"Tested Hearts", chapter 15
Author: Chicmns
Category: Drama, angst
Disclaimer: All main characters belong to DPB, CBS, and Paramount.
Rating: G
Author's Notes: Thanks to all the great reviews so far, especially 'Dreamer20715' (be careful about that 'sitting on the edge of your seat' business--that's where I get most of my splinters! LOL); 'Sarai' (thanks for catching my flub on Harm's mom's correct name – I'd heard it a long while back, but couldn't remember it...and, yes, this is a pre-"The Papers" story in my JAG universe); 'Abigaile', 'jtbwriter', and 'Chas'.
It's a real blast for me to know that you guys are affected enough by the story to take the time to review it ... thank you!
DC FAMILY & CHILD SERVICES OFFICE
Mack Taylor, the DC FCS supervisor, walked out of his office towards Ellen Valera's cubicle, carrying Mattie Grace Johnson's file. He'd just been in contact with Tom Johnson, who'd reported a possible neglect situation with his daughter, along with her going to a hospital. Since the district budget costs of last year, his stable of child advocates and soclal workers had been reduced to barebone levels. Ellen was one one his department's brightest and most dedicated workers, which was why he'd assigned her to the Johnson case. This one had a few interesting wrinkles; a DUI with a death of a parent, a 15 year old girl who apparently had been running an entire aviation business by herself for a while, and a active-duty military pilot petitioning for custody.
Not one of your everyday, run-of-the-mill cases ... which meant that it required a 'special' touch -- in the person of Ellen Valera. A former DC cop, Ellen had a heart for kids that had made it impossible for her to stomach the violations she'd seen as a cop on the streets, but which made her a formidable children's advocate. Her unique combination of street smarts, people skills, law enforcement background, and dedication to the children in her care made her the perfect person for this situation. Normally, Mack wished he could pair her up with a young, inexperienced worker & let Ellen tutor them, but the budget and staff crunch made that impossible. Anyway, he thought to himself, Ellen was old-school; she preferred working alone, like the old detectives she grew up idolizing.
He reached her cubicle, which was cluttered with files, papers, a couple of computers ... the walls covered with kids Ellen had, and were, working with. She looked up and smiled as he knocked on the doorframe, and waved him in.
"Hiya, Mack. What do you have for me?
"Morning, Ellen. I was reviewing the Mattie Grace Johnson file because I got an irate call from the biological father this morning ... he wants to lodge a complaint on possible neglect. Want you to investigate."
"She's in the hospital? What happened?"
"According to her father, it looks like she caught some kind of flu bug. He's charging the present custody holder—"
"Guy named Rabb, along with a Jennifer Coates..." Ellen added, nodding. Mack wasn't surprised she had such command over the details of the open case – Ellen took the work very seriously.
"Yeah. Apparently Mattie was sick and actually lost consciousness before Rabb and Coates figured out anything was wrong. They took her to GW yesterday morning. Far as I know, she's still unconscious. I want you to run down the details, and notify Family Court."
"Sure."
"Report back to me once you've figured out what's happened, Ellen. Whole thing's giving me a funny feeling. Father's going through residential AA treatment, doesn't have a history of just making up stuff ... but we've graded Rabb with high marks so far. Let's get to the bottom of this. And, be sure to keep Judge Turner's office informed every step of the way. You know how she is – doesn't like any surprises."
Ellen nodded again, leaning back in a creaky office chair that had seen better days. "Rabb's a good man, boss. Guy's practically a Navy legend, but he's no Top Gun primadonna type, either. And I'm convinced he loves and would do anything for Mattie. Same thing with her roommate, Coates. Young girl, but she's been through enough hard knocks herself ... she's got a level head. Can't see her neglecting Mattie, but ours is not to assume. You don't have to tell me twice about the Judge, either - she's made me rewrite so many reports, I feel like I'm my own ghostwriter." Mack chuckled.
"Let me know what you find out."
"You got it, boss."
Mack turned and walked away as Ellen opened the file to read his report entry on the phone conversation he'd had with Tom Johnson ... then picked up the phone to call Mattie's guardian, Harmon Rabb.
GW HOSPITAL
ROOM 411
Harm woke to the sound of the gentle rhythmic beeps from the monitors and warm fingers wrapped in his. He blinked a few times to clear his eyes, trying to remember exactly where he was. Then, everything came flooding back through his sleep-fogged brain. He was with Mattie in the hospital. He turned to face her as he lay in a bed close to hers ... she was sleeping on her side, turned towards him. Her gentle, even breathing followed the beeps of the monitors. Her mouth was slightly open, and her lips looked dry. The unruly curls of her auburn hair surrounded her head like a halo, the early rays of the morning sun illuminating her face from the windows behind him.
It was fairly early in the morning, judging from the angle of the light coming in through the bay windows and the relative quiet of the hallways. He didn't have Mac's innate exact sense of time, but his own well-developed instincts served in good stead.
He was content to watch his daughter sleep some more, but nature was calling. As quietly as he could, he got up from the bed and gently disentangled his hand from hers. She moaned softly in her sleep ... her hand searching for his after their contact had been broken. He smiled and leaned over her, kissing her cheek, and whispering as quietly as he could in order not to wake her up, said ...
"I'll be right back, sweetheart. Sleep ..."
He watched as a slight smile appeared on her face, and he heard her soft sigh as he quietly slipped on his shoes and left the room, heading for the bathrooms down the hall. Before he reached the men's restroom door, his cell phone buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out, he squinted at the screen and saw, "Valera, E." on the tiny screen. Leaning against the wall in the hallway, he opened the phone, and spoke.
"Rabb."
"Commander Rabb ... good morning. This is Ellen Valera, from DC FCS."
"Hello, Ms. Valera. How are you?"
"Fine, sir. I understand you're not where you'd prefer to be right now. How is Mattie doing?"
He was surprised ... he hadn't thought that FCS had a chance to interview Mac.
"No, I wish I were anywhere but here, Ms. Valera, and she's doing a lot better, thanks. Her fever's come down a lot, and she was awake for a while last night with family & friends. I'm hoping she'll feel even better today, but the doctor wants to keep her here for a couple more days until the infection's gone. When did you speak with Colonel McKenzie?"
"Sir?" The puzzled tone from Valera confused Harm.
"You've spoken with her, correct? That's how you found out about what happened?"
"Um ... no, sir. I'm calling in response to a complaint Mattie's father lodged with this office today. It's his belief that Mattie got sick because of neglect, and—"
"NEGLECT!" Harm thundered. "That ... listen, Ms. Valera, NO ONE has neglected Mattie. She came home from school uncharacteristically quiet and tired, and her roommate understandably did not believe anything serious was going on until early yesterday morning when she heard Mattie fall out of her bed, unconscious. We had her in an ambulance not 20 minutes after than, and the doctors here say it's one of the fastest-developing cases of fever and pneumonia they've ever seen or heard of. She's under the care of George Washington's chief of pediatrics, Ms. Valera, and you should ask him if there was any 'neglect'!"
Harm had been furiously pacing up and down the hallway as he spoke to her, and she paused a few beats before responding. She heard worry, concern, and frustration in his voice ... along with truth. Her years as a cop taught her the ability to tell lies from truth, and she believed she was being told the truth here. "Mr. Rabb," she replied, deliberately pacing her voice in order to calm him, "I have to follow through with this; I'm sure you understand. There are protocols we have to follow, and the court will need to see reports from us regarding this complaint by Mr. Johnson. I will speak with everyone involved, including Mattie's physicians. I want you to know that we don't draw conclusions until we've checked things out thoroughly; please calm yourself."
Harm drew a large breath, and willed himself back in control before answering. "I realize you're just doing your duty, Ms. Valera. My priority right now is to make sure Mattie has everything she needs to get well again. Everything else is secondary, including Mr. Johnson's bogus complaint. You should also know that I haven't actually spoken with him yet; Mac ... I mean, Colonel McKenzie, called him for me after we brought Mattie in to GW ... and he had a very nasty conversation with her, which she conveyed to me after the fact. So, I knew what his response to all of this was, and from what she told me about their conversation, he seemed to spend more time blaming Jen Coates and myself for what happened, than inquiring about his own flesh and blood! As I said, though, my focus is on being with Mattie and working with the doctors here. We will try to cooperate with you in any way, Ms. Valera, but I'm going to tell you right now that I'm not leaving Mattie's side to waste time in some conference room somewhere arguing about who did what when. We can talk here at the hospital whenever you like, but I'm staying here with Mattie."
Ellen was writing furiously as Harm was speaking, getting needed info while jotting down her impressions.
"Mr. Rabb, I understand everything you've told me, and first of all – I'm glad Mattie's feeling a lot better. Let me also say that I'm not the enemy here. Our goal, as it is for you, is to make sure whatever happens as a result of all this is what's best for Mattie. Having said that, let me say with all respect that you WILL cooperate with my investigation, sir ... there's absolutely NO doubt on that score." Harm heard the steel in her voice, and was immediately reminded of the tough interrogation he'd gone through with agent Gibbs from NCIS several months ago. He wondered if she had any law enforcement in her background. "I'm aware that you conduct JAG investigations for the Navy, Mr. Rabb, so you know how this goes. We'll talk to everyone we can, including Mattie, yourself, and Miss Coates, and then we'll report to the Court. First thing I'll do is speak with Mr. Johnson again, and then soon afterward with Colonel McKenzie."
"I know she'll make herself available to you whenever you like, Ms. Valera." Harm said.
"Thanks. I realize with both of you in the military, things can happen at a moment's notice. I'll try to wrap this thing up as fast as I can without compromising the investigation. Meanwhile, I'd like to visit with Mattie and speak with her doctors. Please expect me sometime today there at the hospital, since it sounds like she'll be there for a while yet, true?"
"Yes, that's right ...unfortunately."
"GW is one of the best hospitals in the area, Mr. Rabb, and I'm sure she's in good hands. I'd prefer you not discuss any of what we've talked about with her or anyone else. I need to conduct clean interviews. I'm sure you understand."
Harm's hand tightly gripped his phone in anger; she was apparently insinuating that he'd try to "coach" Mattie, Mac, or her doctors to slant their comments his way. Unbelievable ... but he knew that voicing it out loud wouldn't help anybody ... and so he held his tongue in check.
"Yes, Ms. Valera, I do."
She heard the increased tension in his voice, and sighed before continuing. "Mr. Rabb, if it turns out that Mr. Johnson filed this complaint out of spite or for some other reason unsupported by any facts, you do realize that it will eventually harm him more than you, right?"
He wasn't quite sure what message she was sending him, so a simple answer was best.
"I think so." That was the best she could hope from him, she realized.
"Good. I hope Mattie does much better today, and I'd appreciate a call if things change."
"We'll keep in touch, Ms. Valera."
"Good. Thanks for your time, Mr. Rabb, and I'll see you both soon."
"Thank you. Goodbye."
He clicked the phone closed and closed his eyes in thought as he continued to lean against the wall of the hospital corridor. Looked like his instincts were right about Tom Johnson. Rubbing his eyes, he turned to enter the restroom. He wanted to get back to Mattie as soon as possible, and the call had taken too long as it is.
HARM'S APARTMENT NORTH OF UNION STATION, DC
Mac knocked on the door of Harm's apartment instead of using her key to enter. Since Harm's parents were staying there, she didn't feel comfortable just letting herself in with her key ... as she normally would if Harm wasn't there.
She hadn't slept well after dropping off Harm's folks at his place last night ... the combination of worry over Mattie, and the conversation she'd with Tom Johnson the previous morning left her restless and on edge. As she ran her fingers through her short hair, she realized there was another reason for her anxiety; it had been VERY hard for her to leave Mattie's side last night. She couldn't help feeling she'd run out on her, even though she knew Mattie would never see it that way. Mattie had been right, though; Mac was always close to her, even when they were separated by distance. Harm had even commented recently on the strong bond that had sprung up between Mac and his foster daughter ... whenever they were together, she and Mattie always ended up standing or sitting close to each other, and Mac could even sense her foster daughter's thoughts and moods a lot easier than even Harm could - most of the time. He didn't seem to mind; he was content to shower Mattie with love and affection as the relationship between the two of them developed and grew at its' own pace. It was enough, Mac knew, that both of them KNEW the other loved them completely and unconditionally. As much as the bond between Mattie and Mac had surprised and pleased Harm, the special connection between he and Mattie held Mac in awe. It shocked strangers who'd seen them together when they discovered that Harm and Mattie hadn't even met till several months ago – not even a full year had passed since they'd entered each other's lives.
THAT fact alone summed up the depth of their love for each other; springing up out of nowhere, ever-present, and unbreakable.
Mac's thoughts were interrupted as Harm's mom opened the door and immediately gave Mac a smile and a hug, pulling the younger woman into the apartment where Mac could smell coffee and bacon in the air. She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, enjoying the scents as she returned the hug.
"Good morning, Sarah. How are you feeling? Didn't get much sleep, I see." Mac smiled wistfully at the older woman standing before her.
"Using your X-ray vision on me again, Trish?" she quipped, making her laugh as Frank came out of Harm's bathroom and gave her a kiss of greeting on her cheek.
"More like her mothering-vision, Sarah." Frank answered. "Would you like some coffee, eggs and bacon? We lifted the bacon from Mattie and Jen's place – don't turn us in, OK? Harm will just lecture us on the evils of bacon or some such nonsense, and we've heard it all before." Mac laughed at the long-suffering look on his face, and shook her head. "Don't have to worry about me, Frank. I love all things bacon ... especially the way Trish makes it. As for Harm, what he doesn't know won't hurt us."
Trish winked at Mac as she led her to Harm's kitchen island/breakfast nook. "That's more like it! Between Mattie complaining about me calling her Matilda and Harm's lectures about better eating habits, it's enough to drive a person batty. At least SOMEONE in this family is taking it easy on us!"
"You were always our favorite, Mac." Frank quietly said from his chair, and Mac burst out laughing again, threatening to spill the cup of coffee Trish had just poured for her. She loved these two people with all her heart, and she was so glad they were there. She dug into the plate Trish placed before her ... managing to ask something before her hunger overtook her completely.
"So, Trish ... why DO you always call Mattie by her full name – you know it drives her nuts!"
The woman next to her gave her a cagey look before answering. "I just like the name, and I don't really understand why she doesn't. She doesn't know this yet, but MY grandmother was named Matilda. Plus--," and then Trish lowered her voice as if telling a state secret, "I love teasing her about it. I probably WOUD call her 'Mattie' if she didn't freak out so much. So, it's really her own fault, you see."
Mac was in danger of spewing the eggs and bacon she'd been chewing as another bout of laughter threatened to overwhelm her. She finally managed to swallow the food in her mouth, choking a little as Frank kindly patted her back. She smiled at him, and turned back to Trish who had a cat's grin on her face. "I hope I have as much fun with my grandkids as you do, Trish." Mac said, chuckling again.
"God ... Mattie with kids of her own ... Lord, take me now!!" Trish fervently whispered, causing Mac to giggle again.
"Come on, you two ... we need to head over to the hospital. Finish up, and no gossip, you hear? You can save it all for Mattie later," Frank spoke up.
Trish narrowed her eyes at her husband, then looked over at Mac in mock- frustration.
"Still haven't managed to teach him the value of good gossip, Sarah ... my life's work isn't complete."
"If it makes you feel any better, Trish, your son isn't much better than Frank is. If Mattie, Jen, and I want Harm to disappear for a while, all we have to do is fire up the gossiping ... or, as Harm calls it, 'womenfolk chatter.' He heads for the hills, or goes to play basketball with Sturgis – where THEY 'chatter' on and on about scores, or putting, or engines ..." Mac sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Men!" Trish exclaimed in mock frustration.
"You said it!" Mac added.
Frank looked back and forth between them. "Oh, yeah ... it's time to get going, all right ..." he muttered, finishing up his eggs.
GW HOSPITAL ROOM 411
When Harm returned to Mattie's room, a nurse was just finishing up a check on her vitals and making notes on a clipboard. She smiled at Harm as he entered and sat down on the bed next to Mattie. She'd turned onto her back since he'd woken up, a hand resting on her stomach above the blankets that covered her. Harm reached over and very gently took it, wrapping his calloused fingers around hers. She murmured, and slowly opened her eyes to find him smiling and watching her.
"Mmmm ... dad, hi ..." She smiled and squeezed his hand, stretching her limbs a little without releasing it.
"Hi yourself, Sleeping Beauty. How are you feeling?"
"Um ... better, I think. I don't feel as sick as I did before. Is Mom here?"
"Not yet, honey. She's on her way with your grandparents, I'm sure."
"Great. I can't wait to see everybody."
"Are you hungry, Mattie?" the nurse asked her, pen poised over her clipboard.
"Kinda ... but I don't think I can eat much, if that makes any sense."
"It does." Harm answered. "Reminds me of how I felt the day after I splashed in the F-14 coming back for Mac's weeding. Half of me wanted a big meal, and the other half couldn't stand the idea of eating. The docs told me it was the temp changes my body was going through. It's the same for you, probably." He sensed the nurse was following their conversation, nodding at his interpretation of Mattie's state. Mattie sighed and looked towards the windows.
"I'm glad I wasn't around for that, Harm ... I wouldn't have been able to handle it, not knowing where or how you were ..." Her eyes held a look of dread and relief all at once. He squeezed her hand.
The nurse took a step closer to the bed. "You're doing really well, Mattie. The doctor will be by in a while to look you over, and I'll check on you later." She could tell this was father-daughter time, and she didn't want to interrupt. Both Harm and Mattie looked up at her and grinned the same kind of grin. It was uncanny. "Thanks, nurse." Harm replied. She nodded at them both, and left the room.
Harm turned back to look at Mattie. "Everything turned out OK, Mattie. And Mac knew where I was all the time, although even she didn't know how bad off I was."
He felt Mattie shiver through their clasped hands, and asked her softly, "Hey, think there's enough room for me next to you?" She looked up at him and grinned, then started sliding over to make a space for him. He adjusted the monitor wires and helped her move the IV still attached to her palm, then settled in next to her, putting his arm around her shoulders. Mattie laid her head on his chest, and closed her eyes.
He wanted to lend her as much of his strength as she needed, holding her as long as she needed. They sat quietly for a few minutes, the beeps from the monitors filling the silence of the room. After a moment, he heard her quiet whisper.
"Mom told me a little about that ... about her helping to find you in that storm. I never believed any of that psychic stuff, but after hearing her talk about what she'd felt through the connection you guys have ... and her weird thing about always knowing exactly what time it is ... I'm not so sure."
"Believe me, Mattie ... no one's more thankful she helped find me than I am."
"I know lots of people who are really thankful, dad. Starting with me." He grinned, and leaned in to kiss her forehead.
"Thanks, Mattie. I'm happy you're feeling better. I've missed you so much, and I was really afraid when you didn't wake up soon after we got you here."
"I'm sorry for scaring you, Mom, and Jen so much. I really don't remember falling out of bed, or even getting here. The first thing I think I remember is hearing you and Mom talking here in my room ... but it's all still hazy. But I knew you, Mom, and Jen were close by, so now I think I understand a little more how she must have felt when you went down that night."
"Hmm. Think the power's passed down from mother to daughter?"
Mattie laughed a little and said, "I hope that's not the only thing I get from her."
"It's not, trust me. You two have a lot in common."
"You know, I really didn't think so at first, but you're right. And she tells me we do every so often."
"Why don't you guys make a list tonight when she's here with you?"
"Yeah, right, ... like we're going to waste time NOT talking about how to find ways to continually embarrass you??" Harm laughed, feeling Mattie chuckle against him.
"Oh, of course ... how could I be so dense?"
"It's not much of a stretch for you, Dad."
"Ooohh, VERY funny, young lady!"
"Yes, I thought so, too."
"Just for that, I'm not going to tell you anything about the special guest who's coming to see you later."
Mattie looked up at him with this childlike excitement in her eyes, and his heart burst to see the life beginning to return to his daughter after the events of the last day. "Who is it??? Dad!! Tell me!"
"Nope."
"Come on ... who is it? I don't—wait a minute, everyone's been here already. Well, except for Mikey Roberts ..."
"Oh, this is another young man who has apparently fallen under your spell ..."
Mattie blushed at Harm's teasing, and slapped his chest with her palm. "Tell me!!"
Harm laughed at the slightly frustrated tone in her voice, and decided to give her a break.
"Andre and Miss Barrows from school called yesterday. They'd like to come and visit, if you're feeling up to it. Andre was ESPECIALLY anxious to come see you ..." he told her, wriggling his eyebrows suggestively.
"Andre ..." she whispered. "Dad, he's just my friend. Don't get all wiggy on me."
"Word is, he has a few assignments he'd like to deliver ..."
Mattie groaned, and rubbed her face.
"I should have known ... can't escape from the never-ending homework, even in here ..."
"Sorry, kiddo, but if you're gonna fly jets like the old man, you gotta make sure school is squared away."
"I know, I know, dad!" She pursed her lips in frustration. Like any teenager, Mattie did NOT care much for homework.
"Mattie, I stay on your six about it because it's important, and ... well, it's federal law that I must harass you at every opportunity."
"Hmpf. Federal law, my—"
"MATTIE!!!" He knew that she was teasing him, and part of the fun was being a willing straight man to her jokes and sharp wit.
"All right, all right ... just kidding. When are they coming?"
"Later today, IF the doctor clears it, and IF you feel OK – deal? I want you to rest as much as possible, Mattie – I'm serious. I'm taking you home as soon as you're well, but if you tire yourself too much, you'll be stuck here longer. You read me?"
"Yeah, dad. I promise I'll be good."
"Thanks. I know you will."
Harm paused, and cleared his voice. Something in his posture made Mattie tense up against him, and he felt her reaction.
"Mattie, there's ... something else I need to tell you."
"What?" She lifted her head from his shoulder, and turned slightly to look in his eyes.
"Well ..." He was hesitating, which wasn't like him at all. She narrowed her eyes.
"Dad?"
"OK. Yesterday, Mac called your father to tell him you'd gotten sick, and that we had to bring you here. He didn't react very well to the news."
"What did he say?" Harm heard a strange tone in her voice, and saw conflicting emotions in her hazel eyes.
"Well, Mac and I will give you the details later. It's just something I wanted to tell you about."
"Why not tell me all of it right now?"
"Mattie – "
"Dad, come on already. Whatever he said, I've probably heard before. No big deal."
She saw his eyes narrow slightly, and knew right away there was much more to the story.
"Dad?"
"Mattie ... look, I don't want you to be distracted by anything other than getting better, all right? I promise that you, Mac, and I will talk about it later." She studied his face, meeting his gaze ... and saw in them his love and determination to protect her and keep her safe. Mattie had never doubted her adopted dad, and she had no reason to start now. She nodded once, and laid her head back on his shoulder.
"Okay, Dad."
Harm sighed inwardly, knowing Mattie trusted him. He fought with his desire to be upfront and tell her everything, but he knew it wasn't the right time. There were other things to consider, and they both unintentionally managed to doze off after a few minutes. A short time later, the nurse quietly opened the door and, seeing them asleep, smiled to herself and left, closing the door as quietly as possible to let them stay undisturbed.
When Frank, Trish, and Mac arrived a half hour later, that's how they found them – still asleep, with Mattie snuggled up against him. The three adults quietly padded into the room, and smiled as they caught each other's eyes. They stood there, each of them knowing they'd never forget the sense of family and peace the picture before them represented. No one spoke or moved, and both women's eyes were filled with tears, while Frank's face was a picture of pride and joy.
The room remained this way until a soft knock sounded at the door, and Dr. Gentry entered. Stopping at the sight before her, she smiled and folded her arms across her lab coat. Sighing, she whispered in a wistful voice,
"Now, that's how every day should start."
Mac looked at her and grinned. She moved closer to the doctor, matching the other woman's quiet tone. "Are you here to check on Mattie?"
"Yes. Dr. Masters was called into a tele-consult, and since I treated Mattie when she was brought in, he asked me to do this morning's eval for him. So, how's our girl doing?" she asked, pulling out her PMC and bringing up the remote sensor logs from the past few hours, along with Dr. Masters' most recent notes. Trish and Frank came over to them, not wanting to wake Harm and Mattie until it was needed.
"She certainly looks better than she did last night," Mac replied. "Her color's more natural."
"Well, her temp is down to 99.2, and Dr. Masters indicates here that her recent tests showed her body's fighting off this pneumonia pretty well. Her CBCs are almost back to normal levels. A LOT better than the first time I saw this young lady, that's for sure. I hate to do this, but I need to perform a physical exam, and that unfortunately means waking them up."
"A shame," Frank whispered. "I wish I had a camera."
"Believe me ... I'll remember this sight for a long time." Trish said. Then she sighed, and quietly walked over to Harm. Touching his shoulder, she ruffled his hair and whispered, "Harm, honey?" He stirred, then opened his eyes, looking around for a moment before finally catching sight of everyone in the room. He looked down at Mattie, who felt the movement ... opening her eyes and sitting up.
"Sorry ... guess I dozed off. What's going on?--Mom! Grams! Gramps! You're here!"
"We sure are, honey! How are you feeling?" Frank asked her. Mattie smiled at him as she received kisses from her grandmother and Mac. "Lots better, Gramps. You going to bust me out and take me home now?"
He laughed and replied, "Sure, if you can handle shimmying down the gutters outside the windows in that 'backless dress' you're wearing!" Mattie looked down at her hospital garb, and shook her head.
"I think I'm just going to wait until Jen brings me some regular clothes."
"Good idea, Mattie. Fashion before prison breaks, I always say." Mattie laughed, looking around to see who'd spoken.
The voice that came from the back of the room, she saw, was from a woman around Mac's age, wearing a doctor's lab coat with "Dr. Gentry" stitched on the left breast pocket. Mattie had never seen her before, but her voice ...
"I think I remember you ... well, I remember your voice, from ... somewhere ... you were talking to someone about medical stuff, and ..." Mattie had a puzzled look on her face, as she tried to add her jumbled pieces of memory together. The doctor smiled at her and came closer, patting her hand.
"I'm Dr. Gentry, Mattie. I was on duty in the ER when your dad and roommate brought you in. You were a very sick young lady the first time I saw you. I started to treat you, and I'm glad to see you feeling better."
"Thanks. Are you taking over for Dr. Masters?"
"Oh, no ... I'm just giving him a hand. He's a popular guy around here, but he asked me to tell you he'd be back to look in on you later. He's very devoted to his patients, and word is you're already one of his favorites." Mattie grinned at her. "Meanwhile, I need to examine you for a couple of minutes, ok? If everyone would give us a few minutes outside, please?" Harm untangled himself from Mattie's side, and she immediately missed his warm presence. Everyone smiled at her as they turned to leave the room ... as Dr. Gentry pulled the curtain.
END OF CHAPTER 15
Author: Chicmns
Category: Drama, angst
Disclaimer: All main characters belong to DPB, CBS, and Paramount.
Rating: G
Author's Notes: Thanks to all the great reviews so far, especially 'Dreamer20715' (be careful about that 'sitting on the edge of your seat' business--that's where I get most of my splinters! LOL); 'Sarai' (thanks for catching my flub on Harm's mom's correct name – I'd heard it a long while back, but couldn't remember it...and, yes, this is a pre-"The Papers" story in my JAG universe); 'Abigaile', 'jtbwriter', and 'Chas'.
It's a real blast for me to know that you guys are affected enough by the story to take the time to review it ... thank you!
DC FAMILY & CHILD SERVICES OFFICE
Mack Taylor, the DC FCS supervisor, walked out of his office towards Ellen Valera's cubicle, carrying Mattie Grace Johnson's file. He'd just been in contact with Tom Johnson, who'd reported a possible neglect situation with his daughter, along with her going to a hospital. Since the district budget costs of last year, his stable of child advocates and soclal workers had been reduced to barebone levels. Ellen was one one his department's brightest and most dedicated workers, which was why he'd assigned her to the Johnson case. This one had a few interesting wrinkles; a DUI with a death of a parent, a 15 year old girl who apparently had been running an entire aviation business by herself for a while, and a active-duty military pilot petitioning for custody.
Not one of your everyday, run-of-the-mill cases ... which meant that it required a 'special' touch -- in the person of Ellen Valera. A former DC cop, Ellen had a heart for kids that had made it impossible for her to stomach the violations she'd seen as a cop on the streets, but which made her a formidable children's advocate. Her unique combination of street smarts, people skills, law enforcement background, and dedication to the children in her care made her the perfect person for this situation. Normally, Mack wished he could pair her up with a young, inexperienced worker & let Ellen tutor them, but the budget and staff crunch made that impossible. Anyway, he thought to himself, Ellen was old-school; she preferred working alone, like the old detectives she grew up idolizing.
He reached her cubicle, which was cluttered with files, papers, a couple of computers ... the walls covered with kids Ellen had, and were, working with. She looked up and smiled as he knocked on the doorframe, and waved him in.
"Hiya, Mack. What do you have for me?
"Morning, Ellen. I was reviewing the Mattie Grace Johnson file because I got an irate call from the biological father this morning ... he wants to lodge a complaint on possible neglect. Want you to investigate."
"She's in the hospital? What happened?"
"According to her father, it looks like she caught some kind of flu bug. He's charging the present custody holder—"
"Guy named Rabb, along with a Jennifer Coates..." Ellen added, nodding. Mack wasn't surprised she had such command over the details of the open case – Ellen took the work very seriously.
"Yeah. Apparently Mattie was sick and actually lost consciousness before Rabb and Coates figured out anything was wrong. They took her to GW yesterday morning. Far as I know, she's still unconscious. I want you to run down the details, and notify Family Court."
"Sure."
"Report back to me once you've figured out what's happened, Ellen. Whole thing's giving me a funny feeling. Father's going through residential AA treatment, doesn't have a history of just making up stuff ... but we've graded Rabb with high marks so far. Let's get to the bottom of this. And, be sure to keep Judge Turner's office informed every step of the way. You know how she is – doesn't like any surprises."
Ellen nodded again, leaning back in a creaky office chair that had seen better days. "Rabb's a good man, boss. Guy's practically a Navy legend, but he's no Top Gun primadonna type, either. And I'm convinced he loves and would do anything for Mattie. Same thing with her roommate, Coates. Young girl, but she's been through enough hard knocks herself ... she's got a level head. Can't see her neglecting Mattie, but ours is not to assume. You don't have to tell me twice about the Judge, either - she's made me rewrite so many reports, I feel like I'm my own ghostwriter." Mack chuckled.
"Let me know what you find out."
"You got it, boss."
Mack turned and walked away as Ellen opened the file to read his report entry on the phone conversation he'd had with Tom Johnson ... then picked up the phone to call Mattie's guardian, Harmon Rabb.
GW HOSPITAL
ROOM 411
Harm woke to the sound of the gentle rhythmic beeps from the monitors and warm fingers wrapped in his. He blinked a few times to clear his eyes, trying to remember exactly where he was. Then, everything came flooding back through his sleep-fogged brain. He was with Mattie in the hospital. He turned to face her as he lay in a bed close to hers ... she was sleeping on her side, turned towards him. Her gentle, even breathing followed the beeps of the monitors. Her mouth was slightly open, and her lips looked dry. The unruly curls of her auburn hair surrounded her head like a halo, the early rays of the morning sun illuminating her face from the windows behind him.
It was fairly early in the morning, judging from the angle of the light coming in through the bay windows and the relative quiet of the hallways. He didn't have Mac's innate exact sense of time, but his own well-developed instincts served in good stead.
He was content to watch his daughter sleep some more, but nature was calling. As quietly as he could, he got up from the bed and gently disentangled his hand from hers. She moaned softly in her sleep ... her hand searching for his after their contact had been broken. He smiled and leaned over her, kissing her cheek, and whispering as quietly as he could in order not to wake her up, said ...
"I'll be right back, sweetheart. Sleep ..."
He watched as a slight smile appeared on her face, and he heard her soft sigh as he quietly slipped on his shoes and left the room, heading for the bathrooms down the hall. Before he reached the men's restroom door, his cell phone buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out, he squinted at the screen and saw, "Valera, E." on the tiny screen. Leaning against the wall in the hallway, he opened the phone, and spoke.
"Rabb."
"Commander Rabb ... good morning. This is Ellen Valera, from DC FCS."
"Hello, Ms. Valera. How are you?"
"Fine, sir. I understand you're not where you'd prefer to be right now. How is Mattie doing?"
He was surprised ... he hadn't thought that FCS had a chance to interview Mac.
"No, I wish I were anywhere but here, Ms. Valera, and she's doing a lot better, thanks. Her fever's come down a lot, and she was awake for a while last night with family & friends. I'm hoping she'll feel even better today, but the doctor wants to keep her here for a couple more days until the infection's gone. When did you speak with Colonel McKenzie?"
"Sir?" The puzzled tone from Valera confused Harm.
"You've spoken with her, correct? That's how you found out about what happened?"
"Um ... no, sir. I'm calling in response to a complaint Mattie's father lodged with this office today. It's his belief that Mattie got sick because of neglect, and—"
"NEGLECT!" Harm thundered. "That ... listen, Ms. Valera, NO ONE has neglected Mattie. She came home from school uncharacteristically quiet and tired, and her roommate understandably did not believe anything serious was going on until early yesterday morning when she heard Mattie fall out of her bed, unconscious. We had her in an ambulance not 20 minutes after than, and the doctors here say it's one of the fastest-developing cases of fever and pneumonia they've ever seen or heard of. She's under the care of George Washington's chief of pediatrics, Ms. Valera, and you should ask him if there was any 'neglect'!"
Harm had been furiously pacing up and down the hallway as he spoke to her, and she paused a few beats before responding. She heard worry, concern, and frustration in his voice ... along with truth. Her years as a cop taught her the ability to tell lies from truth, and she believed she was being told the truth here. "Mr. Rabb," she replied, deliberately pacing her voice in order to calm him, "I have to follow through with this; I'm sure you understand. There are protocols we have to follow, and the court will need to see reports from us regarding this complaint by Mr. Johnson. I will speak with everyone involved, including Mattie's physicians. I want you to know that we don't draw conclusions until we've checked things out thoroughly; please calm yourself."
Harm drew a large breath, and willed himself back in control before answering. "I realize you're just doing your duty, Ms. Valera. My priority right now is to make sure Mattie has everything she needs to get well again. Everything else is secondary, including Mr. Johnson's bogus complaint. You should also know that I haven't actually spoken with him yet; Mac ... I mean, Colonel McKenzie, called him for me after we brought Mattie in to GW ... and he had a very nasty conversation with her, which she conveyed to me after the fact. So, I knew what his response to all of this was, and from what she told me about their conversation, he seemed to spend more time blaming Jen Coates and myself for what happened, than inquiring about his own flesh and blood! As I said, though, my focus is on being with Mattie and working with the doctors here. We will try to cooperate with you in any way, Ms. Valera, but I'm going to tell you right now that I'm not leaving Mattie's side to waste time in some conference room somewhere arguing about who did what when. We can talk here at the hospital whenever you like, but I'm staying here with Mattie."
Ellen was writing furiously as Harm was speaking, getting needed info while jotting down her impressions.
"Mr. Rabb, I understand everything you've told me, and first of all – I'm glad Mattie's feeling a lot better. Let me also say that I'm not the enemy here. Our goal, as it is for you, is to make sure whatever happens as a result of all this is what's best for Mattie. Having said that, let me say with all respect that you WILL cooperate with my investigation, sir ... there's absolutely NO doubt on that score." Harm heard the steel in her voice, and was immediately reminded of the tough interrogation he'd gone through with agent Gibbs from NCIS several months ago. He wondered if she had any law enforcement in her background. "I'm aware that you conduct JAG investigations for the Navy, Mr. Rabb, so you know how this goes. We'll talk to everyone we can, including Mattie, yourself, and Miss Coates, and then we'll report to the Court. First thing I'll do is speak with Mr. Johnson again, and then soon afterward with Colonel McKenzie."
"I know she'll make herself available to you whenever you like, Ms. Valera." Harm said.
"Thanks. I realize with both of you in the military, things can happen at a moment's notice. I'll try to wrap this thing up as fast as I can without compromising the investigation. Meanwhile, I'd like to visit with Mattie and speak with her doctors. Please expect me sometime today there at the hospital, since it sounds like she'll be there for a while yet, true?"
"Yes, that's right ...unfortunately."
"GW is one of the best hospitals in the area, Mr. Rabb, and I'm sure she's in good hands. I'd prefer you not discuss any of what we've talked about with her or anyone else. I need to conduct clean interviews. I'm sure you understand."
Harm's hand tightly gripped his phone in anger; she was apparently insinuating that he'd try to "coach" Mattie, Mac, or her doctors to slant their comments his way. Unbelievable ... but he knew that voicing it out loud wouldn't help anybody ... and so he held his tongue in check.
"Yes, Ms. Valera, I do."
She heard the increased tension in his voice, and sighed before continuing. "Mr. Rabb, if it turns out that Mr. Johnson filed this complaint out of spite or for some other reason unsupported by any facts, you do realize that it will eventually harm him more than you, right?"
He wasn't quite sure what message she was sending him, so a simple answer was best.
"I think so." That was the best she could hope from him, she realized.
"Good. I hope Mattie does much better today, and I'd appreciate a call if things change."
"We'll keep in touch, Ms. Valera."
"Good. Thanks for your time, Mr. Rabb, and I'll see you both soon."
"Thank you. Goodbye."
He clicked the phone closed and closed his eyes in thought as he continued to lean against the wall of the hospital corridor. Looked like his instincts were right about Tom Johnson. Rubbing his eyes, he turned to enter the restroom. He wanted to get back to Mattie as soon as possible, and the call had taken too long as it is.
HARM'S APARTMENT NORTH OF UNION STATION, DC
Mac knocked on the door of Harm's apartment instead of using her key to enter. Since Harm's parents were staying there, she didn't feel comfortable just letting herself in with her key ... as she normally would if Harm wasn't there.
She hadn't slept well after dropping off Harm's folks at his place last night ... the combination of worry over Mattie, and the conversation she'd with Tom Johnson the previous morning left her restless and on edge. As she ran her fingers through her short hair, she realized there was another reason for her anxiety; it had been VERY hard for her to leave Mattie's side last night. She couldn't help feeling she'd run out on her, even though she knew Mattie would never see it that way. Mattie had been right, though; Mac was always close to her, even when they were separated by distance. Harm had even commented recently on the strong bond that had sprung up between Mac and his foster daughter ... whenever they were together, she and Mattie always ended up standing or sitting close to each other, and Mac could even sense her foster daughter's thoughts and moods a lot easier than even Harm could - most of the time. He didn't seem to mind; he was content to shower Mattie with love and affection as the relationship between the two of them developed and grew at its' own pace. It was enough, Mac knew, that both of them KNEW the other loved them completely and unconditionally. As much as the bond between Mattie and Mac had surprised and pleased Harm, the special connection between he and Mattie held Mac in awe. It shocked strangers who'd seen them together when they discovered that Harm and Mattie hadn't even met till several months ago – not even a full year had passed since they'd entered each other's lives.
THAT fact alone summed up the depth of their love for each other; springing up out of nowhere, ever-present, and unbreakable.
Mac's thoughts were interrupted as Harm's mom opened the door and immediately gave Mac a smile and a hug, pulling the younger woman into the apartment where Mac could smell coffee and bacon in the air. She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, enjoying the scents as she returned the hug.
"Good morning, Sarah. How are you feeling? Didn't get much sleep, I see." Mac smiled wistfully at the older woman standing before her.
"Using your X-ray vision on me again, Trish?" she quipped, making her laugh as Frank came out of Harm's bathroom and gave her a kiss of greeting on her cheek.
"More like her mothering-vision, Sarah." Frank answered. "Would you like some coffee, eggs and bacon? We lifted the bacon from Mattie and Jen's place – don't turn us in, OK? Harm will just lecture us on the evils of bacon or some such nonsense, and we've heard it all before." Mac laughed at the long-suffering look on his face, and shook her head. "Don't have to worry about me, Frank. I love all things bacon ... especially the way Trish makes it. As for Harm, what he doesn't know won't hurt us."
Trish winked at Mac as she led her to Harm's kitchen island/breakfast nook. "That's more like it! Between Mattie complaining about me calling her Matilda and Harm's lectures about better eating habits, it's enough to drive a person batty. At least SOMEONE in this family is taking it easy on us!"
"You were always our favorite, Mac." Frank quietly said from his chair, and Mac burst out laughing again, threatening to spill the cup of coffee Trish had just poured for her. She loved these two people with all her heart, and she was so glad they were there. She dug into the plate Trish placed before her ... managing to ask something before her hunger overtook her completely.
"So, Trish ... why DO you always call Mattie by her full name – you know it drives her nuts!"
The woman next to her gave her a cagey look before answering. "I just like the name, and I don't really understand why she doesn't. She doesn't know this yet, but MY grandmother was named Matilda. Plus--," and then Trish lowered her voice as if telling a state secret, "I love teasing her about it. I probably WOUD call her 'Mattie' if she didn't freak out so much. So, it's really her own fault, you see."
Mac was in danger of spewing the eggs and bacon she'd been chewing as another bout of laughter threatened to overwhelm her. She finally managed to swallow the food in her mouth, choking a little as Frank kindly patted her back. She smiled at him, and turned back to Trish who had a cat's grin on her face. "I hope I have as much fun with my grandkids as you do, Trish." Mac said, chuckling again.
"God ... Mattie with kids of her own ... Lord, take me now!!" Trish fervently whispered, causing Mac to giggle again.
"Come on, you two ... we need to head over to the hospital. Finish up, and no gossip, you hear? You can save it all for Mattie later," Frank spoke up.
Trish narrowed her eyes at her husband, then looked over at Mac in mock- frustration.
"Still haven't managed to teach him the value of good gossip, Sarah ... my life's work isn't complete."
"If it makes you feel any better, Trish, your son isn't much better than Frank is. If Mattie, Jen, and I want Harm to disappear for a while, all we have to do is fire up the gossiping ... or, as Harm calls it, 'womenfolk chatter.' He heads for the hills, or goes to play basketball with Sturgis – where THEY 'chatter' on and on about scores, or putting, or engines ..." Mac sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Men!" Trish exclaimed in mock frustration.
"You said it!" Mac added.
Frank looked back and forth between them. "Oh, yeah ... it's time to get going, all right ..." he muttered, finishing up his eggs.
GW HOSPITAL ROOM 411
When Harm returned to Mattie's room, a nurse was just finishing up a check on her vitals and making notes on a clipboard. She smiled at Harm as he entered and sat down on the bed next to Mattie. She'd turned onto her back since he'd woken up, a hand resting on her stomach above the blankets that covered her. Harm reached over and very gently took it, wrapping his calloused fingers around hers. She murmured, and slowly opened her eyes to find him smiling and watching her.
"Mmmm ... dad, hi ..." She smiled and squeezed his hand, stretching her limbs a little without releasing it.
"Hi yourself, Sleeping Beauty. How are you feeling?"
"Um ... better, I think. I don't feel as sick as I did before. Is Mom here?"
"Not yet, honey. She's on her way with your grandparents, I'm sure."
"Great. I can't wait to see everybody."
"Are you hungry, Mattie?" the nurse asked her, pen poised over her clipboard.
"Kinda ... but I don't think I can eat much, if that makes any sense."
"It does." Harm answered. "Reminds me of how I felt the day after I splashed in the F-14 coming back for Mac's weeding. Half of me wanted a big meal, and the other half couldn't stand the idea of eating. The docs told me it was the temp changes my body was going through. It's the same for you, probably." He sensed the nurse was following their conversation, nodding at his interpretation of Mattie's state. Mattie sighed and looked towards the windows.
"I'm glad I wasn't around for that, Harm ... I wouldn't have been able to handle it, not knowing where or how you were ..." Her eyes held a look of dread and relief all at once. He squeezed her hand.
The nurse took a step closer to the bed. "You're doing really well, Mattie. The doctor will be by in a while to look you over, and I'll check on you later." She could tell this was father-daughter time, and she didn't want to interrupt. Both Harm and Mattie looked up at her and grinned the same kind of grin. It was uncanny. "Thanks, nurse." Harm replied. She nodded at them both, and left the room.
Harm turned back to look at Mattie. "Everything turned out OK, Mattie. And Mac knew where I was all the time, although even she didn't know how bad off I was."
He felt Mattie shiver through their clasped hands, and asked her softly, "Hey, think there's enough room for me next to you?" She looked up at him and grinned, then started sliding over to make a space for him. He adjusted the monitor wires and helped her move the IV still attached to her palm, then settled in next to her, putting his arm around her shoulders. Mattie laid her head on his chest, and closed her eyes.
He wanted to lend her as much of his strength as she needed, holding her as long as she needed. They sat quietly for a few minutes, the beeps from the monitors filling the silence of the room. After a moment, he heard her quiet whisper.
"Mom told me a little about that ... about her helping to find you in that storm. I never believed any of that psychic stuff, but after hearing her talk about what she'd felt through the connection you guys have ... and her weird thing about always knowing exactly what time it is ... I'm not so sure."
"Believe me, Mattie ... no one's more thankful she helped find me than I am."
"I know lots of people who are really thankful, dad. Starting with me." He grinned, and leaned in to kiss her forehead.
"Thanks, Mattie. I'm happy you're feeling better. I've missed you so much, and I was really afraid when you didn't wake up soon after we got you here."
"I'm sorry for scaring you, Mom, and Jen so much. I really don't remember falling out of bed, or even getting here. The first thing I think I remember is hearing you and Mom talking here in my room ... but it's all still hazy. But I knew you, Mom, and Jen were close by, so now I think I understand a little more how she must have felt when you went down that night."
"Hmm. Think the power's passed down from mother to daughter?"
Mattie laughed a little and said, "I hope that's not the only thing I get from her."
"It's not, trust me. You two have a lot in common."
"You know, I really didn't think so at first, but you're right. And she tells me we do every so often."
"Why don't you guys make a list tonight when she's here with you?"
"Yeah, right, ... like we're going to waste time NOT talking about how to find ways to continually embarrass you??" Harm laughed, feeling Mattie chuckle against him.
"Oh, of course ... how could I be so dense?"
"It's not much of a stretch for you, Dad."
"Ooohh, VERY funny, young lady!"
"Yes, I thought so, too."
"Just for that, I'm not going to tell you anything about the special guest who's coming to see you later."
Mattie looked up at him with this childlike excitement in her eyes, and his heart burst to see the life beginning to return to his daughter after the events of the last day. "Who is it??? Dad!! Tell me!"
"Nope."
"Come on ... who is it? I don't—wait a minute, everyone's been here already. Well, except for Mikey Roberts ..."
"Oh, this is another young man who has apparently fallen under your spell ..."
Mattie blushed at Harm's teasing, and slapped his chest with her palm. "Tell me!!"
Harm laughed at the slightly frustrated tone in her voice, and decided to give her a break.
"Andre and Miss Barrows from school called yesterday. They'd like to come and visit, if you're feeling up to it. Andre was ESPECIALLY anxious to come see you ..." he told her, wriggling his eyebrows suggestively.
"Andre ..." she whispered. "Dad, he's just my friend. Don't get all wiggy on me."
"Word is, he has a few assignments he'd like to deliver ..."
Mattie groaned, and rubbed her face.
"I should have known ... can't escape from the never-ending homework, even in here ..."
"Sorry, kiddo, but if you're gonna fly jets like the old man, you gotta make sure school is squared away."
"I know, I know, dad!" She pursed her lips in frustration. Like any teenager, Mattie did NOT care much for homework.
"Mattie, I stay on your six about it because it's important, and ... well, it's federal law that I must harass you at every opportunity."
"Hmpf. Federal law, my—"
"MATTIE!!!" He knew that she was teasing him, and part of the fun was being a willing straight man to her jokes and sharp wit.
"All right, all right ... just kidding. When are they coming?"
"Later today, IF the doctor clears it, and IF you feel OK – deal? I want you to rest as much as possible, Mattie – I'm serious. I'm taking you home as soon as you're well, but if you tire yourself too much, you'll be stuck here longer. You read me?"
"Yeah, dad. I promise I'll be good."
"Thanks. I know you will."
Harm paused, and cleared his voice. Something in his posture made Mattie tense up against him, and he felt her reaction.
"Mattie, there's ... something else I need to tell you."
"What?" She lifted her head from his shoulder, and turned slightly to look in his eyes.
"Well ..." He was hesitating, which wasn't like him at all. She narrowed her eyes.
"Dad?"
"OK. Yesterday, Mac called your father to tell him you'd gotten sick, and that we had to bring you here. He didn't react very well to the news."
"What did he say?" Harm heard a strange tone in her voice, and saw conflicting emotions in her hazel eyes.
"Well, Mac and I will give you the details later. It's just something I wanted to tell you about."
"Why not tell me all of it right now?"
"Mattie – "
"Dad, come on already. Whatever he said, I've probably heard before. No big deal."
She saw his eyes narrow slightly, and knew right away there was much more to the story.
"Dad?"
"Mattie ... look, I don't want you to be distracted by anything other than getting better, all right? I promise that you, Mac, and I will talk about it later." She studied his face, meeting his gaze ... and saw in them his love and determination to protect her and keep her safe. Mattie had never doubted her adopted dad, and she had no reason to start now. She nodded once, and laid her head back on his shoulder.
"Okay, Dad."
Harm sighed inwardly, knowing Mattie trusted him. He fought with his desire to be upfront and tell her everything, but he knew it wasn't the right time. There were other things to consider, and they both unintentionally managed to doze off after a few minutes. A short time later, the nurse quietly opened the door and, seeing them asleep, smiled to herself and left, closing the door as quietly as possible to let them stay undisturbed.
When Frank, Trish, and Mac arrived a half hour later, that's how they found them – still asleep, with Mattie snuggled up against him. The three adults quietly padded into the room, and smiled as they caught each other's eyes. They stood there, each of them knowing they'd never forget the sense of family and peace the picture before them represented. No one spoke or moved, and both women's eyes were filled with tears, while Frank's face was a picture of pride and joy.
The room remained this way until a soft knock sounded at the door, and Dr. Gentry entered. Stopping at the sight before her, she smiled and folded her arms across her lab coat. Sighing, she whispered in a wistful voice,
"Now, that's how every day should start."
Mac looked at her and grinned. She moved closer to the doctor, matching the other woman's quiet tone. "Are you here to check on Mattie?"
"Yes. Dr. Masters was called into a tele-consult, and since I treated Mattie when she was brought in, he asked me to do this morning's eval for him. So, how's our girl doing?" she asked, pulling out her PMC and bringing up the remote sensor logs from the past few hours, along with Dr. Masters' most recent notes. Trish and Frank came over to them, not wanting to wake Harm and Mattie until it was needed.
"She certainly looks better than she did last night," Mac replied. "Her color's more natural."
"Well, her temp is down to 99.2, and Dr. Masters indicates here that her recent tests showed her body's fighting off this pneumonia pretty well. Her CBCs are almost back to normal levels. A LOT better than the first time I saw this young lady, that's for sure. I hate to do this, but I need to perform a physical exam, and that unfortunately means waking them up."
"A shame," Frank whispered. "I wish I had a camera."
"Believe me ... I'll remember this sight for a long time." Trish said. Then she sighed, and quietly walked over to Harm. Touching his shoulder, she ruffled his hair and whispered, "Harm, honey?" He stirred, then opened his eyes, looking around for a moment before finally catching sight of everyone in the room. He looked down at Mattie, who felt the movement ... opening her eyes and sitting up.
"Sorry ... guess I dozed off. What's going on?--Mom! Grams! Gramps! You're here!"
"We sure are, honey! How are you feeling?" Frank asked her. Mattie smiled at him as she received kisses from her grandmother and Mac. "Lots better, Gramps. You going to bust me out and take me home now?"
He laughed and replied, "Sure, if you can handle shimmying down the gutters outside the windows in that 'backless dress' you're wearing!" Mattie looked down at her hospital garb, and shook her head.
"I think I'm just going to wait until Jen brings me some regular clothes."
"Good idea, Mattie. Fashion before prison breaks, I always say." Mattie laughed, looking around to see who'd spoken.
The voice that came from the back of the room, she saw, was from a woman around Mac's age, wearing a doctor's lab coat with "Dr. Gentry" stitched on the left breast pocket. Mattie had never seen her before, but her voice ...
"I think I remember you ... well, I remember your voice, from ... somewhere ... you were talking to someone about medical stuff, and ..." Mattie had a puzzled look on her face, as she tried to add her jumbled pieces of memory together. The doctor smiled at her and came closer, patting her hand.
"I'm Dr. Gentry, Mattie. I was on duty in the ER when your dad and roommate brought you in. You were a very sick young lady the first time I saw you. I started to treat you, and I'm glad to see you feeling better."
"Thanks. Are you taking over for Dr. Masters?"
"Oh, no ... I'm just giving him a hand. He's a popular guy around here, but he asked me to tell you he'd be back to look in on you later. He's very devoted to his patients, and word is you're already one of his favorites." Mattie grinned at her. "Meanwhile, I need to examine you for a couple of minutes, ok? If everyone would give us a few minutes outside, please?" Harm untangled himself from Mattie's side, and she immediately missed his warm presence. Everyone smiled at her as they turned to leave the room ... as Dr. Gentry pulled the curtain.
END OF CHAPTER 15