A Mother's Heart.
With a long sigh Jeannie finished her dissertation. Finally gaining her PhD. was within sight. Only delivering her work on time and answering a few questions of her professors. Since the Christmas holidays were on the verge this would have to wait till next year.
"Jeannie are you alright?" Steve asked worried. He was just putting the final touch to their dinner.
"Yep all is perfect. I couldn't be happier. Just ended my dissertation, our first baby will be born next year and despite all we'll be able to go home for Christmas with Mike. I really have missed that grumpy old father of mine. Ten days in my hometown with both my favorite men. We will take the first flight tomorrow morning and surprise Mike. He will be stunned. You know how disappointed he was when I told him that it was impossible for us to celebrate Christmas with him. Besides this year we have hurt him more than ever. Now we have the chance to make it a bit up to him and show him how much he means to us." "Yes we have hurt him, but we haven't done it intentionally. It was a blessing in disguise." Steve responded laying his hand on Jeannie's belly.
Both could vividly remind how terrific this year had begun, however further down the line it changed into a nightmare. At least in Mike's eyes their lives were turned upside down but it seemed crystal clear they belonged together.
After a few years dating behind Mike's back, they had decided to tell Mike and the rest of the world at 0:01 a.m. January First they were a couple in love. Until then Mike didn't seem to see it or just didn't want to notice there was more than brother/sister love between them. Last year December 30th though Mike had caught them on the couch stealing a kiss from each other. He had entered the living room coughing pretty loud.
"Jeannie, Steve is there something I need to know?" He had asked.
"No Mike not that I know off." Steve had answered moving away from Jeannie. "I love you Steve like you were my own son. Dating your baby sister though is way out offline."
"I know Mike. You are the father I never had and Jeannie the baby sister I have to protect."
"I hope you are telling me the truth."
"Mike what Steve says, is true. We had been talking about our mom's. What we could remember off them and how much we missed them, as specially with these holidays or graduating from High School/ College or when we would marry and get our first child. We embraced to comfort each other." Jeannie had answered. The only lie was the reason of the kiss. " So true. For your mother this time of year was the most beautiful. And I loved to show her off during the Annual New Year's SFPD Ball. I hope you two do remember that will be tomorrow night starting at 9 p.m. " Jeannie and Steve only nodded. "Okay then I will take a shower now. See you within half an hour."
When they heard the water running and Mike singing, they had decided to tell Mike and their friends their love was unbreakable at Januari first. No one or nothing could tear them apart. Next evening, on the verge going to the Annual New Year's Eve SFPD Ball Steve had taken the plunge before they would exit Mike's house "Mike please wait I have to tell you something important." Mike had turned around looking straight into his eyes "I am all ears son."
"Mike you were right last night. Jeannie and I are in love. Pure love, no fling. During the last two years we are dating. Whenever we had time to be together we did. My visits to a friend were visits to Jeannie and last July Jeannie was one week earlier in SF than you knew. We stayed one week in a lodge in Lake Tahoe. Now it is the time to tell you and the world about us, because when Jeannie will have her PhD. we want to live together to plan our wedding." Expecting an exploding Mike Steve grabbed Jeannie's hand to pull her towards him. To their relief he had responded just the contrary. "Kids you make me a happy man truly. I sensed something was going on between you two. I even talked about you two with others. They told me you two were the perfect couple. So I thought I would be left out, because of my No Cop Dating and my judgement that Steve exchanged his girlfriends like his trousers. I knew that wasn't you Steve. Olsen made me believe that. I believed I would stay behind all alone. Kids can you ever forgive me. A pretty long time ago I had already noticed a positive change in both of you being together with me or separately. Your eyes twinkled more, your smiles are brighter and seeing you together it seems like you are floating on the clouds. You two have my blessing, but Steve don't ever hurt my daughter you will wished you had never met me." As well Jeannie as Steve were stunned about Mike's words. At first they were speechless than they went to Mike to embrace him.
The New Year couldn't start any better. Five months later though something unexpected had happened, which forced them to change their original plans. Despite precautions Jeannie had become pregnant. When Jeannie got the confirmation of her physician she was devastated. Sure she wanted kids, but in the future. First she had to get her PhD. That wouldn't be before the beginning of the next year. And what would Steve say. She couldn't imagine he would be glad. Not telling him had no use. Within a few weeks she probable would show. Besides they loved each other and they had sworn no secrets for each other no matter what. The first weekend possible she flew to SF, where Steve would pick her up at SF International. Delighted to see his fiancée so quickly yet, he lifted her up kissing her passionate turning around 360 degrees. Putting her down seeing her anxious look, his enthusiasm cooled down rapidly though. He became worried.
"Sweetie what is bothering you? Your face tells it all."
"I can't tell you here babe. We need privacy. Let us drive to your place."
"You aren't seriously ill Jean?" Steve asked once inside his apartment.
"No, I am as healthy as I can be my love. For the first time you are going to be a dad." After finishing answering she looked afraid to Steve.
"What? Did I hear it well you are going to have our first kid." Jeannie could only nod. "Wonderful you keep amazing me. Now I love you more than I already did. I know the time isn't right, nevertheless this child is more than welcome at least according to me." Jeannie didn't say a word. She stood there motionless. Her eyes filled more and more with tears. As Steve took her in his arms, he felt her tears soaking his shirt. Not knowing how to interpret her tears carefully, he pushed her a bit away from him, so he could look into her eyes to ask what her thoughts were concerning their baby. "Steve this is our first. There is nothing I want more. I thought you would be mad at me so soon. Too soon regarding the fact I haven't finished my study; we aren't married, no house, you live here I live in Tempe. And what about Mike. I, his daughter, pregnant before I am properly married. That is a disgrace."
"Don't you worry. Let us tell him straight away to make plans afterwards."
When Steve had parked his unmarked police car across Bryant Street 278 Mike seemed already be home. In his rearview mirror he could see Mike walking upstairs to his front door, where he seemed to wait for them when he had noticed them. Jeannie and he hurried upstairs. Once in the living room Steve had addressed straight away to Mike, who didn't get the chance to greet them. Steve knew if he wouldn't do it now he probably wouldn't dare anymore and every minute counted. The mother of his child and he had to plan a lot before Jeannie would show. Whatever Mike would say or do he cared less. Their future as a young family only mattered.
"Mike please sit down, Jeannie and I have something important to tell you. I only can hope it won't struck you too hard." The famous Stone glare appeared in his eyes "Mike you are going to be a grandpa within a month or 7. I will apply for a job at the ASU or at PHPD asap, so Jeannie can still get her PhD. I will be right be her side." "What Jeannie are you pregnant? You aren't properly married yet. I always thought I raised you like a good Catholic girl. What a disgrace! Now you can never marry in white. Get out of my sight both of you. You young man I hope you put it soon all right otherwise I hope you can burn in hell." Mike had shouted furiously.
With Jeannie in tears they had left Mike's house like it seemed for good. After a restless night in Steve's apartment they decided to drive to Tempe with his Porsche after Steve had handed Olsen his resignation. The only one at the department who was brought up to date was Steve's best friend Bill Tanner. If Steve would have found a job and a house for their little family Bill would be invited. Besides he would be their only connection with San Francisco, more specific Mike.
Once in Tempe the young family had settled pretty quickly. After one week Steve got a job at ASU as an assistant psychology professor, which included an own house near the University. More they couldn't wished for. They had felt very blessed. They had each other and their love even deepened like the little Stone-Keller was growing. The only one they missed now and then was their father Mike. Then they called him, however when he answered and realized it was one of them he had hung up. Meanwhile the men at homicide experienced Mike's anger and pain. Healy and Bill could read between the lines. Their lieutenant felt lost. First he had lost the love of his life now he had lost his kids too and his stubbornness was the cause. Helen had warned him more than once. After gaining all his courage Bill knocked at Mike's office door one day when the bull pen had been deserted. He entered after permission. Inside he closed the door while Mike asked extremely grumpy "What do you want Bill? A man needs some rest."
"I shall be frank with you whether you like it or not. Since Jeannie and Steve left you behave like a dictator. No one gets a friendly word. For God sake step over your own shadow, take the first plane to Tempe, take a cab, knock at their door and apologize for your rude behavior ." Bill had spoken to turn to leave not waiting for Mike's answer. To his surprise Mike had spoken "Thanks Bill. You have opened my eyes and confirmed what I was thinking myself that I am the most stubborn father in the world." Mike had grabbed his fedora and coat and was gone for a week returning with the biggest smile on his face.
At first Jeannie and he had been stunned to see him, however their love for him made give him the warmest welcome. Tears had been flowing. Seeing Jeannie and Steve so happy and pregnant Mike had realized even more how stupid he had been. Jeannie was already six months along. Only a few months to go regarding the pregnancy and achieving her PhD. This might meant no Christmas Holidays in San Francisco with their dad, who had been looking forward to celebrate these days with his kids. It saddened him at one hand. At the other hand happiness fulfilled him that once Jeannie got her PhD. his kids would return to San Francisco forever to raise their kid(s). So when they would arrive Christmas Eve Mike would be thrilled. "Now Mr. Keller pick up the phone to book our flight."
"I would love to nevertheless it has no use. Aren't you forgetting something." Steve responded pointing with his head to her belly.
"And what may that be?" Jeannie answered a little disappointed.
"Jeannie you are already 8 months along. You aren't allowed to fly anymore. We have to drive to San Francisco . "
"Will we be an time?" Jeannie asked.
"No silly After dinner you take a hot bath and go to sleep while I will arrange all. We'll leave around 8 a.m. With some luck we will arrive at Mike's around 9 or 10 p.m. " Jeannie nodded, smiled and kissed him. Steve saw tears in her eyes. "Now we are going to eat Mrs. Keller and then bath, pack and sleep."
No sooner said than done. As agreed Steve putted the key in the ignition to head for SF at 7:55 a.m. Looking forward to be home for Christmas, they had decided to take as less breaks as possible although Steve had to drive all the way. Within 7 till 8 hours the Interstate 5 made them pass San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Santa Clarita. Approaching Bakersfield close to Sequoia National Forest the sky darkened and the temperature dropped. Out of the blue hail as big as tennis balls fell from the dark sky. Steve couldn't keep their car on the road. Thanks to his excellent driving skills, Steve could avoid an oak. Their car came abruptly to a halt right beside the big tree. The sudden stop made both making a rough move forward, which ended luckily with some bruises because they had fastened their seat bells. Something they didn't do usually. Shaken to the core Steve asked Jeannie if she and their baby were alright at least ten times. He calmed down a bit after Jeannie cupped his face reassuring him both were okay. A medical check-up wouldn't be redundant. Advisable was the better word, however for miles around no one or anything to see. Besides outside the weather was still terribly worse. Meanwhile the hail had turned into big snowflakes. It was wise to stay in the car. First Steve would try to start the car. To their surprise it did. Jeannie and Steve both sighed deeply and smiled at each other. Their smiles were too soon though. To get out of the bushes Steve had to drive backwards. The soil soaking wet now made the wheels stuck. Steve had to get out to dig the wheels free. Before he started he gave Jeannie a blanket laying in the back of the car so she could keep warm. As Steve had three of the four wheels free he heard Jeannie calling his name pretty loud. He hurried to her side to pull the door open to look into a pretty scared face.
"Jeannie what's the matter?" Steve asked worried.
"Steve I believe our baby is coming. I got a huge contraction and then my water broke. All is wet." Jeannie responded in total panic.
"Keep calm sweetheart in a minute we are on the road again." Steve tried to comfort her.
Although he was right they didn't come far. At one hand due to the weather driving fast was impossible and dangerous. And the other hand Jeannie's contractions came each two minutes and she felt she had to pressure. "Steve stop the car." Jeannie cried out loud "The baby is coming" He stopped the car, took the first aid kit to hurry to Jeannie to help her in the backseat, where they would have more space. Within a few minutes their first kid was born. The little one wanted to be born screaming as loud as a newborn could. "My love here is our baby daughter." Steve spoke proudly while he laid her on her mother's chest. With the first aid kit scissors he cut through the umbilical cord. Glad their daughter was healthy as far as they could see. Now it was time to take both his girls for a check-up. After refreshing his wife and new born a bit Steve covered them with a blanket. "Jeannie I will take both of you to the nearest hospital." Jeannie just nodded . With Steve close to them Jeannie knew all were safe. Starting the car was easy however to keep it on the road was very difficult. When the car slid off the road covered with snow again avoiding again a collision with a big oak Steve decided to stop the car. After talking it through with Jeannie he would let the engine on to keep mother and daughter warm while he would try to find help on foot. Once outside he realized that his attempt to get help was a mission predestined to fail. One step forward followed by two steps back due to his leather boots not made for walking on ice. Fifteen minutes long he tried then he decided to return to the car extremely disappointed and angry at himself. His mind consumed by the thought that he was a big failure. His wife and new born daughter needed him right now and he let them down. Almost back at their car in the far he saw lights appearing at the horizon coming their way. Now he had to be quick to get in the car to flash with his head lights drawing their attraction.
It worked. The car stopped. To their relief it appeared to be a patrol car of Bakersfield police department. Two officers jumped out of their car to sped to their car. Looking inside the car the officers knew enough. "Congratulations mom and dad. Mom are you and the baby alright? We are Officer Gonzales and Shapiro of Bakersfield PD." Officer Gonzales spoke.
"Yes we are fine except the cold and that our little girl is one month premature." Jeannie answered.
"We are Steve and Jeannie Keller-Stone. My girls need a warm bed and a check-up. Officers you don't know how glad we are to see you." Steve added shaking the officers hands.
"You are welcome. Do you think your wife and daughter need immediate medical attention ? Then I ask for an ambulance otherwise we drive you with our patrol car to Bakersfield Memorial hospital."
"You can bring us to BMH. The sooner the better. Over there once my wife and baby girl are being checked I can call our father Lieutenant Stone in SF."
"Mike Stone?" Officer Shapiro asked curiously. Jeannie and Steve nodded.
"My father has made the streets of SF safer with him as a rookie. What a small world. I assume he will want to see his granddaughter. Maybe a good moment for my father, Chief of Police here in Bakersfield, and him to meet and talk for a short while."
"The moment I talk to him I will tell him." Steve answered.
Now it was time to head for Bakersfield Memorial. When Steve and Officer Gonzales helped Jeannie out of the car to put her in the police car she felt terribly sick out of the blue. Once in the car Shapiro made the sirens yell and the blue/red lights flash to be able to get asap in the hospital, where two nurses, gynecologist and pediatrician were awaiting her. Mom and baby daughter were examined separately. Steve didn't know who he should join. Jeannie demanded him to follow the pediatrician. Later they would be joined again. And as always she was right. Within twenty minutes a nurse of the pediatrician ward had taken father and baby daughter back to mom. Entering Jeannie's room at the maternity ward Steve noticed how pale she was looking. He felt a light panic taking his mind over. "Sweetie you look so pale. Are you okay?" She nodded kissing her baby daughter softly after the nurse had handed to her.
"Mr. Keller don't you worry. Your wife has lost a pretty amount of blood during birth blood and arriving here she lost even more. This happens to more young mother's. I have given her an injection to stop the bleeding and to let her womb shrink more quickly. The nurses will monitor her. In case she keeps losing blood surgery will be necessary however I think blood transfusion will be sufficient, which will be started with tomorrow morning. Mrs. Keller do you intend to breastfeed the baby or not?"
"I want to breastfeed her."
"Excellent! You may feed her now. Then you will have to rest for several hours. The nurse will take your baby daughter to the nursery during the night." "Mrs. & Mr. Keller do you already know what name you want to give your daughter yet?" Nurse Kramer asked them smiling awkward.
Looking at each other Jeannie and Steve nodded determent. "My love you may tell the nurse" Steve added.
"We want to call our daughter Steffanie. Our names combined. On her birth certificate you have to write Steffanie Helen Rachel." Jeannie answered with a tremor in her voice. Steve sitting next to her cupped her face whispering "I love you." because he knew why. The nurse just smiled.
Half an hour later, Jeannie had breastfed their daughter while the young dad had watched them as proud as a peacock, the nurse returned with the bracelet/nametag Steffanie Keller to put it around gently her small arm. Fast asleep she didn't notice a thing. Now it was time that mommy and daddy would go to sleep too. To give Jeannie the rest she needed the nurse took Steffanie with her to lay her in a crib in their nursery, where she would get the care she needed. To be sure his girls where safe he promised Jeannie to go with the nurse and their baby girl to the nursery. Then he would go to the hotel at the end of the street to shower, sleep and breakfast to be back around 7 a.m.
Before Steve left the hospital for the night he went back to Jeannie, who was already asleep. He kissed her gently on the lips whispering "Thanks my love for our baby daughter. I will call Mike tonight or tomorrow morning in case it is too late." Once in his hotel room Steve extremely exhaustion struck him. Further than his bed he didn't get. The minute his head touched a cushion he fell asleep.
Meanwhile in Bakersfield Memorial gynecologists, midwives and the nurses of the Maternal Ward didn't know what was coming to them that night. One baby after another was born that night. None of them in the ward had time to breath or take a break. To watch all the other babies in the nursery and new mams like the nurses usually did wasn't possible. At certain moments even it wasn't clear to the hospital personal who had a justified reason to be at the ward. They assumed it would be family of the new moms and dads. Until now nothing bad had happened at their ward. This night though would change this. For a while Bakersfield Memorial's personal and patients won't feel secure anymore.
After a goodnight's sleep and a shower Steve was ready to go visit Jeannie and little Steffanie at 7 a.m. At the verge to exit his hotel room he remembered he still had to call the new, unknown, granddad Mike. At this moment of the day and Christmas Evening near Mike would still be at De Haro street. Quickly he dialed Mike's home number. The longer it took till his call was answered the more nervous he became. As Steve wanted to hang up Mike answered sounding grumpily out of breath "Mike Stone It pretty be important."
"Mike Steve with very important happy news." At least I hope Steve just thought.
"Hi son and what will that be " Mike responded sounding more relaxed.
"Do you want the long or short version granddad?" Steve asked teasing.
"Since it is early in the morning do the short. Wait a minute did you say granddad?"
"Yes Mike last evening Jeannie gave birth to a baby daughter in our car, who got stuck during bad weather near Bakersfield."
"Where are you three now exactly? I am on my way yet. I will take you all home for Christmas. Thank you mother Mary. Christmas will be greater than ever." "We are in the Maternity Ward of Bakersfield Memorial Hospital room 209. Bye I have to hurry now. We will see you there." Steve hung up.
When Steve arrived at the nursery to pick up his baby daughter to take her to Jeannie he sensed great panic. It seemed as if the nurses had lost someone of something. Two were crying. Starting even louder seeing him enter. One of them even fled out of the nursery. When Steve didn't get an answer on his question what was bothering them he decided to walk to his baby daughter's crib and take Steffanie out of the crib. At that same moment the head nurse entered and called his name with the request to follow her. Steve followed her to a separate room. Once inside he noticed that more people were waiting for him; the CEO of the hospital and a police officer. A cold shiver went down his spine.
"Please sit down Mr. Keller." The nurse asked. Extremely uptight he sat down.
"Mr. Keller I don't know how to start. This hasn't happened before. Our babies were always safe. At least until last night and evening. A person has stolen your daughter out of her crib and has disappeared."
"How could this happen?" Steve spoke with a tremor in his voice. His head had become one big turmoil. Steffanie, their baby daughter gone. How could he ever be able to tell this too his young wife and mother still looking into her eyes. He had failed Steffanie and Jeannie, who would be devastated. He had to bite his lips not to cry in front of the other's eyes. "I promise you that we will do everything in our power to solve this crime and get your daughter back." Officer Shapiro solemnly spoke.
"I hope it won't be only words." Steve responded almost inaudible. He felt numb. Trying to stand up to go to Jeannie he felt back into the chair. His legs refused. They seemed paralyzed at least temporarily. " Mr. Keller do you need medical help." The head nurse asked noticing the physical struggle of Steve.
" No I am going to my wife now. Make sure you find our daughter back within the hour or I sew you. " Steve responded pretty angry. Arriving at Jeannie's door he sighed deeply and entered. Immediately Jeannie opened her eyes smiling at him. Noticing Steve came without their daughter her smile fainted.
" Sweetie why didn't you bring our daughter with you. I need to see her." She spoke disappointed looking her husband into his eyes. Although Steve had tried to keep his composure however as expected she sensed something was wrong.
Her eyes grew wider and wider, only fear was written in them "Where is Steffanie Steve? I want her with me now." Jeannie spoke terrified.
"Someone has taken her out of her crib and walked out of the hospital with her last night." Steve answered taking Jeannie in his arms while tears rolled down their faces. "Sweetie I promise you I will find her before Christmas Morning. Your father will soon arrive and shake the tree heavily. Before you know it we have Steffanie back." "Is dad coming?"
"Yes he will be here soon." Steve answered with a slight of hope in his voice. "Mike would solve this crime instantly." This thought kept running through their minds. Silence, grief, helplessness and numbness filled the room, which should be filled with happiness and baby cries.
Both their minds were fully occupied by one thought " What did they do wrong not to be allowed to be happy?" Both they already had lost their mom pretty young. Steve was 4 and Jeannie 12. From that moment on they missed something. When they met this void was filled finally. What wasn't accepted by the people they loved. Again a new battle had to be fought. A fight which was won. And now someone bad had taken their precious baby daughter as if they didn't deserve her. How long they had been sitting there in silence they didn't know when a firm knock at Jeannie's door took them out of their daze. The door swayed open and a big teddy bear looked around the door followed by Mike with a big smile on his face. "Congratulations kids! Show me your beautiful Steffanie." "Daddy she is gone." Jeannie spoke with a huge tremor in her voice clinging on to Steve.
"What she is gone? She has just been born. Speak Jeannie Steve you are scaring the hell out of me."
"Last night someone has taken Steffanie out of her crib and walked with her out of the hospital." Steve responded feeling totally numb.
"And no one noticed anything?" Steve could only nod. "Is the BPD doing enough to find her? I assume not. I will show them how to find my granddaughter." Mike responded sounding more reassured than he felt. "Son I will need your help. You know we always were a perfect team."
"Mike I can't leave Jeannie alone. Wait a minute an old partner of you is Chief of Police over here. His son found us in the middle of nowhere and brought us to Bakersfield Memorial."
"Do you know a name Steve?"
"Sorry Mike I have forgotten the name. I think it started with an S and back then you were both still rookies."
"An "S" rookie. Let me think. It can only be Arthur Shapiro, an officer like an officer should be and he was very ambitious. If I am right, I will know soon. I will pay the Bakersfield PD, which is nearby a visit. And I will make sure our Steffanie has priority." Before Jeannie and Steve had realized, Mike vanished the same way he had appeared like a thief in the night. Since then their hearts palpitated a bit faster. Mike was there. He would be their Steffanie's guardian angel. Before Christmas Morning she would be back safe and sound. They kept thinking that despite the fact that would mean Mike had max 13 hours to find his granddaughter.
If Mike would be able to keep up to his kids expectations was still written in the stars. Mike's search for his newborn grandchild started promising though. On his way out of the hospital he bumped almost into the young officer Shapiro. The astonishing resemblance with Shapiro sr. struck Mike hard, which made him address the young officer immediately.
"Officer wait a minute. Are you Arthur Shapiro's son?"
"Chief Arthur Shapiro of Bakersfield you mean? And who wants to know?" Shapiro jr. asked.
"I am the grandfather of Steffanie Keller. I want her home with Christmas."
"My god you have to be my father's former colleague Mike Stone. I can assure you the case of your abducted grand-daughter, Steffanie, has priority for our Chief, my dad, too. I will immediately take you to him ".
"Yes do that. The best thing I ever heard today". Mike responded.
Already fifteen minutes later Mike entered the Bakersfield Police Department. Officer Shapiro's nod to the officer behind the information office opened the door to their Chief's office. Once inside Mike's old partner approached Mike to shake his hand firmly and assure him they would find Steffanie before Christmas Morning.
"Please Arthur be totally frank with me and tell me what you already did and what the results are."
"Mike be seated. I can't talk to an up and down pacing person. You will remember that. "
"Okay I will sit down."
"First two officers are talking to the staff, who was on duty last night; second two officers are questioning the new parents; third we are looking through all footage of the entrance of the hospital from the last seven days. Nothing out of the ordinary or suspicious. "
"Sounds alright, but do you already have an idea where Steffanie is? And be truly frank with me."
"No Mike we still have no clue. No one has seen or heard something suspicious or weird."
" I think you won't mind me giving your team and you a helping hand by looking through the footage too?" Mike asked rhetorical.
While Mike anticipated in checking de images on film, in room 203 in Bakersfield Memorial, it all turned for the worse. Out of the blue Jeannie started to cry heartbreaking. And when Steve wanted to comfort her by taking her in his arms she yelled at him "Keep your hands of me. This is all your fault. I wished I would never have met you." Looking at her husband her crying turned into laughing uncontrollable. Not knowing what to do Steve pushed the red button. Immediately a nurse entered the room. Observing the young mother her knowledge and years of experience told her it was time to page the gynecologist, who only could agree with the nurse that Jeannie's mental condition was on the edge of a postnatal depression. The only thing he could do was giving her a sedation med by syringe and try to put Steve at ease. "Steve listen. It wasn't your Jeannie, who spoke to you so angry. First she became pregnant, not planned, still you two decided to start a future for the three of you; hormones changes every woman. Second getting her PhD before birth. And last but not least the third, when the baby is born finally, someone kidnaps her. Your wife is extremely desperate. She only can blame the person closest to her and that is you. So don't you worry. Try to get some sleep yourself, while we let her sleep for the rest of the day. "
A very good advice considering the circumstances. Sleep would be the best. Steve knew that too. At least his common sense, his heart though didn't. Of course the last won it and told him what he had to do. Outside the hospital the presence of a cab available for transportation confirmed he was on the right track. He jumped in the cab to tell the driver he needed to get to the police station as soon as possible.
Ten minutes later Steve entered BPD, passed the information desk to walk straight away to the Chief's office. No one would be able to stop him. Nevertheless the Chief's secretary tried it, with no result. Steve pushed her softly aside and entered the office, which was empty. He turned around to exit the way he entered. This time the secretary stopped him with help of an officer, who was called for help by the secretary just passing her at the same time.
"Young man who do you think you are?" The secretary asked harsh.
"I am Steve Keller and my newborn daughter has been abducted from your wonderful hospital. By the way my father-in-law lieutenant Mike Stone should be here too to help your officers to find my Steffanie." Steve answered even harsher. "Sorry Mr. Keller I couldn't know. I am not clairvoyant although I am up to date about your case. I can assure you that it has priority. Almost the whole team is working on it. If you have a minute, I will take you to the room, where the Chief, your father-in-law and the rest of the detectives and officers are working the case." "Okay I will wait, but no longer than ten minutes. " Steve responded impatiently.
"If it is alright with you, I will finish typing these reports for the Chief. It won't take more than a few minutes." Steve nodded slightly.
She kept her word and three minutes later Steve was in the room, from which the case of his baby daughter was led.
Mike had just finished looking through the footage of one month of Bakersfield Hospital entrances. Looking at his face it didn't predict a positive result. Still Steve asked him if he had good news. Mike could only shake his head.
"Has anyone else seen something worthwhile to look into on the footage?" Steve yelled disappointed.
"Steve calm down. These men and women do everything in their power to find Steffanie and the person, who is responsible for her disappearance out of the hospital." Mike tried to put his son at ease.
"All aside let me look at all the images of the footage." Steve continued with his rage.
"Officer Ramirez show Mr. Keller the footage. He might see someone or something we have overlooked till now. " Chief Shapiro commended.
Looking at the footage of the first three days of the week Steve didn't seem to see any suspicious. However watching the footage of the Wednesday and the Thursday Steve yelled "Stop. Zoom in at the background. " The officer zoomed in.
"I don 't see anything suspicious."
"Focus on the ladies room door on the left. Who or what do you see?" Steve asked "I see the head of a woman looking through the crack of the door."
"Yes I see it. So what?" Officer Ramirez answered.
"Now watch closely at the footage of the days before." Steve responded bluntly. Officer Ramirez, Mike, Chief Shapiro and a few other officers, very curious, did what Steve had said. And they saw what Steve had seen; a young woman, who seemed to be in the hospital for at least a week hidden in the background far away from the camera. A patient wouldn't act like that. It was maybe the piece of the puzzle they were looking for. A few questions needed to be answered. First was that woman present in the hospital when the baby was kidnapped. If they needed to know who she was, where she lived and what her history was regarding the hospital?
No time to waste now. Steve pushed officer Ramirez aside to watch the footage of the day his baby daughter was born and vanished in thin air. Within a few minutes he could show the other officers the answer on question one; the woman was present at the time Steffanie was born and vanished later. Zooming in onto the footage late that night and after midnight, they saw that the woman had hidden something under her coat, carrying it like you would carry an infant. Besides after that day she never was seen any more in the hospital.
"Officer Shapiro and officer Ramirez to the hospital and show the images of this woman to the CEO, nurses and physicians of BM. Officer Bell contact the DMV to ask them to let the woman's picture run through their computer, they might find her ." "I insist to go with Shapiro and Ramirez to the hospital. If they get a positive, ID I can tell it to my wife immediately." Steve responded rather loud. To continue inarticulate "She might won't be mad at me anymore. "
At one point Steve's hope got full filled pretty quick, namely a positive Identity. Entering the nursery the third nurse, who Ramirez showed the still of the unknown woman, recognized her immediate. Acknowledged by the pediatrician and another nurse present.
"That lady, officer is Mrs. Davenport, wife of our CEO, heart surgeon, Dr. Louis Davenport III. "
"Regarding the fact, that the woman, we were looking for, seems to be the wife of your CEO, do you might know something about her that will make sense?"
"The only thing I can tell you officers, that the poor woman wants, like a lot of women, a baby of her own. After three miscarriages in the first term, a year and a half ago, she and her spouse were pregnant again. All went well till she went into labor. The contractions were extremely strong, that the baby was left out of air and was born still. What this did to her, you better ask her or her husband, our CEO."
"Okay take us to him, please." "I am afraid that, this isn't possible. Yesterday morning he has aboard a 474 to fly to New York city for the Annual Worldwide Health Congress for three days. I believe his secretary Mrs. Sharp or his runner up Dr. Becker, will have the phone number to reach him in case of an emergency."
"And where can I find Mrs. Sharp?"
"Follow me please."
The CEO's office appeared to be close by. Within a sigh the two Bakersfield officers and Steve stood in front the secretary's desk. Officer Shapiro took the lead: "Mrs. Sharp, we are officers Ramirez and Shapiro and Steve Keller. Are you able to answer a question?" Mrs. Sharp nodded responding. "Yes certainly. For the police, our friend and helper, I will take all the time necessary."
"I think you are aware of the fact, that recently a new born has abducted from the nursery. After looking through the footage of the hospital entrance we know we will need Dr. Davenport's help. Since you have his phone number of the hotel he stays in, we want to ask you give it to us personal or you can call him now, so we can talk to him right away or he calls us at the precinct as soon as he has the opportunity. " While they waited two female BPD's officers were sent to Dr. Louis Davenport's house, 2712 Cormier Dr. As Officer Pamela Rossi knocked at the heavy wooden door an older woman opened it immediately. It seemed to be Mrs. Davenport's housekeeper and personal friend, Vicky Gainsborough.
"Lady officers how can I help you." Vicky asked.
"Is Mrs. Davenport at home? We wanted to ask her a few questions."
"Sorry Mrs. Davenport isn't at home. An hour or two ago she has left the house in a hurry. Her sister in San Francisco needed help with her youngest kid, baby Jessica, Mrs. Davenport's God child. You need to know Sarah, sorry Mrs. Davenport, loves kids. She had a few miscarriages and last year, after carrying the baby 8 months, it was stillborn, unbearable to Mr. and Mrs. Davenport. So Jessica means the world to her. This baby girl makes her going."
Vicky's words made a bell ring. "Did she behave normal the last days or was there something that seemed odd to you?"
"I would say pretty normal. Except she didn't want me to help her to carry her luggage to her car. And for a second I thought ,I heard a baby cry at that moment. "Didn't you hear a baby cry before, like last night?"
"I neither can deny nor confirm that. I have heard a noise, which I thought were meowing cats. However recollecting it, it could have been a crying baby."
Time to call the precinct. This sounded very promising. "May I use your phone?" Officer Sam Davis asked. Vicky nodded. After one ring the secretary of Chief Shapiro answered. "Officer Rossi, may I speak to the Chief. It concerns the missing newborn."
"Chief Shapiro speaking, tell me Rossi." sounded in Rossi's ear. An answer a lot sooner than she had expected. It had overwhelmed her pretty much. She had to find her composure before she could tell the Chief what they learned and wanted to do.
"Officers stay at the house. I will send another officer with a search warrant and the lab boys. In the meantime Dr. Shapiro will be called immediately and Lieutenant Stone will contact his men to fill them in."
Chief Shapiro kept his word. Within twenty minutes the lab boys arrived handing the female officers the search warrant, who showed it to the housekeeper, who could only let the lab boys pass to be able to do what they had to do.
After Mike's tenth call it was answered by Dr. Davenport himself, sounding irritated : "I hope you have a very good reason to call me. I am a very busy man. I answered after the phone rang for the thousand time."
"Yes Dr. Davenport it is important." Mike replied "At least I hope it will be of importance to you, when this matter concerns your wife."
"My wife? Dr. Davenport answered after an awkward silence. "I am Lieutenant Stone, SFPD. At this moment I am in the office of Chief Shapiro, Bakersfield, and a lot of leads and evidence we assume that your wife has kidnapped a new born girl in your nursery and fled with the baby to San Francisco to her sister. "
"What evidence do you have against her?" "First we have footage of her in the hospital acting pretty strangely. Second we have found a nursery in your house hidden behind a secret door, of which your housekeeper wasn't aware of. And third this morning she has left the house in a hurry to head to her sister in San Francisco."
"A hidden nursery? Oh my poor Sarah. After those sessions with Dr. Evelyn Noah, a psychologist, she has assured me that she had found a way to cope with the fact, that she would never become a mom in the real sense. Last year she has given birth to a stillborn." Dr. Davenport spoke with a big tremor in his voice "I don't know what to do Lieutenant. I am such a lousy husband."
"We would appreciate it if you take the next best plane east. She will need you, like we, the BPD, the parents of the newborn and the baby."
"Of course I will come to San Francisco to help my Sarah, who will love that baby as her own, which I can assure you off. However I can't assure you that she will give her baby back easily. In her mind the baby is hers. She is in a psychoses again. She will fight for it to the end. I will bring her shrink with me." Dr. Davenport sounded desperate. "I will call you the moment I will land at San Francisco International." After ending the conversation with Dr. Davenport Mike contacted Steve in Bakersfield Memorial to fill him in. He was more than excited. Finally he could tell his wife that she would soon have her daughter in her arms. Mike though told him not to give Jeannie too much hope. "Your wife, my daughter, has to be physical and mental healthy enough to leave the hospital. Her physician has to give her permission to leave." Mike replied.
"I got it. I will ask the doc before I will go to Jeannie." Steve answered disappointed and angry at the same time. "Bye Mike talk to you later." Despite Mike's request Steve decided to do it his way. He would walk straight to Jeannie's room and tell her. Knowing his wife she would like to leave and head for San Francisco immediately. He would help her pack.
So he stormed into her room a little out of breath, which wouldn't have been necessary in hindsight. Her physician was in her room to see how she was doing. "Mrs. Keller how do you feel at the moment?"
"Yes doctor, I believe my sanity and strength have returned." Answering the question she noticed that her husband, had entered too, however seemed to hesitate to come closer. He still believed Jeannie was right.
"I will leave you two alone. You two need to talk after what happened this morning." Both nodded.
After the doctor had exited Jeannie invited Steve to come closer by words and gesture. He sat down beside her. Gently she touched his face with both hands asking to forgive her. Although she couldn't remember all she had said to him, she recalled her words had hurt him deeply, although without a doubt she knew he would do everything to protect her and their kid.
"Angel you make me so happy. And I have good news. We know with whom our Stefanie is and we are closing in on her. "
"Tell me."
"She is in our San Francisco. I bought you some new clothing. The moment you are dressed you, Mike and I will head back to our hometown. "
Meanwhile Bill, Norm and Dan are working on the case 24/7. Bill and Dan had just returned at Bryant Street from a visit to the sister of their person of interest, Mrs. Vicky Calhoon, a Judge at the high court of San Francisco.
Captain Devitt and the rest of the detectives couldn't wait to hear what the men found out. The minute they entered the bullpen, they were bombed with questions from every corner of the room. Bill and Dan though, they walked straight towards Mike's office, where Captain Devitt was waiting for them. Inside they would tell their Captain what they had found out.
Before they could say a word Devitt asked impatiently: "How did she behave? How was her mental state? Didn't she seem nervous or upset. " "Her sister had been at her house for a few hours. She had just left when we arrived. Like normally Sarah didn't stay at her sister's place. She always stayed at St. Regis room 746. Besides she had given her the number of her extension of her hotel room." Bill told.
Dan added: "According her sister she acted calm. Besides she hadn't seen her sister nearly as happy. She smirked from ear to ear. For that reason she had not dared to confront her with the facts, she had been told. "
"I am pleased to hear all that. Despite we are no step closer to Mike's grandchild's whereabouts." Devitt said almost sarcastic: "Mike with or without Steve will soon arrive. What are we going to tell them? "
"We will fill them in and tell them what our next step will be, namely pay St. Regis a visit." Bill grabbed the bull by the horns. He picked up his phone and called St. Regis. Within a few minutes he knew that Mrs. Shapiro had rented the same suit as before. However after she had arrived at the hotel, no one had seen a glance of her or heard a word of her, which was pretty peculiar. Normally one has to eat and sleep.
Mike, who just had entered the bullpen, and heard what Bill had said, claimed to pay a visit to St. Regis to pay the woman a visit, while Tanner, Healy and Haseesjian accompanied by patrol officers would visit all other hotels to check their registers. "Mike I thought Steve would come too." Tanner asked astonished.
"I thought it would be better that he would stay at home with Jeannie. Both are far too emotionally involved, which could endanger our search for little Stefanie." Mike answered.
"Mike that sounds a bit strange. Aren't you too emotional involved too? It is your granddaughter we are looking for. " Bill replied.
"Bill that is true, however at this moment the female kidnapper stays in my jurisdiction and I am working the case since the beginning." Mike reacted irritated.
"You don't have to get mad Mike. Steve is still a cop and a good one. We might need his help."
"That might be true, but for now Steve's place is with Jeannie. In case we know where little Steffanie is, I will contact him. That is an order. Now you and I will pick up Dr. from the airport. Any objections Mr. Tanner?" Bill knew he only should follow Mike. Meanwhile Healy and Haseesjian had arrived at the SW Hotel.
"No Mike. "
The moment Bill opened the door to leave the bullpen an unknown male, looking agitated, blocked their way out. "Sir we are in a hurry, can you move a bit." Bill asked politely.
It seemed a man with good manners. He stepped aside, so Mike and Bill could leave. On their way out though they heard the man ask if they could tell him where Mike Stone was. As if stung by a bee, both men stop walking.
"Who wants to know?" Mike asked, while he turned to face the stranger.
"I am Dr. Davenport. I am here to help my desperate wife and Lieutenant Stone finding his newborn granddaughter alive."
"Sorry Doctor. I am Lieutenant Stone. Welcome." Shaking the doctor's hand. "I realize this won't be easy for you. I assure you your help means a lot in general as SFPD lieutenant and personal to me, my daughter and son-in-law ."
"Lieutenant Stone do you know where my wife is?"
"Yes and No. We think we know where your wife stays with the newborn. However two of my men are busy to check it. Within seconds we will know." Before Mike ended his sentence his phone rang. The other person at the other end was Haseesjan. "Mike she is staying here with your grandchild for sure. The night clerk recognized her. Believing that the clerk wasn't paying any attention at her she removed her wig before she entered the elevator, so he got a good look at her. Besides she reacted extremely nervous and held her child even more close to her body, when the news reporter at the TV asked his viewers once more to look for the missing newborn."
"That asks for immediate action. Give me the exact address please, so I can call Steve to tell him where he can join us." Mike added.
That's how its done. One minute later the phone in De Haro street rang twice before it was answered by Steve.
"High son, listen carefully. Get in your car and head for the SW Hotel, 615 Broadway and join us in the lounge."
"Did you find our child?" Steve responded emotional.
"Yes 99% assurance."
At the other side of the line it was silent all of a sudden. Steve became more and more nervous. His whole body started to shake. His brain seemed to shut down. He had to come to his senses, real quick. For Steffanie and his wife he had to be strong. "Steve are you there?" Mike asked concerned after he got no response.
"Sorry Mike, I am here. Please repeat the address, so I can write it down. Otherwise I am afraid, my mind won't memorize it. " SW Hotel, 615 Broadway, room 476. " Mike rehearsed slowly. " Listen Steve no action when you arrive. We do it my way, by the book and the whole team."
The moment Steve hung up and tore the note of the pad , Jeannie's head appeared around the living-room asking: " Babe to whom were you talking. You sounded upset."
"It was Mike. He wanted to know how we were doing and to tell us that he would probably too late for dinner as usual." Steve answered smiling feeling guilty though. No reason too. It was just a white lie, which she would forgive him when he brought their baby daughter back.
"Now I have to do errands for dinner sweetie do you mind."
"Not at all. How long will you be gone? In the mean time I will start decorate for Christmas."
"I will be back in one hour."
Jeannie just smiled and kissed him goodbye. Deep down though she was one big turmoil. Her heart was filled with joy and anger. Why did Steve and Mike shut her out. She wanted her baby daughter back before Christmas Eve. Mike and Steve acted far too slow. She would show them how to act. As a daughter and wife of a cop she had learned a few tricks.
While she had been eavesdropping when Steve was talking to her father and noticed while she entered that Steve had just torn of a note she knew what to do. The minute Steve left, Jeannie took the notepad and within a few minutes she knew where to head to. And before she left the house, she took her father's spare gun with her. She was determent to get her baby daughter back.
As she arrived at the hotel, she entered unobtrusive the hall. While she walked towards the elevators, she overheard the clerk answer: "Yes madame the babysitter is on her way up."
Now Jeannie had take her chance. It was now or never. She had to be quicker than the babysitter. As she entered the elevator a young woman entered the hall, looking towards the man at the desk, who pointed with his finger upwards mentioning with a big smile : "Mommy is impatient."
Now Jeannie had to be quick. Arriving at the fourth floor she walked straight ahead to room 476 and knocked. A woman, in her thirties, opened the door without paying attention at Jeannie. "Finally you are here Angela. I am thrilled you being my babysitter. My little one loves you." she said. "Your little one." Jeannie repeated very slowly "The little one needs her real mother, who is now in the room with you." she continued angry. Her blue eyes were filled with fire. Now Sarah realized that the young woman wasn't , who she had expected. "You startle me young lady. The baby is mine and will stay with me." Suddenly she started running towards the door closest to her. Jeannie though pulled out her father's spare gun screaming: "Stop or I shoot." Sarah stopped immediately as a bullet hit the chandelier. " Sorry that was a mistake. I don't want to hurt you. I just want my baby daughter back." Jeannie spoke while tears rolled down her face. "You will do what I want. Go get my child and give her back to me very slowly. If necessary I will use my gun. Steffanie is mine." "I don't think so. I gave birth to this girl. She is mine." Sarah yelled aggressive walking towards Jeannie and attacked her to get possession of the gun. Struggling a shot was heard. For Mike, which team including Steve and Sarah's husband had reached the room as planned, was this the sign for immediate action. Without a warning Tanner kicked in the door and the whole team stormed into the room.
The whole team, Mike and Steve especially, couldn't believe what they saw. Jeannie, who the most of them got to know as a little innocent girl, had a gun aiming at Sarah. Mike had to take immediate action, so that this wouldn't end in one big disaster with fatalities.
However before he could give his men an order the situation started to take a dangerous turn. At the moment the SFPD entered the room and the attention of the women were drawn towards the door, Sarah had the presence of mind to this moment of diminished attention from Jeannie to run to the bedroom to grab the baby and run with her to the balcony.
When Jeannie, Steve, Mike and the other officers followed her she started to scream: "If you want that this baby will stay alive, you let me go away together with my daughter. She is mine, mine, mine. Otherwise I will drop her over de railing of the balcony. If I can't have her, no one will get her."
All stopped moving. You could hear a pin drop. What would be their next step? Now was the time. Sarah's husband had to get to the rescue immediately.
Although a few seconds just had passed, for Jeannie it took too long. "You may have our Stefanie." Jeannie screamed crying. Her child had to stay alive. That was all that mattered right now. She reacted immediately.
"Daddy, Steve let her go. I beg you." Jeannie asked.
"Men let her pass." Mike responded. "Mike are you losing your mind." Steve yelled.
"Steve take your wife in your arms. Trust me. I know what I am doing. Bill open the door for the lady."
Once on the floor Sarah headed towards the elevator with the baby. She had to get out the hotel as soon as possible. Maybe using the stairs, which led to the parking, was a better idea. So how she would do.
Meanwhile Mike contacted patrolmen to make sure all exits were closed, so Sarah would led to where he wanted her. Feeling relieved that the exit to the parking garage was insight, made her smile. Though opening the door her smile disappeared and turned into a grimace. Her husband was waiting for her near her car. She didn't know how to react. Her head was one big turmoil. She kept the baby more close to her.
"Don't startle . I am here to celebrate Christmas with our daughter and you at your sisters."
" So with your hands across your heart you swear that you aren't here to take the baby away from me, just like the officers of the SFPD and a young woman, who said this baby was her daughter."
"Yes Sarah. You can trust me. If my words doesn't convince you, maybe my deeds can. Take a look in the car and behold the baby stuff in my car."
One look did it. Tears came into her eyes. She walked towards her husband and kissed him gently on his cheek. "Honey I am so happy you believe me. let us head to my sister with our baby daughter." Sarah spoke softly.
Vhe first time he held his baby granddaughter in his arms. Tears poured down his face. Emotions took it over. Before his legs couldn't carry him anymore, Mike handed the baby over to Bill with the words " take her to my daughter and son."
Once Steffanie in the arms of her mother paramedics led her to the ambulance. After a thorough checkup, Jeannie could head home with Steffanie close to her chest and Steve next to her. Climbing up the stairs at De Haro street 278 little snow flakes were falling and bells were ringing across the city. The Christmas chills came over the three of them. The best had to come yet. Once at the top at the stairs Mike opened the door. Inside all their friends were waiting for them to celebrate Steffanie's birth with them. Where ever they looked, were presents for their little daughter.
This Christmas won't ever be forgotten. They never felt more blessed.
