It had been a few days since the family arrived in Pennsylvania. Adam awoke to find Kim missing again. He groaned but was sure he knew where she was. After checking in on the kids he moved downstairs to find her sitting on what appeared to be her favorite spot looking at the sun. He couldn't help but smile even if it was breaking his heart. "Morning." He stated as he walked closer. Adam was surpeised to see Gunner laying in the garden bed and the neighbors cat in Kims arms. "Morning." Kim smiled a bit. "Looks like the fur babies are happy this morning." Adam looked over at Gunner who was sniffing the different flowers. "Oh yeah. Gunner is loving all the smells. The middle bush gets lots of deer activity. So Im sure its craxy good smelling for him. And Oden is getting hot so he will head for the shade shortly." Kim was petting the cat happy with the silence. "Sounds about right. What time did you wake up this morning?" He had hope it was later with taking meds at night but it hadnt been the case. "Um I woke at like 1. Laid on the floor asleep for a few more hours. Then I think around 5:30 I gave up and came down here. Gunner ran in the woods for a bit. He was so happy chasing the squirrels and chipmunks. It was fun at least." Kim shrugged a bit at Oden jumped down heading for the shade jist like Kim expected.
"Well thats progress. You are sleeping a bit more at least. Whats the plan for today?" He asked now able to hold her. "Um maybe try to get to the hospital before the family gets there. I dont know." Kim sighed melting into his embrace. "How about we head inside to start some breakfast?" Adam offered knowing she had to be hungry by now. "Sounds good. I shpuld probably get out of the sun before I burn." Kim knew she was already darker but hoped it wasnt sunburn. "Yeh lets try to prevent that. Gunner come on. We are heading inside." Gunner followed the couple heading right to his water bowl. "Start the breakfast I will get the kids moving. I think they are heading to the bathroom already." Adam jogged up the stairs to see what the kids were doing. He found Mia in one bathroom and found Milo in the other. Adam couldnt help but smile at how well tuey adapted to being in this house. "Morning my sweet! Lets get your hands washed then back to change your outfit." Adam was proud of her for doing so well on her own. "Morning daddy." She got down flushing the toliet. Adam helped her up washing her hands.
As soon as they were dry he sent her off to her room and Adam headed to the other bathroom seeing Milo finished and waiting to have his hands washed. "Good morning buddy. Lets get you washed up." Adam lifted up Milo to wash his hands then handed him a towel to dry off. They headed back to see Mia getting dressed for the day. Adam did have to help the kids but they were getting better with dressing themselves. They could all hear Kim cackling downstairs. Adam was thrilled to hear her laughing. But very curious as to why. Adam could hear her saying "you did it to yourself" over and over laughing so hard and loud. "What is going on in here?" Adam asked loving the wide smile on her face. "Michael is heading to Detroit and asked how far away was the closest Body Shop was not realizing its literally across the boarder! Less than 5 miles into the country. Im dying, it's hysterical! He didnt think it would be that close!" Kim was crying laughing hard. Adam smirking watching them acting like children. Michael groaning that he ever brought it up.
"Thats great! Im happy for you. Though they may not let Americans in right now but that would be great for you." He hugged her tight loving the happiness while it lasted. "Morning babies! Come give me hugs!" Kim knelt down to hug the kids excited to see them so happy. "Morning! Can we go outside?" Milo asked. "Sunroom only. Its almost breakfast time." Kim let them run off with the dog. "Oh the special oatmeal. The kids will be stoked." Adam smiled eating a strawberry that Kim had cut. "Surprisingly all the ingredients were here so why not." Kim smiled as she finished cooking. "Makes sense. Lets get it served up." Adam helped serve the oatmeal while Kim added the toppings. "Kiddo's breakfast! Michael we have extra!" Kim called out putting the bowls on the table. "Can you bring it to me? Im in a meeting." Michaels asked. Adam moved a bowl to the office for Michael so it wouldnt get cold. "Thanks man." Adam nodded leaving the room, closing the door.
The kids talked away as they ate their breakfast. Adam was highly amused watching them gabbing away. Both kids talking with their hands and making facial expressions as they spoke. It was pure Kim. "Italian genes running strong in these two." Kim laughed making a face as she spoke. "Yup. You know you can get dual citizenship with Italy for free if you qualify. You just need to prove your ancestors came from there. Something to look into." He watched her thinking. "Its not the largest percentage but it is the second highest. Maybe?" Kim mused. "Whats number one?" Adam asked unsure. "Swedish. 36%." Kim nodded. "Did you do a DNA test?" He asked surprised. "I did. I learned a lot. Michael told me not to do since it would put my DNA in the system but it is already since Im a cop. I really just wanted to know where Im from. What makes me, me. It felt important to me." Kim pulled up the site so he could view himself. "Wow this is really cool. Very detailed." He opened each section looking at the full breakdown.
"Kiddos start playing again while I clean up breakfast." Kim placed them down letting them run off. They were laughing as they played a game that was a cross between pool and golf. But they loved it. Kim was emptying the dishwasher while Adam rinsed the oatmeal bowls. They were almost finished when Kims phone rang. She took a deep breath as she answered it. "Whats going Bay?" Kim knew it couldnt be good. He never called anymore. "So they want to have a family meeting. Its been 7 days with no signs of improvement. The decline more rapid everyday. I know you have seen it. They want to discuss actually doing the feeding tube or moving him to hospice. How soon can you be here?" Bailey explained. "Um shit. Okay I need like 45 minutes to an hour. I would like to shower quickly. Who all is there? How are they holding up?" Kim asked her own mind spinning. "Mom and Grandmom are here. Neither one is taking it well. Mom is sobbing, grandmom is numb maybe more shocked. I dont think she believed this was coming. I really think she thought he would be going home." He sighed. Kim could hear he was having a hard time speaking the words.
"None of this surprises me at all. Everyday he has looked worse and worse. Alright. Let me get ready I will be there as soon as possible." Kim was running up the stairs already. "I figured you would need a bit of time. See you soon." Bailey hung up as Kim jumped into the shower to wash very quickly. Adam was getting Michael up to date before he headed up to change hos clothes. No way he was letting her go alone. He saw her jumping out of the shower drying off her body. "Michael has the kids. You are not going alone." Adam saw her nodding but she was spinning he could see her going crazy over this. She dressed quick then brushed her teeth. Adam following right behind her. "Im ready to go." Kim was dressed in her usual leggings, tunic and flops. It was just easier and more comfortable in an uncomfortable situation. "Okay lets say bye to the kids and then we can head out." Adam tried to steady her but he knew she was in pure fight mode.
"Kiddos. Okay so my dad is getting more sick. So mommy and daddy have to mert with the doctors. You are going to stay with Uncle Michael till mommy and daddy get back. Okay?" Kim explained sitting in front of the kids. "Okay. Love you!" Both kids hugged Kim tight before hugging Adam. Kim headed to the car waiting for Adam. As soon as he was in Kim started to drive. It was all business right now. The practical side, the pragmatic side coming out. Her breathing was steady, her body stiff as she drove to the hospital. Adam was texting the team letting them know the latest update. He was crushed for her and knew they would be too. "Where is your mind at?" He had neen watching her non stop. "Um I want to do the right thing. Um Im pretty sure I know his wishes. I know he wouldnt want the feeding tube. He already pulls the pulse oxygen sensor off. The feeding tube would be worse to pull at. I mean you know his mother died by pulling her wires out. I would hate for him to die that way too. Its a lot to think about. But Im pretty sure I know where my head is at. I just want to hear what they say before I give my opinion." Kim took a deep breathe as she continued to drive.
"I can see where you are coming from. Its not an easy decision to make at all. But I agree with you. This is not what he would want. And even if he gets better your mom cant take care of him. He is never going home no matter what choice you make." Adam saw her nodding along. "Well here we are. Lets do this." Kim parked the car before they headed inside. Adam had his arm wrapped around her as they moved inside. As they entered the lobby Kim noticed her nephew coming off the elevator. "Hey Aunt Kim." He paused to talk to them. "Hey. This is Adam, my boyfriend. Adam this is my nephew Bailey." They shook hands. "Good to meet you. Sorry about your grandfather." Adam was trying to be polite which was difficult considering the situation. "You too. I have to get tissues from moms car. Be right back." Bailey stopped seeing Kim pulling out tissues from her bag.
"Thanks. Should we head up?" Bailey pointed to the elevator. "Yeah we dont have a choice." Kim moved to the elevator with Adams hand on her back. "We can wait in the waiting room till they come to get us. The meeting room is right off the waiting area." Kim didnt say much at that point. "Moms in there already, grandmom is with grandpop." Bailey said as they all sat down. Kim had no idea what to say. "I didnt ignore her email. We were supposed to be moving into our new house the day you called me. And mom uses emails as a way to communicate things that dont need to be said at all. As well as the important things. Its hard to trust her motives." Kim stated out of the blue. "So you wonder if she has an ulterior motive or not. I can understand your point of view." Bailey nodded a bit. "Im also pissed that he was in the hospital for days before she reached out. Thats bullshit." Kim shook her head. "Yeah I knew he was in the hospital before that day but didnt know how serious it was." Bailey added. Adam was texting with the team as he waited.
"You know dad opened up about some pretty screwed up things from his childhood while he was here. I told him I didnt know how to fix this, fix us without therapy. And then he opened up about his grandfather. And how horrible he was. He also admitted he stopped taking his meds before he started talking about harming himself. I assume he went cold turkey so the withdrawals had to have been extremely rough on his mind and body." Kim leaned back a bit. "Well that makes sense. I actually bought some of the guns from grandmom. Told her what they were actually worth." Bailey explained. Kim stiffened. "Which ones?" Kim asked shocked. "The WW2 pistol, the WW2 Nazi pistol and the sword with blood still on it. Oh and the standard cop revolver." Bailey was excited about that. "Huh. Wish someone would have asked me first. Especially since they were my grandfathers. But whatever. As long as you are protecting them." Kim felt Adam rubbing her back. He knew she was upset about that.
"Well they are being protected. Im having them framed. And I even looked up all the Nazi symbols so I know what they mean. Im going to put them in the pole barn we are building." Bailey answered unsure what she was thinking. "Well Bitchania gave away the fishing poles that pop pop and I used together. And then took me out of the will. And now this? Its bullshit." Kim was snappy. "I guess I can get that. Honestly I didnt even think about asking you. Its not like you have tons of guns at home. You dont really even like them." Bailey stated which caused Kim and Adam to look confused. "Just because I dont think assault rifles should be sold to the public and want tougher background checks before gun ownership takes place doesnt mean I dont like them. I just think the gun industry needs an overhaul. I think it should be mandatory to have background checks. I think it should be mandatory wait times before you can purchase the guns. And honestly you dont need an AR 15. There is absolutely no reason to own one." Kim stated. "I agree with her. We are up against too many guns everyday in the hands of the wrong people. I completely agree. And you have children. Guns shouldnt be the priority. You bought guns but Kims parents pay for your kids daycare bill." Adam shook his head annoyed.
Luckily the case manager and social worker showed up. They all moved into the room as they waited for Kims mom. Once they were all seated Kim handed out packets of tissues whoch her sister threw back at her. Kim sighed heavily but turned her attention to the actual meeting. That was much more important in her mind. Kim listened to all the information given as the case manager spoke. Adam was right next to her holding her strong. "What are the odds the feeding tube actually works and fixes this situation?" Kim asked wanting all the information up front. "Honestly not great. Then factor in him taking the tube out or not surviving the surgery. The chances are low but its an option you can explore. Also with either feeding tube option comes the risk of aspiration." The case manager explained. Kims mother asked about where he would go of he went to hospice so they dicussed options for that too. "I think he should go to the nursing home in Kunkletown. Its closer to me and it looks nice." Carolyn stated. "Yeah thats not happening. We are absolutely not putting my father in a home in the incest capital. Seriously the whole town has like what 12 teeth? Yeah not fucking happening. And why move him closer to you who works everyday and further from those who can and do visit everyday. Not happening!" Kim ranted but stayed in control for the moment.
Adam put his hand on Kims shoulder trying to calm her a bit but she was fine. She was just trying to protect her dad. "What about giving him the medicine for Parkinson's. What are the chances then?" Carolyn asked. "0-5% chance. So none really. And he would have to consent to the testing and the treatment." The case manager stated. "Just give it to him! I dont care!" Carolyn sobbed. "Thats medical battery! It's illegal!" Kim shook her head. "I dont care!" Carolyn yelled out sobbing. Kim just rolled her eyes. "I think we are all on the same page. He wouldnt want the feeding tube. He has no quality of life right now and it wont return. Hospice it is." Kims mom Cindy stated. "I dont agree. I want him on the Parkinsons meds! I Want to give him a chance to beat this. He is never going to see the boys grow up. He will never see Bailey get married!" Carolyn sobbed hard. "Look I get you dont like me and dont want to hear anything I have to say. But you are going to hear me! Just because dad isnt here anymore he is still going to see everything, just from above. He will send us signs he is here. We have to do the right thing! And that is protecting him." Kim watched her sister stand up walking out sobbing.
"Look I get we all have shit we need to work on. I have been gone over 2 years for a reason. But I put that aside to be here for dad. Because dad is all that matters right now. However I wont go back to how things were before! I wont go back to being disrespected. And that right there was disrespectful. Im so over her fucking shit!" Kim slumped back in her seat seeing her mother and nephew nodding along. The case manager and social worker both shocked, unsure what to say. "Hey boss is calling. Be right back." Adam headed out but didnt go far. "Hey boss! Whats going on?" Adam asked looking towards Kim. "So I called Kim but she didnt answer. I assume its because she is still in the family meeting. However IAB needs to talk to her about Sergeant Lewis. So hows it going?" Voight asked. "Well she should be available in a couple hours. Right now the momma bear show is in full swing. Protective, strong, stern, fierce, witty. She actually flipped out going on a rant about a town being the incest capital and only having 12 teeth. Its been amusing and frustrating at the same time. Her sister walked out while Kim was speaking. Its been insane." Adam shook his head seeing Kim payimg attention to what was being said.
"Sounds insane. And also like she is being a good advocate for her father. Hopefully they get some peace soon. What did they decide?" Voight wondered. "They decided not to do the feeding tube. With the progressive decline a feeding tube wouldnt help much at this point. So he is being placed in hospice. They just need to decide where since Cindy cant take care of him like this and Carolyn refused to do. While Kim knew her father wouldnt want Kim to take care of him like that. So its a matter of hospice house or a nursing home with hospice assistance. Kim has her own thoughts on where he should go but none of then agree on any one place. Its been a bit intense." Adam explained still watching Kim. "Im sorry to hear that. That is an impossible decision to make. But Im proud of her for doing what is best for her dad not what she wants for herself. It would have been easier to keep him alive even if it was only to make herself feel better. She did good. Go be with her. Let me know when the meeting is over so we can schedule the interview woth IAB." Voight hung up shortly after letting Adam take care of Kim again.
Adam re-entered the room seeing Kim was done with the meeting but seeing she was cornered by her mother. "I don't understand why you stopped talking to us for so long. I really don't understand. Explain it to me." Cindy begged. "As I have said in my emails multiple times, the constant invalidation of my feelings and experiences has been a big issue. Also the talking shit behind my back on Christmas Eve is a huge issue for me. The disrespect that Carolyn showed again today is another issue. Its not one thing, it is so many things over the years. I would just rather live a happy life than deal with bullshit." Kim shrugged a bit frustrated as hell. "I don't understand what you mean by invalidating you. What does that mean?" Cindy was confused looking. "Really? Um okay how about I give you an example of being invalidated. Remember when I went to the mall with dad and he didnt believe me when I said I didnt feel well. Told me to stop being lazy and I passed out hitting my head on the stone trash can? Well that is an example of being invalidated. Ignoring what Im saying, not listening to me." Kim saw her mother laughing a bit. "That was funny." Cindy replied. "Maybe to you but I still a wider crease between the bones in my skull. And it was embarrassing, humiliating, not to mention traumatic." Kim was worked up already and this wasnt helping.
"What happened on vacation that day? It seemed like thats when everything changed." Cindy sat down now leaving Kim and Adam standing. "I was sick of Carolyn bitching about everything, demanding I supported the kids having another one, how the house was old and dated. Then after I called to get a to go order from the restaurant and they said they couldnt do anymore take out orders, Carolyn called them back thinking she could get a different answer. I was done. The whole week was horrible. She was a nightmare all week. Michael wanted to leave after the first day!" Kim explained as her mother looked surprised. "You dont have to support them, I didnt support them. But we couldnt stop it." Cindy shrugged. "I get that but I dont need people in my life who act like that. Who throw temper tantrums, who call me the drama queen and say shit like 'what the fuck is wrong with her face'. Im done with her." Kim stated as her sister came back in looking for her ipad but didnt speak to anyone. Acting like we should know why she was there. "That!" Kim pointed. "That is such bullshit!" Kim rolled her eyes. "Oh shes always like that." Cindy waved it off.
"Look I agree that was unacceptable. Just because isnt getting her way doesnt mean she needed to act like that. This is a hard situation on everyone. And we are here trying. She should do the same." Adam stated before looking to Kim. "Voight called. He said IAB needs to interview you today about Sergeant Lewis. They cant push it off any longer. I figured a couple hours then you could be available to talk to them." Adam knew Kim needed to handle all things in her own time but this was not on her schedule. "Thats fine. They have been working with me on this so I will make it work. Thank you for handling it." Kim hugged him tight trying to relax. "Lets go visit your dad for a bit before your call." Adam led her out of the room and down the hallway. He could feel the tension in Kims body. It was not a good sign at all. Joe was awake a bit when they entered seeing he was alone. "Hey dad! How are you doing?" Kim asked like always. Joe didnt answer but looked over at her. "So tonight I think mom should stay with you overnight." Kim watched his eyes go confused. "You two could snuggle up in that bed all night." Kim laughed as he smirked. His humor still in tack some.
As they stayed longer Cindy was still trying to talk with Kim. She had her opening and she was taking it. Even making a comment that she had ADHD. Kim rolled her eyes looking to Adam who scoffed quietly. Neither could believe it. "You want to watch Poltergeist tonight after the kids go to bed?" Adam asked smiling a bit. "Sure! In the sunroom, in the dark!" Kim upped the ante a bit. "Done!" Adam chuckled. "Whats for dinner tonight?" He asked unsure if she had a plan. "I dont know whats left. Maybe the Pub. Its close to home and the food is decent. Service sucks but it should be fine." Kim shrugged a bit. "Works for me. Im good with bar food." Adam didn't care what they ate. "I will text Michael about it." Kim worked on her phone before they needed to leave. She needed a safe place to discuss confidential matters. "Darling we got to go. At this point you will have to talk in the car without me inside." He watched her nodding. "Okay lets go. Bye dad. Get some rest. Dont cause too much trouble tonight." Kim smiled as her dad smirked. "Love you dad!" Kim waved. "Bye mom! Love you too." Kim exited the room with Adam right behind her. They really did need to move at this point.
Kim started to drive back but she had another idea. "I have a store I want to go to. So lets park I make the call. Then we can head to the fun shop I want to visit." Kim shimmied a bit. "Anything to make you smile like that." Adam was happy to see the spark back a bit. Especially after such a tough day. "Okay I will grab a coffee while you take your call. Then we can hit the shop you want to go to." Adam kissed her softly as he walked towards the coffee shop. Kim sat in the car with her phone and her airpods in. Barely 5 minutes later her call started. "Good afternoon Detective. Thank you for taking the time today during this difficult week. How is your father doing?" The women never introduced herself but that was fine. "Thank you for working with me and for asking. Unfortunately today we decided to place him in hospice. Hes declining everyday. And hasnt been able to eat in a week. While feeding tubes were an option they were not what he would have wanted so we decided to let him pass when he is ready." Kim took a deep breath trying to stay in control. "Oh my! Im so very sorry to hear that. I will do my best to keep this brief. By the way Im Mia Sumner from IAB. I want to remind you that you are not under investigation. We saw the write up you recieved after your confrontation with Sergeant Lewis." Mia paused taking out paperwork.
"What I really need to know is how bad the situation is? I know there are cases that expired without any investigation. And I know there are cases where defendants are standing trail niw on other cases. Or that can be tied to offenders who are already in jail. What are the number we are looking at and how far back does this go?" Mia asked wanting the full picture. "Okay so just from the boxes he dropped on my desk. We have found 20 cases that expired under his watch. Around 35 I think have offenders in jail for other rape charges. Around 45 that have offenders still awaiting trial. Not all the victims were hookers but a good number were. But I think what gets me most is that several victims we have talked to complained that Lewis never took them seriously but that they had complained to his supervisor and they didnt care either. Overall its a long ongoing neglect to those in our district. Its a massive dereliction of duty. He needs to be removed from his position. We cant allow this to continue." Kim explained shaking her head. They continued to talk as Adam drank his coffee texting with the team. They were all asking questions about what was going on but also Kims state of mind. Truthfully he wasnt sure her state of mind. He figured she would open up when she was ready to talk. Till then he waited.
The couple reunited after roughly an hour back at the car. "So where are we headed?" Adam asked looking around the street. "Follow me." Kim lit up smiling wide. Adam just took her hand following her down the sidewalk. He noticed the excitement returning to her face as the walked in front of a candy store. "We need snacks for movie night!" Kim giggled as she pulled him inside. "Sounds good to me. What are we getting?" He wasnt sure what they even carried. "Whatever you want. They have it all literally! Even an international section. Its great!" Kim moved into the international section first. She loved that section as the chocolate was better and more pure. They wandered the store in different directions getting all things they liked and wanted to try. Kim had several items in each hand. Adam had a few less but he understood she was in a different state of mind. "Got everything you wanted?" He asked watching her smile. "I think so. I like the selection here." Kim shrugged a bit. "Awesome lets check out and head home!" He hugged her as they moved to the register.
"Interesting choices." Adam chuckled as Kims items were scanned and placed in the bag. "But so good! And chewy items are good for releasing tension in your jaw. Which Im sure I will need with everything going on." Kim shrugged as she paid the bill. "Sounds good to me. Are you going to share?" He asked tickling her sides a bit. "Maybe." Kim winked laughing with him. They headed back to the car hungry and tired. "Ready to head home to eat some lunch?" Kim asked hungry herself after a long day. "Sure lets go. I could eat." Adam joked as she started to drive home. Though not their home it felt like home a bit. Maybe because they had free rein and it wasnt a hotel or rental. It was their friends home. Where Kim was very comfortable. It was like her second home. Kim was quiet during the ride but that was okay. She had a lot going on in her mind. Her body was fighting the noise and choas in her mind.
As they arrived home they found Michael working in the sunroom while the kids played. "Hey kiddos!" Kim spoke as they walked in. "Mommy! Daddy!" Both kids yelling as they ran towards their parents. Michael stood up looking relieved. "Rough time with these two?" Adam asked confused. "Not them. Work and I need to focus more on that so thank you for coming back. I probably wont be available for dinner." He sighed heading to the office. "Lovely. Did you guys eat lunch?" Kim asked snuggling Mia. "Yup!" Milo answered as Adam placed him down so they could play again. "Well we need to eat something then we can head outside for a bit." Kim smiled heading into the kitchen to start lunch. "Lets eat outside. Its great outside. Lets enjoy it while we can." Adam suggested as he took the kids out to the deck. The kids were playing happily on the deck with Adam showing all their drawings. "These are beautiful! You should both be very proud if yourselves! Mommy and I are so very proud of you both." Adam smiled happily with his kids.
Kim was working on lunch for her and Adam. She was starving even with the emotional turmoil. She walked out on to the deck with lunch and drinks. Seeing both kids happily drawing pictures. "That looks great Kim. Thank you." Adam took his plate starting to eat right away. "You are welcome. I even brought out some extra veggies for the kiddos." Kim watched both kids coming over for some snacks. "Enjoy the extra snacks." Kim kissed their heads as they went back to playing with a plate of veggies. "Maybe we go to the park after this? They have been inside all day. I know it was necessary since Michael needed to work but the kids need to run off their energy." Adam really wanted to enjoy the outside with the kids. "Sounds good. Maybe the pub tonight for dinner? The kids could eat and we can snack since we are eating later." Kim suggested unsure what Adam wanted to do for dinner. "Yeah Im good with that. And its close by so yeah. Maybe bring home food for Michael?" Adam offered. "Yeah that works. Im sure he could use it." The whole family eating till the food was gone. Both kids itching to get to the park with their dog. They all needed to run around like crazy.
"Let me clean up then we can head out again." Adam watched Kim nod helping the kids bring their stuff inside. "Kiddos get Gunners leash so we can head to the park." Adam noticed Kim grabbing some water bottles for them all while at the park. The famolynwas loaded into the car as Kim drove them to the park. The kids getting more excited as they got closer. Both cheering as Kim pulled into the parking lot. Even Gunner was barking to get out to play. "Okay lets get out of the car and play!" Kim turned off thr car jumping out getting Milo out and Gunner while Adam got Mia out. The kids were let loose in the grass area running to the swings. Gunner was sniffing everything as the followed behind. "We should walk the trail around this park too." Kim suggested for some exercise. "Sounds good. Im sure the kids will like that." Adam shrugged running after the kids. Kim followed behind heading towards the kids that were playing tag with the dog. It was adorable and hilarious to watch them. But Gunner seemed to understand his roll in the game.
Adam was making videos of the kids laughing and playing to share with the team. They loved sharing the happy memories with their family. When the kids grew bored of the game Kim suggested a walk around the park. It was a pretty bumpy trail but it was mostly covered by trees. "Another lake?" Adam asked as they moved around. "Yeah. Lots of water around here. Not sure this one is accessible for fishing or not. From here it doesnt look like it." Kim could smell the murky water. It was unpleasant. As they finished the trail it was after 5 and the kids were hungry. So the family headed over to a local pub that was kind of in the middle of Michaels neighborhood. They headed over using the back roads which was twisty but it was a nice ride. As soon as they walked in the waitress pointed to a table that was available. Kim greeted her kindly. Adam was surprised when a tea showed up at the table with the menus. "What can I saw? They know me here." Kim winked at Adam as he laughed.
"Good to know!" Adam was happy seeing her smile even if it was only for a little bit. "I think the kids need baths tonight. And maybe a short movie before bed time." Kim watched their eyes light up. "Sounds perfect before movie time for mommy and me!" Adam was excited for a movie in the dark with Kim. It sounded fun. "Alright lets get your food ordered. Im sure your starving." Both kids giggled. Adam got the food order for the kids put in while he and Kim still decided. It wasnt a large menu by any means but they were starving either so it was harder to decide. The adults ordered as the kids played a game at the table. The pub had board games for game nights so they came in handy for the kids as they waited for their dinner. "How did your call go?" Adam asked since they hadnt talked about it before. "Um I wont say great. Her name was Mia. She asked what we found in the files. The number of cases in each pile. We talked about the victims who complained and how the supervisor did nothing about it. How he has a whole unit behind him that believes the same. And that I got personal attacks because of it." Kim sipped her drink.
"She was horrifed by the negligence, felt bad about the personal attacks. It will be investigated further, deeper trying to figure out how deep the neglect goes. No easy answer. Maybe even frustrated that it took me coming to Chicago to find out all of this. Like how deep does it go to be able to cover that up. I have a feeling its going to be Queens all over again. No way it couldnt be at this point." Kim gave him a look saying everything. The case was a mess and it wouldnt be solved fast. "At least your part is over. Now you can focus on other things. This is the last thing you need to think about." Adam winked at her. "Yeah I know what you are hinting at. Yes I have neglected that so I apologize for that." Kim smirked a bit. "No worries. Just dont want to miss out when its something we both need. Something that allows us both to relax." He watched her nod as the food arrived for the kids. The board game put away as the kids started to eat. Clearly very hungry from all the running around. "I love the sweet potato tots!" Kim grabbed one to munch on. "Looks good." Adam grabbed one trying it. "You are right these are good." Adam grabbed another one. "We all love them. Its almost sad." Kim laughed a bit.
It wasnt much longer till their food arrived. Adam had gotten a cheesesteak while Kim had gotten a turkey burger. The family ate and talked about what the kids wanted to do over the next few days. And how they hoped they didnt miss Halloween. The couple promised if it looked like that would happen Kate would ship the costumes out so they didnt miss it. And Kim even knew where to go in case that happened. The holiday would hapoen no matter what. The kids were thrilled. They were also thrilled that Kim suggested they decorate Michaels house. He had plenty of decorations in the basement so it would be easy and fun. "My sister has the house set up. We might need to move things but its done at least. The wood has been racked and covered by the team. And the rental is being cleaned tomorrow. So that all is working out nicely." Adam watched her smiling. "Thats great! Im so happy about that. This whole thing just happened at the worst time. And its been a lot to worry about with a dead line." Kim sighed in a bit of relief. "I hear ya. We got lucky to have a great friend and family group. We got lucky with a lot of things this week. No one wanted you to have to worry about it. So now its done." He watched her sigh. "Thank god! I just wonder how much longer we have here." Kim mused as they continued to eat.
"Probably another week. Maybe more. Depends on how the decline continues. We just have to be there making sure you get to say the words you need to say. But know Im so proud of you for sticking up for your dad and yourself today. You stood your ground about his care and where he was going to recieve the best care. You are a great advocate for those in need. That is a special talent, take a big heart and soul. You are just amazing." Adam squeezed her hand as they were in public. And with the kids. "I guess thats just me. The forever advocate. I just couldnt end up with him in a rural area not close to a hospital. If something happened help wouldnt make it on time. Thats why I want him as close to the hospital as possible. God forbid they can treat him quickly." Kim shrugged a bit thinking it was overthought or maybe even wishful thinking. "That makes sense. I agree with that wholeheartedly. I would do the same thing, every time. Its going to be okay. This is what he would have wanted." He watched her nod a bit. "I hope this wakes your family up to vaccines. To proper health care. It could have saved his life." Adam knew she had pushed for vaccines and a neurologist. But got no where with the paranoia her father was plaqued with.
After the dinner the family returned home. Kim washed the kids as Adam let the dog out for a bit. Adam returned upstairs as the kids were getting out of the tub. The couple helped dry the kids then got them dressed for movie time. The kids moved down the stairs seeing the dog laying on the floor by the tv. "Okay short movie then time for bed." Both kids cuddled up with their parents as Kim started an old school episode of Scooby Doo. Both kids watched enthralled by the show. Kim laughed since it was from the 60's but it was easy for the kids to watch. The kids were asleep as the show ended. They carried them up the stairs putting them in bed for the night. Each kid getting a kiss and an I love you before the couple headed back down the stairs. "You ready to watch a scary movie?" Adam asked watching her grab the candy bag. "Yup! Bring it on." Kim laughed heading to the sunroom turning off the lights as she went.
"What are you two doing out here?" Michael was shocked seeing the whole house dark and only the tv on in the sun room. "Getting ready to watch Poltergeist in the dark. You can join us. Got you a Charleston Chew." Kim offered it up. "Im in but I will fall asleep you know that." They just laughed as Kim started the movie. As the movie played Michael fell asleep and Adam was freaked out. Especially as the driveway opened sucking the mother in with all the skeletons around her. Kim was just loving the movie. Its still got her at times where she flinched or jumped but she mostly just enjoyed her snacks as she watched the movie. "I think we need to remove the tv from our room. This is freaking me out." Adam shivered next to her. "I guess Im used to it. My parents house was haunted for awhile. I think she moved on. But she loved my dad. Would sleep next to him when my mom wasnt in bed. She actually attacked a man that slept in my room. I was in my sisters room for the night but she was not okay with a man being in that room so she caused the mattress to cave in on the side. The guy almost fell out. It was crazy." Kim was still watching the movie having no idea Adam was staring at her like she was out of her mind.
"How am I just hearing this?" He was shocked. "Hadnt thought about Blanch in years. But I guess being here makes me remember things. She loved to have music on when I was home alone. You could hear her walking from room to room. Turning the TV on. It was crazy. I lived there with her for over 5 years I think." Kim shrugged it off. It was nothing in her mind. "Insane! Lets finish this movie and head to bed. Tomorrow is another day." Adam hugged her as they settled in to finish watching the movie. He found it interesting that she liked scary movies but hated the slasher flicks. He assumed it was all the blood but he was fine watching these older movies with her. They were at least interesting and not remade with cheesy graphics. As the movie ended they cleaned up the mess, turned off the tv and headed for bed. Leaving Michael where he was. It was just easier. "That movie is cursed. There is a documentary about it. Several people in the movie died after making it. Im sure it has nothing to do with all the real skeletons they used in the movie." Kim rolled her eyes a bit. "Sounds screwed up. Digging up bodies to use the remains in a movie is just wrong." Adam was shocked by that. "Yes it is. Bed time. I need some sleep." Kim threw her dirty clothes in the laundry basket and jumped into bed.
"Good night my love! Sleep tight. At least try!" Adam kissed her softly. "Good night baby. Love you." Kim laid down curling into his side as she fall asleep. He was amazed she could sleep after all that sugar but her body knew better. It took him a bit to fall asleep but he never loosened his grip. Holding her strong all night long.