CHAPTER 8

Sweat broke out on his upper lip as Starsky carefully balanced himself on the parallel bars and took one stumbling step forward and then another. The physical therapist had been working with him on the bars for over a week. It was hard work often reducing him to frustrated tears and anger but he was determined to get rid of the hated walker

His left arm and hand still trembled uncontrollably and he couldn't lift the limb past chest level without a significant amount of pain. The doctor had explained about the muscle damage, torn tendons and severed nerves. David didn't need anyone to tell him about muscle damage and severed nerves; he carried the scars that bore mute evidence to his miraculous survival.

Although he knew that his heart had stopped twice, once during the emergency surgery to piece together his shattered insides and the second time while he was still in the ICA, he didn't remember anything about those early days in the hospital. Knowing that he had actually died for a few minutes and then came back to life did something to a man's perspective

"You're doing very well, David." Marianne, his physical therapist told him with an encouraging smile as she watched him slowly work his way to the end of the parallel bars. He paused to catch his breath and then turned around and made his way back to the other end. By the time he finished, his face was covered with sweat but he was grinning happily, pleased with himself.

"Let's finish up and then you can get in the whirlpool."

David nodded. He always enjoyed the lying in the whirlpool and letting the hot, swirling water ease his cramped, aching muscles. He wished that it was as easy to ease the ache in his heart. He finished up his session with Marianne and spent an hour in the whirlpool before getting dressed.

Rachel and Jacob were waiting patiently in the waiting room when David finished. Rachel's eyes lit up with pleasure as she watched David slowly walking towards her, leaning heavily on the metal walker. A nurse trailed along behind him with a wheelchair in case he needed it.

When they returned home, David was tired enough to lie down and rest until suppertime. Jacob helped him into the house and made he was comfortable before leaving. As Rachel walked him to the door, Jacob looked at his sister and said,

"Have you heard from Nicholas?"

"No. Not since he stormed out of here a few days ago."

"That one is no good. It is better he is gone."

"He's still my son, Jacob. I worry about him."

"I know you do but believe me it will better if he stays away this time. He has always been spoiled and selfish. He wants to be the center of attention. He can't be that with David here."

"If you hear anything you will let me know?"

"Of course I will…good or bad." He smiled warmly and gave the worried woman a reassuring hug. "But I wouldn't worry so much about Nicholas. That one will always find a way to land on his feet. It's time to let him go. Let him find his own way in life…even if it is the wrong way."

Rachel closed the door behind her brother and went into the kitchen to start her chores. Lost in her own thoughts, she startled when she heard the front door open and then slam shut. She looked up in time to see Nicky stumble into the kitchen. He reeked of alcohol and his clothes were rumbled and dirty.

"You've been drinking." Rachel said in a disapproving tone as she turned to confront her youngest son. He had broken one of her cardinal rules by coming into the house drunk.

"No shit…I'm surprised you noticed." Nicky slurred.

"Watch your language, young man!" Rachel said sharply.

"Or what? You gonna wash out my mouth with soap?" Nicky sneered "I'd like to see you try, old woman…"

Rachel looked at her son in alarm. Nicky had never been so rude or disrespectful with her before and his belligerency surprised her. She suspected that he was under the influence of something more than alcohol.

"Keep your voice down. David is resting."

"Of course he is! Can't disturb poor Davy, can we?" Nicky snarled. "Davy always comes first."

"You need to go to your room and sleep it off." Rachel ordered firmly. "And then we need to have a talk about your behavior!"

"Not this time, Ma…" Nicky growled. He reached under his jacket and suddenly pulled out a gun, pointing it at his mother threateningly. "I'm tired of not being good enough for you…"

"Nicholas, what are you doing? Put that away!" Rachel said, trying to keep the fear from showing in her voice.

"What are you gonna do if I don't? Call the cops?" Nick barked a hoarse, bitter laugh. "Have me arrested?"

"If I have to…yes."

"You'd do it too, wouldn't you?" Nicky said, his eyes narrowing dangerously as he waved the gun around recklessly. "You bitch…"

"Get out of this house! Now!" Rachel said, her own temper rising despite her fear at what her son was capable of in his present condition.

"What's going on here?" David's wavering voice said from behind Nicky, startling them both.

Nicky spun around at the sound of his brother's voice, aiming the gun at David's chest, as a thin smile tugged at his lips. "Well, well, well…look who decided to join the party."

"Nicky…don't…please…" Rachel cried out, her heart pounding with fear at the danger David was in from his own brother.

"SHUT UP!" Nicky screamed at Rachel. Turning his attention back to his older brother, he hissed, "IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT! WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST DIE!" With a vicious swing of his arm, he slammed the gun against the side of David's head. As his brother crumbled to the floor, stunned by the blow, Nicky straddled his body. Dropping the gun to the floor, he began to viciously beat David with his fists as Rachel's screams filled the air.