After Hayley, Kat, and Rocky raced out of the dojo it was silent for several minutes as those who remained tried to process what had just happened. Trini sat down on the mat where she had been standing next to JJ, coaxing him to sit next to her and putting an arm around his shoulders. He leaned against her, just staring blankly off into space.
Zach was still sitting on the mat a few yards away. Everything had happened so quickly after Tommy had knocked him off his feet, he had just stayed where he landed. Billy was just standing in the middle of the room where he had been standing with Hayley only a few minutes before.
A door opened and all of them turned to look. But it was just Kim poking her head in from the other room. Seeing them alone, she walked in.
"Where is he?" she asked, breaking the silence. "And what—what just happened?"
Billy shook his head.
"I do not think any of us knows that answer," he said slowly. "But they went after him… they will find him."
Kim took a deep breath.
"Alright," she said. "Umm… I'll let Aisha and Tanya know it's safe."
"Keep the other kids in there for now please," Trini said, looking over at Kim.
Kim nodded and started to turn back through the door.
"Kim, will you ask Tanya to come in to sit with JJ?" Billy suggested.
Kim nodded and disappeared. Trini took a deep breath.
"I—I need to make a phone call," she said, glancing around the room. "While we wait."
At the mention of a phone call, JJ finally moved and dug his phone out of his pocket. He checked but had no missed messages or calls. He kept the phone in his hand as Trini got out her own, clutching it tightly as he waited for it to go off.
"They will let us know as soon as they know something," Trini said soothingly, rubbing his back. "Just stay right here."
JJ didn't say anything, he just stared at his phone. Tanya came hurrying into the room and headed straight for JJ. She sat down on his other side and started talking quietly to him. Trini scrolled through her speed dial and hit a number, holding the phone to her ear with her free hand. Billy watched her quietly and Zach started to climb to his feet.
"Hey, it's me," she said when someone answered. "We have a situation."
The door to the other room opened again and Kim and Jake walked in. Aisha had stayed with the kids. Trini ignored them as she continued her conversation. Tanya was talking quietly to JJ as he continued to stare at his phone.
"No, he can't," she said. "He's gone."
JJ tensed under her arm and Trini winced, realizing what she had said. Tanya glared at Trini over JJ's head.
"I'm sorry, JJ," Trini said quickly. "Not that kind of gone—he's just not here. He'll be fine."
He didn't say anything, his shoulders still tense. Trini sighed, listening to the person she had called.
"No, Adam isn't here either. He went after Tommy—I told you we had a situation!"
She paused, a little exasperated.
"Like danger level green," she said shortly. "Is that enough of an explanation for the moment? I have an audience."
Zach and Kim both frowned, looking at Trini in confusion. Billy just grimaced, he knew what she meant but he didn't like hearing it. Tanya kept her focus on JJ.
"Thank you," Trini sighed. "I'll be at the dojo with Billy. Get here as quickly as you can."
She hung up, setting her phone on the mat next to her. Kim hurried over, followed closely by Jake.
"JJ honey," she said, crouching down in front of him. "Are you alright? How about some water?"
He shook his head, not taking his eyes off his phone. Trini squeezed his shoulders in a side hug. Kim straightened and looked at Jake, fidgeting in place. She wanted to help but none of them really knew what to do at this point. Tanya continued to talk quietly to JJ, trying to keep him calm.
"Trini, do you want me to send anything out?" Billy asked.
She shook her head.
"Not yet," she answered. "We don't have any answers to give anyways…and the last thing we need right now are his kids showing up before we have anything to tell them."
They all fell into silence again.
A little while later, JJ and Billy's phones went off. Both of them scrambled to see what the message was. Trini read JJ's phone over his shoulder along with Tanya. It was from Hayley.
We're at the hospital. He's with the doctors now.
Some of the tension drained from JJ as he quickly texted Hayley back. Trini looked over at Billy, who was frowning at his phone. He had gotten a similar message from his wife.
We're at the hospital. He's with the doctors now.
It's bad. Don't tell anyone else that until we know more. For any reason!
"Hayley says they found him, and he is at the hospital," Billy said, quickly deleting the message so no one would see it. "They are with him now. She will update us when they know more."
Kim gasped and Jake pulled her into a hug. Zach looked around the room, not sure what to do with himself now.
"We need to go," JJ said, finally speaking. "I have to go to the hospital. Mom needs me."
Trini shook her head.
"We can't," she said. "Not yet."
"Why?" JJ demanded, pulling away from her and Tanya. "Dad is at the hospital so that's where I should be with mom. We need to go. I need to see them."
"JJ, honey," Trini said, reaching over and putting a hand on his shoulder. "We can't leave. Your dad isn't here to protect me right now and we don't know what happened or why. I can't leave the dojo right now. It might not be safe. There is a high chance someone was trying to hurt me and got your dad instead. We will go to the hospital as soon as my security gets here."
"That's not quick enough," JJ argued, shaking his head. "We should go now. Adam is there, isn't he?"
"But he isn't here to escort me," Trini said. "Wes and Eric are already on their way. They will be here as quickly as they can."
Tanya tried to interrupt but JJ didn't give her a chance.
"No, they're too far away," JJ exclaimed, scrambling to his feet. "I want to go now! I can walk—or call a car to pick me up. I have an emergency card."
"JJ, we'll go as soon as possible," Tanya said calmly. "I promise. Just give us a little longer to figure out a ride, ok?"
Trini sighed. As she continued to try and convince JJ to be patient, Billy quickly walked over to talk to Zach.
"Zach, I need you to get JJ out of here," he said quietly so only Zach heard him.
"Wait—what?" Zach frowned.
"We cannot speak freely with him here," Billy explained. "And we cannot just send him to sit with the other kids. He is correct. He should be at the hospital with Kat. He will feel better, and so will she if they are together. This is still too soon after Draven. Too similar. JJ needs to be with Kat."
Zach frowned but nodded.
"Alright," he agreed. "I got this. But you're going to have to explain that Draven comment later."
Billy nodded and Zach spun, walking over to JJ and Trini.
"Come on kid, let's go," Zach said, putting a hand on JJ's shoulder. "She can't leave, but I can. I have a car and I don't want to wait either."
JJ looked at Zach in surprise for just a moment and then nodded. Tanya sighed in relief.
"Let's go," Zach said, pulling his keys out of his pocket.
"Wait—I have to grab something," JJ exclaimed.
He sprinted across the gym as Trini got to her feet and glared at Zach.
"Why?" she hissed.
"Sorry, Trini," Zach shrugged. "But I don't have to wait."
JJ came racing back over hugging Tommy's backpack to his chest.
"Ready?" Zach asked.
JJ nodded.
"I have to bring dad his backpack," he said. "He never goes anywhere without it—he has to have it."
"Then let's go take it to him," Zach said, jerking his head toward the parking lot.
He led the way out with JJ close on his heels. Trini sighed, shaking her head.
"Sorry, Trini," Billy apologized, walking over to her. "I told Zach to get JJ out of here."
"Why, Billy?" Trini exclaimed.
"So that we may talk," Billy said. "Without worrying about what JJ hears. And he needs to be with Kat, Trini. It's still too soon after Draven—he needs to see them to believe they are alright and not gone again."
Trini just shot him a look. She didn't really have an argument for that. Kim and Jake joined them.
"Billy is right," Tanya said, looking at Trini as she finally stood up. "Seeing Kat is the only thing that is going to help him right now. Me talking wasn't any help after what he just witnessed."
"We need to get to the hospital as soon as we can as well," Billy continued, nodding gratefully at Tanya. "Hopefully before Tommy wakes up. Something is very wrong, and I do not think he should be alone when he wakes up."
"Why?" Kim asked, frowning.
Tanya excused herself quietly, heading back toward the other room where Aisha was trying to corral the other kids alone.
"Tommy was not in his right mind," Billy said, shaking his head. "What if he still is not when he wakes up? He could seriously injure someone who is not prepared for what he can do. The more of us that are present, the better. We can handle him if something goes wrong."
"Billy is right," Trini sighed. "What happened earlier was not normal…"
"He didn't recognize us," Kim said. "And what was he fighting? It was almost like…"
She trailed off, shaking her head. Trini's eyes widened.
"It started so suddenly," she said slowly, looking at Billy. "You don't think?"
"I am not qualified to answer that question at this time," he said with a shrug. "There is not enough information for me to do more than offer conjecture. However, that also means I cannot disprove anything…"
"I have to call Briarwood," Trini muttered.
She quickly spun and took her phone out, stalking away to make another phone call.
"I don't understand," Kim said, shaking her head and looking at Billy. "What question? Who is Trini calling now?"
Billy hesitated, looking at Jake. But it was Jake who answered Kim before Billy could say anything.
"Kim, it's going to be alright," he said, turning her to face him. "They will tell us when they can—Tommy gave his word. But they know more about Tommy and what might be going on and you need to let them figure it out. Explanations can come later."
Kim sighed, throwing her arms around Jake and hugging him. He hugged her back as Billy raised an eyebrow.
"I know enough to understand that something happened that scares all of you," Jake said in answer to the silent question. "But not enough to say I actually know anything."
Billy nodded.
"We will all talk later," he promised, looking at Kim now. "When we are all somewhere safer. I am aware that Tommy was already going to explain, so I will be happy to at least offer some clarification when we have the opportunity."
There was a tug on Billy's shirt, and he looked down in surprise. Rae was looking up at him expectantly.
"Daddy, where is Uncle Tommy?" she asked.
"And privacy," Billy sighed.
Billy reached down and picked up his youngest, brushing some hair out of her face.
"Uncle Tommy is with the doctor," he said. "He is—he is sick."
"Then we should go visit," Rae said, wiggling. "Let's go see him."
"We cannot visit him right now," Billy said, shaking his head.
"Why?" she asked. "Uncle Tommy visited me when I was in the hospital…"
Billy hesitated.
"Well…" he said slowly. "Because Uncle Tommy is not in a visitor room yet. We have to wait until then to visit him."
"Oh," Rae said, frowning as she looked around. "Where is mom?"
"Mom is with him," Billy said. "She will take care of him."
Rae nodded solemnly.
"Mom takes good care of Uncle Tommy," a new voice chimed in.
Billy looked down again to see Izzy standing next to him.
"Mom says she always has to pull his butt out of the fire," Izzy continued.
Billy chuckled a little, reaching down to smooth down her hair.
"That is not wrong," he said. "And she is not alone."
He exchanged a look with Kim who sniffled a little as she got teary-eyed. Tanya came hurrying back into the room.
"Billy!" she exclaimed. "We can't fin—oh. There you two are!"
Tanya hurried over to Billy.
"I am so sorry," she apologized. "They slipped out without us seeing them. We were watching, but they are sneaky."
"Yes, they are," Billy said, shaking his head. "I actually blame Tommy for that…he encourages them."
Tanya took Rae from him and took Izzy's hand.
"Come on, girls," she said. "Let's go back to Aisha. You need to let your dad help Trini."
With his daughters out of the room again, Billy went to talk to Trini again so they could figure out what to do next.
Not long after, Wes and Eric came running in. Everyone turned to look when the doors opened. The two incoming rangers paused and then ran straight over to Trini and Billy.
"Trini, what is going on?" Wes asked.
"Finally," Trini sighed. "Something happened to Tommy…"
Trini gave them a quick rundown of what had happened.
"They got him to the hospital," she finished. "But we haven't had any further updates. The whole thing was just weird."
Wes and Eric exchanged looks.
"So, he was hearing your voices, but seeing something else?" Eric frowned.
"Pretty much," Trini sighed.
"Tommy did not try and attack JJ until after he actually saw him," Billy added. "The rest of us he saw before he heard—and he believed what he saw, not what he heard…"
"And he was seeing tyrannadrones," Trini grimaced.
"So, he wasn't actually attacking any of you," Wes said slowly.
"Which means there is a good chance he isn't actually gone evil," Eric added.
"I hope not," Trini said. "But I still want to get to the hospital just in case."
"Then let's go," Eric said. "Is it just the two of you coming?"
Trini shook her head.
"Billy is heading to the base," she said.
"I will be standing in for Tommy until he recovers from whatever this is," Billy said. "It will be easier to transition from the base. I will also be working with Dana to have Tommy transferred into Lightspeed's care as soon as possible. They can handle him better there if the issue escalates. We do not know what caused this or if it will continue when he wakes. At this time, he is a potential danger to everyone at the Angel Grove hospital."
"And I'm going to handle the transfer at this end," Trini said. "Kim and Jake will be following us there in their rental."
She glanced across the room to Kim and Jake as she spoke. They were watching with interest but keeping their distance.
"And Tanya and Aisha will have to stay with the kids," she continued. "Taking all of them to the hospital with us would be counterproductive in the case of an emergency happening."
With a plan in place, they started moving. Billy left the room to collect Rae and Izzy and let Tanya and Aisha know what was happening. The two women conceded that it was best they take the kids home for the night—but they did make Billy promise to update them the moment anything changed.
Billy came back out as the rest of the group were getting ready to leave. He was carrying Rae and Izzy was bouncing along behind him. He reached into his pocket for his keys and then stopped.
"Hayley has the van…" he sighed.
He glanced around, trying to decide what to do about transportation.
"What's wrong, Billy?" Kim asked.
"I did not think through my transportation situation," he said. "Hayley took our van. I no longer have a vehicle. I would take Tommy's truck, but the keys will be at the hospital with him…"
"Oh, here," Jake said, reaching into his pocket. "Take our rental from the resort. I'm sure we can squeeze in with Trini. If not, we'll just call for another car. We can wait a bit longer if necessary. I can't help with car seats though."
"Thank you," Billy said gratefully, taking the keys. "The vehicle helps. I will figure out the rest."
When Trini and company arrived at the hospital, Kat and the others were still waiting in the waiting room. They had taken over a corner for themselves. Kat was fussing over JJ sitting in the chair next to her. Adam, Rocky, Jason, and Zach were hovering nearby in case they needed anything. Hayley was sitting next to Kat, staring silently at her phone.
"Have you heard anything else?" Kim asked, rushing over to them. "Is he alright?"
Kat shook her head.
"The doctor still hasn't come out," she said quietly. "There hasn't been an update of any kind."
Trini leaned over to give her a hug.
"He'll be fine," Kim said fiercely. "You'll see. He's always fought to come back to us—no matter what—or who—was in the way."
Kat nodded, fighting tears again.
"Where's Billy?" Zach asked. "And who are they?"
"Billy is heading to Mariner Bay," Hayley answered before Trini could. "And Wes and Eric are now Trini's security. They are the heads of the Silver Guardians."
She looked up from her phone as she spoke. Zach stared at Wes and Eric in surprise.
"Hey kid," Eric said, walking up to JJ. "You hungry? Let's go get something to eat."
JJ glanced up at Eric.
"I'm fine," he said, shaking his head.
"Come on," Eric insisted. "There's a vending machine down the hall. And you can eat all the junk your dad never lets you have before he's back to tell you no again."
JJ frowned but glanced over at Kat. He'd only known Eric a couple of months, having met him for the first time at Lightspeed after the Draven incident. So he was a little hesitant to just go with him.
"Go ahead," Kat said, nodding. "You should eat. And I know you aren't going to sleep anyways, so a little extra sugar isn't going to hurt anything tonight."
"But I don't have change for a vending machine," JJ said.
"Don't worry about it," Eric grinned. "It should take a card. And if it doesn't… I stole Wes' wallet and he always carries cash."
Wes snapped his head around to look at Eric.
"You didn't," he said, quickly patting his pockets. "You did—Eric!"
Eric just grinned, holding up the wallet for Wes and JJ to see. JJ snickered and got up.
"Alright," he said. "I guess a snack would be good. Mom, do you want anything?"
"Pick something out for me," Kat said. "I'll wait right here."
"Ok," JJ said.
He reached under the chair where he was sitting and pulled out Tommy's backpack. He quickly put it on to take with him.
"Why don't I watch that for you?" Trini offered, holding out a hand to take the bag.
"No, I got it," JJ said, shaking his head.
"But you don't need to drag it around with you," Trini said. "It will be fine here."
He shook his head again.
"I have to watch it for dad," he insisted.
"Just let him keep it, Trini," Hayley said before Trini could argue more. "It's fine."
"Hayley," Trini said irritably. "He should leave it with one of us."
"It's fine," Hayley repeated. "No one is getting anything out they shouldn't—I've made sure of that. Let him watch it. It will make him feel better."
Trini relented, albeit a little reluctantly. JJ followed Eric out of the room. Wes stayed, glaring after Eric. But one of them had to stay with Trini so he couldn't follow him to get his wallet back.
"While we have a few minutes with JJ out of the room," Trini said quietly. "We need to figure out what is necessary on this end to move Tommy. I don't want to leave him here any longer than necessary."
"Trini, the doctor is still with him," Rocky pointed out. "We don't even know if he's stable yet."
"Rocky is right," Adam said. "We can't just walk in there and take him."
Trini sighed.
"I know," she said. "But we still don't know what happened. I called Briarwood—"
"Briarwood?" Kat interrupted, paling. "Do you really think it has something to do with Briarwood?"
Trini shook her head. Zach, Kim, Jake, and Jason exchanged confused looks at the reference to Briarwood. No one else seemed fazed. Though grimaces were shared at the reference.
"Not directly," Trini answered. "But Billy made the point that Tommy's behavior had to be triggered by something. So, it made sense to call and double check. They've verified it wasn't anything from them—but they are going to look into the…"
Trini hesitated, glancing around to make sure there was no one close enough to overhear.
"They're going to look into the magical end of things," she finished quietly. "And any possible magical causes. I'm hoping that isn't it. But with Tommy's history… I want to be safe. We all know he would never hurt any of us on purpose, so someone or something has to have caused this."
The rest of the rangers nodded in agreement. Even the ones who hadn't been around as recently. Though the three of them flinched at the open mention of magic. As they continued discussing options—including a possible attempt to hurt Trini—a door opened on the other side of the room.
"Mrs. Oliver?" the doctor said, glancing around.
Kat's head shot up at the sound of her name. Standing quickly, she walked over to meet the doctor. Hayley followed while the rest of the group hung back.
"Mrs. Oliver," he said. "I'm Dr. Stevens."
"How is he?" Kat asked anxiously. "Can I see him yet?"
"He is as stable as he can be for the moment," the doctor said dismissively. "I expect him to live barring any unforeseen circumstances. Now, I have some questions for you."
Kat frowned at his curt answer.
"How long has your husband been using recreational drugs?" he continued.
Kat stared, too shocked by the question to answer immediately.
"What—no," she finally managed to get out. "Tommy doesn't use drugs. Why are you even asking that?"
"Not even steroids?" he asked doubtfully, raising an eyebrow as he looked at her.
"No!" Kat said shortly. "Nothing."
"Well, I'm sorry to have to tell you this Mrs. Oliver," he said. "But the evidence says otherwise. Your husband overdosed tonight on whatever drugs he has been using."
"What?" Kat said, staring at him in shock. "Overdosed? That doesn't make any sense. Tommy doesn't take drugs—I can barely get him to take an aspirin unless he is in extreme pain. The only time he takes something regularly is if he has a prescription."
"You're an idiot," Hayley scoffed. "If he overdosed, then Tommy was drugged by someone else."
"Drug users are often very good at hiding their bad habits," the doctor continued ignoring their protests. "It doesn't surprise me to hear you say he isn't an addict—people tend to see only what they want to see."
Kat was tearing up again, this time from frustration combined with concern.
"If he survives, he will need counseling and probably a stint in rehab to get his addiction under control," the doctor said.
Seeing how agitated Kat and Hayley were getting, the rest of the group started moving a little closer. They didn't want to interrupt but it was clear something was not alright.
"Though, if there is brain damage it may not even matter," he said with a shrug.
"Brain damage?" Kat gasped. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"Your husband was technically dead for several minutes," he answered. "Lack of oxygen and blood to the brain can cause permanent brain damage. We won't know until he wakes up and we are able to run some more tests."
Kat, shocked at the blunt revelation, nearly collapsed to the floor as she burst into tears again. Rocky leapt forward and barely managed to catch her. Hayley glared at the doctor, livid at how callous he was being.
"The only one with brain damage is you!" Hayley snarled, clenching her fists. "How dare you say something like that as though it doesn't matter!"
"Whoa, Hayley," Wes exclaimed, catching her before she could actually hit the doctor. "I think you need to take a step back."
He physically pulled her away from the doctor. Rocky handed Kat off to Adam and Jason, rounding on the doctor himself.
"Stevens, use some tact!" Rocky snapped. "What did you say to her?"
Stevens raised an eyebrow, looking at Rocky.
"You are not the point of contact for my patient, DeSantos," he said shortly. "I don't owe you any answers."
Rocky scowled at him, but he couldn't really argue.
"Can you at least tell Kat when she can see him?" he asked irritably.
"I want to see him," Kat managed to get out through the tears. "When can I see him?"
"We will be keeping him isolated for the time being," Stevens said firmly. "When he regains consciousness, he will have to undergo a series of neurological exams to determine the extent of any brain damage. As well as any complications he may have to live with for the rest of his life."
"Complications?" Kat repeated numbly. "What complications?"
"Any number of things," he answered with a shrug. "Issues with dizziness, memory loss, or even personality changes. He could be someone completely different after he wakes up. And once we have determined the extent of those issues, he will need to see the psychiatrist."
"For what?" Hayley snapped, still standing with Wes.
He had his hand on her shoulder, making sure she couldn't get any closer to the doctor. Wes was afraid of what she might do if he let go.
"To determine if it was an accidental overdose," he answered. "Or an intentional suicide."
Now all of the rangers were glaring at Stevens like they wanted to murder him. Kat was sobbing into Adam's shoulder. He was the only reason she was still on her feet.
Behind them there was a crash. JJ and Eric had just walked back into the room. Hearing what the doctor had just said, JJ had dropped the armful of snacks he was coming back with. He was staring in shock.
"What did you just say?" Eric snapped at Stevens.
He glared from across the room, one hand on JJ's shoulder.
"How many of you are there?" Stevens exclaimed, looking around the group.
"Doesn't matter," Jason snapped. "How dare you imply anything like that. Tommy would never do anything of the sort—that is not who he is. Rocky is right—you need to learn some tact. This is not how you talk to people."
Stevens scoffed.
"Are you sure you know him as well as you think you do?" he said. "He was taking anti-anxiety medication—how can you be sure he wasn't thinking about it?"
Most of the group stared at the doctor in surprise. Almost none of them were aware that Tommy was taking anti-anxiety medication. Rocky, however, rounded on Stevens again.
"What happened to confidentiality?" Rocky snapped. "That was private information—only a couple of us knew and that's how Tommy wanted it."
"Well, forgive me for the misunderstanding," Stevens said, shaking his head irritably. "It's getting difficult to keep track of what all of you do or don't want to know. I was under the impression that you were all fine with knowing everything since I've not been allowed a private conversation with Mrs. Oliver."
Kat didn't say anything to argue, unable to get a word out in between her sobs now.
"I have other patients to attend to," Stevens said. "Mr. Oliver will remain in isolation until we have completed all necessary steps. I'll—"
"It's Dr. Oliver," Hayley snapped.
"We don't take that as seriously here without an MD," Stevens snapped back. "I'll have a nurse keep you updated."
He turned, stalking back out of the waiting room. Hayley started to try and follow him, but Wes caught her around the waist and hauled her back again.
"I think you need some air," he said. "Why don't we go outside for a few minutes?"
Wes didn't give Hayley a chance to argue with him. Instead, he just dragged her toward the doors to the parking lot.
"Eric, stay with Trini," he yelled back over his shoulder as they disappeared outside.
JJ ran over to Kat. Adam had finally gotten her to sit down. She was still crying. The rest of the rangers were fuming.
"Ok, it's my turn," Trini growled. "I'm not just going to let him talk like that and walk away."
"Good luck," Rocky said irritably. "I've personally filed three complaints against him in the last six months—and I know most of the other paramedics I work with have filed complaints, too. Not to mention who knows how many patients and their families."
"How does that guy still have a job?" Zach exclaimed.
"He's the top trauma doctor the hospital has," Rocky muttered. "He's also good friends with several members of the board. So, every time he gets a complaint, they just make him take sensitivity training and then leave it. You can see how much good that has done."
"Well, if he doesn't have to be sensitive, then neither do I," Trini snapped.
She stalked off after the doctor with Eric following close behind her. Adam watched them go nervously. But he couldn't leave Kat.
"Uh, Rocky?" he said slowly. "It seems dangerous to let those two go alone."
"Probably," Rocky said with a shrug. "But I don't really care. He can't have her arrested—she has diplomatic immunity. He could probably try and have her thrown out, but since security doesn't really like him either they'll just take their time—or ignore him. So, unless she actually physically harms him, she's probably safe. Eric isn't going to let anyone touch her."
Adam just shook his head, turning back to Kat. One of the nurses came hurrying out carrying a box of tissues, a glass of water, and a bag. She went straight to Kat.
"Here you go, honey," she said. "You can keep the box. Take a few sips of water and breathe. On behalf of the rest of the staff I'd like to apologize for Dr. Stevens. A decent bedside manner is not one of his talents. However, he is a very good medical doctor and he will make sure your husband is taken care of medically."
Rocky snorted and the nurse looked over at him.
"Oh, Rocky," she said, a little surprised. "I didn't think you were on duty tonight."
"I'm not," he said, shaking his head. "I'm off til Saturday. I'm here because I'm a friend of Tommy's. I was there when everything happened…"
"I'm sorry," she said sympathetically. "Also… what happened to your face?"
"What?" Rocky frowned, reaching up to touch his jaw. "Oh, right. Umm… Tommy hit me."
His jaw was red where a bruise was already starting to form where Tommy had punched him.
"Oh," she said. "Why—you know what? Never mind. I don't need to know. Do you need some ice for that?"
"Probably," he said. "Adam, Zach—do either of you need anything?"
He turned to look at the other two men directly involved in fighting with Tommy.
"I'm fine," Zach said, shaking his head. "Getting the wind knocked out of me does not require ice."
Adam also turned it down, still focused on talking with Kat and keeping her from hyperventilating. Kat was slowly getting her sobbing under control now that Dr. Stevens was gone.
"I have Dr. Oliver's things," the nurse said, still holding the bag. "I thought you would prefer to have them with you."
Kat nodded but didn't reach out to take the bag. She had her hands full with the box of tissues. JJ took the bag instead, hugging it tightly to his chest. He was sitting in the chair next to Kat.
"I'll hold it, mom," he said.
"Well thank you," the nurse said with a smile. "And if your mom needs anything else, you come get me right away. Ok? I'll make sure she gets whatever it is."
JJ nodded.
"I can do that," he said.
She smiled and turned back to Rocky.
"So, ice for your face," she said. "And how about I get everyone something to drink? I can bring coffee, tea, or water. What does everyone prefer?"
She looked around the group.
"I'll give you a hand," Rocky said. "I can guess what pretty much everyone will drink. Plus, that's going to be a lot for you to carry. Zach, you can come with us."
"Thank you," she said, leading the way to the nurses' lounge. "Now, should I be concerned about your other friends causing too much of a scene?"
"Nah," Rocky said, shaking his head. "Trini is a UN ambassador. She's used to dealing with egos—she fights with words first. And Eric won't do anything unless Stevens starts it. So as long as he keeps his hands to himself he'll be fine."
Wes didn't let go of Hayley until they were outside of the building. As soon as he let her go, her phone was out, and she was texting and flipping through various screens.
"Stupid, idiotic, incompetent, egotistical moron," she muttered angrily. "You should have let me hit him. Tommy would have let me hit him."
"No, he wouldn't," Wes said, shaking his head.
"If Kat had been the one in there—" she started to argue.
"If Kat had been the one in the ER Tommy would have decked the doctor himself," Wes interrupted. "You would have been taking pictures. He might have let you do it if it was Billy or one of your girls. Maybe."
Hayley started to argue but stopped.
"Ok, fine," she muttered. "But someone should have hit him. Ethan first."
"Wait—what?" Wes frowned. "What about Ethan?"
"I need to call the kids," Hayley said irritably. "Ethan first so he can get Conner who is currently without a car. Then I'll call Trent and Kira so they can get on a plane. They are out of the state, so they won't be able to get here quickly no matter when I call them. And if I call Ethan first I can give him a head start before I tell Conner what is going on."
"Oh, good," Wes said. "Because that's just what we need right now. Who is going to stop Conner from hitting someone?"
Hayley already had the phone pressed to her ear.
"Ethan, hi," she said. "Wes doesn't want me to tell you this—"
"I did not say that!" Wes protested.
Ethan was comfortable in his pajamas, working on the code for a video game when his phone went off. He sighed, reaching over to grab it.
"It better not be Conner again," he muttered.
He glanced at the caller ID before he answered. It wasn't Conner.
"Hayley?" he said, answering quickly. "What's going on?"
Hayley rarely called him, generally just texting if she needed something. She knew he preferred texts over phone calls.
"Ethan, hi," she said. "Wes doesn't want me to tell you this—"
She stopped and he could hear someone he assumed was Wes protesting in the background.
"Tell me what?" Ethan frowned, pushing back from his computer. "What happened? Is everyone alright?"
"Tommy is in the hospital," she said.
"What?" Ethan exclaimed, jumping to his feet.
His feet got tangled in the computer cords under his desk, so when Ethan jumped to his feet and tried to step away from the desk he tripped and fell instead. His phone went flying out of his hand.
"Ethan? Ethan?"
He could hear Hayley shouting his name as he scrambled to free himself and find his phone. Finally getting back up, Ethan scooped up his phone.
"Why is Dr. O in the hospital?" he asked. "What happened?"
He started looking for his shoes, not bothering to go change out of his pajama pants and shirt. They were just sweats and a t-shirt anyways.
"Well, the idiot doctor in the emergency room says he overdosed," Hayley said shortly. "But we aren't entirely sure exactly what happened yet. All we know is it's bad."
"Overdose?" Ethan repeated, stopping in the middle of putting on a shoe. "Overdose on what? Carrot juice? Dr. O doesn't take drugs."
"I didn't say they were right," Hayley said shortly. "I just need you to get to Angel Grove as soon as possible—and you need to pick up Conner."
"From where?" Ethan said. "And why do you need us? I mean, of course I'm coming—but do you need us to bring you something? What do you need us to do?"
"Just get here," she answered. "If Tommy really did overdose like they are saying, we know he didn't do it on purpose. Which means someone else probably did it to him. And whether he likes it or not he's going to need someone to watch his back for a while. I know he'd prefer the four of you over some of the other options. I'm texting you the address of the hotel Conner is staying at. I'll tell him you're on your way."
"You know what hotel Conner is at?" Ethan said as he slung a duffle bag from his closet over his shoulder. "That's a little creepy, Hayley."
"I looked up the address from his itinerary," she snapped. "He's only about thirty minutes from you."
"Alright, I'm heading out to my car now with my go bag," he said. "Call me back if anything changes."
Hanging up with Ethan, Hayley started pulling up Conner's number.
"Hayley, is it really necessary to bring all of them here right now?" Wes asked. "There are enough of us here as it is."
"Yes, it is," she said shortly. "Because all of you are so focused on making sure Tommy doesn't hurt anyone if he still isn't thinking clearly when he wakes up. But did you ever think about protecting him? I meant what I said to Ethan—if Tommy overdosed on something it is because someone drugged him. Meaning it was on purpose and he could be in danger again. Did you think of that?"
"Uh, no," Wes admitted. "I guess I didn't."
"Exactly," Hayley said, dialing Conner's number. "And he isn't going to tolerate any of you hovering. It will just irritate him. Conner and the others can protect him without making him mad."
"Conner pretty much does nothing but make him mad," Wes pointed out.
"That's different and you know it," she said. "Conner!"
Conner was sprawled across the bed in his hotel room. He was propped up on a pillow scrolling on his phone. A few of his teammates were sitting in chairs or on the other bed as they all relaxed for the night. They had made a run to the store earlier for some snacks and the other guys had brought back some beer with them.
"Are you sure you don't want one, Conner?" one of them asked. "We have enough to share."
"Nah, I'm fine," Conner said, shaking his head. "Too many empty calories. If I drink a beer, I can't eat this pizza I'm ordering right now. And I'd much rather have the pizza."
"You could have both, dude," another teammate said. "It isn't going to kill you to break your diet plan for one night."
"I don't know about that," Conner snorted. "Dr. O just might after how much time he spent helping me plan it out. And don't say he'll never know—he'll figure it out somehow and I'll never hear the end of it."
His teammates shook their heads, continuing to give Conner a hard time. They had already spent the bus ride ribbing him about having to catch up to the bus. As the good-natured teasing continued, Conner's phone rang. With his phone already in hand, he answered quickly as he rolled over on his back to talk.
"Hey, Hayley," he said. "I was in the middle of order—what?"
Conner shot upright and scrambled off the bed. His teammates watched him in surprise.
"What happened?" he demanded, grabbing his shoes and quickly putting them on. "That can't be right. I—"
He frowned and started gathering the few things he had taken out and shoving them back in his duffle bag.
"I'm on my way," he said. "I'll have to find a—oh. Fine. That works, too. I'll meet him out front. Keep me updated."
Hanging up, Conner shoved his phone in his pocket and slung his duffle bag over his shoulder.
"Conner, where are you going?" one of the others asked.
"Angel Grove," Conner said. "Sorry, guys. I'll tell coach I'm leaving. But I've got to go—it's an emergency."
"What emergency?"
"Dr. O is in the hospital," he said, opening the door. "Hayley says it's bad. Ethan is on his way to get me. I'll catch back up for the game if I can."
Without waiting for an answer or an argument, Conner hurried out the door. He had to go tell his coach he was leaving and get downstairs to meet Ethan. And telling his coach he was probably missing the game was not going to be a short conversation.
Trent was leaning against a support watching Kira from backstage when he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He pulled it out to take a quick look. When he saw Hayley's name on the caller ID, he quickly moved away from the stage. He pulled out one of his earplugs so he could answer.
"Hayley, hold on," he half yelled into the phone. "Let me get where I can hear you."
He ducked into Kira's dressing room and shut the door, muffling enough of the sound so he could hear.
"Alright, sorry," he said. "Kira is doing her last encore and it's still a little loud out there. What did you need?"
He froze for a moment when she answered.
"Wait—what?" he said, shaking his head. "The hospital? What happened?"
Trent started pacing around the small dressing room as he listened to Hayley explain.
"Alright," he said when she was done. "I'll call dad while Kira is finishing. I'll see if he has a plane near us. If not, we'll grab a commercial flight. We'll figure out the tour schedule later. Please keep us updated."
Once he was off the phone, Trent dropped into a chair for a moment. Taking a deep breath, he called his father.
"Dad?" he said. "Do you still have a plane out here or has it gone already? Dr. O is in the hospital—Hayley says Kira and I need to get back to Angel Grove as soon as possible."
"I can have one on the way immediately," Anton answered without hesitation.
"No, that's fine," Trent said, shaking his head. "I don't want to wait for it to get here. I'll book a commercial flight so we can leave as soon as Kira gets changed."
Trent quickly explained what he knew from Hayley.
"So, I'd rather just get back," he said. "We'll reschedule the concer—"
"I'm getting a call," Anton said, interrupting.
"It's probably Hayley," Trent said.
"It could be," Anton said. "I'll meet you in Angel Grove."
Anton hung up. Glancing around, Trent realized the sound from the concert had died down. He took a deep breath. Kira would be coming in momentarily and he was going to have to pass on the news.
"I called the kids," Hayley said, rejoining everyone in the waiting room.
The whole group had settled down again. Kat's tears were under control for the moment, and they had all been talking quietly as they waited for more news on Tommy. Trini and Eric were still gone.
"The kids?" Kat repeated, looking up. "I didn't even think about that…"
She shook her head.
"I have so many people I need to call," she said. "Like the resort. I have to let Mark and Tim know Tommy won't be available for a while—and then the whole staff will know even if I ask them to keep it quiet because it never stays quiet…"
"Just make Jason call them," Zach suggested. "He's been there for like two weeks—they know who he is."
Jason started shaking his head.
"I'm not calling anyone," he said. "I've already been fending off my mom's texts all evening—I think she is starting to get suspicious."
"Please don't tell her," Kat exclaimed. "If you tell her she's going to tell everyone else and then it will get back to Tommy's mother…"
She sighed, putting her head in her hands.
"I have to tell mom," she mumbled. "How am I going to tell her? She'll want to come here and I don't have any answers."
JJ perked up at the mention of his grandmother until Kat mentioned her coming to the hospital.
"Don't call grandma," he said adamantly. "She'll come here and smother me and never leave. She's gonna want to snuggle me and try and make me feel better. I'm almost 11—I'm not cute anymore."
Kat glanced up.
"Oh honey," she said with a faint smile. "You'll always be cute to your grandma. That's never going to change."
"Mom!" JJ protested. "I'm too old for that… and it'll be worse than the time I broke my arm. She drove all the way to Reefside to sit with me in the ER and dad was just calling her to tell her it happened. He pretty much had to pry her off me so they could put the cast on…"
"I still have to tell her, JJ," Kat sighed. "She's his mother."
Trini came storming back into the room with Eric still shadowing her.
"That man is a—" Trini fumed, stopping when she caught sight of JJ. "A word I can't say right now. He makes me so angry."
The rangers all turned to look at her.
"He does that to everyone," Rocky muttered.
Trini scowled, turning to Kat.
"Kat, do you have a lawyer?" she asked.
"Of course," Kat said, frowning. "Why?"
"Good," Trini said. "Call them."
"What for specifically, Trini?" Kat asked slowly. "Because I'm going to need to know which one to call."
"Someone who can deal with power of attorney," Trini answered. "And argue Tommy's rights—and yours."
Kat nodded and stood up.
"Ok, I can do that," she said. "I'll be right back."
She excused herself to step outside and make the phone call.
"I have to make a phone call, too," Trini said.
"Who are you calling, Trini?" Kim asked.
Kim had been very quiet since the doctor had spoken with the group. While not quite as upset as Kat, Kim still hadn't taken his callousness well.
"I'm going to call Dana," she said. "I'll get him a primary physician. If he's going to pull the 'my patient, my choice' card, then Tommy isn't going to be his patient any longer."
She stalked out of the room after Kat to make her own phone call. Eric followed her again, leaving Wes behind in the waiting room. Jason stood, glancing around.
"I'm going to follow Kat," he said. "She really shouldn't be alone right now."
He strode out of the room in the direction she had gone.
"Kim, honey," Jake said. "Why don't you call and update Tanya and Aisha? They've been waiting for more news since we left the dojo. And I can work on getting everyone real food. We should have something else to eat to get us through the night."
He looked at JJ for the last part. JJ was shoving a candy bar in his mouth.
"What?" he mumbled.
Kim shook her head and stood to go call Aisha. Rocky, on the other hand, grimaced.
"Aisha," he said. "She's going to kill me. I probably have a ton of messages—where's my phone?"
He had been patting his pockets as he spoke but found nothing.
"I don't have my phone," he muttered. "Or my radio. I left them at the dojo. That's great—what if there is an emergency?"
Zach snorted.
"Uh, Rocky?" he said. "I think if there is an emergency the hospital can tell them where you are—they do know you're here. And I think they'll understand if you don't answer tonight given the circumstances."
"Right," Rocky said, rubbing a hand over his face. "Ow."
Hayley rolled her eyes and stuck the ice pack back in his face.
"That hurt more," he grumbled, though he kept the pack against his chin. "And to be fair—I'm still running on only two hours of sleep. I've pretty much been awake since… Monday. Wait, that's not right. What day is it?"
"About one hour until Thursday," Hayley said. "You got off shift at 7a on Tuesday and then worked a twelve-hour shift again Tuesday night. So, I'm not sure when you would consider your wake-up time."
"I don't even know anymore," Rocky muttered, shaking his head.
Outside, Jason found Kat just as she was hanging up the phone.
"Are they on their way?" he asked.
"Yeah, Joe is on his way," she said. "But I'm going to have to call Anton now… Joe will tell his partners and it will get back to Anton. I don't want him finding out that way…"
She sighed, looking at her phone again.
"Anton?" Jason repeated. "Like Tommy's sub?"
"Mmhmm…" Kat nodded absently. "He and Tommy are close. They've worked together for a long time now."
She put the phone to her ear and waited.
"Anton?" she said. "I'm sorry if I woke you, but I wanted you to hear from me. Tommy is in—"
"I know," Anton interrupted. "I was just on the phone with Trent a short time ago. I'm getting ready to leave for Angel Grove now. Do you need me to bring you anything?"
"No, umm," Kat said, shaking her head. "There's not a lot we can do right now. The doctor won't let us even see him… Trini had me call Joe. He's on his way down. I'm not sure—"
"Oh, well in that case," Anton interrupted again. "Why don't I bring Dennis and Travis along for the ride?"
"I don't think that's really necessary," Kat started to protest.
"Nonsense," Anton said. "It never hurts to have extras. This way there is one for you, one for Tommy, and one for JJ."
"I mean—if you insist," Kat sighed. "I don't have the energy to argue tonight…"
"I do," Anton said. "Now. We will be on our way shortly. If you need anything else before I get there, call Ellen or myself. We'll make sure you get whatever it is you need."
"Thank you," Kat said gratefully.
She shook her head as she put her phone away.
"He really is too helpful sometimes," she said. "But I really can't protest right now."
Kat and Jason started walking back inside. Trini had returned to the waiting room, but Kim and Jake were still gone.
"Did you get ahold of your lawyer?" Trini asked.
"Yes," Kat said. "And Anton is bringing extras. So, I'm going to have three lawyers."
"Three?" Zach said. "What are you going to do with three?"
"Apparently it is so there is one for me, one for Tommy, and one for JJ," Kat said. "I didn't have the energy to argue with him."
"Makes sense to me," Hayley said. "Maybe they'll get Doctor Idiot's attention. Oh no…"
She frowned, typing into her phone.
"What's wrong?" Trini asked.
"Oh, it's nothing," Hayley said quickly. "Billy made it to base. But the girls stole Joel's hat—and disappeared. They are looking for them now. But Billy is helping Dana load up to leave."
Kat shook her head, glancing over at JJ.
"If it makes you feel any better, mine is inhaling sugar like there's no tomorrow," she sighed as JJ ate another candy bar.