. Not that anyone ever asked for a delay in an autopsy report. If Amanda had had a dollar for every time she'd been asked for results in a hurry, then she wouldn't need to worry about CJ and Dion's college funds.
This case however, was a real priority. Not just because of the massive media interest that always accompanied a high body count, but because of the involvement of one of her best friends. She needed to complete her work as quickly as she could so that they could figure out what had happened.
There had been no surprises so far. The victims had died from gunshot wounds which had caused massive trauma and blood loss. She pulled back the sheet on the next victim and let out a small gasp. It was a young girl of around twelve years old. With all her experience she normally didn't let things get to her, but then, she rarely saw victims of this age killed by such violence. She sighed and restored her professional detachment before getting back to work.
Mark had seen the signs that Steve was returning to consciousness and had moved to stand next to the bed. Steve opened his eyes slowly blinking as his eyes adjusted to the light.
Mark found himself strangely uncertain about what to do. He had been through this often enough, too often, waiting for his son to return to consciousness and normally he would have placed a reassuring hand on his son's arm but he remembered how Steve had reacted to his touch at the clinic, so instead he rested his hand on the bed and watched his son carefully.
Steve looked up and very briefly made eye contact with his father as he regained his focus, then he looked away his eyes moving rapidly around the room. As the images cleared he realised where he was. "Dad," he said quietly and then a sudden realisation hit him, his expression reflected a mixture of horror and pain. "Oh God," he whispered "It wasn't a nightmare," he stared off towards the far wall as his senses cut off from the outside world. "It wasn't a nightmare." He repeated his lips forming the words but no sound coming out.
Mark watched as the emotions played over his son's features and he could not help but feel the pain with him. Once again it felt like someone was wrenching at his heart. "Steve," he spoke softly but firmly. "Steve, can you hear me?"
There was no answer, no indication that Steve could even hear what he was saying. For the time being he had withdrawn from the world. Mark sighed heavily and paged Jesse.
Captain Newman stormed back towards his office. He was furious. He had just been chewed out by the chief and he was looking to take his anger out on someone himself. As he moved through the squadroom he called out the names of half a dozen detectives adding a curt "my office" at the end.
None of those on the list wasted any time in joining Newman in his office, they all recognised his mood. When they were all assembled he began. "Someone has been talking to the press." He said, his tone was harsh. "Some of the officers at the crime scene have been speculating about what happened, to the media and now they are convinced that the LAPD caused this tragedy. So everything we do from now on is going to be under the utmost scrutiny. I want all of the i's dotted and the t's crossed. If we don't do everything out in the open we will be accused of a cover up and I'm sure," he allowed his gaze to settle on each of the officers in turn. "That I don't need to remind any of you how the people of this city could react if they think there has been a police cover up."
He paused to allow his words to sink in. "That is not to say that I want any of you talking to the press, because I don't. From now on anything going to the media comes through official channels. Malone, Walters," he looked at the two detectives in question "I want you to concentrate on plugging our little leak."
"Yes sir," They both said nodding.
"As for the rest of you," the captain continued, "I want you to find out everything you can about our shooter, from where he was born to what he had for breakfast this morning. Let's see if we can figure out why he decided to go crazy in a Malibu clinic tonight."
All of the officers nodded but did not move.
"Well what are you waiting for?" Newman yelled.
As they made their way quickly out of his office Newman spoke again more quietly. "Not you detective Turner."
Nathan Turner had been about to leave with the others, instead he stepped back from the door to allow the detectives behind him to pass. He waited patiently.
"Close the door," Newman said, "and come and sit down." He waited for the young officer to comply before continuing. "I don't need to tell you who the press are speculating is at fault in all of this?"
"No sir," he replied quietly.
"Then I won't waste time. In my opinion Lieutenant Sloan is a good officer but there is great political pressure here to hang him out to dry." He placed his elbows on the desk and leaned forward. "There are those that would be quite content to see him used as a scapegoat if it keeps the media happy, but I'm not about to let that happen and I'm guessing that you don't want that either."
Nathan knew Steve well. He had worked with him on several cases now, becoming quite friendly with Mark, Jesse and Amanda too. He had even been invited out for dinner at the beach house a couple of times. The last thing he wanted was for anything to happen to Steve. "No, I don't," he replied firmly.
"Good, then we need to do all we can to help. Internal affairs will be sending someone out to talk to him but I want us to get a statement first." The Captain paused. "I hate to ask you to use your friendship with the Sloan's like this but in the long run you'll be helping them. Get out to Community General, stay there all night if you have to but make sure that you get to talk to lieutenant Sloan first." He held the young detective's gaze. "I don't want to believe that he did anything wrong but if he did I'd like to know about it before anyone else, and, if his actions were justified, then I want to ensure no one gets a chance to twist his words."
"Yes sir," Nathan replied getting up to leave.
"Oh and Detective," Newman called after him just as he reached the door.
Nathan turned. "Sir?"
"If you could persuade your friend Dr. Travis to delay the guys from IA.."
"Yes sir," Nathan said with a slight smile on his face as he left the room. He had never considered the Captain to be much of a political animal, but the best way to protect Steve, if those in more politically sensitive positions were going to be gunning for him, was definitely to keep IA away from him until they had all the facts. He picked up his coat and keys and headed for the hospital.
Mark stood impatiently on the corridor whilst Jesse examined Steve. When the young doctor came out he was frowning.
"Jesse?" Mark asked.
"He's still completely unresponsive I'm afraid. How long was he like that before I got here?"
"About five minutes."
"And did he respond at all when he woke up?"
"He recognised me when he first came round, called me dad," Mark said unable to prevent the slight quiver to his voice. "Then he whispered something about it not being a nightmare and that's when he seemed to withdraw into himself."
Jesse leant his back against the wall and folded his arms across his chest. "All I can suggest at the moment is that we keep an eye on him. He's obviously in a deep state of shock, which is hardly surprising considering what he's been through."
Mark nodded in agreement and looked across to his son's door. Jesse followed his gaze both of them lost in a moment of empathy for Steve's suffering. It was Jesse who pulled himself back first.
"I think the best thing I can do is give him something to help him sleep and we'll see how he is in the morning, but I..er.." he hesitated slightly before continuing knowing his comment was going to be hard to take. "I'd like to bring someone else in on this one."
Mark turned to look at his young friend. "Psych consult?" he asked.
"Yes, I was thinking Dr. Carter since she's worked with Steve before." Jesse replied, "After what he's been through, at the very least he's going to need someone to talk to."
Mark nodded again and stared down at the floor briefly before letting out a long slow breath. "I think that's a good idea," he said quietly, adding silently 'That's if he'll talk to anyone.' He knew how difficult his son often found it to put his feelings into words.
Jesse watched his old friend's reaction, painfully aware of how difficult this must be for him. Mark was once again deep in thought.
"Mark," Jesse said, in an attempt to get his attention. He really needed to tell him about the news reports and what he had said to the press, but as the old doctor's eyes met his and he saw the pain and concern reflected in them, he realised that he couldn't do it, not yet, There would be time enough for him to find out about that later. For now he had enough to worry about "I'll go get the sedative," he said instead. "You go and sit with him."
"Thanks Jess." Mark gave him a half hearted smile before going back into Steve's room.
.
Mark sat with Steve whilst the sedative took effect and he drifted back to sleep. As he watched he said a silent prayer that things would be better for him when he woke, but he was very much afraid that that was a prayer that was not going to be answered, at least not quickly.
Jesse had been paged a few minutes after returning and had rushed off to treat one of the other surviving victims of the massacre, leaving Mark essentially alone with his thoughts.
Mark had no idea how long he had been sitting thinking when there was a knock on the door. He got up to open it, not wanting to risk disturbing Steve. Detective Nathan Turner was standing outside. "Nathan," Mark said smiling in recognition.
"Hi, I'm sorry to bother you Dr. Sloan but Captain Newman sent me."
Mark moved out to join him on the corridor closing the door behind him. "I'm afraid that if you've come here to talk to Steve then it's been a wasted journey. He's still in a state of shock and Jesse's given him something to help him sleep."
"That's OK, I can wait." Nathan replied.
"Until morning?" Mark asked. "Because he's not likely to be ready to talk before then, maybe not even then."
"I know," Nathan replied, "but under the circumstances I'm here for the duration. The Captain wants to make sure that we get his statement first, before internal affairs."
Mark looked confused.
"Given what's being said it's..."Nathan began but stopped speaking as Mark's look of confusion deepened. Of course, Mark would have been at Steve's side since leaving the clinic. If no one had told him then he would have no idea of the accusations being levelled against Steve.
"What's being said," Mark repeated flatly looking bewildered.
"I think you'd better sit down and I'll explain," Nathan said and ushered Mark towards the doctor's lounge.
Once there, he explained to Mark what the press were saying and why, and also the reasons Captain Newman had sent him. Mark remained quiet and thoughtful as he digested this latest information and the implications for his son. When Nathan had finished Mark stood up.
"Dr Sloan?" Nathan questioned his action.
"I think this is something I need to see for myself," Mark said and moved over to the TV in the corner of the room. He tuned it to the local news channel and watched the report, as Jesse had done before him, with a growing sense of anger and injustice.
Jesse walked into the room and came to a dead standstill at the door as he saw himself on the screen.
'"Lieutenant Sloan was hit by five bullets from an automatic weapon fired at close range." His image was saying. The screen than cut to the station anchor.
"We have confirmation there from Lieutenant Sloan's doctor that he was indeed inside the building when the shootings occurred and we can only guess as to...." but Jesse was no longer listening instead he was looking at Mark who had turned to gaze at him.
