Bye Bye Baby
Chapter 21 : Epilogue : Part one
Three Weeks Later :
Mike pulled up the LTD into their usual parking spot and exiting quickly he raced around to where Steve was getting out of the passenger side very slowly. Steve eased his left leg out of the car and bracing himself on each side he stood gingerly upwards as Mike arrived beside him with his hand outstretched to grab Steve's elbow. Steve grabbed his arm away and scowled in Mike's direction.
"MIKE! You're hovering again. I TOLD you, I HAVE to do this by myself. This is my first day back at work and I can't have you following me around all day."
Mike held up his hands in mock surrender and took a step back.
"Ok, ok, keep your hair on. But I still think you should be using the cane for another while."
"Mike, I told you all this. The Doctor said I have to start putting weight on it. He said I have to get used to walking without the cane now."
"Mmmm ... Yes, I remember but it doesn't mean I have to AGREE with it and besides I hope YOU remember that you're not fully back yet. You're on LIGHT desk duties AND you're not to stay standing on it for too long."
"I KNOW that Mike and if I forget I'm sure you'll keep reminding me. "
"Damn straight I will. Now come on Hotshot, let's go."
Steve pushed away from the car and closing the door behind him he walked with a distinct limp after Mike towards the main doors of the building. It was still quite sore to walk on but not as bad as it had been, but still Steve was trying hard not to wince or show his discomfort outwardly as he knew Mike was going to be watching him like a hawk all day. As soon as they entered the building, the desk Sergeant looked up and Mike greeted him enthusiastically, grasping Steve's shoulders as he did.
"Look who's back Bob. The boy wonder. Looks good doesn't he? "
"Yeah, he looks terrific. Welcome back Steve. "
"Thanks Bob ... Good to be back ... " Steve said, his cheeks tinged a little red as he watched another Senior Officer approach the desk and Mike piped up a second time.
"Hey Charlie. Look who's back."
"Hey Steve ... How's the leg?"
"It's coming along thanks Charlie."
Mike continued across the marble floor towards the elevator but Steve hobbled faster ignoring the added discomfort and reaching out he gripped Mike's elbow and stopped him mid stride. Mike hadn't expected the move and looked curiously behind him at the visibly frazzled young man.
"What's the matter? Am I walking too fast for you?"
Steve's jaw dropped at Mike's question and he scowled in frustration that Mike obviously wasn't aware that his actions were causing him major embarrassment.
"NO, you're not walking too fast for me ... But what are you doing?"
Mike's brows knit in confusion.
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about YOU telling every single person we meet that I'm back ... Is that really necessary? I mean are you gonna do that all day?"
Mike flustered as he heard the upset tone in Steve's voice.
"Steve, people are gonna be glad to see you back. I'M glad you're back. You don't seem to realize what a popular young man you are in here. Don't you realize how many people asked me every single day you were out how you were and how many asked me when you'd be back. You're gonna be noticed."
"Yes, I realize that but do you have to draw their attention to the fact? Look Mike, I don't mean to sound ungrateful. You've really been there for me these last three weeks and I appreciate it really I do but ... Mike, these last three weeks have been really tough for me. Trying to walk on this damn leg again, all the agonizing physical therapy and all those sessions with Lenny just to try and help me sleep normally again ... I just want to get my life back to normal now, ok? I don't want any fuss. I just want to get to my desk as quietly and as unassuming as I can. Please Mike ... I know you mean well and I'm as glad to be back as you are to have me back but ... please don't make this any harder for me than it has to be, alright?"
Mike stood listening to Steve's heartfelt plea and he blushed slightly, realizing that without meaning to he had been increasing Steve's discomfort without fully realizing it. He patted Steve's left shoulder and spoke softly and apologetically.
"Yes, yes you're right. I guess I wasn't thinking. Sorry Buddy boy and ... look I know how tough these last few weeks have been for you and ... I'm proud of you for making it through all that. I won't say another word about it ... I promise, Ok?"
That statement finally drew a relieved smile from the younger man and he sighed audibly.
"Great ... Thanks, I'd appreciate it."
The two men continued towards the elevator just as the metal doors opened. The elevator was full and both men stepped aside as a stream of people exited past them.
"Morning Jack ... " Mike cheerily called to a grey haired man that passed and Steve inhaled sharply as he waited for Mike to forget his earlier promise.
But true to his word he greeted several other people and never once drew attention to Steve who now stood purposefully back behind his partner, slightly out of sight. When the elevator finally emptied, both men stepped in and Steve quickly pushed the button for the third floor as Mike smiled across at the young man beside him.
"See? I can be discreet when I'm asked to be ..."
The warm and grateful smile he received in response was thank you enough as the elevator opened again on their floor. Stepping out, Steve's shuffled steps slowed a little as they neared the Homicide Department. Mike noticed and turned abruptly.
"I hope you're wearing warm socks today Buddy boy?'
Steve stared at Mike in confusion.
"What?"
"For those cold feet ..."
Steve visibly blushed and shifted uncomfortably on his sore leg but he chuckled all the same.
"That obvious, huh?"
"Just a little. What is it? "
"I don't know ... I guess it will be a little harder to get to my desk unnoticed in here, huh?"
"Oh I don't know. We're quite busy at the moment. Unfortunately, homicides didn't stop happening while you were on recuperation leave. It will be fine, you'll see. I know the guys will be happy to see you back. Best to just get it over with, huh?"
He heard Steve take a deep steadying breath before answering.
"Yeah, yeah you're right. Bite the bullet, huh?"
Mike nodded and opening the outer door, he held out a hand to allow Steve to go first.
"That's the spirit. Go ahead. I'm right behind you."
Steve nodded gratefully and then quickly limped inside but as soon as he did a deafening cheer went up and Steve stood frozen to the spot and as his jaw dropped visibly, Mike heard him mutter under his breath.
"Oh my God ..."
There was a large handwritten banner across the bullpen with "Welcome back Steve" on it and balloons and streamers dotted around as every Homicide detective he knew stood awaiting his arrival. Mike watched Steve closely, a little anxious about what his reaction would be after his earlier speech and when Steve remained rooted to the spot he reached out a hand and placed it on his partner's back. Steve whipped around to stare incredulously at Mike but Mike chuckled and spoke in a defensive tone.
"Now don't look at me like that ... It was THEIR idea, NOT mine. But Steve ... they meant well. Don't disappoint them, huh? Go on in. "
"I guess I can forget about the quiet and unassuming return, huh?" he answered in a pained voice before heading in through the inner door to the bullpen and instantly being swamped by everyone who was delighted to see him back.
A crowd gathered around him and he received numerous pats to the back and welcome back wishes. Mike parted the crowd around Steve and held up both hands before speaking loudly over the increased noise in the bullpen.
"Ok, ok calm down. Don't smother him. Give the guy some space. Now here's the deal, Olsen is due back around eleven so you have an hour and a half to welcome Steve here, back into the fold and have your little party and then I want this place all cleaned up and everything back to normal before eleven and everyone back to work then, is that clear?"
Haseejian smiled broadly as he answered.
"Crystal clear Mike. "
Behind him, Mike heard Steve stutter incredulously.
"Wait a minute ... a ... a PARTY?"
"Yeah kid ... You still have to see your cake ..." Haseejian said with another proud pat on the young man's shoulder as Mike moved towards his office and turned to look back at Steve's reaction to the news.
"My CAKE? ... You guys got a cake as well?" Steve stammered again, drawing a hand across his face as he struggled with the whole making a huge fuss thing.
"Yeah ... Bring it out Bill ..." Norm called out as a large rectangular cake was then wheeled by Bill Tanner on a small trolley out from Interrogation room one.
It was wheeled in front of Steve and the younger man erupted into laughter as he saw it. It was decorated on the front by a man on crutches with a baby strapped to his chest and various baby paraphernalia on each side adorned with a "Welcome back Steve" banner in fondant.
"Very ... funny. You guys are a riot you know that?" he added between giggles, glad that at least it didn't have any candles for him to have to blow out as Tanner piped up.
"Hey and it's chocolate cake ... Your favorite, right? Luckily Mike knows a bakery that makes ..."
" ... the best chocolate cake in San Francisco ... I know " Steve finished for him as he looked up and searched for Mike at the back of the gathered crowd and smiled warmly in his direction, eliciting a sly wink from the older man.
Remembering that particularly bad day in the Hospital and the first taste of the chocolate cake that Mike had brought into him that had for a brief time anyway made him feel like everything was alright with the world again. He shook himself out of those thoughts and stared once more at the cake before announcing happily.
"Well what are we waiting for? Are we gonna cut it and eat it or just look at it, huh?"
Riotous laughter filled the bullpen as Bill grabbed the knife to cut it and Mike felt that Steve was finally coming around to the idea of a welcome back party when Norm hushed everyone and halted Bill's actions unexpectedly.
"Hey, hey wait a second. First we have to give him his present, remember?"
Steve's smile faded fast as he looked at Norm incredulously.
"What?"
"Well we heard that your watch face got a little scratched during your time in the warehouse and we all know what kind of reputation you have with broken watches in the line of duty so me and the guys well ... we all chipped in a few bucks and bought you a new one. Here ... Welcome back kid ... As much as I hate to admit it, we've missed that cheeky grin of yours about the place ..."
Norm handed Steve a wrapped present that looked distinctly even through the paper like a watch box. He flustered a little at the sight of it and after hearing Norm's words he found himself at a loss for words.
"I ... I don't what to say. I mean ... You shouldn't have ... I ah ... I can't accept this ... it's too much ... I ..."
"You've earned it kid. Bravery above and beyond the call of duty. It's not everyday you save a baby from a Mob Boss, you know ... Wear it with pride ... Go ahead open it ..."
As the words left Norm's mouth the chanting began ..." Open it ... Open it ..."
Steve looked up and sought out Mike again and saw him shrug his shoulders and look puzzled as if he hadn't known about this particular part of the plan. Lifting a hand to silence the chants, he started unwrapping it and sure enough there was a watch box inside. With held breath he slowly opened it up and Mike strained over the shoulders of the man in front of him to watch his partner's reaction closely. To Mike's surprise, after Steve laid eyes on the watch he started to belly laugh and the whole gathered crowd joined in as loud laughter roared around the bullpen. Mike pushed his way through to where Steve was standing again, not quite sure what was going on and seemed to be the only one not aware of what the joke was. Seeing Mike's serious face and knowing he hadn't been a party to this one, Steve held up the opened box and turned it around to show Mike what the joke was, as he spoke between the giggles.
"They got me a Superman watch Mike ..."
Mike stared at the watch in the box adorned with a picture of Superman on its face and chuckled along with everybody else.
"Well it's certainly appropriate under the circumstances Buddy boy. " he added, glad to see that Steve had taken the joke in good spirits and then watched as the cake started being cut into pieces and doled out on paper napkins.
Mike shook his head and chuckled again as he studied the watch that had been placed back down on the desk beside Steve in his effort to get some cake and then turned to head back to his office. Steve saw him start to go and grabbed his elbow.
"Hey ... aren't you going to have some cake?"
"No ... Too rich for my blood. Besides ... someone has to do some work around here while you guys have all the fun. Enjoy Buddy boy."
Steve watched Mike go and then turned and chatted with Lee who had sidled up and asked him how he was doing. The next hour and a half went by pleasantly as Norm regaled Steve on all he had missed out on and told the younger Inspector about his fate at the hands of Grigori Damacov, exaggerating his injuries greatly in true Haseejian style as he did, much to the rolled eyes of Dan Healy who proceeded to set the guys straight about the truth. At one stage as Steve stood listening, Mike's voice had boomed out from his Office without even lifting his eyes from the paperwork in front of him.
"STEVE? Get OFF the leg!"
Steve smiled and shook his head as Lee offered him a swivel chair to sit on and leaned in then to ask quietly.
"Has he been that fussy since you left the Hospital?"
Steve laughed.
"OH YEAH! ... But ... he means well ..."
As the clock ticked closer to eleven, Mike arrived out of his Office and clapped his hands loudly, declaring the festivities over and barking out instructions on who was to clean up what. Steve went to stand and help but Mike rounded on him gently.
"You stay put. They can handle it. "
Then walking towards Steve he perused the cake which was almost half gone and smiled as he shook his head and wagged a playful finger in Steve's direction.
"You know for someone who didn't want a lot of fuss or a party, you sure seemed to be enjoying it and you certainly ate your fair share of that cake."
Steve smiled broadly and added in a humorous tone, rubbing his stomach as he did.
"Well I had to be polite Michael ... "
Mike chuckled.
"Oh I'm sure you did ... but are you ready to do some work now, hotshot?"
Steve nodded and verbally thanked the guys who were tidying up for the touching welcome and then got up and headed towards his desk for the first time since arriving, his limp a little more pronounced after all the sitting and standing he had been doing, as the muscles had stiffened. Mike watched him closely and followed him at a safe distance, tempted to grab the young man's elbow to assist him but not daring to after earlier. As Steve rounded the pillar and saw the "In" tray on his desk, his jaw dropped as he spotted the towering pile of files that filled it. Whipping his head around to stare at Mike, he stammered uneasily.
"Where did all THAT come from?"
Mike seemed to fluster even more.
"Well ... with you being confined to a desk for a while, I didn't want you getting bored now, did I? "
Steve grabbed his chair and pulled it out and sunk heavily into it, a low moan of pain escaping from his lips as he did. He rubbed surreptitiously at the afflicted leg and hoped Mike hadn't noticed but of course he had.
"Is the leg playing up?"
"No, no it's ok. It just gets stiff standing and sitting too long. I have to walk very now and then on it otherwise I get muscle cramps. "
Mike scowled at the back of Steve's head, hoping he was telling the truth and watched as Steve looked down and saw a small stool with a cushion placed on top under his desk.
"What's THAT Mike?"
"Well I ... I thought you might need it you know to ah ... put your leg on if it gets sore ..."
Steve merely glared incredulously at the older man who read from his partner's glare that it constituted as unnecessary fussing and so he reached in and removed it from under Steve's desk and muttered apologetically.
"Ok, ok ... I'll get rid of it. RELAX! See it's gone. Happy now?"
Steve shook his head and then started pulling several files from the top of the pile in his In tray and starting flicking through the pages of each. Deciding it was time to get back to his Office, Mike turned to leave with the stool in hand but Steve's incredulous voice stopped him mid stride again.
"Hey, hey wait a minute Mike. Are these all your case files while I've been out sick?"
Mike cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Ah yeah ... Why?"
Steve closed the file in his hand and looked back up to stare at the older man again.
"What? You couldn't type a report? You do know that machine in there beside your desk is a typewriter, don't you?"
"Very funny Wise guy! ... For your information I ... I actually did type up the reports ..." Mike added in a mumbled and aggrieved sounding fashion.
Steve smiled and raised a curious eyebrow at his partner.
"Well then how are they still on my desk to be typed up if you did?"
Mike blushed visibly and resigned himself to the fact that although not wanting to, he was going to have to fess up. So leaning in closer towards Steve so that his words would not be heard by all those bustling around in the background, he whispered in an aggrieved tone.
"Because ... because Olsen sent them back that's why! And before you say anything, it's all YOUR fault. He's so used to your meticulous and carefully organized reports that well ... mine weren't up to scratch. THERE. Are you happy now? That's why you have them in YOUR in tray. Now will you please just type them up and stop drawing attention to the fact that mine weren't good enough. PLEASE? All the hand written notes are in there."
Steve couldn't resist the smug smile that erupted on his lips as he suddenly felt very pleased with himself that the Captain had never once sent back a report he had handed in but noting Mike's visible embarrassment about the whole thing, he decided to let the older man off the hook, so reigning in his self satisfaction he spoke agreeably.
"Well seeing as you asked so nicely, of course Michael. I'll get right on it."
"Thanks Buddy boy."
Without saying another word, Steve turned away from Mike and started sorting the files carefully on his desk as he heard Mike make his way back towards his office. Picking up a page handwritten by Mike he started trying to decipher the scrawled script and muttered under his breath.
"It would sure help ... if you took a bit more care with your handwriting Mike ..."
A rolled up piece of paper suddenly struck the back of his head as he heard Mike's voice from the doorway of his office.
"I HEARD THAT! What's wrong with my handwriting?"
Marveling at how the older man could possibly have heard his low mumble, Steve chuckled and spoke appeasingly.
"Nothing at all Mike ... It's ah ... a work of art."
Another piece of rolled up paper headed in his direction and Steve ducked this time as it sailed over his head. Both men laughed and Steve then went back to his sorting and deciphering. As he pulled all the files out of the In tray and sorted them in date order, a medium sized envelope suddenly fell out from between two files and Steve picked it up curiously. It was addressed to Mike and Steve and it seemed to be unopened. Looking in to where Mike was standing now at the filing cabinet in his office, Steve called out in a curious sounding voice.
"Hey Mike? ..."
An equally exasperated voice called back as Mike sauntered to his doorway again and leaned heavily against the frame of it.
"What now Buddy boy? You know if you're going to complain about my handwriting every two minutes then ..."
"NO. No, it's not your handwriting Mike. This letter was in between the files. It's addressed to both of us but it hasn't been opened. Have you seen this before?"
Mike walked towards his partner and squinting his eyes he perused the letter Steve was holding up and then shook his head.
"No, I never saw it. One of the guys must have left it on my desk and it must have gotten lost among the files. Well open it up Buddy boy."
Steve turned it around and started opening it carefully at Mike's instruction and pulled out the contents. Mike noticed that Steve's facial expression changed instantly and that he looked a little taken aback. Moving closer, Mike asked tentatively.
"Well? Who is it from?"
Steve was still staring at what was in his hand in a strange way and Mike was getting concerned but then a wide smile lit up Steve's face and in a low voice he answered.
"It's from Laura Reynolds. It's those ah ... pictures of Brigitte she promised to send us. "
He handed the first picture over to Mike, who took it and smiled as Brigitte's smiling, happy face beamed back at him from it.
"Oh what a smile, huh? She sure looks happy though."
Steve was studying the next picture thoroughly.
"Yeah she sure does. Looks like her Grandmother is taking good care of them both. You know I'm really glad things worked out so well for her and the baby. She really deserved the break, you know?"
"Yeah ... Yeah, I know what you mean. "
Mike watched Steve closely as he studied every picture carefully before handing them across to him, in case of any negative reaction to seeing the one person he had shared his recent ordeal with, but thankfully Steve seemed to be coping ok with them. As he took the next picture off Steve, he announced gleefully.
"Oh look. This one's taken in Central Park. Great place. You ever been to New York, Buddy boy?"
Steve shook his head.
"No ... Never got around to it yet. I'd like to some day though ."
Mike suddenly grasped his shoulder unexpectedly and spoke enthusiastically.
"Then we'll GO. You, me and Jeannie. She can shop and I'll take you to see the sights. It would do you good as soon as your leg heals. Something to look forward to, huh? We could even try to meet up with Laura and Brigitte for a quick get together. You'd like that wouldn't you? Well? What do you say?"
Steve smiled but shook his head.
"I ah ... don't know Mike. With all my medical expenses lately ... until the Department's insurance company coughs up I don't think I can afford it ... Unless you're going to pay for my flight?" he added jokingly.
But Mike's facial expression remained deadly serious and he spoke sincerely.
"You type up all those reports and I WILL!"
Steve's jaw almost dropped onto his chest.
"Are you serious?"
"Never been more serious in my life. What do you say?"
"Mike! ... Mike that's very generous of you but ... I ... I was only joking ... I mean I wouldn't expect you to ... I mean I couldn't accept ... "
Mike stopped him mid fluster.
"Yes you COULD. Besides ... if it bothers you that much you can give me something towards it when your Insurance company coughs up, ok?"
Steve's eyes softened and he spoke in a low whisper.
"I ... I don't know what to say ..."
"Say you'll come with us, Buddy boy!"
Steve grinned.
"Ok ... Sure. But I WILL pay you back."
Mike patted Steve's shoulder.
"I know you will. Great! I'll sort out something with Jeannie and then we'll arrange it. Say is there a letter with these photos? ... You know, with a contact address so we can arrange a meet up?"
Steve went back to the envelope and nodded as he pulled out a small handwritten note.
"Yeah, there is."
"Read it out loud will you Buddy boy?" Mike said patting his shirt and scowling in frustration. "I can't seem to find my glasses."
Steve shook his head at the daily, predictable loss of Mike's glasses and mumbled more carefully under his breath this time.
"Now there's a surprise ..."
Then taking the letter he began to read.
"Dear Mike and Steve. Here are the pictures I promised I'd send you. Brigitte and I are settling in nicely here in New York. It is a wonderful place and my Grandmother is spoiling us. I hope you are feeling better Steve ... and healing well ..."
Steve stopped reading briefly at those words and Mike watched him closely. But after a deep steadying breath, he continued quickly enough much to Mike's relief.
"Brigitte is doing great and thriving ... I finally managed to get her christened with my Grandmother's help and ..."
Steve stopped again and this time he seemed to read further on quietly to himself as Mike was sure he saw moisture appear in the younger man's eyes. This time he didn't continue as quickly and Mike grasped Steve's arm.
"Steve? What's the matter? What does it say?"
Steve seemed to take a minute to register Mike's question and when he did, he looked across at his partner and Mike could see that whatever it had said had affected the young man deeply.
"It says that she christened the baby Brigitte ... Stephanie, Michaela after ... after us Mike. "
Mike's smile broadened and he shook his head.
"Well that's quite an honor Buddy boy ... Isn't it?"
Steve nodded.
"Yeah ... yeah it sure is. She ah ... enclosed a picture of the christening too. Here."
Mike took the last photo and smiled at the happiness that visibly shone from Laura's face in it.
"You know you're right. It sure does the heart good to see them so happy after everything that they've been through and it was nice of Laura to send us pictures. Sure looks like a real happy ever after to me, huh?"
"Yeah ... Say Mike. Do you mind if I keep this one?" he asked awkwardly, holding out the first smiling photo of Brigitte.
"No, not at all ..."
Mike watched as Steve took the photo and leaned it against his desk lamp so that the baby's smiling face was looking at him and he watched Steve stare at it in a semi trance and worried about what memories were being conjured up in Steve's head as he looked at it.
"Listen Steve ... ah ..." he started to say as the phone in his office started ringing loudly and interrupted his flow. He saw Steve turn and look in at the phone and then as if he had known exactly what Mike was going to ask he smiled and stated plainly.
"I'm ok Mike ... You better answer your phone ..."
"You sure?"
Steve took a long deep breath and smiled again wider.
"I'm getting there ..."
Mike patted his shoulder proudly before heading into his office to answer his phone. Steve cleared his throat and started rearranging the files again as he had before, his eyes casually glancing up every now and then at Brigitte's picture as he did. His leg was starting to ache and he checked his watch for the time for his next pain killers. Still another while to go before he could take his next dose ... so he looked sheepishly back into Mike's office as he saw Mike hang up the phone. Mike noticed Steve watching him closely and came back out under the pretense of getting himself a cup of coffee. As he stood at the coffee table he noticed that Steve was casting occasional, sheepish glances over at him and knew something was bugging the young man. Trying to eek it out of him slowly as was his usual practice, he smiled in Steve's direction.
"You want some coffee Buddy boy?"
Steve shook his head and returned the warm smile.
"Ah ... no thanks ... I'm fine ..."
Mike poured his own coffee and walked towards Steve's desk as Steve looked up awkwardly.
"Is there ... ANYTHING else I can get you?" Mike asked tentatively, knowing that deep down Steve was trying to ask him for something but not managing to find the courage.
Steve smiled wider knowing that Mike had the measure of him as always and he stammered resignedly.
"Actually ... I ah ... I think I will take that stool from earlier off you, please ... if you ah ... still have it?"
Mike chuckled and patted Steve's shoulder as he disappeared into his office and returned with the stool and handed it to Steve.
"Thanks Mike ..."
As Steve went to place his leg up onto the stool, he steadied himself against the desk but as he did, the files pushed forward and toppled his name plate over the other side. Mike reached across the desk and caught it just as it fell, which caused recent memories and feelings to return in that déjà vu moment
"Wow! Good reflexes." Steve joked as he saw Mike right himself still holding the "S. Keller " nameplate in his hands.
Steve's playful expression soon changed however as he saw that Mike was turning it in his hands and staring at it with a strange expression on his face.
"Mike? ... What's the matter?"
Mike didn't seem to hear him and seemed to be lost in a world of his own. The whole scene was unnerving Steve and so unable to stand it any longer he gently reached across and placed a hand on Mike's arm causing the older man to jump and startle at the unexpected touch.
"Mike? ..."
"Oh ... Sorry Buddy boy ... What did you say to me?"
"I ah ... just said you had good reflexes to catch that for me, thanks ... Are you ok?"
Mike looked from the nameplate and then up at his partner back behind the desk he belonged at and a wide smile lit up his face.
Oh yeah ... I'm ok. Actually I'm better than ok Buddy Boy. I'm terrific. " then placing the nameplate down on Steve's desk and adjusting it until it was just right again he patted Steve's shoulder and smiled warmly. "It's really great to have you back Steve ... really great ..."
Mike then turned and headed back into his office, leaving Steve watching him with increased curiosity. He looked back at the nameplate and then back in at Mike and shaking his head, he picked up his next file and mumbled to himself.
"I wonder what that was all about ..."
The next few hours went by fairly quickly as Steve typed furiously, strangely enjoying the task after three weeks of staying at home staring at the four walls or the alternative which had been watching boring daytime television in between excruciating bouts of physical therapy appointments and sessions with Lenny. He was actually enjoying the routine of sorting Mike's random notes into some semblance of organization and pinning them together meticulously. It was like a therapy all in itself. At around two o'clock in the afternoon, Steve heard Mike's phone ringing again and glanced behind him to see if Mike was in there to answer it, even though he had been warned earlier to let one of the other guys answer his phone if he wasn't there to do it himself instead of hobbling in and out on his bad leg. He saw Mike picking up the receiver on this occasion and returned his attention back to his files.
He heard Mike talking on the phone but couldn't make out what was being said. He had just put more paper into the typewriter and had opened the next file on the right page to start typing when he heard Mike hang up the phone and heard Mike moving in his office. Sensing Mike's presence somewhere behind him, Steve glanced over his shoulder to see Mike studying him anxiously from the doorway to his office.
"What? What's going on?"
Mike seemed to fluster uncomfortably and then spoke very tentatively, so tentatively in fact that it made Steve turn back around and he felt his nerves starting to jangle.
"Ah ... That was Gerry O'Brien. He asked if you were back today and when I said you were ... he said he wants to see us down in his office right away ... "
