The Ransom of Dr. Dave
Part 68
A/N: Anything in bold italic is being spoken in Italian.
Anything written in between ** is in Dave's dream sequence
The Sunday morning of the christening, Jing-Mei was running around getting everyone ready for the big day. She had just finished feeding Antonio and was heading with him into the bathroom to give him a bath.
Jing-Mei: Rusty, feed Rascal.
Rascal started jumping up and down in front of the cabinet where they kept his food, so Rusty didn't have to understand what Jing-Mei said to know what he was suppose to do. Rusty cleaned out Rascal's bowls. He filled one with fresh water and the other with Puppy Chow and sat them down in the kitchen. He went in to play with his video game until Jing-Mei finished giving the baby his bath.
When Jing-Mei was done, she dressed Antonio in a small jumper. Knowing that she would be picking Antonio up and laying him back down again all day, she didn't want to put his christening gown on him until right before the ceremony fearing it would get wrinkled. She laid the baby in his basinet while she fixed breakfast. While in the kitchen, Jing-Mei saw Rascal scratching at the back door. She went to open it and let him out.
Jing-Mei: Very good, Rascal. I do think you have finally got how things work...
Before she could finish her statement, she realized that Rascal has got to let her know when it's time to do his duty sooner or get a doggie door added on. She cleaned up temporarily, then finished making breakfast. Rusty smelling the pancakes came running to the table. She moved the basinet into the dining room so Rusty could watch his brother while she showered.
Once she was done, Rusty was finished eating and she drew his bath. Hearing scratching at the back door, Rusty left Rascal back in.
Jing-Mei: Rusty!!!
Hearing Jing-Mei's voice, Rascal came running in. He ran straight through the house and in the bathroom door and jumped right in the bathtub, splashing Jing-Mei and the entire bathroom.
Jing-Mei: RASCAL!! That was Rusty's bath water.
Rusty standing in the doorway laughing but Jing-Mei isn't. She points Rusty to the tub.
Jing-Mei: Finish washing him, Rusty. Then your next.
Rusty: I love you, Mama Jing.
Shaking her head, she can't help but laugh at the two of them.
Jing-Mei: One of these days...
Rusty finishes giving Rascal his bath, dries him off and gets out of his pajamas while Jing-Mei cleans the tub and fills it up again. While the tub is filling, Jing-Mei hears the front door open up. She sticks her head out the door to see who came in.
Jing-Mei: Who is it?
Mr. Peterson: It's just us, Antonio's godparents. Did we come at a bad time?
Jing-Mei: Actually no. Can you watch the baby and Rascal while I give Rusty his bath?
Mr. Peterson: Be glad to.
Mr. Peterson picks a giggling Antonio up, while Mrs. Peterson gets his baby brush and starts to brush his hair.
Jing-Mei and Rusty come out of their rooms dressed. Rusty, who hates ties almost as much as his daddy, starts pulling at it.
Jing-Mei: Rusty, stop that.
She takes out a thin black bow tie from a drawer in the desk and gives it to Rusty.
Jing-Mei: Rusty, put Rascal's tie on him.
As Rusty heads over to Rascal, he runs away. Rusty chases him around the house finally getting a hold of him. As Rusty starts to string the tie around Rascal's neck he realizes he doesn't know how to tie it. Mr. Peterson walks over to the upset little boy and the frantic puppy.
Mr. Peterson: Here, let me show you.
Mr. Peterson walks Rusty behind Rascal and takes the boy's hands and starts to guide them into tying the bowtie. In a minute or so, they have it tied. Rusty and Mr. Peterson walk in front of Rascal while Mrs. Peterson and Jing-Mei look on.
Mrs. Peterson: He's a handsome guy.
Mr. Peterson: And very sharp looking.
Jing-Mei: See Rusty, Rascal likes his tie.
Mrs. Peterson: I can't believe you're bringing Rascal along.
Jing-Mei: It's the only way Dave will come.
Seeing how everyone is admiring Rascal all dressed up, Rusty leaves his tie alone, runs to the full length mirror and starts to smooth out his suit. He goes into his bedroom and comes out with his comb and starts pulling it through his own hair.
Jing-Mei picks Antonio up and Mrs. Peterson brings his gown as they head out to their cars.
Mr. Peterson walks Rusty and Rascal up to see Dr. Romano while Mrs. Peterson, Jing-Mei and Antonio go in to see Dave. They walked into his room to see him sleeping on his side. Mrs. Peterson takes Antonio into Dave's bathroom to put him in his christening gown. The nurse in Dave's room finishes writing down his vitals and prepares to leave.
Jing-Mei: Nurse, how come my husband is laying on his side? Won't he hurt his ribs more?
Nurse: We had to turn him to prevent bed sores. We were very careful when we turned him and we've got his ribs pretty tightly wrapped, anyway. I was just going to get an orderly to help me turn him on his back again. Excuse me.
The nurse leaves as Jing-Mei sits down beside Dave's bed. Dave is facing the wall with his back to Jing-Mei. She starts to rub his back and in the process she gets this disturbing look on her face. Mrs. Peterson walks out of the bathroom with Antonio.
Mrs. Peterson: He looks like a little angel, all dressed up in white. (pause) What's the matter, Dr. Chen?
Jing-Mei: Come here, Mrs. Peterson. Put your hand on Dave's back and feel this.
Mrs. Peterson does as Jing-Mei asks and with one arm holds the baby and the other hand touches Dave's back.
Jing-Mei: Now, push in a little bit.
She does and then she flinches and jumps back.
Mrs. Peterson(dropping her eyebrows): Yuck, it's all hard and bumpy. What is that?
Jing-Mei: (pause): They're welts. They come from being beaten with a stick or whipped with a leather strap over a period of time.
Mrs. Peterson: DEAR GOD!!
Wiping the tears from her eyes, Jing-Mei turns to Dave.
Jing-Mei: He must of gotten them when he was younger, back in Italy with his father. I felt them when Dave and I first, you know... Dave, sweetheart, why didn't you tell anybody about them?
The nurse and the orderly come in and turned Dave back over on his back without disturbing him. Dave is deep into his dream:
**The heat down in the basement of the tenement was broken so it was like ice down there. Davey brought Luciano up into his apartment, something he's never done before out of fear of what his father would do. Davey made a bed for him underneath his cot in his room and swore Sophie to secrecy. Whenever their father was out of the apartment, Davey and Sophie would bring Luciano out and play with him. Davey taught him how to sit, roll over and beg but he was still having trouble learning how to play dead.
Whenever things got too rough at home for Davey, he would find the puppy, pick him up and cuddle with him. When Davey was talking to him, he sat still as if he was listening to every word Davey said and understood it.
Davey: Luciano, you are my best friend and you know what. I've been saving some money that I got from working for Mr. Santini and some of the other neighbors and when I get enough money then I'm taking Sophie, you and me and we are going to find a new family. With a mama and a papa that loves us.
Luciano started barking and licking Davey's face.
Davey: Of course, I'm going to take you with us. I wouldn't leave you behind. You and me and Sophie, were family. Family's sticks together.
Davey starts stroking Luciano's soft coat.
Davey: We have to look after each other. We have to protect each other. Luciano, could I tell you something? Sometimes, I think you and Sophie are the only ones who love me. What did I do so wrong to my papa that he hates me so much? (pause) Hey pal, I didn't forget what today is. It's your birthday, well at least your anniversary. It was one year ago today that I found you hiding in our basement--hungry, cold and all alone. I know the feeling. I've got a family and I'm still all alone. Don't get me wrong, Sophie's great but she still young. She wouldn't understand alot about how I feel, not like you. Sometimes, I have these stories in my head. Some aren't very nice but most are. The good ones are about a boy and his dog and the bad ones...well, forget it. I can see you do understand. Anyway, I got you a present for your anniversary. Wait right here while I get it.
Sophie came out of her room and she started to play with the puppy, while Davey went to get Luciano his gift. Both Malucci children heard the noise at the same time. Their father had come home unexpectedly. They rushed to hide Luciano. Davey put him in the blankets that he had folded under his cot. He shushed Luciano and went into the other room.
Vincenzio: What the fuck have you two been doing all day? Not cleaning that's for sure. This fucking place is a rat's nest because of you little pieces of shit. Worthless both of you. (pushing Davey to the floor and pointing at him) Some more worthless than others.
Sophie: We'll clean, pa`pa.
Vincenzio: Not you. I have other plans for you, right now.
He takes her by the hand and heads to her bedroom. He passes Davey on the floor. Davey tries to stand up but Vincenzio pushes him back down and in the process, Davey drops a giant rawhide bone on the floor. He rolls over to grab it before his father can get it, but he's too late.
Vincenzio: Well, what the fuck do we have here? You've got a fucking dog up here?
Davey: No, pa`pa.
Vincenzio: BULLSHIT!! WHY ELSE WOULD YOU HAVE A BONE HERE THEN. YOU FUCKING LIE TO ME, FUCKER!!! I'LL TEACH YOU!!
Vincenzio picks up the bone and starts to beat Davey with it. He repeatedly hits Davey in his head and Davey hopelessly puts his hands up to block the blows. Sophie runs over to her father to try to make him stop. But he doesn't. As soon as he draws blood on Davey's forehead, he feels a nip at his leg. Luciano runs out of the bedroom and puts his teeth around Vincenzio's ankle. He tightens the grip and Vincenzio struggles to shake him off. Finally, he manages to get the little dog off him. Luciano goes at him again when he is met head-on by Vincenzio's heavy foot.
Davey: LUCIANO!!! NO, PA`PA. PLEASE DON'T.
The puppy flies across the room and hits against wall. Vincenzio, disgusted, stomps out of the apartment. Sophie helps Davey up and as they head over to the wounded Luciano, Vincenzio comes back in. Still holding the bone, he throws it at Davey and hits him in the back.
Davey: Owwww!!
Vincenzio: This fucking place had better be spotless when I get back or you'll get it ten times worse, fucking punk.
He leaves and the kids make their way over to Luciano. Davey sits down on the floor and holds Luciano in his arms. Both children try to be strong but can't. Tears flood the room as they try to comfort a dying Luciano in his final moments.
Davey(crying): Please, Luciano. Hang on. We'll get help. Be strong little fellow.
Luciano is whimpering the entire time.
Davey(crying): I know it hurts, pal. I know. I'm sorry I never should have brought you up here. Got you anywhere near him. Thank you, you saved my life and I'll never forget it.
Sophie(crying): Davey, do you want me to get Mr. Santini?
Luciano stops crying.
Davey(crying): No, Sophie. It's too late. Luciano, is where no one can ever hurt him again.(envious) Lucky little doggie.
Davey reaches over and grabs the bone and then pulls Luciano closer to him with Sophie sitting next to him with her head on his shoulder.
Davey(crying): I didn't even have a chance to give you your present. We love you, Luciano.
Sophie strokes the puppy down his back.
Sophie(crying): Good puppy, good puppy.
Sophie started to clean up the apartment while Davey took Luciano down to the backyard of the apartment. Davey pulls out a shovel and finds a place underneath a shady tree. Once the hole is big and deep enough, he places his furry little friend in it. He tosses the bone in next to him.
Davey: Here Luciano, take this with you up to heaven and enjoy it. Your at peace now, my friend. I'll see you again when he finally kills me too. Happy Birthday, Luciano.
Sophie came down and joined her brother as he finished covering their puppy up. He put his arm around her.
Sophie: Luciano finally learned to play dead, huh Davey.
Davey(mopping the tears from his eyes): I only wish he was playing, Sophie.
Sophie and Davey: Ciao, little one.
Davey: Well Sophie, it's just you and me now. We can't let him beat us. We have to look after each other even more now. We have to fight him. We have to---for Luciano.
They knelt down and said a prayer.**
Dave starts thrashing around in the bed and his face is soaked from his tears. Jing-Mei and Mrs. Peterson head over to him. Jing-Mei tries to shake him awake. His arms start flapping around. His eyes shot open and he started screaming.
Dave: Pu...pp..py! Pu..pp..py!!
Jing-Mei: Dave, it's okay. Calm down.
Dave started shaking in bed and kept repeating the same word over again.
Dave: Pu...pp..py!
Just then Rusty and Mr. Peterson walked in with Rascal on his leash. Jing-Mei picked Rascal up and showed him to Dave. Dave reached his arms out and started grabbing for the dog.
Jing-Mei: Here Dave, here's the puppy. Here you go.
Jing-Mei hands Rascal over to Dave who finally calms down. While he cuddles Rascal, the dog licks his face.
Dave: Lu....lu...ci...ano. Lu...lu..ci...ano!
Everyone's mouth dropped. Jing-Mei smiled and hugged her husband.
Jing-Mei: Dave that's wonderful. You finally said another word. The only thing is his name is Rascal, not Luciano.
Dave: Lu...lu..ci...ano.
Jing-Mei: Have it your way, Dave. Here give me the dog back. We have to get you in a wheelchair and get down to the chapel.
Dave starts shaking his head no.
Jing-Mei: You don't want to go to your son's christening.
Dave shakes his no.
Jing-Mei: Dave, you promised. If we let Rascal come, then you would too. Are you trying to back out now? Well, it's not going to work. You are not going to get your way this time. You will go or I'll never bring Rascal back to visit you.
Dave tightened his grip on the puppy. He refused to give the dog up.
Jing-Mei: If you want Rascal to come visit again, then let him go and come with us to the ceremony. Please. We'll give him back to you afterwards.
Dave thinks for a moment and finally concedes. He hands the dog over to Jing-Mei who puts him down on the floor. She gets an orderly in to help Mr. Peterson put Dave in a wheelchair. Mrs. Peterson carries Antonio down to the chapel while Rusty, Mr. Peterson, Rascal, Jing-Mei pushing Dave in his wheelchair follow.
As they enter the chapel, most of the ER staff is attendance. Father Chip is up at the altar with Carter standing next to him. The group makes it up to them. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson and Carter all have a chance to hold Antonio during the blessing.
Father Chip: Who gives this child forth to become a member of god's church?
Jing-Mei: I do, uh, his father and I do.
Father Chip: And who takes this child as their own if needed.
Mr. and Mrs. Peterson and Carter: We do.
Mrs. Peterson hands Jing-Mei Antonio as Father Chip douses the baby's head with the holy water.
Father Chip: I bless thee Antonio Grant Malucci. You are god's child and you are surrounded by all of god's children and will be showered with love for eternality.
Antonio lets out a scream as the water hits his head. Dave grabs his ears, not baring the loud sound of the baby's cry. Jing-Mei turns to Dave and holds the baby out to him.
Jing-Mei: Dave, would you like to hold your son?
Dave shakes his head no.
Jing-Mei: You promised Dave.
Dave takes his shaken arms out and reaches for him like he was reaching for Rascal. Before Jing-Mei could hand Antonio over, a loud sound is heard and Dave is thrown from his wheelchair. Everyone screams and scrambles. No one knows really what happened. Jing-Mei looks over at her husband and screams.
Jing-Mei: DAVE!!! OH GOD!! DAVE'S BEEN SHOT AGAIN!!!
To be continued. Please read and review.
A/N: This was an exceptionally difficult chapter for me to write(because of the death of Luciano) giving my love for animals. So, this chapter is dedicated to the memory of all of our precious animals that are needlessly killed by violence.
REST IN PEACE, LUCIANO
1975-1976