Chapter 9
The doors of Community General opened as Jesse and Amanda walked out into the warm sunshine. "I sure am glad Steve's at home," Jesse said squinting before he slipped his sun glasses on.
"So am I," Amanda said smiling as they got into Jesses's car for the ride out to Mark's beach house. "It'll be nice to have a relaxing dinner for a change."
"Yeah and Mark's cooking," Jesse said excitedly.
Arriving at the house, they walked up to the front door and knocked lightly. Mark was quick to open the door and gave them both a look before nodding toward Steve. "He's being really difficult," Mark whispered as the other two rolled their eyes.
"When is he not?" Jesse whispered before walking in behind Amanda.
Steve was quietly watching the game on the tv but his mind was elsewhere. He was happy Fielding was locked up but he couldn't help but feel as though there was more to this, it just didn't feel right.
"Earth to Steve," Jesse said snapping his fingers.
"Oh hey," Steve said with a sigh. "Guess I zoned out there a minute."
"That's okay," Jesse said sitting on the table in front of him. "Any pain?" he asked watching Steve's reaction. He could usually tell by watching him even if the detective wasn't being entirely forthcoming.
"Not anything to write home about," Steve said as Jesse nodded.
"The pain meds there if you need it," Jesse replied eagerly. "Don't be afraid to use it, okay," he said lifting Steve's shirt. "Let me check these bandages."
"They're fine," Steve said batting Jesse's hand away. "Dad can change them later, let's eat I'm starving."
"Okay," Jesse said getting to his feet and offering Steve an arm which the bigger man grudgingly took to get himself up off the sofa. "Lead on McDuff," he said with a slight chuckle as Jesse smiled back.
Mark set the massive pan of lasagna on the table and smiled as everyone sat down to eat.
"Man that smells good," Steve said as his father made him a plate.
"Just don't over do it," Jesse chuckled as his friend tore into the meal. "You'll rip those stitches out from the inside."
"Funny," Steve said taking a bite. "This is great dad."
"Glad you like it," Mark said all smiles as the phone rang. "I'll get it."
Steve watched his father pick up the phone's receiver and answer it. As far as anyone knew, he was still dead until it came out at the trial.
"Are you sure it has to be now?" Mark said anxiously. "Yes of course I understand, it's just so soon. Okay," Mark said with a nod. "We'll be there."
"What was that all about?" Steve asked working on his second plate.
"Fielding didn't wave his right to a speedy trial," Mark said slowly. "The trial starts the day after tomorrow and they want you there."
"I'm glad you told them I would be," Steve said with a smile. "I just want this done and over with."
"I know son," Mark said with a sigh. "I just didn't expect it so soon. You just left the hospital."
"Between you and Jesse," Steve said pushing his plate away. "I'll be fine besides, I want to see the look on that bastards face when he finds out I'm alive and ID'd him."
"That's gonna be quite a shock," Amanda said with a smile as Steve nodded.
"Then I can get back to living again," he said taking a slice of bread. "Haven't felt this good since I woke up, it's almost like I have a purpose again."