Part 28
Barry let out a frustrated sigh. He had just gotten off the phone with Caitlin's mother's assistant. He wished that he had a way to call Dr. Tannhouser without having to go through her lackies. He went through his contracts and called Charlie. Maybe he would have better luck reaching his mother.
"Barry what is wrong?" asked Charlie when he answered
"Cait is in the hospital. Iris slipped peanut oil or extract or something like that into Cait's coffee."
"Is she ok?"
"Unconscious but my dad said she will be ok. It may take a few days. Jessica Lewis was able to give Caitlin her epi pen in time."
"Wasn't she one of the girls that made my sister's life hell in school?"
"Yeah but she draws the line at trying to kill someone. I tried calling your mom. But I couldn't get past her assistant."
"I will call my mom. Caity is at Central City General?"
"Yeah."
"I will see you soon. I just have to call my wife to let her know I will be late."
"Ok see you soon Charlie."
"Barry thanks for calling me."
"Of course."
"Barry, just take care of my sister and niece."
"That is one thing you never have to ask me."
"I know."
Barry hung up and turned to look across the waiting room where Jessica was sitting. He got up and walked over to Jessica.
"Jessica?"
"Oh hi Barry."
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah. I am just worried about Caitlin. I know that is ironic coming from me. But I have changed from that mean girl I use to be. I grew up. Iris didn't. Barry, Iris crossed a line. I would never have tried to kill anyone."
"I know. Jess, did you at any time in the past feel bad about what you did to Caitlin?"
"All the time. But I went along with Iris because let me into her click. I know that was wrong. Barry, I plan to apologize to Caitlin. I don't expect her forgiveness."
"Cait, just might surprise you. You did after all save her life."
"You should know that Iris is planning to hire someone to kill your daughter on orders of that dirty cop from Hub City."
"My daughter is fine. Iris was arrested half an hour ago over in Keystone."
"Good. I told Eddie everything I knew. I will testify against Iris."
"That is good. Jess, the fact that you realize that you were wrong will go a long way with Caitlin."
Jessica just nodded. Barry looked over to the door to see Charlie run in.
"Any update?" asked Charlie
"No. But now that you are here my dad should be able to say something. Your mom on her way?"
"Yeah. But she won't be here for a while. She is in Coast City for a seminar. But she is getting on the next flight here."
"What I would give to be like Quicksilver in the comics."
"I totally get what you are saying."
But I sure as hell am not going to bring up that my sister maybe a female version of Iceman from the comics. Thought Charlie
Henry walked in just then and saw Charlie.
"Dr. Allen how is my sister?"
"Caitlin had a very severe allergic reaction. If she had not gotten her epi pen when she did she might not have made it." Said Henry
Barry and Charlie turned when they heard Jessica gasp. She had not realized that Caitlin had come so close to death. Charlie turned to his sister's one time bully.
"Jessica, I guess I should thank you for saving Caitlin's life. I know that you didn't have to do that. That you never even liked her." Said Charlie
"Charlie, you don't have to thank me. I did the right thing. I realized a while ago that I should never have gone along with Iris and Cassie. They were the ringleaders. I may not have been happy that Caitlin ratted us out for cheating. But I know she did it because it was the right thing to do. I went to school to become a teacher. I teach first grade. I don't put up with bullying in my classroom. If I see an older kid bullying a younger one I put an end to it. I will apologize to Caitlin. I hope you can forgive me for how I treated your sister." Said Jessica
"I would look like a jackass if I didn't forgive you. Can't guarantee that Caity will." Said Charlie
"Dad, can Charlie and I see her?" asked Barry
"I'm keeping Caitlin a couple of days. So she is being moved to a room upstairs. The really good news is that she did regain conscious for a few minutes. But she is sleeping now. Once she is in her room you can see her. I also am going to have a security guard outside her room during her stay. Just to make sure that her ex doesn't try anything. There are four or five that have volunteered. Apparently they wouldn't have been able to stay on the football team in high school without her help." Said Henry
"Yeah we know who you are talking about. Barry hasn't seen Carson. But those guys could easily kick his ass. Carson is a little shorter than Barry and only a little more muscular. My sister doesn't go for guys with big muscles. Though normally bigger brains than Carson." Said Charlie
"So your body type. Charlie, you and Bare have similar body times." Said Henry
"So did our dad."
"I should go. I took the day off because my mom has been sick. I need to go get her from her appointment. Which is just over in the medical building." Said Jessica
"Let me get you number so I can call you if Cait agrees to see you." Said Barry
"Sure."
Jessica gave Barry her number and left. Fifteen minutes later Charlie and Barry were able to go up to Caitlin's room. When they reached the door Barry recognized Ben Stevens who had been a defensive tackle on the football team when they were in high school. He looked like he was even bigger now then he had been back then. He just nodded as the two men walked into the room each taking a seat next to Caitlin's bed.