Chapter 16

Ken had spent the last three days in the hospital, frustrated at not remembering anything about his past, and aimlessly staring out the window. Dr. Jackson had been worried about him and where he would go when released. Ken had shrugged when asked.

Dobey and Starsky were worried as well. Dobey did not think it would be a good idea to put Ken back with Dave as Ken did not know Dave for now and wouldn't be comfortable with a stranger. Though Huggy had offered, Dobey was going to ask if Ken wanted to stay with his family as he did not want Ken to be alone in Bay City. Starsky had agreed, relieved that he would not have to worry about Ken anymore. Dobey had finally persuaded the blond to agree to stay with him for now.

Joe, conducting the mission from Moreno, had checked each hospital in the Bay City area searching for Ken. He had hit pay dirt finally and now had Ken's room number. Dressed as an orderly, he had overheard Dobey talking to Ken.

"I'll take your discharge papers to Dr. Jackson and then I'll be back for you later this evening."

"Are you sure I won't be a bother to you and your family?"

"Not at all. You can stay with us until you get your memory back." Dobey smiled, patted Ken's arm, and then left.

Joe had to move fast and got a wheelchair and went to Ken's room. He forced a smile.

"Ready to blow this pop stand?"

Ken turned from the window. "Yes, I'm ready," he said dully. "But I thought Dobey was going to pick me up."

"Police business. He asked me to drive you," Joe said as casually as he could, trying not to squirm.

Ken had no reason to be suspicious of Joe and said, "Okay." He sat in the chair.

"Oh, the nurse asked me to give you this pill. She was coming here but got paged for an emergency."

Joe handed the pill to Ken and grabbed his cup of water. Ken took it without objection, still frustrated with his situation, and just wanting to leave.

Joe let out a deep breath. "The car is outside. Doctor's orders are for you to be wheeled out."

Having made sure the nurses on the floor were busy with the help of a couple of friends causing a ruckus at the nurses' station, he quickly pushed the wheelchair outside to a black LTD. He settled his passenger in the back seat and started driving. He kept glancing back and smiled when Ken lapsed into unconsciousness. He drove to Moreno's compound and carried Ken into a small bedroom in the back of the compound and deposited him on the bed. He closed the door and started the walk to Moreno's office but was startled when Sal grabbed him.

"I've been looking for you all day! Where were you?"

"Running an errand for Moreno," Joe responded nervously. "I can't talk to you now. Moreno wants an update now."

His breath was coming fast, and he jerked out of Sal's hand and walked off with Sal still staring at him. Sal stood, wondering what Joe was up to and stared at the closed bedroom door.

TBC