Showdown

by daveymalucci510

This is the conclusion to the trilogy which included The Ransom of Dr. Dave and Recovery. ALL DR. DAVE FANS PLEASE READ AND REVIEW.

25. Visitation Rights!

Showdown

Part 25

The more the orderlies pushed his bed, the more Dave protested. Jing-Mei came back over to her upset husband.

Jing-Mei: What happened, Dave? What's wrong?

Dave: Nnno ooperate. Don't wwant ttransplant.

Orderly: I had better send word up to Dr. Kirkland.

The orderly left as Jing-Mei and Carter tried to get to the bottom of Dave's latest tantrum.

Jing-Mei: Dave, we went over all this before. We said this is what we wanted. I understand if you're scared but...

Dave: Sscared nno.

Jing-Mei: Then what is the problem?

Dave: Davey's nnot sstupid.

Jing-Mei: No one said that you are. What's going on? You realize that if you don't have this surgery, then you're going to die.

Dave: Iii kknow ttthat...uh, 'ccause mme, llittle oones ttaken away. If Iii'm nnot 'rround, yyou gget bbabies bback.

Carter: So, that's what this is about.

Jing-Mei: You figure that if you die, then I'll get the kids back.

Dave nods.

Jing-Mei: That's a noble gesture, but you're wrong. Dave, it's the other way around. I need you healthy and strong so we can fight together to get our children back. I just lost them, I can't lose you too. I won't lose you. Now, I don't care how heroic you think you're being, you are having this operation if I have to stand next to the surgeon the entire time and I'll...

Dave: Yyou what?

Jing-Mei:...I'll withhold sex from you.

Dave's face went pale as the orderly reentered the room.

Orderly: Dr. Kirkland is just getting ready to harvest the kidney, but he refuses to touch the donor until he is positive he wants this surgery. So what's it going to be? I have to let him know.

Jing-Mei and Carter look at Dave.

Dave: Lllet ggo ccut Ddavey up.

Jing-Mei smiles at him and bends down to kiss his head.

Jing-Mei: That's my man. Here's a kiss for good luck. I'll see you soon. Love you.

Dave is moved off to surgery, while Carter wheels Jing-Mei to her room for some rest.

Jing-Mei: I'm really not tired.

Carter: You need your rest. When Dave comes out of surgery, he's going to need your strength then and unless you get some sleep, you will not have any to give him. By the way, nice threat with the celibacy...you know just how to work Dave.

Jing-Mei: But, if something happens up in surgery...

Carter: Nothing but good things will happen.

Jing-Mei: Promise me that you'll wake me as soon as it's over.

Carter: I will. If not me, I'll leave word for the nurse to notify you.

Carter wheels her inside her room where a nurse is awaiting her. They get her in bed and the nurse checks her vitals as Carter leaves.

Back across town, Vincenzio enters his apartment to see Rico finishing off the nose-candy. Rico stands up and wipes his nose in front of a furious Vincenzio.

Vincenzio: WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!!!

Rico: Occupying my time while you were gone.

Vincenzio: HOW? BY USING UP ALL THE PRODUCT YOURSELF!!

Rico: Never mind. Who's this?

Vincenzio: Abel Micelli

Rico: He's the guy who's going to help us get your grandkids?

Rico walks around Abel, checking him out.

Vincenzio: Well, does he have your fucking seal of approval?

Rico: He'll do. Nice choice. The resemblance is remarkable. You did good.

Vincenzio: I always do. Don't you worry about me. Did you take care of your end of the plan?

Rico: Yeah, I talked to my friend, Mario, and he'll help us...for a price.

Vincenzio: How high a price? What the fuck did you promise him?

Rico: Ten grand and a hefty supply of stash.

Vincenzio grabbed Rico around his throat and started choking him.

Vincenzio: WHO THE FUCK GAVE YOU PERMISSION TO PROMISE HIM THAT!!!

Rico: You said whatever it takes...you do want your grandkids, don't you?

Vincenzio: I'll let this one slide, but if you EVER bargain with a paisan again behind my back...

Rico: I get it. So, now where do we go from here?

Jing-Mei jumps up in her bed startled. Carter rushes over to her.

Carter: You okay, Deb?

Jing-Mei: No, where am I?

Carter: In the hospital. You fainted yesterday and Dr. Evans wants to keep you overnight for observation.

Jing-Mei(rubbing her head): Yeah, I remember. Dave...he went into surg...how is he?

Carter: I'm not sure. I went down a short time ago and he was just going into recovery. I'll check again for you.

Jing-Mei: The surgery is over. I told you I wanted to be there when Dave came out.

Carter: You were dead to the world. I don't think we would have been able to wake you up even if we wanted to.

Jing-Mei: What time is it?

Carter: Almost 8:00 in the morning.

Jing-Mei: It's tomorrow!! I've got to get out of here.

Jing-Mei tries to get out of bed but Carter pushes her back down.

Carter: Not until Dr. Evans gives the okay.

Jing-Mei: You don't understand. I have to get my boys back. The poor things have been locked away all night all alone. They must be scared to death. My guys have never spent a night without me or Mrs. Peterson with them.

Carter: Deb, Mr. Tran said he would take care of everything. Besides, the courthouse isn't even opened until after 9:00. So, you might as well lay down and relax and wait for Dr. Evans to come in and discharge you. If you'd like, I'll go down and check on Dave.

Jing-Mei: I want to go. I want to see my husband.

Carter gets a wheelchair and helps Jing-Mei into it. He pushes her down to Dave's room. Inside, Dave is back on a ventilator and sleeping. The two doctors enter and Jing-Mei instantly grabs Dave's hand and holds onto it as if she were drowning.

Jing-Mei: Dave, baby. I'm here. Chin is here and everything is going to be alright.

They sit with Dave momentarily, when Dr. Kirkland comes in.

Dr. Kirkland: I was wondering when you would be down here.

Jing-Mei: How is he?

Dr. Kirkland: Amazingly well. He came through the surgery just fine. His heart held out.

Carter: Has he come to yet?

Dr. Kirkland: Not yet, but that's not unusual, especially in his weakened condition. It's going to take time. He'll still need to be on dialysis for a while until his body gets use to the foreign organ.

Jing-Mei: And Mrs. Peterson?

Dr. Kirkland: She's doing great. She woke up a little while ago. She's in pain but we have her some heavy painkillers for that. We'll watch her for a day or so and it everything goes smoothly, I'll discharge her by the end of the week. Dave it will take a little longer. All in all, the transplant went very well.

Jing-Mei: Thank god. You do what you have to for Dave, but get him better soon. I want him there when I bring the boys home. Can I see Mrs. Peterson?

Dr. Kirkland: Sure.

Dr. Kirkland escorted Jing-Mei and Carter into Mrs. Peterson's room. She was sitting up in bed, watching tv.

Mrs. Peterson: Jing-Mei, please come over.

Jing-Mei: We won't stay long. I know you need your rest. How are you feeling?

Mrs. Peterson: My back is killing me...

Jing-Mei: I'm sorry to put you through that.

Mrs. Peterson: Nonsense. This was my idea. And if my back has to hurt, I can't think of a better reason for it. How's Dave?

Jing-Mei: Still unconscious but holding his own. The important thing is that he's alive and I have you to thank for that. I don't quite know how I'm going to do that.

Mrs. Peterson: You already have. You have given me so much, I just wanted to give some back to you. Because of you I have grandchil...oh, my god... the boys...where are they---how are they?

Jing-Mei: Still in "protective custody".

Mrs. Peterson: Protective custody---what bull. Those boys could not have been in more safer surroundings then their own home with their parents. Well, we are going to get them back, come hell and high water.

Jing-Mei: You better believe we are. As soon as I get discharged from here today, I'm going to meet Mr. Tran down at the courthouse and see the judge. There are just some things you don't take away from Dave Malucci. Listen, I don't want you getting upset about this. I'll handle it. You and Dave just need to rest and get well.

Carter: Speaking of Dr. Evans, we had better get back up to your room.

Jing-Mei: Your right, John. Now, is there anything I can get you, Mrs. Peterson?

Mrs. Peterson: Some food will be nice.

Dr. Kirkland: Not until you're off the IV.

Carter brings Jing-Mei back up to her room and to a waiting Dr. Evans.

Dr. Evans: I had wondered where you got to?

Jing-Mei: Down to visit my husband. Are you gonna let me go now? I have so much to do.

Dr. Evans: That's what I came up to do. I just want to examine you one more time and then I'll see about discharging you.

After an hour, Jing-Mei came walking down to the ER, where she met several members of the staff.

Abby: Dr. Chen, how are you feeling?

Jing-Mei: I'm fine. I just have to take it easy for awhile.

Kerry: The baby is alright too.

Jing-Mei: The baby is strong, like it's daddy.

Luka: We heard Dave came through surgery alright.

Jing-Mei: Yeah, both he and Mrs. Peterson will be fine. They will be even better once our family is back together.

Kerry: I took you off the schedule for the next week to get some rest. I presume that is where you're on way now: home for some rest.

Jing-Mei: No way. I have to go get my boys first. I won't ever be able to rest until they're safely home. When it gets to the point that my husband won't have major surgery because he thinks it will be better for all concern if he dies, then I know what I have to do.

Luka: We're all behind you 100%. If you need us, let us know.

Jing-Mei: I will.

Jing-Mei heads home to get a shower and change before she goes down to the courthouse.

Down the courthouse, she spots Mr. Tran and approaches him.

Jing-Mei: Mr. Tran, you came.

Mr. Tran: I said I would. I should be able to get in to see the judge in a few minutes. What are you doing here?

Jing-Mei: Where else would I be? I want my children back and I'm not going to just sit at home and wonder what is going on.

Mr. Tran: I understand that but you have to understand this is just a hearing to get you visitation rights. A custody hearing will be schedule soon.

Jing-Mei: How soon?

Mr. Tran: At best, I'd have to say at least by the end of the month.

Jing-Mei: A MONTH!!!! WE CAN'T WAIT THAT LONG! THOSE KIDS NEED TO BE BACK HOME WITH US!!

Mr. Tran: Lower your voice. I'm working on getting you a speedy trial but for now you'll have to settle for visitation.

Jing-Mei: Well, I'm not happy about this but as long as Dave and I can see the boys, we may be okay.

Mr. Tran: There lies the problem.

Jing-Mei: What problem?

Mr. Tran: I can probably get you visitation rights but Dave is another matter. I don't think a judge is going to let him anywhere near the children.

Jing-Mei: Why not?! Dave didn't do anything wrong.

Mr. Tran: I know but with Ms. Glasgow's report on his desk and her lack of recommendation, it's going to be hard for any judge to grant your request.

Jing-Mei: Let me talk to that judge.

Mr. Tran: Sorry, but he just wants to hear from lawyers today. Don't worry, you will have your day in court.

Jing-Mei: You have to tell that judge that this isn't a simple request. It's not a matter of wanting to see the children, which we both do want but for Dave, it's a matter of needing to see them. They are the only family he has left. He needs to be with his children. Tell the judge that my husband's condition is terminal. He doesn't have long to live and if he keeps those kids away from their father then he'll be killing Dave faster than any of his injuries are.

The bailiff waves Mr. Tran into the judge's chambers.

Mr. Tran: I'll do my best.

Jing-Mei takes a seat outside and waits. For what seems like a lifetime, Jing-Mei gets up, paces, looks at her watch, then sits down again, and a few seconds later gets back up again. Finally, after 46 minutes, Mr. Tran exits the judge's chambers. He faces Jing-Mei with a smile on his face. She races over to him.

Jing-Mei: Well, what happened?

Mr. Tran: You got your visitation rights...

Jing-Mei: Dave too?

Mr. Tran: It took some convincing, but the judge agreed to let Dave see his children---supervised, behind a plate-glass window and he is never to be left alone with them.

Jing-Mei: You're kidding right. That's not fair. He didn't do anything. Why won't they believe us? What the hell kind of visit is that going be for them. Dave will never go for that.

Mr. Tran: I'm sorry but it's either that or he doesn't get within ten miles of them. I do have some good news.

Jing-Mei: Let me guess. You'll going to hook up a speaker so Dave's kids can hear him talk to them through the glass partition.

Mr. Tran: They will be able to talk to each other through the window. The glass isn't that thick. No, I was able to set an earlier date for the custody hearing.

Jing-Mei: How soon?

Mr. Tran: Two weeks.

Jing-Mei: That's still too long. Those children have never been one day outside their home without one of us being with them.

Mr. Tran: It beats the end of the month. It will go fast.

Jing-Mei: It had better. When can I see them?

Mr. Tran: I'll call over to the center and make arrangements for this afternoon.

Mr. Tran and Jing-Mei head down the hall and run smack into Ms. Glasgow.

Ms. Glasgow: Dr. Chen.

Jing-Mei: Ms. Glasgow. I guess you know that we are allowed to see our children.

Ms. Glasgow: Yes, I heard. I also know about what happened after the children and I left your home the other night. How is your uh...husband doing?

Jing-Mei: He's alive. Disappointed. And he's going to get better and we are going to get those boys back. All three of them.

Ms. Glasgow: Don't hold your breath, missy. Now, about those clothes.

Jing-Mei: I'm going to see the boys this afternoon. I'll bring them what they need. Now get out of my way.

With that, Jing-Mei pushed Ms. Glasgow to the side and continued down the hall.

Jing-Mei immediately headed home and packed some things for the boys. She waited for Adele's phone call and then headed to the center. When she arrived, Adele briefed her on how the boys were.

Jing-Mei: How are my angels?

Adele: Under the circumstances, alright. They miss you guys though.

Jing-Mei: I'm sure they do. They must be so scared.

Adele: All the children are when they first come here. That Rusty of yours, he's sure is a tough kid.

Jing-Mei: He tries to act like a man but he's still just a little boy. Is he taken care of his brother?

Adele: I say he is. One of the other children, tried to take away your little one's crayons and Rusty was right on top of him beating the crap out him.

Jing-Mei: He's a good big brother. He won't let anyone hurt Antonio. I'm sorry if he caused any trouble.

Adele: He'll be alright when he sees you.

The two ladies enter the play room and Adele points Jing-Mei towards the boys. Rusty glances up and sees her. He grabs Antonio up in his arms and runs over to her.

Rusty: Look 'Tonio! Mama Jing!!

Jing-Mei bent down to meet the boys. All were in tears.

Jing-Mei: Rusty! Antonio! Come here, babies.

Rusty ran into Jing-Mei and the three of them hugged.

Rusty: I'm sorry Mama Jing.

Jing-Mei: Sorry, for what?

Rusty: I was bad the other day when you couldn't find me. I'm sorry I didn't mean to get lost...

Jing-Mei: No, you weren't. That was all my fault. I told you.

Rusty: Then why you send us away.

Jing-Mei: That had nothing to do with this. I didn't send you guys away.

Rusty: We come home now...

Jing-Mei: Come here, sit with me babies...It's kind of hard to explain...

Rusty: Take us home, Mama Jing...please...we don't like it here...

Jing-Mei: I would like nothing more than to take you home, but I can't...

Rusty: You don't love us anymore..

Jing-Mei reaches out for the boy, but he pulls away still holding his little brother in his arms.

Jing-Mei: That's not true. I love you more than anything. Do you know how much your papa, Mrs. Peterson and I miss you.

Rusty: Then why papa and Grandma Peterson, not here.

Jing-Mei: They're in the hospital. Remember, I told you that papa was going to have another operation to make him better and Grandma Peterson was going to help. Well, that's where they are now. They want to be all better when you see them.

Rusty: What about Rascal and Lucky?

Jing-Mei: They wanted to come too, but I wasn't allowed to bring them. But I did bring you some pictures of us all for you to hold on to. It won't be long, sweethearts and you'll be back home.

Rusty: I didn't even have a chance to play with my birthday presents.

Jing-Mei: I know but they're all waiting for you back home.

Adele glances at her watch and taps Jing-Mei's shoulder.

Adele: I wish I could give you more time. Maybe, on your next visit but for now...

Jing-Mei: Okay boys. I have to go visit your papa and Mrs. Peterson so you two look out for each other. Remember, how much we love you.

Antonio: Ma..ma..stay.

Jing-Mei: I wish I could but they have only given me a little bit of time to spend with you.

The boys started to burst into tears. They ran over to Jing-Mei and gave her a huge hug and refused to let her go. They begged her not to leave.

Rusty and Antonio: PLEASE, MAMA DON'T LEAVE US HERE!! WE'RE AFRAID!! TAKE US HOME, MAMA JING!!!

Adele grabbed hold of the boys and as painful as it was Jing-Mei started to slowly edge her way out the door, crying the entire way.

Jing-Mei: Be brave, my sons. We'll be together again, I promise. Everytime you miss us, just look at your pictures and remember the good times. We will have them again. I love you.

Jing-Mei heard the boys begging her not to leave them behind, as she shut the door behind her. She took a few steps and then dropped to her knees in the hallway.

Jing-Mei(crying hysterically): OH MY BABIES!!! OH GOD, DAVE!! PLEASE I NEED YOUR HELP HERE!!!

Over the next few days, Jing-Mei was rushing around without a minute to spare. She was either at the hospital or visiting with the boys. Nearing the end of the week, when her shift was ending she collapsed into a chair at the admit desk and caught her breath.

Randi: Are you alright, Dr. Chen?

Jing-Mei: Just tired is all.

Kerry: I told you should have taken this week off.

Luka: We would have covered for you.

Jing-Mei: I told you before as long as Dave is a patient in this hospital, I feel better working when I'm near him. Besides, there's not much to do at home. All I do when I'm there is feed the dogs, take them for walks and then I'm right back here again sitting with Dave or Mrs. Peterson or I'm visiting my sons. I never knew how quiet that house could be without them there.

Kerry: How are they doing? Dave, Mrs. Peterson and the boys.

Jing-Mei: Mrs. Peterson may be coming home by tomorrow, Dave is still unconscious and the boys are...well, they're miserable. They want to come home and it rips me apart everytime when I have to leave them there.

Luka: Poor kids, they're trapped there and don't know what's going on and Dave is stuck here and don't know what's going on and that leaves you to carry the entire burden yourself.

Jing-Mei: Don't worry about me, I'm fine.

Abby: Still you shouldn't have to run yourself into total exhaustion. It's not good for you or the baby.

Kerry: Abby's right. If you won't settle down for yourself, at least think about the baby.

Jing-Mei: I love my baby, all my children but what's the use of taking care of this one when the state will just come in and take it away from me like they did my boys.

Luka: You can't think like that. You are going to get them back. You have to keep telling yourself that. When is your custody hearing?

Jing-Mei: In less then two weeks. Dave has got to be better by then so we can prove to a judge that he's a good father and we are wonderful parents.

Kerry: You are wonderful parents. The boys obviously love you.

Jing-Mei: Of course, it's not me I'm worried about. It's Dave. Because of his screwed up past, they took our children away. What if the judge agrees with Ms. Glasgow and rules Dave an unfit parent. We will never get them back. (pause) Can I let you guys in a little secret?

The ER staff nods.

Jing-Mei: There's a part of me that wishes that kidney transplant that Dave had, wasn't successful. I was kind of hoping that Mrs. Peterson would back out at the last moment so they couldn't do it.

Luka: What are you saying? You're a doctor. You know without a new kidney, Dave would have died.

Jing-Mei(shamefully bowing her head): I know that. And maybe that would have been best for everyone.

Kerry: I can't believe I'm hearing this. You really don't mean that.

Jing-Mei: I hate to say it but, I do. Don't get me wrong everyone. I love Dave with all my heart but all he's doing is suffering. He's never going to live out his full life expectancy. If one thing don't go wrong with him, something else does. He's going to need medical care and surgeries for the rest of his life. Not to mention time in the hospital and all the medications he has to take. I have to wonder if it's worth it. Dave doesn't tell me this, but I know he's in so much pain that even his painkillers don't help him. He has to be. You don't come through everything he's been through and not feel the agony.

Luka: If you ask me, Jing-Mei, you are just thinking what's best for you.

Jing-Mei: Am not. I'm thinking what's best for Dave too. I don't want him to be in anymore pain and if dying takes that pain away, then maybe that's a good thing.

Luka: Have you thought about what's best for the boys? How do you think they would feel if their daddy was gone?

Jing-Mei: They would be upset and miss him alot but at least I'd have them back with me. Anyway, Dave would generously give his life up if it meant me having the children back. That's why he tried to back out of the transplant.

Kerry: And what did you tell him when he did?

Jing-Mei: I told him that I...needed him. I wanted him to get better and strong so we can be a family again.

Luka: A little hard to be a family if the daddy is missing from the picture, or do you already have a replacement in mind.

Jing-Mei: I'll ignore that last comment, Luka. You're right...I do see your point. Dave and I are in this together...til death do us part.

The next two weeks almost flew by. In three days, Jing-Mei would have her day in court. Except, it would have to be without Dave. Although, he was listed as stable and his new kidney was working well, he remained unconscious. Mrs. Peterson was back home and between her and Jing-Mei, they took turns visiting Dave and the boys.

Jing-Mei: I have a shift today, so I'll see Dave. You'll drop by and stay with the boys.

Mrs. Peterson: Yes, of course. As long as I am allowed to. I can't help it. I miss them so much. The place is too quiet without them.

Jing-Mei: Yeah, I know. I left all Rusty's presents where they were but everytime I look at them I want to burst into tears.

Rascal came up to Jing-Mei and placed his head on her lap and whined.

Mrs. Peterson: Even the dogs miss them.

Jing-Mei: Don't worry fellows. All your playmates will be back home again real soon...

The doorbell rings. Jing-Mei opens it and lets Mr. Tran inside.

Jing-Mei: I wasn't expecting to see you until Monday morning.

Mr. Tran: We need to talk.

Jing-Mei: Do you want to go over last minute strategy before the custody hearing.

Mr. Tran: The custody hearing is what I need to speak with you about.

Jing-Mei: They didn't postpone it, did they?

Mr. Tran: No, but it would've been better if they did with what has just occurred.

Jing-Mei and Mrs. Peterson look at each other confused as Mr. Tran makes himself comfortable on the couch. The ladies sit down next to him.

Jing-Mei: What are you talking about? What happened?

Mr. Tran: Something none of us had seen coming.

Jing-Mei started rubbing her hands together nervously, waiting for Mr. Tran to tell them the news.

Mr. Tran: I'm afraid it's bad news.

Mrs. Peterson: That figures. When do we ever get any good news.

Jing-Mei: Just tell me what we are up against.

Mr. Tran: This isn't easy, but it seems that an uncle of Dave's has surfaced and wants custody of the children.

To be continued. Please read and review.