Chapter 11.
Cate sat in the hospital waiting room her head rested back against the wall with her eyes closed. It had been a long week and too much had gone on it that time.
'Here, looks like you could use this.' Kris's voice came through breaking Cate's thoughts. Opening her eyes she saw Kris holding out a cup of coffee for her. 'I know you're trying to cut back, but it's been a long day.' Cate took the cup with a smile.
'It's been a long week.' She said back as Kris sat down next to her.
'Bri's checking in with the doctors to see how things are with Kel.' Kris explained for Sabrina's absence.
'She knows they probably won't tell her much right?' Cate asked leaning back again whilst stretching out her legs in front of her.
'Yeah, but she just needs to be doing something.'
'The doctor said Kelly will be fine. She has a concussion and has dislocated her knee from where those crates fell on to her. The doctor wants her kept in a couple of nights just to keep an eye on her but she should be fine. Kelly's in x-ray just checking there's no serious damage to her knee before they re-set it. She'll be fine.' Cate explained taking a sip from her coffee. 'This is terrible by the way.' Cate remarked about the coffee still drinking it anyway.
'Yeah, well that's hospital vending machine coffee for ya.' Kris replied with a smile watching the doctors and nurses going about the duties. A nurse approached the two friends.
'Miss Fox?' The nurse enquired. Cate opened her eyes nodding to the nurse. 'There's a call for you, you can take it here.' The nurse indicated to the phone on the small glass table to the side of Cate. 'Line one.' The nurse said with a smile to both Angels as she went back to her station. Cate lifted the receiver wondering who the call could be from.
'Hello?' She said tentatively waiting for a response. 'Rebecca!' Cate's entire face lit up at the sound of her niece's voice. Kris, sat by Cate's side, sent a silent prayer thanking whoever was watching over the little one, for her safe return. 'How are you doing little one, what adventures have you been on?' Cate asked making the kidnapping sound as scare free as possible. She listened to her niece tell her what had been happening smiling and nodding a long the way as if her niece could see her. 'Did you say a clown came and took you back to your mommy and daddy?' Cate repeated to Rebecca unsure of what she had just been told. 'His name was Chuckles Charlie! He was really funny and silly? Well that's great Becca, hey, is your daddy there? Can I speak to him please? Ok, I'll see you tomorrow.' Cate spoke with Danny preparing him for what he and their mother should expect when they return home to deal with Bobby's mess. Assuring him that everyone was ok and safe Cate hung up the phone.
'Everyone ok there?' Kris asked. 'Is Rebecca ok?'
'Oh, she's just fine, not a mark on her nothing. She's been checked by the doctor but Becca just thought of it as one big game, she says she wasn't even scared. They had all sorts of games and things for her to play with and then Chuckles Charlie showed up and took her back to Danny and Tessa.' Cate explained.
'Chuckles Charlie?'
'Yeah I know, I'll be having a few words with that boss of ours. Glowing thankful ones.' Cate said with a wide smile. Kris reached over wrapping her arms around Cate's shoulders laughing as she did.
'That's our Charlie, there when we need him most.'
Another nurse interrupted the Angels merriment with Sabrina not far behind her.
'Miss Fox, your sister is settled in her room now, you can go through to see her if you would like.'
'We would very much like thank you.' Cate said getting up from her seat all the Angels followed the nurse to Kelly's room. Entering they found Kelly sat up and alert talking with the doctor. Kelly smiled when her sister and friends walked in to the room.
'Everything ok doc?' Sabrina asked as she moved to the foot of Kelly's bed.
'Everything's just fine. Ms Garrett's knee is all back in place and the x-rays show no problems. I'm still keeping her in for at least tonight, we'll see how everything is tomorrow before I release you, that was quite a bump on the head so we want to be careful.' The doctor explained.
'Yes we do.' Kris agreed standing by the side of Kelly taking her hand as she did.
'Well, I'll leave you all to it but not too long, Ms Garrett needs her rest.' The doctor smiled as he walked out of the room.
'You ok?' Cate asked her big sister as she walked round to Kelly's free side of the bed. Kelly was now surrounded.
'I'll be fine, a little soar and achy but I'll be fine. How are you doing, you look terrible.' Kelly said in a concerned tone with a smile across her face.
'Well thanks for that.' Cate said in mock insult. 'No, I'm fine, nothing a hot shower won't cure and a good nights sleep I'm sure will help.' Cate said as her sister looked deeply in to her eyes looking for the hidden truth she was holding back. 'Don't go looking for something that isn't there Kel, I promise you, I'm ok.'
'So, how did everything go after I was knocked out of the game?' Kelly asked looking round at all the Angels.
'Well,' Sabrina began 'Calum got his butt handed to him by Bobby and then Calum carried you out of the building.'
'Which Bobby set on fire trying to escape from us.' Cate picked up after Sabrina.
'And Cate fly tackled Bobby out of the burning building to the hands of the police officers waiting to arrest him.' Kris continued.
'The building has pretty much burnt down, everyone who had to be was arrested.'
'Rebecca's back with Danny and Tessa safe and sound, and Bobby hates me. I think that covers everything.' Cate said looking to Kris and Sabrina who nodded in sad agreement.
'Right, so not much then?' Kelly said taking it all in. 'Have you spoken to your mom?' Kelly said looking to Cate again, resting her hand on top of Cate's whose hands were resting on Kelly's bed.
'No not yet, I spoke with Danny after speaking with Rebecca, I'll let Danny fill mom in and I'll talk with her when they all get home tomorrow. Danny and I both agree that she'll want to see Bobby as soon as she can if she's allowed to. I'm sure she'll arrange for his lawyer and get him the best legal help she can.' Cate said rubbing the back of her neck.
'He's still her son.' Sabrina said softly. 'She'll never stop loving him or helping him when she can.'
'Even when he doesn't deserve it.' Cate said as she moved away from Kelly heading for the room door. 'I'm just gonna get some air for a little while.'
'Cate, I didn't mean…' Sabrina began when Cate interrupted her smiling.
'It's all right Bri, really, I just need some fresh air. Y'all know I hate hospitals. I won't be long.' Cate finished looking at Kelly before she stepped out of the room.
'You want me to go with her?' Kris asked Kelly.
'No, she'll be ok, she just needs a little space is all.' Kelly said appreciative of her young friends offer. 'So, Calum carried me out of the building huh?'
'Yeah, but for his own gain.' Sabrina said moving round to sit in the chair by the side of Kelly's bed. 'Any way to get the courts to act a little more lenient towards him.'
'I still don't like him.' Kelly said flatly.
'True but he did help us.' Sabrina said.
'He was more afraid of Cate than the law though.' Kris smirked as she carefully sat on the foot of Kelly's bed.
'Can't say that I blame him after watching her tackle Bobby to the ground, would not like to have been him in that moment.' Sabrina said sitting back in her chair crossing her legs as she did.
'How rough was the fight between the pair of them.' Kelly asked in a soft voice.
'From what we can tell and what Cate has said there were no raised fists, he grabbed at her and threw her around a bit but nothing that's caused any real physical harm other than some bruising.' Sabrina simply explained.
'I think it's the hatred he seethed toward her that hurt the most. Honestly Kel it was horrible, poor Cate, I think that cut her deeper than anything else that has happened this week.' Kris explained a look of hurt across her face.
'How did she take it?' Kelly asked taking everything in her calm patient manner.
'I'm not really sure.' Kris started. 'She just watched the police take him away as he yelled at her it obviously hurt her but…' Kris stopped to try and find the words to describe Cate's reaction to her brother's outburst.
'But what Kris?' Kelly asked prompting her to continue.
'It was as if she took in what he said and locked it away before brushing her self off and moving on, turning her back on Bobby and turning her attention to things that were more important.' Sabrina finished for Kris.
'Exactly. It's not like Cate hasn't been affected by what Bobby said but it's like, I don't know...' Again Kris was at a loss of how to describe her friend's reaction.
'It's like she's given up caring.' Kelly said looking down at her hands. 'That's what you're trying to say, that's the look you saw Kris, the reaction.'
'Yeah, yeah it was. If I didn't know Cate at all I'd say it was a cold reaction but…'
'But knowing her now and some of what she's been through in life the reaction doesn't seem wrong does it?' Kelly asked half smiling at Kris, she knew Kris could never completely understand Cate's reactions to situations but then she hasn't lived the kind of life that Cate and Kelly have when growing up, it wasn't that Kris hadn't dealt with her own problems in life but there was a difference, one that no one, unless they had lived it themselves, could fully comprehend.
'It doesn't surprise me as much as it worries me.' Kris said.
'That's why she has us.' Kelly simply replied smiling as she did.
'You know Kris, if I didn't know you any better I'd say you really liked Cate.' Sabrina said teasing her. Kris looked down to her lap smiling a little embarrassed.
'Yeah well, she has a habit of getting under your skin and kind of sticking there.' Kris lightly said.
'Honestly, the pair of you.' Kelly said her spirits lifting talking of lighter happier things. 'Fact is you're both too much a like.' Kris smiled a wicked smile at Kelly.
'Well, it's far more fun to act the way we do any way.' Kris laughed. All three Angels were laughing as Cate entered back in to the room.
'So, what have I missed?' She said smiling at her sister and friends seeing the obvious enjoyment in their faces, just what they needed after a week like they had just had.
'Nothing, come over here though.' Kelly said beckoning her little sister over to her side, Cate moved towards her sister who once close enough grabbed her a pulled her in to a tight hug. The room quietened down some as the other Angels watched with sweet smiles at the affection between the sisters.
'What was that for?' Cate asked as Kelly released her.
'Just because I love you and because I can.' Kelly said holding Cate's hand and rubbing her thumb across the back of Cate's hand.
'Ok. Um, the doctor wants us to clear out before he sends his nurse in to chase us out, so we'd better exit.' Cate said to the other Angel's before turning back to Kelly. 'You gonna be ok on your own tonight?' Kelly smiled an appreciative smile to her sister.
'I'll be fine, you go home with the others, get something decent to eat and relax tonight, please try not to worry about anyone but your self ok? Think you can do that for me tonight?' Kelly asked Cate laughing slightly through her smile.
'I will if you will.' Cate came back with holding out her hand to shake on the deal.
'Done.' Kelly said taking Cate's hand and then pulling her in to another tight hug.
'Neither one of you is gonna hold to that deal, just so you know.' Kris quipped, the two sisters turned to her both with an eyebrow raised as if to dare Kris on the subject.
'Ok, that's a little weird.' Sabrina said seeing the resemblance between the two sisters in their look. 'Let's get going, I don't know about you two, but I'm starved.' Sabrina said as she smiled and waved goodbye to Kelly heading out the door.
'I'm always ready for a meal.' Kris said as she got down from the bed, kissed Kelly goodbye and headed out after Sabrina.
'Ok, so I'll be back here with the other two no doubt as soon as they let us back in, I'll double check visiting hours on my way out. You sure you're going to be ok?' Cate asked her big sister looking deeply in to her eyes looking for any sign that Kelly may be hiding something.
'I'll be fine, stop big sister-ing me, that's my job, now go, get out of here and please, try to relax tonight. It's all over now Cate and out of our hands.' Kelly said watching her sister's reaction to those words. Cate lowered her head before tilting it to one side looking at Kelly with a half smile.
'There's still my mom to deal with tomorrow.'
'We'll all handle that together, don't worry I promise everything will be ok. Now get going, I'll see you tomorrow.' Kelly pulled Cate in to one last hug before they parted and Cate left the room. Now in a room filled with silence Kelly laid back taking in a deep breath and closed her eyes allowing her self to try and relax for the evening, she just hoped that her promise to her sister would hold, that everything would be ok in the morning and with Bette and the family when they arrived.
As the three Angels walked out of the hospital towards the car park they continued to chat.
'So, what shall we do for food tonight?' Sabrina asked. Cate looked at her watch it wasn't too late, just after seven p.m.
'Well, mom left enough food in the house; I can cook us up some kind of hot pot. Sound good?' Cate turned to find that her two fellow Angel's had stopped in their tracks. 'What?' Cate asked confused as to why they had stopped.
'You cook?' Sabrina asked.
'When you grow up in the household I did with a mother like mine you learn to cook especially when you're the only other woman in the house, she had to pass on her culinary skills to someone and for the length of time I was travelling and studying alone I had to feed myself.' Cate explained taking her car keys from her jacket pocket. 'I promise you I will not give you food poisoning.' Cate said with a wicked smile. Laughing the three continued on.
'I'll meet you both back at the house.' Kris said as she mounted Cate's motor bike and switched on the engine.
'Ok, be careful, we'll see you there.' Sabrina said as Kris moved off towards the road.
'I can't believe you let her take the bike home for you.' Sabrina said to Cate as they got in to the Mustang.
'Well, she rode it here, she can take it home again, besides I'd rather be driving the car than the bike right now.' Cate explained as she buckled her seatbelt and started the engine. Sabrina nodded understanding as they headed out to the road and back to the house.
A few hours later at the house the Angels had finished their meal cleaning up after themselves. They all decided to call it an early night but it was agreed that Cate was to cook for them all more often once they returned to L.A.
After a few hours Cate finally decided after tossing and turning that she could not get to sleep no matter how hard she tried, she was over tired and not shutting off for the night. Throwing her covers off of her she got out of bed grabbed her robe and headed out of her room down to the kitchen to make herself some warm milk, hoping that might do the trick to help her sleep. Sat in her favourite arm chair in the family room Cate stretched her legs out on to the footrest cradling the warm mug in her hands. Resting her head deep in to the back of the armchair she allowed herself to run through the week she had just had. It all seemed for the most part unbelievable that so much had happened in a short space of time but it was Bobby's voice ringing in her ears that really struck Cate, so much hatred in his voice, so much pain. As much as he may have hurt Cate she couldn't help but pity him and in some part take the blame.
'Penny for 'em.' Cate slightly startled turned to see Kris walking in to the room. 'Sorry didn't mean to make you jump.' She said taking a seat on the couch opposite Cate. Cate smiled at her friend as she made herself comfortable on the couch.
'That's ok and I think you'd need a little more than a penny for the thoughts I've got running around up here.' Cate said tapping the centre of her forehead with index finger.
'Feel like sharing? It's the best thing for that you know and it might help you sleep.' Kris suggested with a warm comforting smile.
'I was just going over the week in my mind playing things out in my mind, then there's today and Bobby's outburst and...' Cate trailed off not sure what to say next, Kris had been around for pretty much everything that had happened.
'It's not your fault Cate, what Bobby said it was harsh and hurtful but his actions are his own like you said you only ever tried to love him as a brother.'
'If only that had worked and been enough though Kris, then this, all of this,' Cate said indicating to the bullet holes and boarded windows. 'may never have happened.'
'And if your dad hadn't of cut him off, or if Danny had given Bobby his inheritance or if Bobby had just tried harder, there's a lot of 'if's' there Cate and it doesn't help you or Bobby or the rest of the family. What if you hadn't of come to this family? What then?' Kris asked answering the question before Cate could try. 'You may have stayed with Calum and God knows what might have become of you there or your life would have continued moving from place to place. You wouldn't be working for Charlie and you would never have found Kelly. Coming here to this family, your family, was what was meant to happen, I firmly believe that and so do you, I know you do. I see it in the way you talk to your mom, how you play around and joke with your brothers and sister-in law and how you love your niece and care for her, making sure she grows in to a strong, intelligent, independent woman like her aunt.'
'I don't want Rebecca ending up like me Kris, no way.' Cate said rubbing the front of her shoulder as she thought of it.
'Why not?'
'Look at the life I lead, it's crazy and dangerous and not at all what I want for her or what Danny and Tessa want and that's far more important.' Cate explained.
'Yeah that is important, but Cate, Rebecca will take pieces from all of her family while she grows up in to whatever it is she decides to do in life and who knows where her life journey leads.'
'I hope to something safer than this and not illegal like her uncle.'
'And by leaving her your inheritance you're giving her the best possible start on that journey.'
'Oh Kris everything is just such a mess.' Cate said running her hand through her hair.
'But a mess can be cleared up and so will this be. Stop giving yourself such a hard time.' Kris demanded.
'I used to think I knew what was always going on around me had as much control on it as I possibly could and now everything seems so out of balance. Kelly and I obviously have some issues to deal with and a lot of that is down to me as well.'
'You can't change who you are or your nature Cate, not over night any way and sometimes not at all, Kelly's going to have to learn that as well.'
'I just feel like I need open space for a while, just get away from everything, not necessarily running away but just getting away to think and put things back in perspective. I need some time.' Cate said in a quiet tone looking towards Kris with wide eyes that showed how tired she was, how everything was affecting her, Kris couldn't help but want to comfort her she could see the pain Cate was suffering inside even if she wasn't going to admit it.
'Maybe you should get a way for a while, take some time out. Charlie would understand and be happy to give you that time.'
'What about Kelly?' Cate asked softly knowing that taking off solo for how long she didn't know would crush her older sister.
'She'd hate it obviously but she'd understand. You'd have to check in with her as much as you could or else she'll be out looking for you. Talk to her about it, see what she thinks. She'll be sad to see you go but you know she'd support your decision.'
Cate nodded as she looked at the small clock on the table in front of her and Kris, 4am.
'I think I might just try and see if I can get a few hours sleep now at least.' Cate said with a smile as she got up. 'I'd better look to have had some sleep for when the family come home and we see Kelly tomorrow.'
'You and me both.' Kris agreed getting up her self. As the two Angels headed for the stairs Cate stopped and turned to Kris smiling warmly.
'Thanks Kris. I think this is one of the rare occasions we've managed to have a sensible conversation without teasing or bickering.' Kris smiled pushing Cate a long to head up stairs.
'Yeah well don't ruin the moment now, let's get to bed before Bri wakes up and witnesses anything.' Quietly laughing the pair wished each other a good night and went back to their bedrooms.
Later that same morning Sabrina was the first to rise, heading downstairs to the kitchen she started preparing the coffee for everyone, the best and safest thing she could prepare. Collecting the newspaper from the front door step she returned to the kitchen unfolding it seeing the headlines of the fire at the Four Leaf depot and the arrests made there.
'Morning.' Kris's voice chirpily said from her seat at the kitchen table.
'Morning, sleep well?' Sabrina returned.
'Yeah fine, You?'
'Not bad at all but I wouldn't be lying if I said I can't wait to get back to my own bed.' Sabrina said in a light tone as she sat down joining Kris.
'Well, with everything now over I think you can head back to L.A.' A smiling Cate said as she walked in to the kitchen heading straight for the fridge. 'I called the hospital to check on Kelly and they said she may be released today so everyone can head back when they're ready to.' Cate said as she poured orange juice for her self.
'That's terrific, Cate.' Sabrina said. 'I mean about Kelly being released.'
'And the fact that you can all go home, it's ok Bri, I can understand missing home after a case is finished and you all deserve to get out of this family mess as soon as possible. With mom and the rest of the clan back today I wouldn't blame you if you all ran today.' Cate joked.
'No Cate, we'll be right here helping out.' Sabrina said. 'The case isn't finished until we talk things through with Bette and Danny. Are you expecting Scotty today also?' Sabrina asked.
'No, I doubt he'll come. He'll catch the highlights later. I think he likes being the youngest at times like these, kept out of it all.' Cate explained.
'You make it sound like this happens often.' Kris said with a wicked grin and a wink.
'So when are they flying in?' Sabrina asked pouring herself a cup of coffee.
'They should land at 1pm I think. Bosley's going to be with them he's driving them straight to here from the airport. Hopefully we'll be back from the hospital with Kelly by then to meet them.' Cate explained sitting on one of the kitchen stools.
'Well in that case we'd better get a move on to Kelly.' Sabrina stated taking a last mouthful of coffee before getting up from the table and heading towards the stairs.
'So you don't want breakfast this morning?' Kris called after her, Sabrina turned around re-taking her seat having realised her absentmindedness.
'Maybe just a little breakfast first.' She said with a smile taking the cereal box Cate handed to her.
'Anyone for toast?' Cate offered both Kris and Sabrina raised their hands. 'Right, of course.'
A while later the three Angel's were fed, washed and dressed ready for the day, Cate had a small duffle bag containing fresh clothes and wash bag for Kelly to get changed in to and freshen up a little before they brought her back home, she knew Kelly would more than appreciate it.
'Ready to go?' Kris asked Cate as she entered in to Kelly's room in the house.
'Yeah, think so.'
'What does that mean?' Kris asked concerned.
'It just means I have a lot of talking to do today and I'm not sure I'm ready for it. What I have to say may hurt a lot of people I care about.' Cate explained placing her hands on her hips as she did looking down at the bag with Kelly's things inside.
'Look, for the main part we're all gonna be here for you, including Kelly, she'll be home and we can all talk with your family and explain things. As for your other conversation, well, you're on your own for that one I'm afraid, that's a conversation for you and Kel to have alone.' Kris said as Cate rubbed the back of her neck, the tension was all ready beginning to build. Kris reached out to her putting her hand on Cate's shoulder squeezing it slightly for comfort. 'Don't worry, she'll understand and when she needs us we'll be here to help her out.'
'Thanks Kris, I just hope it all goes as easily as that.' Cate said offering Kris an uncertain smile.
'Hey you two, time to make a move.' Sabrina said calling up from downstairs.
'Coming Mom!' Kris and Cate called back in unison before starting to laugh.
'Cute you guy's, real cute.' Sabrina called back with a hint of laughter in her voice.
By the time they got to the hospital Kelly was all ready signing her discharge papers and getting her instructions from the doctor about resting her knee and not over doing it. Kelly smiled with relief when Sabrina, Cate and Kris entered in to her room.
'Tell me you have clothes for me?' Was the first thing Kelly said as the Angels walked in greeting the doctor.
'Yes, I have a change of clothes and your wash bag.' Cate said placing the bag on to the table above the bed.
'Great, thank you. Now I can go get changed and we can all get out of here.' Kelly said eager to get out of the hospital bed and gown. Helping her get down from the bed Sabrina also helped her friend to the bathroom where she could get changed.
'Anyone would think she wanted to get out of here.' Kris said smiling as she and Cate sat on the two chairs in the room.
'You think?' Cate quipped back to her returning the smile.
Moments later Sabrina and Kelly exited the bathroom, Kelly showing some discomfort from walking the short distance.
'You all right Kel?' Kris asked as she watched her friend move slowly.
'A little soar maybe but I'll be fine once we're out of here.' Kelly replied wincing slightly between smiles. At the same time as if on cue a nurse entered the room with a wheelchair for Kelly.
'Hospital policy.' The nurse said seeing the look on Kelly's face. The other Angels laughed in chorus as Kelly gave in and sat in the wheelchair. They all followed the nurse pushing Kelly through the hallways until they reached the exit. Smiling and thanking the nurse, Cate moved to the side of her sister steadying her as they walked.
'We could have gotten you crutches you know.' Cate suggested.
'I don't think so, I'll be fine not a problem.' Kelly said back
'Stubborn.' Cate said teasing. Laughing they reached the car all getting in they drove off back to the house. Just as they pulled in to the drive and began to get out of the car a blue Sedan pulled in behind them once parked the first to jump out was Rebecca running straight to her aunt.
'Aunt Caitlin!' Rebecca jumped in to her aunt who swiftly picked her up in to a big hug.
'Rebecca! You're all home all ready!' Cate called watching the rest of the family and Bosley get out of the car. Tessa came to Cate next more hugs and greetings followed by Danny and lastly her mother, Bette. Cate put Rebecca down who rushed in to the house after everyone.
'Mom...' Cate began as Bette pulled her in to a tight embrace before releasing her and looking straight in the eyes.
'Are you all right?' Bette asked
'I'm fine, we're all fine. I promise mom, I'm just sorry about Bobby.' Cate explained trying to look away from her mother who took her face in to her hands to stop her.
'Don't be sorry for him or for stopping him. I'll deal with Robert; right now I'm dealing with you and your friends and sister. How's Kelly, John said that she was injured.' Bette asked as they headed in to the house.
'She's ok mom, she's home as you've seen. She dislocated her knee but it's ok, her knee was re-set, it'll be soar for a while but there's no permanent damage thankfully.'
'When are you heading back to Los Angeles?'
'They'll be heading back tomorrow I think.' Cate said as Bette stopped abruptly before entering the house.
'You're not going with them?' Cate could have slapped herself in the head for letting that slip.
'No, not right away.'
'Are you going to stay here?'
'No, I was going to take some time for a while, just clear my head.' Cate explained.
'I see and does Kelly know this yet?' Bette asked standing to her full height with her best motherly look on her face.
'Not yet, I'm telling her next right after we've all spoken about the last few days.'
'I see, well, maybe it's for the best but don't you dare let your sister worry about where you are.' Bette ordered before walking in to her home, Cate sighing heavily followed after her.