DARK DAYS AND DARKER NIGHTS
"I need to see my son."
Stephen sighed as he looked at his watch again and turned to Natalie. "The flight leaves in 45 minutes. I had wanted to speak with Miles' father before I left. He did say he was coming here."
"Shouldn't he have been here by now?" she asked.
"He could've gotten delayed. I need to leave in about 15 minutes to make sure I don't miss the flight. If he does show up after I leave, has him call me," Stephen told her and paced a few steps away.
The door to Miles' room opened and Cassandra stepped out saying, "You can go back inside now. He was getting restless from the fever and set off the alarm. Dr. Delaney ordered some valium to help him relax."
"Thank you," Natalie said and was about to go sit with Miles when she saw a man entering the SICU. Although he was of a shorter stockier build, his dark brown hair graying at the temples; the family resemblance was unmistakable.
Stephen had noticed it too because he was stepping forward to say, "Mr. McCabe, I'm Dr. Stephen Connor. We spoke earlier today."
John McCabe impatiently shook the extended hand as he asked, "Where's my son?"
Cassandra was making notations in Miles' chart when she heard the two men talking. Turning around, she asked, "Are you Dr. McCabe's father?"
"Yes, I am. I need to see my son," Mr. McCabe answered.
"I'll take you to him. I need to let his doctors know you're here so they can talk with you," the nurse answered.
"Thank you," John McCabe said and turned to Stephen. "I shouldn't have been so abrupt earlier."
"I have a son myself so I think I can understand. I'm Miles' supervisor at the NIH and this is Dr. Natalie Durant one of his co-workers," Stephen said, making quick introductions.
"I wish we were meeting under different circumstances," the other man replied as he followed the nurse into his son's room.
Natalie looked longingly at the door but knew only one person was allowed in at a time. As much as she wanted to be in with Miles, she knew rightfully it should be his father. Reaching for her purse, she got to her feet and said, "Come on, Stephen. I'll drive you to the airport."
