Feeling weak and shaky, John opened his eyes and saw that he was flat on his back and the front of his gown was pulled lower. He could feel something small on his chest and a mask over his face, sending oxygen into his mouth and nose. With a shaking hand, he touched the mask.
There were footsteps and John suddenly saw his grandpa hovering over him, "Just relax and keep the mask on," Sully told him in a gentle tone. "The nurse will be back in a minute."
John pushed the mask off his face, "I was laying in bed and I saw this cop come down the hallway and start talking to the doctor," he said in a tired voice. "He had my file in his hand..."
Sully turned pale, "That's impossible," he replied. "It's supposed to be heavily classified."
"I don't know how he got it, but I knew it was mine," John replied softly. "I thought it was destroyed...I wonder if he read it...I panicked...There's too much bad stuff in there."
Just then, the nurse came into the room carrying a tray with a small bowl of soup with a spoon in it and a medium-sized glass of a fizzy drink that had a straw in it, "Are you feeling up to trying a little soup and gingerale, kiddo?" she asked, smiling as she put the tray on the portable table and moved it over to the bed. "You can either try eating yourself or ask for help from your grandpa."
"Wait, Grandpa Sullivan, if you're here, who's looking after David and Ellie?" John asked, suddenly becoming aware that this was normally the time of day that David and Ellie would visit the hospital. "They need looking after a lot more than I do."
As the nurse raised the bed, Sully gave John a look, "I called Detective Yokas," he explained in a gentle tone. "She and Emily are going to come and take David and Ellie with them tonight...They're being kept occupied at the nurse's station until then."
John sighed, "I probably need some insulin before I eat," he said. "Where's my kit at?"
"It's okay, the nurse has been checking your blood sugar and gave you a shot about half an hour ago," Sully replied. "It's a little late, but if you feel like eating, now's a good opportunity to."
The thought of food made John's stomach churn, "I don't think I can," he said, his voice quivering with fear and sadness. "I know I need to eat, but I can't...having to relive that stuff in my head.."
"Yes, you can eat, you just need a little help with it," Sully replied. "I'll help you if you let me."
Taking a deep breath, John gave a nod, "I'll try," he said, his voice a whisper. "I really will."
The nurse walked over to the other side of the room and picking up a chair, she brought it over to the bedside, "Just buzz for me when you're done, okay?" she said, smiling at John.
"Okay," John replied, his voice full of tiredness. "Thank you."
Nodding, the nurse left the room. John looked at the food and then at his grandfather.
His grandfather loved him so much right now, but maybe he wouldn't after he knew the whole truth.
"Just what did you think you were doing up near John's room, Finney?" Bosco yelled, not caring that a few nurses at the admit desk were giving him looks. "You don't just go upstairs and start asking questions about a kid you know nothing about!"
Deeply embarrassed that he had been caught leaving the Peds floor by Bosco, who was coming to check on the kid while LaRusso was on a coffee break only to find that John had gone into shock and passed out, Brendan silently turned away from the enraged look on Bosco's face.
Shortly after, Sully had arrived with David and Ellie for a visit just in time to see the nurse bringing a heart monitor into the room and closing the door partway. Bosco had told him of Brendan's visit.
Infuriated, Sully had ordered Bosco to take him downstairs and deal with him, as he needed to stay upstairs. Since he figured he probably shouldn't go into the room until the doctor said it was okay, Sully had explained to David and Ellie that John was too tired for a visit that evening and that he was going to call someone to come and get them for the night.
David had immediately recognized Brendan, but hadn't said anything, as then his grandpa would know that he skipped school occasionally. Brendan had given the boy a studious glare, indicating that they would talk another time when Sully or Bosco wasn't around to protect him.
Since he didn't want to keep asking Kim and Jimmy for help, Sully had instead gotten a hold of Faith and asked if she and Emily would look after David and Ellie tonight. Faith had quickly talked it over with Emily and had agreed. While they came, David and Ellie were at the nurses station and had asked Bosco if John was okay and Bosco promised the kids that he was.
After Bosco had dragged him downstairs, Brendan had waited alone while Bsoco had gone off to find LaRusso and tell him off Brendan's interference. Now, while Bosco yelled at Brendan for unauthorized police activity, LaRusso was off contacting Ty to tell him what had happened. No doubt that Ty would be mad about being interrupted on a date with Sasha with such news.
"Darn it, Finney, you LOOK at me when I am talking to you!" Bosco shouted, placing a hand on Brendan's shoulder and forcing him back. "You had better explain yourself."
Brendan remained silent and moved away, keeping the file hidden under his jacket. He had put it away when the doctor had gone to tend to the kid. Bosco looked heavenward and swore quietly.
"I have half a mind to arrest you," Bosco snapped. "You are really a thorn in my side right now."
Shaking his head, Brendan moved towards the exit door, "Whatever," he snapped. "I'm not going to stay around here and wait for Davis...I have more important things to do tonight."
Bosco grabbed Brendan's arm, "You're not going anywhere," he snapped.
Without warning, Brendan reeled back and punched Bosco in the face, sending him to the floor.
"Just back off," Brendan hissed, his tone full of anger. "I am LEAVING."
Not caring if Bosco was hurt, Brendan patted the file under his jacket and stormed out of the ER.
As Bosco got to his feet, Faith and Emily came into the ER, "Bosco, you're nose is bleeding," Faith said, her voice full of concern. "What happened?"
"Finney punched me in the face," Bosco replied in a grouchy tone. "What are you doing here?"
Faith blanched, "Sully's gonna stay with John tonight and he asked if we could look after David and Ellie," she explained. "Why was Finney even here? He's supposed to be off tonight."
"I don't know," Bosco replied, moving over to the desk and grabbing a tissue from a box. "He got all moody and patted his jacket right before he left...like he was hiding something in it."
Faith shook her head in disbelief just as LaRusso returned, "I just saw Finney take off in his squad car," he said. "I did phone Davis and he and Sasha are gonna go looking for him...Why did Finney leave?"
"Look, I'll talk with Davis on the phone myself," Bosco said, exasperation in his voice. "You and Emily should go up and get David and Ellie...it's getting late and they have school tomorrow."
Faith nodded, "I'm hoping to go and shop for wedding stuff tomorrow while Emily's in school," she said, a smile crossing her lips. "Miller and I talked and we're thinking about a Christmas wedding or maybe wait until Valentine's Day...It depends on how his recovery goes, though."
Even though he hated the fact that Faith was marrying a scum like Miller, just like Danielle had long-ago married her scummy ex, Bosco nodded politely and sighed, "Have a good night," he said, faking a yawn. "I think I'll go get some coffee...LaRusso, tell me when Davis gets here."
Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Bosco stalked off to the lounge. Faith looked at LaRusso.
"Nice seeing you again Yokas," LaRusso said, smiling. "Have a good night."
Faith smiled and silently led Emily off towards the elevators. It was going to be a long night.
Blocks away, Brendan turned the engine off and opened the file on his lap. He pushed the cover away, only to find what looked like an old, very poorly written letter from a Lieutenant Addison.
To all my buddies in New York and especially at the 75th precinct:
Well, I'm officially off the force because one little brat had to go and tell a bunch of lies.
I never touched that kid, John is only saying that because he's a messed up little snot who needs some serious medication. His mother believed him, of course, and demanded a divorce.
Something is definitely wrong with that kid and it's only going to get worse as he gets older unless he's put on some strong medication. He is a liar and gets whatever he wants.
I'm so hurt by his accusations and what the whole process has done to me. CT Finney arrested and fired me because of what had been said. Where's the evidence of all this, I ask?
Because of this, I'll never be the same again. John's lies have ruined my life forever.
If there's evidence, it's not mine...At least they won't be able to prove it.
Edward Addison
Letting out a deep sigh, Brendan pushed the letter away and looked at the next file. There were other files, probably containing medical evidence, but who knows if they were actually accurate.
Not only was John a gangster, he was a pathological liar. Did he even have a reason to be in the hospital or was he just trying to protect himself? He needed to talk to this Lieutenant Addison.
A long distance phone number was listed as belonging to Edward Addison, maybe it was him.
Taking his cell-phone from his jacket pocket, Brendan dialled the number and lifted the phone to his ear. Maybe the information in the file would make more sense once he and Edward talked.
Little did Brendan know, however, that Edward Addison was a force that was truly uncontrollable.
Exhaustion crippling her body and mind, Danielle got out of Edward's vehicle and slowly began walking down the darkened street. She was cold, tired, and just wanted to sleep.
Driving when she was tired was a bad idea, she would do better on her feet than behind the wheel, as accidents could happen if she fell asleep behind the wheel.
It had been a long, lonely drive from the cabin in the New Jersey countryside, but it had gone fast.
Driving with one arm was easier than originally thought and now she was back in New York.
From what the clock radio said, it was close to midnight. Her ID was still at the hospital most likely.
Even though she hated Edward for what she had to endure before and during their marriage, Danielle hoped that she hadn't given him too many sleeping pills. She didn't want him to die.
Overwhelmed with emotion about the last two weeks, Danielle wandered over to an unoccupied stoop and sat down. Tears rolled down her face as she tried not to focus on the pain in her arm.
The last two weeks had been horrible: Edward had gotten his pleasure out of seeing her suffer.
Letting out a sigh, Danielle painstakingly rose from the stoop and continued down the sidewalk.
If she stopped to rest or cry, the chances were higher that Edward would find her yet again.
Her plan was to go somewhere where there was a phone and use it to call for help.
For her children, if only for her beautiful children, she had to keep traveling towards freedom.
Watching as Emily finally wandered into her bedroom to turn in for the night, Faith sighed and did the few dishes that had been used to feed David and Ellie a late supper. With all that had gone on with John, Sully hadn't had an opportunity to see to it. Fortunately, they didn't mind eating late.
After dinner was done, Emily had convinced John and Ellie to go to bed in the spare bedroom that was in the apartment. She had set up a couple of sleeping bags and told them they could camp out that evening. For the next few hours, she had told stories and sang to them until they tired.
Now that David and Ellie were asleep and Emily had gone to bed, Faith knew it wouldn't be long before she became tired and turned in for the night. She sighed, grateful for the day off tomorrow.
Despite all that had happened in the last few hours, Faith had gotten a call from Sully just a few minutes ago and he had told her that everything was fine: JT had managed to eat all of the soup and drink all of the gingerale. He was now sleeping peacefully, hopefully for the whole night.
Rubbing the diamond ring that sat on her ring finger, Faith smiled and drained the sink.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Faith frowned, who would come over at this hour?
Making sure that the chain was up, Faith opened the door and saw that Grace Finney was standing in the hallway with a worried look on her face and a cell-phone in her hand.
"Detective Yokas, I was wondering if I could come in?" Grace asked, her voice trembling.
Faith unlocked the chain and opened the door, "Grace, what's wrong?" she asked, watching as Grace entered the apartment trembling.
"Brendan phoned me and said that he was off working on some sort of major case and I was wondering if you could tell me anything about it," Grace said as Faith closed the door. "He said that he had a file of information on some kid that was at Mercy...I'm worried."
There was silence as Faith slowly began putting the pieces together: Brendan had gone to the hospital and obviously tried to get information on John, but for what reason?
"Let's phone Davis and see if he's seen him," Faith said in a reassuring voice."
Grace nodded and allowed Faith to lead her over to the wall phone. Hopefully, Brendan was okay.
In a dark alley, Brendan parked his car and getting out, he wandered over to where a figure waited in the shadows, "It's Sergeant Finney, show yourself," he said firmly, tucking the folder under his arm and keeping one hand on the holster of his gun.
Fred stepped into the streetlight, "You took your time getting here," he snapped.
"Are you Edward Addison?" Brendan asked. "I saw a letter you wrote in JT Sullivan's file,"
Shaking his head, Fred sighed, "My name is Fred Yokas," he replied. "The letter in JT's file was written by his father...JT told a bunch of lies that got his father fired from the 75th precinct..."
"From what I've found out, JT is part of a gang in Bed-Stuy," Brendan explained. "Is there a reason why he would tell lies and get his father fired from police work?"
"JT's always been a messed up kid," Fred lied. "I've known him for a long time and he's always been worried that if he's not perfect, someone will be out to get him. He tried so hard to please his father, but could never measure up...it drove him nuts and he told some lies about his dad."
Unaware that Fred was lying, Brendan nodded, "I found JT's brother downtown the other day, he had skipped school," he stated. "He said that he had visited a friend of JT's named Tommy."
"David's always looked up to his brother, even though JT is headed down a bad path," Fred stated, hoping that this cop wouldn't see through his lies. "The kid is a crazy lunatic."
Brendan frowned, "Is there any concrete evidence that could help me get JT some court-ordered professional help?" he asked, wanting to help if he could. "There was a letter in the file that my father wrote...it said that there were things happening between JT and his dad?"
"JT was a kid back then, so he could have been making things up to get attention," Fred replied in a non-committal tone. "Kids see and hear things that aren't necessarily true...Anyway, I gotta go."
Before Brendan could reply, Fred walked off into the night in absolute silence.
Gazing down at the file, Brendan swallowed hard and pulled his cell-phone from his pocket.
Tucking the file under his arm, he dialled a number. He really needed to ask Ty for some help.
Deep within the bowels of Bed-Stuy, Smartie walked past a row of apartment buildings that were completely dark. The day had been long and boring, all he wanted was to go home to rest.
Surprisingly, he had gone to school that day, but not to class. Instead, he and Tommy had hung out in the courtyard and talked about visiting John in the hospital when he was feeling better.
The whole plan to find and beat up Edward Addison had been called off indefinitely, as nobody had really wanted to do anything without John present. For now, the gang was in dormancy.
After school had ended, Smartie and Tommy had played basketball in the park for hours, all the while talking about how they should maybe straighten up and ask Boscorelli or LaRusso for custodial jobs at the precinct. JT had told them that gang life was no way to live.
Once the sun had gone down, the two had gone their separate ways: Tommy was going to go uptown for dinner with friends and Smartie walked home, as it gave him time to think.
Maybe JT was right and the gang should just dissolve, they were just kids, not gangsters.
The group had formed just as a friendship and the police had automatically called it a gang.
Perhaps in the morning, he would go to school and then to the precinct to ask for part-time work.
As he passed an alley, his ears picked up on the sound of a machine gun being cocked.
Almost instantly, several shots were fired. Covered in blood, Smartie collapsed to the ground.
In Manhattan, Tommy smiled and watched as his cousin, Kylie Kennedy came into the restaurant accompanied by her proud parents. He had waited for them with their grandparents.
"Hey Kylie," Tommy said, grinning as his aunt, uncle, and Kylie took a seat at the big table that was reserved for their family dinner. "Hey, Auntie and Uncle Kennedy, how are you?"
Kylie grinned and showed her toothy smile, "I lost a tooth today, Tommy," she said eagerly.
Tommy grinned at the adopted cousin whom he considered like a little sister, "That's cool, Kylie, don't forget to put it under your pillow," he replied. "That way you can get a quarter for it."
Kylie nodded and looked at her mom, "Mommy, when can we eat?" she asked. "I'm hungry."
Amused at Kylie's short attention span, Tommy took a sip of his ice water. His last name was Lauren, but his parents had officially abandoned him a year ago ago and his aunt and uncle had taken him in, inviting him to be officially adopted but leaving that choice entirely up to him.
As an only child, he had wanted to carry on the Lauren name, despite his crap parents, and agreed to have the Kennedys be his legal guardians. Life with them was pretty good and they didn't mind that he hung out in Bed-Stuy a lot with JT.
Despite not wanting to be legally adopted by somebody else, Tommy knew that his presence was a great relief for his aunt and uncle, who had lost Kylie's sister a year ago to a hit and run.
Mrs. Kennedy smiled at Kylie, but before she could reply, the front door of the restaurant banged open and a masked gunman entered the restaurant with a machine gun in hand.
Without warning, the man began to fire shots all over the restaurant. Screams of terror broke out.
As the firing continued, Tommy grabbed Kylie and dove under the table. While the screams continued and things shattered, Tommy suddenly felt pain and warmth on his chest.
"Tommy, you've got red stuff on you," Kylie whispered, gazing up at the red stain on her cousin's shirt. "Are you gonna die?"
The firing suddenly stopped and Tommy turned very pale, "Kylie, you have to go find a phone and call 9-1-1 right now, okay?" he whispered, sinking to the floor. "Tell them what happened and that there are a lot of hurt people...I know you're scared, but you've gotta be brave right now, okay?"
A door slammed, meaning that the gunman had fled and escaped the scene. There was silence
Not wanting Tommy to die, Kylie crawled out from under the table and ran to find a phone.
Sinking to the floor, Tommy placed a hand over his chest and silently prayed that he wouldn't die.
There was one reason for this random attack: the shooter wanted to cause destruction and horror.
However, it would take a lot of time, pain, and stress before the whole truth was discovered...
