Chapter Seven
Tuesday 8am
Tyler woke up without an alarm clock and yet he was alarmed. He got out of bed quickly and walked to Jack's room to find him in the exact position he had been more than twelve hours before. Reaching a hand out, he made sure that the steady thump-thump was there before heading to the kitchen to make coffee. He listened to the gurgle of the machine brewing as he read the prescription for Jack's antibiotics. When the coffeemaker made its final death rattle, Tyler poured himself a cup. Realizing that Jack wasn't going to be able to take his medicine with water, Tyler searched the refrigerator and then the cupboard for juice. He found a box of Ceres apple juice and smiled, knowing that Annie probably had purchased it. Opening it, he filled a glass half-full and put the container into the fridge. Slipping the pill bottle into his trouser pocket, Tyler took a cup in each hand and walked back to Jack's bedroom. Setting the cups on the bedside table he sat on the edge of the bed.
"Jack, time for your meds."
Jack opened his eyes and looked at Tyler. He was lying on his right side with his arm tucked under his head. Carefully, he rolled onto his back. Tyler reached over and helped him to sit up with the stack of pillows behind him.
"How do you feel?" Tyler asked, pulling the pill bottle from his pocket.
"Sore and tired," Jack said, taking the offered capsule.
He put them on his tongue and swallowed it dry before accepting the glass of juice.
"Drink all the juice, Jack. You haven't had anything in your stomach since your soup yesterday."
Jack finished the juice and closed his eyes. Within minutes he was asleep. Tyler took the glass from his slack hand and set in on the table. He tucked Jack in; making sure the blanket was up to his neck. Picking up his coffee, he sat in the chair and watched his friend sleep. Ten minutes later, when he needed a refill, Tyler left Jack alone and headed for the kitchen. He poured a fresh cup and sat at his computer, losing himself in the emails that had come in since the night before.
12pm
The phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Tyler."
"Hello, Annie. How are you feeling?"
"Better, thanks. I have my first session with the psychiatrist this afternoon."
"Good. Do you have to go to Queens?"
"No, she has an office in the city."
"Okay, good, then it's convenient."
"Yes, it is. How is he?"
"He said he was sore and tired this morning. He's basically sleeping unless I wake him up for his meds."
"Oh…can I come to see him?"
"Of course you can, honey. Look, it's a little after twelve, why don't you come by at dinnertime. Maybe you can get him to eat something."
"Okay, do you have any soup?"
Tyler walked into the kitchen and looked at the cupboard.
"Soup, but not simple broth. He had broth yesterday at around two. But before that, he hasn't had real food since before the accident, discounting the breakfast that didn't stick."
"I'll stop at Whole Foods. Do you need anything else?"
"Some more of that Ceres juice; I only saw one box and he'll finish that today. And, of course, anything you want to have for dinner."
"Right, bachelor apartment; food when needed."
"Hey, I resemble that remark, and my kitchen has food."
"I'm sorry," she giggled. "I'll see you around six."
"We'll be here."
"Bye, Tyler."
"Bye, Annie."
Tyler hung up the phone and walked back to the living room. He heard Jack coughing and headed back to the bedroom. Jack was sitting up, his face red from exertion. Walking quickly to the bathroom, Tyler took a towel and dropped it in the sink before turning the water on. He dampened the towel, turned off the water and went to Jack's bedside. Wiping his neck and face with the cool towel calmed Jack and his coughing began to subside. He leaned back onto the pillows and tried to get his breathing back to normal. Tyler took to towel and wiped the mucous from Jack's hands.
"I'll be right back. Stay awake; you need your meds and juice."
Jack nodded, though his eyes were tightly shut. Picking up the glass from the bedside table, Tyler walked quickly to the kitchen and filled the glass with apple juice. He returned to the bedroom and set the glass on the table. Shaking out the pill, he put it in Jack's hand. Again Jack swallowed it dry.
"Open your eyes, Jack, or you'll be wearing this juice."
Jack opened his eyes and reached for the glass. He drank it slowly, taking small sips.
"What's wrong?" Tyler asked.
"It hurts."
"What?"
"My chest, mainly. It hurts when I cough and there's a dull pain when I breathe."
"Okay, don't finish your juice. Let me get you some Aleve."
Walking into Jack's bathroom, Tyler opened the medicine cabinet, found the Aleve and brought the entire bottle out.
"Three pills, Jack. This should give you some relief," Tyler said, putting the pills in Jack's hand.
Jack swallowed them dry and then drank the rest of the juice. He shivered slightly and Tyler pulled the blanket back up to his neck after taking the glass from his hand.
"Go to sleep Jack."
Tyler took the chair and moved it toward the head of the bed. He sat down and looked at Jack.
He was staring at Tyler as if he had never seen him before. Tyler knew that look.
"Yes, it's me, Malone. I'm staying here while you get better. But you need to sleep, okay? Just relax. Let your body heal."
Jack's eyelids fluttered shut as he finally let himself go. Tyler sighed before picking up the juice glass and heading to the kitchen.
5:30pm
Tyler stood to stretch. He had been on the phone with his office in DC and with Van Doren, double-checking the details on the Alvarez case. His office wanted him back in Washington on Wednesday. He had to talk to Annie to see who could stay with Jack.
Walking to Jack's stereo, he looked at what was in the CD player and decided to give it a try. The restrained sounds of Jimmy Barnes singing 'What Will They Say' flowed through the living room. Tyler set the table for dinner and then poured Jack a fresh glass of juice. The buzzer rang.
"Hello?"
"It's me."
Tyler buzzed Anne in and unlocked the door. He waited a moment and then opened it. Anne walked up the stairs carrying two full bags of groceries. He reached out and took them from her at the top of the stairs.
"Let me get those."
"Thanks, Tyler."
They walked into the apartment and Tyler set the groceries on the counter. Anne took off her coat and hung it in the closet. She slipped off her boots and set them just inside the door.
"This will be perfect. Do you want to wake him up? He needs his antibiotics, anyway. Here's his juice," Tyler said, holding up the glass.
"Uhm, okay, sure," Anne said, taking the proffered glass and heading to the bedroom.
She walked into the bedroom and reached for the light on the wall by the bed. Jack groaned in his sleep at the light. She smiled and sat on the edge of the bed, running her fingers through his hair.
"Wake up, Jack; medicine time."
Jack opened his eyes and looked at her. She took one pill out of the bottle and handed it to him. Setting his elbow under him, he elevated himself enough not to spill the juice. He drank about half the glass and handed it back to her, settling back into the pillows.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm sore and tired. How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, thanks. You need to take a shower, my friend. Then come out for some broth."
He didn't answer, so she took that as a yes, putting the glass of juice on the table before walking back to the kitchen.
"How is he?"
"Sore and tired. I told him to take a shower and come out for broth," Anne said, walking into the kitchen to heat the broth for Jack.
"Would you like some pasta?" Anne asked.
"Sure, just let me finish this email and I'll be right in to help you."
"Tyler, it's just pasta."
"I know, but you don't have to cook for me."
He pressed send and stood to walk to the kitchen. He made himself a drink, noting that Anne was drinking juice. They worked together in the kitchen until Tyler stopped.
"I don't hear the shower."
"Oh."
"Let me go. Maybe he's unsure about his cast."
"Okay," Anne said, her voice timid.
Tyler turned to look at her and pulled her into an embrace, kissing her forehead. She hugged him tightly and then pulled back from him. She kissed his cheek and then turned to the soup. Sighing, he walked back to the bedroom. Jack was fast asleep.
"Jack, shower time."
He opened his eyes.
"I…I thought she was a dream."
"No she's heating up some broth for you in the kitchen. She really needs to do this. Please, take a shower and spend some time with her."
Jack nodded and slowly sat up.
"I think I need to stand by if you're okay with that. I'm a little nervous at the prospect of you going in and out of the shower."
"Me too."
Jack stood slowly and limped into the bathroom. He pulled off his t-shirt and pushed his shorts to his knees where Tyler was able to maneuver them over the cast.
"This is a waterproof cast, right?"
"That's what I remember Dr. Aswan saying."
"Six weeks," Jack grumbled.
"Five weeks to go."
He reached in and turned on the water, getting it moderately hot before switching the flow to shower. Jack reached for him and the towel rod as he stepped into the shower. Groaning at the heat and strength of the water, Jack started to clean himself. Tyler put his arm into the shower near the spigot at waist height for Jack to grab. He was thankful that he was wearing a Grateful Dead t-shirt from Jack's drawers as his entire arm was wet. Ten minutes later, the water stopped and Tyler helped Jack out of the shower and onto the bathmat. Handing him a towel, Tyler went into the bedroom to get a clean shirt and shorts. When he returned, Jack was fairly dry. He helped him dress and they left the bathroom. Jack slipped on his silk bathrobe and bedroom slipper before following Tyler to the living room.
"Wow, what a difference!" Anne remarked seeing Jack limp into the room.
"Amazing what a little soap and water can do," he replied, his voice low and rough.
"Are you cold, Jack? I forgot that silk bathrobe isn't very warm," Tyler asked.
"No, but would you mind getting the Aleve?"
"Be right back."
Jack limped to the sofa. Anne stood and he pulled her into a soft embrace, kissing her softly on her lips. When Tyler walked in, they were still hugging. He went to the kitchen and poured Jack some apple juice and then went back to the living room.
"Here you go, Jack."
"Thanks, Tyler."
"Are you ready for soup, Jack?"
"Can we wait until the Aleve kicks in?"
"Sure, let me turn the heat down. Tyler what type of sauce do you want?"
"You mean I have a choice?"
"Yes, I picked up marinara, alfredo, pesto, and clam sauce."
"Well then, the clam sauce I think."
Tyler helped Jack sit in one of the leather chairs and retrieved his drink from the kitchen before sitting on the sofa.
"Was Sean here?"
"Yes, last night."
Subconsciously, Jack reached for his cross and St. Jude.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Jack. Let me get your chain," Tyler said, walking quickly to the bedroom.
He found them in the brown manila envelope that had Jack's waterlogged watch, cell phone, and two extra clips for his gun. Carefully, he extracted them and went back to the living room.
"Here you go, Jack."
"Thanks, Tyler," he said, putting the chain back around his neck.
Anne returned from the kitchen and sat next to Tyler.
"Uhm, I…I think I need to tell you what I remember," he started looking over at them.
Anne reached over for Tyler's hand.
"Okay," Tyler replied.
"I had a premonition and told Sam to put on her vest as I put mine on. She was having trouble with the fitting and I went on alone to the house. The door was unlocked. I knocked because there was no bell. I drew my gun and announced myself. Standing in the foyer, I felt something was wrong. I took a few more steps, still in the hallway on the main floor. Sam ran in and stood in the doorway. By then, I knew something was very wrong. I told her to leave. She must have walked in some more, I don't know, I was looking into the house. I ordered her to leave. She fell, I think, and there was a click, an unmistakable click. I ran into the living room and dove behind the sofa. The next thing I remember is coming to in the dark, in water, on my left side, with debris on top of me. It was cold, I was in pain, I couldn't hear or see, and I had no idea if anyone knew where I was. I didn't know if Sam was alive or dead. I passed out and woke up frequently until the water was about to drown me. I tried not to panic and just to breathe. That's when Ritchie found me, I think."
Anne choked back a sob and Tyler wiped his face of tears.
"Honey, I didn't tell you for you to cry. I just wanted you to know. I didn't want any secrets."
Anne stood and went to him, gently guiding his face to hers for a passionate kiss. Tyler picked up his scotch and went to the kitchen to heat up the clam sauce and turned the heat up on Jack's broth. He stood in the kitchen refilling his cocktail, stirring the broth.
Five minutes later, Anne walked into the kitchen.
"Thanks, Tyler," she said, sliding her arm around his waist.
"How is he?"
"Fading, I think. We need to eat."
Tyler nodded and drained the pasta as Anne ladled Jack's soup into a bowl. Moments later, they brought the bowls to the table. Jack was standing looking out onto the snow falling outside.
"Jack, dinner," Tyler announced.
Jack limped back to the table and sat down. He sipped his soup and Anne and Tyler ate their pasta. Looking at Jack, holding his head in his left hand, they knew he wasn't feeling well. Tyler just hoped he could keep the soup down. He got through half of the soup before he put his spoon down.
"I'm sorry. I really need to go to bed, now."
"Sure, no problem," Tyler said.
Anne stood and helped steady him as he got up and walked to the bedroom. Carefully, he kicked off his bedroom slipper before dropping his robe to the floor. He got into bed and rolled onto his right side. Anne pulled the sheet and blanket up to cover him and then sat on the bed, running her fingers through his hair. Ten minutes later, he seemed asleep. She turned off the light and left him alone. Tyler had cleaned up the dinner, saving Jack's soup in the fridge. He also made himself a new cocktail.
"He's asleep?"
"Yes," she said, sitting on the sofa.
Tyler walked over to sit beside her. He took a long sip from his cocktail.
"I have to go back to Washington, tomorrow."
"When?"
"They want me on the 8am shuttle. I don't think Jack can be left alone, yet."
"I agree, but I'm going back to work tomorrow."
"Let me call Viv and see what she thinks," Tyler suggested.
He picked up the landline and dialed Vivian.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Reggie, it's Uncle Tyler. Is your mom around?"
"Sure, Uncle Tyler, hang on….Mom, it's Uncle Tyler."
"Got it, hi, Tyler."
"Hi, Viv. We have a scheduling conflict. I have to be in Washington tomorrow and Annie is going in to work. There's no one to watch Jack."
"Let me talk to Danny. He has time and we're quiet right now. I'll call you in an hour."
"Thanks, Viv."
"You're welcome. I take it he's getting better but it's slow going?"
"That's about right."
"Bye, Tyler."
"Bye, Vivian."
He hung up the phone and turned to Anne.
"She's going to call back after talking to Danny."
Anne nodded.
"How was your session?"
"It was rough but I really like Dr. Chesny. She's approved me to go back to work, obviously, and I'll be going to a support group that she's heading. I have to see her twice a week."
"I'm glad she's helping you."
"It's almost eight and I need to get at least one load of laundry done before I go to bed," she said, standing.
Tyler stood as well and walked to the closet to get her coat as she slipped on her boots.
"Thanks for coming, and thanks for the groceries. I'll email you Danny's response," he said, helping her on with her coat.
Anne buttoned it and pulled a knit cap from her pocket. Reaching out she embraced him and kissed his cheek.
"Thank you, Tyler. I don't know what we would have done without you."
"You're very welcome, Annie. Sleep tight," Tyler said, kissing her on her cheek.
He put her hand to her lower back as he escorted her to the door. Unlocking it, he held it open for her.
"Night," she said, walking into the hallway.
"Night," he replied before locking the door.
He walked back into the living room and retrieved his drink before heading to his computer to finish he work.
9:00pm
The phone rang and Tyler answered it quickly, hoping that Jack didn't wake up.
"Hello?"
"Tyler? It's Danny."
"Hi, Danny."
"What time do you need me tomorrow?"
"Seven a.m. I'm trying to get on the early shuttle."
"Okay, and what until Friday?"
"Yes, I think so."
"Okay, I'll bring clothes until then. See you tomorrow."
"Thanks. See you tomorrow."
"Bye."
"Bye."
Tyler hung up the phone and sent off an email to Viv about Danny.