Two wonderful things happened at the hospital. The contract with Orton Pharmaceuticals was restored. Randy even made sure supplies were delivered in less than twenty four hours. It also meant the ban on new patients was lifted. Adam and Justin were pleased, their wing of the ward was full, they had twenty new children to look after.
The second big thing was what Roman had wanted to tell Dean. Roman, with a lot of help from Shawn, purchased the house next door to Adam. The biggest thing was, Seth didn't know yet. It was going to be Roman's anniversary gift to Seth on August 14th. Adam was so thrilled and excited when Dean told him, Dean nearly had to tranquilize him. Adam knew he would really have to bite his tongue until the 14th.
Adam was also glad that Dean confirmed he would meet Justin and himself for breakfast. Adam still felt the need to keep that between themselves.
The only thing Adam didn't talk about was hearing his mom's voice. He didn't want Dean to think he was crazy. He'd also never told Randy when it happened. Maybe he would talk to Shawn, he had told him about the previous incidents. Shawn told him Judy was his guardian angel and to never doubt her. Adam never did.
Adam had to be careful of his mouth when he saw Seth on Thursday morning as they changed shifts.
"Oh I miss you, Adam. I need to talk to you. You're the only one I trust." Seth gave his friend an angst filled look.
Adam could see the worry on Seth's face. "Tell you what. I will meet you at the coffee shop at four. Would that work for you?
Seth looked relieved but, "Don't you sleep till six? I don't want to disturb that. It can wait till the weekend."
Adam laid a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Seth, it's fine. I honestly don't mind. So I will see you at four, okay?" He gave Seth a pointed look.
Seth smiled with a nod. "Okay. Thanks, buddy. I will be there at four. If I'm running late, I will call. With the wards full now, it gets hectic at shift change. Thanks again. Now go, before you miss even more sleep." The two friends hugged and went their own ways.
When the alarm went off at three, Adam turned it off with a grumble. But, he got up and stumbled into the shower.
Adam had told Dean the plan in a text message. Dean had no problems with it. Dean also reminded Adam to keep quiet about the house. Adam promised and told Dean to tell the kids he would be back in plenty of time for dinner.
Adam met Seth at the coffee shop that intersected his neighborhood with Seth's. It was their usual meeting place. Adam also briefly recalled it was the place he'd last seen Alberto Del Rio alive. Adam quickly dismissed the depressing thought.
Adam grinned, Seth was at their usual booth by the window. The two friends greeted each other. A waitress, who knew them both very well, filled their coffee cups. She liked Seth and Adam. They drank real coffee and not the fancy coffee drinks people wanted, then griped about if there was one drop of milk too much.
After they settled in and took sips of the delicious coffee, the two friends began to talk.
"So, Sethie, what's wrong. You know I'm here for you." Adam gave Seth a look full of concern.
Seth sighed. "It's my Ro, Adam. He's just… not acting right. He's been late home a few times. Yesterday, he was in his office at home. I went to take him a cup of coffee and he quickly hid something under a file. He acted like it hadn't happened. Do you think...he's...cheating on me?" Seth didn't cry, but the tears were there.
Adam steeled himself. He would have to be careful not to let the big secret slip. He almost wished Dean hadn't told him. Adam knew he was just terrible at keeping secrets.
"Oh honey, no. Roman adores you. He loves you. He is so happy about the baby too. I am sure it has to do with work. The thing he hid was probably something he had to keep private. You know like medical information. You remember the HIPPA law. I know Shawn has spoken of a huge case they have going. You know, stress can make you look guilty sometimes. You have nothing to worry about." Adam spoke honestly and looked his friend directly in the eye.
Seth looked at Adam with a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Do you really think so? He could have said it was private papers for a case though. I do know they have that big case, but..oh...maybe my hormones are going crazy." He gave another sigh and sipped his coffee.
Adam gave Seth a soft smile. "Probably. I drove Randy insane sometimes. He got so frustrated, at one point, he sent me to Shawn's for the night. I didn't blame him. Roman most likely, didn't expect you to surprise him with the coffee and just slid the paper out of sight. You saw it as hiding something. All of it innocent." He reached across the table and gave Seth's hand a squeeze.
Seth flushed a bit. "I'm the one that told Randy to send you to Shawn. He'd called me for advice. I said Shawn would know how to calm you down. It worked didn't it..." He gave Adam a sheepish look, then continued. "Yeah, you're probably right. Ro did something in reaction to me suddenly showing up with coffee and I read it all wrong. Thanks, buddy. I feel so much better. I really do appreciate you interrupting your sleep for me." He gave Adam a now relaxed smile.
It was Adam's turn to look sheepish. "I know, Shawn told me it was you. Yes, it worked. Yep, you read Roman wrong..." Adam was halted by an overwhelming sensation. He didn't hear a voice, but he knew he had to tell Seth about it.
Seth felt the change in his friend. "Adam? Honey, what is it. I am here, just like you are for me. Talk." He arched his brow at Adam.
Adam gave a small laugh. "Okay, but, I want your word that you won't laugh at me, or think I am crazy. Promise?" He gave Seth another sheepish look.
Seth turned serious. He reached over and placed his hands on top of Adam's. "Never, Adam. I promise. Talk, it must be something deep."
Adam nodded, took a deep breath and began to speak. He started with the first time he heard his mother's voice and the accident. He then told about the second time and the bank robbery. Seth listened intently and the expression carved on his face was serious.
"...then one night, while Justin was on a patient call, and I was at the desk, a feeling like ice water chilled me to the bone. Seth, mom's voice popped into my head...she said...Justin, danger. Seth, I heard her say it again later, Justin, danger. Why? What possible danger could Justin be? He is a wonderful nurse, he's respectful and friendly. Why would ma warn me? Seth, maybe I am crazy." Adam looked at his friend. There was deep concern in his hazel eyes.
Seth wasn't exactly sure how to respond. "Wow, okay. Well, she saved you twice. You can't deny that. Do you think that maybe… Justin could have a patient in danger?" He stated the only reasonable thing he could think of. Seth didn't want Adam to think he was being flippant.
Adam shrugged. "I dunno, maybe. But her...well...she was warning me that something was going to happen. Why warn me if something was a danger to Justin? I just can't imagine what kind of danger Justin would be to me."
Seth thought so hard his entire face crinkled. "Maybe he wants your job? You know, new guy, wants to make his mark?"
"Maybe. He honestly doesn't seem to be that type. You know what I mean. I guess there isn't anything that makes sense. Maybe if I am in danger, ma will tell me again. Seth don't say anything, please?" Adam gave Seth a pleading look.
Seth smiled and squeezed Adam's hands. "You know I won't. Listen, just…be careful. If you have a fault, you tend to see the good in people…when maybe they aren't. You know I say that out of love, not to be mean. Be wary. I don't want you to suddenly come up missing one day." He hoped Adam understood.
Adam returned the gesture and squeezed Seth's hands. "I know, honey. I should have paid more attention with my two attempts at relationships after the divorce. You tried to tell me...at least I am not going to be dating Justin. But yes, I will be careful. I'd better get home. I promised the kids I'd be back to eat dinner with them. If you are feeling better."
Seth grinned. "Much better. I was so stupid to let my hormones runaway with my imagination. Our anniversary is in a couple of weeks. Maybe you and Dean can celebrate with us. Dinner or something. I will speak to Ro. It would be fun to double date with you two. I never got along with Drake." Seth slid out of the booth. He left a tip and grabbed the check.
"Speaking of, what did you think of Drake, getting Martin's chair?" Adam spoke as they walked to the register to pay. He sighed when Seth refused his money. They went outside.
"My treat. You came at my request. Though Drake did impress me, I was more pleased for Martin. Dean told me Drake was like his old self, but I will never trust him, never ever." Seth almost stomped as he spoke.
Adam nodded. "Dean said the same. I will be Drake's friend at work, as long as he does his job right, that is. That's as far as I will go. You be careful driving home. Text me that your safe. You doin' okay in there little Reigns?" Adam gave Seth's slight bump a rub.
Seth grinned. "I will. Baby is fine. Morning sickness, but not horribly so. Love to Dean and the kids. Just...be careful, Adam. This baby needs his Uncle Addy." He kissed Adam's cheek.
"I will, honey." Adam returned Seth's kiss.
Adam was soon back home. He got a text from Seth that said he was home safe. Adam quickly replied that he was also home.
Adam walked into the kitchen. He panicked for a moment. Nothing was cooking. There were no kids, Dean or Ida. He let out a sigh when he heard his children outside.
Adam went out to the patio. Dean grilled hamburgers and the children played soccer. He smiled when Jade called out. "Daddy!" The game was forgotten as the quads ran to Adam.
Dean smiled as he too went to Adam. After hugs and kisses, the kids went back to play. Dean kissed Adam then indicated for Adam to sit.
"Seth alright?" Dean asked as he went back to the grill and flipped the burgers.
Adam sipped the glass of iced tea at his place at the picnic table. "Yeah. Baby hormones kinda got to him. He is fine now. And yes, I kept my mouth shut. Where is Ida?"
Dean grinned. "Her apartment. Gave her the night off. I am making an extra burger for your lunch break. Still having breakfast with the new nurse?" He kept one eye on the grill and one on the kids.
"That is nice of you. I am sure Ida appreciated it. Yes, as far as I know, breakfast at the café by the hospital after shift change." Adam ate a potato chip from the bowl on the table.
Dean put the cooked burgers on a plate. "I will be there. Oh, Raymond is down in Ortho for a few days. Dave Batista wants to run some deeper tests. Raymond is hooked to a monitor that observes his twitches." Dean put the plate on the table. He turned to the kids.
"Go wash up, please. Dinner time." Dean called out. The children ran into the house to wash up.
"Doctor Dave is good with kids. I hope he can help Raymond." Adam halted when his children returned and showed off their clean hands.
They were soon enjoying their meal of hamburgers, potato chips and salad. The children talked about their day at school.
Jordan spoke up. "Daddy, have you decided about Worlds of Fun yet? We've been really good." He looked with hope. He loved the amusement park.
Adam looked over at Dean. The physician gave the nurse a shrug with a wink. Adam grinned and spoke to his son.
"Yes, I have thought about it. But, you have one more day to behave I would imagine, we will probably go. I know you have been very good. Daddy is proud of you." Adam ruffled Jordan's long, dark hair.
"Yuck, there is a bone in my burger!" James exclaimed as he looked at said burger.
Dean also looked, then chuckled. "That's not a bone, that's a tooth." He pulled the tooth out of the burger and held it up.
Adam smiled. "Tooth fairy will like that. Does it hurt, baby?" He'd gotten up and gone to where James sat next to Dean.
"Not a bit, daddy." James smiled. He finished his burger after Dean made sure there was no blood on it.
Adam sighed. "My babies are growing up. Put it under your pillow for the tooth fairy." Adam kissed the top of James' head, then sat back down.
The meal continued happily. When they finished, Dean sent Adam up to dress for work, while he and the children cleaned up.
Adam found his family in the den. The children watched the Muppets and Dean read some private patient files. Adam sat close to Dean and absorbed the love and joy of his children; and Dean.
"Oh, Megan is doing great. I went by there after I picked up the kids. She said to tell you hi and she loves you. She's a different girl without the needle angst." Dean spoke as he put his files back into his briefcase.
Adam curled up to Dean. "I am glad. Megan deserves it. I'll go see her on the weekend." Adam let out a sigh of contentment.
All too soon, Adam parked Dean's Mustang in the hospital parking lot. He noticed a different car was parked in Justin's spot. It was a black Taurus, and all the windows were darkly tinted. It immediately put him on alert. It wasn't the car of a nurse.
As Adam clocked in, he noticed Justin had gotten there a few minutes earlier. When he got to the station, Adam sat quietly and listened as Lita gave Justin the shift change reports.
When Lita finished, she and Adam spoke, then Lita left. Justin went over the report with Adam.
"...so, that's it. At least we have more patients to look after." Justin ended with a firm nod.
"Yes, it's wonderful. Say, that's not your car in your space. If someone took your parking space, report it to the security guards. We have assigned spaces for a reason." Adam explained with a smile.
Justin had to think fast. Stephanie had given him the car to drive, because of the tinted windows. It was perfect for hiding someone, like a kidnapping victim. He got an idea.
"No, I drove it. It's a loaner from the repair shop. Something went wrong on my car. It isn't my style at all, but, it's what they had. It beats walking and cab fares." Justin gave a shrug as he spoke.
Adam nodded with a smile. "That makes sense. I have to say, it unnerved me. That's the kind of car the bad guys always drive in the movies. You know, the black tinted windows. Hope nothing major is wrong with your car. If you ever need a ride, just call." He was satisfied and relaxed.
Justin internally grinned. If Adam only knew how close he'd gotten to the truth. "Thanks, I appreciate that. I think it was something with the air conditioning."
"Yeah, it's hard on cars in the summer. Running the AC in city traffic. My old driving teacher gave me a tip. Turn on the heater, full blast for a few minutes if you're stuck in traffic. It pulls the heat out of the engine area. Or so he said. All I know is, it does work. You're miserably hot for a while, but it saves wear and tear on the AC." Adam spoke as he looked to see if there were any patients that needed night medications.
"I will remember that. It makes sense. Oh, this new patient, she may need an insulin pump. At least Doctor Ambrose won't have to go to Saint Louis to get one." Justin still wanted to try to find out how Dean had gotten Megan Helmsley's pump.
Adam smiled. "True. But, I am sure Drake Younger could have gotten one. He had one lined up in Jefferson City, but, Dean beat him to it. Now that the contract is settled, getting one won't be an issue this time." He gave a firm nod.
Justin didn't push further. "I guess we'd better do a round. You take right, okay?" He gave the orders. Adam was fine with it, he'd told Justin to take charge. After all, starting next week, he would be.
"Sounds good. You're doing a great job, Justin. You learned our ways quickly." Adam praised as he stood. He and Justin began to walk.
Justin smiled at Adam "I had a very good, kind, patient teacher. I am buying your breakfast later, as a thanks."
"You don't have to do that, but I do appreciate the kind words. Okay, meet you back at the station. Call if you have any problems." Adam gave Justin a nod.
An hour later, Adam and Justin sat down to begin their chart work of the patient round they had just finished.
"It will take longer, but I am glad the wards are full again." Adam was happy as he worked. Dean's new patients were there. He knew Dean was pleased as well.
Just finished one chart. "Yes, it is nice. Sad though, one of the new patients is terminal with neuroblastoma, Elijah Maine." He worked on Elijah's chart and read it.
Adam sighed. "One of Doctor Ambrose's kids. They want to do all they can to make him as comfortable as possible. I hope Drake will get him home hospice care. I know Hazel would have seen to it." He too wrote in a chart.
Justin arched his brow. "I take it you and Mister Younger have issues?" He knew Drake would be at breakfast later as part of Plan B. Now he was curious.
"Well, I told you some of it. As long as he does his job, he's fine in my book." Adam wasn't about to give personal details about Drake, Dean or himself.
Justin nodded. "That is what counts. One thing about the night shift, and Adam, please don't take this wrong, but, we don't have to deal with all the hospital politics stuff." He continued to write notes.
Adam gave a very wry chuckle. "No offense taken, Justin. I agree with you. We do hear and see a lot on the day shift." He started another chart.
When they finished, Adam took Justin to the medicine room. "Okay, final exam time. You find what I ask for." He gave Justin a sly wink.
Justin laughed. "Okay, Professor. Quiz away. This is actually a very good idea."
Adam started slow and easy. By the time he finished, he was fast and asked for Justin find difficult items. When they finished, the two nurses returned everything to its proper place.
"Very well done. I thought the last one would throw you, but nope. Perfect score. Now, you ready for lunch, so to speak?" Adam grinned as he put the box with a sling away.
Justin nodded. "Yeah, coffee sounds perfect. I almost got a splint, then I recalled you said sling. I feel confident in here now. That map you made was a good idea." He waited while Adam turned out the light and locked the door to the medication room.
Together they walked to the break room, they both wore pagers that would alert them to any patient that rang for help.
Justin poured two cups of coffee as Adam took his lunch bag out of the fridge. He always put it in there after the shift change reports. The two Registered Nurses sat at the table.
"Here, take half of mine. Dean grilled burgers earlier and I can't eat another whole one. Got fresh tomatoes and cucumbers too, oh and apples. Jade didn't want daddy to be hungry. So she always sends two apples or other fruit. On our first night out together, Dean and I went to a fundraiser. We had to rush back to my place, Jade was sick. We found out she ate two entire pints of blueberries and got as sick as a dog." Adam laughed at the memory.
Justin laughed. "Poor thing. Hope she recovered quickly. Thanks for sharing. I've got to get off my butt and get sandwich stuff from the store. This looks good." He took a bite from his half of the huge hamburger.
"She was fine. It was nice having a Pediatrician for a date...well, non date. We went to the dance as friends. So, how do you like Dean's grilling skills?" Adam took his own bite.
Justin chewed and swallowed. "Very good. Even cold, it's juicy. Always best to be friends first." He took a bite of tomato.
Adam nodded. "Yes, it is. So, this is me, being terribly nosy, but, anyone around here catch your eye?"
Justin laughed. "I honestly haven't met many people here yet. That is the one draw back to night shift. You don't meet many people. The others stay on their halls and stations. You never know where or when you will meet your soul mate, but when you do, you'll know. At least that is what my mother once told me."
"I think that's very true. I know I've found mine. But still, our friendship is always first. We have to build a strong foundation." Adam spoke with a soft smile on his face.
Justin nodded. "A solid foundation is important. Okay, I will admit something. I found Mister Younger rather handsome, he isn't the pretty boy type. I like that. Pretty boys are normally self-centered. Not all of them, of course, but most of the ones you see in bars are."
Adam chuckled. "I do know what you mean. Women can be the same. High maintenance isn't for me. Although, if you ask Seth, he will tell you I'm a diva. I guess I am in some ways." He ducked his head with a flush on his cheeks.
Justin gave his own chuckle. "Adam, we are all divas in ways. Being a diva isn't like being high maintenance. You are extremely handsome. I honestly can't believe you have four seven year olds. You must have been well looked after. Oh...you know I am so bad at saying things sometimes." It was his turn to blush.
Adam grinned at Justin. "I was. Randy took good care of me. See, I lost our first baby. I took fertility meds and boy, did they work. I was twenty when I got pregnant with the quads and twenty one when I had them. Randy spoiled me because I had to stay in bed so much. The good thing is, it went so well, other children should be easy for me, if I have more. My boys would love another sister and the girls want a brother, go figure. Also..." Adam went on to explain more about his kids.
"...Argh! Justin, tell me to shut the fuck up! I am sorry. Not another word about my children." Adam quickly took his last bite of food and gave Justin an apologetic look.
"Adam, please. It is alright. I enjoy hearing about your children. I hope I can meet them one day." Justin gave Adam a smile. The two nurses finished their food and returned to the nurse's station.
They did their next round, returned and charted it Justin gave a sad sigh as he wrote in Elijah's chart.
"He is so sweet. He was in the bathroom and when he came out he was singing. I let him sing while I tucked him back in. It makes me so sad to know he will be gone in less than a year." Justin sighed again.
"I know. Makes me feel bad when I celebrate that mine are so healthy." Adam sighed with Justin and kept writing.
"Nothing wrong with being thankful for that. But, kids like Elijah motivate me to work hard on fundraising for research." Justin spoke firmly as he too wrote.
Adam nodded. "You work on that carnival idea. I'll back you a billion percent."
Later, after they answered a few patient calls and charted them, the two nurses prepared the shift change reports. Justin did the main report as Adm wrote out the med list.
"Adam, I gotta hit the bathroom. I will be right back." Justin got up. He slyly slipped something into his pocket.
Adam kept writing. "Fine with me. I will be here." He gave a little wave to Justin.
Justin hurried to the bathroom. He had something important to do, before he and Adam went to breakfast. Everything depended on him doing this right.
Adam closed his eyes and concentrated on his beloved mother. In some ways he hoped he hear her voice, in other ways he didn't. He gave a sigh, maybe he was crazy.
Justin returned as if nothing had happened. He sat down. "Better now. Sometimes coffee goes right through me."
"When ya gotta go, ya gotta go. I know what I am having for breakfast. The café makes the best Eggs Benedict." Adam's mouth watered at the thought.
Justin chuckled. "Don't tell Jade, but I want blueberry pancakes."
Adam laughed. "She still loves blueberries. Ask me about Jan some time."
"Okay, what about Jan. You can't leave me hanging." Justin gave Adam a wink.
Adam shrugged. "Well, you asked…." He went on to tell about trying to trick the kids with grapefruit. "...she loved it most of all. She absolutely loves to eat lemons like apples." He laughed. Justin's lips puckered as Adam told the story.
Just before the time of the shift change, one of the new patients called for help. Adam answered as Justin stayed at the desk.
Justin hoped he'd taken care of what needed to be done. He didn't want the wrath to come down on him. Justin had no desire to be found face down in the Missouri River.
Adam returned as Lita arrived. "Let Justin give you the report. I have to chart this. Linda Olsen threw up. She is alright now, but Doctor Ambrose wants it charted." He pulled the chart, sat down and made the note.
Justin gave Lita the shift change report and the med list. Adam finished his chart work.
"Adam, maybe you'd better change your scrubs." Justin pointed to the stains Linda had left on Adam's scrubs.
Adam looked. "Oh, yeah. I never noticed, thanks. I will be right back. I have clothes in my locker, just for these moments. I won't be long." He hurried off to the staff locker room, next to the break room.
Before Adam returned, Seth came into work. He wanted to meet Justin properly, not just in quick passing.
"You must be Justin Gabriel. I am Seth Reigns. We met in passing." Seth held out his hand for Justin to shake.
Justin smiled warmly and shook Seth's hand. "Pleasure to formally meet you. Adam speaks highly of you. Congratulations on your little one." He thought Seth glowed as a pregnant person.
Seth grinned. "Thank you. Adam is a sweetheart. My best friend. I'd be lost without him..." He was halted when Adam returned.
"...and I'd be lost without you. Okay, all clean, hungry and ready to go." Adam gave Seth a hug as he spoke.
"Have a nice breakfast. I will call you sometime tomorrow. Love you." Seth returned Adam's hug.
"Okay. I love you, Seth and you too Baby Reigns." Adam gave Seth's belly a rub.
Adam and Justin went to the parking lot. "I will meet you there." Adam called out as he slid into the Mustang.
Justin gave Adam a wave and a thumbs up. He got in to the car Stephanie had given him to drive. Justin smiled, Plan B was underway. Worlds were about to change...and not for the better.