Recovery
Part 35
A/N:
-Anything in bold italic is being spoken in Italian.
-It's implied that Jing-Mei and Mrs. Peterson are using an Italian/English dictionary to communicate with Rusty. However, they're scrambling through the book so they're really not talking as fast as it appears.
The more Jing-Mei struggled to scream, the tighter the intruder's hand got over her mouth.
Intruder: I said shut the fuck up---bitch!! Now, I'm going to tell you this once. I'll let go and if you scream I'll start cutting til there's nothing left to cut. Alright!
Jing-Mei nods. The intruder slowly removed his hand. Jing-Mei sat frozen in her bed, too scared to move or scream. The intruder got off her bed, turned on the lights and ripped the blanket off her. While she let her eyes adjust to the light, she saw her intruder wasn't very tall--maybe 5' 9 or 10" and wearing a black outfit, gloves and a ski mask.
Intruder: Get undressed, now!
Jing-Mei hesitates.
Intruder: NOW!! BITCH--MOVE IT!!
Jing-Mei jumps from the bed and slowly starts to remove her nightgown while she eyes the door and her intruder finger his knife. She kept trying to think of a way to get out.
Intruder: FASTER---FASTER!! I DON'T HAVE ALL NIGHT! WHERE ARE YOUR LITTLE BRATS AT!!
Jing-Mei: They aren't here. How did you know I had kids?
Intruder: Never mind, WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN THEY AREN'T HERE!!
Jing-Mei: I sent them away for awhile.
Intruder: SHIT!! I NEED THOSE FUCKING KIDS, OR MY ASS IS COOKED!!
Jing-Mei finishes undoing the buttons in the back of her nightgown and slowly pulls it over her head, shaking the entire time. The intruder looks at Jing-Mei as she stands in front of him, in just her underwear.
Intruder: The bra and panties, too.
Jing-Mei(crying): Why are you doing this?
Intruder: Not important, JUST DO AS YOUR TOLD! YOU'RE FUCKING TRYING MY PATIENCE!!
Jing-Mei: What do my little boys have to do with this?
Intruder: I WANT THEM AND YOU TOO! SINCE I CAN'T GET THEM (pointing the knife at her) RIGHT NOW! I'LL HAVE YOU!
Jing-Mei: Won't you get in trouble?
Intruder: HELL YEAH, SO IF TONIGHT IS MY LAST NIGHT ON EARTH WHEN HE CATCHES UP WITH ME, I'M GOING TO DIE HAPPY!!
Jing-Mei starts shaking as the intruder approaches her.
Jing-Mei(crying): PLEASE DON'T DO THIS!!!
Intruder: SHUT THE FUCK UP! THIS TIME YOUR FUCKING FIANCE WON'T BE HERE TO SCREW IT UP!!
The intruder's last statement causes Jing-Mei to think about her intruder's identity. The intruder gets closer to Jing-Mei and cuts her bra and panties off with the knife as she starts whining, nervously. He grabs her by her long black hair and starts to kiss her down her neck and makes his way to her breasts as she squirms to get away from him. He pulls the knife up to her face warning her not to scream or else.
Jing-Mei: What about my fiance? What did you me...
Her thoughts and his actions are interrupted by the sound of her beeper, which distracts him long enough for her to push him onto the bed and run for the door. She opens the door and exits, but is grabbed from behind by her intruder.
Intruder: WHERE THE FUCK YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING, HUH!!
Jing-Mei starts crying hysterically
Jing-Mei: PLEASE STOP THIS! IF YOU GO NOW, I PROMISE NOT TO TELL ANYONE THAT YOU WERE HERE!!
Intruder: BULLSHIT!!
He starts to drag her back across the bedroom, with her crying and fighting the entire way. He pushes her onto the bed, brandishes the knife and prepares to rape her when he is suddenly thrown to the ground in front of her eyes. Once the shock wears off, she realizes that her intruder is pinned on the floor by a ferocious, growling Rascal.
Jing-Mei: Good boy, Rascal! Good boy!
Intruder: GET THIS FUCKING MUTT OFF ME!!
Jing-Mei: In your own words, SCREW YOU!!!
She jumps up on her feet and runs to the phone. She learns that the wires have been cut and heads to her purse to retrieve her cell phone. She calls the police, gets dressed and waits for the cops to come while Rascal holds the intruder at bay.
Twenty minutes later and the cops knock at the door. Jing-Mei lets them in.
Jing-Mei: Alright Rascal, you can get off him now. Come here, boy!!
Rascal obeys and happily goes to Jing-Mei's side as the police grab the intruder and pull him up off the floor.
Policeman: Did he assault you, Dr. Chen?
Jing-Mei: Well, I don't think...
She inspects her body and as she pulls her arm up she sees blood covering a medium sized gash in her inner right forearm.
Jing-Mei: Oh, I must have gotten cut with the knife. Doesn't look serious, may only need a couple of stitches.
Policeman: What about sexual assault?
Jing-Mei: No, Rascal here, got to him before he had a chance to rape me. (pause) But, there is something about him. He mentioned my fiance...do I know you?
The policeman ripped his ski mask off and Jing-Mei's face dropped as instant recognition appeared.
Jing-Mei(stuttering in shock): Mmr. Pppincard.
Mr. Pincard smiles evilly at her.
Policeman: Do you know him, Dr. Chen?
Jing-Mei: Yes. A few months back he attacked me and my fiance in my fiance's hospital room.
Policeman: Is that true, pal?
Pincard: Yeah, it's true. That time I failed because her gimpy fiance got in the way. I figured it would be easier this time since he kicked the bucket until that mangy mutt interfered.
Rascal growls at Pincard.
Policeman: So, you have a history of attacking women, in particular this one.
Pincard(to Jing-Mei): All you had to do was come with me, and not put up a fight. I would have came back for the kids.
Jing-Mei: You keep saying that. What do you want my kids for? What purpose could you possibly have for them? They are two innocent little boys who...
Policeman: Doesn't matter now. He will never get near you and your boys again.
Jing-Mei(doubtful): Yeah right.
Pincard: Right. That's what they said last time and here I am.
Policeman: Get him the hell out of here!!
As the other cops drag Pincard out, he looks back at a shaken Jing-Mei.
Pincard: Keep your eyes on your boys. I got to you and I'll get to them or someone else will!
Policeman: Is that a threat, fellow?
Pincard: No, it's a promise.
Policeman: If I were you I keep my big mouth shut until I get a lawyer.
The police read Pincard his rights as they put him in the back of the squad car. One cop remains with Jing-Mei.
Policeman: You'll have to come down to the station and make a report. I assume you are going to press charges against him.
Jing-Mei: Better believe it, but I need to tend to my arm right now.
Policeman: The paramedics are on their way. Go to the hospital and we'll see you later.
Jing-Mei: Thank you so much, officer.
Policeman: Do you know how he got in here?
Jing-Mei: Probably through the back door. I forgot to reset the alarm after I let the dog back inside. Thanks again for everything.
Rascal barks.
Policeman: Don't thank me. (pointing at Rascal) There's your hero. Thank him he saved your life.
Jing-Mei: Yes, you are right about that.
Policeman: We sure could use dogs like him on the police force. I guess you wouldn't want to donate him to..
Jing-Mei: Oh no, sorry. My son will never forgive me. Neither would my hus.. No, he's our doggie and he's staying with us forever.
Jing-Mei bends down to Rascal's level and hugs the excited dog, as he wags his tail and licks her face.
Jing-Mei(to Rascal): Isn't that right, little friend. You're our hero and you'll never go anywhere cause we love you so much. You're such a cute, brave little guy. Yes, you are. For now on, you can sleep in any room in the house you want to.
The paramedics arrive and take Jing-Mei into the ambulance and take her to the ER at County.
Jing-Mei arrives at the ER and insists on walking in on her own. She sees Randi, Kerry and Carter at the admit desk.
Kerry: Never mind, Carter. Here she is. Jing-Mei, why didn't you answer your page?
Jing-Mei: I was a little busy. (indicating her injured arm)
Carter hangs up the phone and walks over to her and Kerry.
Carter: What happened?
Jing-Mei: Intruder broke into the house.
Kerry: Are you alright? And the boys?
Jing-Mei: I got a little cut on my arm from his knife but other than that I'm fine, thanks to Rascal. And I'm so grateful that neither the boys or Mrs. Peterson were home when it happened.
Kerry examines her arm.
Kerry: It looks like more than a little cut. Where are the boys?
Jing-Mei: Antonio is still in the pediatrics ward and Mrs. Peterson took Rusty over to Italy to visit his mother's grave.
Kerry: That's right. What does Rascal have to do with your intruder?
Jing-Mei: He jumped on top of Mr. Pincard and kept him still until the police arrived.
Carter: Mr. Pincard? How friendly did you get with this intruder?
Jing-Mei: It's not what you think, John. This is the same guy who tried to attack me months ago in Dave's room.
Carter: When was your last tetanus?
Jing-Mei: Not sure.
Kerry: Better take her in and stitch her up and give her a booster tetanus, Carter.
Jing-Mei: Kerry, I need to talk to you a little later if you have some spare time.
Kerry: Doesn't sound good.
Jing-Mei: It's not. In fact, could my luck get worse.
Carter and Kerry look at each other.
Carter: Strange you should mention bad luck...
Jing-Mei: Why?
Carter: The reason why we paged you.
Kerry: Jing-Mei, Erik's had a seizure.
Jing-Mei: Oh god! What took you so long to tell me? How is he?
Kerry: I'm not sure. Romano and Benton were with him when I left.
Jing-Mei: You were there when he had his seizure?
Kerry: Yeah, I went to visit him to see if I could help bring him out of his catatonic state. I was talking with him and he seized. I had to get back down the ER but told Romano to page me when he knew anything. We are still waiting to hear.
Jing-Mei: I had better get up there.
Carter: Not until I stitch that arm. Erik, would want you to take care of yourself. He's in good hands.
Carter leads Jing-Mei into sutures while Kerry calls back up to the sixth floor trying to get hold of either Benton or Romano.
While Carter stitches Jing-Mei's arm he starts prying out information from her.
Carter: So, what do you need to talk to Kerry about?
Jing-Mei: You don't beat around the corner, do you John?
Carter: If there's something wrong I want to help. It's the least I can do for you and your family after what happened to Erik.
Jing-Mei: Well, actually it's about Erik. I got a letter in the mail yesterday. Before any of this business happened with Erik's attack, when he was still a working resident he took out some extra medical insurance.
Carter: Other medical insurance than the hospital offers?
Jing-Mei: Yes, a much better plan than we get here.
Carter: So, sounds great. What's the problem?
Jing-Mei: Well, it was great up til now. It's covered his care and hospitalization since he's been here and at the rehab center.
Carter: Wait a minute. The insurance company knows about Erik being alive.
Jing-Mei: Yes. We had to fill them in on it so they will cover Erik's medical expenses. But they are under a court order to not let that information get out. Anyway, they wrote to tell me that Erik's used up his coverage and they will no longer pay for him---at least not until his policy resets in one year. So, I need to speak with Weaver about alternative insurance plans.
Carter: I've got to give Erik credit to have thought ahead about extra insurance.
Jing-Mei: Erik wasn't stupid, John. He did plan ahead. He made sure that his insurance was current and that a child support check was sent to Rusty. That plus paying his rent and bills, his student loans and food on a resident's salary--no wonder he never had any money.
Carter: And if it wasn't for me, he wouldn't have these extra bills to pay.
Jing-Mei: I'm not blaming you, John.
Carter: I know. Well, if you don't get anywhere with Weaver let me know and I'll see what I can do.
Jing-Mei: Erik always hated when I used my clout to get things done. I guess he thought since he didn't have any clout that I was trying to act better than him, and that's not true.
Carter: You know Erik never thought much of himself and we didn't help any. We never missed an opportunity to put him down, but he just laughed it off.
Jing-Mei: Deep down that destroyed him because he felt like an outsider.
Carter: Erik's proven he's got something that, most if not all of the rest of us lack---character and strength---and we will never degrade him again after this. (pause) Okay, stitches are done. Now, remember don't get that wet and I'll take them out in 5 days...
Jing-Mei: Yes, I know John. Now, let me go upstairs and see how Erik is doing.
Carter and Jing-Mei walk out of the suture room and are met by Kerry.
Jing-Mei: Kerry, did you hear anything?
Kerry: Dr. Romano wants to speak with you up in Erik's room.
Jing-Mei runs to the elevator and as she waits for it, she starts shaking and crying. Finally, the doors open and she steps in. She takes it to the sixth floor and runs down the hall into Erik's room where Drs. Romano and Legaspi are waiting for her.
Jing-Mei: What's going on? What's wrong with him?
Dr. Romano: Medicine interaction.
Dr. Legaspi: The depakote that I put him on interacted with his dilantin and caused the seizure.
Jing-Mei: So, what do we do now?
Dr. Legaspi: He's stable. I've taken him off the depakote and changed it to zoloft. That should solve the problem.
Jing-Mei walks over to her husband to find him in the same condition---catatonic.
Jing-Mei: There's no chance that the interaction has caused his present state since his meds have been changed and he's still like this.
Dr. Romano: He's quiet and still now, that's all that counts.
On that note, Dr. Romano leaves the female doctors alone with Erik.
Dr. Legaspi: Don't pay any attention to him. I wish it was but I don't know what is causing his mood.
Jing-Mei: He was fine before you brought up the "N" word.
The doctors walked to the other side of the room, out of earshot of Erik.
Dr. Legaspi(whispering): You mean "Nicholas". I'll admit it, that does seem to be what set him off. His brother's death is the core of his problems. We will not get anywhere until we know exactly what it's all about.
Jing-Mei: And how do we do that?
Dr. Legaspi: By talking with someone who knew both boys.
Jing-Mei: Erik can't tell us--if he could we wouldn't be having this problem, now. The only other one would be Mr. Santini.
Dr. Legaspi: His friend from Sicily. (pause) Do you think he would come up so I could speak with him?
Jing-Mei: I don't know. I can call and ask. The worst thing he can say is no.
Dr. Legaspi: Great. Just don't tell him why I need to speak with him, I'll fill him in on the details when he gets here.
Jing-Mei: I'll see what I can do. But no promises. (looking at her watch)I have to get going. I have an errand to run before my shift begins.
Jing-Mei walks over to Erik, kisses his head and gives his hand a squeeze. Both doctors leave. Dr. Legaspi returns to work and Jing-Mei heads to the police station to file her report against Mr. Pincard.
Jing-Mei arrives at the police station and meets up with Capt. Amos.
Jing-Mei: Capt. Amos, I didn't think you would be here?
Capt. Amos: I heard about what happened to you last night. Please come into my office and have a seat.
Capt Amos filled out the paperwork and took Jing-Mei's statement.
Jing-Mei: Am I through now? Can I go?
Capt. Amos: Almost there's just the matter of a lineup.
Jing-Mei: Why? I already identified him when the cops took off his mask. Hell, I even called him by name. Why do we have to go through a lineup now?
Capt. Amos: Procedure.
Jing-Mei: Yeah, we have that at the hospital too.
Capt. Amos: Speaking of which, how is our favorite patient?
Jing-Mei: Not well. He's catatonic now and last night he had a seizure.
Capt. Amos: I guess he's not ready talk to me yet.
Jing-Mei: Hardly. He won't even talk to me.
Capt. Amos and Jing-Mei enter the lineup room where Jing-Mei successfully identifies Mr. Pincard as her attacker. While Capt. Amos files her report, Jing-Mei leaves the police station and heads back home.
She enters her house to hear the phone ringing. She picked it up and heard Mrs. Peterson on the other end.
Jing-Mei: Mrs. Peterson, how's it going over there?
Mrs. Peterson: It's just as beautiful as I dreamed it was. Rusty is so excited to be back. He missed all his friends and his Uncle Manny and Marissa.
Jing-Mei: So, Manny met you alright at the airport.
Mrs. Peterson: Yes, and he is just the sweetest man and his little girl is precious.
Jing-Mei: He is. I agree. Have you visited Jada yet?
Mrs. Peterson: No, we plan on going to the cemetery later this afternoon. Rusty wants to give me a tour and meet his friends first.
Jing-Mei: Yes, he's quite the little host. He insisted on doing the same thing with me when I was over there.
Mrs. Peterson: How's everything going back home?
Jing-Mei: Erik is still catatonic and last night had a seizure.
Mrs. Peterson: He's alright, though?
Jing-Mei: Yes, it was apparently an interaction with his meds. His psychiatrist is adjusting them to prevent it from happening again.
Mrs. Peterson: And the baby?
Jing-Mei: He's still in the hospital, thank god.
Mrs. Peterson: Thank god? Is there something you aren't telling me?
Jing-Mei: It's a long story but I'll tell you when you come back home. Can you put Rusty on the phone?
Mrs. Peterson: Sure. (calling to Rusty) Rusty, your Mama Jing's on the phone.
Rusty dashes over to the phone and takes it from Mrs. Peterson.
Rusty: Mama Jing, I miss you.
Jing-Mei: I miss you too. Are you having fun with your friends over there?
Rusty: Lots. How's Tonio and papa?
Jing-Mei: They're doing fine. They miss you too.
Rusty: What about Rascal?
Jing-Mei: Oh, he's doing great and I have a story to tell you when you get home? Put Grandma Peterson back on.
Rusty: Okay. I love you Mama Jing. And thanks.
Jing-Mei: Your welcome and I love you too.
Rusty hands the phone back to the older lady and resumes playing.
Jing-Mei: Listen, I have to get to work soon but you have my cell phone number and the hospital number. If you need to get in touch with me, call whenever.
Mrs. Peterson: I will. Thank you so much for the vacation. I am enjoying every moment. I'll let you go but you give those two guys a kiss for me and let Erik know he's in my prayers. Goodbye.
Jing-Mei: Your quite welcome. Like I told you, you did a huge favor for me. And I will give them the message. Goodbye.
Jing-Mei hangs up the phone temporarily then picks it back up and calls Mr. Santini.
Mr. Santini: Hello.
Jing-Mei: Mr. Santini, it's Dr. Chen.
Mr. Santini: How are you?
Jing-Mei: Fine. I need a favor, though.
Mr. Santini: Anytime. What can I do?
Jing-Mei: Can you spare about an hour or so later today?
Mr. Santini: I think I could fit you in. Is something wrong? Anything I can do to help. What do you need?
Jing-Mei: Actually, it's not me. It's Erik. He's having some trouble in his sessions with Dr. Legaspi and you may be the only one that can save him from completely losing his mind.
To be continued. Please read and review.