Chapter Five
Friday 1:34 am
Tyler woke up, listening to Jack speaking unintelligibly. He reached over and touched his shoulder and Jack settled.
8:00am
Tyler stretched and realized that Jack was not in bed. He got out of bed and put on Jack's bathrobe. Walking out into the living room, he smelled coffee and saw Jack at his desk. Tyler's computer was on the floor and Jack's Dell was up and running. Tyler poured himself a cup of coffee and walked up to Jack.
"Thanks,"
"For what?" Tyler asked, innocently.
"For this," Jack said, turning the computer so Tyler could see.
Hanna and Kate were standing on the coffee table in their living room with a sign that said, Happy Birthday, Dad! Hi, Uncle Tyler.
"Oh, yeah, Happy Birthday!"
"Thanks," Jack replied, shivering for a moment.
"Cold?"
"No," Jack replied.
Tyler walked back to the master bathroom and retrieved a thermometer.
"Stop drinking coffee and put this under your tongue," he instructed.
Jack was going to argue but stopped when he saw the look on Tyler's face.
"The coffee is room temperature at this point," Jack said, shaking the thermometer before putting it in his mouth.
They waited for four minutes and then Tyler looked at the thermometer; 102.5. He took the thermometer back to the bathroom and looked for a fleece vest. Finding one, he walked back into the living room.
"Jack, your temperature is 102.5 which is not promising. Please put this vest on. It will keep your chest warm. Did you take your meds?"
"Yes, a couple of hours ago."
"When did you get up?"
"Around six,"
"How do you feel?" Tyler asked, sipping his hot coffee.
"Not as tired, and not as edgy. Headache is gone; still have pressure in my chest." He said, quietly.
"I'm going to get dressed. Are you hungry at all?"
"No, not in the least," Jack said, staring at the computer screen.
"I'm going to put some broth on to heat. I'll be back in a minute." Tyler said, taking another sip of his coffee before taking some clothes from his suitcase and walking back to the bedroom
He shaved, dressed, and then made the bed. Picking up his dirty clothes, he walked back into the living room and deposited them on the floor in the growing pile. He took his coffee cup, refilled it, and put it in the microwave. Three minutes later, he was able to take a sip. He looked at Jack and noticed again the uncontrollable shivers that seemed to take control.
"The broth is ready," Tyler remarked, pouring it into a cup.
He handed it to Jack who sipped the moderately hot liquid. He finished the cup and paled more.
"Jack, I think you need to get back into bed." Tyler said, setting his coffee cup down.
Jack printed the photo from the girls, turned off his computer and stood up. He walked to the printer and took the page as it came out before walking to the bedroom. Tyler picked up his coffee cup and followed. Jack crawled into bed and pulled the covers to his waist. Tyler set his coffee cup on the bureau and zipped the vest to Jack's chin, before pulling the covers up as well.
"No, Tyler, I'm hot," He complained.
"Jack, you have a fever, humor me. You are such a drama queen!" Tyler said, shaking his head as he settled with his coffee on the chair in the corner.
Jack sighed and fell asleep. Tyler sat in the room until he ran out of coffee. Knowing that this was his last day with Jack, Tyler walked back to the kitchen, refilled his coffee cup, micro waved its contents, picked up his computer and headed back to the bedroom. He found the connection for his computer and plugged it back in. Just as he turned his computer on, Jack woke up. He squinted and looked at him.
"Hi," Jack said softly.
"Hi," Tyler replied cautiously.
"What's this?" he asked, gesturing to the computer.
"Catching up on work. I have a meeting at six tonight." Tyler said, returning his gaze to the screen.
"Really?"
"Really," Tyler confirmed.
Jack continued to stare and then shook his head before laying it back on the pillow. Tyler looked at him and set the computer down. He walked up to the bed and sat on the edge. Jack's eyes were shut tight, his hands clenched with fists of sheets.
"Jack, what's wrong? You're okay, you're safe," Tyler said softly.
Tyler reached his hand to Jack's. Jack released his death grip on the sheet and held his friend's hand. Tyler winced but didn't let go. Jack was wheezing again, his face flushed as he tried to get over what was scaring him.
"Jack, I'm here. Viv's gonna come over with the gang tonight to celebrate your birthday. You're sick, but you'll be fine. You need to sleep, okay?" Tyler asked.
Jack opened his eyes and looked at the man sitting on the bed. He squinted again.
"Viv's coming over?" Jack asked in a tired voice.
"Yeah, so you need to get some sleep, okay? I'm just gonna sit here and do some work, though, while you sleep." Tyler said.
"Okay, sure, fine," Jack mumbled as he fell asleep.
Tyler reclaimed his hand and moved back to the chair. He picked up his computer, set it on his lap, and concentrated.
12:00pm
Jack slept soundly in the morning but hit a snag, waking up from a quiet nightmare, wet from sweat and scared.
"Okay, Jack, time for your medicine and a hot shower." Tyler said, setting his computer on the floor.
Jack looked at him with that same confused look that he had earlier.
"Jack, it's me, Tyler. I'm going to get your medicine, now." Tyler said, standing slowly to walk to the bathroom.
Jack watched him closely, especially when he sat on the bed. Tyler handed him the medicine and Jack swallowed it, followed by a glass of water. Tyler pulled the covers up to Jack's chin and wiped the sweat from his forehead with a hand towel. Jack closed his eyes and Tyler moved back to his chair, picking up his computer.
"Tyler? Thank you," Jack said.
"You're welcome, now get some sleep. I have to be on my way to the Hilton on 54th Street by six." Tyler replied, his focus on the screen.
Not hearing a reply, he looked up to see Jack sleeping quietly.
4:00pm
Tyler had finished his work and brought his computer back to the living room before he organized his papers for the meeting the next day. He started to repack his suitcase, walking back and forth in the living room. He heard a noise and looked up to see Jack standing in the hallway.
"What are you doing?" Jack asked, scratching at his long stubble.
"I'm packing. I need to move to the Hilton because of the meetings I need to attend tomorrow. I have a business dinner tonight." Tyler explained.
Jack nodded but Tyler felt that he wasn't following the conversation.
"Jack," Tyler said, walking up to him.
Jack looked at the floor quietly.
"Jack," Tyler repeated, "Annie is going to stay with you for the weekend. If the team finishes their case, then they will be here to celebrate your birthday. Do you understand? You will not be alone."
"Thanks,"
"You're welcome. Now, would you get the thermometer so we can see if you still have a temperature?" Tyler asked.
Jack nodded and walked back to the master bedroom. When he returned, he had replaced the vest for a sweater and he had washed his face. He sat, watching Tyler organize, while the thermometer recorded his temperature.
"That's gotta be five minutes," Tyler said, reaching over to remove it from Jack's mouth. "100.4, great, almost normal."
Jack smiled in return. Tyler looked at him, his black and grey scruff, hair a mess and grinned.
"What?" Jack asked.
"Drama queen," Tyler replied softly before he started to laugh.
Jack joined in, too, until his laughter turned into coughs. Quickly his pale face turned red as he tried to catch his breath. Tyler walked up to him and held his shoulder, as Jack started to relax. They walked to one of the leather chairs and Jack sat down slowly. He closed his eyes and crossed his feet at the ankles.
The phone ring and Tyler walked quickly to answer it.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Tyler, it's Viv,"
"Hi, Viv."
"We solved it. We'll be there around six."
"I have to be on my way to the Hilton at six. Do you happen to have a set of keys?" Tyler asked.
"Actually, I do, so don't worry. How is he feeling?"
"Better, his temperature is almost normal. He just has to rest and stay warm. I haven't heard from Annie so you might want to warn Danny that he may have to stay."
"Or I can, Marcus is home watching Reggie." Viv advised.
"Great, as long as we have a plan," Tyler said, grinning.
"That's for sure. I forgot to ask how long you were staying."
"I need to be on the early train to DC on Monday. We'll figure something out. I have to come down and see Jack before I go as well."
"Well, maybe Sunday night supper, then?"
"I'll keep in touch,"
"Thanks, Tyler, take care."
"You too, Viv," he said, hanging up the phone.
Tyler walked into the kitchen and started to clean the few dishes.
"Is she coming?" Jack's voice came from a few feet behind him.
"Viv will be here with the team around six,"
"No, is Annie coming?"
"I don't know, Jack. She's having a hard time with Max's death,"
"We all are," Jack said, turning to go back to his bedroom.
Tyler sighed, hearing the door shut at the end of the hallway. He packed his computer into his briefcase and took another look around. He had found the photo of Hanna and Kate in the master bedroom and put it on the fridge, smiling at how happy they looked. Checking his watch, he saw that he had an hour. He kicked off his shoes, stretched out on the sofa, and took a nap.
5:45pm
"Tyler, wake up, you have to get to your meeting." Jack said, looking at him from the leather chair, his hair wet from a shower, his face still unshaven.
"Wow," Tyler said, looking at his watch, "I'll say,"
Tyler slipped on his shoes and walked to the bathroom. He emerged a few minutes later and found that Jack had moved his stuff towards the door.
"I'll walk you downstairs," Jack offered.
"Thanks," Tyler said, picking up the heavier weekend bag.
Jack slipped his keys into the pocket of this sweats before he picked up the briefcase and followed his friend into the hallway. They walked downstairs in silence, finally reaching the glass door of the foyer. Tyler turned to him, setting his bag down.
"Take care, Malone. You and Viv and I have dinner plans together for Sunday, okay?"
"Sure, Tyler. Thanks for everything, man," Jack said, embracing him tightly.
"That's what brothers do, right?" Tyler said softly.
"Yeah, that's just what brothers do," Jack replied.
They held each other for a few more minutes before standing apart.
"Take care; I'll talk to you tomorrow." Tyler said, walking out into the night to get a taxi.
"You bet," Jack said, his voice low with emotion.
He watched his friend disappear out of his line of sight before walking back up the three flights to his apartment. He struggled with the key before allowing his coughing to begin. He locked the door behind him, set the keys in the dish and started to cough. He made it to the sofa and sat down heavily, his hands covering his mouth, trying to catch his breath. Minutes later, he felt two strong hands on his shoulders holding him tightly.
"Hey, Jack, you're okay, we're here. Just relax for a minute and then we'll get the party started, okay?" Danny asked.
Jack nodded as he started to calm down. He heard more voices as the others walked in. Standing u p, he looked at Danny and disappeared down the hallway.
"He'll be right back; just needed to splash some water on his face." Danny explained, taking off his top coat.
Sam set out the presents on the coffee table as Viv opened up a couple of bottles of wine. A few minutes later, Jack reappeared, looking tired but better.
"Happy Birthday, Jack," Viv said, walking up to him.
He embraced her tightly, burying his face in her hair. She spoke to him alone, and rubbed his back, waiting for him to step back.
"Thanks," he said hoarsely.
Martin started with a handshake but drew Jack into an unsure embrace.
"Happy Birthday, Jack,"
Sam put her hands on his unshaven face, gently touching his bruise, and kissed him on the cheek.
"Happy Birthday, Jack,"
Danny stepped in as he had done the night before and slid a hand around Jack's neck pulling him into a safe embrace.
"Just take it easy tonight, it's just us." He whispered.
Jack nodded and cleared his throat.
"Thanks you, all, very much."
"Jack, would you like a drink?" Sam asked.
"Scotch and water would be fine, thanks," Jack said, walking into the living room.
He sat on the sofa at one end with Vivian next to him and Martin next to her. Danny and Sam sat in the leather chairs.
Accepting his drink from Sam as the others sipped their wine, he asked, "Where's Elena?"
"She caught the flu but sent a present!" Sam replied.
Jack nodded again. Viv looked at Jack, realizing he was a little overwhelmed.
"Let's start with some presents," she suggested.
"Okay," Jack replied.
"Hey, Jack, love the birthday card from the girls," Martin said, smiling.
"Yeah," Jack said, trying to concentrate on the birthday card in his hands.
"Happy Birthday, Jack. Best wishes, Elena," Jack said.
He opened the box and took out a beautiful dark blue silk tie with a small set of embroidered handcuffs on it. Jack held it up and smiled.
"She is interested in the look of the team," Sam remarked remembering the day that Jack walked in wearing a striped tie; a huge change from his familiar black ones.
Jack set the tie carefully back into its box and set the card on top of it. He reached for the next box.
"Happy Birthday, Jack. Best Wishes, Martin." Jack said.
He opened the box and pulled out a pale blue Brooks Brothers shirt.
"I sense a theme, here." He teased. "Thank you, Martin."
"You're welcome, Jack," Martin blushed.
Carefully, he set the shirt back in the box and put the card on top. He took a sip of his cocktail and reached for the next box.
"Happy Birthday, Jack. Love, Sam." Jack said.
He opened the wrapping paper and found a handsome wooden box. Opening it, the red silk lining reflected onto his face and he smiled.
"Thank you, Sam, you know I needed this," Jack said, looking at her seriously.
Sam looked back at him and smiled, unsure if she could say anything without revealing her thoughts.
He picked up the next box and looked at the card.
"Happy birthday, Jack. Love Reggie, Marcus and Viv."
He unwrapped the paper and opened the box. He stared at it for a long time before he was able to comment. It was a two picture frames hinged together. On one side was a photo of Reggie, Marcus, Viv and Jack taken at the Yankees game earlier that year. On the other side was a copy of the photo that Viv had on her desk of herself, Max and Jack. Vivian reached over and put her hand on his knee. He reached his hand to hers and held it tightly. Waiting for him to gain control, Sam brought the open bottle of wine and filled glasses as necessary. Jack took a long pull from his scotch and set his glass down.
"Thanks," Jack said, softly.
Danny handed the last present to him. Jack took Vivian's present and put it gently into its box before setting it back on the coffee table. He wiped his face with the sleeve of his sweater and opened the card.
"Happy Birthday, Jack. Love, Danny,"
Jack looked at him briefly before opening the present.
"Oh, wow," Viv said, looking at the present in Jack's lap.
Martin and Sam walked behind him to look as well. Danny stood and walked around to be in front of Jack. Jack handed the photo of the team surrounding Jack's father, taken after the deposition, after the office Christmas party, in the chaotic surroundings of the local Chinese restaurant to Viv and stood up. He pulled Danny into a hug. Viv put the photo on the coffee table and stood up as well hugging Jack as the tears started down her face. Sam and Martin held each other. Finally Jack pulled back.
"Hey, this is supposed to be a celebration, right?" he asked the others.
They nodded at him, wiping the tears from their eyes.
"Let's order in. There are menus in the folder by the phone." Jack said, as he gently piled his treasures.
"Let me help you, Jack," Danny offered.
"Chinese right?" Sam called.
"Of course," Viv replied, laughing.
Danny and Jack set the presents down on the bed. Jack took the one of his father and put in on the bureau. He took the one of Max and put it next to that. He set Sam's box in the center, opened it, and set his watch and wedding ring inside, before closing the lid softly. Then he put the shirt and tie on the chair in the corner.
"Ready?" Danny asked.
"Yeah," Jack said, following Danny out of the room.
Martin had found the remote to the stereo and Aretha Franklin sang softly out of the speakers.
"They said they do not make birthday cakes, but would send over extra fortune cookies." Sam cracked.
Jack laughed, careful not to start to cough. He reached his hand to his chest for a moment. Picking up his glass, he walked back into the kitchen and filled his glass with scotch and water. He walked back into the living room listening to the team talking about their recent case. Before they could finish the story, Jack smiled.
"Don O'Brien, the trainer did it,"
"Jack, how could you have known that?" Martin asked, incredulous.
In a soft voice, Jack explained carefully how he came to his conclusion.
"Amazing," Martin said, shaking his head.
The door buzzer rang. Sam went to the intercom box on the wall.
"Yes?"
"Chinese food,"
"Come up, third floor,"
Viv stood up and took her wallet from her purse.
"I have this,"
"No, Viv, we should go Dutch,"
"No, Sam, I mean I will expense it," she explained. "We did talk about work, hell, Jack solved the case."
Sam grinned and put her purse back on the floor by the door. The team organized for the onslaught of food, deciding that they would eat at the coffee table. Jack sat quietly, his eyes closed, on the sofa. Danny walked back to the master bathroom, took one pill of each of Jack's medicines and walked back into the living room.
"Jack, time for medicine," he said, handing him the pills.
Jack opened his eyes, took the medicine, swallowing it dry before taking a sip of his scotch. The other team members sat on the sofa and pulled the chairs around to the coffee table.
"Jack, do you have an appetite, yet?" Sam asked.
"You can have egg drop or hot and sour soup." Viv said before he could answer, helping to open the cartons.
"Well, I'll take some hot and sour soup, please," Jack said, sitting up a little more.
Fifteen minutes later, there was a silence in the room that comes from a good meal. Aretha continued to sing but there was just the occasional hum of contentment. The door buzzer rang.
Sam was closest.
"Hello?"
"It's Ann,"
Sam pressed the buzzer and unlocked the door, leaving it slightly ajar before returning to her chair. Five minutes later, Ann walked into the apartment.
"Hi," they said, individually.
"Hi," she said hanging up her coat. "You're looking much better. Happy birthday, Jack," she said, leaning over to kiss him on the cheek.
"Thanks, help yourself to some food,"
"Great, I'm starved."
"Would you like a glass of wine, Ann?" Danny asked from the kitchen, refilling a seltzer for himself.
"Yes, Danny, that would be fine," Ann said, kneeling on the floor and filling her plate.
"You missed the presents." Jack said.
"Yeah, sorry, I got hung up finishing a brief."
The others were almost finished with dinner. Danny looked at Ann from the kitchen and caught her nod. He slipped out of the apartment and reentered a few minutes later.
"Happy Birthday, to you," he started in a soft tenor.
The others joined in as Jack groaned, looking at Ann, who grinned. Sam and Martin cleared a space on the coffee table so Danny could put the cake down. It was a simple cake with a square of four candles and a ring of eight. The song ended and the requests to blow the candles out before the smoke alarm went off were loud.
Jack thought for a moment, smiled, and slowly took a deep breath, hoping he wouldn't cough on the cake. He let out his breath evenly and blew out the candles.
The group applauded and he started to cut the cake. Finally he was at his piece and he started to cut into the cake. His hand began to shake. Danny looked at his watch and realized it was almost ten.
"Say goodnight, Jack," he directed softly.
Jack looked at his friends, who looked at him. His face was pale and he was sweating.
"I'm sorry, I'm not feeling very well," Jack said as Danny and Martin got him to his feet.
The rest of the team stood as well.
"Sleep tight, Jack, I'll call you tomorrow," Viv said, kissing him on the cheek.
"Take it easy, Jack," Martin said, hugging him awkwardly.
"Just relax, Jack, and Happy Birthday," Sam said, kissing him on the cheek.
Danny put his hand on Jack's shoulder and directed him to the bedroom before looking back at Ann. She followed quietly.
Ann shut the door once they were in the bedroom. Jack sat on the bed and started to cough. Danny went to the bathroom and brought out a wet face cloth, wiping Jack's face and nape of his neck. Ann held his hands and spoke to him softly. Slowly he nodded his head and began to gain control. Looking around the room, she saw a vest. Danny helped Jack out of the sweater and helped him into the vest to keep his chest warm. They eased him into bed and shut off the light. Leaving the room, they kept the door open. Ann turned to Danny in the hallway.
"I'll stay with him, tonight," she said.
"Okay, I'm around all weekend, so if you need help, just call. My number's on the call sheet by the phone."
"Thanks, Danny," she said, kissing him on the cheek.
"Don't mention it,"
They walked back into the living room and saw that the team had almost cleaned the entire party up.
"If you're set, Ann, I think I'm going to be heading out. I have to relieve Marcus." Viv said, slipping on her coat.
Sam, Martin and Danny, all began putting on their coats as well.
"Take care, and remember, our phone numbers are on the sheet." Danny said, smiling.
"Thanks, we'll be fine." Ann said, smiling.
"Good night," they said before walking out of the apartment.
She shut the door and locked it, sighing. She yawned, looked around the apartment, deciding to head for bed, herself. As she headed back to the bedroom, she turned off the lights. She walked in and heard Jack rasping as he tried to breathe. Ann took a t-shirt from his bureau drawer, took off her clothes to her underwear, put on the t-shirt, and slipped into bed. She reached over and turned off the light before settling under the covers. Very slowly, Jack held out his hand to her, palm up. She put her hand in his and he squeezed it softly.