"Kathy, thanks for coming," Joe Early stood up as the older woman approached him. She looked really nervous. "Can I order you a glass of wine?"
"Yes, please, that might help," Kathy said, as she took a seat in the chair Joe had pulled out for her.
"I'm having second thoughts about doing this," Kathy admitted. "Josh came home and told me about your meeting with him. He was so angry. If he found out I was here meeting Tina," Kathy shook her head. "I don't know what he'd do."
Joe smiled at her. "I've never known you to be the type of woman that cared what Josh thought when you had your mind set on something."
Kathy smiled back, "It's true, no one would ever consider me the submissive type, but I do love my husband very much and would never want to intentionally hurt him. I don't think in my grief I ever realize how hard he took Susie's death. I was too wrapped up in my own pain to even see his. The other day I saw it, and the physical effects it's had on him."
"Forgiveness is the best cure for that pain, and the physical ramifications that go with it. Trust me, I'm a doctor," Joe reached over and put a reassuring arm around her shoulders.
She leaned her head against his shoulder. "You're a very good friend Joe Early."
"So this is the secret your keeping. My wife and my friend, this is something straight outta a soap opera," the angry voice of Josh Garland interrupted the conversation.
"Josh, this isn't what it looks like," Joe said, standing up.
"Really, let's see what this looks like. My "loving" wife tells me she's having dinner with friends this evening, so she won't be home when I get home," Josh made air quotes with his hands as he said loving. "So, I decide to just stop by a favorite restaurant of ours to eat a quick bite before I go home to our lonely house, and what do I find? Not my wife with her friends, but sitting at a quiet table, in the back of the restaurant so it isn't in the full view of the other patrons, with another man, who has his arm wrapped around her and she has her head resting comfortably on his shoulder. And you dare try to tell me it isn't what it looks like? If it walks like a duck and it quacks like a duck…"
"This isn't a duck," Joe interrupted his tirade.
"Well then what is it?" Josh demanded.
"Oh my," Kathy stood up and put her hand over her mouth, her eyes going past her husband.
Josh Garland whipped around to see what had caused his wife's reaction to see Tina and Mike standing behind him. Tina was trying to grab Mike's arm and turn them around when Josh Garland saw her. "What's she doing here!"
"Josh, sit down, have a drink, let's talk this out," Joe said, moving toward the man who was now red faced with anger.
"You went behind my back to Kathy to talk about that, that murdering, little…"
"Hey, watch it," Mike interrupted him before he could finish his insult. "That's my fiancée you're talkin' about."
"Mike, don't," Tina clutched his arm and tried to pull him back toward the exit of the restaurant.
"I told you I never wanted to see your face again!" Josh screamed at Tina, the vein bulging in his forehead. "I warned you that terrible things would happen if I did. I'll have your nursing license pulled. I'll get you blackballed by every medical organization in the country for this! The only job you'll be able to get is serving hamburgers at McDonald's!"
"You told her to go away," Kathy registered the words her husband had just shouted. "We lost Tina too, because of you? How dare you? She was like a daughter to us. I was consumed by grief over losing Susie, but it was worse because I thought Tina'd abandoned us too; and that was your fault?" Kathy's voice began to rise.
"Everyone calm down," Joe Early said, trying to take control of the situation. "Screaming isn't doing anyone any good. Let's all sit down and have a drink and try to talk this out."
"I was trying to protect you," Josh turned to Kathy. "She killed our daughter."
"It was an accident," Tina cried out, tears starting to stream down her cheeks. "I didn't mean too, she was my best friend, my sister. I wish to God it had been me and not her."
"Tina, ssshhhh, don't say that," Mike said, wrapping his arms around her. She was shaking and Mike feared she was on the verge of hysterics.
"It should have been you!" Josh screamed at her.
Suddenly he clutched his left arm and let out a groan, his face going from flaming red to ghostly white in an instant. He dropped to his knees and then slumped to the side.
Joe and Tina immediately sprang into action.
"Mike, call it in," Joe ordered, as he began to take Josh Garland's pulse.
"Is he on any medications?" Tina asked Kathy, who was now moving away from the table toward her husband. She knelt down next to Joe and shook her head no.
Tina knelt on the other side of him and began to unbutton his shirt as Joe moved to see if he was breathing.
"He's not breathing and I've lost his pulse," Joe said, moving in position to start performing chest compressions.
Tina tilted Josh's head back, made sure his airway was clear and when the time was right quickly administered a breath to help force oxygen into his body. They continued performing CPR until Mike ushered back two paramedics.
Mike took Kathy by the arm and helped her stand up, and moved her back to a chair. "Give them room to work, Ma'am. I'll go wait for the ambulance," he said when he'd gotten Kathy safely seated out of the way.
Bryce sat down the drug box next to Dr. Early, while Bellingham knelt next to Tina.
"We lost his pulse and he stopped breathing about 8 minutes ago," Tina relayed to them.
"Start an IV," Dr. Early ordered. "As soon as it's in, inject 1 amp sodium bicarb at 5cc's, and 1/10,000 epinephrine. Get the paddles ready."
Bryce opened the drug box and removed the IV and medications. He maneuvered around Dr. Early to get Mr. Garland's arm and start the IV, injecting the medications as soon as he could. Bellingham prepared the paddles to shock the patient. After administering the gel, he handed them over to Dr. Early. "1,2,3,4," he counted.
"Clear," Dr. Early ordered.
Tina and Bryce both moved away from the patient as Dr. Early shocked him, jerking his body up.
Tina reached over and placed her fingers on his throat. "I've got a pulse." She turned her wrist to get an exact count. "50."
Bellingham reached around her and secured the blood pressure cup to the patient's arm, quickly slipping the stethoscope into his ears. "BP is 90 over 65," he said after a few seconds.
"Ambulance is here," Mike said, leading two ambulance attendants and a gurney into the room.
"Let's get him to Rampart," Joe said, standing up. "We'll ride with him," he said, indicating himself and Tina. "Do me a favor though, call ahead and let them know we're heading straight to the cardiac care unit."
Bryce nodded.
"Can I go too?" Kathy asked, standing up, but swaying slightly, so she had to sit back down.
"You can ride over with me," Mike said, moving to take the older woman by the arm.
Tina mouthed "Thank you" to Mike, but quickly turned to follow the gurney carrying Josh Garland to the ambulance.
"Pretty good for a psychiatric nurse," Joe teased her, as the ambulance doors closed.
"You know I work a few ER shifts every month to keep my skills sharp," Tina said.
"Are you holding up okay?"
"To be honest, I'm starting to feel a bit shaky now. During the crisis, your training kicks in, you just do what you have to do, but now, on the way to the hospital, stable vitals, now my brain is starting to register everything that just happened and I'm starting to feel a bit sick to my stomach. Mr. Garland wasn't supposed to be there."
"It was a flux. He stopped by the restaurant to get a bite to eat. He thought he'd caught his wife having an affair and then you walked in."
"Gasoline on a fire," Tina shook her head. "Whatta mess."
"The first thing we need to do is get Josh into the cardiac care unit; then we'll talk to Kathy."
"Do you think that's such a good idea? She's been through an awful lot already today," Tina hemmed.
"Are you chickening out?"
"I am not chickening out," Tina protested. "I just don't wanna put Mom K through anything else today."
"I've known Josh and Kathy less time than you have. Susie'd been gone several years by the time I met them. But, in all that time, my only impression of Kathy is she's a super strong woman."
"I just caused her husband to have a heart attack. I've think I've caused this family enough pain," Tina whispered.
"You did not cause Josh to have a heart attack," Joe argued. "And as a nurse, you know that."
"And as a doctor you know the kind of physical stress seeing me put him under was a contributing factor," Tina argued back.
They both turned to look as the ambulance doors opened.
Joe climbed out first with Tina waiting until they had gotten the gurney out. She turned to walk in the opposite direction of where they were taking Josh Garland, but walked right into Mike and Kathy Garland. "Please walk with me, Tina," Kathy Garland said, taking Tina's arm.
Tina looked over at Mike, who just shrugged. Kathy held both their arms as they walked down the hallway toward the cardiac care unit.
They waited in the hall as doctors filed in and worked on making sure he was stabilized and figured out what medical procedures needed to be done next.
"Why don't the three of you go get some coffee," Dr. Early suggested. "This will take some time. Josh is stable, but we need to figure out how to keep him that way and get him on his way to a full recovery."
Kathy nodded.
Mike and Tina both stood and offered their arms. Kathy took up a spot in between them again and allowed them to lead her to the cafeteria.
After they had each gotten a cup of coffee and Mike selected a piece of apple pie, he led them outside to a table in the setting sun.
Kathy sat down across from Tina and watched as Mike held the chair for her. She observed him watching her and smiled to herself. Josh treated her like that. Always making sure she was okay, without really saying anything or making a big deal of it.
Mike handed Tina the sugar so she could add it to her coffee.
"You two make a very cute couple," Kathy said.
Mike and Tina both smiled. "Thank you."
"How long have you been together?"
Tina looked over at Mike. "Just over 6 months."
"And you're engaged to be married?" Kathy asked, noticing the ring on Tina's finger.
"Yes," Tina smiled, blushing slightly.
"Have you set a date yet?"
Tina just looked over at Mike.
"We have interviews in Baltimore this week to see if Tina can get a new job," Mike answered for her.
"Since my husband fired her?"
"You don't have to talk about this," Tina stopped Kathy from saying anything else.
"No, I think we do very much need to talk about this. Apparently, there is a lot I don't know," Kathy said. She sipped her coffee, gathering her strength before she asked the next question. "Is that why you stayed away after Susie died; because Josh told you too?"
Tina looked down at her own cup of coffee, not sure what she should say.
"Please, Tina, I need to know," Kathy insisted.
"He was so upset," Tina whispered. "Susie'd died and I'd survived. He was mad at the unfairness of the accident. He was worried about you."
"What exactly happened?"
"You'd seen me in the hallway; that was the last time I'd seen you. After you'd both been told that Susie didn't survive the accident, Josh came to see me in my hospital room. He told me that Susie was dead and it was my fault. I'd suspected, but no one at the scene would tell me. He told me neither of you ever wanted to see me again. He told me that I'd stolen your daughter from you and … and you both hated me," Tina kept her eyes on her coffee cup, unable to look at Kathy.
Mike slid his chair closer to her, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her closer to him. Tina rested her head against his shoulder, grateful for his support.
"I'm so sorry, Tina," Kathy said, her voice thick with emotion. "I had no idea. I admit to being devastated, but I never blamed you. I know how close you and Susie were. How close you were to our whole family. Some of my pain was in losing you too. I can't believe Josh was the cause for that."
"I'm sure he thought he was doing what was best for you," Tina said. "I remember thinking how much you loved each other."
Kathy shook her head. "No, this wasn't about protecting me. I hadn't realized how devastated Josh was by Susie's death. I was too caught up in my own grief. He did it because it was how he dealt with her loss and probably never realized that losing you made it worse, at least for me."
"I never meant to cause either of you any pain."
"Oh, I know, Sweetie," Kathy reached over and rested her hand on top of Tina's. "And I'm sorry Josh is causing problems with your job. I'll get him to fix that, as soon as he is up to my talking to him."
Tina shook her head. "I'm not sure that's possible."
"I've been married to Josh Garland a very long time, Tina. I promise you, your job at Rampart is secure. I'll have you reinstated by the end of the week, so you should use the next few days to do some wedding planning," Kathy smiled at her.
"Kathy," Joe called out, approaching the table.
"Josh?"
"Is conscious and doing well; he wants to see you."
Kathy's face broke into a huge smile. "I'll be in touch, Tina. But, I promise, I'll get your job back." Kathy stood up and moved toward Joe to go see her husband.
Mike looked over at Tina, "Guess we don't have to go to Baltimore."
Tina looked back down at her coffee cup. "I guess not."
"You don't sound excited."
Tina smiled. "I…it's just…never mind."
"No, not never mind. What is it?"
"I was kind of getting excited about the new job," Tina said sheepishly.
Mike smiled. "Me too. That station sounds amazing."
"So, do we still go to Baltimore?"
"Just because we both have jobs here, doesn't mean we have to stay here," Mike said. "In fact, now we're in the best possible situation. We can afford to stay here, or we can take on a new adventure."
Tina smiled at him. "That does take the pressure off and make this a lot more exciting."
"So, let's get outta here and start packing," Mike pushed back his chair and stood up.
Tina stood up and hugged him. "Thank you for being here," she whispered.
"I'll always have your back," Mike said, kissing her cheek.
E
"Lizzie still pouting in her room?" Chet asked.
"All afternoon," Mary said, moving toward the kitchen.
"Should I go talk to her?"
Mary shook her head. "No, it won't do any good."
Chet slipped his arms around Mary. "Well, then maybe we should at least take advantage of the privacy."
Mary smiled and tipped her head so Chet could kiss her. She ran her fingers into Chet's curly hair.
"Can I take you out to dinner tomorrow night?" Chet asked.
"I'd have to leave Mary alone; my parents are coming in to town until the weekend."
"She's fourteen, Mary. She can be alone for a few hours."
"What would I tell her?"
"How about that you're gonna on a date with me?"
Mary shook her head and moved away from Chet.
"Why not?"
"It's not a good idea," Mary said.
"For her, or for you?" Chet challenged.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Mary turned around, her hands going to her hips.
"Are you ashamed to be dating me?" Chet asked, his voice reflecting his insecurity.
"No, of course not," Mary moved back over to wrap her arms around Chet.
"Then what is it Mary?"
Mary blew out a breath. "If I tell Lizzie, she'll tell my parents."
"And you don't want your dad to know you're dating me," Chet said.
"I know it's stupid. I'm a grown woman, I shouldn't care what my parents think; but if I tell them we're dating, I have to tell them the truth about what actually happened back then," Mary said, looking at the floor.
"No, you don't," Chet said, moving to put his arms around her.
"I should have back then. Then you wouldn't have had to go to war," Mary said, tears in her eyes.
"Hey," Chet said, brushing a tear from her cheek. "The Army was a good for me."
"But you shouldn't have had to do it."
"Water under the bridge."
"Then why do I still feel so guilty?"
"No reason too."
"Chet…"
"Mary, I'm serious. As far as I'm concerned, it's ancient history. You did what was right for you and our baby. I don't blame you. No, no, more than that. It's what I would've wanted you to do. What I don't want it to do, is hold us back from finding something together now."
"Just give me a little more time," Mary whispered.
"I can do that," Chet smiled at her.