The Ransom of Dr. Dave

Previously on ER: As the ER staff holds vigil by a comatose Dr. Dave's bedside, they continued to wonder what happened to him. Four months earlier Carter sets Dave and Jing-Mei up on a blind date which works out better than he expected. After weeks of dating, Jing-Mei learns a devastating secret about Dave and then they make love for the first time. Meanwhile, Carter is getting mysterious phone calls.

Part 4

During mid-afternoon shift, Carter is at the admit desk and he is starting to get very frustrated with all the mystery phone calls he's been receiving. He sees Jing-Mei coming out from the ladies' room wiping her mouth.

Carter: Are you alright, Deb?

Jing-Mei: Yeah, just a little nauseous.

Carter: Maybe you're coming down with that cold that's going around.

Jing-Mei: Maybe. But I don't think so. Did you want something?

Carter: Oh yeah. How are you and Dave getting along?

Jing-Mei: Fine. Why do you ask? Has Dave said something to you?

Carter: No. Is he still mad at me for setting you guys up?

Jing-Mei: He was never mad at you.

Carter: Then why all the phone calls?

Jing-Mei: I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about. If you have a problem with my boyfriend then you two settle it and leave me out of it. OH NO.....(as she covers her mouth and runs back into the bathroom)

Carter: I'd have that checked out if I were you.

Jing-Mei: Thanks for the advice...(continuing to vomit in the toilet)

An hour later, Dave enters the ER doors to begin his shift. He sees everyone gathered around the admit desk.

Malucci: You guys aren't still gawking over those nude shots we got of Romano at last New Years' Eve party.

Abby: No, that's getting old.

Luka: We're reading the article about the new cancer research wing that Carter's family is donating to the hospital. There's a whole story about the presentation tonight. Dr. Romano is expecting anyone who is not working to be there to support the hospital.

Malucci: Well, that let's me off the hook. I don't get off until 2 am.

Haleh: Somehow I don't think Romano will miss you, Dr. Dave.

Malucci: Anyway, has anyone seen Jing-Mei?

Randi: She's been spending most of the day in the bathroom. Summer cold. Dr. Finch is checking her out in exam 2.

Malucci: Thanks.

As Malucci heads toward exam 2, he runs into Carter who promptly stands in his way.

Malucci: What is your problem, Carter?

Carter: When are you going to stop with the phone calls? I thought you were happy that I set you up with Jing-Mei.

Malucci: I am. I've never been happier. These past weeks have been the best in my life and I believe I already thanked you for getting Jing-Mei and me together. And I told you before I don't know anything about any phone calls. Now if you'll get out of my way so I can get to work. It's not you that Festus will be yelling at for loafing around. Excuse me.

Again as Dave headed towards exam 2,he was stopped this time by Dr. Weaver.

Kerry: Well Malucci, are we planning to see patients today or just waste time running around the hospital playing jokes and flirting.

Malucci: Seeing patients, of course Chief. But first I have to speak with Jing-Mei.

Kerry: That can wait. Your patients can't, doctor.

Malucci: But, but....

Kerry: NOW MALUCCI!!! MOVE IT!!!!

Malucci (mumbling to himself): Move this, Festus.(flipping her the bird)

Kerry (turning around and catching Malucci's finger action): What was that Malucci?

Malucci (turning his finger to point into curtain 1): I'll start in here, Chief.

Kerry: Good idea.

An hour later, Malucci is coming out of sutures and heads over to the admit desk. He's just finished discharging his patient and was filling out the final paperwork when the date on the form caught his attention.

Malucci: Shit! Today's June 10th.

Randi: So what?

Malucci: Never mind. Excuse me.

Malucci leaves the admit desk and heads down to radiology where he knows Jing-Mei is awaiting x-rays on her patient. They embrace and kiss when they see each other.

Malucci: Jing-Mei, what time do you get off tonight?

Jing-Mei: About 8:00. Why?

Malucci: That's about the time I take my dinner break. Meet me over at Doc Magoo's. I have something for you.

Jing-Mei: Good, I have something to tell you. But I don't think I can wait until tonight. I'm pregnant.

Malucci's jaw dropped and he tried to be excited but he just couldn't be.

Malucci: How far along are you?

Jing-Mei: A little over 2 months? Why?

Malucci: There's still time to do something about it then.

Jing-Mei: You mean an abortion!

Malucci nods.

Jing-Mei: You can't be serious, Dave. I am not going to kill this baby. How could you even suggest that? I thought you were against that.

Malucci: I am. It's just that... I want the baby more than ever but....

Jing-Mei: But what?

Malucci: I'm scared.

Jing-Mei: So am I. After what happened with Michael. I don't know if having another baby is good for me and this new baby will never take his place but I think I'm ready to try again.

Malucci: It's not the same with me. I, too have a son and I have done my best to keep my distance from him. I love Rusty, but I'm scared to be around him because of my past. I just send the check every month, I've never even seen him.

Jing-Mei: I didn't know you had a son. Why didn't you tell me?

Malucci: Too many questions that I wasn't ready to answer.

Jing-Mei: How old is Rusty?

Malucci: He's six. The same age I was when my dad's abuse got worse. You know what they said during our Psyche rotation. Abuse runs in patterns. I'm afraid that if I get too close to Rusty or the new baby that I will turn into my dad.

Jing-Mei: That's not going to happen. You are too gentle and you love kids. I've seen you with the children in the ER. I always knew you would make an excellent father someday. Aren't you the one always wanting to take a chance. Well, why not start with us. It'll be okay.

Malucci (tears in his eyes and voice): Promise.

Jing-Mei: Promise.

They hug each other and only break when the radiologist hands Jing-Mei her x-rays.

Jing-Mei: Are you ready to share our news with everyone?

Malucci: Sure, why not.

Malucci and Jing-Mei head back up into the ER and make their announcement. Surprisingly, they are overwhelmed with congratulations.

Kerry: Well, let's hope this baby is on time. Something it's father never is.

Malucci: Very funny, chief. See you tonight at Doc Magoo's, Jing-Mei.

Jing-Mei: Just don't be late. I'm going straight to the presentation afterwards.

Two hours later, Dave decides to take his lunch break outside the hospital. He heads for his car and gets in it. But, it doesn't start. He pops the hood and sees his fan belt busted. Not enough time to fuss with it now he runs back into the ER and sees Carter.

Malucci: Yo Carter! Let me borrow your car?

Carter: What for?

Malucci: Today is June 10th. It's Jing-Mei's birthday and I have to get her a present to give to her tonight.

Carter: Don't tell me you forgot your girlfriend's birthday? (scraping his fingers together) Shame, Dave, Shame.

Malucci: Hold the sarcastic remarks until later. Just give me the keys.

Carter: Only if you admit you were the one who's been pranking me on the phone.

Malucci: Alright, whatever. Now can I borrow the car?

Carter: Fill it up with gas. I need it for tonight to get to the presentation.

Malucci: Will do.

Carter heads back to the board to look for his next patient when the phone rings.

Randi: Cook County ER. How may I help you? (pause) He's right here. Dr. Carter, phone call.

Carter: Dr. Carter, here.

Voice on phone: Tonight's the night, Carter. (hangs up)

Carter: Hello. Hello. That's the thanks I get for lending you my car, Malucci. And on my own car phone, too.

Malucci gets inside Carter's car and heads off to pick up Jing-Mei's birthday present: an engagement ring. Little does Malucci know he's being watched from afar. From across the parking lot, a man is stalking Malucci with a pair of binoculars. When he sees Carter's car drive off he puts down the binoculars, picks up his cell phone and dials it.

Stalker(with Italian accent): Carter, just left the hospital. I'm on his tail. He's headed down Bustleton Blvd. He has to come back this way to go to his family's presentation in a couple of hours. I'll follow him and when he starts to head back I'll call you. Start driving down to Bustleton. When I give the word we play hit and grab with the rich doctor.

Man on phone(with Italian accent): I'm on my way.

He puts down his phone and prepares to meet his friend.

Second man(with Italian accent): You know what to do, right, We don't want Carter dead. At least, not yet. But if he gives you any trouble you can control him anyway you see fit.

The second man throws down the local paper with a picture of the hospital on it and a story about the presentation the Carter family will be making.

It takes his entire lunch hour but he finds the perfect ring for Jing-Mei. He knows this is sudden but with the baby coming he wants to start off right by getting married to its mother. He heads back to the hospital but remembers he has to get gas in the car. As he turns into the gas station, two cars pull up on the opposite side of the street. When Malucci gets back into the car and prepares to pull out of the gas station, one of his stalkers signals the other to pull up just in front of him. As Dave heads into a secluded intersection, he is immediately bumped in the back causing him to rear end the car in front of him.

Malucci: WHAT THE HELL!!!

Dave stops the car and as he is preparing to get out of the car to speak with the other drivers, a man walks up next to his door preventing him from getting out.

Malucci: Do you mind getting out of the way so I can...WHAT THE..

Just then Dave is grabbed from behind and a rag is forced over his face. As he struggles everything starts to turn black as the men pull Dave from the car.

To be continued. Please read and review.