"Tested Hearts", chapter 19
Author: Chicmns
Category: Drama, angst
Disclaimer: All main characters belong to DPB, CBS, and Paramount. Other characters (see below) are used with the greatest respect and a solemn promise not to benefit in any way by their use, except in the cause of (hopefully) good fiction.
Rating: G
Author's Notes: Thanks to the following recent reviewers:
jtbwriter Yep, just a story! I hope that your kind words means I'm getting better with the pacing of the story, and the development/fleshing-out of the characters. Who can we suggest to play Ellen on the series? Any ideas? (Maybe I should hold a casting contest! LOL)
CapriceAnn Hedican-Kocur Glad you're enjoying it! I think I really scored with the 'Snoopy' subplot … so many folks have commented on it! You haven't seen the last of Mattie's stuffed animal, either. J
Lyssa Grace Sorry, LG! I hated to do that to M, too … but I just hadda! I promise, though … she will leave the hospital in one piece!
JBird7986 Thanks! Hope you enjoy the rest of the story!
Chapter 19GW HOSPITAL
SECURITY OFFICE
The plastic tie that bound Tom Johnson's wrist to the bench against the wall of the office was chafing his skin, but he hadn't noticed it since the guards had brought him here from Mattie's room. His head was cradled in the palm of his free hand, his posture one of anger and shame.
How could he let this happen? Why did he think that having those drinks before coming here was a good idea? And that girl … Jen … she'd practically THREW him out of Mattie's room! His head swam as the alcohol slowly reduced its' hold over his system, and in its place came a desire to get back at these people who'd taken his daughter away, taken advantage of his willingness to allow them to be involved in Mattie's life while he was undergoing treated. Tom had thought that they'd all understood … that he'd done everything he did for their sake, as well as Mattie's. But, over time, they'd gotten more and more ungrateful – more willing to cut him out, and replace him with that collection of meddlers, jealous types, and clueless officials.
Even Harm, who'd been as respectful as he could during their first few meetings – even he had turned on Tom. That look in Harm's eyes when he first came into Mattie's room … looking at Tom like he was some piece of trash someone had forgotten to sweep up off the floor. He would have wiped that look off of his face … if that black kid and Jen the tramp hadn't interfered. Maybe another time – for all of them. No way he'd put up with some girl throwing him around like he wasn't even there, or some street kid Mattie had no business giving the time of day to putting his hands on him! Another part of his mind, though, knew that some line had been crossed – that he'd ruined any chance that Mattie would open her heart enough to forgive him for what he'd done. He'd practically attacked her temporary family, and friends, right in front of her - acting like a maniac. Some of the things he'd said were faint in his memory. Partially hidden in his mind by those two words Mattie had thrown, dismissively, in his direction--
"Get … out."
So final, so … dismissive. As if those words were the last two nails in the coffin of their relationship as father and daughter. He shook his head, and immediately regretted it. The effect of the booze and the events upstairs had given him a massive migraine, and he groaned out loud at the pain.
"Are you all right, sir?" The guard that had been left with him asked. Tom shook his head, slowly, in his hand … not wanting to make any sudden movements that would bring the bile in his stomach to his throat. He cleared his throat to speak, willing his churning stomach to settle down.
"Have a headache, and I'm not feeling well – any chance of getting some aspirin and water?" he groaned out in reply.
"Sorry, sir. Can't give you anything." the guard replied.
"Why?" he croaked.
"Because I requested it."
Both men looked up to see Ellen Valera, standing in the doorway of the small office … her hair somewhat ruffled, her whole demeanor looking like someone who'd been dragged away from a quiet night at home-which was true. Her eyes met Tom's, and he dropped his gaze … unable to take the look he saw in hers.
She glanced away from him after a moment to look at the guard, pulling out her ID. "Ellen Valera, FCS. I'm Mattie Johnson's case worker." The guard studied her picture, then nodded … pushing a sign-in book towards her. She entered her information, and received a visitors' pass from the guard … clipping it on the waistband of her jeans. She turned slowly, her gaze returning to the figure on the bench.
She decided on a somewhat confrontational tack, in order to gain information from him quicker.
"What's the matter, Mr. Johnson? Can't look anybody in the eye?" she said in a quiet voice that somehow filled the room. The guard looked from her distant face back to his prisoner's … noticing his shaking hands and moist forehead. From what little the guard had seen and heard of what happened upstairs earlier, this guy had reason to be nervous.
"No." That was all he could say. Ellen's gaze rested on the top of his head.
"Do you have any idea what you've done, Mr. Johnson?"
He looked up, then … a sudden desire to try to make her understand flaring inside him.
"I HAD to come and see her! She's my daughter, for God's sake! Those people had no right to try to keep me from her! I didn't think …"
"You didn't think … what, Mr. Johnson? That it would be a bad idea to attack the person who presently has legal custody of Mattie?"
He sighed heavily, and went back to staring at the floor near the bench. "I did NOT attack Mr. Rabb! I … pushed past him, that's all. I was the one who was assaulted, by that KID – then thrown against a wall!"
Ellen had dealt with enough alcoholic parents to know that Tom Johnson was just at the beginning of a long, painful process of facing and dealing with his actions, and their consequences. And she didn't have the stories of the other people present during the incident in Mattie's room. For all she knew at this point, he could be telling the truth. She couldn't spare much sympathy at that moment, however – her job had to take precedence.
"How much did you drink after leaving the center, Mr. Johnson?"
"I had … I had two, no … three beers. That's all. I was so nervous about Mattie being sick-"
"And you thought you needed something to calm your nerves." Her voice was brittle, icy.
"Yes."
"I see. And did you think at all to try to notify Mr. Rabb that you were coming when you left the center? As Mattie's guardians, you are required to contact him or Colonel MacKenzie before any visit – you know that, right?"
"Yes, I know … but I only had a four hour pass. I just wanted to get here and see her. Rabb has cut me slack in the past – I thought he'd do it again."
"I wouldn't count on it anymore, Mr. Johnson. Mr. Rabb will be very … motivated … to keep as much distance as he can between you and Mattie from now on."
"But the court—" he began.
"The court will likely be making new arrangements, Mr. Johnson—based on the events of tonight."
He stared into her eyes. "I'm HER FATHER! I don't care who she's living with, or who's pretending to be taking care of her – I thought she was in TROUBLE, don't you understand?!?"
Ellen studied him for a moment … starting to see the delusions he'd built up within himself. "Mattie was doing well earlier today, sir. She was responding to her meds, and I think the doctors were likely going to release her tomorrow. But now … she has a collapsed lung, and is likely pretty scared and frightened as a result of your … visit. A patient's emotional state has a lot to do with recovery, Mr. Johnson, and Mattie will have to start all over again--to get better."
A small tear dropped from his eye, as her words drew like a sharp blade across his soul.
"I'm – sorry." He still couldn't look her in the eye for longer than a couple of seconds, and he wondered what Rabb and his group had managed to tell her so far.
"I'm sure that you are, in some ways, sir … but you have to know that it's gone past that now."
The stone weight of her voice had gotten heavier to him, but he had to still try to gain some traction with her.
"What – what do you want me to do?" he whispered, almost flinching as she began to move closer to him. He followed her feet, then looked up into her face, watching as her nose twitched … and he knew that she'd detected the alcohol coming from him; adding it to the report he knew she was assembling in her mind. Her eyes had a cold glint to them, as she replied in an equally quiet whisper.
"First off … pray that your daughter fully recovers. Second – submit to a blood alcohol test right now."
He swallowed, trying to find a way of avoiding something that would definitely be used against him. "I—"
"Either right now, or at the police station later, Mr. Johnson. Your call."
His throat, tightly wrapped in nervous tightness, barely let him utter one word. "Now." He heard her sigh.
"Good. Smart move. Officer—" and she turned to the guard, "please ask one of the ER staff to administer a blood alcohol test to Mr. Johnson ASAP. FCS is making an official request. Then, please call the DC police, and ask them to send over a couple of officers from Juvy Division. Ask them to meet me when they arrive. Mr. Johnson is to have nothing to eat or drink, or use the restroom … until the test is performed."
"Yes, ma'am."
"I'm heading upstairs … I'll either be in room 411, or with Drs. Masters and Gentry, wherever they are." The guard nodded again.
"Ma'am, Dr. Gentry is on call in the ER. She's attending physician this shift. Dr. Masters might be in the physician's lounge, last door on the right in the east corridor on this floor."
"Thanks, officer. Please let me know when the results of the blood test are ready, and when the DC police arrive. Meanwhile, Mr. Johnson is to stay here and have no contact with anyone except the person taking the blood sample and Security."
"Understood."
Ellen gave him a nod and a smile, then … without looking at Tom at all, turned on her heel and left the security office. Tom watched her leave, shaking his head.
"That's a real cold fish right there." The guard snorted, and threw a baleful glance in Tom's direction.
"Pal, you got bigger problems to worry about. Might wanna start thinking about that sick girl laying upstairs. You know – the one you haven't asked anybody about yet? I was you, I'd do what I'm told, and keep my mouth shut. What you do now might help decide whether that girl ever speaks to you again during the next fifty years." By the time he finished speaking, his face was red with anger. He jerked his phone out of its' cradle and started dialing … not giving Tom a chance to respond.
Tom couldn't know that the guard had three daughters of his own.
ROOM 411Andre stood at the window of Mattie's room, watching her as Miss Barrows stood at his shoulder. Harm and Mac were still in the room, leaning over Mattie and whispering to her as she drifted deeper into sleep, their hands touching their 'daughter' … brushing her hair, caressing her face and neck, communicating in those ways their love and presence to the sleeping girl between them. Mattie's arm was wrapped around her Snoopy stuffed animal, and Andre grinned at the sight ... wishing that he could take a picture of the scene – it would be good "blackmail" material later, after Mattie recovered. Miss Barrows watched the smile flit across the dark-skinned young man's face, and nudged him gently with her shoulder.
"She really loves your gift, huh?" Andre turned a little in her direction, and grinned at the counselor.
"I never even knew she liked Peanuts that much," they heard Jen' say from behind them.
"It's because of something her mom used to call her … I'm sure she would have told you guys about it eventually, Jen." Andre looked back at her, smiling at her before turning back to watch the scene in the room.
"Yeah," she answered him … a twinkle in her dark brown eyes as she returned his look. "It's just that 'sisters' are supposed to tell each other everything. I'll have to chastise her about it later. And probably pay you to keep me informed of anything else she keeps from me, too, Andre!" They all laughed … including the hospital security guard, who stood a few feet away … on the other side of the door to Mattie's room. He'd arrived soon after Dr. Masters' request, and now remained there … watching the people in the hallway, the elevators, and the stairway doors. Andre shook his head.
"Sorry, Jen," he returned, grinning as she mock-glared in response, "not enough money in the world for me to risk that kind of retribution and pain!" Miss Barrows put a hand on his shoulder. "Andre, I hate to break this up, but …"
"Yeah, I know … " he sighed. They watched Harm straighten and slowly leave Mattie's side to move into the hallway. Mac remained next to Mattie, holding her hand … her eyes never leaving her face. Harm came over to the group, giving them all a small grin before speaking.
"She's um … I think she's good. Her color's better now, and she seems to be sleeping OK." Everyone nodded in relief. Andre looked over at the taller man.
"Sir, Miss Barrows and I should probably take off. I've gotten her in enough trouble as it is, even though my Gramma said it was OK for me to stay."
"I'd like to meet her sometime, Andre … I need to tell her what a great job she's doing raising her grandson." Andre blushed at the compliment. "She'd appreciate that, sir. You know, my granddad served in Korea. Don't tell Mac, but he was a Marine. – 1st Division." Harm raised his eyebrows.
"Chosin?" Harm asked. Andre nodded, a faraway look in his eyes. Miss Barrows and Jen looked back and forth between them, puzzled expressions on their faces.
"He told me stories, sir. They're … unbelievable. What he and his men went through. Anyway, my family has always respected the military. Guess that's why Mattie and I get along so well."
"I don't think it's just that." Harm replied. "It's because you're good for each other in many ways."
Andre studied Harm for a moment, adding with a grin, "AND it's because I let her have her way every once in a while!" They laughed, and then Miss Barrows asked, "Why shouldn't we tell Miss Mackenzie your grandfather was a Marine?"
Harm and Andre traded a glance, and then Andre replied, "She'd find a way to use it against Mr. Rabb, I bet. He has enough to deal with, surrounded on all sides by these girls. I'm just trying to give him some wiggle room!" Harm burst out laughing again, clapping Andre on the shoulder.
"Thanks for covering my 'six', Andre."
"Not a problem, sir. We guys have to stick together!" Andre was grinning like a madman.
"'Surrounded by girls', huh?" Jen suddenly asked, a teasing lilt in her voice that Andre picked up on immediately.
"Sorry, Jen … but I COULD'VE said something like, 'mature women', instead!"
Jen gaped at him for a moment, then threw an arm around his shoulder. She cast a glance at Harm, who knew the famous Coates wit was about to make an appearance. "Can Mattie and I have a brother, Harm?" The older man listened to the giggling people around him, covering his face with his hands and dramatically groaning into them, before replying.
"Two things: first; ask your 'mother', and second … how much does he eat?" Jen playfully shoved Harm, laughing as he winked at her.
"And three – have you considered the paperwork involved?" Ellen joined them, having approached silently enough to overhear the last few comments without being noticed. She was wearing a grin, as well.
"Hmm -- good point." Harm spoke up, reaching over to shake her hand.
"Hello, everyone. Sorry I couldn't get here earlier. After Jen called me, I had to make some calls and stop by the security office downstairs. How's Mattie?"
"They drained her lung and gave her something to help her sleep through the night. There was about a liter of fluid that drained out of her chest, and she's scheduled for chest x-rays in the morning. The doctors said she's breathing a lot better now. They are hoping her lung will re-inflate during the night, which is why she's on the oxy mask." Harm told her. Ellen nodded.
"Oh, I'm glad she's OK and sleeping. She's been through enough today. I do need to speak with her tomorrow morning, though … sorry."
"We completely understand, Ms. Valera." Harm answered. "Dr. Masters asked if you could join he and Dr. Gentry in the physician's lounge when you could. They'd like to fill you in on what they witnessed."
"Good. I do need to speak with them. Now, who is this young man here?" She turned to Andre.
Jen spoke. "He's Andre Biggs, Mattie's best friend from school. Next to him is Miss Barrows, the school counselor. Andre helped keep Tom away from Mattie earlier, when he tried to get to her." Ellen shook both their hands.
"Ma'am."
"Pleased to meet you."
"Likewise," Ellen replied. "You were both in the room earlier, then?"
"Yes." Miss Barrows replied. "And we realize you probably need statements from us, but I need to get Andre home. We hadn't planned on staying this long, but …"
"No problem, Miss Barrows. Would it be possible for me to come by the school tomorrow to speak with you both? You're right, I do need to get statements."
"That's fine," Miss Barrows told her. "Please call me tomorrow morning, and I'll arrange things with Andre's teachers." She handed Ellen a business card. Ellen looked at it, nodding, and gave Miss Barrows one of hers in return.
"We'll see you both tomorrow, then." Andre nodded, then turned to Harm and Jen.
"Night, sir … Jen. Let me know how she's doing tomorrow when she wakes up?" he asked.
"Sure thing." Harm shook his hand. "Thanks again, -- get some rest tonight." Jen hugged him, and he returned it. They all heard a bustle as Mac suddenly came out of Mattie's room.
"Are you two leaving? Oh, hello, Ellen …" Mac was a little flustered, running her fingers through her hair and sighing.
"Yes, I'm taking Andre home now. I hope we can talk tomorrow." Miss Barrows told her.
"We will." Mac smiled at them … then gave Andre a hug.
"Night, Andre. I'll tell her you stayed as long as you could, and maybe you guys can chat tomorrow, if she's feeling up to it."
"Great! Please get some rest, ma'—Mac," he quickly corrected, seeing her raised eyebrow and grin. "If Mattie slanders me in any way tomorrow, remind her that I still have the receipt for Snoopy."
All of the adults in the hallway burst into laughter, including Ellen … who'd noticed the Snoopy stuffed animal in Mattie's arms.
Andre and Miss Barrows nodded at everyone, then turned away from the rest of the group and headed towards the elevators.
As they'd stepped into the elevator car, the Admiral stepped off … holding the door open for Miss Barrows and shaking Andre's hand. He strode over to the group, nodding at Ellen and shaking hands with Harm's folks before speaking.
"What's her status? Is she OK?"
Harm and Mac quickly brought him up to speed, and then he turned to Ellen. "What's happening with Mr. Johnson?"
"He's being held downstairs in security, pending the results of a blood alcohol test I requested from the ER staff."
"And if he's over the limit?" Mac asked.
"Then he'll be arrested and charged with drunken disorderly behavior, at the very least. I'm going to request a restraining order from the court tomorrow to prevent him from approaching Mattie and you folks until this is all straightened out."
"Dr. Masters has already assigned a security guard to Mattie's room, and barred him from the hospital." Jen spoke. Ellen had also noticed the hospital security guard in place near the door to Mattie's room.
"Good. I'm still going to go forward with the protective order. The hospital can bar him, but a judge's order will hold more weight in the system." Harm, the Admiral, and Mac all nodded. Ellen turned to Harm, then … giving him a direct look.
"I'm not going to let her get hurt anymore, Mr. Rabb. The best thing now is for her to heal and get out of here … be at home where you folks can take care of her while she recovers. Hospitals are no places for children."
"I totally agree with you on that score, Ellen." Trish agreed.
"Don't let Mattie hear you call her a child!" Jen admonished Ellen, who grinned at her as she glanced at the sleeping girl through the window.
"That's OK, Jen … I THINK I can take her." Ellen winked at Jen, who chuckled.
"What happens next, Ms. Valera?" The Admiral asked her.
"Well, sir—" Before she could complete her thought, the elevators opened, and two DC police officers exited. One was a tall Hispanic man, and the other a short, sturdy-looking blond woman. They looked over at the group standing outside the room, and approached.
"Ellen Valera?" the woman officer asked…looking at every woman there until her eyes reached Ellen's, who'd stepped forward, showing the cops her ID.
"I'm Ellen Valera – FCS." They shook hands.
"Officer Bosch. This is my partner, Officer Hernandez. We got the hospital's call from their security office about a Mr. Johnson. We spoke with the guard downstairs, who told us that you'd ordered a blood alcohol test on this guy after he entered a patient's room and caused an incident."
"That's right. That's his daughter in there," and she pointed to Mattie, "but he doesn't have custody. FCS is handling her case, with Mr. Rabb and Miss MacKenzie here holding temporary guardianship. Mr. Johnson attempted to reach the girl earlier tonight without proper notification, and there was a scuffle in the room. Hospital security grabbed him, and restrained him downstairs. These folks called me, and I asked the ER staff to run the test--see if the guy's over the limit."
"He's not." The male officer spoke. Everyone turned to him, and he shrugged.
"That's right," Officer Bosch told them. "We ran into the ER doc who'd just finished performing the test. Turns out Johnson's blood level is 0.07."
"And the limit's 0.08." Mac whispered. Everyone turned to look at her, and Officer Bosch nodded. "That's right, ma'am. So, that defines possible charges a little bit. You say there was a scuffle – with who?"
"Me," Harm spoke up, "along with a friend of Mattie's from school, a young man named Andre Biggs who was visiting earlier, and Jen Coates here. Jen is Mattie's roommate." Officer Hernandez was taking notes, and Officer Bosch looked at Jen before turning back to Harm. "Where's this Biggs kid?"
"He and the school counselor who brought him here left 10 minutes ago. He needed to get back home." Frank told her. She frowned, then nodded. "Okay, we're gonna need to speak with him at some point. Either of you two want to press charges?" She looked between Harm and Jen, who were glancing at each other.
"No."
It wasn't either of them who'd spoken … but Mac. "No, no charges."
"Mac?" Harm asked her, his face mirroring the surprise on almost everyone else's face.
"Who are you, exactly, ma'am?" Bosch asked her, a curious look on her face.
"Colonel Sarah MacKenzie, JAG Corps. I work with Commander Harmon Rabb here, and I'm a close friend of both he and Mattie."
"They both work for me," the Admiral spoke up, "along with Miss Coates. I'm Admiral Chegwidden, JAG of the United States, and these are all officers under my command."
"I see. Were you here earlier during the incident, Admiral?" Bosch asked him.
"No, I wasn't. Miss Coates called me soon afterward, and I came down."
"Okay. So," and she turned back to Harm, "no one's pressing charges against Mr. Johnson?" Harm paused, glancing at Mac and Jen. Mac spoke, a determined look on her face.
"Harm, she's been through enough already. He's not legally drunk, and having him arrested just means she'll have that much more to deal with. I won't let him do that to her, Harm."
"I agree, son." Trish stepped beside Mac, placing an arm around her. "Sarah's right. If he was over the limit, I'd say toss him in the click for the night at least. But if we can keep Mattie out of this mess as much as we can, it'll be the best thing for her." Harm studied his mother's face, and then turned to Jen. "Jen?"
Jen looked down at her shoes, deep in thought. Everyone watched as various emotions flowed across her pale face, and some of them understood her obvious desire to punish Tom Johnson. She looked up, then, her eyes coming to rest on the Admiral's face … gazing at him for a moment. She blew out a breath, then nodded. "If someone can promise me that Mattie's safe from him tonight …"
"We'll be here … and if DC's finest wants to join us …" the security guard offered, and everyone turned to him as he returned their nods, then looked back to Officer Bosch, who nodded. "Since Mr. Johnson's under the legal limit and there has already been an incident, I think my sergeant will go for one of us giving your guard a hand tonight – once we've escorted Mr. Johnson home."
"He's undergoing treatment at an AA half-house near city limits – that's where he's presently staying." Ellen told them.
"He left that place and had something to drink, then came here?" Officer Hernandez asked the group. "Well, they're doing a bang-up job of treatment, aren't they?"
"All right," Officer Bosch continued, " … we'll take him back there and 'impress' upon the management the importance of him staying put. Anything happening court-wise from this thing, Ms. Valera?"
"I'm filing for an order of protection from Family Court 1st thing tomorrow. And Mattie's doctor has already banned him from the premises and alerted hospital security." Ellen answered. Officer Bosch glanced at the group, then turned back to Mattie's guardian.
"Mr. Rabb?" she asked Harm.
Mac placed a hard on his arm. Their eyes met for a moment in silent communion, and he knew that she was asking him to put his anger and understandable desire to bring Tom some much-needed justice aside for Mattie's sake. He understood that, really … knowing Mac and his mom were right. Mattie didn't need any more of this. He turned back to the short blond officer, who watched him expectantly.
"OK … no charges. I'm trusting Ms. Valera, the hospital, and you guys" he said, glancing at the two officers, "to make sure he doesn't come near Mattie again. Because if he does …" and Harm leaned a little closer to Ellen, "we won't be as cooperative again." Ellen met his look … then nodded.
"All right. If you could take Mr. Johnson back to Good Hope," she told the officers, "then meet me in the doctor's lounge when you return, we can go over the details of what happened with Miss Coates here."
"Not her – me." Mac said. Ellen turned to her, about to ask why, but Mac was already speaking to Harm, Jen, and his folks.
"Harm, Jen … go home and get some rest. Both of you need some sleep. I'm staying here with Mattie – I'm not leaving her side. And I napped earlier, so Ellen and the officers can interview me when they get back. Trish and Frank should go back to your place and rest, too. Jen, you have work tomorrow – I'm sure Ellen can interview you at JAG HQ—"
"With me present, of course." The Admiral quickly added. Jen grinned at him, then winked at Ellen … who smirked.
"—and Ellen can catch up with Harm and everyone else after her business with the court. The security officer here can keep me company until Officers Bosch and Hernandez return later."
"Got it all figured out, huh, Marine?" Harm teased her while smiling down at her – she'd drifted next to him again as she'd talked.
"Yep--you know how I love to boss you around, flyboy." Mac returned his smile. "We'll be all right here tonight, and then we can all pick this up tomorrow - with the Admiral's permission, of course." She looked over at her CO, who had a bemused look on his face.
"Far as I'm concerned, my Chief of Staff has spoken. Ms. Valera–does all this sound good to you?"
"Very much so, Admiral. I would like to let you folks get some rest. You've all been through the wringer tonight. I'll be in court most of the morning, anyway, getting the order processed and served at Good Hope. Gotta speak with Mattie's doctors tonight, though … I need to get a medical update on Mattie for the court."
"Good! Thank you so much, Sarah and Ellen. I'm glad all that's settled. Come on Frank … let's kiss Mattie good night, and then get Harm and Jen home." Trish was happy…confident that they were doing what she believed was the right thing for Mattie. She didn't want her 'granddaughter' to wake up tomorrow to find out that her biological father was in jail – enough was enough. Harm sighed, and rubbed his tired face … his reluctance at leaving suddenly obvious to everyone standing there.
"Go, Harm …" Mac whispered at him. "She's safe, and I'll keep her that way, I promise. Get some sleep, ok – for me and Mattie?"
"All right, Marine." He looked up as Trish, Frank, Jen, and the Admiral left Mattie's room after saying their good nights to her … the Admiral wearing a grin on his face. "Sir?" he asked the older man.
"Oh nothing, Harm … just got a kick out of seeing her with that Snoopy stuffed dog." He grinned again. "Nice gift."
"Her friend Andre brought it to her this afternoon, sir." Harm told him…grinning himself.
"Andre, huh? You should bring him by the office when you get a chance – I'd like to speak to that young man."
"Aye, sir. He'd like that."
"Good. Well, good night, everyone. Coates – can I drop you off at home?"
"No, thank you, sir … I'll need my car for work tomorrow."
"Of course. Harm–"
"We'll follow her home, sir. I got her covered."
"Good man." Jen just rolled her eyes, as Mac, Ellen, and Trish laughed. "Protective, aren't they?" Ellen asked Jen.
"It's like wearing a Navy blanket all the time, ma'am." Jen told her, shaking her head as Ellen smiled.
"Is that one of those blankets that recently demoted Petty Officers wear, Coates?" she heard the Admiral ask, his voice drifting over his shoulder as he started walking towards the elevators.
"Um, sorry, sir--I'll behave now." Jen meekly replied. The Admiral snorted. "…yeah, when pigs fly!" she heard him mumble.
"Whatever you say, sir."
Jen, Trish, Frank, and Harm gathered their belongings and followed the Admiral to the elevator. Ellen and Officer Bosch both observed the look that passed between Harm and Mac and their hands clasp, before he slowly joined the rest of the group at the elevator doors. As they opened and everyone got on, Harm held Mac's gaze until the doors closed between them. She sighed, and then turned to Ellen and the officers … who stood, watching her.
"Nice folks." Bosch remarked. "And quite a handsome man." Mac glanced at the young officer.
"Yes, they are … and you can't have him." Bosch shrugged, a twinkle in her eye as Ellen and Officer Hernandez chuckled.
"Ah, well … the search continues." She said in a wistful voice. Ellen chuckled again at the dreamy look on her face.
Come on, officers … let's go chat with Mr. Johnson and the docs. Sarah, if you're asleep by the time I get back …"
"I won't be, Ellen. Not for a while, at least. Go--I'll be here when you get back."
"Okay." Both cops nodded at Mac.
"Ma'am."
"Officers … good night."
The elevators came and went again, and Mac was left standing in the quiet hallway with the security guard, who watched her with a smile.
"Why don't you go on in, ma'am, and keep that little girl company. I'll keep the monsters away from you both."
Mac smiled at him, laying a hand on his shoulder for a moment.
"Thanks." He shrugged, and nodded in Mattie's direction.
Mac walked back to Mattie's bed … watching this girl she loved so much peacefully sleep, the oxygen mask still covering her mouth and nose. She leaned over, gently kissed Mattie's cheek, and whispered, "No more monsters tonight, sweetheart."
DOCTOR'S LOUNGEDr. Masters and Dr. Gentry had been discussing the events of earlier in the evening with Tom Johnson, while maintaining contact with their patients and staff through their PMCs … when the two DC cops and Ellen Valera entered the room.
"Hello, Drs. I hope we're not disturbing?" Ellen asked them as she came over to the table where the doctors sat.
"Not at all, Ms. Valera. Dr. Gentry, this is Ellen Valera, from DC Family and Child Services."
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Valera." Dr. Gentry shook her hand.
"And you, Doctor. These two officers are DC police, Officers Bosch and Hernandez. We're here to talk to you two about what happened earlier."
The officers shook hands with the doctors, and they all sat at the round table.
"We'd be glad to help. Dr. Gentry is on rotation in the ER, though … so she may have to leave quickly if called." Dr. Masters told them.
"We understand, and we'll try not to take up too much time. Just take us through the events of the evening as you remember them, and we'll ask questions as needed." Officer Bosch took out her notebook and began writing, recording the date, time, people present, and the subject.
"Well, I was in room 411 examining Mattie, with her folks and friends there … when Mr. Johnson stormed in. He seemed distracted to me, and when Mr. Rabb asked him what he was doing there, Mr. Johnson told him that he came because Mattie was sick, and because she hadn't been properly cared for by them. Everyone in the room was surprised to hear him say that, and that's when Mattie told him that he was crazy. Then she told him to get out. I have to tell you … I was surprised at the tone in her voice when she said that to him, because up until then Mattie was friendly, respectful, and a joy to be around."
Ellen nodded, and the officers continued to write and listen.
"Anyway, I guess everyone was a little shocked at her tone of voice, and that's when Mr. Johnson tried to push past Mr. Rabb, that young friend of Mattie's, Andre, and Mr. Rabb's father … who'd all moved between Mr. Johnson and Mattie when he'd entered the room." Dr. Masters continued.
"Did any of those three, or anyone else in the room, make any offensive moves towards Mr. Johnson?" Officer Hernandez asked.
"No, not at all. We, I mean, Ms. MacKenzie, one of my nurses, and Mr. Rabb's mother, were all near Mattie's bed. Mr. Rabb asked Mr. Johnson to join him into the hallway to talk, but Mr. Johnson refused."
"What about you, Dr. Gentry?" Officer Bosch asked.
"I hadn't arrived yet." she answered. Bosch nodded, then motioned for Dr. Masters to continue.
"Well, after the surprise of hearing Mattie speak to her father like that, Mr. Johnson rushed towards her bed, pushing Mr. Rabb aside. Andre, the young man, moved to block him, and reached out to grab Mr. Johnson's arm, which halted his progress."
"So … Mr. Rabb did nothing to provoke Mr. Johnson—"
"No, not at all."
"And then this kid grabs Mr. Johnson?"
"Yeah. He's Mattie's friend, officers, and he was protecting her."
"Did you see anything in Mr. Johnson's hands at any time during this?"
"No. Nothing."
"OK. Please go on."
"Well, Andre grabs his arm, and twists it against his body, which made Mr. Johnson stop. Mr. Johnson told him to let go, but before …"
"What did he say, exactly, doctor?"
"Um, he said … 'Let go of me, boy!'"
"He called this kid 'boy'?"
"Yes, he did."
"How did the kid react?"
"Well, he didn't do or say anything, because by then Mr. Johnson was flying through the air."
There was silence in the room for a moment, then Officer Bosch spoke.
"So, the kid threw Mr. Johnson back?"
"No, officer. He was still holding on to Mr. Johnson's arm. What I hadn't noticed until that moment was that Jen Coates, who'd been standing in the shadows by the window in the room, had moved behind Mr. Johnson, and at that moment … grabbed onto Mr. Johnson's collar and jerked him off of his feet, tossing him towards the door of the room. Andre just … let go."
"Wait a minute," Officer Hernandez asked. "How big is this guy Johnson?"
"About six-one, around 200 pounds, I'd say." Ellen answered.
"And Coates THREW him at the door-lifted him off of his feet?" Bosch exclaimed, eyebrows raised in surprise.
"Yes. It was … amazing," Dr. Masters said, shaking his head at the memory. "I thought at first that hospital security had arrived, and grabbed him. You see, I'd used my PMC to alert security at Ms. MacKenzie's request, once the confrontation turned physical."
"PMC?" Bosch asked him. He held up the device to show her.
"This", he answered, holding up his unit, "is a wireless computer that lets us remotely monitor patients, access records, and send messages to anyone on staff here. Once things turned physical, like I said … I sent the alert. We use the same numbers the Brits use for their 911 calls – '999'. Anytime that key combo is sent from a PMC anywhere on hospital grounds, a priority alert is sent to Security with the location of the sending unit. They're supposed to come running. They did."
"Cool." remarked Off. Hernandez, examining the device. Bosch watched him, a chuckle bubbling from her.
"You're such a geekhead!" she told him, fondly.
"Don't mock high-tech, Ms. 'I prefer typewriters to PCs!'" She stuck her tongue at him, and then Dr. Gentry spoke.
"They come in real handy, trust us … and Dr. Masters here is probably the most knowledgeable user on staff," she added.
"Hmm. So … it wasn't Security that grabbed Johnson at first, but Coates."
"Yes. See, after he tumbled to the floor, we could see no one around him but Miss Coates. Security didn't arrive till a few seconds later, when Mr. Johnson started to get up and move towards Miss Coates."
"He moved towards her-you're positive?" Hernandez asked.
"Yes," Dr. Masters nodded. "He was MAD! Screaming, calling her a 'tramp' …"
"What did she do?"
"Nothing, then. Security arrived before he could get any closer to her, and I instructed them to take him to Security and restrain him until we could determine his alcohol level and call the police."
Officer Bosch narrowed her eyes at the doctor. "You said she did 'nothing, then'. Was Miss Coates doing something at that moment?"
"No—a few seconds later. See … as Mr. Johnson was being taken away, we could all see Miss Coates shaking with what looked to me like anger. Literally shaking. She took a step towards the door, and Mr. Rabb laid a hand on her shoulder … to stop her, I think. She shrugged him off, and started to move again when Ms. MacKenzie shouted at her not to do anything."
"Anything … what?" Bosch asked.
"She just told Miss Coates not to do it. I think she was going to follow Mr. Johnson … she was very upset. You have to understand something, officers, Miss Valera … Miss Coates blamed herself for Mattie's condition when she was first brought in to the ER."
"Why?" Ellen asked him.
"Because she thought she'd missed or ignored the symptoms earlier in the evening. Symptoms that anyone could have missed, or discounted as something else. The pneumonia and flu that Mattie contracted developed unusually fast, and I don't think there would have been time for anyone to figure out what was happening in time to do anything about it."
"Dr. Gentry?" Hernandez asked her.
"I agree. I've never seen symptoms like that develop so quickly. That girl was unconscious, with a 104 fever and fluid buildup in her chest. Her best friend Andre told us he hadn't thought it was anything serious before Mattie left school the previous afternoon. That's how quickly it developed. Nothing done to her could have caused that. In our opinion, there was no negligence that could cause or contribute to what happened to Mattie … and our medical records will bear that out."
"Okay," Bosch said. "Go on with Miss Coates."
"Well, I'd thought that Mr. Rabb and Ms. MacKenzie had managed to calm Miss Coates down, but that didn't happen. She was … furious. I'm sure she had all kinds of adrenaline flooding her system at that point, and she'd felt guilty about Mattie getting sick in the first place. So … she stood there for a second or two after Ms. MacKenzie'd called out to her, and then she … snarled."
"Snarled?"
"Yep. She took another step towards the door, when Mattie called to her— begged her not to do anything, to stay with her. Pleaded with her, really." He shook his head. "I guess that did the trick, because when I looked at Miss Coates again, she'd stopped shaking."
"She'd gotten herself under control – because Mattie talked to her." Ellen murmured.
"I believe so, yes." Dr. Masters agreed.
"So, what happened to put her in the state she's in now?"
"Right at the end of Mattie's plea to Miss Coates, she … started having trouble breathing. Her face went red, and it looked like she was about to have a seizure. The nurse and I immediately went to her and started examining her. Mattie was in a panic; she couldn't draw a breath, and her blood pressure had suddenly dropped. She was hyperventilating, but unable to breathe, as I said. I told the nurse to send an alert code to Dr. Gentry, and we put Mattie on oxygen."
"I arrived a few moments later – I was headed in that direction because I'd seen the security alert for Mattie's room, and was just finished with a patient in the ER. I went right up, and as I was getting off the elevator, the med alert came through." Dr. Gentry added.
"We started examining Mattie and determined that her right lung had collapsed, causing her blood pressure to fluctuate wildly. We sent her folks into the hall, then decided after checking her latest X-rays to drain her chest of the fluid we were hoping medicine would treat, without any invasive procedures."
"To help her breathe," Ellen guessed.
"Yes. So, we did a thoracentesis—"
"Thora-what?" Bosch asked her, writing in her pad.
"'T-h-o-r-a-c-e-n-t-e-s-i-s.'" Dr. Gentry spelled it for her. "It's a procedure where we use a scalpel to make a small incision through the ribs into the chest, and insert a drainage tube to allow fluid to exit the chest cavity. We gave her a local anesthetic, found about a liter of fluid in her chest, drained it … then closed her up and gave her pain meds, along with something to let her sleep. We believe her lung will re-inflate overnight with oxygen treatment, and she will be reevaluated in the morning with another set of X-rays and a full evaluation."
"What about her fever, doctor?" Ellen asked Dr. Masters.
"Almost gone. In fact…" and he checked his PMC, accessing Mattie's vitals over the system, "her present temp is 99.1, down from a high of 104.1 … when she was first brought in a day ago. She's been receiving antibiotics since then to deal with the infection in her system. Her latest blood screens show a large decrease in the amount of infection. Another set of tests in the morning will reinforce that, I'm sure."
"Cause of the infection?" Bosch asked him.
"A very fast-acting pneumonia bug, thankfully easily treatable. She shows absolutely no signs of being mistreated or not cared for, officers. In fact, she's in otherwise very healthy shape. No signs of bruises, marks, or anything to indicate abuse in any way. She had a great appetite earlier for lunch, and she was slated to have a fairly big dinner until the events of this evening interrupted. We think we would have been looking at possibly taking her off the antibiotics and discharging her later tomorrow—that's how well she'd improved."
"till Mr. Johnson's visit." Hernandez spoke.
"…till Mr. Johnson's visit." Dr. Gentry agreed.
"He harmed my patient by his actions, officers … Ms. Valera," Dr. Masters told them in a forceful voice. "That's why I had him taken to Security, and why I've asked that a guard be placed by Mattie's room … and why he's banned from this hospital until I hear from a court. He doesn't have custody, so whatever visits he gets will be decided on by Mr. Rabb and myself, together, until a court speaks."
"FCS has a part in those decisions as well, doctor … we are Mattie's case workers." Ellen reminded him.
"Of course, Ms. Valera. But you know as well as I do that medical opinions in cases like this take precedence. Simply put, I don't want that man anywhere near Mattie while she's here and under my care-for his sake, as well as hers. I think she barely managed to stop Jen Coates from going after Mr. Johnson before she lost consciousness … and I have a feeling he'd be in another bed of ours if Mattie hadn't stopped her. Jen is obviously very protective of Mattie – everyone in that group is, including her young friend Andre. He could have swung at Mr. Johnson, Ms. Valera – he was that close to him. But he just stopped him from moving any closer to Mattie. If I'd been in his position in the room, I would have done the same thing."
"I see." Ellen told him. "Anything else you can tell us?"
The doctors looked at each other, then shook their heads. She closed her pad, putting her pen away.
"Officers?" Ellen asked them.
"I think that's all for now. We might need to ask more questions later, after we've interviewed the girl and her guardians."
"No problem. Give us a call if you need us." Dr. Gentry told them.
"Thanks for your time and cooperation … sorry to have taken so much time."
"Forget about it."
The five people left the lounge … Ellen and the officers heading to Security, while the doctors went in the direction of the ER.
SECURITY OFFICETom Johnson looked up as Ellen and two DC police officers entered the security office, taking positions around him. He looked from face to face … trying to figure out what was going on. Everyone in the room could have been playing poker in Vegas, for all the information they were showing on their face. Tom's headache had gotten worse, and his wrist was chafed from being secured to the bench he sat on.
"Release him from the tie," one of the cops asked. The guard who had been with Tom walked over and cut the plastic cuff from his wrist. Tom massaged his skin, looking up at Ellen.
"Mr. Johnson, your blood alcohol test came back .01 below the legal limit for the District."
"Does that mean I'm free to go?"
"These officers will escort you back to Good Hope. They'll also have a chat with whoever's on duty there. You've been banned from visiting Mattie here by her doctor, who's a department head and has that authority. Tomorrow morning, based on what we've uncovered so far regarding the incident earlier tonight, FCS will ask a court for a restraining order, forbidding you to attempt to come anywhere near Mattie Grace Johnson. I'll be serving you later tomorrow morning at Good Hope with that restraining order. We'll also continue investigating the incident, and submit everything to Family Court; which will probably order the next court date for you, Mattie, and Mr. Rabb moved up. If you don't have an attorney, I suggest you get one. FCS can recommend someone if you like."
"Why … so you can screw me even better?" Tom growled. Ellen just looked at him.
"You still haven't asked me."
"Asked you WHAT?"
"How your daughter is doing, Mr. Johnson! In case you were wondering, she had minor surgery earlier, sir! They drained a liter of fluid from her chest, and she has a partially collapsed right lung!"
Tom stared at her, the pounding of his headache getting louder and louder in his head.
"Is she … will she be OK?"
"The doctors think so. I will be interviewing her tomorrow, once she's awake and her doctors have examined her. Is there anything you'd like me to tell her?"
"Yes …" and his voice drifted off as he stared at the floor of the security office, feeling the gazes of four people on him.
"Mr. Johnson?" Ellen prompted him. He looked up at her, then … and she knew right then that there would be more trouble.
"I'm sorry … about what happened. I really am. Tell her – tell her that I will be pressing assault charges against her roommate, and possibly that young kid as well. Let her doctors know that the hospital might be hearing from my lawyer, too." He gave Ellen a defiant look, as the hospital security guard snorted … shaking his head at Tom-who sneered in return.
Ellen sighed, and came a few steps closer. "You're going to put Mattie through all that."
"She has to SEE what kind of people are really around her!! Not these 'hero' types, out to save 'poor' girls like Mattie and make themselves feel better about each other along the way! People so busy with their own egos that they LET my daughter get sick, then claim to be all concerned!"
"Are you finished?" she asked him … the calm in her voice unnerving him.
"Yeah – for now."
"Then go."
Tom walked to the doorway, and at a quiet signal from Ellen … the cops blocked his way.
"Don't come anywhere near Mattie, sir. Or you'll be arrested and put in jail – where they don't serve any alcohol." Officer Bosch told him, in a voice that sounded a lot like Mattie's had earlier.
Tom froze for a moment, then continued as the officers parted, following close behind.
Ellen watched him leave, wondering if there was a way she could shield Mattie from what was coming.
END OF CHAPTER 19