Trail Of Terror : The Journey Back

A/N: Apologies again for the delay in updating. Real Life is exhausting at the minute and not conducive to writing. Thank you to all those who are patiently remaining with me despite the delays and I hope this chapter in some small way makes up for the wait.

Chapter 9

Mike walked quietly over and hunched down beside Nancy. He took a deep steadying breath and then gently shook the young woman while calling her name softly.

"Nancy? ... Nancy, it's Mike. Wake up for me now."

Nancy stirred and drowsily opened her eyes. She saw Mike and reality kicked in quickly. She propped herself up on her left elbow and rubbed at her eyes with her right hand reorienting herself with her surroundings and as harsh recent memories returned she spoke urgently.

"What? What is it Mike? ... Have you heard news about Steve?"

Mike swallowed hard, the news he had received about Steve still pulling at his heartstrings and a source of distraction from what he had woken Nancy to tell her but seeing her concerned face he knew he had to tell her that news first.

"Yes, I got news of Steve alright. He ... made it through the surgery but the bullet was stopped by a rib which then lacerated his lung. " Mike dry swallowed again before continuing. "They got the bullet out and patched him up but his blood pressure was too low so they had to put in a chest tube to keep his chest clear. He ... is being sent to Intensive care shortly from Recovery and a respirator is going to help him breathe for a short while to give his lung a chance to heal. "

"A respirator? Well ... that's serious isn't it? ... I mean have they said if he's going to be ok?"

"The Doctor said that he has to to be monitored very closely for the next twenty four hours. If he comes through that ok, he should be fine. But ... apparently his temperature is acting up and they're afraid he might be developing an infection in the wound."

Nancy gasped and sat up despondently. She stared at Mike and saw the worry written on his face. She felt guilty for not noticing that Steve was bleeding earlier and knew that all the times he fell into the stream and onto the muddy river bank as she had pulled him mercilessly along and he had stumbled, must have caused the wound to become infected.

She thought of that time again and tried to remember if he had tried to alert her in anyway to his injury. After all, her mind had been totally focused on getting to the Ranger's station and away from their pursuers and at the time she had found it very annoying that the young Inspector hadn't been able to keep up. She remembered asking him at one stage why he couldn't keep up and his words came back to haunt her "I'm trying ... I'm trying." She vaguely remembered he had said those words after his umpteenth stumble into the stream and she remembered how he had splashed water up over his face as he had righted himself again and she had pulled him onwards. She remembered that it was only a short time later that he had fallen for the last time and she remembered how her heart had almost constricted in her chest as he had fallen past her and she had seen the large bright red stain on the back of his shirt. She remembered even more painfully the agony she had seen on his face and the high pitched sounds that escaped his lips as he couldn't stand the pain any longer and as he tried to disguise the level of suffering he was in from her.

Mike was getting worried. Nancy had gone extremely quiet and was staring at the floor looking at nothing in particular and she was breathing fast. Afraid that she was somehow reliving her terrifying ordeal he put a firm hand on her shoulder and spoke clearly.

"NANCY? Are you alright?

Nancy flinched at the sound and returned her gaze to Mike. With moisture clearly glistening in her pale blue eyes, she spoke shakily.

"He fell so many times but ... I just thought he couldn't keep up and I kept pulling him along ... I was so scared of those men but he never told me he was bleeding ..." Nancy's voice broke and a tear trailed down her cheek at the way she had been so hard on the young wounded detective.

Mike reached out and patted her arm.

"Now, now, it's alright. You didn't know and believe me when I tell you I understand. Steve never lets on when he's hurt. It's a very annoying character trait of his. I'm forever telling him he needs to speak up when he's hurt or sick. But Steve's a fighter. He'll make it through this so don't you worry now."

Mike wasn't sure if he was trying to convince Nancy or himself but his statement brought a strange comfort to them both. He saw a glint of a smile on Nancy's face and then remembered the reason he had woken her in the first place. Knowing how volatile the young lady could be, having witnessed it firsthand not so long ago and knowing that the ordeal she had been through and her tiredness were making her volatility even more unpredictable, Mike decided that he would get some reassurances from her before he broke the news of her father's presence to her.

"Nancy, there's something else I have to talk to you about. Now before I tell you I need you to promise me that you'll listen to what I have to say fully before you fly off the handle, ok? "

Nancy stared curiously at Mike wondering what he needed to talk to her about. She hoped he wasn't going to question her too much about Marty. The fact that she had thought they were going to be married and then finding out from Steve that he had been planning to leave her high and dry was still very raw for her to handle and she hadn't had time to fully come to terms with it, with everything that had happened so quickly after she had found out.

"Do you promise me now Nancy?" Mike persisted.

"Ok, I promise but ... is this about Marty?"

"No, Nancy it's not. The thing is ... well ... there's someone here to see you. "

"To see me? Who?" Nancy asked starting to get a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

"It's your father Nancy ..." Mike stated bravely and then prepared himself for the onslaught he felt was inevitable.

"My FATHER? What's he doing here? ... " and before Mike could explain Nancy continued. " It was Sheriff Kenney wasn't it? He brought him here. That man just never knows when to keep his nose out of other people's business. I can't see him Mike. I CAN'T!"

Nancy was losing it and Mike grabbed her gently by both shoulders and getting up from where he was in front of her he sat beside her and spoke calmly.

"Nancy, now calm down. You promised not to get upset, remember? Sheriff Kenney did bring your father here but only because ... I asked him to. And before you bite my head off I want you to listen to me. He's worried sick about you Nancy and all he cares about is that you're alright. That's all any father cares about. You have to believe that Nancy. He needs to see you and if you refuse to see him it will ... well it will hurt him. Now you don't want to do that do you? "

"I already HAVE Mike! Don't you understand that? You didn't see his face when the Sheriff took me away this morning. He was disappointed in me. I ... I've let him down. Why did you bring him here? I TOLD YOU NOT TO!"

"NANCY. Now listen to me. I didn't tell him about Marty or the money. All I told him was that you witnessed a murder in San Francisco and that you saw the people who did it and that they chased you knowing you could identify them. I told him that's why you went home and why I sent Steve to bring you back as a material witness. I told him the men who were after you ran you both off the road and chased you both through the woods and that you saved my partner's life. He's very proud of you Nancy. I saw it written all over his face. He truly loves you. Don't push him away. He wants to help you, let him."

Nancy seemed to calm a little and she stammered slightly.

"You ... didn't tell him about Marty?"

"No ... that's up to you. He's probably going to hear about it at some stage when the trial comes about but that gives you plenty of time to tell him yourself how ever way you need to. You know he was so worried about you after the Sheriff left with you this morning that he called your family attorney to help you but he couldn't reach him and had to leave a message but it goes to show that he was trying to help you Nancy."

Nancy nervously laughed and Mike looked at her curiously so she explained.

"Mr. Steinbeck must be in his eighties by now. I'd say he's long since retired."

"Well no wonder he wasn't answering then." Mike added lightheartedly, glad to see Nancy had calmed and was now taking the news of her father's presence better.

"Mike? You really told him that I saved your partner?"

"Yes ... well you did. I don't even want to think about where we would all be now if you hadn't shot the shooter the way you did. You were very brave Nancy. Not everyone would have been able to do what you did. "

"He's really proud of me?"

"Yes Nancy. He wants to see you. He brought you some clean clothes and ... Mrs Hardiman's cookies ..."

Again Nancy nervously laughed.

"Sometimes he still thinks I'm a little girl Mike ... but I guess I could badly use that change of clothes huh? And those cookies always were pretty good." she said smiling now.

"Come on, let's go see him. He's right over there."

Nancy hesitated, slightly worried about how she would manage to keep her emotions in check when she saw him but Mike read her well and still with a firm arm around her shoulders he stood them both up and guided her towards where her father was.

"Come on now. Everything will be fine, you'll see."

As they came in sight of Haggard Mellon, he stood up and on seeing his daughter he stood up and his face lit up. Nancy stopped briefly and Mike gently coaxed her closer.

"Hi Dad ..." was all she could manage to say before her tears started to flow and Haggard Mellon hurried towards her and clasped her in a protective hug.

Mike backed away from the reunion to give them a little space and walked over to the window, his thoughts somehow divided between Steve and his daughter Jeannie. As he saw Nancy and her father comfort each other he suddenly wished he had Jeannie there with him too and looking at his watch he sighed when he realised that she wouldn't be back from her field trip yet. Then he thought again of Steve and his eyes automatically searched the corridor on both sides for any sign of Dr. Newman's return but on seeing no sign he leaned back against the windowsill wearily and watched the touching scene unfold in front of him.

"Now, now Honey. Everything's going to be alright." Haggard Mellon comforted then pulling her slightly away from him and clasping her face tenderly he looked her up and down and asked with concern. "Are you hurt Sweetheart? Did those men hurt you?"

"No Daddy. I'm alright really ... but I'm sorry I didn't tell you what happened. I just didn't want you to be upset with me ... I always seem to let you down ... "

Nancy dropped her eyes and stared somberly at the floor and her father lifted her chin gently to look back at him.

"Hey, hey none of that talk now. I thought we agreed that we were equally to blame didn't we? I've done my share of letting you down too but I promise you Nancy that I'm not going to let you down ever again. You don't need to go to back to San Francisco, Nancy. You can come home and make a new life back in Oakgrove. Things will be different this time. I swear to you."

"Dad, it isn't that simple. I'd have to get a new job. I won't be a burden to you. I'd have to pay my way."

Nancy's father smiled broadly.

"Ok I understand that but I might have a solution for you for that one. You remember Mark Donovan from the Diner don't you? Well he has a job going and he told me it's yours if you want it. You liked working there before didn't you?"

"Dad, I'm tired of waitressing. There has to be more to life than that. "

"No Nancy, it's not a waitressing job honey, it's a manageress position. You'd be running it Nancy. At least think about it will you? "

Nancy smiled at her father gratefully, feeling hopeful for the first time in ages that things were starting to look up.

"Ok Dad. I'll think about it, I promise ... but right now I really need to freshen up."

"Alright, that's fair enough Nancy. I ... I brought you some clean clothes."

"Thanks Dad."

Mike smiled as he picked up some of their conversation and felt hopeful that both father and daughter would come out of this ordeal stronger and closer. Feeling that he had allowed them sufficient space for their emotional reunion he now left his place at the window and rejoined them.

"Nancy, why don't you go clean up and then you two head down to the Hospital canteen and get something to eat. Mr. Mellon, I'm afraid I can't release your daughter until I have her statement but there are colleagues of mine on their way from San Francisco as we speak and as soon as they arrive I'll send one of my men down to take down her version of events. As soon as we have that you'll be free to take Nancy home. We'll be in touch then about details for the trial at a later stage."

"Thank you Lieutenant. Come on Nancy. Let's do what the man says."

Haggard Mellon put an arm around Nancy to guide her down the corridor but she stopped briefly and turned to look at Mike. Breaking from her father's hold temporarily she walked towards Mike and taking his hand she shook it warmly.

"Thank you Sir ... for everything. Will ... you be ok here waiting on your own?"

Mike was touched by the young woman's thoughtfulness and smiled broadly at her.

"Yes, I'll be fine. I should get to see Steve soon. But you take care of yourself Nancy Elizabeth Mellon ... you hear me now?"

Nancy smiled.

"I will. Mike? If Steve is awake, will you thank him for me and tell him I'm sorry that he got dragged into this whole mess because of me please? And could you keep me posted as to how he is?"

"Sure, I'll do that. Now run along with your Dad and I'll talk to you later, ok?"

Nancy nodded and letting go of Mike's hand she allowed her father to once more guide her off down the corridor, looking back once more at Mike as she slowly disappeared from Mike's sight.

Once more alone, Mike sighed heavily and returned to his spot by the window to wait for his call to see Steve. He looked down at the street below and almost envied all the bustling people below carrying on their daily lives as normal. He was so engrossed in his observations and wishful thoughts that he startled slightly as the nurse who had kept him informed about Steve earlier appeared beside him seemingly from out of nowhere and tapped his arm.

"Lieutenant, Dr. Newman sent me to fetch you. You can see Inspector Keller now. Please follow me."

"Thank you."

Mike fetched his coat and hat and quickly followed the Nurse down the corridor and into the elevator. Although he kept up an external calm, inside his heart was pounding in his chest and his nerves were on edge. Needing to distract himself from the fears of what he would find when he saw his partner, he made conversation with the nurse as they exited the elevator.

"Is he still in Recovery?"

"Yes Lieutenant. He'll be there for at least another hour or so while they monitor him closely. Here we are now. "

They reached a set of double doors and the Nurse gained access through them and held the door open for Mike to follow.

As they entered, Mike saw a flurry of activity. There was a reception desk to his right and a number of curtain covered cubicles along both sides of the walls. Staff were bustling in and out of the cubicles and the sound of various machines reached his ears. A cacophony of beeping, whirring and hissing mixed with issued instructions and an odd alarm filled the large room.

"You'll need to put these on." the nurse instructed handing him a green gown, head gear and mask.

As he placed his coat and fedora down on to a chair and donned the green garb he noticed Dr. Newman emerge from a cubicle on his right and head towards him. As he nervously placed the mask over his head and left it dangling under his chin, the doctor reached him and spoke.

"Lieutenant, you can see your partner now but you must be prepared for what you'll see. There is a respirator in place helping him breathe and he is attached to a lot of monitoring devices. He's still getting blood transfused into him and he is still unconscious. You might get a shock at how pale and sickly he looks but for the moment we are happy with his progress. His temperature is the only thing causing us slight concern. It is a little above normal but hasn't risen dramatically and we're keeping a very close eye on it. Are you ready to see him now?"

The Doctor's description of Steve's appearance hadn't calmed his fears any, however his description matched the image that Mike had feared he would see on being allowed to see his partner so soon after his surgery so taking a deep steadying breath he nodded his readiness to Dr. Newman and followed the Doctor back to the cubicle he had recently exited from. Mike steeled himself for what he would see but as the curtain opened and he caught sight of Steve for the first time, his heart still skipped a beat. He almost didn't recognise the young man who lay before him. Steve lay on his back, his face partially obscured by tubing which seemed to be coming from his mouth and leading to a foreboding machine which made a soft and rhythmic sound as air hissed and flowed through it. Mike's mouth became suddenly dry as he listened to the machines that worked and beeped all around him. The young man's chest and arms were adorned in a tangled weave of wires and tubes that almost encompassed him like a barbed wire fence intended to keep people away. A glass bottle of red blood was raised on a metal pole, a tube equally red and glaring, feeding it's life source slowly into Steve's left arm. Mike felt as if his feet were glued to the spot, torn between a need to move closer and the fear of what a closer look would reveal. He felt his fist clench involuntarily by his side as he dry swallowed and felt the Doctor's hand on his shoulder.

"Lieutenant, you may sit with him for a little while if you'd like to. Although he's unconscious we do believe that he can hear voices talking to him. Please, take the seat over on his left."

Mike nodded and made his way up the left side of Steve's bed. Reaching the chair he sat down and pulled it closer and now saw more of the pale face of his partner. His usual wavy head of hair was damp and clung to his forehead disturbingly and Mike wondered if it was temperature induced or if it was the result of the mud and dirt he had been lying in when he had been found, having been washed away. He tentatively reached over a tangle of wires and gripped Steve's left hand which lay exposed over the covers. The first thing that drew his attention was the icy cold of the young man's fingers and how limp and lifeless they felt. It made him shudder and he gripped them tighter almost willing the warmth of his own to invade Steve's and cause a positive reaction. The rhythmic hiss and release of air became annoying to Mike, a constant heartbreaking reminder that Steve needed the infernal machine's assistance just to be able to take in sufficient oxygen into his damaged lung. He reached out his other hand and placed it again carefully avoiding the tubing, on Steve's forehead, brushing a stray damp lock of hair back into place as he did. It felt warm to the touch, perhaps a little too warm and clammy for his liking, Mike thought but hoped that the warm and stifling atmosphere here in Recovery was to blame and not an impending fever.

He struggled for words, the tiredness, worry and stress taking their toll on the older detective as the painful reality of their current situation hit him full force and he gently stroked Steve's forehead as he leaned forward and emotionally spoke into Steve's left ear.

"Steve? It's Mike Steve. I'm right here with you. You're doing really well. Everything's going to be alright. You just need to hang in there and we'll have you back in San Francisco in no time at all. Can you hear me buddy Boy?"

As Mike watched Steve closely there was no movement or indication that Steve had heard anything the older man had said. He felt a lump in his throat and taking his hand back from Steve's forehead he covered his face and fought back the emotions that threatened to come. As several seconds passed, Mike found himself muttering a prayer for help, willing his faith to serve him well during the coming difficult hours and days. It was very subtle at first, a light movement that Mike almost thought he had imagined until he felt a second movement from Steve's left hand that still lay encased in his firm grip. He dropped his hand from his face and studied Steve's fingers closely as he distinctly saw a third slight trembling movement of one of his fingers. At the same time there was a momentary increase in the beeping on the heart monitor and as Mike looked up to inform the nurse, he noticed that she had been watching the scene closely the whole time and with a warm smile directed at Mike she spoke sincerely.

"He heard you alright Lieutenant. He knows you're here with him."

Mike felt a strange comfort and renewed strength from her words and smiling back gratefully he then squeezed Steve's fingers gently and leaning over once more he uttered both emotionally and lightheartedly.

"I hear you buddy Boy. Now you get some rest because I'm not planning on going anywhere until you open those green eyes of yours and start complaining about how long you have to stay here for. Ok?"

Again Mike felt a very weak movement of Steve's hand and while still maintaining his hold, Mike leaned back in his chair and kept up his protective watch over his partner as he slept.