The Ransom of Dr. Dave
Part 67
A/N: Anything in bold italic is being spoken in Italian.
Anything written in between ** is in Dave's dream sequence
Jing-Mei: Oh, it's alright, Dave. I spoke with Dr. Romano and he said I can bring Rascal back up to see you again. So, calm down.
Dave continues to sleep as Jing-Mei rubs his head and holds his hand. He squirms in bed as the dream continues:
**As Vincenzio pours the boiling water on a screaming Davey, Sophie watches helplessly. Davey, unable to scream anymore, passes out on the floor. Vincenzio stands over him and starts to laugh then he grabs Sophie and takes her into her bedroom. About an hour later, Vincenzio comes out of Sophie's room adjusting his belt. He snatches his jacket and walks out the door.
Mr. Santini comes up to check in on Davey and see how his dinner is coming. He walks up to the apartment and sees the door open. He enters and sees empty liquor bottles laying about in the apartment and hears the cries of a little girl. He follows them into a bedroom and in the corner in the room he spots the source of the cries. Sophie, is curled up with a blanket in the corner, sobbing. He goes over to her and picks her up. She wraps her arms around him and gushes with tears. He stands her up and looks into her tear-filled eyes.
Mr. Santini: Sophie, what happened?
Sophie: Pa`pa mad at us.
Mr. Santini: Why, what did you do?
Sophie: We bad.
Mr. Santini: I doubt that. What did you do?
Sophie: Made dinner?
Mr. Santini: Why should he be mad at you for that? (pause)Where's your daddy at now?
Sophie: Out.
Mr. Santini: Yeah, and I don't have to ask where and with who. (pause)What about your bro...
Just outside Sophie's room, Mr. Santini heard a small whining sound. He wondered what it was and took Sophie by the hand while he investigated. As he exited the bedroom, just outside the door was the form of a small boy.
Mr. Santini: DAVEY!! Where did you come from? You weren't there a minute ago...never mind.
Sophie: He was laying in the kitchen.
Mr. Santini: Yeah, looks like he crawled in here from there.
He bent down to look at Davey, but as he touched his back, Davey screamed---LOUD. Curious, Mr. Santini lifted Davey's shirt to check on what made Davey yell. As he raised his shirt, some of the skin off of Davey's back came with it.
Mr. Santini: Dear God!
Mr. Santini crossed himself and started praying in Italian. Sophie kneeled down and stroked Davey's head. Mr. Santini scooped Davey into his arms and with Sophie in tow, left the apartment.
Mr. Santini: Come little ones, Salvador is going to get you help. Now, stick close with me, Sophie. **
Dave squirms in the bed and startles Jing-Mei.
Dave(still crying): Pu...pp...py.
Mark enters the room.
Mark: Jing-Mei, is everything okay in here?
Jing-Mei: No, not really.
Dave: Pu..pp..py.
Mark: I heard he was speaking now.
Jing-Mei: Just the one word, so far.
She gets up from his bedside and walks over to Mark on the other side of the room.
Mark: We all had to start somewhere. He seems upset.
Jing-Mei: Yeah, and I don't know why. I guess you heard about his unexpected visitor yesterday.
Mark: You mean Rusty's dog. Yeah, we are still laughing about that one down in the ER. Only a Malucci.
Jing-Mei: Tell me about it. As many times as we've been in this room and he barely recognizes us, but he sees the puppy once and that's all he thinks about. I got Romano's permission to bring Rascal back up here again. Who knows maybe he'll open up again. He's been so depressed lately that I just want to do something to cheer him up.
Mark: He's going to be transferred over to the rehab center soon, isn't he?
Jing-Mei: Not soon enough. Dr. Casin wants to give him one more full cardiac exam before the transfer and even still he won't be able to do his physical therapy at least not on his legs until he gets the cast off.
Mark: What Dave needs is to get out of this room. He's been cooped up in here for so long.
Jing-Mei: He does get out when he goes for tests, surgery and therapy.
Mark: That's not what I mean. Whenever he goes to one of those places, his doctors are always telling him that he's got to be strong, his tests have got to look good, he needs to put all of his energy on getting better, that he can move his stiff, torn swollen, muscles when it hurts so much.(pause) I mean just someplace where he can relax and where's nothing expected of him. Where the two of you can go and be a married couple. Have you taken Dave for a walk or ride around the hospital grounds?
Jing-Mei: We can't go anywhere and be alone. Not with guards following us everywhere and wondering who's going to try to kill Dave next. How is he suppose to relax?
Mark: That does make it hard...
Jing-Mei: But, now that I think about it, there is something I have been wanting to do for awhile that I haven't been able to yet.
Mark: What is that?
Jing-Mei: Well, I need to make arrangements with Father Chip and if he has the time I want to have Antonio christened.
Mark: Okay, now that's what I mean. That would be great.
Jing-Mei: For Dave and our boys. He needs to spend as much time with them as possible.
Mark: I agree. Let me know when it is, I want to make sure I have off. That is, if I'm invited.
Jing-Mei: Of course you are. Everyone in the ER is. Dave needs as many of his friends around him. The more familiar faces he sees the easier his memory will come back.
Later that afternoon, Dave is taken down for his usually battery of tests and Jing-Mei heads home. She goes down to the ER and walks up to the admit desk.
Carter: How's Dave doing?
Jing-Mei: Depressed, but I have something that may perk up his mood. I spoke with Father Chip and he agreed to christen Antonio on Sunday. I want you all to come, at least as many of you as possible. We're having it in the hospital chapel, so Dave can be a part of it.
ER Staff: We'll be glad to come. Thank you for inviting us.
Jing-Mei: Well, I have to get home and spend time with the kids. Goodbye, everyone.
Jing-Mei starts towards the exit when she is approached by Capt. Amos.
Jing-Mei: Capt. Amos, what brings you here?
Capt. Amos: We need to talk. I called your house and your baby sitter said you were here. I was hoping to catch you.
Jing-Mei: Is this about Dave's case?
Capt. Amos: No, actually it's about you. The man who attacked you in your husband's room, Raymond Pincard.
Jing-Mei: What about him?
Capt. Amos: He's out on bail.
Jing-Mei: What? How?
Capt. Amos: Justice system and a sharp talking lawyer. We are increasing the security around you.
Jing-Mei: No, no more security. I can't take anymore of this. The security I have now is fine. We can't have a normal life with guards around us everytime we turn around, especially now.
Capt. Amos: Why now?
Jing-Mei: Sunday, I'm having my baby christened. Your welcome to come if you want.
Capt. Amos: I guess that's not such a bad idea since you are refusing my offer for more protection.
Jing-Mei: I am.
Jing-Mei heads over to Mr. Santini's to pick Rusty up. After she invites him to the christening, she gets Rusty in his seat belt and drives home. At home, Rusty runs in the door and heads straight into the kitchen where Rascal is. Mrs. Peterson has Antonio in his playpen. Jing-Mei picks him up, kisses and hugs him as Rusty and Rascal come in. She lays the baby down on his play mat.
Jing-Mei: Rusty, watch your brother while I speak with me Mrs. Peterson.
Rusty: Yes, Mama Jing.
Rusty and Rascal go over to the baby as Jing-Mei walks into the kitchen and helps Mrs. Peterson bring dinner to the table.
Jing-Mei: Mrs. Peterson, if you and your husband aren't doing anything this Sunday maybe you'd like to drop by the hospital chapel for awhile.
Puzzled, Mrs. Peterson puts the tray she is carrying down and looks at Jing-Mei.
Jing-Mei: Well, I'm having Antonio christened then and since you did agree to be his godparents, than I just thought that you'd like to be there with your godson on one of the biggest days of his life.
Mrs. Peterson pulls Jing-Mei into a hug and smiles.
Mrs. Peterson: That would be perfect. We'd love to come.
Rusty yells from the living room.
Rusty: Mama Jing, look.
The two ladies look into the room and see Rusty pointing at Rascal.
Jing-Mei: What, Rusty?
Rusty: Go Rascal, roll over, Rascal. (twirling his finger around in front of the pooch).
Rascal rolls over as Rusty tells him too. Jing-Mei and Mrs. Peterson clap for Rusty.
Jing-Mei: Very good Rusty, you taught Rascal how to roll over. Now, if you can teach him how to clean up after himself.
Rusty doesn't understand her but laughs anyway when he sees that's what they are doing. Mrs. Peterson notices something.
Mrs. Peterson: Dr. Chen, Rusty, look at the baby. (pointing at the baby)
All three stare at Antonio as he imitates Rascal and rolls over too.
Jing-Mei runs over and picks Antonio up and kisses him while Rusty and Mrs. Peterson smile.
Jing-Mei: That's mama's big boy.
Rusty(coughing): Uh um.
Jing-Mei: Sorry Rusty. That's mama's other big boy.
The next morning Jing-Mei puts Rascal and an angry Rusty in the car. As she drives, Rascal is bouncing around in the back seat with his head sticking out of the window while Rusty sits quietly, pouting. His guard is in the back seat talking to him, trying to cheer him up.
Jing-Mei: I know you're mad at me, Rusty and I'm sorry. I would take you with me and Rascal to the hospital but I feel that right now it's more important you get your English lessons.
She drops Rusty and his guard off at Mr. Santini's. She continues to the hospital. She takes Rascal out of the car on his leash and walks him into the hospital and up to Dr. Romano's office, as promised. He comes out of his office and sees Jing-Mei with the dog. He walks over to them and looks Rascal over. He puts Rascal's face in his hand and stares him in the eyes.
Romano(in a childlike voice): Aren't you just the cutest little puppy? Yes, you are.
Realizing Jing-Mei is watching him and snickering, he straightens up and goes back to his normal self.
Romano: Uh, yes he will do just fine to mate with my new puppy when the time comes. You can take him in to see your Dr. Mal...your husband now.
Jing-Mei: Thank you, Dr. Romano.
Jing-Mei goes to Dave's room and inside she sees some of the ER Staff visiting with him.
Jing-Mei: Hi, Dave.
Dave doesn't look at her instead he continues to stare at the wall. The others walk over to Jing-Mei and start petting Rascal.
Abby: He's been like that all day.
Jing-Mei: Well, I have someone here that will make him feel better.
Jing-Mei walks over in front of Dave's line of vision with Rascal in her arms.
Jing-Mei: Dave, look who came to visit.
Dave looks up at Jing-Mei and his face lights up with a big smile. He reaches his arms out and starts grabbing at Rascal with his hands.
Dave: Pu...pp...py! Pu...pp...py!
Jing-Mei hands Rascal over to Dave and he cuddles with him as Rascal licks his face.
Kerry: I think that did the trick.
Jing-Mei: I don't understand. He loves that little dog but he won't let his own children or me anywhere near him.
Carter: He's scared. If what you said about his father is true, than it's only natural he'd be a little hesitant to go near you or the kids.
Kerry: Carter's right. Dave is obviously comfortable with Rascal. Give him some time. He's got to figure this out himself.
Jing-Mei: He's holding that dog like it's his best friend.
Abby: Maybe in Dave's mind, it is. Rascal seems to like Dave a lot too. He's an affectionate little puppy isn't he.
Jing-Mei: Rascal is very friendly, yes. But, he does seem very relaxed with Dave. Not nearly as hyper as he usually is. Well, now that I've got his attention I can tell him the good news.
Jing-Mei walks over to Dave and sits on his bed. She pets Rascal only to have her hand swatted away by Dave.
Jing-Mei: Dave, I hope you don't have any plans for Sunday.
Dave completely ignores her,
Jing-Mei: Dave! Pay attention to me.
Dave continues to devote all his attention to the spunky puppy. Frustrated, Jing-Mei pries Dave's hands off the nervous little puppy and pulls him out of Dave's arms. Dave fights her, but weakened by his condition, he's no match for her. She gets a hold of the dog and hands him off to Carter. Dave, angry at her for taking his friend away, he turns away from her and stares back at the wall.
Jing-Mei: Fine, you don't have to look at me to listen. Sunday, I'm taking you down to the hospital chapel. We are going to have Antonio christened.
Dave shakes his head no.
Jing-Mei: He's your son and this is a big day for him and you WILL be there or else.
In the process of making her point, she swings her hand around in the air, just missing Dave's face. He instinctively puts his hands up to block the blow. Everyone notices. Jing-Mei moves back off his bed with her hand to her mouth.
Jing-Mei: Dave, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean that. I swear.
She manages to work her way back over to him but he is still holding his hands up in front of his face to ward off any punches. She grabs his hands and within a few minutes convinces him to put them down.
Jing-Mei: I'm not going to hit you. Just relax. Your safe. I would never hurt you. You poor baby. It's just that Sunday is such an important day for our little boy and I want his daddy to be a part of it. So please say that you will be there, for me.
Dave slowly turns his head back to look at Jing-Mei with tears in his eyes.
Jing-Mei: So, will you go, please?
Dave points at Rascal.
Dave: Pu...pp..py, Pu..pp...py. (nodding his head at her)
She realizes what he's trying to say to her. She smiles and laughs a little bit.
Jing-Mei: Yeah. Sure Dave, Rascal can come too.
Dave smiles as Carter hands him back the excited pup. The others let out a small giggle and leave the newlyweds and puppy alone.
The next day or so go pretty much the same way. Rusty is still upset that he can't come to the hospital with Jing-Mei and Rascal. Jing-Mei takes Rascal up to see Dave, stopping by Romano's office so he can play with the doggy. She tries to use Rascal to get Dave to open up but all he'll say is the same word---Puppy.
Everyday, when it was time for her to leave she had to fight Dave for Rascal. She always won out and Dave was always left upset at the end of her visit.
On Saturday, Jing-Mei and Mrs. Peterson took the boys shopping. Rusty got some new games for his X-BOX video game and Antonio was fitted for a christening gown. They even got a bow tie to put around Rascal's neck for the occasion.
Back at the hospital, Dave is in the midst of another dream:
**Mr. Santini brings the Malucci children home from the hospital. Sophie is holding her doll closely while Davey his rubbing his back. Mr. Santini explains to Davey how to apply the antibiotic ointment to his back, with Sophie's help, and change the dressing. Davey takes the medicine from Mr. Santini and hugs him.
Davey: Gracia, Mr. Santini for everything.
Mr. Santini: Your very welcome. If there is anything I can do for you, please call.
Both Davey and Sophie nod in agreement. Mr. Santini searches the apartment and there is still no sign of their father, yet.
Mr. Santini: I think I'll hang around here til he gets back.
Davey: Gracia, Mr. Santini. I appreciate that. I'll be right back.
Mr. Santini: Where are you going?
Davey: Down to the basement. I have to get...do something.
Mr. Santini is curious but he lets the boy go. Davey heads down to the basement. He closes the door behind him once he's there.
Davey: Luciano. Luciano!
The thin, little puppy comes up to him whining. Davey picks him up and he licks Davey's hand.
Davey: There you are, little guy. Sorry I'm late. Something happened. It's not like I forgot about you. I would never do that. Here, I got something for you. It's not the pasta like I promised you, but it'll keep you from starving. I hope you like bologna and cheese. They gave me a sandwich when I was in the hospital but I knew you needed it more than I do. You're so small and a growing puppy. Besides, I'm use to going to bed on an empty stomach. Here you go, little guy. Chow down. That's it. (pause) Your my best friend, Luciano. I love you.**
Dave starts stirring in his bed and a big smile appears on his face.
Dave: Pu...pp..py.
Across town, Rico and Pincard enter an apartment to be met by Vincenzio. Introductions are being made all around. The trio sit down and during a coke snorting party discuss business.
Vincenzio: So, you like my new daughter in law, huh.
Pincard: Very much so, sir.
Vincenzio: I read about it in the paper. I assumed Rico told you I had a job for you, if you're interested.
Pincard: Very interested. It's the least I could do to repay you for paying my bail and getting me a top of the line lawyer.
Vincenzio: Whatever... on with the job. How do you feel about wiping scum off the earth?
Pincard: I'm all for it, depending on the scum.
Vincenzio: I'm referring to my worthless, low-life offspring. (pause)Look, let me lay this out for you straight. You want my daughter in law, right.
Pincard nods.
Vincenzio: And I want her fucking old man dead. So, I have a way to make us both happy.
Pincard: Sounds good to me. What do you want me to do?
Vincenzio: Rico, go into the top desk drawer and get me that 38.
Rico heads over to the desk and returns with a .38 caliber pistol. Vincenzio shows it to Pincard along with the newspaper.
Vincenzio: This should do the job perfectly.
Pincard: When do want me to do this?
Rico: It will be easier if it's done when no one else is around.
Vincenzio: I disagree. I think the more people around the better to make the hit and the escape unnoticed, with all the confusion that will be going on trying to save that punk. They're never know where the shot comes from.
Rico: So, what are you thinking?
Vincenzio: Got the idea this morning. Look into the paper at the article I circled.
Pincard(reading the article): Local doctors to have newborn son christened. Two local doctors, Dr. Dave and Jing-Mei Malucci are proud to announce the christening of their 3 month old son, Antonio this Sunday in the chapel of Cook County General Hospital. As you remember, Dr. Dave Malucci is the Cook County emergency resident who was mistakenly carjacked, abducted, beaten, shot and maimed almost a year ago in Hangar #7 at O'Hare Airport. Friends are welcomed to celebrate with the couple and their children. The Chicago Times wishes the Maluccis good luck in the future and our prayers and blessings are with them at this happy occasion.
Vincenzio(cocking the gun): Any questions?
To be continued. Please read and review.