Kendall woke up the next morning to a nurse checking her pulse.
"Good Morning Mrs. Slater" the nurse said as she made some notes on her chart
"Good Morning" Kendall answered as she sat up in the bed "What time is it ? "
"Its 9:00 am" she answered " Can I get you something to eat or drink ? "
" The only thing I want right now is to know how my husband is doing" Kendall answered
"Tell you what" the nurse started " let me get you some juice and I will page Dr. Martin for you."
"Fine, what ever as long as I find out about my husband" Kendall finally agreed
A few minutes later, as Kendall sat drinking her juice Dr. Martin entered.
"Well don't you look better this morning, how are you feeling ?" he asked as he walked over to her bed
"Dr. Joe I am fine, but I want to know how Zach is doing " she asked
"The bleeding has stopped, which is a very good sign, however his vitals are still a bit low. I don't want to go back in and operate just yet until we get them up." he answered
"Dr. Joe" Kendall began to cry "is he going to make it ? "
"Kendall" he said as he took her hand "we are doing everything we can for him."
"I want to go see him " she pleaded
"Kendall, it really isn't a good idea right now" Dr. Martin answered
Kendall began to cry "Please Dr. Joe. We just found each other and I cant lose him now. I promise I wont stay long, I just need for him to know how much I love him "
Dr. Martin was quiet for a few minutes before he finally said " Its against my better judgment, but maybe if he knows you are ok it might help. Just as long as you understand that you cant stay long, only a few minutes"
"Oh thank you Dr. Joe , I promise I will leave as soon as you tell me to" she said as she hugged him
Ten minutes later Dr. Martin stopped Kendall's wheelchair in front of the door going into Zach's room.
"Before I take you in" Dr. Martin began " I just want to make sure you are aware of all the machines that he is hooked up to. "
"I understand " she said "Can we please go in, I need to see my husband "
Dr. Martin patted her on the shoulder then wheeled her into Zach's room. Even with Dr. Martins warning, Kendall was not prepared for what she saw.
Machines lined two walls, each making some sort of sound. Wires and tubes were coming from her husband. A plastic tent of some sorts was set up over Zach's chest.
"Oh my God" Kendall said with a shudder
"Don't look at all the machines Kendall, just concentrate on Zach." he said
"What is this over his chest?" Kendall asked
"To put it simply, it acts as a protective cover. You need to understand, last night when we operated, we only went in long enough to stop the bleeding, we still have to repair the damage." as he patted her shoulder " We use the tent to keep any infection out until we are able to go back in and repair, right now he only has a few stitches closing him up. Listen I don't want to upset you even further with all the medical details, just know that it is a precautionary measure nothing more. I'm going to give you a few minutes with your husband, I will be right out in the hall if you need me. And remember you only have a few minutes"
After Dr. Martin wheeled Kendall up to Zach's bedside he quietly left the room to give her some privacy.
"Oh Zach " she said as tears filled her eyes "Dr. Joe said that it would help if you knew I was ok. I guess he thinks you are to worried about me to worry about yourself. I think he is right. I am fine so you need to think about yourself now. Work on getting better and coming back to me, to us. Don't leave me now, not after we just found each other. I need you, I love you."
Kendall reached over and put her hand on one of Zach's
"There is so much we have yet to learn about each other. I want to know everything there is to know about you. I want to know what your favorite food is, your favorite color, what side of the bed you sleep on. I want to live with you, wake up with you in the morning and go to bed with you at night. I want to make love with you. I want to share my life with you."
The tears streamed down Kendall's face as she laid her head against Zach's arm
"I am scared Zach. I cant imagine my life with out you. I really need you to fight this and come back to me. Please, I beg of you, don't leave me alone."
Kendall was still holding Zach's hand when Dr. Martin entered the room
"Kendall" he said "I'm afraid its time to go"
"Can I stay if I promise to just sit here and not say a word ?" she asked
"I'm afraid not, he really needs to get his rest" he replied
"Is it ok if I give him a kiss before I go ?" Kendall asked
"Of course" he smiled
Kendall got out of the wheelchair and bent over Zach. "I love you" she whispered as she gently kissed his lips.
A few minutes later they were back in Kendall's room.
"Kendall, I want to keep you in here an extra day, just to keep an eye on you. You have been through a lot and I think you need all the rest you can get. Also , Derek Frye is here if you are up to answering a few questions" Dr. Martin asked "You also have a waiting room full of people eager to see you"
" Sure, I can see Derek, and everyone else I guess" Kendall replied
"I will tell him to come in then. Don't push yourself, if you start to get tired then ask your guests to leave and get some rest. " he said as he was about to leave.
A few minutes later Derek Frye knocked on the door.
"Come in " Kendall called out
"I appreciate you seeing me Kendall." Derek said as he sat in the chair next to the bed " I want you to know we are doing everything we can to find out who did this to you and Zach."
"Thanks Derek" Kendall said "Dr. Joe said you wanted to talk to me ?"
"Yes" he began " I was hoping maybe you had some idea as to who would do something like this to you and Zach"
" The only thing I can think of Derek is the person who is after Julia. I know Zach has been trying to help her." she answered
" Has Zach told you anything that he has learned ?" Derek questioned
"No, Zach wanted me as far away from all of it as possible. The only thing I know is what I saw at Wildwind that day the guy tried to kill Julia. Before he died he told her that the person who is looking for her goes by The Dragon. I do know that Tad and Aiden have been trying to help Julia too, maybe he can tell you more. " she sighed " I wish I could help more, but I'm afraid that is all I know"
"Well I appreciate you seeing me, and if you can think of anything at all, call me" Derek said as he stood up " Also I am posting some officers here to keep an eye on you and Zach. When you leave here where will you be staying ? I want to make sure you have police protection until we catch who ever did this."
" Well my place is out of the question. I can stay at Zach's place I guess, but I don't really want to be there alone." Kendall thought for a few minutes "Zach keeps a suite at the Casino, I think I will be staying there when I'm not here. Zach keeps plenty of security on staff and I think I would feel safer there. " she decided
"Ok I will make all the arrangements for some undercover police to be stationed in the casino if that is alright with you." Derek said
"sure" she replied " I will call Zach's assistant Edie and let her know to be expecting to hear from you. She will help you with anything that you need" Kendall said
"Thanks again for the help, and I will be in touch" Derek said as he walked to the door
"Derek" Kendall called
"Yes" he replied
"I want you to find who ever did this to my husband and put them behind bars where they belong. Promise me you will find them" Kendall said " And Thank you for everything."
"I will do everything I can" he said before he left
Erica came in moments after Derek left.
"Good Afternoon Darling, how are you feeling ? " she said as she gave Kendall a hug " I took the liberty of going shopping and getting you a few things I thought you might need"
"Thank you Mother. I have to admit, I would love to get a hot shower and get out of this hospital gown" Kendall replied
"Have you eaten anything today ?" Erica asked
" I had some juice earlier" she answered
"Why don't you go get that shower, and while you do I will get us some lunch. Maybe we can eat it in the sunroom. " Erica suggested
"I'm not really that hungry" Kendall started to say
"Nonsense" Erica cut in "You need to keep your strength up . And I think getting out of this room for a while will do you a world of good. Now go get your shower and I will get us that lunch"
Kendall got out of bed and reluctantly did as her mother asked.
The hot shower felt wonderful and to Kendall's surprise she even began to feel a bit hungry. When she emerged from the bathroom she was surprised to see her mother had a wheelchair waiting for her.
"Now don't you look much better" Erica began "Have a seat, lunch is being set up in the sunroom as we speak "
Hesitantly Kendall sat down in the wheelchair "Lunch is being set up ? Mother, what did you get for lunch that it needs to be set up ? "
"Kendall, will you relax." Erica said as she pushed Kendall down the hall " I just ordered some Chinese take out. I know how much you love it, and I am sure it is much better then the hospital food"
Kendall was surprised to see how many people were sitting in the sunroom waiting to see her. There was Myrtle, Opal, Palmer, Ethan, Simone, JR, Tad, Jackson, and Reggie .
"Mother" Kendall exclaimed "What did you do, plan a party ?"
"No, they were all here when Jackson and I got here . Reggie just got here, he went and got the Chinese take out for you. " Erica replied
"Oh there she is, the poor thing " Opal cried when she saw Kendall. She ran over and gave her a big hug.
"Woman, will you leave the poor girl alone. The last thing she needs is you hanging all over her blubbering like some fool" Palmer said as he walked up
"Oh hush up you old coot " she said wiping her tears away
"Honey, how are you feeling ?" Jack asked as he leaned down to give Kendall a hug
"I'm doing fine" Kendall answered
Simone came over and gave her a big hug "Is there anything I can get you Kendall ?"
"No, I'm good for now. My Mother brought me some things, but Thank you" Kendall replied
"Kendall, I'm going to hire some investigators and have them track down who ever did this to you" JR said
"JR, please don't , I don't want you involved in this, You have Little Adam to think of. I don't want him in any danger. The best thing you can do right now is hire some security for the house to keep everyone safe" Kendall replied
"But Kendall " JR protested " I want to do something to help
"If you want to help son" Tad began "Stay out of it like Kendall asked. The best thing for you to do is keep Little Adam safe, and to do that you need to stay as far away from this as you can"
Tad looked down at Kendall "I am so sorry you got involved in all of this"
"It isn't your fault Tad. " she began " I just saw Derek. I am sure he will be looking for you to ask you some questions. Please tell him everything you know. I just want this guy caught so we will all be safe again."
"I'm on my way to meet Derek now, but I wanted to see how you were before I left" Tad answered "Don't worry we will get this guy, I promise"
"Thanks Tad " Kendall said before he left, JR following him.
Ethan was the next to approach Kendall.
"How are you feeling today ? " he asked
"I'm doing better, Thank you" she replied
"Kendall" he began " is there any news on Zach yet ?"
"Dr. Joe actually let me go see him or a few minutes earlier." she said
"How is he doing ?" Ethan questioned
"Dr. Joe said they have the bleeding under control, but his vitals are still low. Once they get those up they will be able to go back and operate. " Kendall explained "Ethan, don't take this the wrong way, but you look terrible, have you been here all night ?"
He ran a hand through his hair " I told you I wasn't going any where until I knew Zach was going to be alright, and I meant it."
"I appreciate that and I know Zach does too. But you cant do anything right now and I am sure he would want you to get some rest." Kendall told him
Myrtle cut in "She is right Darlin', you need to get some rest. Go home and get some sleep. I promise if anything happens I will call you right away."
When Ethan started to protest Myrtle looked at Simone "Honey, do Ethan a favor and take him home to get some rest."
Simone took Ethan by the hand
"You swear you will call me if anything happens ?" Ethan asked
"On my honor " Myrtle promised
"Hey Sis" Reggie said as he gave Kendall a hug "IS there anything I can get you ?"
"I think the food is plenty, Thank you" Kendall replied "It looks like you brought enough to feed a small army"
"Well you know how Erica is" He whispered
Kendall couldn't help but let out a laugh
"There's the girl we know" Palmer smiled "Is your Mr. Slater going to be alright ?"
"If that man …." Opal started but suddenly stopped when Myrtle shot her a look "Oh never mind, all that matters is that you are ok"
"Darlin' can you tell us what happened, or who did this ?" Myrtle asked
"I am not sure who did this" Kendall answered "but I have a feeling it is the same guy who is after Julia, he must of found out that Zach was helping her. The only thing I can figure is that he got to close and didn't want him to find anything else out"
"Julia who ?" Jackson asked
"Julia Keefer" Kendall answered
"Julia Keefer ?" Palmer said
"But she is in the Witness Protection Program" Erica stated "How on earth would Zach know her ?"
"she was "Kendall began "It seems that Noah was tired of being on the run all these years and decided to go after this guy himself, but was killed instead. Julia took it upon herself to hunt this guy down and avenge Noah's death. Zach stumbled on Julia one day at Wildwind and ever since he has been helping her."
No one said a word for a few minutes
"Oh the poor Dear" Opal said, finally breaking the silence
"Listen I don't want to talk about Julia anymore. Do you think we can have that lunch now ?" Kendall asked
"Of course" Jackson said as he wheeled her over to the awaiting table
"Kendall Dear" Palmer began "I am going to let you enjoy your lunch. If you need anything, anything at all, you know where you can find me"
"Thank you Palmer" Kendall said as she hugged him
"Come on you old Bitty" Palmer said as he turned to Opal "Let the girl get some rest"
"Who are you calling an old Bitty, you old Coot" Opal said as they walked out
Myrtle couldn't help but laugh "It will almost be a shame when the two of them finally realize they still love each other. I do enjoy to listen to them bicker"
Everyone laughed
Everyone sat down and enjoyed a nice lunch with Kendall
"Sweetheart " Erica began "I hate to leave you, but work calls. A show doesn't run itself"
"Its fine Mother, I understand" She replied
After a few quick hugs Erica, Jackson and Reggie left.
"Darlin' would you like me to take you back to your room ?" Myrtle asked
"No, I think I would like to stay out here for a while. I hate being cooped up in that little room" she said
"I don't blame you, it is such a lovely day. Its hard to believe it's the beginning of October already, before you know it the holidays will be here" Myrtle stated
Just then Joe Martin walked in. Myrtle could see the color drain from Kendall's face and reached over to hold her hand
"Dr. Joe is everything ok with Zach? " Kendall asked hesitantly
"Everything is fine, that is why I am here." he began "I don't know what you said to him when you saw him but his vitals are stable so we are going to go in and repair the damage, he is being prepped as we speak. I just wanted to keep you informed."
"How long will it take Joe ?" Myrtle asked
"It shouldn't take more then a few hours" he replied
"Is he going to make it ?" Kendall asked barely above a whisper
"Its still to early to tell. We have to go in and see just how bad the damage is. I'm sorry I cant tell you more" Dr. Martin replied
"Can I see him before you take him in ?" Kendall begged
Myrtle could tell Dr. Martin was about to say No
"Joe, please" she began "Let Kendall see her husband before he goes in"
Myrtle looked at Joe, as if to say 'You know this might be the last chance she has to see him alive' Dr. Martin just nodded in understanding
"alright" he began "but we have to hurry , they were about to wheel him in when I came to fill you in"
"Myrtle come with me please" Kendall said squeezing the woman's hand "You are the only person in Pine Valley who has never put him down. I know it would mean a lot to him to know you were here"
"If its ok with Joe, I would be happy to" she replied
With that Dr. Martin pushed the wheelchair down the hall, Myrtle followed closely behind. Just as they arrived Zach was being wheeled out of the room.
"Just give us a moment please " Dr. Martin said as they approached
Kendall got out of the wheelchair and went over to Zach
"I'm here, you have to pull through this. Fight this. Just remember I love you" she whispered in his ear
Myrtle went over and took Zach's hand and leaned down to his ear
"I know you are a fighter, so you have to fight this and come back to your wife" she whispered "And don't you worry about Kendall, I am here and will take care of her until you can. I promise. "
Myrtle gave him a kiss on the forehead and want back to Kendall
"Come on Darlin' , time to let these professionals do their job" Myrtle said as she wheeled Kendall back down the hall to the sunroom.