Chapter Four:

"Jay." says Zac tugging his arm. "Who did you say was driving that car?"

"It was Hunter, it's just came back to me, I remember looking back to the road and I saw his face in my headlights coming right at me as the cars collided."

"Hunter was in the drivers seat."

"Do you think you'll be up for it with this information, you'll be cross-examined heavily, they'll try and make you doubt what you saw." said Zac.

"It's very clear in my mind right now it's come back to me, I looked away to speak to Emily for a second then I looked forward seeing my headlights reflecting on a dark object in front of me and realized the car coming straight at me had no headlights but I saw Hunter's face as his car crashed into mine. He was right in front of me, I could have reached out and touched him then everything went black." says Jay.

Russell and Jay just finish their meeting with Zac only to be interrupted by Callum.

"Hi Jay, may I have a word." asks Callum.

"We've got nothing to say to you." says Russell.

"I need Jay to understand the circumstances." says Callum.

"I understand pretty clearly." said Jay.

"Could you when you give your impact statement to the court, put in a good word for Hunter he didn't mean any harm, he just got caught up by the wrong people and he's been trying desperately to change his ways." pleads Callum.

"You got some nerve how dare you, I just lost my wife due to your son's inability to get his life together. Don't tell me what's not fair. I'll tell you what's not fair, my beautiful wife will not be able to continue her career or have children or grow old gracefully with me. Your son, even after some time in Jail will still have the opportunity for all that. But no doubt your son will blow every opportunity for rehabilitation offered to him and continue to waste his life on drugs and eventually kill himself so my wife died for nothing because he seems hell bent to destroy himself and those who unfortunately cross his path." rages Jay at Callum.

"What's going on here?" demands Rachel hearing the commotion from the passage way.

Putting two and two together Rachel orders Callum to her office for a dressing down.

"Are you ok Jay?" asks Zac.

"Can you believe this!" frowns Jay adding "Bloody Hunter thinks he can do whatever he wants without any consequences for his actions."

"It's going to get much worse, they're going to undermine you and try make you doubt what you saw." says Russell.

"No I'm ok, I can do this and people are going to have to realize that Hunter is not the young innocent man they used to know, he is lying thieving drug addict and Jail's the only place where he might have a chance of getting his life back in order. At least It'll get him off the street and stop hurting anyone else." says Jay strongly.

"Way to go bro." smiles Russell. "That's the Jay I used to know. You fight for your rights, I'm with you all the way. We will get justice for Emily and other people who suffer at the hands of these fools."

"Thanks Russell, appreciate your support bro." grins Jay hugging Russell.

"I might go down to the chapel for some peace for a while okay Russ."

"No worries mate, see ya later."

Chapel

Sitting quietly pondering the recent interactions Jay whispers "Emily I'm going to be strong for you and we are going to get justice, no more feeling sorry for myself. No more wallowing in grief. I can't change what happened but I will get you justice. I love you Ems and I know you'll want me to go on with my own life and I would want you to do the same if it was in reverse."

Walking from the chapel Jay meets Lana.

"How's it going?" smiles Lana.

"Feeling strong Lana. I've realized I have to accept what's happened by moving forward and not backwards." says Jay brightly.

Hugging Jay tightly Lana smiles "Emily would be very proud of you."

"Thanks Lana, I'd really would like you to know I appreciated your support, it's been a struggle but you always stood by me." says Jay.

"Glad I could help." says Lana gently touching his arm.

"Lana can I ask a favour?" asks Jay adding "I think it's time for me to move out of the hospital."

"Oh Jay do you think you're really ready for that?" said Lana.

"Yeah I think it's time, can you help me find a real estate agency and be a referee for me?" said Jay.

"Yeah of course but let me discuss it with Rachel, I'm sure the hospital would be more than happy to assist you with this." says Lana.

Callum's Office

Callum is thinking how his son got arrested when his thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Come in." says Callum.

The door opens for Zac to come into the office.

"Callum, I need a word with you." said Zac.

"What is it?" says Callum.

"You're jeopardizing your son's case by harassing my client when he's already going through so much." said Zac.

"I know, I'm sorry, I know I'm in the wrong, I'm just so desperate to save my son from himself." says Callum.

"I'm warning you, don't hassle my client or I'll be forced to take legal action against you." said Zac. "Is that clear?"

"Yes." moans Callum.

"That's all I wanted to talk to you about, you have a good day." said Zac as he exits the office.

Rachel's Office

"Come in." says Rachel.

Nicole enters and sits down.

"Remember when I said your job could be on the line, I really meant that because it was a serious matter but I know you're a very trusting person but you must treat every patient with the idea of the worst case scenario, I've talked to the board because you have a good record, I'm going to give you another chance but don't screw this up." said Rachel.

"I promise you won't regret it." says Nicole relieved.

Nicole exits the office.

In the afternoon

After the meeting with Nicole, Lana enters Rachel's office.

"What is it that you wanted to see me about?" asks Rachel.

"I've been talking to Jay and he feels he's ready to move out into the community. And would like our help in finding a place to rent." said Lana.

"Well that's a big turnaround, are you sure Jay's ready for that?" questions Rachel.

"I think we should talk to Diane but talking to Jay it sounds like he's really turned a corner in his progress." smiles Lana positively.

"Yeah I don't think that he'll attempt to do something like that again." agrees Rachel.

"So is that a yes." said Lana.

"Will talk to Diane first If she feels he's ready then will definitely support him with that plan." says Rachel.

Next Day

(Friday)

Rachel's Office

"Let's get straight to the point your conduct with a patient in a public area was totally unacceptable and unprofessional." said Rachel.

"What was I supposed to do let my son rot in Jail, I couldn't let that happen he'll never survive there." pleads Callum desperately.

"Your son should've thought of that before he decided to cause harm to someone else." said Rachel firmly.

"So I've decided that I think you should stand down and take a long break because it would create conflict of interest if you stayed."

"When does this begin?" asks Callum.

"At the end of the day, I'm sorry, I think this would be for the best." said Rachel.

Callum exits the office feeling his world's falling apart.

Cafeteria

Lunchtime

Russell and Jay just chatting about when Russell's eyes change direction towards Nicole entering the cafeteria.

"I don't believe this, she's allowed to still work at this hospital." says Russell annoyed.

"Relax bro let it go." says Jay sternly under his breath.

"But her negligence nearly led to your death." objects Russell.

"I'm trying to focus on the trial at hand." said Jay.

"I nearly lost another member of my family." says Russell angrily at Nicole.

Jay gets up and leaves the Cafeteria.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." stutters Nicole.

"Not good enough." says Russell as he storms out.

Nicole's overwhelmed with guilt.

Jay's Room

Finding him in his room Russell says "Sorry mate couldn't help myself."

"That's ok mate, I'll be out of here soon." says Jay.

"I'm sure Diane will approve of it on Monday." said Russell.

Later that evening

Leaving work Nicole heads straight to the IV bar.

Two Hours Later

Vinnie gets a phone call from his mobile.

"Hi Murray, what is it?"

"Can you come pick up Nicole, she's not in a good way and I refuse to serve her any more drinks but she's becoming aggressive you need to get her out of here before I have to call the police." asks Murray.

"Sure, I and Maxwell are leaving work now and coming straight over." groans Vinnie.

The IV Bar

"Over there guys, she's harassing my customers you got to get her out of here." says Murray pointing towards the table.

"C'mon Nicole let's go, think you had enough." pleads Maxwell.

"Yay Vinnie your shout." laughs Nicole ignoring Maxwell's pleas to leave.

"No, time to leave." said Vinnie as they drag Nicole away from the bar.

"C'mon guys lighten up." laughs Nicole.

Next Day

(Saturday)

Nicole's Flat

Woken up by loud banging on the front door looking at the alarm clock she realizes she's missed her morning shift at the hospital.

"Oh shit." says Nicole as she throws her alarm clock.

Banging still continues.

"Coming, wait a minute." yells Nicole as she opens the door to see it's Maxwell.

"You look worse for wear." says Maxwell concerned. "Wanna talk about it?"

"Not really." says Nicole as she pours herself a orange juice and vodka.

"It's a bit early for that isn't it." said Maxwell.

"Oh sorry, did you want one." says Nicole sarcastically.

Ignoring her sarcasm he asks "Are you concerned about the shift you missed?"

"Too late now." huffs Nicole.

"You know, you're on thin ice with Rachel."

"Hey, I'm entitled to a sick day probably something I ate." smirks Nicole.

"Is this a guilt trip because of Jay and the medication?" asks Maxwell.

Turning away Nicole muffles her tears whispering "It was stupid of me, I should've known better."

"You're not the first person to make that mistake and you won't be the last." said Maxwell as he consoles her.

Granger Road

Lana, Jay and Russell are looking for a flat in Ferndale.

"This one is 73 Granger road with a two bedroom, electric heating, garage." says the real estate agent.

"That sounds all right." says Russell.

"And it's close by to the city." said Lana.

"Looks all right, I think this will do for now." said Jay as they look around the flat.

"Here's your application, fill it in and get it back to me as soon as you can, these flats go pretty quickly, don't take too long." says the real estate agent.

"Thank you." smiles Jay.

Looking at Russell Jay comments "It'll be great to finally get out of the hospital, I don't think I could stand it any longer."

"Sorry Lana no offence towards the staff, most of you have been really great."

"That's ok Jay, I'll visit." grins Lana.

Shortland Street Hospital

"Nice of you to turn up finally." said Vinnie sarcastically. "Can you go straight to room 12, Mrs. Jarvis needs a dressing change and I have my hands full at room 6."

"We got a full house tonight, I expect you to be in top form."

"All right, all right don't get your knickers in a knot." laughs Nicole.

"I'm serious Nicole." says Vinnie walking away.

As the night progresses Nicole's inability to operate professionally is more obvious.

"Have you finished with Mr. Thomas in room 28?" asks Vinnie.

"I had to clean up a mess in room 22 first." smiles Nicole innocently.

"What happened?" enquiries Vinnie.

"All fixed, no worries." laughs Nicole walking away bumping into a nearby trolley.

Approaching the nurses station Vinnie overhears two nurses discussing Nicole's behavior.

"Did you see the mess Nicole made in room 22, blood everywhere." gasps Sue.

"I know, she can't even walk straight, is she drunk at work." says Mary shocked.

Fuming Vinnie storms back to Nicole.

Entering the room Vinnie catches Nicole lying on Mr. Thomas's bed.

"Nicole." yells Vinnie. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing, nothing." stutters Nicole jumping off the bed quickly and stumbling to the floor.

"Home now." shouts Vinnie through gritted teeth dragging her out of the room.

"Hey, what's your problem." smirks Nicole.

"There's nothing wrong with me, I'm fine."

"Call a taxi." snaps Vinnie at Roimata. "Nicole is going home."

"God your such a drama queen." Vinnie mocks Nicole prancing behind the desk. Grabbing her handbag Nicole struts to the front door.

"See ya losers." salutes Nicole as he walks out the door.

"I wouldn't want to be her when Rachel finds out on Monday it could be pretty unpleasant." said Roimata.

"Mmm." scowls Vinnie.

Two Days Later

(Monday)

Shortland Street Hospital

Approaching the nurse's station Rachel overhears T.K, Sarah and Roimata discussing about Saturday's debacle.

"Ok you three my office now." says Rachel.

Leaving Rachel's office thirty minutes later.

"Oh my god, she's in serious trouble." said T.K.

"We shouldn't have said anything." frowns Roimata.

"We had no choice, she would've found out anyway." sighs Sarah.

Arriving at the nurse's station at one o'clock for Monday afternoon's shift, Nicole is approached by T.K telling her "You'd better keep your head down today, Rachel's after your head."

Nicole feigning innocence and smiles "What have I done?"

"I think you know." frowns Bella entering the room.

Therapist Room

"So Lana tells me you want to get discharged from the hospital and move into a flat." said Diane. "Are you sure you're ready to take that next stage?"

"Yes, I have to start moving on sooner or later." says Jay. "That's what Emily would've wanted."

"I do worry you might be trying to isolate yourself Jay, I was hoping that you choose to do something in the community that will keep you connected to people." said Diane.

"What are you suggesting?" asks Jay.

"Charity work, I know you're good at Australian football, there's a young sporting group of disadvantaged teenagers that need a coach." suggests Diane.

"I don't know." frowns Jay.

"I think I would feel more confident in supporting your release from hospital if you commit to this project. I know you got the court case coming up and you'll need to revisit a lot of painful memories, I think helping these kids will give you more balance in your life." said Diane.

"What if my anger gets the best of me?" says Jay.

"That's where we'll work on techniques to help you stay calm and in control." said Diane.

"So let's start working on this during the session."

Nurse's Station

Nicole is approached by Bella when she tells her "Rachel is looking for you."

Rachel's Office

"Have a seat." said Rachel.

"What do you have to say for yourself?"

"What did I do?" asks Nicole.

"I was notified of what happened on Saturday, I was horrified that you were drunk and were irresponsible with your inability to carry out tasks, I am very furious with your behavior." said Rachel angrily.

"I think It's a bit of an exaggeration." says Nicole acting like a smart aleck.

"I would watch your attitude if I were you, it's pretty clear to me you have got problems and I'm going to help you even if you won't help yourself which is why I'm suspending you till further notice and insisting you attend alcoholics anonymous to get you on the right path and the support system to help you with this." said Rachel.

"But I." whinges Nicole.

"And." butts in Rachel "I insist you see Diane to help get to the root of your problems starting right now, she's expecting you."

"But." says Nicole.

"I don't want to hear another word." orders Rachel.

Two Days Later

(Wednesday)

Ferndale District Court

"All rise."

"The Ferndale District Court is now in session."

"The Honorable Judge John Parker presiding."

To be continued...