Chapter 13: Infection: Nina and Stuart

Stuart just got back with the rest of the team after catching the suspects when he heard the ASAC called him.

"Stuart!" He and Isobel exchanged a nod to each other. "Ah, Nina called and said to tell you that she'd taken Doug to the Presbyterian."

Panic gripped him. "What? Why?"

"She said he has a fever."

Worry evident on his face, he asked. "Can I..."

He didn't even need to finish his question before Isobel answered him. "Of course, you can go now. We can handle things from here."

Stuart couldn't get out of there fast enough.

When he got to the hospital, he saw Nina pacing back and forth, wringing her hands. "Nina," he softly called her and hugged her. "What happened?"

"I don't really know. He was fine when I put him in the crib for his nap. I went to get new diapers from the closet then he started crying. When I checked on him, he's warm." Stuart rubbed her arm to comfort her. "I got his temperature and it's 102. They're running some tests now."

"Why did you call the JOC instead of me?" Stuart asked, a little hurt that his bosses knew first before him.

She smiled apologetically. "Because I knew you'd want to come right away. You'd be distracted. I requested them to tell you after you get back."

"Nina..." he protested.

"I'm an agent too, Stuart," she looked at him intently.

Before he could respond, they heard someone called "Relatives of Doug Scola!"

They both turned. "That's us!" Nina yelled while Stuart claimed "We're the parents!"

"Based on the blood results, he has a mild infection. We're going to keep him overnight for observation" explained the doctor.

"That's fine but he's going to be okay, right?"

"If he responds favorably to the meds, he'd be fine. You can see him now," he said and led them to his room. They saw Doug sleeping and went to his bedside. Then Nina's phone vibrated. Seeing that it's Tiff, she accepted the video call. "Hi, how's Doug?"

"He's got an infection but he's sleeping now."

Stuart peered at her phone. "Hey, how come you called Nina and not me. I'm your partner."

"One, because I know you'd be a blubbering mess. It would be impossible to talk to you and get information." He huffed. "And two, you left your phone here at 26Fed. I'll bring it when the team would visit later. Just got to wrap up the case." Noise caught Tiff's attention then she said, "Maggie and OA wanted to say hi." She turned the phone to show them waving from their desks.

When Tiff turned it back, she said "Okay guys, got to go now. We'll see you later!"

After ending the call, Nina smiled at Stuart. "You really have a great team."

He embraced her. "What are you talking about, they're your team too."

The next day, the doctor cleared them to go home. Stuart carried Doug to the lobby while waiting for Nina get the instructions from the doctor. His son made a movement that seemed like he's reaching for something.

"What is it, little guy?" He followed his son's hands as they stretched towards the Christmas tree in the corner. When they got near, Doug picked out a white little angel ornament.

"He could keep that, if you want," the doctor said, smiling at them. Nina took baby Doug and after saying their thanks, they went home.


Notes:

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