Betty Preston's body was found by sailors along the coast. It appeared that after she left Preston on the Pierce's doorstep she took her life by jumping off a cliff and in to the Ocean. Phil's contacts in Boston had also found information on the woman. She was a waitress at a diner. Her co-worker and friend had few words to say to the police but all of them positive. Betty's neighbor from her apartment was not so generous. Apparently, Betty had been a decent mother to Preston until a year ago when she began to go out with a man named Vinny. Her neighbor, Mrs. Long, said that once she started going out with this man Betty began to stay out late, leaving Preston alone, and drinking (and she was not a nice drunk). Worse still was that a few months earlier Vinny started to become violent and smacked Betty around. She wanted to be a good mother and knew she couldn't. When the war ended, Betty finally felt that she had the opportunity to provide her son with a life he deserved.
The information given by Phil was hard for everyone to handle but especially Hawkeye. He blamed himself for Preston's unfortunate beginnings and no matter what anyone said he wouldn't get past it. Hawkeye stayed close to Preston day and night but Preston certainly didn't mind. The boy couldn't notice since he already followed Hawkeye all the time. Nevertheless, Hawkeye wouldn't look at the paternity results. Everyone suggested that he should but he either ignored them or refused.
Hawkeye's tense behavior made everyone nervous; especially Margaret who had seen Hawkeye at the edge and could tell that he was there now. She was very afraid for what could happen and called the only man she could think of who could help.
"I can't believe you called Sidney," Hawkeye said fidgeting as Margaret fixed his tie.
"Stop moving," Margaret scolded. "Preston's been through a lot. I think it will be good for him."
"Preston's three. Sidney's not a child's physiatrist."
"You thought differently in Korea," Margaret reminded through gritted teeth as he continued to not stay still. "Stop moving!"
"Fine," Hawkeye said standing still. "I need a drink."
"Go for it," Margaret said once she'd finished. "But I also think we need to talk to Sidney about Preston and I and us."
"What for?" Hawkeye asked as he poured his drink.
"You're his father. I'm your wife. I'd like a professional opinion about what to have him call me. I mean he calls me Maggie which is fine but down the road…." Margaret trailed, taking a deep breath. "That's the door."
"Yippee," Hawkeye said dryly following Margaret to the entrance.
"Behave," Margaret warned as she opened the door. "Hello Sidney!"
"Margaret," Sidney greeted. "Hawkeye."
"Doc,"
"This must be your wife. I'm Margaret Houl- Pierce," Margaret said extending her hand.
"Rita Freedman. It's very nice to meet you. I've heard so much about both of you."
"Not all bad I hope. Benjamin Pierce." Hawkeye greeted extending his hand.
"Come in," Margaret said leading them in the house. "Dinner isn't ready yet. I thought we could have pre-dinner drinks."
"Just like the good old days," Sidney said with a smile.
"Is the still here?" Rita asked.
"Yes, who got custody of that old thing? I told Rita all about the gasoline you and Hunnicutt made."
"I got custody but it's out of commission. I can show it to you later, Rita. Its in the garage," Hawkeye informed his guest.
"So where is the newest Pierce?" Sidney asked.
"Right in here, with Daniel and Joyce," Margaret said as cheerfully as possible.
"I must say, civilian Margaret kind of frightens me," Sidney said jokingly to Hawkeye as he followed his hostess.
"Haha," Margaret said making up for her husband lack of enthusiasm. "Daniel, Joyce, I'd like to introduce you to Dr. Sidney Freedman and his wife Rita. Sidney, Rita this is Hawkeye's father and ….stepmother."
"Pleasure to meet you both," Daniel said standing up to shake their hands.
"That the little guy?" Sidney asked pointing at Preston who sat frozen on the ground.
"This is Preston. Preston come here," Margaret said softly holding out her hands. "This is Daddy's old friend Dr. Freedman and his wife Mrs. Freedman. Can you say hello?"
Preston stood close to Margaret and only nodded his head in response.
"Hello, Preston." Sidney said squatting down to his level. "It's nice to meet you."
