CHAPTER 23
As I Live and BreatheThe women had me surrounded as they hovered in the air, whispering ominously and reaching out to me with their bony fingers. I turned in a circle, panting for breath and looking for a way out. Every time they moved, a pungent stench wafted off their rotting bodies, filling my nostrils with a sickening smell. My stomach rolled and I put my hand over my nose and mouth, trying to keep from breathing it in. I turned from side to side, looking for an opening between them, but they kept swarming closer, trapping me as their lip-less mouths roared in maniacal laughter. I slapped and kicked them away.
"Stop it! Leave me alone!"
I felt something cold and slimy on my arm and looked down, gagging when I noticed the bits of festering flesh stuck to my skin. I desperately wiped the oozing sludge off. "Get away from me!" I screamed.
"Stephanie, can you hear me?"
In unison, the women turned their heads to see who dared interrupt them. Their circle opened as they parted, and I could see who called my name.
"Mom?"
She was holding a lifeless rabbit by its hind legs; her unblinking eyes boring into me with cold indifference as she gave it a vicious shake. "You see this, Stephanie? I killed the rabbit for you. I'm a murderer too."
Suddenly, the rabbit came to life and started wiggling to get free. It was too much for her to handle and she let go. The rabbit twisted in midair, turning into Durant before landing on his feet, snarling and posed for attack. "Run!" I yelled at her, but she stood unmoving as if she didn't hear the urgency in my voice. She was focused solely on me, her face red with rage. I don't think she was even aware that Durant was crouched beside her.
"It's your fault I had to run over that man." Her accusation hit me like a harsh blow. All this time, she'd blamed me for the hit and run accident during the Abruzzi situation. If I hadn't gotten tangled up with that psychotic freak, she never would have had to run Leo Klug down with her car to save me.
"I'm sorry Mom," I cried as I stumbled backward right into one of the women's disgusting embrace. Her arms tightened around me—trapping me—while the rest of them moved toward Mom, forcing her to back up. "Run," I screamed but she didn't understand the danger she was in. They were forcing her backward, one step at a time, until she backed right into the glass case Durant was holding open. "No!" I screamed as I pried the arms from around me and started pushing my way through the women. "Get away from her!"
As I shoved through them, slinging them to the side, their bodies broke apart. Piles of bones and gore landed piece by piece on the floor. By the time I cleared a path, Durant was closing the door on the case with my mother inside. With the last of her breath, she screamed, "This is all your fault, Stephanie. You're a murderer now, too." I drew back as if she'd physically smacked me. I wasn't a murderer. How could she say that about me?
While I absorbed the shock of her words, Durant fell to the floor. I'd been prepared to fight him again, but he was already lying beaten and bloody with chains at his wrists and ankles and neck. I hadn't wanted to hurt him, but he'd left me no choice. He deserved it. He'd done far worse to me.
Everything went dark.
"Mom!" I fruitlessly searched the darkness, calling to her. Something grabbed me and I screamed. The more I struggled to get away, the tighter they squeezed. "Mom!" I screamed louder, panic setting in.
"Shhh… I'm here, baby." The arms loosened and my mother's soft hand smoothed my hair off my forehead.
I took in a swift breath, elated that she was still alive. "Mommy?"
"Babe. You can stop fighting now."
"Ranger?" His voice brought tears to my eyes. I searched harder, but I couldn't see him in the darkness. "Where are you?"
"You're safe, Babe. Everything's going to be fine, now." A finger gently wiped my tears away, and then the sweetest lips kissed by cheek and then my mouth.
"You're in the hospital, Ms. Plum." A strange but pleasant voice spoke. "I'm going to give you something to help you rest."
"She's not having a seizure," Nurse Cathy said as she injected something into Stephanie's IV port. "Most likely she's experiencing a terrible nightmare. After what she's been through, it would be understandable."
"What are you giving her?" Helen asked.
"It's a higher dose sedative," she said as she began strapping Stephanie's arms and legs down with restraints.
Ranger put his hand on the woman's arm, stopping her. "She's calm, now," he said in a voice that brooked no argument. "She doesn't need those." Helen vigorously nodded her head, agreeing with Ranger.
Already informed that Ranger was Stephanie's power of attorney, Nurse Cathy directed her explanation to him. "Ms. Plum is very sick. It's for her protection." While she continued placing Stephanie's limbs in the four-point restraints, she explained. "Erratic movements can cause her broken ribs to puncture a lung or worse. After the ordeal she's suffered, it would be natural for her to fight. Even while sleeping, the mind is active, and instinct can take over." Even though he didn't like it, Ranger knew from his own experiences that she was right. He'd go along with it for now, but as soon as Stephanie woke up, the straps would be coming off. The nurse finished taking Steph's vitals, and left.
Ranger looked over at Helen. "Why don't you go to the hotel and get some rest."
Helen sat down for a few minutes, noticing the swelling in her legs. It happened anytime she was on her feet for long periods of time. If she didn't find a place to lie down soon, they'd get worse. She looked back over at Stephanie. "Are you going to stay with her?"
"I'm not leaving." Ranger stood at Stephanie's bedside, holding her uninjured hand.
Helen gathered her purse and coat and headed to the door. "I'll be back in a few hours." She stopped in the doorway. "Thank you for reserving the hotel room. It was very thoughtful. I hope Stephanie knows how much you love her."
Morelli had been sitting in the waiting room for hours when he saw Helen leaving. The doctor had allowed two visitors to stay with Stephanie, and of course one of them was Helen, but since Ranger had Stephanie's power of attorney he also remained. Now that Helen was leaving, he had a chance to spend some time with Stephanie, whether Ranger liked it or not, and he was going to take it. He approached the nurse's desk, flashing his badge. Luckily, the young nurse was impressed enough to let him through the door. He kept his eyes straight ahead and walked with purpose. He learned a long time ago if you acted like you had a right to be somewhere, people rarely questioned you.
Hector and Lester were guarding Stephanie's door. Morelli was surprised when they made no move to stop him from entering, but once inside, he stopped short at the sight in front of him. Ranger was lying half on the bed, caressing Stephanie's jaw with the back of his fingers. For a brief moment, he glimpsed soul splitting anguish on Ranger's face. He'd never seen this side of the man before. In some parts of his brain he knew Ranger loved her, but now he didn't have to wonder how deep that love went—he saw it—live and in living color. The anger he'd banked earlier was back in full force.
Ranger may not have given the impression he was aware of Morelli's presence, but he knew the instant he'd entered the room. He chose to remain where he was and made no attempt to get up or withdraw his hand away from Stephanie. In the past, he'd have stepped away and not interfered in their unhealthy relationship. But not this time.
My heart was racing, and everything was dark. I tried blinking my eyes open, but the darkness wouldn't go away.
Where was I?
I was lying on a mattress, but it felt different. It was softer and my head was cushioned on a pillow. And I was warm. I tried to feel around, but my arm wouldn't move. I tried the other one and it was stuck too. So were my legs.
No. No. No. I cried as I began struggling. I'd gotten out of the shackles. I'd hit Durant and taken his clothes. I'd gotten free. Tears trickled from behind my closed eyes. I'd escaped. I know I had. It hadn't been just a dream.
My breath caught when a hand touched my shoulder. I searched through the darkness, desperate to see where Durant was. He must be furious after I hit him so many times. I tried to twist away, but my body wouldn't move. I was at his mercy. He grabbed my shoulders with both hands, and I fought harder, but still couldn't move enough to get his hands off me. I wasn't going to let him do this to me, not again. Finally, a painful noise came from deep in my throat. "Noooooo!"
"Babe, you're safe." A soothing voice broke through my panic.
Ranger? As soon as I heard his voice, I calmed.
I felt tugging on my hands and legs as he tried to explain what was going on, but the beeps and alarms were making my head hurt. "They put you in restraints to keep you from hurting yourself. I'm taking them off right now. Don't be afraid. I won't let anyone hurt you."
We need to hurry! I tried to scream as I did my best to help him, but my legs were so heavy they could have been made of lead.
"You shouldn't take those off." I stilled when I heard Joe's angry voice.
Why didn't he want to help me? Was he going to leave me here—again?
I struggled to help Ranger, but I could barely move.
"Shhh… Babe, you're free now."
I sighed with relief when I didn't feel the shackles anymore, but I still couldn't open my eyes. I heard people talking, but most of their words didn't make sense. Someone squeezed my hand and a drop of liquid landed on my cheek. "It's my fault." Joe quietly blamed himself. "I never should have taken the assignment and left her alone."
He sounded so sad. I wanted to put my arms around him and tell him it was all going to be okay, but we didn't have time for that. We had to get out before Durant found them here. I tried again to move… and couldn't.
You need to help me, Joe. I can't get up.
He didn't respond. It was as if he couldn't hear me.
"I allowed you to track her every move because she needed more than me to watch her back." The harsh tone in Joe's voice scared me. "So, tell me… where were you when she needed you?"
He had to be talking to Ranger because no one else tracked me. But Ranger didn't allow anyone to speak to him disrespectfully. I waited for a blow up—but none came.
Did Ranger leave?
I tried to open my mouth and tell Joe it wasn't anyone's fault, but something tugged on my hand, and I felt a cold sensation traveling up my arm—chilling me. After that, I slept peacefully.
An early morning shoot-out on Stark Street had left two bodies in the morgue, and Morelli had been called in to work the case. For a short time after that, it was just Ranger and Stephanie in the room. While she slept, he talked to her, gently whispering things he wouldn't normally voice, and begging her to fight to get better. Through the glass wall, he saw Bones and Cal arriving to relieve Lester and Hector. Bones handed an insulated bag to Lester and a minute later, the door slid open, allowing Hector and Lester inside.
Lester handed Ranger the bag. "Ella sent you breakfast. And Bones dropped off a bag of clothes for you at the hotel." Lester looked him up and down, noting the dark circles under his eyes, and his unshaven face. "You look like hell. Why don't you go to the hotel and shower? We'll stay with her until you get back." Ranger knew he looked like hell, he felt like it too, but he wasn't leaving this room until Stephanie was out of the woods. "And it wouldn't hurt for you to get some sleep," Lester added.
Ranger rolled his neck from side to side, loosening the kinks, and opened the bag to see what Ella had sent for him to eat. He didn't have much of an appetite, but he forced down the oatmeal with mixed berries, plain organic yogurt, and banana smoothie. He didn't taste any of it, but he needed the fuel. He wouldn't be any good to Stephanie if he didn't take care of himself.
As he ate, he listened to Hector and Lester talk to Stephanie, encouraging her to get better, and then they each kissed her check before taking off back to Trenton to track down her kidnapper. All hands were on deck until he was apprehended.
As soon as they left, Frank and Helen walked in, and took up residence beside the bed. Helen arranged Stephanie's blanket and fluffed her pillows. Then she applied lip balm to her dry, cracked lips, and ran a warm wet cloth over her face. When she was done, she looked thoughtfully over at Ranger. "Do you know where Joseph is?"
"Morelli's back in Trenton."
Helen's lips puckered as if she'd swallowed something sour, but before she had time to ask a follow up question, the door opened, and Dr. Powell strode in for 7:00 a.m. rounds.
Ranger made eye contact with Bones through the glass wall, signaling him to join them. He'd served as a medic in the Army with Ranger and been on plenty of missions where his quick actions and knowledge had saved their lives. He would be able to explain the medical jargon and offer advice.
Dr. Powell placed her stethoscope over Steph's chest, listening intently to her heart. Ranger's whole body tensed as he waited to hear if the fluid around her heart had worsened. The doctor's face didn't reveal anything as she studied Stephanie's vitals and reviewed the latest ECG results. When she was finished with her assessment, she took a deep breath and said, "Her CBC hasn't improved and the effusion has gotten larger, making me question if we are administering the most effective antibiotic to treat this particular infection. I'm also concerned the constant pressure could lead to cardiac tamponade."
Helen's face paled. "Is that serious?"
"Yes, but it can also be avoided. We'll need to drain the fluid as soon as possible."
"Drain?" Helen asked.
"I'll insert a large gauge needle through her chest wall and into the pericardial effusion. From there, I'll thread a catheter through the needle to drain the fluid. The lab will test it to see which antibiotic will be most effective."
Ranger had asked Bones to do a thorough check on Dr. Powell. He found her to be highly respected. He'd also researched the hospital's performance and found the cardiology department ranked the highest in the area. But before Ranger could decide, he needed more information. "How dangerous is this procedure?"
"As with any procedure, there are complications, but doing nothing is not an option." Ranger listened as Dr. Powell outlined the dangers of the procedure and signed the consent form.
Two hours later, Dr. Powell came out of the cath lab, approaching Ranger as he leaned against the wall in the hallway next to Bones. "We were able to drain a liter of fluid with no complications. The catheter will stay in place until we're certain no more fluid builds up. If she remains in stable condition, she can have the surgery to repair the bones in her hand late this afternoon." Ranger took a cleansing breath as the doctor went back into the cath lab.
"This is good news." Bones smiled as two orderlies rolled Stephanie's bed out into the hall, heading back to her room in the CCU. Ranger and Bones walked beside her bed while Ranger held her undamaged hand, glad that everything went well, but he wouldn't rest easy until she woke up.
While her parents stayed with her, Ranger took the opportunity to go to the hotel for a quick shower. He wanted to be back in time for the surgery on her hand this afternoon.
Late that afternoon, Helen sat in the waiting area, quietly knitting to pass the time while Steph underwent surgery to repair the broken bones in her hand. She glanced at her watch. Stephanie had been back there for two hours already and she was worried something might have gone wrong. What if her heart stopped? She could die! Helen dropped a stitch and blew out a frustrated breath before tucking her yarn back into her bag. There was no point in continuing when her mind wasn't on the task.
She leaned back, taking a moment to observe her daughter's friends seated on the other side of the room. The one she called Hector looked like he belonged in a gang and yet he was typing away on his computer. He was scary-looking, and she was always careful to give him a wide birth. The other one, Lester, was flipping through piles of papers and making calls. He was a big man, but he had a happy demeanor—definitely someone Stephanie would gravitate toward.
And then there was Ranger and Joseph. As soon as one would sit, the other would get up and pace. It was as if they couldn't bear to be doing the same thing at the same moment. From across the room, she could feel the impatience coming from Joseph. She wasn't surprised when he jumped to his feet and walked over to the pretty young nurse sitting behind the glass window.
Joe turned on his patented Morelli charm. "I'm Detective Morelli. Can you tell me how much longer Stephanie Plum's surgery is going to be?"
The nurse smiled back at him as she pushed her hair behind her ear. "I can try to find out." She blushed and said something to the other girl before getting up and leaving the glassed cubicle. As she walked down the hall, she glanced over her shoulder a couple times before she disappeared around the corner.
Ranger watched the interaction with disgust. He'd never understand what Stephanie saw in Morelli.
When the nurse came back, Ranger joined them. Her mouth hung open in awe as she got her first look at him up close. "I… um… ," she stuttered and then shook her head, kick-starting her brain. She turned to Morelli. "Are you the next of kin?"
"I'm Detective Morelli, Trenton PD. Stephanie Plum is my girlfriend," he said, and watched as her eyes clouded with disappointment. He smiled, trying to charm her further. "Could you please tell me how the surgery is going?"
She shook her head regretfully as she looked back and forth between the two men. "I'm afraid I can only give information to Mr. Manoso."
Morelli's face turned red as he narrowed his eyes at Ranger. Every time he was reminded of that damn power of attorney, he wanted to punch something.
"I'm Carlos Manoso," Ranger said. "Can you give me a status update on Stephanie's surgery?"
Her eyes got big and dreamy, and then she remembered where she was and that she had a job to do. "Everything is going well. Dr. Carson is almost done anchoring the plate and screws. It shouldn't be much longer," she said encouragingly and took her seat behind the desk.
Off in the distance, I heard an annoying high-pitched beeping sound. My eyes fluttered opened and I blinked several times to block out the bright lights. Hazy figures were talking quietly a few feet away. I tried to wave my left arm to get their attention, but it weighed a ton. When I tried my right arm, I was only able to raise it a tiny bit before it flopped to the side. The figures stopped talking and turned to me.
"Babe," Ranger said as he rushed to my side, picking up my hand, and lightly squeezed it.
"Stephanie." My mother's voice called out. I didn't want to look away from Ranger, but she was insistent. My head turned in the direction of her voice and there she was, standing next to Joe.
As they smiled down at me, an older woman rushed over. "Look who decided to join us." She smiled as she scurried around pushing buttons and reading machines. "How are you feeling honey? Are you in any pain?"
I opened my mouth to speak but had no idea what to say. My brain was sluggish, and I had a hard time understanding what was happening. She smiled, sympathetically and patted my shoulder. "I'll let your doctors know you're awake." She turned to leave.
Joe ran his hand along my jaw, affectionately. "I'm glad you're awake, Cupcake. You had us worried."
Why was everyone worried?
My eyes were too heavy to keep open, so I closed them. As soon as I did, someone shook me. "Stephanie, you need to wake up."
I wanted to protest. Didn't they know I was sleepy?
"The anesthesia was beginning to wear off, but I've given your daughter a sedative to keep her calm and resting. She'll remain this way for the next couple days. From here, she'll be moved into a regular room in the cardiac wing to complete her recovery." The voice was deep and unfamiliar, but it made me feel warm and toasty inside. I wanted to curl up in my blanket while he told me a story.
I struggled to open my eyes again and couldn't believe what I saw. My mouth hung open, and I blinked slowly. Dick Van Dyke was looking down at me. A goofy smile spread across my face, and I snickered. "Chim chiminey chim chim cher-oo," I slurred and then laughed. As quickly as the laughter started, it stopped. I was suddenly overwhelmed with sadness and started to cry.
"What's wrong, Babe. Are you hurting?"
Ahh. Don't be sad, Ranger.
"Stephanie, can you hear me? What are you going on about?" My mother's shrill voice ricocheted off my ear drum.
Jeez, of course I can hear you. It's not like I was deaf... Was I?
My eyes were getting heavy again, but I fought to keep them open. I didn't want to sleep. I wanted to stay and sing. But I was losing the battle. The same magical voice spoke again, and I stayed quiet, hoping he might sing with me. Maybe if I was a good girl.
"The surgery went well. I was able to insert a titanium plate and screws. She'll be in a cast for three weeks and then a removable splint for two more."
Uh-Oh! Somebody got hurt. Who?
Someone chuckled, and then I heard my mother say, "Thank you, Doctor."
Dr. Who? I snorted and let my head fall to the side—it was so heavy.
Oh, there you are! Hi Ranger.
His smile filled me with warmth. I loved that smile.
Morelli stepped into view. "Hi Joe," I mumbled. He looked mad as he frowned down at me, not responding.
It wasn't my fault. Was it?
"Did you say something about a chimney?" Joe asked.
I stuck my tongue out at him. No more cannoli for you.
Ranger chuckled.
"It's the ramblings of anesthesia. It affects people in different ways." Dick Van Dyke said. After that, I closed my eyes and stopped listening.
Helen stayed with Stephanie, while Joe and Ranger went back to the surgery waiting area. As soon as they entered, Lester and Hector jumped to their feet. "How is she?" Lester asked.
"Everything went well," Ranger said.
Joe was still trying to make sense of Stephanie's comment. "She said something about a chimney when she woke up. I don't know what it means. Hell, almost all the houses in the Barrens have fireplaces."
Lester's attention was riveted on him. "What were her exact words?"
"She said something like, chimney cha roo, but she sort of slurred the words."
Lester was quiet for a minute, and then his face slowly broke out into an ear-splitting grin. He leaned over, slapping his knee as he laughed hard. Joe bristled, clenching his fists as he got ready to punch him in the face. Ranger and Hector felt much the same way, prompting them to take a step closer. Lester sobered quickly in the face of such danger but was still working hard to hold back his laughter. "Are you sure she was talking about her kidnapping?"
Morelli narrowed his eyes, looking him up and down. He wanted to know what the hell was so funny. "What the hell else would she be talking about?"
Lester shrugged, not the least bit intimidated by Morelli. In fact, he welcomed the chance to wipe the floor with the self-proclaimed 'Italian Stallion.' "Did you happen to notice her doctor looks a lot like Dick Van Dyke?"
"Explain!" Ranger interrupted.
When Ranger took that tone, Lester knew he wasn't messing around. But it wasn't his fault that neither one of them knew Stephanie well enough to understand how her mind worked. He looked over at Hector, who was now smiling broadly, and shaking his head. The two men shared a moment of understanding. They'd watched Mary Poppins at Stephanie's apartment a few months ago while she babysat her nieces.
Lester turned back to Ranger, ignoring Morelli. "Does the movie Mary Poppins mean anything to you—cousin?"
Ranger paused to consider what Lester had said, but he wasn't making the connection. Lester had been like this since they were children—always taking delight in knowing something others didn't. "If you know something, spit it out—cousin." Ranger put his hand on the back of Lester's neck and squeezed—hard.
Lester's laughter abruptly died, and he straightened, putting his hands in front of him to ward off further assaults. "Okay. It's like this." He started to explain, but knew they wouldn't understand, so he got his phone out and pulled up a YouTube clip. They all watched as a man who looked almost identical to Dr. Carson danced around singing a song about a chimney.
Ranger gave a bark of laughter that had Morelli looking at him like he'd never seen him before. What did Stephanie see in the mercenary? Morelli couldn't remember a time he was jealous of anyone—until now—and he didn't like it. He shook the feeling off and watched as Lester played the clip again. He had to admit it was funny. He joined the laughter, and for a moment they were all released from the stress they'd been under.
I felt pain everywhere, but the worst of it was coming from my arm. The pain had reached into my dreams, pulling me out of my slumber. I tried to ease the pain by moving my arm, but it wouldn't move. It felt like a brick was attached to it. I moaned and slowly opened my eyes.
"Get the nurse, she's waking up again." I winced at my mother's loud voice. I tried to swallow, but my mouth was so dry it hurt.
"Are you in any pain, Stephanie?" A smiling woman looked down at me and adjusted some wires.
I squeezed my eyes shut and shakily replied. "Throat hurts."
"Can she have some water?"
Ranger?
"Just a little," the nurse cautioned.
Ranger held a cup with a bendy straw to my lips, and I took an uncertain sip. After I finished drinking, the nurse asked again, "Are you in any pain, Stephanie?"
I gave her a tiny nod that sent my head spinning.
"I can give you something to help with that." She patted my leg as she did something with the tubes in my arm.
I looked at Ranger, pleading with my eyes for him to explain.
"You had surgery to repair your broken hand."
My broken hand?
I was getting tired again. Everyone's faces got blurry and then just went away.