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E/J APARTMENT
Jamie groans as he slowly wakes up. He didn't sleep well for the few hours that he actually was in their bed. Eddie had stayed in Bay Ridge and he wasn't able go sleep well alone anymore. He no longer was a content bachelor, if he ever was.
He got to his feet and started toward the kitchen. He pulled up short just before he exited the bedroom, oops. Paula Hill is here and he had only his boxers on. He backed up a step and softly closed the door. After slipping on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt he ambled to the kitchen.
Paula is sitting at the breakfast bar sipping from a mug, the pungent aroma of coffee in the air. He grabs his mug from the cupboard, fills it with brew, adds the proper fixers and takes a seat.
"Good morning, Paula," he croaks out in a not quite awake voice. He raises his mug in a salute to his house guest. She reciprocates the salute and the greeting.
"What do you want to do today," Jamie starts with.
"Well, I want to spend as much time with Joseph as possible. What would you suggest?"
"Last evening I found out that Joe's E/T tube will be removed this afternoon unless his condition doesn't permit that. Perhaps you might go in at lunch time and be prepared to stay until visiting hours are over?"
"That's a good idea, thanks." Paula smiles at that.
"Why don't you call the hospital and find out if that is still the plan. I will go shower and get ready for work." Jamie gets up to leave.
"What about breakfast?" She asks.
"Could you do some toast and scrambled eggs?"
"Yup, I'll have that ready when you come out."
"Thanks," he continues on toward the bedroom and a shower.
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BAY RIDGE
Eddie is already working at her laptop, coffee in hand.
Jack and Sean are not up yet.
"GG, WHERE'S BREAKFAST?" Mary Rose exclaims, very exasperated. "Us girls are hungry, please!"
Eddie cringes, it's going to be an interesting day.
"Coming!" Henry plods down the stairs towards the kitchen. When he enters, he sees the 3 girls seated at the kitchen table; places set and utensils in hand. 'My god, am I a short order cook?' he thinks. He puts a smile on his face and asks, "What would you lovely ladies like today? You can have anything you like, as long as it is scrambled eggs, toast and bacon. I hope that's ok?"
"That works," Mal tells him. "Thank you."
"Cassie, can you help me, please?" Pops asks his 9 y/o guest.
She looks to the other girls, wondering what to do.
Mal motions for her to respond.
"Ah . . . what can I do to help, sir?"
"Cassie, my dear. No sirs here, please. What about Pops. Can you do that?"
"Yes, sir . . . I mean Pops."
"That's better. Now, can you get out of the bread box some white and wheat bread?" He continues with the eggs and bacon. "Start making toast while Mary Rose gets out the butter and jam. Mal will start spreading butter on the toast. We will put the jam and marmalade on the table for folks to use as they like. Can one of you get out juice glasses and OJ, please?"
Just like that the kitchen is humming; Eddie hears all this and smiles. Henry is so good! She loves him!
"Eddie, shall we set a place for you?" Henry calls out.
"Yes, please." She answers.
They are seated and Mal offers the traditional blessing. As the girls eat, Pops asks, "Eddie, are you going to the hospital today, or into the office?"
"My bosses gave me the rest of the week off. So, I am only going to work a little from home; I mean here. As far as the hospital goes, I thought I would go in this evening. Jamie plans to be here with the kids until bedtime. What about you, Pops?"
"Jamie called and told me Paula's plans. I am going to pick her up at lunch time and take her to Bellevue. That will save her one cab fare. I will be home to fix supper."
"If you tell me what we're having for supper, I can get started." Eddie offers.
"That's great, let's plan the menu before I leave."
"Yes, sir!" Eddie salutes Henry.
"No sirs here," Mary Rose exclaims.
Cassie covers her face with her hands.
Giggles rule the day.
After they have eaten and the table cleared, Pops makes up a tray of breakfast for the boys. "Who will take a tray up to the boys, please?"
Mal and Cassie volunteer.
"Eddie, can you supervise this, please," Pops inquires.
"On it," she hops to it. She trails the girls as they take the trays up to Jack and Sean. They pause in front of the door to Danny's old room. "May we come in with breakfast, please," Eddie asks.
Some shuffling is heard, then "Ok."
Eddie opens the door and peers in. The boys are sitting on the bed, a comforter covering their legs and laps. The girls set the trays on a desk and exit, blushing.
"Do you guys need any help getting ready for the day?"
"No, we are good," Jack tells her.
"How are our parents?" Sean whispers.
"I haven't heard, I'm sorry. I will check for you."
"Thanks," both mutters.
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BELLEVUE
After 3 hours of early morning work, Frank Reagan is at the hospital for 'rounds' on his 3 patients. He has never had 2 of his officers hospitalized at the same time, plus a family member. He wonders if he should don a white coat and hang a stethoscope around his neck? Naw!
First stop – Joe Hill in the ICU. Joe is still intubated and cannot talk. Frank talks with his officer briefly and learns about the breathing tube removal planned for later in the day, He asks to be notified 30" prior so he can be there for that. The nurse tells him they will try to do that. Joe writes THANK YOU BOSS on his white board. Frank grins and pats Joe carefully on the left shoulder.
Second stop – Linda Reagan in ICU. Linda remains unconscious, but she seems to be lightening. She is responding to painful stimuli – which seems to be cruel but is a necessary tool for evaluating comatose patients*. Frank talks to her, and she seems to respond with head movements; as if she is searching for the source of that voice. He bows his head and says a brief pray for his daughter-in-law.
Third stop – Daniel Reagan, in his post-op room on the orthopedics unit. This is his most difficult visit. Frank is both PC and father here. He knows his son faces long odds when it comes to a full recovery in terms of returning to full, active duty as an NYPD 1st grade detective. This will really put family support to the test. He approaches the room with some trepidation. A nurse stops him before he can knock.
"Sir, are you related to this patient?"
"Yes, I am his boss and his father."
"Well, I just want you to know that he is quite depressed. Now that is not too unusual, but he refuses to eat or drink. The IV will keep him hydrated but we need him to take fluids and nourishment. I just wanted you to know."
"Thank you for your concern."
Frank knocks 3 times, then enters. Danny is resting in bed, the head slightly raised and his face turned away from the door. His left arm/elbow are wrapped in thick white bandages.
He approaches the bed, stopping by the right side. "Daniel, dad here."
Danny turns his head, "Dad or boss?" His eyes are reddened, he has been shedding tears.
Frank isn't sure what to say.
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TBC
· A common way to check for response to pain is to press firmly on the breast bone and twist. Trust me, it hurts! DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!