Tuesday 27th May
ICU, Mount Sinai Hospital, Fifth Avenue
To Goren's mind one of these places looked like much the same as any other and the care not all that different. Nor did it come as any surprise to him that Jenny had opposed any idea of ending life support when the doctors went over the results of the tests run at the Roosevelt and since Frank arrived here.
That was one of the ways she was playing with him. Using her being Mrs Goren to keep his brother not alive but his chest rising and falling. And yet another drip attached to his body. This time with antibiotic to combat the chronic kidney infection. Probably the first of many and almost predictable with a catheter. How long she would insist on aggressive treatment for that and all the other things were bound to happen who could say.
Until she got bored with the act or found something else to focus her attention on. Goren had a growing suspicion what her motivation might actually be. One he had run by Caro for her expert opinion and experience and by Alex because she was a great cop and had known Nicole in a slightly different way to him. Not just a theory but one he had gleaned possible support for in a couple of calls to Australia. And from the deeper background on her that of course Logan had shared.
It did not turn up what they wanted and needed with the trail going cold, any more than the eventual search of her apartment had. She had too much time thanks to Judge Orsini to get rid of anything incriminating, even supposing it was ever there. And her latest stunt he might almost have predicted. Waiting over her usual time to visit until she guessed he and Caro would turn up.
Though it so happened it was Eames who was with him with her tied up with work and several people to see the Boston house over the weekend. Gave her chance to throw a kind of fainting fit at seeing him bring the "woman who shot her husband" into what she had planned. Some comment to one of the nurses who were there about not feeling so good and being "late". Just to see how he would react to the thought she might be pregnant. That his only chance of a niece or nephew would come via her. Of course it revolted him, but Goren was not about to show her that. In any case, he had always been "Uncle Bobby" to his cousin Alan's kids and it was how Caro's nieces and nephews knew him.
And he had stuck with his promise to Ross not to muddy the waters for the ongoing investigation by getting "into it" privately with Jenny.
"Looks as if the trail is going cold Frank" he said sitting down beside the bed. "Not sure we will get the people who did this to you. I'm sorry about that and because I think it's on account of me doing my job it ended like this for you"
He paused to listen to the ventilator for a pump or two.
"And I also had to make a decision Frank. It might seem kind of selfish. The only way I can spare you what I know you would not want any more than me, is to fight Jenny for you. Had a really good lawyer look into it. But it could take months or years if she decides to see it through. That won't free you or any of the rest of us lying here with you. And I include Alex spoke to you the other day. It's also about money. I'm not short of it but I'm not made of it either Frank. And to tell you straight I'm not willing to work two jobs like I had to a few times before in my life. Or expect Caro to do it. I need the time and I need the options it will give us. For our life and…and…well we still need to talk about that. So I hope you understand why I'm putting our future first"
Goren reached into a bag he had with him and pulled out a book.
"I thought I'd read this to you. You were supposed to for a book review in 8th grade. You know the one. The one I did for you so I'm not sure you ever did read it. Now seems a good time to find out what you missed playing ball and chasing that girl…what was she called…never did get her to date you I don't think"
Goren opened a well-used copy and began.
"You don't know me, without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer, but that ain't no matter"
Thursday 5th June
East 128th St (near The Green Parrot Cocktail Lounge)
Goren had listened to a regular stream of incredulity and occasional obscenity from his partner as she took the call while they lay in wait for Pauli Patterson once again. Eames almost slammed the phone shut.
"Unbelievable" she spluttered.
She had got hotter on an already scorching day and without the engine of the SUV running, no air con to help.
He left his shirt-sleeved arm on the open window frame, a manual in one hand and waited.
"That Jenny Archer has only gone and had a lawyer write to the Chief suggesting they discuss compensation and medical bills"
"Would have happened sooner if Frank had not been still covered from his previous job" he said mildly.
"Oh shit I'm sorry Bobby. It's not I forget he's your brother but when we think it was her set him up for what happened…"
"It's okay Alex. I can see both sides of this. It would apply to any other person after all. If she were not his next of kin I would have done the same. Would have to though the system would cover most basic bills"
"Not the private room though?"
"No. She's been picking up the tab for that. Could well be just another shot at embarrassing me, stirring up things for you too. Probably be a message for me at home saying I should be helping her financially"
"Will you? Can you?" Eames asked then covered her mouth. "Sorry that's very nosy"
"It's okay. It's the run a guilt trip by me trick" Goren paused. "And I think I can guess what prompted that. The nurse's gossip and one in particular I think she has on board was around at the weekend. Probably saw some kitchen catalogues Caro had in her bag or heard us discussing how much it might cost when we arrived"
"I don't know how you stand it" she said softly.
"Because I got my job, good people around me and the knowledge this will play out. Soon I think. With the heat off her and OCU turning it down on Marty"
"They are going to get away with it aren't they Goren? All those people they damaged and hurt and even killed"
"Think they might. History repeats they say"
"You know my theory. That she might well have some sort of playbook from Nicole. Even if you are right about the rest and why she is the way she is"
"That would explain how she so quickly hooked up with Marty Clarkson. Some old contact of Nicole's maybe…" he paused. "Now? Can we get back to the uniformed discipline code?"
"Is that Pauli coming now?"
Goren peered over his shades down the street "No. Nice try but don't try it again Eames. Now what would you do if…"
Sunday 8th June
The First Fairway, Lake Isle Country Club, Scarsdale
Two men walked trailing golf carts. The older one in check pants and the younger in a red polo shirt. They had finished discussing the slight hook shot the younger guy had played.
"There could be one solution to this situation. One would be a kind of justice and free a lot of people" said the check pants.
"I doubt we would be that lucky"
"Have to make your own luck sometimes and not just on a golf course"
The red polo shirt stopped. "You mean…have Archer…"
"Uhuh"
"You have to be kidding…and don't look at me. I won't"
"Not suggesting that" said check pants. "Leave that with me"
"Now you are crazy!"
"Not myself idiot! There's ways of making things happen. If you know the right people or know the people to get a message to. At the right time. When all the…the straight options are exhausted"
"Which is where I would come in? To tell you when"
"Uhuh. Think about it. But first I would give thought to how you will make the green in less than three from here. With the lousy lie you've got"
To be continued…