Act Of Remembrance
Chapter 21 :The Epilogue
In the few moments it took Mike to reach the bench Steve was bent over and in a bad way. Sherry was worried and looked at Mike anxiously.
"Mike, he's in a lot of pain!"
"Alright now. Steve! Which pocket are your painkillers in?"
Steve went to try to get them from his front right pocket but the stabbing pain struck him again and stopped him.
"It's ok now. Take it easy. I'll get them."
Finding the pills Mike quickly read the label which read "take one to two pills depending on the severity of the pain". Looking up and seeing the agony on the younger man's face he reckoned that two was required in this instance and taking two from the tablet bottle he put them in Steve's hand along with the glass of water.
"Down the hatch buddy boy. You'll feel better when they kick in."
Steve dutifully took the pills and swallowed them down but it took a half an hour before Steve started to feel the benefit of them and the pain in his side reduced to a dull ache. All that time, Mike and Sherry stayed with him talking to him and trying to take his mind off the pain. As the colour started to come back into his face a little and he seemed to be more comfortable, Mike spoke first.
"Is it feeling better now?"
"Yeah ... thanks. To both of you. And sorry for causing so much trouble."
"No trouble buddy boy. You forget. I know what that pain was like! The trick is to take the pain killers BEFORE the pain gets that bad! Ok?"
"Yeah. Don't worry. I've learnt my lesson."
"Good. You better let me take a quick look at that wound just to make sure it's ok though."
Mike lifted Steve's shirt and just barely opened the dressing and was satisfied that it looked ok. Steve only flinched a little and Sherry winced in sympathy at Steve's injury. Then having put it back in place and studying Steve closely for any further signs of discomfort and finding none Mike unexpectedly clapped his hands together startling Steve and Sherry.
"Say. I've got a great idea. Now that you are starting to look human again Steve why don't I treat us all to a slap up meal in Mamma's. What do you both say? Huh?" Mike asked enthusiastically ."It's just what we all need."
Sherry smiled at the older man's enthusiasm and joined in.
"Sounds good to me. I'm starving. What do you say Steve?" and they both looked expectantly at the younger man.
Steve was less enthusiastic. While the pain in his side was now bearable he was feeling very tired, his appetite still wasn't great and the upset of the whole afternoon had drained him of any enthusiasm he had left. However with both friends staring pleadingly at him he didn't want to be the spoil sport so he reluctantly agreed.
"Ok ... I'm with you guys but I'm not that hungry. Ok?"
Sherry looked pleased and Mike was glad too that the young man had agreed so readily. For a second or two there, he was convinced that Steve was going to say no.
"Ok. You're with us but you're not that hungry. So you can get something easy on your stomach. One of those salad things you normally get maybe? Sherry! Did you drive here?"
"No I got a taxi."
Steve joined the conversation. "Me too!"
"Good then that's settled. I'll drive. Can you walk to the car park or do you need me to fetch the car Steve?"
"No. I can walk now. It's ok."
So they walked slowly to Mike's car with Mike and Sherry staying either side of Steve just in case and drove to Mamma's. They got there at about seven and the three enjoyed a pleasant meal together. The conversation mainly consisted of each of them regaling stories about Evelyn and by eight thirty the three companions had finished their meal. Steve had even managed to eat most of the chicken salad he had ordered much to Mike and Sherry's delight. Steve stayed with soda water as a drink considering the strong pain killers he was on but at the end of the meal Sherry raised her glass of wine and spoke.
"If you gentlemen don't mind I'd like to propose a toast. To Evelyn. A very special person. Always in our hearts. Never forgotten! May she rest in peace and know that we will always love her!" Sherry's voice broke slightly as she finished the toast and Mike watched Steve closely as he raised his glass too and spoke shakily.
"To Evelyn. That was beautiful Sherry. Thank you."
Sherry smiled at Steve as they exchanged a look of mutual loss and understanding and together the three friends drank the toast.
Mike continued to watch his young partner as he wiped his mouth with his napkin and looked very tired and emotionally drained. As he rubbed his eyes wearily Sherry and Mike exchanged a worried glance and Mike took control once more of the evening.
"You look fit to drop buddy boy. Let's call it a night shall we? I'll drive you both home."
Steve never objected which almost worried Mike even more but they both thanked him for the lovely meal. Then he paid the bill and soon they had driven to Sherry's house. She had moved from the apartment shortly after the incident last year and had moved back home to her parent's house. Somehow it had helped and made her feel safe again. As they pulled up outside, Steve had insisted on walking her to her door. As they reached the house a grey haired man appeared at the window, pulled the curtain aside and waved out at them. Both Steve and Sherry waved back and then looking embarrassed Sherry looked back at Steve.
"That's my Dad. He's a little over protective of me since ... well you know. I know it's pretty lame moving back home but it's only temporary until I get another place of my own. For the moment it just helps ... you know?"
"It's not lame. I understand. I'm just glad you have someone looking out for you."
"Listen Steve, thanks for listening today. You know talking about Evelyn really helped."
"Yeah. I know what you mean. Thank you too. Are you going to be ok?"
"Yeah ... I think so" and taking his hand in hers she squeezed it and asked "How about you?"
Steve smiled at her.
"Yeah. I'll be ok and if I'm not I have a guardian angel of my own too" Steve said nodding towards Mike and laughing.
Sherry smiled and continued.
"Say Steve, don't be a stranger ok? Call me sometime and we'll do lunch or just grab a coffee. And if you ever need to talk about ... Evelyn. I'm here for you. Ok?"
Steve felt the lump return to his throat and he was touched by her kind offer. Swallowing hard he squeezed her hand and answered shakily.
"Thanks! I'm here for you too. I'll call you. I promise. You take care of yourself Sherry."
"You too." and affectionately Sherry kissed him on the cheek and they said their goodbyes.
Steve made his way slowly back down the steps and sat back into the car and looking back up at the house they both waved up at Sherry as she stood at her front door and watched as she waved back and went inside. Then they drove off towards Union Street.
As Mike drove he kept a casual eye on Steve who looked very thoughtful. Breaking the silence Mike spoke.
"Do you think Sherry will be ok?"
"Yeah. I think so. She'll be fine. It's a tough one but Sherry's coped with a lot worse in her life. She's a fighter. She'll make it."
"Yeah you're right. She has and she will." Then again he looked over at Steve and tentatively added. "How about you buddy boy? Are you gonna make it?"
Smiling over at his mentor and partner Steve answered.
"Yeah. I'll make it. Thanks for today Mike. What you said. It helped. I appreciate you being there and I'm sorry I didn't talk to you about it sooner. It's been a crazy few days. Huh?"
"I'll say. Are you sure you don't want to stay at my place for a few days just until you're feeling a little better? The spare room is always there if you want it you know."
"I know it is Mike and I appreciate the offer but I just need some time to work things out in my head. I'd rather just stay at my place if you don't mind. But don't worry. I'll be ok."
"Ok buddy boy. If that's what you want."
And with that they pulled up outside 287 Union Street.
Steve turned to Mike.
"You know Mike there's one thing that's been bothering me. You know that homeless guy we found the other night in the alleyway. Well nobody's claimed the body. Maybe we should try to find his family. You know, so he can get a proper burial. I mean he must be someone's son or brother or husband. Maybe I could make a few phone calls? See what I can find out."
Again Mike was amazed at how throughout his own troubles Steve always thought of other people and once again his heart swelled with pride.
"Hey hang on now. You're on sick leave remember? You're just going to take it easy for a few days and get that side of yours better. Ok? However it's a nice thought buddy boy. I'll get Lee and Bill to look into it tomorrow. Oh and I forgot to tell you Nelson called me this morning at the office and said that the same gun used on Garcia killed Gonzalez. Looks like you got a double murderer off the streets. You did a fine job on that case all things considered Steve."
Again hating fuss Steve brushed off the praise just as Mike knew he would.
"Well I could have avoided getting shot and dangling from a seven storey building in the process."
"Well we live and learn buddy boy. Don't we?"
"Yeah I guess. Oh Mike. I almost forgot. Mrs Sanchez' granddaughter came to the hospital today to see me. She gave us both a gift from her grandmother. Here's yours!" and reaching gingerly into his inside pocket he produced the small box that Maria Sanchez had given him and handed it to Mike.
Mike took the box and carefully opened it and took from it a round beaded metal ring with a cross at one end. He smiled at it and sat admiring it for a few seconds.
"She said it was a rosary ring." Steve added.
"I know. I've seen them before. It was very thoughtful of her."
"She said that her grandmother sensed that you were a man of God and that you'd appreciate it."
"Oh she did , did she?" Mike beamed proudly. " Nice lady that Mrs Sanchez. What did she give you?"
Again reaching into his pocket he produced the metal charm and showed Mike.
"It's a good luck charm. She called it a ... Oh what was it called again?"
"A Milagros?" Mike offered.
"Yeah that was it. How did you know that?"
"Oh I've seen a few in my day. Some people even believe that they can heal you too. Better keep it with you Steve. It just might do you some good. You never know."
After both men had put away their respective gifts Steve opened the car door to exit when Mike grabbed his arm and stopped him.
"Hey listen Steve. You know you said something to me once when we hadn't been working together that long. You said that you were with me, anytime, anywhere but you had to know what I was doing! Do you remember?"
Steve nodded.
"Yeah, sure I do. It was at the hospital after Gus was shot. Why?"
"Because I want you to know the reverse is true too. I'm with you too. Anytime, anywhere. You just have to tell me what's going on in your head and I'll be there for you aswell. You know that don't you buddy boy?"
Steve was very touched by Mike's words and felt his emotions threaten to overwhelm him again. Patting Mike's arm, Steve smiled at his partner and answered.
"Yeah I know that. Point taken. Thanks Mike. That means a lot."
"Things will work out Steve. Mark my words!" Then patting Steve on the knee he continued " Ok. I'll call you tomorrow. Take it easy now, get some rest and take those painkillers regularly until that heals. You hear me now?"
Steve smiled as Mike reverted back to protective father mode.
"Ok. I will. I promise. I'll see you."
"And call me if you need anything!"
"I will Mike. Honest. Bye. And thanks for everything."
With that Steve got out and waved as Mike beeped the horn and drove off and Steve made his way wearily up the steps to his apartment. As he reached his front door he stopped momentarily and holding the rail he turned and looked towards the bay. The sun was just setting and the sunset glowed orange. It was a beautiful sight and Steve stood admiring it for a few moments. The fresh sea breeze felt refreshing and Steve breathed it into his lungs.
Finally tiredness took its toll and he turned back towards his door and reached into his trouser pocket for his house keys. As he took them out of his pocket, they slipped from his fingers and fell. Forgetting his injury for a split second he bent quickly to try to catch them as they fell but regretted it instantly as his side spasmed and he stood back up and watched helplessly as they fell down the first few steps.
"Great! Nice one Steve!" he chastised himself and leaned back against the rail and tried to breathe through the pain reverberating through his side but before he had a chance to do anything else a voice spoke from the pavement below.
"Oh, let me get those for you! "
Looking down below to where the voice was coming from he saw Mrs Peterson's granddaughter coming up the steps and picking up his keys, she brought them up to where he was. However when Steve saw her his heart skipped a beat. In her left hand she was holding a bunch of yellow roses!
"Thanks ... Nice flowers!" he stammered as she handed him his keys.
"You're welcome. Yes, they're beautiful aren't they? They're my favourite. My grandmother is coming home from hospital tomorrow. I thought they might brighten up the place for when she gets home."
Then seeing Steve holding his side and looking as pale as a ghost the young woman became alarmed and reached out to touch his arm.
"Are you ok? You look very pale. What's the matter?"
Thinking about what Mike had said about Evelyn giving him a sign and seeing this young lady holding Evelyn's favourite flowers had stunned Steve for a minute and between that and his side hurting like it was, Steve suddenly felt very dizzy. Breaking out in a cold sweat Steve staggered a little and immediately Rachel Peterson flew into action.
"You're not ok are you? Come on. Let's get you inside."
Taking the keys from his hand she opened Steve's front door and leaving the roses outside on the doorstep she put Steve's arm around her shoulders and guided him inside and sat him down on his couch. Then she ran into the kitchen and poured a glass of cold water and hurried back to him with it.
"Here take a few sips of this. Slowly now."
Taking the glass, Steve shakily took a few sips and felt slightly better. Feeling more embarrassed than anything else Steve blushed and tried to explain.
"Sorry about that. I had a slight altercation with a speeding bullet yesterday evening and I came off second best. Bending to try to catch the keys when they fell was NOT a good decision."
"Oh my! That's awful. You were shot!" Rachel asked horrified.
"No. It's not that bad, just a flesh wound. I'm ok really. Thanks for your help."
"Sure. I guess they're the hazards of your profession huh?"
"Yeah, something like that." Then trying to change the subject he inquired how Rachel's grandmother was doing.
"Oh she's doing much better thanks. Her ankle is on the mend but she'll be using a stick for a little while. She just can't wait to get out of the hospital. I'm picking her up tomorrow at four."
"Your grandmother told me you two had settled your differences."
"Yes! Thanks to you I guess I saw things from her point of view. I can see now why she wants to stay here and I'm going to visit her more often and help her out more when I can. You know I never really got to thank you properly for helping her like you did. I'm going to make a casserole tomorrow for her coming home. If you're free and you're feeling up to it I'd love if you could join us for dinner tomorrow evening just as a thank you."
Steve glanced over at a picture of Evelyn he had out on his hall table and thought again about what Mike had said and then he thought of the possible significance of the yellow roses and smiling at the young lady in front of him he finally answered.
"Sure. That would be great. I'd love to come. Thank you."
"Great! Say about eight?"
"Eight it is."
"Ok. I better go. Are you sure you're ok now?"
"Yes thank you. I'm fine. Let me see you out."and with that Rachel left Steve's apartment and Steve stood at the door while she picked up the roses and made her way downstairs. Suddenly remembering something Steve called after her.
"Say I don't think I ever got your first name?"
"Rachel."
"Rachel. That's a nice name. You can call me Steve."
"Ok Steve. Listen, I'm staying downstairs tonight just getting the flat ready so if you need anything just shout. Ok? See you tomorrow!"
"Ok. Thanks again."
Steve watched as Rachel Peterson went back downstairs and then headed back inside and closing the door he leaned back against the inside of the door and thought about what had just happened.
Then he walked to the hall table and picking up Evelyn's picture he touched it tenderly. Placing it back down carefully he went into the living room and took off his jacket and tie and discarded them on the chair as was his habit. Then feeling suddenly very tired he picked up the glass of water and got his pain killers and the Milagros out of his jacket pocket. Taking them with him, he passed through the hall and stopping to pick up Evelyn's picture again he brought all four items with him into the bedroom. Carefully placing all four things on his bedside locker he very carefully lay down on his bed and holding his side carefully he turned on his side gingerly and stared at Evelyn's picture. Had it really been a sign from Evelyn or just a coincidence. Steve lay there wondering as he felt his eyelids grow heavy. He was almost drifting off to sleep when the phone suddenly rang. Reaching up drowsily Steve picked up the receiver and brought it down to his ear.
"Yeah. Hello? Mike! I should have guessed. Yes. Yes I'm in bed now. I was just about to go to sleep. Yes Mike, I brought my painkillers in with me. I feel fine. MIKE! I'll call you tomorrow! Ok? Alright. Thanks for the call. Goodnight."
Shaking his head and smiling to himself at Mike's phone call Steve settled back into his pillow and looked once more up at Evelyn's picture. He didn't know exactly why but he felt better. He didn't feel as distraught as earlier. Actually he felt blessed. Blessed to have so many people who cared about him. Blessed to have known Evelyn even if fate meant it had only been for a short time. Picking up the Milagros he placed it under his pillow and for the first time in the last five days he wasn't afraid of what sleep would bring. Smiling again at Evelyn's picture he whispered.
"Sleep well sweetheart."
And then closing his eyes he quickly drifted off into a peaceful sleep and wondered what tomorrow would bring.
The End.
A/N : Well that's another story completed! I want to thank sincerely those who encouraged me to write it, those who read it, and all those who commented or reviewed it. Your kind words are deeply appreciated more than you will ever know. Until I get to write the next one I hope you have all enjoyed it and I wish you all the best.