The Jenkins Girl

by RosalindB

Chapter 9 - Sweet Surprise

Last time: Cynthia and Chet made "discreet inquiries" about each other. Cynthia was kept at Rampart overnight after her accident.

Chet was never happier to see Frank Medford. He paced in the day room while Frank changed into his uniform. The moment Frank walked into the day room, Chet walked out with a "See ya Monday!" He changed clothes quickly and dashed to his van.

"Hey Chet! What's the hurry? I thought CJ was at Rampart?" Marco called out.

"Yeah, she's getting out today. I'm going to meet her there and surprise her." Chet hopped into his van and zipped out. Mike shook his head.

"He really is a softie. He'll never admit it."

Marco laughed along. "Yeah, but I wonder how he's going to surprise Cynthia?"

Chet made only two stops before Rampart. The first was his apartment to shower and change. He settled on a dark blue tee shirt, jeans, sneakers and a denim jacket. He then made a quick phone call. The second was Roselli's restaurant. He walked into the deli/take out section. Pete was working the counter, and recognized the bushy haired fireman.

"Hey, aren't you the lasagna guy?" he laughed. Chet smiled back.

"Yep, that's me. Lasagna was great. They guys dogged it. I'm here to pick up some sandwiches and a couple drinks for a picnic."

Pete stepped over to the other end of the counter. "I can whip up some basic stuff. Ham and cheese, sliced chicken?"

Chet pondered for only a moment. "One of each. Ham and sliced chicken. And I'll take a small box of the pink cookies." He pointed to a tray in the bakery section. "Also these are for a picnic, so could you cut the sandwiches?"

"Sure,"Pete replied. "Who's the lucky girl?"

"Um, CJ," Chet blushed a little.

"Hey! Nice idea."

"Yeah, I'm going to pick her up from the hospital and treat her to a little picnic at home."

Pete stopped his cutting, knife in midair. "Hospital?"

"She was in a car accident yesterday. She's okay, they just kept her overnight."

Pete cleaned his knife and called out to Mrs. Roselli. "Mama! Thia was in the 're sending her home today."

Mrs. Roselli rushed out of the kitchen, took a look at Chet, and said, "She was right, you do have piercing blue eyes. I will stop by later and bring some minestrone for her dinner." She winked at Chet and ducked back into the kitchen. Chet smiled, paid for the treats and headed to Rampart. He felt better realizing there were other people looking out for "Thia". He liked the sound of that nickname.

...

Carol helped Cynthia into her blouse. "Just take your time getting in and out of blouses and jackets. It's going to hurt at first, but the physical therapist will help you strengthen the shoulder again."

Cynthia turned to Carol. "Thanks. What about the ribs?"

"I'm afraid you can't do much about that. They're going to be sore when you laugh, take a deep breath, or bend too quickly. Time will heal that. But if you have difficulty breathing, come right back here."

Cynthia nodded. "I will. Thank you so much. You've been very kind. Dr. Early is fantastic."

Joe Early walked in just at the last sentence.

"Why thank you. I see Carol gave you discharge instructions. If you have any trouble taking a normal breath, get right back here."

Cynthia nodded. "I will, hopefully I won't need to."

"Well, you should come back in a week as a follow-up. And don't forget to see the physical therapist." The doctor shook his patient's hand. Carol helped Cynthia into the wheelchair.

"You do have someone picking you up?" Carol wheeled her to the elevator.

"Yes, my Aunt Mary said someone would be here. She had an appointment."

The elevator opened at the main floor. Cynthia nearly vomited at the sight in front of her.

"Cynthia dear. I wondered if you needed a ride home?" Elmira Jenkins-Renault stood in the hallway. If Cynthia could run, she would have. "It'll give us a chance to chat."

Oh no, dear lord no. God, if you truly exist, make this woman disappear. Or show me an exit. Why didn't Aunt Mary tell me?

"The McConnikes don't know I'm here. I heard about the accident from my friend who frequents the salon." Elmira answered the unspoken question. Carol sensed the tension between the two women. She signaled to Dixie.

"Ladies? Is there a problem?"

"I'm here to collect my niece. However, if she's feeling stubborn, she can find her own way home." Elmira smugly stared at CJ. CJ knew she was cornered. The hospital wouldn't release her without an escort due to the whiplash.

"Mrs.-?"

"Renault. Elmira Renault. And you are-?"

"Dixie McCall, head nurse for this department. Would you excuse us for a moment?"

"Of course," the smug look stayed on Elmira's face.

Dixie and Carol wheeled CJ a few feet away. Dixie leaned in and whispered.

"Is there anyone else we can call? I can see you're not comfortable, but I can't release you on your own." Rattled, CJ couldn't think straight. Not a single name came to her. Then she smelled something. Something familiar.

Smoke. Aftershave. She felt the lip fur brush her cheek.

"Sorry I'm late doll,"Chet ad libbed. "Got stuck in traffic." He looked at Elmira. "Thanks, but I'm here now. You'll have to meet with Thia some other time." There was no joke in his stare.

"Fine," she huffed. "But we do need to speak Cynthia. I will contact you." Elmira turned on her heel and left.

Chet knelt down by Cynthia's side. "You okay?"

Cynthia grinned, "There is a god."

Dixie and Carol laughed. "Seems like you're all set Cynthia. Take care."

"Thank you both," Cynthia looked at Chet. "Let's get rolling. I'm dying to go home and shower. Oops, I meant for me to shower." CJ turned deep red.

Chet wheeled her out to his van. "Thia, this is going to be an interesting day."