Chapter Nine

Mac sat in a black recliner with the foot of the chair raised. He'd been released from the hospital just that morning. Pete and Jim, who had the day off, had driven up to the Parker residence-along with Jean and Judy- just as Eliza had pulled into the driveway. Pete and Jim had been more than happy to help Mac inside and situated in the chair while Jean and Judy offered to help Eliza finish unpacking the last of the boxes.

"I appreciate your help. I'm sure you had better things to do today." Eliza, who was in the kitchen, gave Judy a grateful smile.

"It's no problem." Judy, who could see through the 'window' that made it possible to look from the kitchen into the living room, said, "Jim and Pete wanted to check on Mac anyway." She paused and then asked, "Do you think Mac will have any more seizures?" The hospital had come close to keeping Mac longer due to that issue only, because of Eliza and her cousin's professions, they had relented and let Mac go.

"I don't know only, to be honest, I feel like he-meaning the doctor who was caring for Mac at the hospital-was stressing over something that really is not going to be an issue. It's not like Mac had more seizures. I mean, after the ones he had in the ER when he was first taken to the hospital. I suppose I could be wrong; only time can tell us that one." Eliza stepped away from the cupboard and excused herself, "Think I'll go see how Jean is doing in the bedroom. Do you mind?"

"Not all all, not much left to do in here anyway." Judy continued working, seeing no reason to quit.

"There's drinks in the refrigerator if you want one." Eliza told the men, as she walked past them and headed down the hall towards the bedroom she was using.

While Eliza talked with Jean, Mac was doing his best not to show his frustration. "Are you telling me that none of the men known to associate with Tilton and Andres fit the description of the man who attacked me at the hospital? He found that almost unbelievable. The stranger just had to have some sort of connection to those two thieves.

"None of the ones we've found so far." Pete corrected him. "He's connected to those men; we just have to find out how. For now, we don't want you to worry about it. We've talked to a number of people. From here on out, Jim, myself or someone will be watching this house. You just relax and give yourself time to heal."

Mac appreciated hearing that only … "Just how well known am I?" That part-the fact that he was realizing more and more he should indeed know the neighborhood-no-the town-both comforted and bothered him. He hated not having memories of people and a place he obviously should know.

"Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say every single person in L.A. personally knows you," Pete, who was sitting on the couch, said. "At the same time, more than one do." He started to say more only to have a knock come on the front door. "Would one of you get that?" Eliza called out from the bedroom, "I'm sort of busy in here!"

"Sure thing!" Pete stood up and headed for the door. The moment he opened it, he stepped outside-telling Jim and the others he'd be right back. Naturally, it made them all curious-even a bit nervous-only they continued on with what they were doing.

"What's up? Thought you started your own vacation today." He looked at Grant, surprised to see this particular coworker, dressed in uniform, standing on the Parkers' porch.

"My plans changed," Grant wasn't about to admit he'd purposely postponed any vacation until after they caught whoever attacked Mac. If he did that, Mac might find out—and Grant didn't want to see the results of that one. Amnesia or not, he was sure it would not be a pretty sight. "Anyway, your landlady mentioned you were coming here, and I needed to see you."

"Why? Nothing's wrong here." Pete's confusion showed clearly, along with the fact that Grant better not waste any time in answering the question. He didn't.

"No, but TJ stopped me a little while ago, asked me to tell you 'Three Waters' is back in town. Who is he talking about?" Grant, who had tried to get TJ to tell him, had failed when the informant abruptly turned around and walked away, but not before repeating his message. It had frustrated Grant, only there was nothing to do but call the station and ask where Pete was.

A troubled look appeared on Pete's face upon hearing the message. "We'll discuss that one later. For now, you best get back to work. You don't want Lt. Blackwell to get after you."

"No, I don't." Grant headed back to his motorcycle. Once he was out of sight, Pete glanced around the area. He could see a couple of plain clothes policemen he knew sitting in a nearby car. He also saw Ed and his partner coming around the corner of the block in their squad car. Pete wasted no time going back inside. While Ed might not be as bad as he used to be, he was still the last person Pete wanted to deal with on his day off.

"Who was it? What's up?" Jim asked once Pete re-entered the Parker home and seated himself back on the couch.

"It was Grant. He was just relaying a message to me from T.J." Pete leaned back, resting his arm on the couch.

Just as Jim started to ask about the message, Jean stepped out of the bedroom. "Honey, would you come and help put this bookshelf of Eliza's together? We've tried only, it seems, when it comes to putting furniture together, neither one of us are being very successful."

"Sure," Jim excused himself before standing up and leaving the living room.

Pete was actually grateful that Jean had asked for Jim's help- as his friend's absence made it rather easy to change the subject and continue visiting with Mac.