Recovery
Part 14
A/N: Anything in bold italic is being spoken in Italian
Jing-Mei took a deep breath to relieve the growing lump in her throat and stuttered as she spoke.
Jing-Mei: He rrreally ssaid those wwords "shot me".
The captain nodded.
Jing-Mei: Tell me what happened?
Capt. Amos: I went in to ask him a few questions. He was sitting up looking at that album of his. He agreed to answer the questions if I let him keep his book. Once we established the name of the man I had in custody, I needed to know exactly how much more about this guy Erik knew besides his name.
Jing-Mei: And he just came out and said that he was the one who shot him.
Capt. Amos: Not exactly. He started scratching his head and became very frazzled. I knew that there was something more to it. He was very reluctant to tell me. All he would do was stare at his photos. Finally, he managed to get it out.
Jing-Mei: And that's when he had his heart attack?
Capt. Amos: No. It's like I said before. Once he told me that I was in total shock. I didn't know what to say. I just stood there stunned. Erik seemed to relax after that. He continued to look at his pictures. Then the machines started to beep. That's what brought me out of my thoughts. I looked at him and he was having trouble breathing and was grabbing his chest. I ran and got the nurse and doctor.
Jing-Mei: So he remembers that it was Rico that shot him. But if he couldn't see him then...
Capt. Amos: I guess he connected the name with the voice. I'm not sure. But if he's right then that means he remembers what happened to him in Hangar #7.
Dr. Butler walks up to Jing-Mei and Capt. Amos.
Dr. Butler: Dr. Chen, I didn't know you were here. I guess you were filled in on Erik's condition by his friend here.
Jing-Mei: He said that Erik had a mild heart attack.
Dr. Butler: That's right.
Jing-Mei: How is he?
Dr. Butler: Stable. We can't wait any longer. Erik needs that heart surgery now if he has any chance of surviving.
Capt. Amos: So what happens now?
Dr. Butler: I'm on my way up to talk with Dr. Jackson about having him transferred over to Mercy for the surgery.
Jing-Mei and Capt. Amos look at each other, worried. Before Dr. Butler can leave he is stopped by Jing-Mei.
Jing-Mei: Wait Dr. Butler, you're a busy doctor. Please let me speak with Dr. Jackson. I'm sure you have other patients that need your attention.
Dr. Butler: He is one of my patients. Besides, I don't want to impose on you.
Jing-Mei: You wouldn't be.
Dr. Butler: Why is it so important to you to make arrangements for this patient?
Jing-Mei: Well, I've grown very fond of Erik while I've been here. Anyway, you said about having him transferred over to Mercy.
Dr. Butler: So what?
Jing-Mei: I can probably get him into Cook County quicker.
Dr. Butler: What's wrong with Mercy?
Jing-Mei: Nothing. It's just...uh, I can watch him better at Cook County since I work there.
Dr. Butler looks at her puzzled.
Dr. Butler: Since when?
Jing-Mei: Just recently. I actually start next week in the ER.
Dr. Butler's beeper goes off.
Dr. Butler: I really don't have time to argue with you about this. I have to check on another patient but we will discuss it later.
Dr. Butler leaves and as Jing-Mei heads towards the elevator, she notices Erik being wheeled back into his room and approaches his gurney.
Jing-Mei: Nurse, how is he?
Nurse: Sedated. He'll probably be out for a while with all the pain meds he's on. So, I don't think he's up to visitors right now.
Jing-Mei: That's alright. Could you please give him this? It's just a small present I got for him, since he's been doing so well with his therapy.
Nurse: I'll make sure he gets it.
Jing-Mei: Thank you, nurse.
The nurse and orderlies wheel Erik into his room and Jing-Mei heads to the elevators.
Capt. Amos: Where are you going, now?
Jing-Mei: Up to speak with Dr. Jackson about Erik's transfer before Dr. Butler can get to him.
Capt. Amos: I've got to get back to the station so good luck and let me know how it goes.
Thirty three minutes later and Jing-Mei enters Dr. Jackson's office.
Dr. Jackson: Dr. Chen, always a pleasure.
Jing-Mei: Same here. We have to talk. I suppose you heard about Erik's latest medical crisis.
Dr. Jackson: Afraid that I did. I'm so sorry. He was doing so well, too.
Jing-Mei: We knew this time was coming as much as we tried to deny it.
Dr. Jackson: What can I do for you, today?
Jing-Mei: Soon Dr. Butler will be coming up here to talk to you about having Erik transferred over to Mercy for his heart surgery.
Dr. Jackson: Thanks for the warning. But what are you worried about? Mercy has a wonderful cardiac center over there.
Jing-Mei: I know they do, but I feel it would be better if he went over to Cook County.
Dr. Jackson: Why?
Jing-Mei: If he goes to Mercy, someone is going to have to be let in on his secret, but at Cook County there are some people there who know about his existence. I just think that it would be better if the less people know about Erik the better.
Dr. Jackson: That's true. (pause) I guess I could call Dr. Romano and work something out.
Jing-Mei: Thank you Dr. Jackson. I knew you would understand.
Jing-Mei shakes the doctor's hand and exits his office. Dr. Jackson picks up the phone.
Dr. Jackson(into the phone): Yes, this Dr. Jackson over at Chicago East Rehab Center. Could you please connect me with Dr. Romano?
Receptionist: He's in surgery now. Can I give him a message?
Dr. Jackson: Yes, just have him call me at my office. The number is 555-7654. Thank you.
Back home, Jing-Mei walks in the front door and sees Mrs. Peterson sitting on the couch, knitting. Rusty and Rascal are sitting in front of the tv and Antonio is crawling around the floor.
Mrs. Peterson: You're home early.
Jing-Mei: I told you I wasn't going to be gone for long. How's it going here?
Mrs. Peterson: Fine. The boys have been perfect angels.
Jing-Mei: Somehow I doubt that but I'll take your word for it.
Mrs. Peterson: Did you take care of business? Every thing work out okay?
Jing-Mei: Not quite how I planned it. But it should work out okay. Hey Rusty, what are you watching there?
Rusty: Dog Show. Rascal thinks he sees some of his family there.
Jing-Mei translates for Mrs. Peterson and both of the ladies laugh when they here a bang. Everyone turns towards the sound to see Antonio on his feet, leaning on a chair. They head over to him. Jing-Mei picks him up.
Jing-Mei(excitedly): Antonio! You're standing! That's a big boy.
Mrs. Peterson: It won't be long before he's toddling around here getting into everything, like his big brother.
Jing-Mei: Another Rusty. I'm really going to have to stay on my toes to keep up with both of them.
Rascal barks.
Jing-Mei: I'm sorry. I mean to keep up with all three of them.
Mrs. Peterson leaves while Jing-Mei gives the baby his bath. Rusty starts to play his video game, while Rascal lays down in his bed. After Jing-Mei dries Antonio off and puts him in his sleeper, she lays him in his crib.
Jing-Mei: Goodnight sweetheart. You did good tonight, son. Your mama and papa are very proud of you.
Jing-Mei walks into the living room.
Jing-Mei: Alright young man, you're next.
Rusty: Ahh, Mama Jing. Can't I play one more game?
Jing-Mei: No, it's bath time, then it's bedtime. You can play some more tomorrow after school. Now go get undressed while I go fill up the tub.
Rusty: Yes, Mama Jing.
Rusty turns off his game and heads into his room and prepares for his bath. An hour later, and both boys and dog are settled down in bed, Jing-Mei decides to sit up in bed and read for awhile when she hears a scream.
Rusty: Mama Jing! Mama Jing!
Jing-Mei goes running in to her older son's room.
Jing-Mei: What's wrong, baby?
Rusty: Monster coming for me. Monster coming for 'Tonio.
Jing-Mei: No, no baby. Your safe. Mama Jing is here to protect you. It's alright, Rusty. Go back to sleep. No one is going to hurt you. I promise.
It takes about an hour but she finally gets Rusty back to sleep. She slips out of his room and heads back to her bed. She starts to fall asleep but the thought of Rusty's nightmare runs through her mind.
On the other side of town, a man knocks on the door of an apartment.
Vincenzio: Who the fuck is it?
Pincard: It's just me.
Vincenzio: Pincard, it's about fucking time you got here.
Pincard: You told me you wanted me to lay low for awhile.
Vincenzio: Well, get the fuck in here.
Pincard: So are you ready to pay on your debt to me because I'm ready to collect.
Vincenzio: Yes. I haven't exactly figured out a way to do it. The cops are still keeping an eye on my fucking dead kid's family, according to Rico.
Pincard: Why?
Vincenzio: Not sure. Maybe they figure by watching them then they'll have a way of connecting Rico to the kidnapping. In any case, we have to be extremely careful. Any ideas?
Pincard: Not off hand. It's not like I can walk into the hospital as a patient, right.
Vincenzio: Maybe you can't---but I can.
Pincard: You are going to be admitted into the hospital? How's that going to serve our purpose?
Vincenzio: If I can get close to my ex-daughter in law maybe I can figure a way to track her routine between the hospital and the house.
Pincard: That may take awhile.
Vincenzio: I don't care how long it takes or what I have to do.
Pincard: I never did ask you but why is it so important to have your grandchildren?
Vincenzio: Because I want to make sure they are raised right. They should have a sense of their roots.
Pincard: Seems to me it would do more harm than good having two snot-nosed little brats running around here.
Vincenzio: Maybe at first, but once they are trained by me then they are going to be running the business in the future. It's a luxury that their nothing loser of a father never appreciated.
Pincard: What if they don't adapt to their training?
Vincenzio: Oh, they will. (snapping a leather belt against a table)Or they will pay dearly for it. (pause) I WANT THOSE FUCKING BOYS!!!
The next day, Dr. Romano finally gets a chance to return Dr. Jackson's call.
Dr. Jackson: Dr. Jackson, how may I help you?
Dr. Romano: It's Dr. Romano. I have a message that you called me yesterday?
Dr. Jackson: Oh yes, it's about Erik Evad.
Dr. Romano: Who?
Dr. Jackson: I'm sorry. I mean your Dr. Malucci.
Dr. Romano: Right. What about him?
Dr. Jackson: He needs more heart surgery and Dr. Chen has asked me to arrange it with you to have him flown back there for it since you are aware of the situation.
Later that afternoon, Romano sends for Elizabeth and Peter. Both are in surgery so he sets up a meeting with them for the evening.
Down in the ER, the staff has been kept busy for the last couple of hours with a multi-car pileup. Every doctor had about 4 different patients they were caring for. Even Randi was being kept busy with the constantly ringing phones. As the ER starts to calm down, Abby heads up to OB when Kerry stops her.
Kerry: Abby, as long as you are on your way up I was hoping you don't mind dropping these budget cuts off at Dr. Romano's office.
Abby: No, not at all. It's not like I didn't have something better to do.
Kerry: I'm sorry Abby was that a yes.
Abby: That was a yes, boss.
Abby takes the budget cuts from Kerry and heads upstairs. Both Elizabeth and Peter enter Dr. Romano's office.
Dr. Romano: Well Dr. Corday, Dr. Benton I'm glad the both of you can stick little old me into your busy schedules.
Peter: For you Dr. Romano, we can always make the time. So what is this about?
Dr. Romano: It's about Dr. Malatucci.
Elizabeth: You mean Dr. Malucci.
Dr. Romano: Whatever.
Peter: Jing-Mei? What about her?
Elizabeth: I don't think that's who Robert is talking about?
Peter: If not her, then who?
Dr. Romano: Peter, we have to talk. Sit down both of you.
Outside, Abby walks into the reception area of Dr. Romano's office. She looks for his receptionist but she stepped out temporarily. She takes the budget cuts and places them on the receptionist's desk. As she is leaving the office, she hears Dr. Romano in a meeting and decides to buy some time before going to OB and hang out.
Abby(to herself): I better wait right here and make sure Dr. Romano gets these reports. It wouldn't do if they were misplaced.
Back in the office:
Elizabeth: There's something you need to know before this conversation gets any further.
Peter: Why do I have a feeling that you two know more than I do right now?
Elizabeth: I believe the Dr. Malucci that Robert is referring to is Dr. Dave Malucci.
Peter: What's he got to do with this? He's been dead for the last 5 months.
Dr. Romano: Not really.
Peter(rubbing his chin): What?!
Dr. Romano: You, like most of the rest of the hospital staff and possibly the world thought he was.
Elizabeth: We had to make it look like he was. It's a rather long story. I'll fill you in later. But I thought we weren't suppose to let anyone know? Why are we letting Peter in on our little secret now?
Dr. Romano: I received a phone call from Dr. Jackson over at the rehab center. Dr. Dave is in the need for more heart surgery that just can't wait.
Outside, the receptionist returns and sneaks up on Abby.
Receptionist: May I help you?
Startled, Abby jumps and turns to the receptionist.
Abby: Yes, Dr. Weaver asked me to drop the ER budget cuts off and I wanted to make sure Dr. Romano got them.
Receptionist: He's in a meeting right now, I'll make sure that he gets them.
Abby: Okay.
Receptionist: Was there something else I could do for you?
Abby: No, that's it. I'll be on my way.
Back in the office:
Elizabeth: Jing-Mei mentioned it to me but I thought you and I would do the surgery?
Dr. Romano: You're half right. You will be doing the surgery, Elizabeth but I have that damn medical seminar to go to. If I could get out of it I would. So, Peter will assist you, won't you?
Peter: Of course I will.
Elizabeth: Peter remember, confidentiality is major here. No one other than us and Jing-Mei must know about this.
Peter: I can keep a secret as well as anyone.
Dr. Romano: Good. Dr. Jackson is arranging to have Dr. Dave flown back over here tonight. I've already set up a secluded room up on the sixth floor and booked an OR for tomorrow at noon. I made sure to clear both your schedules so I assume there will be no problems with this. Because if word gets out about Dr. Dave, then all hell could and will break out.
Abby decides to head back down to the ER instead of going to the OB. In the elevator, she stands, still stunned about what she overheard. Then she smiles and is unable to control her excitement. She gets off the elevator and heads over to the admit desk.
Kerry: Abby, did you give those reports to Dr. Romano?
Abby: Yes Dr. Weaver, I gave them to his receptionist.
Luka: What's that big smile about?
Abby: Oh, it's just that I know something you don't.
Mark: That's a little childish, Abby.
Abby: Maybe a little but who cares.
Haleh: This isn't more gossip, is it?
Kerry: What did I tell you about gossiping around here?
Abby: It's not gossip if it's true.
Luka: She's not going to drop this until we find drag it out of her?
Mark: Fine, what do you know that we don't?
Abby waves over the ER Staff that is standing by the admit desk.
Luka: Before we get into this, let's just find out your source.
Abby: When I was up in Dr. Romano's office, my ears just happen to be in the right place at the right time.
Kerry: You mean you were eavesdropping.
Abby: When you put it like that, you make it sound bad.
Haleh: Never mind where she found out the information. Let's just hear it.
Abby: Where's Dr. Chen at?
Mark: In the lounge with Carter and Lydia, why?
Abby: She'll find out in time.
Haleh: Find out what, girl?
Kerry: This isn't about our budget, is it? Dr. Romano isn't thinking about laying off again, is he?
Abby: This has nothing to do with layoffs or the budget.
Mark: Then what?
Abby starts to look around and tells everyone to come closer. The ER Staff huddles closer together.
Abby: Hold onto your seats, guys. Dr. Dave is ALIVE!!!
To be continued. Please read and review.