A/N: If you haven't figured out by now, I'm a huge fan of the Garrett Moore character. This chapter should bring that home.
Chapter 6
After the Reagan family left, Kate turned towards Frank in the hospital bed. "Sleep well," she smiled, kissing him. "I love you. You're going to get through this."
She put her right hand on Frank's chest, still rubbing it, feeling the mid March morning sunshine starting to come in through the windows. She heard the door open and someone walk in. "Oh my God. It is you."
Kate lifted her head to the voice. "Gwen?" she softly questioned.
"Yes Doc Mac. It's me. Gwen." Kate could hear Gwen closing towards her. "My God, Doc Mac, it's so good to see you again," Gwen said, pulling Kate into a hug.
Kate deeply hugged her. "I've missed you too Gwen."
"This for real between you two?" Gwen asked.
"I'm not lonely anymore," Kate said. "And I didn't lose again."
Gwen hugged Kate tighter. "Damn Doc Mac, I know how much you've lost. But I'm really glad you are taking these recoup steps."
"It all starts with a good man," Kate smiled.
"That's one part," Gwen said. "It also takes a courageous woman who's been through what you have and can still move on."
Kate pulled out of their hug and smiled at Gwen. "Thank you. You've always supported me."
Gwen looked at Kate. "So Doc Mac, you going to let me help you?"
Kate grinned. "I told Frank's daughter this would be a spa day for me. But for now, I know you came in the door to do your job. Please do it." She looked a Gwen. "Are there three people hovering outside the door including a white-haired man?"
Gwen smiled. "Yes there are."
Kate grinned. "You do your job. I'm going to finish my job."
"Doc Mac?"
"I got the family chased to bed. I've still got the big three to deal with."
Gwen looked at Kate. "Then you are mine," she smiled.
"Yes. I'm need a power nap," Kate admitted.
"Doc, it takes my five minutes to do a vitals check."
"Give me ten with them. I need a pillow and a blanket."
Gwen smiled. "All over it."
"Thanks Gwen," Kate smiled. "Beans," Kate said. Beans came to her legs.
"Damn, she's good," Gwen smiled.
"I got my final independence when I got her," Kate smiled back. Kate grabbed Beans guide harness handle. "Out the door Beans."
Gwen shook her head, admiring Beans leading Kate out the door. She pulled off her stethoscope that was hanging around her neck and moved to Frank.
Kate came out the door and looked at the Dream Team. "Why are you still here?"
"I've got a press conference," Garrett said looking at his wristwatch, "in twenty minutes. And then privately deal with the jackals for a couple hours more."
"You're excused," Kate smiled. She looked at Baker. "Abigail? Where's Cody?"
"Brian had a third shift tour last night. My mom took him. And then dropped him off at daycare a bit ago."
Kate shook her head. "So Detective, your husband is home. Sleeping. Your son is not there. This means you both can sleep together without interruption?"
Baker looked at Garrett. "Why do I think there is an order coming?"
"Do you need one?" Garrett asked back.
"Can you Garrett?" Kate chimed in.
"My position Doc is Deputy Commissioner, albeit in title only."
"But you still out-rank Baker?" Kate asked Garrett.
"And then some," Abigail smiled. "Got it Kate."
Kate grinned. "Abigail, when I was your age, I was in my second year of residency after medical school. Jack and I had one son and one on the way. I would have killed for the ten hours of sleep you can get today with Brian backing you."
Sid smiled. "I'm heading out before I get the butt chewing." He looked at Baker. "Need a ride?" he smiled.
"Thanks Sid," Baker smiled back. "Keep us in the loop?" Baker said, looking at Garrett.
"Promise," Garrett smiled. "Get some sleep you two." Baker and Gormley moved to the elevators.
"What Garrett said," Kate smiled at them. When the two got on the elevator, Kate looked at Garrett. "When will you be done with all the press stuff."
"Probably after eleven," Garret said.
"I need a two hour plus power nap," Kate confessed. "When you're done, come up and wake me. I'll buy lunch."
"What about a walk for Beans?" Garrett asked.
"I do that on my own. You know that Frank and I both want this on the DL as much as possible."
Garrett smiled. "Yes I do. And I'm backing you both one hundred percent. You get your power nap. I'll wake you when I'm done with the press."
"Thank you Garrett," Kate smiled.
"Get in there and get some sleep," Garrett grinned back, pushing the door open to the room. Beans guided Kate in.
"His vitals are fine," Gwen said. "And I've got you all set up to sleep on the couch."
"Not the recliner?" Kate asked.
"Doc Mac, you need to conk out. I stopped short from getting the bed pulled out from the sofa."
Kate shook her head. "I'm just Kate now."
Gwen took her hand and squeezed it. "While all of us around here understand your situation now, you understand this," she said, squeezing Kate's hand more. "You are Doc Mac around this hospital and you always will be. And this staff will move heaven and earth for you. Because you always respected us. Respect given is respect given back." Gwen guided Kate towards the sofa. "You need some sleep Doctor."
"Gwen, hang on," Kate said. Gwen stopped. Kate took the guide harness off Beans and unhooked the leash from Beans collar. She smiled at Gwen, handing the harness and leash to her. "I now have a much needed snuggle bunny."
"Perfect," Gwen smiled, putting the harness and leash on the coffee table in front of the sofa."You heard where I put them?" Gwen asked as Kate pushed off her shoes and laid down on the couch.
"Yes," Kate yawned.
Gwen shook her head and put the blanket over Kate as Kate laid her head on the pillow, lying on her left side. Beans jumped up on the sofa to curl around the back of Kate's legs.
Gwen spread out the blanket, putting it around Kate's legs and nestled the blanket around Kate's neck and shoulders. "Don't out snore my patient," she softly said.
"I've slept with him more than once. Snowball's chance in hell of that happening," Kate groggily said.
Gwen softly laughed. "I've got you both."
"Thank you," Kate said. Gwen walked out of the room thirty seconds later to Garrett Moore waiting for her.
Gwen smiled. "They're both conked out and doing well."
"Thank you," Garrett smiled back.
-0000-
As it neared noon, Gwen came back into the room. An LPN followed her in with a new IV bag and another bag that would provide more of the drug to keep Frank down. Kate was up, alert, and had the blanket folded neatly over the pillow.
Gwen shook her head and smiled at Kate. "You conked out hard Doc."
Kate smiled. "With my four-legged heating pad curled up next to me? Yes I did. But I still didn't out-snore someone," she said, pointing at Frank's bed. "How is he?"
"Making the progress we all expected," Gwen said. "His blood pressure inches up a bit every hour."
"Good," Kate said.
The LPN made the IV switches. "Doctor, he's waking a bit." she noted.
Gwen took Kate's hand. "Let me get you there. You do understand how much time you'll have?"
Kate smiled at Gwen. "Yes I do."
"That was a dumb question," Gwen said, shaking her head, getting Kate around the coffee table and to Frank's bed. "You're on his right side," Gwen softly said.
"Thank you," Kate said, feeling Frank's side to find his right hand. She found it and squeezed it tightly.
Frank groggily shook his head. "That you Kate?"
"Yup," Kate smiled. "You're not getting rid of me that easily."
"Thanks," Frank mumbled.
Kate kissed him, rubbing his chest a bit. "Back to recovery land for you."
"I'm in. I do feel better," Frank barely got out before he fell asleep again. Kate smiled, tucking his hand back under the blanket.
"Doc Mac?" Gwen softly asked. "Now what?"
Kate smiled. "I'm getting hungry and have a lunch date. When I get back, I'm going to nap a bit more." She looked at Gwen. "You're off for the rest of the afternoon with me," she grinned looking at Gwen.
"You're not going to get rid of me that quick," Gwen smiled. "And would your lunch date be the afore mentioned white-haired guy?"
Kate smiled. "Yes, it would. He's Garrett Moore, Frank's pseudo Chief of Staff."
"He's waiting outside the door," Gwen said.
Kate smiled. "You go do your job and please send Garrett in."
"Enjoy your lunch," Gwen smiled. "I'll check on you later when you're napping."
"Thanks Gwen," Kate grinned.
Gwen opened the door and smiled at Garrett to enter. "Hey Gwen!" Kate softly said. "Is Eduardo still around in the lunch line in the cafeteria?"
Gwen grinned. "He runs the place."
"Perfect," Kate smiled.
"Enjoy," Gwen said to Kate, leaving the room.
Kate got Beans hooked up in her guide harness as Garrett approached her. "Care to share an update with the Commissioner's DCPI?" he smiled.
"He's doing exactly how the medical staff wants," Kate grinned. "I got a two sentence groggy response. I'm good to go," she said, hooking Beans' leash to her collar.
Garret moved to pick up Kate's winter coat from the recliner where Gwen had put it. "Here's the plan Doc," Moore said. "We're doing lunch in the cafeteria. Then you take Beans for a walk."
Kate smiled at him. "Leave my winter coat. We're having our lunch up here in private so we can talk. Then Beans gets her walk."
"Got it Doc," Garrett smiled, putting her coat back on the recliner.
"Garrett, is my purse there?"
"I'm buying," Garrett said. "It can stay. Come on, I'm getting hungry."
They had just left Frank's room when Garrett noticed two men getting off the elevator. "Catholic bigwigs at ten o'clock," he whispered to Kate. They took a few more steps and Garrett stopped, touching Kate's elbow. "Archbishop," Garrett nodded. "Monsignor. How's the wrist?"
"Just a slight sprain, thanks to Frank," the Monsignor answered. "How is he?"
Garrett nodded at Kate. "I'll let a doctor explain. Dr. Katherine McInerney, Archbishop Kevin Kearns and Monsignor Walter Donohue."
"Pleased to meet you Your Excellency," Kate said. "And thank you. You performed my late husband's funeral mass. My sons said it was a beautiful tribute and good-bye to Jack."
"It was my honor Doctor," the Archbishop replied. "I'm just sorry you couldn't attend. I'm happy to see you made it through your ordeal."
"Thank you Your Excellency." Kate smiled at Donohue. "Your name I've heard before as well."
"Likewise," the Monsignor smiled. "I've heard many stories over the years about you and Jack's tennis matches with Frank and Mary."
"Just the tennis matches or the afterwards," Kate grinned.
"Both," Donohue slightly laughed. "How is Frank?"
"One of the bullets nicked the brachial artery," Kate said, rubbing her right hand around her left shoulder where Frank's wound was. "Doctor Sherman and her team had to do an arterial graft. That's what saved Frank's life. He's critical but stable. And with the course of action they are taking now, he should make a full recovery."
"And that course is?" Kearns asked.
Kate smiled. "An arterial graft needs time to heal around the vein. Quiet time. And we all know Frank. They've got him knocked out for twenty-four to thirty-six hours. That will also allow for his body to naturally re-build his blood supply on its own."
"Our Father made an incredible piece with the human body," Donahue said.
Kate smiled. "Yes he did. I've seen it up close and personal."
"Thank God for all of this," the Archbishop said, crossing himself. "How's the family?"
"That's why Kate is here," Garrett said. "Doctor Sherman that did the surgery is a protégé of Kate's. They talked immediately after the surgery."
"More like conspired," Kate added.
"That too," Garrett smiled. "Kate is here because she is a respected former doctor of this hospital for nearly thirty years. And knows the family."
"I backed Janice's butt in getting the family, especially Henry, out the door and home to sleep after being here all night. My former creds around here helped," Kate winked. "And since I'm now retired, I could spend the day keeping an eye on Frank for the family."
"Thank you Doctor," Kearns said. "May we see Frank?"
Kate smiled. "Your Excellency, I'm just the friendly, family Bay Ridge medical consultant. That said, I'm sure if you speak with one of the nurses they will have no problem with you and the Monsignor providing pastoral care."
"I'll take care of it Your Excellency," Donahue said. "Pleasure meeting you Doctor McInerney."
"Likewise Monsignor," Kate smiled back at him. "Pleasure meeting you as well Your Excellency."
"God bless you for doing what you are for the family Doctor," Kearns smiled.
"Your Excellency," Garrett nodded at him. "I've got a lunch date," he winked.
"Enjoy," Kearns smiled back.
When they got on the elevator, Garrett looked at Kate. "God damn you Irish can bullshit your way through some major stuff."
Kate looked at him. "What do you mean? Every word I said was the truth. And you did your fair share in the cover-up as well."
Garrett shook his head. "Good thing I'm Methodist," he smiled.
Kate bumped her shoulder against Moore's. "I'm Lutheran. We both escape the confessional," she giggled.
They walked into the cafeteria and Garrett guided Kate to the cook line. "Doc Mac!" they heard.
Kate grinned. "Hello Eduardo. I've missed you."
"Me as well," Eduardo smiled. "I heard a rumor you were in the building. I made your favorite soup. You want your usual?"
"Please Eduardo," Kate smiled.
"Which is?" Garrett asked.
"A cup of chicken noodle soup and a half a Rueben, no kraut."
"How can you be Irish and not eat kraut?"
"I just told you," Kate smiled. "I don't have to worry about the confessional."
"Sir?" Eduardo smiled at Moore.
"I'll have the same but with kraut," Garrett said.
"Thousand Island on the sandwich or on the side?" Eduardo asked.
"On the sandwich please," Garrett smiled.
"On the side please for me Eduardo," Kate said. "We're both here because of Commissioner Reagan. We'd prefer to eat in his room."
Eduardo smiled. "No problem Doc Mac. Two orders to go."
"Kate, what do you want to drink?" Garrett asked.
"There's water in the mini-fridge in the room. That works for me."
"Me too," Garrett smiled.
Kate looked at him. "I've heard about your recent weight loss. Congrats Slim," she grinned.
"You two talk, don't you?" Garrett asked with a smile.
"More and more lately," Kate said. "I've become a sounding board for him."
"And how is that going?"
"I'm just the supportive sounding board and so far he hasn't said anything that steps on my opposite side of the road politics from his. We had those fights years ago. But he does need someone to talk to. I don't mind."
Eduardo handed Garrett a tray. "There you go you two," he smiled.
"Thank you Eduardo," Kate grinned at him. "Good seeing you again."
"You too Doc Mac," Eduardo smiled.
When they got back to the room, Garrett laid out the lunches on the small table for two. Kate sat down and looked at Garrett. "Can you do a clock upside down?"
"You really do it that way?" Garrett asked. "I thought that was only in the movies."
Kate smiled. "It's easy and works."
"Your soup is at eight o'clock with the spoon and package of crackers to the right of the cup. Your Rueben is at one o'clock," he added, pulling two bottles of water out of the fridge. He set them down on the table and sat down. "Your water is at eleven."
"Thank you," Kate smiled, finding the water bottle, opening it and taking a drink.
They quietly enjoyed the first bites of their lunch. Garrett looked at Kate. "OK. I have to ask. How did you land the big fish?"
Kate wiped her mouth with her napkin and smiled. "I stalked him."
Seriously?" Garrett asked.
"Seriously," Kate grinned. "Garrett, we've been friends for years. I know what kind of man he is. Then there's something you won't get. He's handsome. Plus he and I both lost spouses. He gets the loneliness. It really sucks sleeping alone. Especially at our ages. A warm body to curl up next to is a good thing."
"It took me paying two divorce lawyers to figure that out," Garrett said. He looked at Kate as she expertly took another sip of her soup, marveling at her skills. "How did your families take the news?"
Kate smiled. "Mine were all in. I had the four youngest grandkids for Valentine's Day. Frank, like usual, was there Friday night. The three youngest don't remember Jack. They were immediately in and love calling him grandpa. And like I said, my boys have known Frank for years."
"And the Reagans?" Garrett asked.
Kate smiled at him. "We both know who was going to be the one to throw some shade. But I've seen through Danny's bravado rants for years. I know how to call out his bluff."
"Did you?" Garrett asked.
Kate laughed. "The Reagan family has enjoyed our pool area as much as my family for years. I taught Nicky, Jack and Sean how to swim." She coyly smiled at Garrett. "I don't think Danny will be using the hot tub for a while."
Garrett roared with laughter. And then looked at Kate. "Do I get the details?
"No," Kate said.
"Damn," Garrett smiled.
When they finished lunch, Garrett couldn't stifle his yawn. Kate looked at him. "Please go home," she smiled.
"What happens next with him?" Garrett asked.
"I know they will bring Frank up enough after eight hours with the drugs to talk to him for a few minutes. If they like what they hear they'll put him out until tomorrow morning. I've been getting updates on his blood pressure. I have no doubt that will be the call."
"And you?" Garrett inquired.
"I have enough creds around here so I'll get the full consultant. Then call the family, tell them to stay home, and go home myself. I'll be back here tomorrow morning, backing the family."
"Will you keep in touch with me?"Garrett asked.
Kate pulled out her cellphone. "Add new contact."
"Please state contact name," the cell said back.
"Garrett," Kate said, handing her cell to Garrett for him to input his cell number. "Thank you. Now get home and get some sleep. I'll call you tomorrow morning with an update."
"I'm not leaving until you are back up here after taking Beans for her walk," Garrett said, getting her coat from the recliner. He helped Kate into her coat, with Kate wrapping her scarf around her neck. Garrett got her out into the hallway and looked around. "Kate, Jimmy, Frank's detail lead went home. This is Detective First Grade Mustafa. Abdul is Jimmy's second in command. You're in good hands."
Kate smiled. "Pleasure to meet you Detective. Just your favorite detail. Watch a dog take a crap."
Abdul smiled. "If keeping you safe means that I watch a dog take a crap, so be it."
"Let's do it Abdul," Kate grinned.
Twenty minutes later, Kate was back in the room with Garrett helping her out of her coat. "Thank you Garrett," Kate smiled. "Please go home. I'm good."
"Gwen has you all set up to take your nap in the recliner," Garrett reported. He gently touched Kate's arm. "Please promise me you'll call me tomorrow morning with an update."
"Promise," Kate said, stifling a yawn.
Garrett smiled. "We're both going down. Talk to you then," he said leaving the room.
Garrett looked at Abdul, standing outside of Frank's door. "Any press around on your excursion?"
"None," Abdul smiled.
The rest of the afternoon went exactly as Kate predicted. Kate called Erin on the way home. "Thanks Kate," Erin said. "I'll let Danny and Jamie know."
"I'll call Henry Erin," Kate said. "And see if we can do dinner together."
"I'm sure grandpa would enjoy that," Erin smiled. "Thank you."
"I'll keep all of you kids in the loop tomorrow when I get there," Kate added.
Kate called Henry, giving him the latest update. "Thank you Kate," Henry said. "Stop by the house. I'll order a pizza and we can have a beer together. That is if you don't mind the walk home."
"Sounds good Henry," Kate smiled. "I'll need the walk home."
XXX