Chapter Four
Thursday 12:15am
Tyler was awakened by a noise he couldn't readily identify. He walked back to the bedroom turned the nightstand light on and saw Jack sitting on the floor in the corner. His legs were straight out in front of him and he was gently rocking his head back, hitting it against the wall, his eyes shut. He was muttering something, but Tyler couldn't make it out.
"Jack?" he inquired softly, kneeling next to him.
Jack opened his eyes. They were red-rimmed and searching.
"Fix it," he repeated in a tired voice.
"I can't fix it if I don't know what's broken, Jack. Help me. What do I need to fix?"
"Just, fix it. I can't do this any more. Please," Jack said, trying to focus on Tyler.
"No, what can't you do? What do I need to fix? Come on Jack, you woke me out of a sound sleep for this."
"I'm sorry, Tyler." He sighed.
"Jack, how can I help you?" Tyler asked, reaching for his hand.
"Fix it so I can sleep without dreaming about her." Jack said in a whisper, the fear evident in his eyes.
"Who, Annie?"
"No, my mother, God, Tyler, I keep seeing my mother. Please fix it; I just can't see it any more." Jack said, shutting his eyes and resuming his head motion.
"Jesus, okay Jack. Tell me what to do, please. You want me to talk to you so you can fall asleep?"
"I don't know, please, Tyler, please," Jack said, his voice full of frustration and fatigue.
Tyler went into the bathroom and checked his watch. It wasn't really time for Jack' s medicine, but it might calm him down. He filled the glass with water, took two pills out, and walked back into the bedroom.
"Take these, buddy," he said, handing him the meds.
Jack swallowed them dry and again drank the entire glass of water. He relaxed somewhat, resting his body for a moment.
"Jack, I need to get you back to bed." Tyler said, getting into a better position to help his friend stand up.
Jack opened his eyes and started to get to his feet with much help from Tyler. He got into bed and looked at his friend for the first time coherently. Tyler's blonde hair was long, curling behind his ears. His eyes were a vibrant green that drew your attention. The lines on his face from age and work simply helped him with the ladies. Jack wheezed as he lay back onto the pillows.
"What time is it?" he asked.
"A little after midnight,"
"Call Glenn Bradley, he's the psych guy at the office. See if he can come over, tomorrow. This is beyond pals," Jack said, drifting off to sleep.
"You're not kidding," Tyler remarked, pulling up the sheets and blanket to Jack's waist.
He left the nightstand light on and returned to the living room. Jack had a perfectly good guest room but Tyler was agitated now. He decided against the wine and went into Jack's whisky supply. Pouring himself a stiff drink, he sipped it for a moment, looking out the bay window onto the quiet snow-laden corner below him. He looked back at Jack's now quiet bedroom and then back to the quiet street below. Smiling, Tyler finished his drink, set the glass on the kitchen counter and stretched out again on the sofa.
8:00am
Tyler shifted his weight and then woke up. He looked around and saw Jack sitting in the leather chair next to him. He appeared asleep, but his breathing was labored. Tyler stood and took the wool blanket he had removed from the guest bedroom, and draped it over Jack. Cracking his neck, he walked into the kitchen and made a fresh pot of coffee. Waiting for it to brew, Tyler pulled fresh clothes from his suitcase and walked to the bathroom to take a shower and shave.
8:20am
Tyler walked out from the bathroom, smelling the coffee brewing. He looked at Jack who was still asleep, although wheezing. He put his dirty clothes in a pile on the floor in the corner and poured himself a cup of coffee. Sitting on the sofa, he watched his friend sleep.
Jack woke from a dream. His face was red, his breathing laboured, sweating through his shirt.
He pushed off the blanket and stood, unsteadily. Tyler stood quickly and went to his side. Jack turned and looked at him.
"You look tired," he commented.
"You look like death warmed over. How do you feel?" Tyler asked.
"More like death, I guess,"
"Let me get your antibiotics," Tyler said, walking back to the master bathroom.
When he came back into the living room, Jack was in the kitchen, filling a glass with water from the tap. He turned and took the meds from Tyler, swallowing them dry but finishing with the water.
"I didn't call, Glenn," Tyler commented.
"What?" Jack asked, perplexed.
"You asked me to call Glenn Bradley and have him come by today. You were upset by your dreams." Tyler explained
"I don't remember,"
"Well, then, no problem.
"What was I dreaming about?" Jack asked walking into the living room to look out the window.
"Your mother," Tyler said softly.
Just then, Jack remembered the dream, except it wasn't a dream, it was a memory. He remembered finding his mother in the garage; she didn't want him to have a big mess to clean up. Jack remembered every image of that horrible day when he was sixteen. His father was stationed in the Philippines and he was at home, alone, with his suicidal mother.
Tyler walked up next to him, sensing a change coming in his friend. Jack turned to him, his eyes filled with tears, he drew a quick breath and started to cough. Reaching out for Tyler's shoulders to steady himself, he continued to cough until he gained control.
"Okay, let's get you back to bed. What time did you wake up, anyway?"
"The microwave clock read midnight."
"You've been up since midnight?"
"Yeah,"
"What were you doing?"
"Watching you sleep and the snow fall," Jack said softly, as he slowly got back into bed.
"Okay, well, here's the deal. You need to sleep. You're sick and exhausted. Just let it go, Jack," Tyler implored.
Jack closed his eyes and started to relax. Tyler sat in the chair in the corner for thirty minutes until he was sure that Jack was truly asleep before he walked back into the living room. He poured himself a cup of coffee and turned on his computer, starting to get to work.
It had not been the best Thursday in Tyler's life. Every hour almost to the minute, Jack had woken in a coughing fit. Vivian had called to say that she had a case and the whole team would be working it until it was solved. And the bosses in Washington were not amused that he was working from New York.
6:30pm
The buzzer rang for the front door of the walkup. Tyler left his computer and pressed the talk button.
"Who is it?"
"Ann,"
He sighed and buzzed her in. Shutting down his computer for the day, he awaited her arrival.
He hadn't seen her in a couple of years. When he and Jack were at Quantico, Max Cassidy was the first agent they worked with. The three of them remained friends. It was only after Jack married Maria that they started to drift apart. Jack introduced Ann to Max later.
Five minutes later, there was a soft knocking on the door. Tyler opened it up and stood aside, allowing her to walk in.
"Hi, Tyler," she said, turning to look at him.
"Hi, Annie," he replied, embracing her and kissing her cheek.
She pulled back and smiled.
"How is he? Vivian told me he was sick." she asked nervously, handing him her coat and hat.
"Not great, but better. He's been very restless today. He has to get better by tomorrow afternoon, though."
"Why?"
"I have to go to dinner with some Agency fellas, and then attend meetings all weekend." Tyler said, walking into the kitchen.
"Can I get you a drink?" he asked.
"Uhm, not yet, may I go see him?"
"Sure," Tyler said, pouring some scotch into a glass and topping it with some tap water.
Ann walked back to Jack's bedroom, hearing him before she saw him. He was sitting up in his bed, coughing. Ann was drawn to the bluish bruise on his cheek. She stood frozen until Tyler walked by her quickly.
"Okay, Jack, just listen to me. Relax and listen to me," Tyler said, starting to chant a poem that Ann didn't recognize.
Finally, Jack relaxed and fell asleep. Tyler stood and extended his hand to her, escorting her out of the room. They entered the living room and Tyler picked up his scotch, taking a quick hit.
"That's the drill, Annie; you're on call with him. The pneumonia has produced a fever and a nasty cough. My friend prescribed an antibiotic and something to keep his coughing down. He's having flashbacks to his mother's death. In addition, he's simply exhausted." Tyler explained.
Ann turned from looking out the window.
"Tyler, I just don't know if I'm strong enough," she revealed.
"Annie, he doesn't have anyone else to turn to. I'm sorry. The team is involved in a case. I'm in meetings and reviews. Please, please come here after work tomorrow. I'll leave you instructions for the meds. He has no appetite but if he does, I stocked the fridge." Tyler said, resting his hands on her shoulders.
"Okay," she relented.
Tyler sighed and took a step back.
"Now, would you like a glass of wine and/or dinner?" he asked, softly.
"No, I need to go home," Ann said, walking to the front door.
She put on her coat and hat and turned back to Tyler.
"You're okay, you can do this. Can I walk you to the train?"
"I drove,"
"Fine, I'll walk you to your car," Tyler said, reaching into the closet for his coat, and the dish for Jack's keys.
They walked downstairs and the two blocks to her car.
"I'll see you tomorrow. We need to hook up so I can give you his keys." Tyler reminded.
"Okay," she said, sniffling.
"Annie, you have to do this for him, honey," he said, his hand on her shoulder.
She looked up at him and nodded before getting into her car and starting the engine. He waited until she was safely driving down the street before heading back to the apartment. He climbed the three flights, walked in, and was surprised by Jack standing by the breakfast bar. He was shaking.
"Hey, Malone, what's wrong?" Tyler asked, not taking off his coat before walking up to his friend.
"I thought I was alone," Jack said.
Tyler sighed and pulled him into a tight embrace.
"I'm sorry. I walked Annie to her car. I'm here. I'm not leaving you. You're not alone, okay?" Tyler said into his friend's ear, feeling his emotions.
"Okay," Jack replied.
"Let's get you to bed." Tyler suggested.
"No, please, I…I can't be alone right now," Jack stated again.
"Okay, but I want you to stretch out on the sofa, Jack. All I know is what the doctor told me. You have pneumonia and are exhausted, so relax, buddy." He said, helping him to the sofa.
Jack lay back, his eyes were open, but his body was now shaking with cold. Tyler put the blanket over him and he seemed to relax. Tyler took off his coat and shoes and picked up his drink. He walked to the leather chair and watched Jack. Five minutes later, Jack woke up.
"What, are you checking on me? You really think I'm gonna leave you?" Tyler asked, annoyed.
Jack looked at him, upset.
"Jesus, Malone," Tyler said, moving to the head of the sofa, "Jack, you know me better than that. Come on, trust me. I will not leave you alone." He said, his emotions catching up with him.
Jack reached up to embrace him as they had done since they had become friends. Slowly, after several minutes, Jack relaxed into sleep as Tyler settled into uneasiness about the next 72 hours. He looked at his watch and got up to refill his drink. It was almost eight. He double checked that the front door was locked, looked at Jack and decided to go take a shower.
Jack awoke to the phone ringing. He stood, rocking slightly and walked into the kitchen.
"Hello?" he answered.
"Hi," a young voice said.
"Hi," he replied.
"Are you okay?" Kate asked, her voice wavering.
"Sure, I'm just here with my Mom, just hanging out." Jack said, walking to the window to look out on the fallen snow.
"Who?"
"My mother, Doris," Jack said, annoyed.
"You're scaring me. How can you be home with your mother?" Kate asked, sniffling.
"Why? I'm not trying to scare you. We're just here." Jack replied, confused.
"Jack?" a woman's voice came over the phone.
"Yes," he answered, sarcastically.
"Are you drunk? What do mean you're at home with your mother? She's dead, Jack." Maria said, her voice shrill over the phone.
"No, she's sick. She's not dead," he replied, raising his voice.
"Jack, she's dead, got it?" Maria shouted.
"No, no, you're wrong," Jack said, looking around the apartment, confused.
He hung up the phone and walked back to his bedroom. Tyler walked out of the bathroom and they stopped and looked at each other.
"Jack, what's wrong?" Tyler asked, looking at his face.
Jack crawled into bed and curled up as tight as he could, his eyes closed shut. The phone rang. Tyler reached over to answer it.
"Hello?"
"How dare you hang up on me, you drunken asshole! All your children wanted to do was to wish you happy birthday and you wouldn't listen to them." Maria screamed.
"Maria, always pleasant to hear from you," Tyler said, sitting on the bed, reaching a calming hand to Jack.
"Who is this?"
"This is Tyler Simpson. For the record, Jack has pneumonia and a temperature of over 103. Half the time he's delirious. The doctor isn't sure if he should be here or at the hospital."
"Yeah, sure," Maria replied.
"Maria, put Hanna on the phone," Tyler directed.
"No,"
Jack rolled over and took the phone out of Tyler's hand.
"Put my daughter on the phone, now," Jack growled, his voice low.
"Hello?"
"Hanna, it's Dad. Is Kate with you?"
"Yeah, but you scared her, Dad,"
"Look, Hanna, I have pneumonia. I'm sick and on medicine that sometimes makes me say strange things."
"Are you going to be okay?"
"Yeah, but I have to stay quiet and rest. Uncle Tyler is here to take care of me."
"I love you, Dad. Happy Birthday," Hanna said, pulling her little sister into a hug.
"I love you too, honey. You and Kate," Jack said, before starting a bout of coughing.
Tyler pulled the phone from his hand.
"Hanna, I have to give your Dad his medicine. Have Kate send him a birthday card on the Internet and I'll make sure he sees it tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay, Uncle Tyler," Hanna said, sniffling.
"I have to go. Love to you both,"
"Bye."
"Bye," Tyler replied before putting the phone in the cradle.
Jack was sitting on the edge of the bed, his hands over his mouth, as he continued to cough. Tyler went into the bathroom and got Jack's medicine as well as a glass of water. He set them down on the bedside table before crouching in front of his friend.
"Easy, easy, Jack. Just relax, I'm here." Tyler soothed.
Finally, Jack stopped coughing but his shirt was soaked through.
"Take your meds while I get you a dry shirt." Tyler directed.
Jack swallowed the pills and finished the water and then started to shiver. He pulled off his wet t-shirt and took the dry one that Tyler was offering. He pulled it over his head and then put his legs on the bed. He lay back slowly, trying to keep the pounding in his head and the pressure on his chest from getting worse.
Tyler pulled up the covers to Jack's waist and left the room. He found his drink and took a big mouthful before picking up the phone and dialing.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Viv, you got a minute?"
"Sure, Tyler, how is he?"
"Still sick and just spoke to the kids while delirious. Maria thought he was drunk."
"He called Hanna and Kate?" Vivian asked.
"No, they called to wish him Happy Birthday,"
"Oh, wow, that's tomorrow, isn't it?"
"Apparently. I had forgotten, of course."
"Me too, real life just got in the way."
"Speaking of which, Annie stopped by tonight."
"Oh?"
"She says she'll be here tomorrow afternoon and stay with Jack."
"Good," Vivian said, with a sigh of relief.
"Look, I've known Annie for a long time, and you're right, I don't know if she can handle this. I was wondering if maybe the team could come over for a half an hour tomorrow just to help her get started."
"Tyler, it's all about the case, right now."
"I understand," Tyler replied.
"I tell you what, I'll call everyone now and make sure that they are on board at least about the birthday. Then, if we get lucky and solve the case, I'll call you and we'll all come over."
"Thanks, Viv,"
"You're welcome, Tyler,"
"I have to go, I think he's up," Tyler said, quickly .
"All right, bye,"
"Bye," Tyler said, hanging up the phone.
He walked to the bedroom quickly. Jack was dreaming, tossing and turning in bed, talking in his sleep. Tyler couldn't understand what he was saying, but he was getting louder until finally he woke himself up.
"Enough!" he shouted, sitting up.
Jack stood, holding onto the bureau and then to wall as he made his way to the bathroom. He shut the door and pulled off his clothes and started the shower. As the water hit his back he bit back the pain. Tyler stood in the doorway of the bedroom and waited for Jack to emerge from his shower. The phone rang.
"Hello?"
"This is Danny Taylor, is Jack around?"
"Hi, I'm Tyler Simpson. Jack is in the shower, right now. He's still pretty sick."
"Yeah, Viv was telling me. I guess I just wanted make sure you guys don't need anything."
"Actually Danny, a gallon of orange juice and some of those clear fruit waters would be terrific."
"Okay, where does Jack live?"
"On Sullivan just south of Bleecker,"
"I'm at the Y on 14th St. I'll be over in a half an hour or so," Danny said.
"Call when you're on the corner and I'll help carry stuff."
"Great, Tyler, see you then,"
"Bye, Danny,"
"Bye, Tyler,"
Tyler hung up the phone as the shower stopped. He walked to his drink and refreshed it. He wasn't hungry, so he just sat in one of the leather chairs, listening for Jack. Fifteen minutes later, Jack walked into the living room. His hair was brushed out of his eyes and he was in a fresh pair of sweats and a clean t-shirt, but he hadn't shaved. Pulling a glass from the cabinet, he poured some scotch and then filled the glass with water. He sat in the other leather chair and took a sip of his drink.
Just as he was about to berate Jack on his choice of drink the phone rang and Tyler went to answer it.
"Hello?"
"I'm on the corner, now what?"
"Walk on the west side. Fourth brownstone. I'll be right down."
"Okay,"
Tyler hung up the phone. He looked at Jack who had his eyes closed and didn't acknowledge the call to begin with. Tyler grabbed the apartment keys and walked downstairs. Opening the outside door, he saw a thin young man carrying two plastic shopping bags down the block. He whistled softly and the man nodded his head.
"Hi, Danny, let me get that bag," Tyler said, reaching for the one in his left hand.
"Thanks, I think my hand is numb." Danny said, grinning.
He walked into the foyer of the brownstone and turned to face the other man. Setting the bag on the floor, he stuck out his hand.
"Hi, I'm Danny Taylor,"
"Tyler Simpson, good to meet you," he said, shaking Danny's hand.
Tyler headed up the stairs and Danny followed, after picking up the bag of groceries.
"I recognize you, now. There's a photo of Viv, you, and Jack on her desk." Danny said.
"Oh, yeah. That's an old photograph. That was taken when Jack won his first commendation."
"You've known him a long time?"
"We were in graduate school and then Quantico together." Tyler said, unlocking the door to the apartment.
They walked in and Jack was still sitting in his chair, eyes closed, the glass of scotch still firmly held in his hand. Danny and Tyler walked into the kitchen and started to unpack. In addition to the orange juice and vitamin water, Danny also bought a bottle of Aberlour. Tyler grinned when he saw that.
"Thanks for this. Jack is on antibiotics but he just came out from the shower and poured himself a drink. If we're both drinking, we'd run out!" Tyler said, reaching for Danny's coat.
"Oh, thanks," Danny said, taking off his coat.
"You sound tired," Jack's voice rumbled from the living room.
Danny looked at Tyler for a moment and then walked toward the voice.
"So do you. I just came by to see how you were feeling and to bring you some o.j." Danny explained, sitting on the sofa.
"Thanks, that was kind of you," Jack said, looking at him.
"Danny, you want a drink?" Tyler called from the kitchen.
"Yeah, orange juice is fine." Danny replied returning his attention to Jack.
"You didn't answer me, Jack," Danny pointed out.
"I'm sorry; headache, chest hurts," he said pausing, "and sometimes I can't catch my breath,"
Tyler chuckled as he walked in with Danny's glass, handing it to him.
"You are a still the best profiler I know," Tyler remarked before sitting on the leather chair.
Jack grunted before sipping his scotch. He started to think about the last two months of his life and the amount of loss he had suffered. He stood up, reaching for the window sill for stability. Looking out the window, he continued to remember, and then he started to shake. Danny stood quickly, looking at Tyler for support and then walked up to Jack.
"Easy, just relax, Jack. You're safe, you're okay," Danny said, his voice soft and calming.
Tyler watched him and remembered Viv's assessment. Jack took a shaky sip of his scotch and looked at the younger man. He saw nothing but concern on his face, no judgments, and no agendas. Danny reached his hand around to Jack's neck and very gently pulled him into an embrace. Tyler smiled and walked back to the bedroom to take the opportunity to change the sheets. When he walked back into the living room, Jack was lying on the sofa, the blanket covering his chest, asleep.
"Nicely played," Tyler said, picking up his drink.
"He seems really lost." Danny remarked.
"That's fairly perceptive, Danny. What makes you think that?" Tyler said, keeping his voice low, walking to the kitchen.
"I was the first one to get to Jack after Max died. They were both leaning up against a column in the basement of a hotel. Max had been shot and died, slumped against Jack, before we could get an ambulance to him. The building had traces of the Ricin compound but Jack wouldn't leave Max. I had never seen him that vulnerable before." Danny said, following him.
"Jack called me that night. He was devastated and so was I. I couldn't make it up for the funeral. Today was the first time I've seen Annie in years."
"So you knew Max as well?"
"Max was the first agent we worked with after graduation. Smart guy, very intuitive. He and Jack bonded. You know Jack introduced him to Annie," Tyler said, opening up the fridge.
"No, I didn't know that. Thinking about dinner?" Danny asked as his stomach growled.
"Well, now I am!" Tyler joked.
"Let me take a look. I was the designated cook in my house."
"Oh yeah? Where did you grow up?"
"St. Ann's orphanage," Danny said softly before looking in the fridge and the cabinets.
"Sorry,"
"Don't be. It's part of what I am, it isn't who I am," Danny said, taking a sip from his drink.
"See anything?"
"Sure, curried chicken breasts on pasta with asparagus," Danny said, removing his tie and jacket.
"Can I help?" Tyler asked.
"I need either white wine or dry vermouth," Danny said, getting his supplies together.
"I'm on it,"
Danny and Tyler made dinner while Jack slept soundly for the first time. They sat down at the pass thru and started to eat their dinner.
"This is wonderful, Danny. Your housemates were lucky to have you."
Danny blushed and ate in silence.
"The divorce started it, then Max, then his father's death. He's been tired and more intense, more into the job, than he was before." Danny remarked.
"His father's death closed a door to his past that he wanted to keep open. His father was his only connection to his mother. It was as if he lost her all over again. Vivian called to tell me. I tried to get in touch with him but he wouldn't return my phone calls."
"No, he wasn't responsive to anyone for a couple of days before and afterwards. His father's death was a surprise because he wasn't really sick, you know. It was the Alzheimer's that threw him into a tailspin."
They finished their dinner and did the dishes. Danny yawned and looked at his watch.
"Oh, wow, I didn't know it was that late. I've got to get going."
Jack's dream started at that time. He started to talk in his sleep and rolled onto his back. Tyler and Danny walked into the living room and watched. It didn't take long for his dream to manifest itself.
"No, I can't, I can't, I can't," he said softly.
"I'm not ready," Jack said, opening his eyes, breathing fast, still caught in his dream.
He sat up and then started to cough. Tyler walked to him, kneeling in front of him and pulled him into an embrace. Finally he stopped. He pulled back from the embrace and wiped his face with his sleeve. He looked at Tyler and then at Danny. Silently, he stood and walked back to the master bedroom, closing the door behind him.
"Give me a minute," Tyler said, as he walked down the hall.
"Sure," Danny said, sitting in the leather chair.
Tyler walked into Jack's bedroom without knocking. Jack was sitting on the bed with his head in his hands.
"You wanna talk or do you wanna go to sleep?" Tyler asked.
"I can't sleep, I keep dreaming. I want to sleep without dreaming." Jack said, softly.
"Okay, so let's talk. The kid has you pegged."
"He's a good agent and a good profiler. He's not ambitious but he is conscientious."
"Well, I would say that he was the only one in your office except for Viv who saw this coming."
"What do I do, Tyler? I feel like crap. My head is pounding, my chest hurts, and every breath is agony. But the worst part is that my brain won't turn off."
"Which is why you had a drink?"
"Yeah,"
"It's pretty simple, really," Danny said, standing in the doorway.
Jack and Tyler looked at him.
"For you to sleep tonight, you just need to have someone to hold on to; to ground you; to remind you that you haven't lost everything. In the last two months, you've gotten a divorce, had your mentor die in your arms and had your father die. The Carson case just fueled the flame. His suicide reminded you of your mother, and the kids reminded you of Hanna and Kate. But your kids are alive in Chicago, and Tyler is in D.C. Ann Cassidy, Viv, Martin, Sam, Elena and I are all here for you on a daily basis."
Jack looked at the floor and Tyler looked at Danny, realizing he was right.
"Jack, I need to walk Danny to the door. I'm tired, and I know you are. Get settled and we'll sleep together as if I was your brother." Tyler said, softly.
Jack nodded but didn't move.
"Night, Jack. I'll call you tomorrow," Danny said, turning to walk out of the room.
"Thanks, Danny, really," Jack said.
"You're very welcome, Jack." Danny said, smiling before walking to the front door.
Tyler walked up and handed him his coat.
"Thanks for everything, Danny. I'll call you tomorrow and let you know how we did."
"You'll be fine. He just has to understand it's okay to let go."
"Safe trip home. You live far?"
"Nope, just in Brooklyn. A hop and a skip under the water, forty minutes tops at this hour and I'll be in bed." Danny said, smiling.
"Thanks again," Tyler said, extending his hand.
"You're welcome," Danny said, shaking Tyler's hand before walking into the hallway.
Tyler shut the door and locked it. He cleaned up the glasses, checked that the stove was off and turned off the lights. He walked into the bedroom and found Jack asleep in bed. Tyler took off his trousers, shirt, shoes, and socks and pulled on his pajama bottoms and got into bed.