Title: A Day's Happiness… Broken.

Rating: M (Language & Situations)

A/N: Dick Wolf owns LOCI characters, all others are mine. NO LINKS BETWEEN THIS CHAPTER & REALITY ARE INTENDED.

Just under six months later….

Seated around Jeremiah's hospital room, Tynie looks at him, and gets a smirk. "Please forgive me, for being too slow to keep you from being hurt. You know my views on elders being safe, and that they emphasize our family's ones. Believe me, if I could turn back time, and make it so I'm the one who's laid up, I would, in a heartbeat." Tynie prays. "You've sacrificed enough for us, and in many ways, our society, sis. I was honored to do it for you, just like you've been for us. Besides, it gave Bobby a perfect way to remind my baby, she's safe with him." Jeremiah defies. "Honey, he's right. You don't need to feel guilty, because Viana's spa owners are liable. They won't have a business, or freedom, for very much longer, though. According to a newsbrief I heard on our way here: our state's spa licensing bureau's shutting them down, pulling all their licenses for life, and having everyone linked to that spa prosecuted. We may be contacted, to get added to the plaintiff's list, over our injuries. If so, I'll handle it, and keep you guys posted." Bobby surmises. Gazing his way, Tynie honors "Thanks babe." "No problem, honey." Bobby demurs. Joining them, Dr. Perez announces "I hate to harp on the obvious, guys. St. Lucia's patient policies require I explain all test results, even those for plainly-seen issues, though. Jeremiah's x-rays showed the break in his left arm is bad enough, to warrant surgery, that'll implant rods and pins to reconstruct his radius and ulna bones. Unfortunately, it'll take me a few hours, and leave him in a cast for eight weeks. He'll be on some restrictions during that time, too. Aside from it, since Tynie's using her medical power of attorney on his care: I have to ask her if she wants me to add him to the DA''s victim list." "I'd prefer it if you added him and Bobby, doc. AMT Alia Ivanston basically swore on my life, he was lucky not to be injured as badly as Jeremiah. If you'll do it, I'll sign whatever I must, so Bobby fields the updates. He promised he'd keep us posted, right before you came in here, so the least I can do is; back him." Tynie falters. "I've got the papers for it on me now, Tynie. After we settle them, I'll set up Jeremiah's surgery." Dr. Perez retorts.

Closing the gap between them, Tynie doesn't take long to resolve those papers, which are secured in her purse. Watching their doctor leave the room, Liza hustles to chastely kiss her husband, before he's wheeled out to surgery. Practically leaping from his seat; Bobby takes Liza into his arms, as JT walks into the room. "Jenni sent me, to help you guys however I can. She told me to use our family's preferred cabbie, because she didn't know how packed the parking lot would be, too. I'd have called, but I wasn't sure you guys could use your phones. Sorry, but water main repair detours are what took me so long to get here." JT recaps. "It's alright. I need you to keep eyes on my baby, because I promised Jeremiah I'd watch over Liza." Bobby persists. Answering that with actions, JT drapes his left arm around Tynie's shoulders. "Why did the state take so long to prosecute and shut down a spa, that allows staff to come in drunk or high? Where did those fuckers get off believing they'd get away with getting violent with clients over seriously petty shit?" Tynie interrogates. Amending his pose, so their eyes meet, JT debates "Sis, I don't have the answer to your first question. You won't like my theory, on the second one. I believe the staff felt that way; because their bosses let them do as you said." "JT, how fast can you have Bill or Flo look into her first question?" Liza ponders. "As soon as I get my phone." JT recoils. "JT, if they ask, her request came out because I invoked my medical power of attorney on this shit; and I don't want Bobby's phone used, unless all of ours fuck out. You can quote me on it if you want, but my restriction's because he's blessed not to be in a hospital bed right now." Tynie reprimands. "I'd make the same one, if I were in your position, sis. You didn't know yet. If you'll get my phone off my right side and hand it to me; I'll cover the rest right now." JT states. Obliging his wish, Tynie sees him prove his word, as Liza carefully snuggles up to Bobby. A few minutes later, an automated female voice says "It's Flo. I had my baby start researching why you guys are in St. Lucia's, right after we heard you were there. You didn't know, but like you, I didn't know hones could be used in Jeremiah's room. If I was Tynie, I'd extend Bobby's restriction to how he helps our family until he heals. I'm aware his injuries aren't as bad as Jeremiah's, but they don't need to risk setbacks they can avoid. If you'll tell them, I'm having Kiki warn our family, it'd be great." "JT's text to speech app got bumped on, sis. Hopefully, the speech to text one did, too. I'd like to make this end of our chat easy, because of what's connected. Anyway, I've heard and I owe you guys one." Tynie replies. "Just keep us updated on Bobby and Jeremiah, sis. We'll handle the rest, as it comes." Flo rebuts. "Deal." Tynie dubs. Finishing the conversation by family norms, JT hands his phone to Tynie, who stashes it. Slowly breathing, she carefully leans against him, because he's armed. Watching over her, JT sees her eyes close, and reassures her in a hushed tone. Across the room, Bobby does the same with Liza, who murmurs "Bobby, you're a fuckin' saint." "I feel the same way about Jeremiah, Jenni, our preferred cabbie and JT, sis." Tynie recoils. "You and Liza deserve it, given how you've always been with us." JT apprises. "I'm with him on that, ladies." Bobby confirms.

Abruptly nodding, Tynie and Liza go silent, seconds ahead of JT and Bobby. Staying that way, until Jeremiah's wheeled back into the room, JT ends his hold. Deftly moving to stand at Tynie's right hip, he sees Liza get released, and escorted to her spouse. "Guys, his surgery was a success, but he's still under some anesthesia. I didn't feel right using a local one around his injury, because of it's severity. So, I have to see how he wakes from it, before resolving the rest with Tynie." Dr. Perez informs. "Doc, I've made a decision. Since we don't know how many patients you've had from Viana's, how many you will, or how many will be petty or problematic: You just got consent to flip me off, when it's time to settle Jeremiah's papers. As part of it, I'll note his file, saying my decision's an anti-trumped up lawsuit thing. Lord knows, how fast the people who fit my last description would file one, over having to wait long for treatment. Frankly, I'd like to keep it that way." Tynie declares. "Same here, sis. Honestly, it's half the reason I believe you should make your decision cover our entire family, from now on. The other half, surrounds us not knowing which of our relatives will be in a position like Jeremiah's, what'll cause it, or when it'll happen. You'd have to reword that, and add the flip off angle depends on who's medical power of attorney is used, for it to work, though." JT counsels. "I'll do it, if you help me update the others, later." Tynie stalls. "Deal." JT quips. "Tynie, you were right. I didn't expect that, but you two's logic is too sound, for me to argue it." Dr. Perez submits. "OK." Tynie howls. Waking as that got discussed, Jeremiah grumbles "What's going on?" "You just had surgery on your left arm, baby. Dr. Perez said it was required, because of how Leif Reynolts hurt you. I wish it weren't, but Tynie, Bobby, Bill and JT have been kicking ass, since we got here. You'll learn all the specifics, after we've been home for at least a couple hours. Tynie may not like my decision, but it's so you get time to relax, while she and JT keep their deal on updating our relatives." Liza simplifies. "I'm good with it, actually. You weren't sure, but I'll have Bobby fax you a copy of Jeremiah's restrictions, after we've been home for a bit. You know, I have to keep the master for my records, because my medical power of attorney was used." Tynie defies. "Babe, that's not a problem. If I find one with Frank's fax machine, I'll text Liza, to let her know." Bobby reckons.

Standing to Dr. Perez's left, a fairly young woman in green scrubs says "Tynie, if I may call you that, I'm Tanya. Dr. Perez had me help on Mr. Strickland's transports, but I may have an alternative, on your last idea. If you'll authorize it, I'll make a second copy of the restriction list, and deliver it to Mrs. Strickland." "Tanya, there's only one way I'll allow it. You need to understand, I want my husband Bobby, who's standing two people to my left; to get the master copy when you're done. I'm having him store it in my purse, while I settle the other papers with Dr. Perez." Tynie scolds. "You've got it, Tynie." Tanya contends. Departing the room, Tanya doesn't hear Jeremiah pine "How am I going to repay you guys, for what I've made you endure?" Aligning gazes with him, Tynie resounds "If you'll have a round of Frank's Hazelnut Paradice with me, next time I'm at your house, I'll call it cleared." "Bobby, she's right. We should mesh settling his concern with his restrictions. So, I hope you'll forgive me, for saying her idea will cover us, too." JT coaxes. "You don't need forgiven, for having a slightly different idea than me. I know you didn't know, but I'd prefer we use her advice, in a rotation. You can blame it on a combination of our past with packaging conditions issues, and the possibility of Jeremiah being on pain meds that come with a caffeine restriction, too." Bobby balks. "Bobby, it's actually a definite. VicoranAmerica, changed their prescribing protocols for their namesake pills. By the new ones, patients getting 200 milligram pills or higher, must cut their caffeine intake. Since I'm ordering Jeremiah to take a 250 milligram pill every four to six hours, he'll have to cut his caffeine intake in half. So ultimately, your advice, is the best way to settle Tynie's last idea." Dr. Perez corrects. "Doc, I know they mean well. I just don't believe their plan's good enough, because Tynie threw caution and her restrictions to the wind for us." Liza protests. "How about this? We make the newest deal the starter, and discuss other ways, around the same time." Tynie counters. "Sounds good, sis." Jeremiah pardons.

Quietly reentering the room, Tanya enacts the last parts of Tynie's consent, leading the second woman to meet with Dr. Perez. Spending roughly ten minutes dealing with Jeremiah's release papers, Tynie stores them, and resecures her purse. Closing the patient privacy curtain as she did so, JT moves to assist Jeremiah in changing clothes. Upon discovering he doesn't have a shirt, JT surrenders his, while insisting "Keep it, I'll get another when my household does a restock." "You sure? I can bring you a new one in the next couple days." Liza hinders. "I'm positive, sis. You can call me out for help with him, whenever you need it, too." JT vouches. "He spoke for me and Tynie on that, without knowing it, sis." Bobby alters. "Alright, guys." Liza accepts. Ensuring Jeremiah's as comfortable as he can be, they head out to Tynie's Expedition, loading it so she drives. Battling traffic in the process, she detours to get his prescription filled, forfeiting it to Liza. Sleekly storing it in her purse, Liza gives her niece a cue to resume their travels, which is immediately acted on. Two and a half hours later, Tynie and Bobby get home, and enact their norms for ending a trip out. After making sure the garage and side access door are locked, Bobby dresses down, while his wife awaits him.

Claiming seats on their couch, Tynie looks at her sister and brother in law, and debriefs them. Listening intently, Frank tells his in laws Bill found out JT's theory on Viana's spa has been true for six months, which is why the state's finally stepped in. "Son of a bitch. By the way, that wasn't directed at you, Bobby, or any other man in our family, brother." Tynie condemns. "We know, sis. I got word, Tianna doesn't want you two or JT called out to help care for Jeremiah, unless no one else in our family's available to do it. In her mind, it's wrong, because of how today went. I can understand her logic, so now I'm waiting on word, on how that rotation will go. When I get it, I'll send it to you, so you can save it as evidence." Anita interjects. "Sounds good, sis." Bobby reclaims. "Sis, a Tanya Laroquine called me, a few hours ago, saying she was on Jeremiah's care team. She also swore, you handled your post with a grace, and dignity she's rarely seen. Then, I heard about a deal you nearly made on my fax machine, before she offered an alternative. You know the one I mean; so I won't demean your intellect by rehashing the specifics. Aside from it, and I hate saying this, we've basically done all we can for today. The only things left, that I know of, are: settling you ladies's most recent deal, getting through our next meal and nitecap, and trying to end our day in peace." Frank reprises. A matter of seconds later, his text alert sounds, him rushing to find out why. Felicia's sent a message, saying she ordered that household some Dio Rio's, so nobody had to cook. Thanking her, Frank learns she got a longer than usual wait time, because of the water main repair detours. "It's fine, sis." Frank relays. "Ok. Mack told me, he and Alice have to take last string status on helping Jeremiah. The home expansion's almost done, but Mack or Alice must be on property while that crew works, for the insurance to cover it. If you can let Tynie or Bobby know, it'd be great." "Frank must have bumped his text to speech feature on, sis. We heard, and I'll let JT know, so he knows why we're on second to last string." Bobby interrupts. "Thanks. Hopefully, you guys have a good one, from here on out." Felicia wishes.

Sending the last line back, Frank reholsters his phone, then embraces his wife. Extracting his phone, Bobby keeps his word to Felicia, and gets a copy of the rotation from Jenni. "Tyler advised this, after hearing DaJuan ordered Liza's household Dio Rio's. I doubt they expected it, but I had Russ tell DaJuan: we're doing it for him and Felicia, the first chance we get. You may be upset by this, but Russ included a promise, you or Tynie would take the second shot." Jenni recaps. "Sis, all you did was help me follow Flo's decision from earlier. I appreciate it, especially since how you did it, kept lines open for urgent call outs. Now, you can focus on trying to have a good night. Ok?" Bobby discourages. "Yeah. I hope you guys's night's good, too." Jenni concludes. Reholstering his phone, Bobby hears his wife's text alert go off, due to good night messages from their other relatives. Witnessing her exchange the regard, he waits until Tynie's phone is clipped to her side, to embrace her. Nestling up to him, she rambles "Guys, Jeremiah doesn't really know. After I heard his massage guy Leif start bellowing in a language I don't understand, I froze. Like, statue style, and Jeremiah deserved so much better. He's come to know me as fierce, unafraid of a fight, but I failed when it counted, this time. It's inexcusable, but it's also a big part of why I raised the ninetieth layer of hell, the minute AMT's and cops showed up. I felt, I had to atone some-fucking-how, which is why I segue'd in using my medical power of attorney. Yeah, I know that scared a shitload of people, it was in their eyes. The thing is, it was a self-diversion move, to move my mind away from the fact, Jeremiah's pain screams terrified me. When I tried to tell him, it didn't come out right. He was sweet about it, but that doesn't change the fact, my conscience has been kicking my ass all day." Bringing his gaze to Tynie's, her spouse provisions "Leif was yelling in German, sugar. He basically alleged he had a right to do anything he wanted, while high. Jeremiah caught it, and it inspired him to fight, until one of two points was reached: Leif got arrested for instigating the fight, or Jeremiah got to his guns. You know, if the second one would've happened, Leif would've ended up in the morgue. I was told when you were in the restroom at St. Lucia's, but hearing you debase yourself; broke Jeremiah's heart. He knows you didn't mean for it, but today's opportunity, really was an honor for him. Liza found out Leif's a recently paroled wife abuser. If it weren't for a new state program, intended to curb recidivism, he wouldn't have been able to get a masseuse license. She swore to me, it was one reason why Jeremiah was honored to do what he did. The other, you've had no problem risking life and limb for us, but this was his first chance to return the respect. On my end, there was no way in hell, I was going to leave her unguarded, especially after overhearing the scene with Leif. Yeah, I know I was lucky to walk away with a shiner and a few scratches, but still. Aside from that, given our family's past with active duty cops and AMT's: you were right, to treat them that way. Liza and I agreed, how you cleared the crowd, was fairest to Jeremiah. We've lived why, but his matching the cast to your shirt, was a code. He did it, partly to make our visit to St. Lucia's easy on Dr. Perez, and partly as a symbol to you. You just found out, what it was really meant to represent, too." "That sweet, slick, seriously ballsy, little shit." Tynie mutters. "Sis, in our own rights, we've all been inspired by the master." Anita reviews. "She had our entire family's blessing to put it that way, sis. I found out, right after Tanya's call, but I was asked not to say anything; until you and Bobby got comfortable." Frank admits.

Shortly smiling, Tynie shuts her eyes, aiming to relax. "Baby, seeing that, made me realize something. We haven't gotten those two a round of Jack Daniels yet, and they need it, especially Tynie." Anita discovers. "Lead the way; beautiful." Frank teases. Kissing his cheek, she grants that request, and ends up with a round that matches her idea. Guided to sit up, so she can safely drink, Tynie lets her mind roam over the news she just got. As for Frank, Anita, and Bobby, they let silence encase the area, but their minds run with worries over Tynie and Jeremiah. Setting her glass on a nearby endtable, Tynie grabs her phone, and calls Liza. Chatting for a while, those ladies notice their housemates invoked silence, but don't mention it. Ending the call by family norms, Tynie gazes across the room. "I just found out there was more to Leif's rant, guys. He also alleged, he had a right to abuse and rape any woman he wanted. As part of it, he claimed the only reason he didn't do it to Viana were: she was the only one who'd hire him, given how he got the license. Liza told me, all that means, us four, and possibly JT, could be served with notices to appear in court. If so, she wants to carpool, using her Expedition, since we used mine today. I'm fine with it, but she asked me to make sure Frank got the particulars. As I understand that, it's because of his rank on our insurance, and the damn high chance we'll be retaliated against." She regales. "I'll text her, to let her know it's been covered, sis." Frank obliges. "Thanks, brother." Tynie ingratiates. "No problem." Frank demurs.

Deftly mimicking her phone grabbing moves, he upholds that promise, and ends the chat like normal. Retrieving his glass, Frank looks to Tynie, whom repeats the move. "You didn't have to wait for me, sis." He mopes. "I chose to, brother. It was a matter of fairness, because you jumped to text Liza." Tynie rebels. Conceding with a nod, Frank soon joins his wife in clearing from these drinks, and dealing with the delivery meeting. Unlike HiroHama's, Dio Rio's sends plastic cutlery customers can use, so prepping tables, isn't necessary. Distributing everyone's shares; Frank and Anita trail her sister and Bobby in enjoying the meal, the second couple later rising to handle cleanup. Rejoining Frank and Anita, Bobby sees her come up to check his wife's heart rate. "She's good, thank God." Anita prays. "Yeah. I just, hope to God, the same's true with Jeremiah. He went through hell today, and his conscience became part of it, but Lord knows if that's still going on. Liza may too, but she didn't tell me." Tynie ruminates. "She wanted to give you a break from worrying, sis. You've done it pretty much all day, so I'll get your answer. If she asks, I'm claiming you had me do it, because your phone battery died." Anita rationalizes. "Thanks, sis." Bobby honors. "Anytime." Anita cites. Before she can retain that promise, her text alert goes off, due to a message from Jeremiah's line. Fielding it, Anita learns Markus suspected Tynie and Bobby's phones need charged, yet his dad wanted to check on Tynie. "Aside from being worried sick about how he's holding up, she's OK. I got word you weren't wrong about their phones, too. Bobby's advised we get Jeremiah a hands free device, as soon as we can. Tynie used one when she was in a cast, but she set it so her speech to text, and text to speech apps worked through it. If you want her to do that for him, tell me when, and I'll bring her over." Anita responds. "Are you ladies free tomorrow, around ten, sis?" Markus asks. "Babe, make it nine, on account of the latest detours. If he agrees to that, I'll go over to their house, to help them with Jeremiah." Frank advises. Paraphrasing him in her reply, Anita finds out it's fine by Markus, who offers to update everyone else. Thanking him, and ending the chat by kin customs, Anita goes back to her seat. Glancing that way, Tynie wonders "Sis, you do realize I've taken how you just used a slice of my past to back buying our meals and tankup… Right?" "I do now, sis. If they ask, I'm swearing your decision came out so Jeremiah doesn't violate his restrictions, over it." Anita conjures. "It's not a lie, sis." Tynie asserts.

Briefly nodding, Anita considers it settled on that note, and turns to kiss her husband. Keeping it fairly short, she makes it so Frank's distracted, as his in laws take the same chance. Cuddling up, they spend some time relaxing together, before arising to meet by the coffee table. Enacting trends for winding a day down from there, no one in that house gets intimate, because of a mix of exhaustion and remaining concern. Unbeknownst to them, the same's true for Jeremiah's household, yet they're the only ones. Nestled up, those couples share love vows, right before slumber overtakes them. As they snore, an annoyance nags their minds, but no one from Tynie to Jeremiah knows, it's bothering everyone in their family. Essentially, the night drags on, with them all secretly realizing; like Jeremiah's left arm, today's happiness was:

Seriously Broken.