Chapter 34: This Sucks!
******Next Day******
Jason woke up with a warm body pressed up against him. He smiled without opening his eyes. Daisy had returned late last night, upset for him. She'd actually liked Joseph—unlike anyone else besides Wallace. Wallace tended to like and accept everyone, so Jason hadn't been surprised that the two got along. Daisy, however, wasn't one to make friends easily or like many people. Yet she and Joseph seemed friendly. Naturally, they flirted outrageously to annoy Jason—it always worked. He felt a stab of pain, thinking of his friend. He was very glad that Daisy was with him again. He had missed her. Leaning over, he kissed her awake.
"Hey, sleepyhead," he said when she stirred.
"Sleepyhead? It was after midnight when we went to bed and much later before we went to sleep!" she complained, opening her eyes with a pout.
Jason grinned down at her. "Can I help it that I missed you so much?" he asked, kissing her again.
"What time is it?" she asked with a yawn.
"It's a bit after six," Jason said.
"Why did you wake me up?" she complained.
"Dad and Jazzie are due to fly in at eight," he said. "I needed to meet with Wallace's dad and Keith before then. Nathan is helping Nick out as well, consulting with Keith. Nick's never taken on a serial killer case before. Wallace's dad is the only one with any real experience dealing with psychopaths."
Daisy sat up, rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. "So you think the guy doing this killing is a psychopath?"
"Psychopath or sociopath. I don't know. I'm sure Veronica has theories. Sociopaths don't feel remorse and are often calculated. Many never become killers. Society's rules keep them in line," Jason said. "If there is only one killer, I'd say he must be a real head case. All these different methods of killing—he's got to be twisted. Jessi was beaten so badly, which usually indicates rage. However, a sniper shot that killed Joseph is usually done without any feeling at all—assassination. The entire mess is just weird."
"I just can't believe he's dead, and Parker is so injured," she said sadly. Jason put his arm around her.
"I'm glad Parker is alive even though I wish Joseph didn't have to die to save her," Jason said, his eyes full of sorrow. "My dad is going to be all over this. He'll want blood."
"We all do," Daisy said flatly.
"I'm really glad you're here, and you're safe with me," Jason said meaningfully. His hand played in her hair, savoring her there with him—safe. He felt for Duncan. "I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you like happened to Parker or those other girls. It makes me wish you were anywhere else. At the same time, I'm not sure how I'd get through all this without you."
Daisy understood how he felt because she felt the same way. She was really scared. So far, all the victims had been white. She didn't know if it was coincidence or if it meant she was safe. "I read somewhere that serial killers rarely pick victims outside of their own race unless it's a specific hate crime. Do you think the killer is white? Are non-whites safe?" she asked. Then she grimaced. "Am I awful for wondering such a thing?"
"I think it's normal to wonder something like that. It's something Nick and I have talked about with Keith and Veronica," Jason answered. He would like to think that meant his sister and Daisy were safe. However, Joseph had been collateral damage, so until the man was caught, Jason did think anyone was completely safe.
*****A Few Hours Later*****
Eli paced anxiously back and forth at J&E, waiting for Jason to bring his father and Jazmin. He'd been tied up chasing down leads, so he'd been unable to go with him and Daisy to the airport to meet them. Jazmin had only been gone a week, but it seemed much longer. The nightmare of the past twenty-four hours just made the void of her absence larger.
The door opened. They were finally there. Jazmin smiled lovingly at him and ran to him. He wrapped his arms around her, joy at her presence filling him. "I'm glad you're home, princess," he told her.
Jazmin rested against him, needing his strength. "I can't believe this is happening," she murmured. Then she pulled back to kiss him.
"So what's the news?" Sebastian asked Nick.
"The shots were fired from an 82 Barret 50 caliber," Nick said. "We didn't get any shells from the scene—the guy is being very careful. However, they took the bullets out of Joseph and Parker."
"How's Parker?" Jazmin asked. "Dad insisted in coming here first."
"She's stable," Eli said. "There's been damage to her spine, though. She may not walk again. They won't know until she's awake and tested."
"Paralyzed? They think she's paralyzed?" Jazmin asked, upset.
"Her lower spine was damaged," Eli said. "She will have some mobility issues."
"This city is cursed," Sebastian said in disgust. "I thought Chicago had a sordid history. Neptune is not where either one of you should be living."
Jazmin sighed. "Daddy, we've discussed this. Bad things happen everywhere—often back home. You know this. I'm not going to abandon my friends. Not now especially. Parker's going to need me more than ever," Jazmin said firmly. "She was there for me after David. I owe her a lot, and she's going to need all of us."
Sebastian knew that his loyal children would never abandon their friends, but he still wanted to take them far away from this city. Too many bad things had happened to them since coming here. His baby girl had been hurt too much, and now Joseph was dead. He burned with impotent rage. "Your mother and I need you to be safe, sweetheart," he said. He knew, though, her friends were the type that would be her friend for the rest of her life. The close friendships she'd longed for all her life had been found at Hearst. Although Sebastian was grateful for that, he bemoaned the distance between Neptune and Chicago. His stubborn daughter would never leave as long as they—and Eli—were there. He hated that the city was so corrupt. It was ironic that he felt this way considering he'd made his living off the corruption in his own city, but when it came to his children, he wanted only the best for them.
"I'm not from Neptune or the area. I doubt I'd be a target. And I never spend time alone anymore. I'm very careful," she assured him.
"Well, I'm hiring a bodyguard for you until this man's caught," Sebastian decided. "I have to be able to tell your mother and grandparents that I did everything I could to keep you safe."
Jazmin looked resigned but grimaced in distaste. "Fine. If that's what it'll take to make you relax, then go for it," she said.
Jason perked up. "That's a great idea! Hire one for Daisy, too," he said, squeezing her hand.
Daisy rolled her eyes. "I don't need a bodyguard. We decided that I'm safe, remember? This guy's going after white chicks," she said.
"Joseph wasn't white, and he's dead," Sebastian said flatly.
"He was a hero. That's why he's dead," Jason said.
"That wouldn't be me! I'm not taking a bullet for anyone. I'm all about duck and cover," Daisy said lightly, trying to dispel the tension.
Jason smiled, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and pulling her against his side. "Good strategy," he told her.
"I will contact Nathan. I'm sure he can recommend a company that can help us," Nick said.
"Let's go see Parker," Jazmin said to Eli.
He nodded. "Sure thing," he said. He looked at Jason. "You coming?"
"Yea," he nodded. "We'll go with you."
They left Sebastian with Nick and headed toward the hospital.
*****Neptune Hospital*****
Veronica brought some coffee and sausage biscuits to the hospital. Logan stayed home with Richie. Trina was due back tomorrow. Veronica knew that Parker's family had arrived late last night. Piz was coming up today, and Duncan had never left. They were all waiting for Parker to wake up. Duncan was in the ICU waiting room. They weren't going to move her to her own room until she woke up. Duncan was sleeping, his head resting on a pillow that was against the wall. She hated to wake him. Sitting the coffee next to him, she went to the room Parker was in. Her parents were by her side.
"Good morning," Veronica said to them. "I brought you some breakfast."
"That's very sweet of you," Parker's mom said, giving Veronica a weary smile. "The nurse said she should be awake by this evening."
"That's good," Veronica said.
"Martin, why don't you go to the hotel and get some rest and clean up? I'll stay here," Mrs. Lee said to her husband.
"No, you should go," he argued.
"Mrs. Lee, Why don't you both go and rest? Then you can be sure you're here when she wakes up this evening. She won't be alone. Duncan's not going to leave for long, and more of our friends are arriving today. I'll be here," Veronica told them.
"Please call me, Patricia," Parker's mom said, giving her a warm smile. Parker looked a lot like her mother. Her mother's hair was sandy blonde but cut short.
"I think she's right, Pat. We should go to the hotel and come back after a few hours. Our baby has enough people here to keep her company," Martin said, giving Veronica a warm smile. He took a coffee from the carrier she was holding. "Thanks for the coffee."
"I have breakfast sandwiches in the bag—sausage," she replied.
"You're very thoughtful," Patricia told her, accepting the bag and grabbing two sandwiches. She handed it back to Veronica.
The nurse came in, frowning at the number of people. "Only two visitors at a time in ICU," she told them.
"We are going to leave for a few hours and let her friends stay with her. Please call us if there's any changes," Patricia told the nurse.
"I will," the nurse said.
Veronica gave the nurse a thoughtful look. "I was wondering if you could help me with something or direct me," she said, coming to a decision about something. They needed some good news.
"Sure," the nurse said. "How can I help?"
Back in the waiting room, Parker's parents saw the sleeping Duncan. "He must really be crazy about our girl," Martin said in bemusement.
"He's the one she broke up with to get back with Piz," Patricia whispered. "He's got a little girl."
"How come you know so much?" her husband asked.
"I listen when Parker calls!" she said, smiling fondly at her husband.
"I can't keep all of them straight. Piz seemed like a nice fella. I liked him," Martin said, eying Duncan speculatively. He was awfully young to be a father.
"Piz moved to focus on his career. This is the one Parker loves now," Patricia said, pointing.
Their loud whispering woke Duncan. He straightened when he saw Parker's parents. "Is there news? Is she awake?" he asked.
"No, dear. They seem certain she won't wake up until this evening, so we're going back to our hotel to get some rest and clean up. Maybe you should do the same," she suggested.
"I will. I have to see my daughter," Duncan said. He noticed the coffee sitting next to him. Veronica must be here. "Is Veronica here?"
"Yes, she brought breakfast. She's with Parker now," Mrs. Lee said.
"We'll see you later," Parker's dad said. Duncan was introduced to them, but he couldn't recall their names. The entire night was a blur. Although he was relieved that she'd come through the surgery, he wouldn't relax until she was conscious.
As soon as Parker's parents stepped in the elevator, the other one opened. Jazmin, Weevil, Jason, and Daisy stepped out of it.
"Duncan!" Jazmin called, walking toward him. He stood up to greet them. Jazmin hugged him. "I can't believe this!"
Weevil tried not let his annoyance show, but he hated to see Jazmin touching her ex. He knew it was ridiculous, but it was how he felt. Luckily, no one was paying attention to him.
"She's okay," Duncan said. "I'm just glad she's going to wake up and be okay."
"Is she? Jason said she may be paralyzed," Jazmin said.
"I don't care. At least she's alive," Duncan said flatly.
"Of course! I'm happy about that. I just hate to think of what else she'll be going through," Jazmin said worriedly.
"How are you holding up?" Daisy asked Duncan.
He shrugged. "I'm okay. You just missed Parker's parents. They went to their hotel to rest and clean up. I'm going to need to go home before Lily gets too upset at my absence," Duncan said.
"We'll be here, so you can go get some rest," Jazmin said.
"Did you stay all night?" Daisy asked him.
He nodded. "Yea. I just couldn't bring myself to leave," he admitted.
Daisy hugged him. "Go get some rest. See your little girl. We'll call you if there's any changes or if she wakes up," Daisy told him.
"Thanks," Duncan said. He nodded to Jason and Weevil. He decided it was time, so he said goodbye and walked to the elevator.
"Can we see her?" Jazmin asked Jason.
"She's through those doors. The third door on the right," Jason said. "Only two visitors at a time, so we'll stay here."
The girls went through the doors. Both were dismayed to see Parker. She was so pale and still. She was rarely still. There were wires hooked up to her—an IV and heart monitor as well as oxygen. Jazmin brushed her forehead. "We're here, Parker. You're going to be okay," she told Parker.
"I just can't believe this has happened," Daisy whispered. "Why would someone shoot Parker? I don't understand. She's a cheerleader—not an activist. Why would anyone hate her enough to kill her?"
"I don't know that it's about hate. Sometimes, people kill 'cause they're sick and twisted. Some kill for money. Some kill for pleasure. It doesn't mean she was hated," Jazmin said. "I can't imagine anyone hating Parker."
"She's perky. Some people hate perkiness," Daisy said. "I do usually." She was silent a moment. Parker wasn't just perky, though. She was warm and genuine. "But Parker is my friend."
Jazmin smiled in understanding. Although she and Daisy were barely friends, she understood that Daisy didn't make female friends easily. Her brash nature and overt sexuality were off-putting to most women. It had been to Jazmin and still was sometimes. However, Jason loved her, so Jazmin was trying hard to also. "I just hope she's going to be okay," Jazmin said in concern. "She's a cheerleader and very active. This will be difficult for her."
"She's strong. We'll help her," Daisy said. They would wait and see before worrying about the worst possibilities.
*****San Diego Airport*****
Mac and Dick had flown out of Los Angeles, but they had found a direct flight from New York to San Diego for their return, figuring they'd be ready to get home at that time. Both had been unusually quiet on the return flight, especially Dick. Their minds had been full of the things they'd seen and done. Neither had been prepared for the harsh realities of true poverty. Mac had thought she was. She'd done her due diligence by researching the area. She'd seen pictures. However, pictures or even videos just couldn't compare to the sights in person or the smell. Mac had discovered that real poverty had a smell—one she doubted she'd ever forget.
When they were waiting to disembark, Dick turned to Mac. "I feel so different. I never realized," he said.
Mac reached for his hand and squeezed it. "I know exactly how you feel," she said. "I thought I knew. I guess some things you have to see for yourself." She reached for her phone and turned it on.
"It's going to be strange being back and seeing Neptune and all its wealth," Dick said.
"It'll be good to be home. I've been worried about Lauren," Mac said. She checked her text messages. There were a few from Lauren. She was back to normal. "Lauren sent me a picture. She's not yellow anymore. She's doing good."
"That's great," Dick said with a smile.
Mac frowned as she read a text from Veronica. "Veronica said we need to call her as soon as we land. Something has happened," Mac said.
"What?" Dick asked, pulling out his phone and turning it on. "Dad called me twice. That's weird." He looked through his text messages. Several were from his fraternity brothers. They contained a horrible message. "Someone shot up Logan and Ronnie's place!"
"What?" Mac gasped in alarm. She immediately dialed Veronica while Dick read through the messages.
"They're okay but someone died," Dick said, reading his texts. Then he paused and looked at Mac, afraid to tell her what one said.
"Veronica? We're back. What's going on? Are you and Logan okay? Dick had a text from one of his brothers that said there was a shooting at your house," Mac said. The plane started to disembark, but Mac and Dick didn't move.
Dick knew the bad news Mac was hearing and watched her eyes fill with tears. Man, did the world suck ass! They'd just got back from doing some real good only to hear really bad shit was going down at home. Anger filled him. Why did bad stuff have to happen? He got up and grabbed their carry-ons, waiting for Mac to hang up. "Mac, we have to get off the plane," he said to her.
"We'll be there as soon as we can," Mac said, hanging up and standing. She wiped at her eyes. "Parker's been shot! They have her in a medically induced coma, Dick!"
Dick was grim as they left the plane and walked down to the collect their luggage. While they waited for it to come out, Mac told Dick what Veronica had said.
"Joseph is dead. Veronica was at the door with the baby when the shooting started. Parker was hit once, and Jason dived at the door pushing her inside. When Parker was hit again, Joseph jumped in front of her, taking the third bullet to his heart. He died at the scene," Mac said, still in shock.
"Dude finally did something good," Dick said, feeling sad. Thinking about the scene they'd missed, he watched the suitcases finally start to come onto the conveyor. The thought of little dude getting hurt made his stomach roll. The horror of it upset him a lot.
"Parker's spine was hit, but she's going to be okay," Mac said. "I mean, they don't think she's going to die or anything. Not anymore. I guess it was pretty bad last night. But she's stable now."
"That's good at least," Dick said. "Duncan must be a wreck."
"I thought coming home would be strange because of our trip. I didn't expect this," Mac said sadly.
"This sucks!" Dick exclaimed.
"It does. It really does," Mac said in agreement. They picked their luggage off the conveyor belt. "Let's go straight to the hospital. I want to see Parker before I go home."
Dick understood. Their friends were going to need them.
*****Chapter End*****