...Continued

Moving with swift efficiency Dr. Marchetti moved about his office, only one thought filling his head. He pulled open the drug cabinet that sat in the corner of the room, his heart pounding in his chest that he wouldn’t find what he needed. His frantic scanning was cut short when he found the object of his search there, three vials back from the glass front, right where he had left it hiding in plain sight. He let a smirk fall upon his lips at his success so far. Within minutes he would have the rest and Jaime would be his prize.

He pulled the small bottle free and grabbed an empty syringe from the lower drawer. He moved quickly to the door before forcing himself to take a moment and collect himself. There was a small mirror on the back of the door. He checked his image and lifted his free hand to push the errant black hair back from his forehead. With a rub of his hand he straightened his shirt front, took a deep breath and moved onto his objective.

A glance down the hall told him the duty nurse was at the far end sitting at the desk, the phone to her ear. With her head down and the conversational distraction she would not notice him. He took several steps along the corridor and saw Rudy’s door was still closed. Knowing Oscar’s thoroughness Michael knew Jaime would be kept busy for at least half an hour. That was fine with him as he only needed minutes.

Slowly he pushed open the door and scanned the dimly lit room. It was empty except for the helpless man who lay unawares. He approached the bed, his breathing increasing with anticipation step by step. He quickly considered other options at the bedside. He could just unplug or shut off the ventilator, but warning alarms would sound at the nurses’ desk.

He eyed the clear plastic tubing that ran from Steve’s mouth to the bulky machine, a lifeline that just needed to be tampered with. Michael considered just pinching off the tube, preventing precious oxygen from being forced into the still lungs. It might look like the machine just failed for no known reason but then Michael would have to remain at the bedside for at least 6 or 8 minutes until the deed was done. He didn’t want to take the chance of being seen in the room alone.

Pulling the syringe and vial from his pants pocket he carefully uncapped the sharp point. Slowly he pushed the stainless steel needle through the resistive rubber top, pulling the plunger back as soon as it was in the poisonous fluid. ‘20 cc….20 cc should more then do the job’ he thought to himself.

After sliding the vial unobtrusively back into his pocket he picked up the IV line. “Like I said Steve she was not yours, not after I saved her.” He buried the needle into the pliable plastic and depressed the plunger.

There was only one person who could hear the loud sigh of relief and that was the man who expelled it. He felt a need growing, one that was both vile and self serving, to stay and watch the success of a plan he formulated over a year ago. He shook his head knowingly. He couldn’t take the risk of discovery. Turning, he moved to the door. He would be in his office when Steve’s unexpected death was announced. Jaime would surely be devastated but he was confident his comforting presence would be of significance.

He opened the door and the bright lights of the hallway caused him to squint for a moment. His eyes adjusted within a second and he was shocked to see Oscar, Rudy, Jaime and Russ standing against the wall across from Steve’s room.

Russ immediately came to stand at Michael’s left. Jaime, with her arms folded tightly across her front, moved to stand directly in front of him. Her face was tight with barely controlled anger.

Michael tried to play the bewildered card. “What’s going on?” He asked as he cast his dark eyes at the silent group staring at him.

Suddenly, with such speed one could barely see the movement. Jaime’s right hand came up and slapped Michael’s face hard. Not anticipating such an attack he didn’t have time to protect himself and his cheek burned at the force used. He had no choice but to stagger a step backwards, his hand resting against the flesh that would no doubt have a bruise in the coming hours.

“My God Michael, how could you?” She choked out of her tight jaw.

He glanced at Oscar and Rudy as if asking for their assistance. They immediately broke eye contact with him. So Michael looked back at Jaime. “I don’t know what you are talking about?”

“What were you doing in there Michael?” She gestured to Steve’s door, her voice still shaking with emotion.

“I was just checking on him.”

The lie brought uncontrolled tears flowing down Jaime’s face. “Did you really think after you killed him I would run to you?” She took a deep breath. “You disgust me Michael.”

She felt Rudy’s arm around her and she sobbed as the physician led her away from the stunned man. Oscar stepped forward.

”Russ, take him into custody?”

“Custody for what?” Michael asked.

“For attempted murder.” Oscar hissed out and saw Michael’s face drop ever so slightly. “That’s right Michael, you didn’t succeed and you certainly won’t be getting away with it.” The OSI Director stood a little straighter, enjoying the moment. “What you just injected him with was just saline. We took the vial you had hidden in your cabinet and made a duplicate.”

Michael, considering what they had was flimsy, just offered a weak smile. “If that’s all you got I look forward to seeing you in court.”

Oscar’s smile grew larger but his voice grew lower. “I’m looking forward to that too. Especially when I show the jury the video and audio of what you were doing in there….injecting a comatose man with, what you thought was, more of the poison you gave him three days ago.

Russ handcuffed the dejected young doctor and hauled him out of the medical center.

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Sunday evening Jaime spent the night dozing at Steve’s bedside. She and Rudy had debated whether or not to notify Jim and Helen, deciding to wait until morning with hopes there would be good news.

Rudy arrived early to check on his comatose patient. It had been 12 hours since he had administered the antidote and the time had come to see if it had done its job. Without waking the tired young woman the doctor assessed Steve’s vital signs, the mechanical hiss of the ventilator softly cutting the silence. The skilled hands moved over his friend, noting the color was returning to the pale face. He quickly jotted notes and orders into the medical chart before leaving as quietly as he had come. Soon he would know how to proceed.

Around mid-morning Oscar stopped by the medical center, walking directly to Steve’s room. He made a noiseless entrance but Jaime startled awake, feeling another presence in the room.

“Hi.” She whispered quietly as if a louder tone would wake the patient.

“Hi yourself, how is he doing?” He smiled then turned his gaze to the bed, still not comfortable with how Steve looked.

“I guess okay. I was hoping Rudy would give us an update soon.”

As if on cue the doctor came through the closed door, chart in hand.

“Well speak of the devil….” Oscar teased. “We were wondering how the patient is doing.”

Rudy opened the metal cover of the medical record. “I ordered some tests this morning to see if the antidote had worked.” He flipped through the pages looking for the lab results.

Jaime couldn’t stand the suspense, “And?”

Finding the information he was searching for he deciphered the numbers. “It looks like his heart and kidneys are functioning at 90%. His temperature is finally back to normal.”

“That’s good, right?” The blonde said as she came to her feet.

“Yes it is.” He replied with his eyes still buried in the chart. “I also had blood drawn for a liver function test. It showed his liver is working at about 85%.”

“What does that mean?” Oscar inquired, not liking the lower than 100% results.

“Well, it means his organs are no longer shutting down from the toxin and slowly returning to normal, although we won’t know about residual neurological affects until he’s awake.”

“What’s next?” Jaime asked trying not to think of the possible affects Steve would have to deal with when he awoke.

“Now,” He exhaled a lung full of air. “I’ll stop the medication that is inducing the coma and we see if we can take him off the ventilator.”

“How is that done?” Jaime wondered out loud.

“See this.” Rudy picked up Steve’s left hand and pointed to the small lighted clip on the tip of the index finger. “This monitors the amount of oxygen going from his lungs to his bloodstream.” Next the doctor pointed to the monitor. “This number here is the percentage of oxygen in his blood. It needs to be 96% or better.”

Oscar and Jaime both saw the number vacillating between 97% and 98%. Rudy finished his explanation. “When I pull out the tube I will monitor that percentage and if he can stay in the high 90’s, breathing on his own, then I can keep him off the machine.” Jaime nodded her understanding.

“When will that be?” The dark eyes of the tall man looked at Rudy with concern.

“I’ll be stopping the medication now.” His eyes moved between his two friends. “I’ll see about the ventilator this evening.”

Oscar glanced at his watch, wanting to be there when it was done. “I’ll be back at 7:00. Will it be before then?”

“Probably not.”

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In the evening Jaime took a short walk to the gift shop, picking up some magazines to keep her worried mind occupied. She wouldn’t relax until Steve was awake and talking. Returning to the room she smiled as she brushed a hand through Steve’s hair, bending low to place a tender kiss on his forehead. Rudy was right his coloring was almost normal and the dark circles under his eyes were not as noticeable.

Dropping into the only chair she began thumbing through the glossy pages, no longer noticing the background noise produced by the machine forcing air into Steve’s lungs. At least not until the rhythm was no longer steady.

The interruption of the flow of air caused an alarm to sound at the nurse’s station bringing Rudy to the room, followed closely by Oscar. Jaime jumped to her feet, her heart pounding against her ribs.

Rudy immediately checked his patient’s right pupil, then the ventilator. “What’s going on Rudy?” The young woman asked in a fearful voice.

“It’s okay.” He reassured her. “The medication is wearing off. He’s trying to breath on his own and its interfering with the machine.”

Oscar leaned on his hands which were gripping the foot of the bed. He and Jaime watched with bated breath as Rudy pushed buttons on the machine, his dark brown eyes glued to the monitor.

He turned and tilted Steve’s head as far back as the pillow would allow. He un-taped the tubing at Steve’s mouth and carefully pulled the tube from the throat, all three held their breath. With the power to the machine switched off there was suddenly silence in the room.

Rudy’s soft voice was heard urging his patient. “Come on Steve, breathe.”

All eyes fell on the bare chest that was barely rising. The monitor showed the oxygen percentage dropping below 90%.

“Come on Steve.” The doctor stated more firmly. “Breathe.”

The number displayed continued to drop to 87%... 85%... 82%.

Rudy reached up to the wall behind the bed and grabbed the clear plastic mask stored there and turned on the oxygen supply to 3 liters. Holding the mask over the still face he looked back at the monitor and read the number aloud. “85% oxygen saturation.” He looked back at his unconscious patient with furrowed brows. “That’s not good enough Steve! Breathe!”

Slowly the patient’s chest began to rise a little higher but still very slow. The monitor flashed each percentage change. Oscar saw it first. “87%!”

“Come on Steve.” Jaime urged and the patient’s chest filled more and increased gradually in tempo. Several seconds ticked by.

Rudy looked up. “96%." There the number hovered. Rudy wasn’t worried but Oscar and Jaime were deflated. “It’s okay. His body is probably still exhausted from fighting the poison. I’ll keep him on oxygen and see if that helps. At least he’s off the machine, that’s a step in the right direction.”

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It was early Tuesday morning, the first rays of sun were bleeding past the closed blinds and Jaime unfolded her long frame in the chair she had slept in for a second night. She and Rudy had butted heads regarding her staying a second night and getting little to no sleep. She pushed the blanket off her, knowing Rudy must have placed it there at some point during the night. Smiling, she recalled the firm words the doctor had tossed at her, actually threatening to remove her from the room forcefully. The stubborn woman had resisted, knowing it was an empty threat, telling Rudy she wasn’t ready to leave Steve’s side just yet. Folding the blanket she wondered if it was his peace offering. In all honesty she enjoyed watching the handsome man sleep, his long dark eyelashes fanned across his cheeks. She realized she could spend many a day and night watching him slumbering, looking young and boyish in a peaceful state.

The compassionate woman had been surprised when Rudy, answering her many questions, told her that Steve was fully aware of being poisoned before he lost consciousness, even talking to Rudy before the doctor put him into the coma. She whispered softly to her former fiancé. “I’m sorry you had to go through all this Steve. I really am. I had no idea Michael would…..”

The door opening got her attention and she smiled at the white-coated physician.

“Good morning.” She greeted with a small smile which he immediately returned. Rudy stepped to the bed. “I see the oxygen mask is gone.”

“Yes, I removed it just a short time ago. He’s getting stronger. We just have to be patient.”

She reached down and rubbed a gentle hand against the two-day beard on the usually smooth cheek. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him with a beard.”

Rudy smiled and offered to buy her breakfast. She declined politely, not wanting to miss those blue eyes opening after such a long time.

“Jaime, I don’t expect him to be waking for at least a few more hours.” He locked eyes with her. “Besides you need to eat something before you drop.”

She took a deep breath. “Didn’t we already have this conversation?” She teased.

“Yes, we did and you won the first round last night but this time I’m putting my foot down.”

“Rudy, I promise I won’t bother him just sitting here.”

Rudy sighed heavily and a nurse entered the room behind him, moving swiftly to the bed with arms laden with clean sheets, a basin, towels, razor and shampoo. “No, but you might be in Nancy way. She’s going to get him cleaned up so he’ll look and feel like himself when he wakes up.”

Getting to her feet Jaime conceded. “Okay then…I’ll go but I’ll be back in half and hour.”

Nancy smiled. “Make it an hour…please.”

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Jaime and Rudy chatted as they ate. The older doctor informed her he had finally gotten through to the Elgin home and spoke with Jim who was beyond concerned. Rudy assured him Steve was improving by the hour and anticipated Steve would be contacting his father soon so there was no reason for Jim and Helen to fly across the country. Jim reluctantly agreed and asked to be contacted again in the evening, which Rudy promised.

The soft spoken man also shared what information he had regarding Michael’s situation, including his request to see her but Jaime wasn’t interested in the misguided man who caused all this pain and suffering. Her only words on the subject were, “I just hope he gets what he deserves.”

Returning to the quiet room the patient looked more like the former astronaut. The head of the bed was slightly raised, his short brown hair was still damp from his bath, and a clean hospital gown covered his chest and shoulders. The nurse was just fixing the clean sheets over the still form when the visitors arrived.

“Did he show any signs of waking?” Rudy asked with interest.

“A little.”

“That’s good, that’s very good.” He said and looked over his patient’s chart.

Stepping closer the skilled physician tried to rouse his patient. Slowly the eyes began moving under the lids then stopped. He pulled his stethoscope from his pocket and asked Jaime to try and wake the unconscious man while he checked his blood pressure.

Jaime took the larger hand in hers and called out to him. “Steve? Come on sleepy head. I think you’ve slept enough.” Again Steve’s eyes moved and his head rolled towards the melodic voice beckoning him. “That’s it Steve!”

Seconds ticked by as the heavy lids parted to expose slits of glassy blue.

Steve felt like he was in a dark tunnel. He could hear a familiar voice and was trying to find the person it belonged to. Finally he saw a blurry image and struggled to focus it into something he recognized.

“Jaime.” He croaked out of his dry, scratchy throat which was sore from the tube placement.

“Yeah, Steve it’s me.” She smiled brightly but the patient’s eyes closed once again. Rudy touched the opposite shoulder.

“Steve?” The brown haired head rolled to the left, the eyes opening to half-mast. This time he was able to focus a little faster. “How do you feel?”

The OSI agent took a few moments to recall what put him in such a lethargic state. It all came back to him rather quickly. And he offered a tiny lopsided smile as he replied. “I feel like I could sleep for days. Kind of ironic isn’t it?” Rudy chuckled and Jaime was wearing a glowing smile. Steve fell into a deep healing sleep.

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Two weeks later Steve, wearing his red running suit and red sneakers, ran along the white fence line as Jaime, dressed in her blue sweat suit with her long hair blowing away from her face, kept pace at his side. Occasionally she looked to her right, eying his handsome face in profile as the run continued.

It had been two weeks since Steve awoke from the drug-induced coma. She had spent the next week with him, helping him get back on his feet. The days were long as the residual in-coordination from the poison had remained for several days, frustrating Steve to bursts of anger when his human and bionic limbs would not obey his commands.

There were also stressful days, days that Steve pushed beyond his present physical limits and exhausted himself. Those were the days that he was left in pain from the still sensitive nerve cells which were the target of the poison. It was those days Jaime wished it had been her that Michael injected. The guilt brought her to tears on more than one occasion.

Immediately upon waking enough to be clear in his thinking Steve wanted details of what had transpired. Jaime sat with him, telling him of her trip to New York and finding out that Michael had intercepted Oscar’s calls.

She also explained how Oscar pulled her from Steve’s room under the pretense that she help Russ and Oscar identify any enemies of Steve she may have seen prior to Steve falling ill. She smiled when telling Steve of entering Rudy’s office and finding out they were setting the young scientist up, leaving him alone with Steve, both video and audio recording everything.

Steve was disappointed he didn’t get to see the look on Michael’s face when he was caught red-handed. Jaime assured him he would get to see some of the malicious man’s downfall when his court date came up.

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After 10 days in the hospital Rudy discharged Steve and Jaime returned to California with him. Helen and Jim were thankful that he was recovering and staying close to home. Rudy arrived in California shortly after and got to work getting Steve back into shape.

The bionic pair was only halfway through their run, enjoying the warm afternoon sunshine, when Steve pulled up suddenly. Jaime immediately came to stand next to him, concern written all over her face. She worried that the pain was returning and they were miles from Rudy.

“Steve, are you okay?” She asked and saw the immediate nod to the affirmative.

“I just need a short break.” He replied with heavy breathing. “I guess I’m more out of shape then I thought.”

She smiled. “Don’t worry. I’m sure Rudy will get you back to where you were pretty quickly.” She leaned on the white rail and looked across the green grass as Steve turned and leaned his back against the wooden fence. A moment later, realizing where exactly he had stopped, a chuckle fell from his lips causing Jaime to turn abruptly.

“What so funny?”

Steve instantly quieted. “Nothing’s funny it’s just something that popped into my head…sort of Déjà vu.”

Jaime turned to her left to face him, her right elbow still perched on the rail as blue eyes squinted in the sun. “Care to share?”

Steve, with a distant stare, took a deep breath. His brown head dropped. “This place, this exact spot in fact…..” He stopped mid-sentence unsure what to tell her. In the hospital he had thought long and hard about his relationship with Jaime. With the information Rudy had shared with him about her not leaving his side through the whole ordeal Steve was sure she felt the same way.

“What about it?” She glanced around her not recognizing anything.

“We ran this course before….” He looked at her knowing she wouldn’t remember. “A few years ago.”

She furrowed her brow but couldn’t recall the place. “And that was funny?”

“No. Its just…well…this is the exact spot I proposed to you.” He leaned back against the rail and gave her a small crooked grin.

“Really.” She said softly and turned again to face the rail. She fought hard to recall the memory but it just wasn’t there. There was a long silence between them before Steve, deciding to seize the moment, spoke up.

“So will ya?”

She turned to him, her long hair falling behind her shoulders. “Will I what?”

“Marry me?” His eyes locked on her and she smiled brightly.

Taking a step she placed one hand on his chest as her lips closed in on his. “I thought you’d never ask.”

As Steve returned the firmly planted kiss he couldn’t stop the laugh that bubbled up from his chest. Jaime stepped back in confusion. “Now what’s so funny?”

“Believe it or not that was your exact answer the first time.” The two laughed as they headed out to finish their run and share the good news with Rudy.

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With only a month to go before the wedding Jaime was busy tying up the loose ends. She didn’t know what she would have done without Helen. Steve’s mother was both doting mother and excited mother in law to Jaime. All through the choosing of the dresses to the flower arrangements Jim and Steve just nodded knowingly at one another. Both men were happy to see their favorite ladies enjoying the special time.

It was mid-day and Steve was alone at the ranch. He was feeling the effects of very little sleep and a very busy schedule. He was happy when the appointments today were for ladies only. The groom-to-be was resting on the couch when the doorbell rang. He answered it and was surprised to see Rudy, medical bag in hand, greeting him with a smirk.

For a split second Steve wondered if the good doctor had developed E.S.P. before ushering him into the house. Rudy glanced around surprised that Jaime was not around.

“What’s up Rudy?”

“I was called back to Washington. I wanted to give you a quick once over before I leave. I will probably be gone for at least 10 days.”

Steve nodded. “I see.”

“Where’s Jaime?”

“She and my mom had appointments to finalize things with…let’s see….the dress maker, the caterers and the florist.”

Rudy chuckled. “And you must be so disappointed that you couldn’t go.”

“Yeah, right.” Steve nodded to the front room. “Let’s go in the family room” He wanted to be behind Rudy since he was experiencing more pain then he was ready to admit to anyone.

Rudy, in his hurry, was in the room and turning before Steve entered the casually decorated area. “You look like you’re moving a little slow today.”

Steve tried to joke. “Well I am getting older you know.”

“Sit down here and take off your shirt.”

Steve sat on the chair and dutifully did as he was told. Rudy removed his stethoscope and blood pressure cuff from his bag. Steve sat patiently as the physician listened to his heart and lungs before getting a blood pressure reading. At no time did either man say a word.

When he was finished he told Steve he could put his shirt back on while he packed up his tools. Steve watched with interest, the silence making him uneasy. Rudy sat himself on the coffee table in front of his patient who was eyeing him cautiously. There was no doubt with the vital signs that Steve was in more pain than he was letting on.

“How long have you been hurting?” Now that he was facing him Rudy could see the tense facial expression.

Steve shrugged. “It started to get bad this morning but….”

Rudy interrupted. “How bad is it?” Steve just stared at his friend.

“Not bad.”

“Lying isn’t going to help Steve. How bad?”

Steve let out a frustrating sigh. He hated to appear weak or vulnerable. There was a long silence but Rudy was a patient man so he waited.

Steve got to his feet, his legs feeling heavy. Rudy watched as his friend walked stiffly to the dark fireplace. “I had some trouble getting out of bed this morning.”

“Has it been getting worse?”

“A little.” Steve glanced over his shoulder. “But I haven’t been sleeping well and with all the running around…. I think I just needed a day off.” He shot a familiar half-grin at the doctor who was moving to his side.

“How many bad days have you had since returning to California?” Steve broke off the eye contact, not wanting to face the truth. “Steve?”

“A few.”

“How many is a few?”

“6 maybe 7.”

Rudy moved to his bag and retrieved a medication bottle. He handed them to Steve. “Here, these should help.”

Steve just stared at the bottle for a couple of minutes. His voice sounded distant. “How long Rudy?”

“How long what?”

“How long until this is over? How long until I get my life back?” The steely blue eyes locked onto the dark brown ones.

“I’m not sure.” Steve continued to intimidate with his glare until Rudy looked at the floor and responded further. “I mean….well……from what I’ve read…..” Finally he looked up at his friend of over a decade. “It doesn’t look good for a full recovery Steve.”

Steve let out the breath he was holding and moved away. “What are you saying Rudy?”

“I’m saying there is a chance that this may be how it will be….forever.” The words struck Steve like a punch in the stomach. He was tired and in constant pain which was giving him a short-fuse.

“What……..live a life popping pain pills??? Going on missions and needing to take 3 hour naps in the middle of the day??? That sounds real feasible.” He spit out the last words with a cynical tone.

Steve took a few deep breaths to calm down. He looked again at the pills in his hand and spoke, his voice even lower then before. “Will it get worse?”

“I don’t know.”

“But it’s a possibility isn’t it?” Rudy nodded slowly. Steve sank onto the chair, dropping his head into his hands. “Steve?”

With the brown head lowered the doctor couldn’t see Steve fighting the tears but the voice was tight as he fought the lump growing in his throat. “What about Jaime?” The OSI agent couldn’t believe every time his dream of marrying Jaime and living happily ever after came so close it was pulled away again.

“What about her?” Rudy was confused where this conversation was going.

“She doesn’t deserve to be married to a man who… who has a good chance of turning into an invalid.”

Rudy quickly countered the statement in a manner that would not pacify Steve but get him thinking. He knew all too well Steve would not tolerate any hand-holding.

“I think its only normal that you are feeling that way but I think you need to consider what you would do if the roles were reversed. You and Jaime love each other and were incredibly lucky to get this second chance.”

Steve looked up at his friend wanting some absolution if he should decide to call off the wedding. Rudy would not provide it.

“It’s your decision Steve.”

“So you think I should call it off?”

“I didn’t say that. I said this is your decision. If you want my medical opinion I think you would be certifiably insane if you let Jaime get away.” He offered a small smile but Steve didn’t reciprocate. The blue eyes just stared at the pills.

The doctor knew Steve would have to think over the situation several times before coming to a decision, no one could make it for him.

“Well I better get going. You know where to find me if you need me.”

“Yeah Rudy, thanks.” Steve stood and walked him to the door.

Stepping out onto the driveway the physician turned. “Talk to Jaime Steve. She deserves to know what is going on.”

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By the time Helen and Jaime finished their appointments and errands the sun was already setting. After dropping Helen at her home Jaime headed to the ranch, excited to fill her groom in on the final arrangements.

She drove up the driveway in the dim light and immediately noticed the house was dark. She let herself in with the key Steve had given her and quietly moved around, room by room, until she came upon him asleep in his bedroom.

She initially smiled until she realized how out of character it was for Steve to be asleep so early. Her expression turned to one of concern as she moved to gently sit on the bedside. Steve was lying on his back atop of the bedspread. One hand was resting on his stomach as he dozed heavily. The young woman stared at the handsome relaxed face and thanked God for giving her and Steve a second chance. She knew no matter what life threw at them in their future they could weather it together.

The slumbering man stirred slightly and his hand fell from his torso to rest near her hip. She heard the unmistakable chatter of pills and saw the orange bottle clutched in Steve’s right hand. After glancing at his face to be sure he was still asleep she gently removed the bottle from his slack hand. After one final glance at her husband-to-be she stepped lightly out of the room.

Steve awoke lazily, as if being pulled from a pile of mud. He immediately noticed the darkness that surrounded him and he rubbed a hand over his face. It was obvious he had slept for several hours. He groaned softly as he moved to sit on the side of the mattress realizing the pills Rudy had given him were more powerful then he had thought. He cursed himself for even taking one.

Slowly he got to his feet, still feeling sluggish but feeling less pain then before. He moved to the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face, drying it with the hand towel then meandering down the hall towards the light that filter from the family room. There he found Jaime sitting quietly reading a book.

“Hi.” He said shyly, embarrassed that she had probably caught him sleeping before nightfall.

She looked up at him and replied softly. “Hi yourself.” She watched as he moved slowly to perch on the edge of the table. “Are you hungry?”

“Not really.” He responded with all honesty, the lethargy from the drug not leaving him quite yet.

Jaime came to sit before him. She looked into his glassy blue eyes and touched his cheek. “Are you feeling alright?”

Steve immediately offered shrug with a crooked grin. “Sure. I’m fine.”

Jaime slid a hand into her pocket and removed the vial of pills. She handed them to Steve without a word and hoped he would offer an unsolicited explanation.

Staring at the medication Steve felt his face flush, swallowing hard he didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t even sure he wanted to have this conversation, now or ever. The silence was deafening until she spoke his name. “Steve.”

Her firm voice snapped him from his thoughts and he couldn’t do more than get to his feet before moving away from her.

“What are they for?” She inquired with heartfelt concern.

Steve took a position with his back to her, his eyes staring unfocused into the empty fireplace. He rested one hand on the mantle and tucked the other into his hip pocket where he had placed the medication. His mind tried to piece together an explanation that would not bring on a flood of sympathy from the young woman he loved with all his heart. He took a few deep breaths…slowly gaining a semblance of courage to share his thoughts and concerns. He just couldn’t look at her, at those big blue eyes he knew would fill with tears. He didn’t want her feeling sorry for him. Pity was last thing he wanted from her. Because of that he struggled to bring the words to his lips.

Jaime waited, growing anxious with the elongated silence. Unable to remain quiet she moved to his side, not knowing she effectively stole the tiny amount of courage he had gathered to admit the truth. She placed a comforting hand on his upper back and immediately felt the muscle tense under her touch. “Steve?

She moved around him and lifted his face so she could see his face. Over the years she only had to look closely at his eyes to understand the emotion behind them. She was surprised to see them turn to an unreadable icy blue.

It was all Steve could do not to run from her sad face and soft touch. He pulled from her and while looking at the hearth blurted out his thought. “I don’t think we should get married.”

Jaime stepped back as if struck. “What?” This had to be a bad dream. His face came up with an expression tense with anger.

“You heard me…we shouldn’t get married.” He said curtly before swiftly looking back down so his emotions would remain at bay.

“Steve,” She said softly. “I don’t know what’s happened since I left here this morning but whatever it is…..”

He cut her off quickly. “Just let it go.”

“But Steve…….I don’t understand.”

The tall man pushed from the stone mantle and moved across the room. His anger, mostly directed at himself and the situation Michael had put him in, overflowed until it lashed out at his bride. “What is there to understand? I don’t want to marry you!”

The words were harsh and delivered hastily without regard to the wounds they would cause. Unable to control the intense emotional pain building inside him Steve grabbed his keys and went out the door, slamming it behind him.

Jaime just stood, stunned and shocked, as the room fell silent. Tears fell slowly down her face as she hugged herself tightly. She was so confused she didn’t know what to do. Was that really Steve Austin who just shouted he didn’t want to marry her? The same man that had waited for her for over a year? He was so happy as they planned their nuptials she couldn’t comprehend what was happening. None of it made any sense. She dropped into a chair and picked up the phone.

Steve slammed the car into drive and kicked up dust and stone as he sped out of the driveway. He made it only a couple miles before the tears blurred his vision until he couldn’t see the road. Pulling off the road he shoved the car into park and dropped his head onto his forearms that rested on the steering wheel.

“What did you do?” He sobbed. He didn’t know why he couldn’t open up and tell her the truth. Yes he did. He knew she would stay with him…claiming it was love…but could he ever be sure it was love and not pity or guilt for Michael’s actions. All he was sure of was she meant everything to him. He loved her so much he set her free to find happiness for herself before. Could it be that hard to do it again??

Steve stayed away from the house for a few hours, just driving around the darkened countryside. When he finally returned to his ranch he was both relieved and saddened to see Jaime had left. He heart ached in his chest wondering where she had gone and if she was okay. How he hated himself for doing what he had to do.

The OSI agent wasn’t home long before there was a loud incessant knocking. Still fully clothed, Steve dragged himself off the bed and opened the door to his late night visitor.

The tired man just stood and stared at his father who glared back angrily into the familiar blue eyes. Without waiting for an invitation Jim pushed past his son and entered the kitchen, barely able to stand still.

“What were you thinking? What ARE you thinking????”

“Dad….”

“Do you know she hasn’t stopped crying since she got home? Helen’s been up in her apartment with her for the last 2 hours. You need to fix this son and now!”

“Dad…”Steve let out a long sigh while squeezing his eyes shut. It hurt him knowing he was the cause of Jaime’s pain but his internal dialogue just ran non stop…. ‘It’s better for her this way. It’s better for her this way.’

“Well?” Jim demanded. When the younger man didn’t immediately answer Jim lost whatever calm he had left. “You can’t just tell Jaime you don’t want to marry her without a reason. She deserves more than that.”

Steve, still looking at the floor, refused to participate in the discussion which frustrated Jim even more. “I know my son and he wouldn’t be that malicious.”

Steve head snapped up at the paternal voice dripping with disappointment. “Dad you don’t understand.”

“I don’t need to understand…Jaime does. Explain it to her.”

Steve thought a moment and took in a calming breath. He had never seen his father so angry or so disappointed in him. “It’s complicated. I wish it wasn’t but it is. Please understand I am only doing this for Jaime.”

“For Jaime huh?’ Steve nodded sadly. Before the conversation could continue the phone rang and Steve immediately grabbed it. While he took the short call Jim had time to cool off. It didn’t go un-noticed to him that his son seemed more distraught after the call.

He looked at his Dad. “Sorry Dad but I need to pack.” He stepped around his father and headed to the bedroom.

“Pack? Where are you going now? You need to see Jaime!” Jim exclaimed as he followed Steve through the house. Steve was quickly throwing some toiletries into his shaving kit in the bathroom then moved onto his closet.

Jim would not be deterred; he loved Jaime and Steve too much. “Didn’t you hear me? You need to see Jaime!”

Steve closed his filled suitcase and lifted it off the bed. Standing toe to toe with his father he responded tensely. “I will Dad. She’s being summoned to Washington too.” Moving through the house Steve anxiety was escalating. He didn’t want to be anywhere near Jaime, especially on the same commercial flight. Unfortunately since his recovery from the poison was not complete Rudy would not clear him to fly himself. He hoped to get on the first plane out of California knowing Jaime would probably stay the night in Ojai and fly to Washington first thing in the morning.

“What’s going on Steve?” Jim asked knowing it could be a life or death situation where Steve’s job was concerned.

Steve stopped in his tracks and turned to face the man who helped raise him. “Michael’s trial has been pushed forward to three days from now. The prosecutor wants to go over my deposition and Jaime’s.” A long ragged breath was heard coming from the over-stressed man. “We may also need to testify.”

Seeing his son look so worn out and dejected Jim felt ashamed he was feeling a little happy on the inside because that would give Steve and Jaime time together….time that Steve would be forced to talk to her. Maybe, just maybe, it would all work itself out.

“But why do you need to leave now?”

Steve didn’t want to answer the question, already weighed down by the obvious disappointment his father was expressing. This was an excuse to avoid speaking with Jaime tonight.

“I’ll see ya dad. Tell mom I said goodbye.” Jim watched as Steve left the house suitcase in hand.

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Jaime hung up the phone and explained to Helen what was going on. She rested her head back on the sofa, willing it to stop its endless throbbing. With eyes puffy and red from crying Jaime began moving about the apartment slowly packing the things she would need.

“When will you need a ride to the airport?”

“Oscar said there’s a flight at 8 am.”

“Good Jim and I will see you off.” Helen placed a comforting hand on Jaime’s arm. “Don’t worry Jaime. You and Steve will work this out. I’m sure of it.”

With a weak smile Jaime replied. “I hope so Helen. I sure hope so.”

Steve had hoped he would get some sleep on the flight but his mind would not put to rest the thoughts of what he did to the woman he loved and how his life had changed since Michael’s criminal play for Jaime. He just hoped the trial would go smoothly and he wouldn’t have to testify. His thin lips lifted on the right side. ‘What could I testify to anyway, I was out of it most of the time?’

Grabbing his bag as he deplaned Steve was exhausted from lack of sleep and the mental and physical stress was causing the insidious pain to grow with each passing hour. By the time he arrived at Dulles Terminal after the four hour flight it was 5 am Eastern Time.

Arriving at his townhouse Steve vowed to get some rest before having to meet with Oscar…..and Jaime. Out of fatigue and frustration he threw his suitcase in the corner of the bedroom and sat himself on the bed. Taking a moment he considered swallowing one of the pain pills Rudy had given him but his stubbornness won out and he tossed the unopened plastic bottle onto the night stand. Stretching out his long frame, he tried unsuccessfully to find a comfortable position, before closing his eyes. He would lay there for hours with sleep never coming.

It was 4:00 pm when Steve was greeted by the always pleasant Callahan and he returned her smile. She requested he go right into Oscar office to which he nodded. With his hand on the door he flinch when her sincere ‘congratulations’ on his engagement stung him from behind. Unable to respond he just threw a small wink over his shoulder and entered the familiar office.

Oscar and Rudy were already discussing the case when Steve entered. Rudy immediately noticed the lack of sleep on his friend’s face while Oscar noticed something else disturbing. The OSI Director waited a few minutes after welcoming his agent before asking the obvious question.

Steve took the dark hot coffee offered and sank into the closest chair, just wanting this over with. Rudy remained quiet and was surprised by Oscar’s inquiry.

“Steve, where’s Jaime?” He asked not knowing there had been discord between the two. “I thought she would be coming with you.”

Steve, keeping his blue eyes on his drink, replied off-handedly. “We didn’t catch the same flight. I took a late flight last night.”

Oscar’s brown eyes met Rudy’s. His confusion was evident to the physician but Rudy just gave a brief nod. Oscar came to sit at his desk. “I see.” He glanced at his wrist watch. “I guess she should be here any minute then if she took the 8 am flight out of Ojai.”

Both men saw Steve stiffen slightly at the simple statement. Oscar once again looked at Rudy, frustrated at being the only one not informed of reason for the tension. “Steve?”

A few seconds went by before Steve looked up at his boss. “Is there something going on that I should know about?”

The tired face moved from Oscar to Rudy. He let out an audible sigh while considering his options. “You two might as well know Jaime and I are not getting married.” He unexpected statement was punctuated by the operative getting to his feet to refill his cup which was only half empty. He just couldn’t stand the looks he was receiving from his friends.

“WHAT?” Oscar blurted out in shock. “But….”

Steve spun on his heel and interrupted in a tone that told his friends he wasn’t in the mood for a debate. “Just stay out of it Oscar and let it go, it’s between me and Jaime.”

Rudy, sitting quietly in his chair, calmly responded. “Is it Steve? Is it really between you and Jaime?” Steve’s eyes hardened at the inference that he didn’t discuss the reason for the breakup with Jaime, that the whole situation was only his doing. The truth hurt and Steve immediately shut down. Slowly he moved back to his seat in front of Oscar’s desk with his back to the door.

“So when are we meeting with the Prosecutor?” He asked impatiently.

Oscar was still bewildered by the broken engagement and slowly pulled his thoughts to the situation at hand. “Oh….ah…he will be here at 5:30.”

“Good.” Was all Steve said and sipped his coffee as if nothing was wrong. The three men sat in silence for almost a minute before the doorknob turning broke the quietness.

Oscar and Rudy got to their feet quickly to greet Jaime, who had done her best to hide her fatigue and reddened, puffy eyes with makeup. Steve, on the other hand, stood slowly, his posture stiff with tension. Jaime returned the hugs of Rudy and Oscar then just stared at the tired face of her former fiancé. She thought she would have to fight back the tears at seeing him but the truth was she was all cried out by the time her plane landed.

“Hi Steve.” She said softly while standing four feet from him.

“Hi Jaime.” He replied in an almost apologetic tone.

Oscar and Rudy stood aside watching the interaction. The two people before them never look so far apart.

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The thick tension in the room almost choked those who occupied it until a loud knock on the wooden door startled everyone. Goldman moved swiftly to open it.

“Mr. Goldman? I’m Bruce LePorte.” Shaking hands, Oscar invited the prosecutor into the well appointed room.

“Mr. LePorte may I introduce Jaime Sommers.” The handsome attorney smiled charmingly as he shook the young woman’s hand.

“And this is Colonel Steve Austin and Dr. Rudy Wells.” The two men shook hands with the lawyer as they were introduced.

“Colonel I have been a fan of yours since your moon shot. You made it all look so easy.” Steve just nodded and thanked him softly as the group took their seats at the large round table. Jaime sat to LePorte’s right and Oscar to his left. Rudy had the uncomfortable position between Steve and Jaime.

Bruce placed his hard sided briefcase on the table, flipped up the latches and efficiently removed the files he would need along with a legal pad and pen. “Well let’s get down to business shall we?”

“Now which one of you would like to go first?” Steve, who had been completely lost in thought since Jaime appeared, was suddenly jolted from his reverie as an escape unexpectedly presented itself. He immediately spoke up as he came to stand.

“You can start with Jaime…I, ah……I’ll be back later.” Bruce was as surprised as everyone that Steve was about to make a hasty exit.

“There’s no need to leave Colonel.” Bruce assured him but noticed the former astronaut was not looking well. “But if that’s what you would like, I should be ready for you in an hour. Is that alright?”

“Sure.”

“Steve, where are you going?” Oscar asked with concern.

“I need to take a walk. I’ll be back.” He moved smoothly to the door, feeling as if there wasn’t enough air in the room and not wanting to discuss the matter further. He didn’t notice Oscar’s nod for Rudy to follow.

Immediately finding his way into the men’s room Steve splashed cold water on his face as he filled his lungs to capacity a few times. He closed his eyes trying to fight the pain that was now invading his whole body. The unanticipated voice startled him.

“Everything alright Steve?” The physician asked, not liking the pale face that looked at him through the reflection in the brightly lit mirror.

“Yeah, everything’s fine.” He replied unconvincingly as he grabbed a paper towel to dry his face and hands. “I just need to take a walk.”

“Looking at you…you don’t look like you could go very far.” Steve leaned on the countertop, dropping his head low. “How about a short walk to the lab?”

“Why?”

“Because you aren’t looking too good.”

Steve head came up and his eyes stared at Rudy through the mirror. “So? There’s nothing you can do anyway.” He felt the sarcasm rise up from his chest. “Unless of course you’ve created some sort of miracle drug.”

“No.” Rudy conceded with some sadness.

“Then what do you really think you can do for me?” He turned to see his friend leaning against the wall, arms crossed at his chest. Steve stepped towards the door. “I just need some air.” Rudy let him go without argument.

Rudy returned to the office and when the Prosecutor was finished reviewing pertinent information with Jaime she excused herself and left. Oscar, seeing her melancholy, offered to walk her to her car.

LePorte looked at Rudy. “Is Colonel Austin in the building?”

Knowing Steve couldn’t have gone far he nodded affirmatively. “I’m sure he is.”

“I must say he wasn’t looking too good when he left. Is he ill?”

“Yes, you could say that.”

The young attorney, knowing Michael Marchetti’s attorney was going to push for leniency for his client, wondered if Rudy could be some help. “His illness…it wouldn’t happen to be related to the poisoning would it?”

Rudy stared at the younger man for several seconds. “I’m afraid that is privileged information Mr. LePorte.” Seeing the man’s face fall and his brows furrow Rudy was curious. “Why would that matter?”

The lawyer settled one hip on the tabletop and folded his arms about his chest. “Well, I understand Dr. Marchetti’s counsel will be pushing for leniency with sentencing. I mean…you got him on tape trying to murder Colonel Austin. There isn’t much room for them to maneuver so I expect them to try for the lightest sentence.”

“What does that have to do with Steve?”

“Well if I can prove there are lasting ill effects from Dr. Marchetti’s actions I think they will throw the book at him.” LePorte was not naïve nor was he inexperienced at reading people. He took a mental note of this interaction with Dr. Wells and stored it away for future reference should it be needed.

Steve arrived home after dark. The meeting with the prosecutor went well. At least Steve was feeling a little less pressure when he returned to Oscar’s office and saw Jaime had left. He was relieved to hear that LePorte only needed Steve to testify if there was need to solidify Michael’s motive for doing what he did. He felt Steve could attest to Michael’s strong feelings for Jaime, not to mention inappropriate behavior, after Jaime awoke from her coma over a year ago.

The tired man undressed and settled into his comfortable bed, knowing he was so tired there would be no doubt he would sleep tonight. He rolled onto his stomach and cradled the pillow under his head. Within minutes he was asleep…asleep and dreaming of the girl he pushed away.

Jaime was staying in an OSI apartment just four blocks away. She too was exhausted and fell into a fitful sleep, a constant ache in her chest from her encounter with Steve. She was just glad there would not be any contact between them, if she was careful, until the day of the hearing. She still could not understand what she had done to cause Steve to break off their engagement. His action had hurt her deeply but she still loved him with all her heart. Just before dozing off she wondered if she would ever learn the reason. She felt deep down there had to be a good reason for him to do what he had done but the young woman didn’t have any clue to what it could possibly be.

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The morning of the hearing Steve dragged himself out of bed and into the bathroom. After shaving the stubble from his face he took the towel to wipe the excess shaving cream from his now smooth cheeks, chin and neck. He gave into the need for pain medication last night and was glad he took it as it caused most of the pain to recede to an overall dull achiness much like having a mild case of the flu. He took a good look at himself in the mirror, feeling better today then the past few days. The haggard face that stared back at him surprised him; the light grey circles under his eyes were still slightly noticeable. Steve stared at his face for a long moment, unable to recall the last time he had a day free of pain, physical or emotional.

Conceding with a heavy sigh he hopped into the shower to get ready for what would no doubt be a long day. He took his time dressing, not wanting to arrive early for any small talk with anyone. Checking his tie one last time in the mirror he slid on his suit coat and with car keys in hand headed to the hearing.

In the front Jaime took a seat on the far left aisle with Oscar by her side. She was relieved that Steve had at least told their closest friends that their engagement was off and even more relieved that Oscar didn’t want to discuss it at length.

Rudy took his seat behind the prosecutor’s seat, just behind the wooden rail that separated the gallery from the professionals. He turned and glanced about, noticing there were only the necessary people in attendance….all but one. He glanced at his watch wondering what was keeping Steve.

As if on cue bionic agent entered the small room quietly, not wanting to draw any attention to himself. He immediately saw the empty seat next to Dr. Wells and moved gracefully to it. As the OSI operative settled he felt Rudy’s eyes on him. When the blue eyes looked at his friend with a raised brow Rudy looked away, not wanting to take Steve’s mind off the hearing.

Rudy leaned back and tried to get comfortable in the dark wooden chair. His mind went over the previous day when he seriously considered meeting with Steve and Jaime separately. At the last moment he decided it was a bad time to discuss what they were doing to each other….or more specifically what Steve was doing to Jaime. One look at Steve and Rudy knew it had been a good decision. The man sitting to his right didn’t need any further stress right now. There would always be time after the hearing was over.

Since this was a closed hearing, due to the nature and classified aspects of the case, it wasn’t expected to take very long. Michael was caught red handed and even though his attorney, in an effort to get one of the attempted murder charges dropped, tried to make the judge see that on the video Michael was not committing attempted murder as the syringe was filled with saline. The pitch didn’t fly with the experienced judge. Today the testimony of the involved parties would be used mainly for sentencing.

The judge, known as being a strict taskmaster in his courtroom, made it perfectly clear that he would not tolerate any interruptions. That included whispering and talks by anyone other than the attorneys, witnesses and himself. It also included any distractions such as people entering or leaving the room during the session.

Jaime was the first to be called to testify about the events leading up to and during her trip to New York with Michael Marchetti. She remained calm as she explained the facts as she remembered them. Her whole testimony only lasted half an hour. In between the questions from both the prosecutor and the defense attorney she fought the urge to look at Steve, for moral support or just to lay eyes on him. She knew if she did her mind would be immediately distracted by thoughts of ‘Why?’

She also avoided any eye contact with Michael. This was man she didn’t know….not really…not a man who could commit murder.

Rudy noticed that Jaime never once looked at Steve, Keeping her gaze on the person asking the questions. He also noticed, after several discreet glances at Steve, that he never brought his eyes off the floor at his feet. He knew then he had his work cut out for himself after this legal matter was settled. He smiled inwardly as he recalled not ever knowing such a stubborn person in his life as the man sitting beside him.

Soon it was Steve’s turn to take the oath and sit in front of the assembled group. Jaime returned to her seat and Oscar took her hand with a light squeeze to let her know she did a good job. She returned his smile but as soon as her eyes moved forward again the smile disappeared; the ache in her chest grew larger.

With the occasional look at the dark haired scientist at the table in front of him Steve relayed his description of Michael’s behavior towards Jaime after she awoke from her coma. To the defense’s complaint Steve also gave his perception of Michael and the fact that he always felt uneasiness around him. The judge sustained the loud objection and requested the prosecutor move ahead.

Steve was losing steam by the time the prosecutor finished. He hoped the defense didn’t have many questions because he was all out of answers. The defense referred to Steve’s deposition regarding his relationship with Jaime Sommers. Only he closest friends, excluding Jaime, saw him flinch at the reference. Jaime was unable to look up; it hurt too much.

Steve tolerated the defense lawyers attempt to change the perception of Michael’s relationship with Jaime after her coma.

“Isn’t it true you ask her to marry you shortly before she became ill and almost died from a brain aneurysm?”

“Yes.” Steve replied softly.

“And isn’t it true you attempted to rekindle your relationship with Ms. Sommers after Michael Marchetti saved her life….essentially brought her back to life?”

Steve swallowed hard before replying. “Yes.”

The defense attorney leaned forward towards Steve. “Isn’t it true that you were crushed when she couldn’t remember you?”

Steve took a deep breath, not sure where this questioning was heading. “Yes.”

“So Dr. Marchetti, the man who saved Ms. Sommers’ life, with a new technique that was a scientific breakthrough, took a purely medical interest in her and how did that make you feel Mr. Austin? Hurt? Angry?

“I guess I was hurt.” He replied simply. “But his interest was more than medical in nature.”

“Before joining the OSI you were an astronaut and a test pilot, were you not?”

With his brows furrowed in confusion as to the change in topic he responded. “Yes.”

“Tell me Colonel… aren’t most, if not all, test pilots and astronauts extremely competitive by nature?”

“You could say that?”

The grey-haired man turned to the judge then to the gallery. “Then maybe your perception of Dr. Marchetti is just a little cloudy. Maybe your intense competitive spirit caused you to see feelings that Michael Marchetti had towards your former fiancé, as more than they really were.” He turned back to Steve who remained calm and unemotional. “Well?”

“No.”

“Maybe the man sitting over there was never REALLY romantically interested in Ms. Sommers but you still felt threaten by having him so close to her while you were held at arms length.”

Steve opened his mouth to disagree when the lawyer spun on his heel and ended the questioning. “No further questions your honor.”


...Continued