On the way home, Jack fell asleep. Pulling up to the curb, Sydney parked her truck. Putting her hand on her father's knee she gently shook it and said, "Wake up, Dad. We're home."
Jack grunted, shook his head and opened his eyes. "What?" he groggily asked.
"We're here."
Jack nodded and dug his house keys out. He handed them to Sydney. Sydney got out and came around to open Jack's door. Giving him her hand, she helped him out of the truck. Shaking off any further assistance, he took a shaky step towards the door. His legs, however, let him down. As he started to fall, Sydney caught him and placed his good arm around her shoulders. With Sydney supporting part of his weight, they made it through the door and into Jack's place.
Once they were in, Sydney guided him to a chair. Slumping in it Jack scowled. He hated being weak especially in front of Sydney. "Sydney, bring me the phone, I'm going to call Sloane."
"Here, but after you're done talking to him you're going to bed." Jack started to protest, but realized that he was still very tired. Sighing, he gave in to her again. "Deal." He hoped she didn't get used to being the boss however. In the meantime Sydney headed into his bedroom.
Dialing the phone, he waited for Sloane to pick up.
"Arvin."
"Jack, how are you feeling? Sydney told me about your accident."
"I'm feeling better. Sydney's here with me. I just wanted to check in. The doctor thinks I should rest for a couple of days, but if you need me, I'll come in."
"No, Jack I told Sydney it was all right. You've earned a couple of days off. Besides, I checked with your doctor and he was very insistent that you stay home for a week. I also think you and Sydney need to spend some time together. I need you functional, Jack."
"What about this mission you were going to send Sydney on?" Jack asked.
"Like I told her, it will keep for a few days. Just take it easy alright."
"Okay, Arvin. I'll be here, but call me if you need anything. Goodbye."
"Later, Jack."
Hanging up the phone, Jack frowned and rubbed his forehead. He yelped as he found the tender knot there. "So," he thought, "Sloane thinks I'm drinking again. That would explain why he accepted the cover."
Sydney came back into the living room. "Are you alright," Sydney asked. "I heard you yell."
"I'm fine, I just found that knot on my forehead."
"So, how'd it go?" Sydney asked.
"I found out why Sloane accepted your story. He thinks I'm drinking too much again."
"Why would he think that?" Sydney asked.
"Because of your mother. Right after she 'died' I … um … I drank a lot. Sloane knows it and seems to assume that your mother's resurrection has pushed me over the edge."
"Oh Dad, I'm sorry."
"Don't be, Sydney. It will keep Sloane from digging any deeper into my 'accident'." Stifling a yawn, Jack said, "You can go home now. I'll be alright."
"Sorry Dad, I'm staying. Sloane told me to look after you and this is one order I'm not going to question. Now weren't you on your way to bed?" Sydney asked as she extended her hand to him.
Sighing Jack took her hand and struggled out of the chair. With her help, he made it into the bedroom. Sydney had already turned down the sheets on his bed. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he let Sydney take off his shirt, shoes and socks. When she started on his pants, he stopped her. "Let your father keep some of his dignity. I can manage the rest." Sydney stopped and said "Okay, Dad." and left the room. As she reached the door, Jack called out, "Sydney, I … um … thanks for helping me."
"You've saved my life, I'm just returning the favor. I'm going to call Francie and let her know that I'll staying here for a while."
Jack managed to slip his pants off and pulled on his pj bottoms. He then collapsed onto the bed. Listening to the gentle drone of Sydney's voice, he drifted off to sleep. His last conscious thought was how safe he felt with Sydney there to watch his back.
After finishing her phone call, Sydney went to check on Jack. He was asleep with the sheet bunched up at his feet. She pulled the sheet up and lightly trailed her hand down the side of his face. Pulling a book of the shelf, she dragged a chair over to the bed and settled into it. Her father's close call made her realize how important it was to mend their relationship. Vowing to do all she could, she opened the book and started reading.
