CH. 37 VISITING HOURS

By Jenny A.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thanks to Humble Opinion for posting this. Read and review.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Jem or any of the other characters or the rights to the show. It's just fun, and no profit is earned.

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A minor infection delayed Kara's release from the hospital, but the doctors assured her it was nothing that antibiotics couldn't clear up. She received several visitors over the course of her stay, aside from Jo who dropped in every day and Jeff who visited almost as often. Jo fussed like a mother hen, but also tried to keep her mind off the discomfort. She was better company than Jeff, who seemed to waver between being overly solicitous and wallowing in self-recrimination.

"I wish I'd been there," he said on his first visit.

"I'm glad you weren't," Kara answered. "He'd have probably shot you. Taking Chrissie was enough of a risk. He wouldn't have dragged you along with us." Jeff looked like he was going to argue, but Kara shook her head. "Blaming yourself is pointless, and fussing over me, while sweet, won't get me out of here any sooner."

He clenched his jaw a moment, but he knew she was right, regardless of how he felt. Still, having his protective instincts so lightly dismissed stung a bit. "You're right," he said eventually. "I still wish I could have prevented that."

"So do I," Kara admitted, "but I can't dwell on it, and you shouldn't either. Besides," she offered in a lighter tone, "don't you have enough problems with aliens trying to eat your face?"

Jeff snorted in amusement. "B movie," he said, evidently deciding to move on to more pleasant topics. He told her about the stunt and what he knew of the movie's plot. The rest of the visit was more pleasant, as were his other visits, in Kara's opinion; because he made an effort to avoid beating himself up over things that he couldn't change.

March Rain dropped by with their new lead singer, who seemed genuinely concerned over her condition. They'd been introduced at the party of course, but there had been lots of people eager to meet the new group, so she didn't understand his concern over a virtual stranger, and under other circumstances, might have found it suspicious.

"I owe you," he said by way of explanation. "Reya tells me you're a large part of the reason March Rain is still together, and why we have this new contract."

"I watched your performance at the Green Room and told Jerrica what I saw," she admitted, "but what do you mean about keeping the group together?"

Mark grinned. "You're the one who sent Reya our way." He glanced at the Hispanic woman, who smiled shyly. "She's our good luck charm. Made a big difference in our sound, and helped us get jobs at places that wouldn't touch us before." He glanced at Merrit. "She's also the one who found George here. After Evan got his big promotion at work and didn't have time for the band anymore, we thought it was over, but she convinced us to hold auditions."

Justine picked up the story. "She visited different clubs looking for possibilities and found him in a coffee shop of all places."

"A coffee shop?" Kara asked skeptically.

"Not the best venue, playing for tips, mostly," George acknowledged, "but I've always wanted a career in music and it was better than playing on the streets for tossed coins." He smiled at Reya. "When she told me there was a band that needed a new lead, it seemed like a great opportunity. I...haven't had the best luck with bands." He didn't elaborate and Kara, thinking back on her own history, could understand his reluctance.

"Been there myself," she nodded. "No need to explain."

"I saw the interview," George nodded. "Looks like we've both traveled some interesting roads." He glanced at Reya with a fond smile, "and it looks like we both finally found groups that suit us." The group lingered for a while longer, before excusing themselves to head for the studio.

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The Misfits, Riot, and unfortunately, several reporters also visited. The last, she simply told to come back when the painkillers wore off. "I'm less likely to say something we'll all regret then. Out."

Pizzazz had been present during one of these visits and laughed herself breathless. "Nice to see being laid up hasn't mellowed you." Kara merely grunted. "How are they treating you?"

"Well enough. Painkillers are nice but they make me fuzzy. I think I need to ask 'em to cut back."

Pizzazz nodded. She always enjoyed Kara's comments to the press, but she could understand wanting to avoid them while doped up. "I understand Riot came by to see you?"

"Yeah. He made an appearance, though I think it was more to be seen than to see me. Just a photo op for him."

"Disappointed?"

"Annoyed," Kara corrected. "I'm not interested in providing free publicity for that walking ego." She considered briefly. "I'm sorry, I know you like him, but…the guy just bugs me."

"Glad to hear it," Pizzazz said, noting the apology off-handedly.

"Made any progress with him?"

"Some," the singer sighed. "He kind of runs hot and cold."

"Just remember," Kara said. "The guy who sweeps you off your feet is in a perfect position to drop you on your ass. Don't let him hurt you, okay?"

"Okay," Pizzazz said, genuinely touched by the other's concern. She hadn't stayed long, but Kara appreciated the visit. The only other Misfit to drop by was Stormer. She had spotted Jeff leaving.

"Boyfriend?" she asked with an appreciative glance at the departing stuntman.

They were alone, so Kara, although wary of saying anything overly personal to one of the Misfits, decided to answer. Stormer had proven herself a friend, so Kara responded. "Yes."

"A guy who shows an interest in a woman with kids. Hmm. Sounds like a keeper to me."

Kara smiled. "He's a good man, but the girls aren't really warming to him."

"They don't want to share you?" Stormer asked, making a surprisingly accurate guess. Kara wondered what experience she had in that area, or if the blue-haired woman was indeed just guessing.

"Probably," Kara agreed, deciding not to pry. Looking thoughtful, she continued, "He makes an effort, which is refreshing." He didn't make as much of one as Kara might have hoped for, though. She recalled Laura's words. He doesn't really smile when we're around, and he… I think he tries to stay away when you tell him we're coming along. "Neither of us is in any hurry. There's time."

"That's good. Best not to rush him," Stormer advised. "If he thinks you're sizing him up for a tux and a wedding ring-"

Kara raised a hand. "I know the type, believe me. Jeff's better than that, but like I said, neither of us is in a hurry."

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. "Come in," she called as Stormer stood to go.

A middle aged man in a brown suit opened the door. "Miss Mistrahl? I'm detective Olstead. Is this a good time?" Kara recognized the name and nodded. He was the man investigating the kidnapping. Stormer said her goodbyes and left the room.

The interview with Detective Olstead was much more pleasant than any police interview she'd had to date. He didn't seem to suspect her of anything and wasn't inclined to blame her for what happened. That was refreshing. The only thing that confused her briefly was the mention of someone called Joey Straub.

"Who?"

"The man who assisted Banks in the kidnapping. You kicked him in the head."

"Oh. Him. What happened to him?"

"He's in a prison ward at this hospital. He was already out on parole for raping a woman. After this, I doubt he'll see the outside of a prison for many years."

"Good. Why's he in the hospital?"

"You kicked him in the head," the detective reminded her with a slight smile. "He has a concussion and a couple of cracked vertebrae." He shook his head. "That must have been some kick."

"I was motivated," Kara reminded him. "He was molesting a 14-year-old girl."

"No one is questioning your actions," he assured her. "I talked to Detective Carlyle, who explained what happened last time." Kara decided not to comment. "I don't know how it got as far as it did, but that won't be happening this time. The Banks family is in seclusion and isn't making any statements to the press. They've refused to speak to us about Simon Banks… the man that attacked you… and said they didn't even know he was in L.A."

"I killed two of their sons," Kara said quietly. "The circumstances don't matter to them. They wouldn't to me if it were my girls."

The detective was silent a moment. "I don't think I can help you with that," he said, sounding apologetic. "If they do something illegal…"

"I know," Kara interrupted. There wasn't much that could be done unless they committed a crime. Kara didn't really want to think about it. She'd now killed two people, members of the same family, and she didn't want to think about that either. There'd been no choice, but… But what? That was as far as she got, before she trailed off into depression. The detective asked a few more questions and quietly left.

The appearance of a process server informing her that she was being sued for wrongful death by the Banks family didn't help matters.