The Ransom of Dr. Dave
A/N: Anything in bold italic is being spoken in Italian.
Part 64
Jing-Mei tries to control her emotions enough to calm down. She catches her breath long enough to talk to her and Dave's captor.
Jing-Mei: Mr. Pincard, there's a guard right down the hall. He'll be in here soon to check up on us.
Mr. Pincard: So if he comes in you just tell him that everything is fine. You know the price if you give me up.
Jing-Mei sees how scared Dave is and tries to comfort him. As she moves close to him, Mr. Pincard presses the knife closer to Dave's throat just above his trache causing him to gasp.
Jing-Mei: Please Mr. Pincard, I'll do whatever you want just don't hurt him. He's been through so much.
Mr. Pincard: What's wrong with him?
Jing-Mei: He was jumped. Please, he hasn't done anything to you and you're scaring him to death.
Mr. Pincard releases Dave and backs away. Jing-Mei breathes a sigh of relief.
Mr. Pincard: As long as you do what you are told, he'll be safe.
Jing-Mei: What do you want me to do? (pause)What do you want?
Mr. Pincard(pointing the knife at her): I want you, baby!
Jing-Mei gulps as Mr. Pincard eyes Dave's bed.
Mr. Pincard: You, boyfriend, get up out of the bed. Now!
Jing-Mei: He can't.
Mr. Pincard: What do you mean--he can't. (pulling the covers off of Dave and grinning)Oh, you're a cripple.(seeing Dave's braces)
Jing-Mei: He is not. He's just having trouble walking right now. But he will again.
Mr. Pincard: Whatever you say, sweetie.
Thinking for a moment, he signals Jing-Mei over to him.
Mr. Pincard: Help me lift him up. We'll put him in the wheelchair.
Jing-Mei: Why? Why do you want him out of the bed? What are you going...
Mr. Pincard: SHUTUP AND DO AS YOU ARE TOLD OR ELSE! Now get over here and help or I'll throw him out of the bed myself and I don't think you want me to do that.
Regretfully, Jing-Mei helps him move Dave and place him in the wheelchair.
Mr. Pincard: Now, smooth out the sheets while I take care of the gimp.
Jing-Mei: What are you going to do to him?
Mr. Pincard: Make sure he's out of the way, but has a perfect view.
Mr. Pincard rolls Dave's chair to the side and turns him to face the bed. As he sets the break, Jing-Mei fixes the sheets on Dave's bed when she sees the call button. She grabs it and as she pushes down on it, it is whipped out of her hand before she pushes the button. Mr. Pincard cuts the cord.
Mr. Pincard: There's no calling for help, got it.
Jing-Mei: Right.
Mr. Pincard: Now, let's have some fun.
He pushes her down into the bed and starts to kiss on her. She fights him off as Dave groans and squirms in his chair.
Mr. Pincard: What's the matter over there, gimp. Taking notes on how to treat a sweet little lady like this. (pause) Don't struggle baby. I know you're not use to having a real, whole man on you. Only half a man.
As Jing-Mei tries to pull away from Mr. Pincard, he rips her blouse off her and starts to cut her bra with the knife.
Mr. Pincard: Watch closely over there, crip. This is as close to having a woman in bed as you'll ever get.
Mr. Pincard grabs Jing-Mei and lifts her up then turns her face down on the bed as he pulls her pants down and then undoes his own. He takes his penis out and starts to position it in Jing-Mei's anus. He starts to enter her with all his force when Dave shaking, red-faced and anger written all over his face grips the armrest of his wheelchair. He reaches for the night stand next to his bed and attempts to stand. Struggling to his feet, he manipulates his way over towards the bed when his legs buckle and he falls to the floor screaming in pain.
Jing-Mei: Dave!!!
Mr. Pincard: Forget about him. He's worthless. You hear, WORTHLESS!
Mr. Pincard backs away from Jing-Mei and goes over to Dave and before either Dave or Jing-Mei could react, Mr. Pincard's foot met with Dave's head and chest. Dave folded up his arms to block the blows he was receiving from his tormentor.
Jing-Mei(crying hysterically): Stop it! Please stop it! Leave him alone!
Seeing his attention fully on Dave, Jing-Mei had to make the decision to get him away from Dave or run for help. She tried to help Dave by pulling an evil laughing Mr. Pincard away from him. She grabbed him from behind but he shook her off. She knew the only way to stop him was to go get help. As she headed for the door, Mr. Pincard turned around and ran after her. He grabbed her around the chest and lifted her up. He silenced her cries with his hand, threw her on the bed and put his finger to his own lips.
Mr. Pincard: SHHHHH!!!! Both of you, shut up.
As Mr. Pincard went back to attacking Jing-Mei, he was unaware that Dave, despite the tremendous pain he was in, had dragged himself up into a seated position and pulled on his IV pole knocking it over. His glass glucose bottle came crashing down smashing on the floor. Mr. Pincard turned towards Dave. He got up from the bed and walked over towards Dave.
Mr. Pincard: You worthless little fucker, you haven't had enough yet.
He raised his hand to a trembling, terrified Dave and back handed him causing Dave to lose his grasp on his support of the bed and falling to the floor hitting the night stand on the way down. Jing-Mei screamed, the door flew opened and Luka, Dave's and Jing-Mei's guards ran into the room. Luka grabbed the intruder off of Dave, slugged him and threw him over to the guard while the other guard held a gun on him. Jing-Mei ran into Luka's arms as the guards took Mr. Pincard out of the room.
Mr. Pincard: I knew I should have tied him up. You know babe, we could have had something very beautiful. Don't worry, he doesn't look like he's long for this time so when he's dead or you come to your senses, I'll be waiting for you!!
Jing-Mei: Go to hell, you son of a bitch!
Guard: Let's go punk.
Luka holds a hysterical Jing-Mei, trying to calm her. She starts to cry again, but this time it's tears of joy.
Luka: Are you alright?
Jing-Mei: I'm fine. Thank god you came in.
Luka: Good thing I forgot my file. I got all the way down into the ER when I realized I left it up here. I ran into the guards outside and we heard you scream that's when we came running in. Did he hurt you, Jing-Mei?
Jing-Mei: Not me...Dave. OH MY GOD!! Dave, I forgot all about him.
Luka and Jing-Mei head over to where Dave is lying motionless on the floor with a pool of blood around him. Carefully, the two doctors lift Dave up off his face.
Jing-Mei: Dave, Dave, oh god please Dave open your eyes.
Luka: He's unconscious, Jing-Mei.
Jing-Mei put her finger on Dave's neck and felt a faint pulse. She cradled Dave in her arms as Luka ran to get his doctors. Jing-Mei started to kiss Dave and silently praying when she noticed that his ventilator came unhooked. She heard him gasping for air and she immediately reconnected it.
Jing-Mei: I am so sorry, Dave. My handsome Dave. Please be okay. Please.
Luka ran in with a gurney and a team of nurses and doctors. Luka pried Jing-Mei's fingers off of Dave and helped her to her feet. Against her wishes, Luka led her out of the room and took her down to the ER.
Luka: Let his doctors work on him. I'll check you out downstairs and we will come back up in a little while and check on him. Okay.
Luka takes Jing-Mei into exam 3 and examines her.
Luka: What exactly was all that about? Was that one of Dave's kidnappers?
Jing-Mei: No, that was one of my patient's from the ER earlier today. He started hitting on me while I was doing his sutures. Right there that should have told me that he was no good. But I chose to ignore it and now look what happened.
Luka: You couldn't have know what was really going through his mind. (pause) Jing-Mei, as a doctor you realize I have to ask this question. When I entered the room, your blouse is torn and your pants and his pants were... the implications were quite clear. Did he rape you?
Jing-Mei: No, no he didn't. He didn't get the chance to. But, but...Oh, no Luka. Dave saw him try to.
Luka: It's alright Jing-Mei. I'm sure Dave probably didn't know what was really happening.
Jing-Mei: Dave is not stupid. You didn't see the horrid look on his face. Yes Luka, Dave knew exactly what was happening and it frightened him.
Luka: It must have been a scary scene for anybody to witness.
Jing-Mei: Especially, someone like Dave who's been...you know.
Luka: Raped?
Jing-Mei nods.
Jing-Mei: Are we done here?
Luka: I would like to do a pelvic on you.
Jing-Mei: Why? Nothing happened. He never penetrated me.
Luka: Humor me?
Jing-Mei: If it will convince you that I am alright, then do it.
Luka: I'll let you get in the gown and I'll be right back.
Outside at the admit desk, Luka confronts Kerry and Carter.
Kerry: Luka, did you find that file you were looking for.
Luka: Yes, I did. I left it up in Malucci's room.
Kerry: Well, you better get it before Malucci thinks it's some reading material we left for him.
Luka: I did and thank god that I did. I walked into Malucci's room just in time to prevent Jing-Mei from being attacked.
Carter(laughing): I know it's been a long time for Dave, but...
Luka: It's not a joke, Carter. I am serious.
Kerry: What happened?
Luka: A patient of Jing-Mei's came on to her and look, I have to go in and do a pelvic on her now. I'll see you later.
Thirty two minutes later, Luka exits exam 3 while Jing-Mei gets dressed. He heads into the lounge and tiredly drops down into a chair. Through the door walks Kerry.
Kerry: I thought I saw you come in here. Well, how is she?
Luka: She's getting dressed. I sent the samples that I took from her down to the lab with Lydia. Other than that, I can't say. She is my patient after all.
Kerry: Just tell me was she...
Luka looked at her and shook his head.
Luka: No, no she wasn't raped. But damn close to it. I don't really think we will find anything wrong with the samples we took from her, but this incident is far from over.
Kerry: Of course, she's going to need someone to talk to about this.
Luka: Probably, but Jing-Mei is a very strong lady. She'll get through this. (pause) She's really not the one I'm talking about.(pause) Dave is.
Kerry: Dave, why?
Luka: The part of Jing-Mei's attack that I left out--a major part. She was attacked in Dave's room. Dave saw her getting sexually assaulted and possibly raped.
Kerry(putting her hand to her mouth): Dear God! How is Dave?
Luka: Don't know. He was roughed up pretty bad. His doctors are with him now and I told Jing-Mei that we would go up and check on him if she let me examine her.
Kerry: Jing-Mei's okay, then?
Luka: As far as I can tell. There was some bleeding in her anal area but I think its from the force applied to her.
Jing-Mei walked into the lounge.
Jing-Mei: Randi said you were in here. I'm going up to see Dave. Are you coming?
Luka: Kerry, is it okay?
Kerry: Sure. Let me know.
Jing-Mei and Luka head up to Dave's room. They walk into Dr. Casin coming out.
Dr. Casin: Dr. Chen, Dr. Kovac.
Jing-Mei: How's Dave?
Dr. Casin pulled Jing-Mei and Luka over away from Dave's room.
Jing-Mei: It's serious, isn't it?
Dr. Casin: Not as serious as it could have been.
Luka: What's wrong with him?
Dr. Casin: He's got a severe concussion, a couple of crack ribs, a fracture in his left leg but mostly bruising. He should recover in time.
Jing-Mei: Well, I guess with his fractured leg that's going to put his transfer to the rehab center off.
Dr. Casin: Maybe not. I've been wanting to talk to you about that. I had a meeting with Dr. Malucci's other physicians, we examined him and we all agree that Dave is ready for the transfer.
Jing-Mei: That's great. But with his leg...
Dr. Casin: Sure, that's going to take some time to heal. He'll be in a cast for about six weeks but he can work on his other therapy in the meantime.
Luka: How soon do you want to transfer him?
Dr. Casin: Actually, since Dave will be working twice as hard at his therapy especially when his leg heals there's going to be more pressure on him so before he goes anywhere I want to put a pacemaker in to regulate his heartbeat.
Jing-Mei: Dr. Romano mentioned that a while back. If you think it's best for Dave then of course go ahead and do it. When will you be doing the surgery?
Dr. Casin: As soon as possible, I'll have to check my schedule and get back to you.
Jing-Mei: That's fine. Can I go in and see Dave now?
Dr. Casin: Yes, but he's still unconscious. He probably will be for another few hours.
Jing-Mei and Luka enter Dave's room and see him lying still in bed. They walk over to his bed.
Jing-Mei: Look at him Luka. Looks like butter would melt in his mouth.
Luka: But we know differently, don't we?
Jing-Mei: I want that Dave back again, but I know that's never going to happen. That Dave died along time ago, almost a year ago. He looks so frail, like if he moves the wrong way he'll break in half. Not like the strong, tough, arrogant, care-free, fun-loving jokester he use to be. He was just starting to show some improvement and now who knows.
Luka: I know this seems awful and it is. But it could have been a lot worse--a lot worse.
Jing-Mei: I realize that and thanks to you it didn't progress into what it could have been. I don't even want to think about that. Thank you, Luka. I guess I owe you another one.
Jing-Mei turns to Luka and hugs him. He returns the hug and the two tiptoe out of Dave's room and as Luka gets back to work, Jing-Mei heads home to her and Dave's children and puppy.
The next morning as Jing-Mei enters the ER, she encounters several of the ER staffers reading about the attack in the papers. Abby and Carter walk up to her.
Abby: Are you alright, Dr. Chen?
Jing-Mei: I'm fine. Why shouldn't I be?
Abby: Because of what happened last night.
Jing-Mei looked at Luka and Kerry wondering which one told them and how far around the hospital the story had got.
Kerry: It wasn't us, Jing-Mei.
Carter handed her the paper with the story on the front page.
Jing-Mei: How in the world did the paper find out?
Carter: Reporters have their way. (pause) How's Dave?
Jing-Mei: I'm not sure. I called earlier but no one could give me any specifics. I want to go check on him before I start my shift.
Randi: By the way, Dr. Casin left a message for you to call him.
Jing-Mei: That must be about Dave's surgery.
Carter: Surgery?
Jing-Mei: Dr. Casin is going to put a pacemaker in Dave. Excuse me.
On the way up to see Dave, Jing-Mei stopped by Dr. Casin's office.
Dr. Casin: Please, come in Dr. Chen.
Jing-Mei: Have you set a time for Dave's operation?
Dr. Casin: Yeah, I lost a patient this morning that was scheduled for a bypass. So I have an opening and can fit him in this afternoon.
Jing-Mei: I'm sorry about your patient, but so soon. I didn't think that it would...
Dr. Casin: I told you it would be best if I did it as soon as possible.
Jing-Mei: Fine, but am I going to be able to see him before?
Dr. Casin: Maybe for a few minutes. I want to get him prepped soon. He's still unconscious.
Jing-Mei: Really, I thought he'd be awake by now.
Dr. Casin: He took a bad blow to the head.
Jing-Mei: He's not in a coma again, is he?
Dr. Casin: No, no he's responsive to painful stimuli which as you know is a good sign.
Jing-Mei leaves Dr. Casin's office and goes into Dave's room. She sits with him for a few minutes when the orderlies come in to take him to be prepped for surgery. She kisses him for luck and heads down to the ER.
Two hours later and Dave is in recovery. Dr. Casin lets the ER know that Dave came through with flying colors. Later that day, during her dinner break, Jing-Mei goes up to visit Dave. She enters his room to find him still unconscious. She sits by his bed and holds his hand.
Jing-Mei(to Dave): I don't know if you can hear me where you are right now, but everything is going to work out. I'm fine and you will be too. This time next week we will be married which reminds me you have to wake up soon. The social worker will be here tomorrow to talk with you. I never told you how Rusty's birthday came out. Some of the ER staff came by and brought some great gifts and I got him a little companion. A puppy he named Rascal. He fits the name. He reminds me of you---he's into everything. A real mischievous, troublemaker but he's the cutest little puppy ever. Just wait to you see him...
To Jing-Mei's surprise, Dave's eyes open. He turns and looks at her and with tears in his eyes he smiles at her. She kisses him.
Jing-Mei: Dave, how do you feel?
Dave remains silent.
Jing-Mei: About what happened last ni...
Dave pulled his hand away and turned to stare at a blank wall. Every time she touched him he would shake so much that the bed would move.
Jing-Mei: Dave, are you in pain?
Dave shook his head no, still not able to look at her.
Jing-Mei: What's wrong, Dave? Did he scare you?
Dave nodded. Then Dave slowly turned to look at Jing-Mei and pointed to Jing-Mei.
Jing-Mei: Me? Are you worried about me?
Again, Dave nods trying to hold back his tears.
Jing-Mei: Dave, don't worry about me. I'm fine. You're the one who was hurt.
Dave shakes his head and continues to point at her. She holds his hands and tries to reassure him that she is alright. Jing-Mei leaves Dave to get some rest and goes back down to the ER.
Mark: How's Dave?
Jing-Mei: Conscious.
Mark: You don't seem very happy.
Jing-Mei: I am. It's just.. Dave knows what happened last night. He's more worried about me than about his own injuries.
Cleo: That makes sense. Figure it this way, Dave was violated before and now he saw his girlfriend violated almost in the same matter and all he could do was sit in his wheelchair and watch helplessly. Do you know what must be going through his mind? How he must be feeling.
Kerry: Both of you are going to need to talk to someone about what happened.
Jing-Mei: Not me. I'm fine but Dave... I don't know exactly how this is going to affect him in the long run.
Kerry: Both of you.
The next day, the social worker meets with Dave and Jing-Mei.
Jing-Mei: Dave, sweetheart. This is Mrs. Deveareux. She's the social worker I was telling you about. Mrs. Deveareux, this is my fiance Dr. Dave Malucci.
Mrs. Deveareux: Please, to meet you. (she extends her hand to Dave)
Dave nods in exchange.
Jing-Mei: He's still uncomfortable around people, except me. He's use to me. I'm the only one he lets touch him and he even still jumps when I do at times.
Mrs. Deveareux sits on a chair beside Dave's bed.
Mrs. Deveareux: Dr. Malucci, something is going to happen in a few days and I just want to make sure that you understand the procedures--what is expected of you.
Jing-Mei: He does. We've discuss this...
Mrs. Deveareux: Sorry Dr. Chen, but I'd like to hear it from him.
Jing-Mei: He can't speak.
Mrs. Deveareux: He doesn't have to. Dr. Malucci, you and Dr. Chen here are getting married. Do you know what that means?
Dave reaches for Jing-Mei's hand and points to the ring.
Mrs. Deveareux: That's a ring but it doesn't exactly answer my question. Marriage is a serious step. You will be a husband and expected to form certain duties for your wife.
Dave points at Jing-Mei.
Mrs. Deveareux: Yes, your wife Dr. Chen.
Dave holds Jing-Mei's hand and starts to kiss it.
Mrs. Deveareux: I've seen all I need to. I'll report my findings to my superior and get back to you soon.
Jing-Mei: Thank you so much. Say bye Dave.
Dave waves and nods at the social worker as she exits his room.
Jing-Mei arrives home with Rusty in tow. Rascal meets them at the door. Mrs. Peterson is playing with Antonio. He's sitting in his swing and she's shaking a rattle in front of him causing him to laugh and coo. Jing-Mei heads to the kitchen to start dinner. Rascal is chewing at her feet. She changes the water in Rascal's bowl and gets him a dog treat when the phone rings. Antonio starts to cry as Jing-Mei heads over to answer the phone.
Jing-Mei: Shhh! Quiet little guy. I can't hear.
Mrs. Peterson picks the baby up and puts his pacifier in his mouth which seems to calm him down. She carries him into the nursery as Rusty and Rascal follow her. She places Antonio in his crib and Rusty leans over and tickles his tummy. Then Rusty picks up Rascal and shows him to Antonio.
Rusty: Tonio, Tonio...puppy, Rascal--Tonio.
Antonio wiggles in his crib and reaches out to pet the puppy. Rusty brings Rascal close to the baby and as Rascal tries to lick his face, Mrs. Peterson takes the dog from the older boy's hands.
Mrs. Peterson: No, no Rusty. Take the puppy into the kitchen.(pointing to the doorway).
Jing-Mei enters the nursery with a smile on her face from ear to ear.
Mrs. Peterson: Well, that must have been good news to make you smile like that.
Jing-Mei: It was. Mrs. Peterson, how would you like to go to a wedding on Tuesday?
Mrs. Peterson: I would love it. You and Dr. Malucci.
Jing-Mei: That was the social worker that went to see Dave today. Her supervisor approved our marriage.
Mrs. Peterson: I am so happy for you. Grant will make a good husband.
Jing-Mei: You mean Dave will make a wonderful husband.
Mrs. Peterson(confused): Right, Dr. Dave.
Jing-Mei: But you said Gran...never mind. Next Tuesday after Antonio's doctor appointment, his daddy and I are getting married. We will finally officially be a family.
Mrs. Peterson: Congratulations.
Tuesday came and Jing-Mei took Antonio and Rusty to the hospital with her. Antonio had his doctor's appointment and his lungs were strong enough to not need constant oxygen. She placed Antonio in his stroller and with Rusty holding on to the side they went to Dave's room.
Inside Dave's room, he was sitting up in bed. He saw his visitors coming in. Jing-Mei kissed him and picked the baby up and handed him over to Dave. Dave pulled away. He turned his head from the baby. Rusty tried to crawl onto the bed and Dave shrieked. Jing-Mei got him down. Soon more visitors, Mr and Mrs. Peterson, Mr. Santini, Capt. Amos and Mr. Garvey from the INS were in attendance. From the ER were, Lydia, Malik, Luka, Kerry and Carter arriving in time to show Dave the ring he would be placing on her finger.
Carter: What are you doing here, Deb? It's bad luck for Dave to see his bride before the wedding.
Jing-Mei: I'm not superstitious. Besides, I couldn't wait to see him and neither could the boys.
Father Chip arrived shortly after that and in a very emotional and short ceremony Jing-Mei and Dave were married. Unable to recite his vows, Dave used the customary ones and nodded his way through. As Dave placed the ring on Jing-Mei's finger, she turned to her new husband and smiled at him. Dave looked up at Jing-Mei and returned the smile.
Father Chip: I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.
What was totally unlike the old Dave, Dave didn't initiate the kiss so Jing-Mei had bent down and kissed him. Everyone clapped.
Father Chip: Ladies and gentlemen, let me present to you Drs. Malucci.
The guests threw some rice that was brought in and congratulate the happy couple. Jing-Mei took Antonio from Mrs. Peterson's arms and Rusty pushed his way up next to Dave's bed and Mr. Peterson took a picture of the happy family.
In an apartment room across town, Vincenzio walks in to find Rico sitting on his couch with some coke on the table, beer cans lying about and reading the paper.
Vincenzio: WHAT THE HELL HAS BEEN GOING ON HERE!!!
Rico jumps to his feet.
Rico: Boss man, you're back. How was you trip to Italy?
Vincenzio: Eventful. I got to say goodbye to my daughter and take care of certain matters that needed my personal attention. I hope you've been taking care of business back here in my absence.
Rico: Yeah, the drugs have been moving and I've been collecting the protection money. The girls are happy with their johns and...
Vincenzio: And have you been keeping an eye on my fucking kid.
Rico: Oh yeah. As a matter a fact, there's something here you need to see.
Rico hands Vincenzio the newspaper and he skims it. An evil smile appears across his face.
Vincenzio: This Pincard, he tried to have his way with that fucker's girl. That should shake the boy up even more than he already is.
Rico: He didn't get very far. He was arrested before he could have any real fun...
Vincenzio: I see that. Says here the fucker's guards heard a noise in his room probably my worthless offspring. (pause) I bet this guy would like my kid as dead as I want him so he can have his girl. (pause) Rico, I want you to pay Mr. Pincard a visit.
To be continued. Please read and review.