...Continued
As Steve stepped off the stand he hoped a recess would be called. It was 2 ½ hours into the hearing when he took his seat and was surprised when the judge immediately requested the next witness. Steve slouched down in his chair, resting his head against the fingertips of his right hand with his elbow propped on the armrest.
Rudy was next to take the stand. The prosecuting attorney asked the physician to give his account of the events that transpired. Rudy’s words mirrored those that were given in his deposition. He was then asked his profession opinion as to Michael Marchetti’s mental faculties. Dr. Wells explained that he too had seen behavior which was borderline inappropriate where Jaime Sommers was concerned.
“So you had concerns that Dr. Marchetti would just throw the rules out the window in order to be romantically link to Miss Sommers?” The question asked to show the judge that Marchetti would overstep boundaries to get something he wanted.
Rudy’s gaze shifted to Michael who was making notations on a notepad. “Yes,” was his simple reply.
“No further questions your honor.”
Michael’s attorney whispered discreetly in his client’s ear before coming to stand behind the large mahogany table.
“Dr. Wells how long have you know Dr. Marchetti?”
“About 6 years.”
“In what capacity?”
“Well we worked together on two projects as well as on our own separate projects. Our laboratories are near each other.”
“Up until this…..unfortunate incident….how would you describe Michael Marchetti?”
“He’s highly intelligence…..hard working…diligent.”
“Have you ever seen any signs of violence?”
“No.”
“Any signs of being mentally disturbed?”
“No.”
“So this…action….towards Steve Austin was completely out of character?”
“Yes.”
A few moments passed as notes were referenced. Finally the questions resumed.
“I understand he came to you…after you had already given up….to save Miss Sommers’ life, is that correct?”
Rudy shifted in his seat getting a bad feeling as to where this was heading. “Yes.”
“Your Honor Dr. Wells testimony points to the fact that Michael Marchetti holds life in high regard as shown by not allowing Dr. Wells to pronounce a patient dead and to immediately step in a save her life.” He stepped up to stand in front of Rudy and the judge. “Tell me Dr. Wells…how many people do you think, in your professional opinion, will be saved by either Dr. Marchetti himself or by his scientific breakthroughs if he is allowed to continue his work?”
The prosecutor was instantly on his feet. “Your honor he is asking the witness to predict the future or at the very least guess.”
“Sustained. Move on counselor.”
“Dr. Wells how long have you known Colonel Austin and in what capacity?”
“I’ve been his flight surgeon and personal physician for over a decade.”
“So you know him very well.”
“Yes.”
“Would you say he is a competitive personality type?”
“Yes.”
“Would you also say that during Ms. Sommers’ recovery that Colonel Austin perceived the relationship between Dr. Marchetti and Ms. Sommers as more than it was?”
Rudy thought for a moment, not wanting to answer. Thinking back he did think Steve was blowing things out of proportion when Jaime was recovering. “It’s possible.”
“I’m not asking if it was possible Doctor. I’m asking if you thought he was over-reacting.”
“I thought so at the time….yes.”
At that moment Steve’s head came up in surprise.
“Thank you doctor, no further questions.”
Bruce LePorte was deep in thought, the defense questioning flashing through his head as he tried to predict the influence it had on the judge. He glanced up to see the deputy hand the judge a note and there was a lull in the proceedings.
The defense had given the judge reason to lean more towards a light sentence since Marchetti had not history of violence or breaking the law for that matter. They were also playing the ‘beneficial to society’ card sine Michael could help people if he wasn’t imprisoned. Bruce was convinced the defense had a made a strong enough case and he had to trust his gut. Right now it was telling him Marchetti may be given a small amount of time in a minimum security prison with early parole or at the very least house arrest. Something he couldn’t let happen.
He turned and stole a split-second glance at Steve who just looked at him. Turning swiftly back the judge’s voice filled the room. “Dr. Wells, you may step…”
LePorte jumped to his feet and, in a last ditch effort, tried to secure Marchetti’s imprisonment. “You honor…if I may….I have a few more questions for Dr. Wells.” The judge checked his watch.
“Alright counselor, but make it quick. I think three hours without a recess is enough.”
“Thank you.” Bruce took a deep breath and began. “Dr. Wells…the poison used on Colonel Austin….even though it didn’t kill him are there any lasting effect?”
Jaime’s eyes immediately went to Steve who dropped his head to stare at his feet. Rudy froze, knowing he was under oath and hating LePorte for asking such questions.
Rudy’s eyes bore into LePorte’s whose expression was one masked of emotion. For a split second he allowed Rudy to see a flash of apology but it instantly disappeared. Next Dr. Wells looked at Steve who now sat with a stiffened posture in his chair, his face having paled. Steve’s expression was much easier to read. Brown eyes broke contact with the silent plea to remain silent with Jaime in the room.
“Doctor we are waiting.” LePorte stated firmly. Rudy chanced a glance to the judge seated to his left.
The deep authoritative voice was directed at the witness. “Is there something wrong doctor?” The judge asked with concern.
Rudy steady himself with a deep breath. “I’m sorry but I cannot answer Mr. LePorte’s question with breaking patient/doctor confidentiality.”
At this revelation the young prosecuting attorney felt frustration rise up within him but fought not to let it show outwardly. The judge nodded an understanding.
In the gallery Jaime’s attention had been focused solely on Steve since Rudy was asked the seemingly simple yes/no question. She watched carefully as Steve immediately straightened in his chair with an expression on his face that she could only describe as panic. After Rudy’s explanation to the judge Steve seemed to visibly relax into his chair again. She couldn’t understand what was going on. She looked back at Bruce LePorte when his voice cut the uneasy silence.
“You Honor may I have a minute to confer with the victim?”
The judge looking at the lawyer with a confused but interested look, one that was mirrored throughout the room.
“Mr. LePorte I think Dr. Wells has…”
“Please you honor just one minute.” LePorte bravely interrupted.
“Alright…you have exactly one minute.” The judge’s eyes went to his gold watch protruding from his black robe.
Bruce quickly moved to the wooden partition and leaned towards Steve to whisper quietly in his ear. Oscar and Rudy glanced at one another, neither knowing what to make of this.
“Steve you need to give Rudy permission to explain your medical situation.” Steve leaned back and glared at Bruce with a furrowed brow. The attorney knew exactly what the former astronaut was thinking and in an effort to save precious time he answered before the question was asked. “Yes, I know about it. If we don’t tell the judge what you are going through and may go through for the rest of your life Marchetti just might get 6 months in prison, less for time he has already served. Is that what you want?” Steve didn’t immediately reply. “I’m not exaggerating Steve. I can tell you from experience that this judge is leaning away from a lengthy sentence now are you going to help me put Marchetti away or what?” Still Steve was silent, only glancing briefly in Jaime’s direction. Bruce fought to keep his voice from rising about a whisper. “Dammit Steve, think about all you may lose out on if you don’t fully recover! Marchetti HAS to pay!”
The defense had had enough of the delay and voiced their annoyance. “Your honor may we proceed please?”
“Mr. LePorte I will release this witness in exactly 3 seconds.”
Steve looked at LePorte who immediately saw a myriad of emotions cross Steve’s face….fear, disappointment, sadness….it was all there in the slow nod he gave.
As LePorte rushed to the bench Steve let out a heavy sigh and felt an intense need to leave the room. He turned and took one step toward escape but was immediately stopped by the judge. “Colonel Austin where are you going? I thought I made myself very clear when we started. I have not called a recess to these proceedings and I expect you to refrain from leaving until I do. Please take a seat.” The OSI Agent dropped into his chair.
“Your honor Mr. Austin has given verbal permission to waive doctor/patient confidentiality in order for Dr. Wells to answer the question.”
Rudy stared at Steve who looked like a caged wounded animal who no longer had any fight left in him. Finally Steve offered a short nod in assurance.
“Dr. Wells please describe what Colonel Austin has been going through since you were able to prevent the poison that Dr. Marchetti injected him with, to kill him.”
Steve leaned on the armrest of his chair, his thumb and index finger of his right hand squeezing the bridge of his nose. He didn’t think the day could get any worse but it had, very quickly.
Jaime leaned slightly forward in her chair, anxious to hear what Rudy would say. Oscar, who sat to her right, knew Steve was not allowed on active duty due to medical reasons but Rudy refused to give him any specific details. Finally he would know why his best covert agent was being kept from him. Maybe he would finally know when Steve would be returning to the field.
Rudy cleared his throat and began to explain what the poison had done to Steve’s nervous system.
“It was a fast-acting poison that attacked the central nervous system causing extreme pain. In addition to that it cause the shut down of major systems and organs….Sympathetic nervous system, autonomic nervous system, kidneys, lungs, heart everything. When we were trying to find an antidote for the poison time was not on our side. I chose an unconventional treatment to slow the poison’s progress. I placed the patient in a drug-induced coma. We created the antidote, administered it and then brought him out of the coma. I had hoped that we had been in time and that there hadn’t been much permanent damage done to the nerve cells. As Steve recovered I realized that wasn’t the case.”
“Before you continue doctor…is there any way your drug treatment could have caused the cell damage you are speaking of?” The defense, no doubt, was hoping to ask this very question to show it may not have been the poison that did such damage.
“No. I was working under the direction of Dr. John Geary who is an expert in this field and has done much research for the military.”
“I see. Please continue.”
Another cleansing breath was released before Rudy, glancing at Jaime then at Steve, continued.
“Right now he suffers from constant pain that intensifies throughout the day. Not just a headache or limb pain but overall, full body pain. He has described it to me as shooting pain from every nerve in his body. The more stress he is under, physical or mental, seems to intensify the problem.” There he said it…it was out there…it was over. He allowed his body to relax a bit in the witness chair.
Bruce knew the physician would provide more information for the judge then Steve himself. “Dr. Wells…how has this affected his professional and personal life specifically?” Rudy didn’t know how and in what detail to answer such a question. He hesitated, weighing his options. If he didn’t answer completely would LePorte drag Steve to the stand to answer?
Rudy buying time before answering stole a look at Michael who, for the first time, had a shadow of remorse about him. Dr. Wells almost smirked at the thought that Michael had no problem seeing Steve dead and gone but had some regret that the man might suffer the rest of his life. He absently wonder what happened to the Hippocratic Oath of ‘Do no harm.’
Unable to look at Steve, not that Steve would look up from staring at the floor, Rudy decided to just tell what he knew.
“Colonel Austin is one of the most successful agents in the OSI mostly due to special skills and abilities he possesses. Because of him this country was safer from enemies then it ever was before. Unfortunately I have not been able to medically clear him to return to active duty.”
“But you will in the future?”
“It’s not likely.” At this reply there was a muffled intake of breath from the direction of Jaime’s seat. “Due to the constant pain Steve fatigues very quickly. Sometimes the nature of his assignments requires him to be awake and alert for days on end. In his present condition he must take rest periods on a daily basis. From my research I have learned that if the condition did not resolve on its own by now the prognosis is poor that it ever will.”
Oscar felt Jaime’s hand leave his and looked up to see silent tears sliding down her cheeks. He reached into his breast pocket and retrieved a handkerchief, handing it to her with a small understanding smile. She thanked him with a small smile of her own as well as a nod, noticing his eyes were wet.
“And what about his personal life. Is he going forward with his plans to marry?”
Rudy glared at the man who swiftly began to pace before the bench. He didn’t know where the attorney got his information, obviously he hadn’t left any stone unturned. Guilty eyes fell upon Steve who was now leaning forward with his elbows on his thighs, his head bowed. Rudy couldn’t imagine what he was feeling at this point. His friend had given his permission to reveal his medical condition only…not divulge his romantic life to strangers.
“Dr. Wells?”
“All I can say is that he is no longer engaged to be married.”
“That’s it?”
“Yes.”
“Was it because if his condition continues to worsen and disables him he doesn’t want to be a burden on a wife?”
Jaime’s sucked in a breath and snapped her head to Steve. Was this true? She wondered.
“I don’t recall why he broke off the engagement.”
“Well doctor…you testifies earlier that you knew the man very well. Do you think, in you professional opinion, that this could possibly be THE reason?”
“Yes.”
“So let me just wrap this up…..because of the poison Dr. Marchetti injected into Steve Austin…he is in unrelenting pain which prevents him from continuing a successful career as an agent with the OSI and a happy married life and family. I beg the court to consider this when punishing Michael Marchetti and give him the stiffest sentence possible, if for no other reason then ruining an innocent man’s life.”
“I think you may step down Dr. Wells. I have a lot to consider so I am therefore calling a one hour recess after which time I will hand down my decision.” The bang of the gavel brought everyone instantly to their feet, Steve a little slower then the rest. All he wanted was to go anywhere away from here. He turned and swiftly left the room before Jaime could try to make her way to him. Oscar was shaking Rudy’s hand as the physician saw Steve disappear through the closing door.
Jaime was outwardly emotional after Rudy’s testimony and had many questions. With a compassionate arm around her waist he led the way to a private conference room while Oscar was busy making calls. Once behind closed doors Dr. Wells tried to answer Jaime’s questions the best he could but knew Steve was the only person who could answer them with complete honesty. After Jaime calmed down the doctor walked around the halls in search of Steve, at Jaime’s request. The former astronaut was no where to be found.
The time passed quickly and soon the trio was ushered back to the hearing room. Michael’s attorney felt confident, and told his client so, that the most he expected was a 6 month confinement with time off for good behavior. Everyone was ordered to stand while the judge took his seat then the gallery settled as the judge sifted through his papers. While Michael and his lawyer whispered back a forth Rudy was scouting for Steve who still had not made an appearance. The experienced physician could only guess where he might have gone.
An hour later, after watching Jaime and Oscar leave the parking lot, Rudy noticed Steve’s car still sitting in its space. With a furrowed brow he glanced up and down the street. Making an educated guess he set out to cover the busy city block on foot.
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Steve sat on the stool, shoulders hunched, as the index finger of his left hand slowly swirled the ice in his glass in a clockwise motion. He planned on drinking this one little by little as the previous three, drunk in swift succession, were quickly numbing him from the inside out. It was all in an effort to silence his thoughts that were moving through his head, one right after the other, like linked cars on an endless train. He was so distracted he was unaware of Rudy’s presence until he felt a hand on his shoulder.
Rudy’s eyes adjusted to the dim light and immediately saw the object of his quest. Just inside the door he took a moment to sympathize with his long time friend whose life had been turned upside down by something that was not of his doing. The doctor wondered if Steve would ever get any semblance of his life back. Either way Rudy was determined to help any way he could which would start with getting Steve home. He took a deep breath and moved to the bar.
“Steve…it’s over.” The simple statement was punctuated with a compassionate squeeze of Steve’s shoulder before sliding both his hands into his pants pockets. Steve didn’t move.
“So.” The former astronaut responded knowing it didn’t really change anything for him.
“I thought you’d be happy to know Michael will be paying for what he did to you.”
“For how long?” He asked just before bringing the amber colored drink to his lips.
“The judge gave him 8 years with no chance for parole until 6 are served. The bowed head nodded slightly, without any show of emotion.
“LePorte was pleased. He was expecting less than a year until….well… until you waved confidentiality.”
“So, what, are you trying to say it was worth it?” Slowly Steve turned to face Rudy with a raised brow.
“Maybe it was Steve.” Rudy replied in a low voice.
Steve turned back to his drink, finishing it off in one swig then dropped a twenty dollar bill on the bar.
“How about I give you a ride home?”
Steve offered his friend a weak, half smile and the pair headed to the car.
By the time Rudy got the silent Steve home he was feeling the full effects of his liquid lunch on an empty stomach. Propping the unsteady man near his front door Rudy used his key while Steve tilted his head back against the cool wall and closed his eyes. His suit coat was unbuttoned and tie loosened at the neck. He looked exhausted.
Rudy assisted Steve into the house and straight to his bedroom. The inebriated man dropped heavily onto the side of the bed while Rudy went to get some aspirin and water.
When he returned Steve was leaning forward with his face in his hands. Feeling the bed sink to his left Steve’s head came up and he rested his forearms on his thighs. The heavy sigh he expelled was filled with both frustration and anxiety.
“I’m tired.” The defeated voice said in just above a whisper.
“I know.” Rudy replied. Steve took the glass and swallowed the small white pills.
The blue eyes looked at his friend. “I’m not just talking about physically.”
Rudy responded sincerely. “I know that too.”
There was a moment of silence and the doctor expected Steve had more to say but the semi-retired OSI agent just pulled off his coat. Rudy took the tailored jacket to hang in the closet. When he turned back around he found Steve lying on his back with his head on his pillow and right foot still on the floor. His shirt was completely unbuttoned but his loosened tie was still around his neck.
It was then Rudy decided it was soon time to somehow get Steve and Jaime to talk. He wasn’t sure how but it wasn’t doing Steve any good to avoid the situation. Now that the trial was over there was ample time to handle the challenge.
Rudy moved back to the bed and reached down to undo the knot in the silken fabric before removing it with a gentle tug. He then moved to lift Steve leg onto the bed, putting him in a more comfortable position. Moving onto the end of the bed he began pulling off the black leather dress shoes when the phone rang. Even though it was there on the nightstand the loud noise did not rouse the prone man.
“Austin residence.” Rudy answered it by the second ring.
“Rudy?” The familiar voice of Rudy’s assistant asked.
“Yes, Linda, what is it?”
“There was a special package delivered to the lab just now…from Dr. Geary. I think you need to handle it right away.”
Rudy paused a moment, not wanting to leave Steve right now. “Are you sure it needs my attention now?”
“Well it came packaged in dry ice. I haven’t read the letter that came with it but it says urgent on the envelope.”
Rudy exhaled forcefully. “Alright I’ll be there in a few minutes. Thanks.”
Hanging up the phone he saw Steve was still out. The lab was only a 10 minute drive away and he hoped Steve would sleep until he returned. As he moved through the house the doorbell rang. Opening it he was surprised at visitor on the other side.
“Jaime!”
“Hi Rudy I was hoping to talk with Steve. Is he here?”
Rudy couldn’t help the smile that slowly grew on his lips. “Yes, he is but he’s asleep right now.”
”Oh, well, I can come back later and….”
Rudy reached out and gently pulled her inside as he interrupted her. “Not on your life….”
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Shortly after Rudy left the house Jaime took slow, soft, tentative steps to Steve’s dimly lit bedroom. She stood, a few feet inside the doorway, staring at the man she loved. He was sleeping soundly, evidenced by the steady rise and fall of his tanned bare torso. The young women couldn’t help the sympathy that welled up inside her. She shook the feeling off suspecting that was the exact reason Steve had kept his medical condition a secret from her. Then there was the guilt that haunted her these past weeks. If she had only known what Michael had been up to maybe….just maybe… she could have prevented it.
She moved to the empty side of the bed just as light rain began pattering the window. It was only six in the evening but it had grown dark outside and she was dog tired. Rudy had requested she keep an eye on Steve until he returned and she thought what better place to do that then here.
Carefully Jaime eased her slender form onto the bed without jostling its occupant and settled on her right side, facing her charge with her arms curled under her head. She fought the urge to reach out and stroke the handsome face only inches from her. He was the man of her dreams and she couldn’t accept where they had left things with regards to their relationship and she was willing to fight to save it. The former tennis pro began rehearsing what she would say to Steve when he awoke; playing the difference scenarios and dialogue over and over in her head…what she would say…how he would respond….what her reply would be depending on his response…… Soon her heavy eyelids could not be persuaded to remain open and she dozed off.
As the tired pair slept deeply they never heard the thunderstorm that blew through the city nor were they aware of Rudy checking on them later in the evening. He moved quietly throughout the house and laid a blanket on them both. With a sly grin he left them there and made his silent exit. On his drive home he wished he could be a fly on the wall when they woke up…face to face. He was certain, knowing Jaime as well as he did, that she would not be leaving Steve’s house until they had cleared the air. He knew leaving them as he did was underhanded but also saw it as a step towards resolution for the couple. The doctor would just have to prepare for Steve’s wrath when he saw him the next morning.
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Steve had not moved much all night. Still lying on his back he gradually awoke as the new dawn made its way through the half open window blinds. As he lay there, wanting nothing more than to go back to sleep he remembered the events of the previous day and let out a heavy sigh. Lifting his head just inches off the pillow with his eyes still closed the headache alerted him that all would not be well today. A hang over…just another reason to stay in bed and sleep he told himself.
With his head turned towards his nightstand he opened one eye to check the time…6:30 stared back at him and he let out a soft groan. Turning his head to his left his body tense and his eyes grew wide upon seeing Jaime sleeping next to him. He immediately sunk his head deeper into the pillow not wanting to start his day with a hang over and lengthy interrogation by his former fiancé. And he had no doubt it would be lengthy.
He was stuck…knowing she was a light sleeper and one move from him to exit the bed would wake her. So he lay there feeling trapped, defeated and soon in need of a trip to the bathroom. He closed his eyes for a moment then turned them on her. She was beautiful….so peaceful looking when she slept. He knew she was probably as exhausted as he was after the stress of the trial. He soon got caught up in wishful thinking and heavy regrets…knowing he could have woken up everyday with her sleeping next to him. It was all he ever wanted. He was lost in a myriad of thoughts, staring at the sleeping beauty, when outside a car horn broke the silence and woke her from her slumber. Steve froze.
The brown head immediately moved to gaze unfocused at the ceiling. He instantly considered feigning sleep but knew she had already seen his eyes open.
“Steve?” Her soft voice wafted across the bed. “Steve, please look at me.”
The pleading words caused Steve to pull himself swiftly into a sitting position on the side of the bed, the throbbing of his head keeping time with his heavy heart. “Jaime…please, not now.”
Remembering Rudy’s description of Steve’s inebriated state when he brought him home Jaime completely understood. She watched as he got slowly to his feet and headed to the bathroom. “Alright….I’ll make you some breakfast.”
Steve stopped and turned. “Jaime please… just go home. I don’t need a babysitter and I can make my own breakfast.” His words were said more sternly than he had wanted but hoped it got his message across….he didn’t want her here right now. Without waiting for an answer he entered the bathroom and closed the door hoping a hot shower would clear his head.
Jaime, already familiar with the Austin stubbornness was not ready to concede. She stepped out to the kitchen and put on a pot of coffee then returned to the room. For a moment she had an idea of locking both of them in the small bathroom until she had her say but knew only one bionic kick and the door would be open. Sighing she settled back on the bed and waited as she heard the shower turning on.
Assuming Jaime had taken his firm request to leave Steve stepped out of his bathroom wearing nothing but a towel. He was surprised and annoyed that Jaime was still there, lying back on the pillows, lost in deep thought, absently twirling a section of her long hair around her finger. “Jaime!” He was glad his covering was wrapped securely around his narrow waist
“Steve, we need to talk.” She stated without preamble as she came to a sitting position facing him.
With a slight negative shake of his head, which he quickly regretted when the headache grew, he replied rather casually. “There’s nothing to talk about Jaime. Now would you please leave so I can get dressed?”
The young woman would not be deterred. “And if I don’t?”
Steve let out a sigh. “Then I’ll get dressed with you here but I still won’t discuss what you have in mind.”
“Fine.” She said curtly and moved out of the room.
Steve shut the bedroom door behind her and began unhurriedly gathering his clothes.
Jaime poured two cups of the strong dark brew and sipped hers as she waited patiently. Getting comfortable at the kitchen table she was more than a little determined to talk to Steve and she wasn’t leaving until she did. She could easily match his stubbornness.
After many long minutes Steve finally entered the kitchen barefooted, wearing jeans with his shirt unbuttoned, his hair damp and tousled. He raised a brow at her blue eyes that stared out over the rim of her cup as she drank. He began making some toast and she silently waited.
When he saw the poured coffee she had placed on the counter for him his annoyance rose. “Did you drive yourself over here or did Rudy bring you?” He was beginning to wonder if this was the doctor’s setup.
“Steve I came over last night to talk to you.” She explained as she sat back in her seat at the table.
”Oh yea, talk, I almost forgot….you haven’t mentioned it in the last few minutes.” He stated as he retrieved butter and jam from the refrigerator.
Jaime slammed her cup down on the table hard, not enough to break it but enough to get the avoiding male’s attention. “Steve I am not leaving here until we talk so you might as well have a seat.”
Steve eyed her from where he stood. She was angry and he was aware of it but didn’t care. He knew he was doing the right thing…protecting her. If that meant making her angry with him so be it. “Jaime I don’t think there’s anything more to say.”
Jaime got to her feet and moved towards him. She leaned on the high counter that was positioned between them. “I think there is. Why didn’t you tell me what was happening to you? I can’t believe you would let that come between us. I thought I meant more to you then that.” She took a few calming breaths not allowing her frustration to take over. “If you would just…just let me help you. Maybe this isn’t as bad as you are making it out to be.”
Steve turned away and prepared his toast, not responding to her questions. He didn’t see her shift her weight and roll her eyes at the formidable brick wall that sat between them…. A wall Steve had constructed all on his own. She let out a sigh, her mind moving quickly on the fastest way to get through to him. After all, the wall he had placed between them was tall but then again she was bionic. As he busied himself putting the butter and jam away in an effort to avoid looking at her she held a small smile in check.
“Steve if I hadn’t been made bionic after my skydiving accident would you’ve stayed with me?” She asked firmly not really expecting a verbal response. She didn’t need one since she already knew the answer. Steve spun around with a look that would stop anyone in their tracks to think twice before engaging him further. She had seen the look before…usually directed at someone other than her. It didn’t matter…she wasn’t budging. “I’ll take your silence as a no then.” She stated softly with a hint of sadness.
Steely blue eyes locked on her seemingly innocent face. He knew what she was implying and wouldn’t give into her amateur psychology. Suddenly not hungry he moved around her, abandoning his insignificant breakfast on the counter.
Jaime stood still, letting him pass without hindrance. She had hit her mark dead on. The female operative was confident it would be enough to get him talking. She watched carefully as he moved to the doorway of the kitchen and stop. His shoulders slumped but moving with the long exhale he slowly let go. He didn’t turn around to speak.
“You know I would have stayed but this situation is totally different. I love you but I can’t put you through this.” His voice was barely audible but laden with emotion.
She stepped closer, within two feet of him, but fought the strong urge to reach out to him, touch him, hold him. “Steve please let me help you.”
Again he stood with his back to her. “If you want to help me……” He took a deep breath before finishing. Hopeful she stood waiting…ready…to provide whatever help he was about to ask for. “Please just leave.” As soon as the last word left his lips he was moving away from her. She stood as if he had struck her. It was then the phone broke the tension that filled the silent space between them.
Steve reached the phone in the family room in three rings and answered it.
“Steve? It’s Rudy.”
“What is it?” He said more harshly than he intended. The hurt and sadness that he was trying to keep at bay was bursting forth as anger.
“I need to see you at the medical center as soon as possible.”
“What for?”
“I’ll explain when you get here…say in an hour? Make sure you bring some workout clothes.”
Steve turned and looked towards the kitchen in time to see the door closing. Jaime was gone. “Sure I’ll be there.” He hung up the phone and went to finish making himself presentable.
Steve sat, dressed in tennis shorts and a zippered sweat suit jacket, with an elbow propped on the table. With his eyes closed his thumb and index finger moved inward and outward across his forehead in an attempt to lessen his headache. No matter how he tried he couldn’t get the last few minutes of his conversation with Jaime to leave his thoughts.
He still wasn’t sure why he had been summoned to the medical center. Upon his arrival Linda, Rudy’s assistant, requested he change clothes and wait for Rudy to return. So here he sat….Jaime’s words echoing in his head.
A few moments later a tray of food that was set down in front of him startled him. He looked at the doctor as his stomach did flips in protest to the aroma.
“Eat. You look like hell and you are going to need the energy.” Rudy stood, leaning against the table, waiting for his friend to follow his instructions.
The blue eyes scanned the food….a turkey sandwich, some milk and an apple. Steve didn’t want to appear ungrateful but he also didn’t want to have his stomach revolt after his alcohol binge the previous day. He looked up at his long time friend, standing to his right, and opened his mouth to respond but before he said anything Rudy’s stern look, complete with arms being folded at his chest, told Steve it was not an argument he wanted to have.
“So did you and Jaime get a chance to talk yet?”
Steve didn’t bother to look up as he opened the milk carton. “Yeah…you could say that.”
“Wanna talk about it?”
“Not really.” Steve replied and his thoughts were back on Jaime’s words. He wished he had savored the days they spent together… made the most of their time…but he didn’t because he thought they would have forever and now… He wondered what she would do if she ever did see him at his worse…maybe then she would realize he was not the man to marry. He recalled almost giving in when she confronted him in his kitchen. It would be so easy to just say…yeah, okay, lets get married but could he live with himself if her life was not lived to its fullest because of him?
With a heavy sigh the former astronaut took a tentative bite of the sandwich. As he slowly chewed and swallowed the scientist took a seat. “So what’s this all about?” Steve asked as he picked up the carton of milk which he hoped might coat his angry stomach.
“I received a package from Dr. Geary last night.” Rudy replied as he watched Steve continue to force down the light lunch, listening to his every word. “This could be it Steve.”
The weight of those simple words caused Steve to look up with a puzzled and hopeful expression, his food instantly forgotten. Rudy continued to explain, “He put together a drug treatment…..it’s in the freezer.”
“Freezer?” Now Steve was confused.
Rudy nodded. “It’s a combination of drugs. In the low temperature they remain inert and don’t chemically interact until we are ready to use them. It’s highly experimental but right now it’s all we’ve got.”
Steve became lost in thought for a moment. He already knew, after discussions with Rudy, that with every episode of pain he had his nerve cells were possible being permanently damaged due to the nerve receptors being over-stimulated. He had to try anything if he wanted a shot at getting his life back.
“So what do we need to do? And why the workout clothes?”
“That’s the downside. There is only one dose of the treatment. Dr. Geary put it together with synthetic drugs he created. For the greatest chance of success, according to Geary, we need to overstress you whole system….push it beyond its limits until….”
“Until what?”
“Until the pain receptors are severely over-stimulated. Then we give you the IV drugs which, if all goes well, will saturate every receptor.”
“Sort of like dropping water from a chopper onto a forest fire.”
“Exactly. If it goes well there will be a chance the cells will return to their normal physiology.”
“Let’s do it.” Steve got to his feet ready to take on his unseen adversary.
“Steve, this may make your worse day so far feel like your best.” Steve nodded his understanding. “but just keep in mind the more pain receptors firing the more receptive they will be to the drug treatment.”
“Let’s get started.”
“Alright.” Rudy led the way to the lab. “First we need to physically overwork you.”
Steve shot his friend a lopsided grin. “Isn’t that going to be little difficult with the bionics.”
Rudy returned his smirk. “Not with what I have in mind.”
Steve noted the challenging tone and countered with a raised brow. “I’m sure I can take whatever you can dish out Doctor.”
So it began, Steve was rotated through a series of exercises. Starting with 50 left handed push-ups followed immediately by 50 left handed chin-ups and ended with 50 sit-ups. Then the three part series began again.
Steve was determined not to quit until Rudy called a halt to the workout. An hour into their so-called treatment Steve was on his fifth series. He was sweating and his breathing was short. Removing his jacket he dropped to the floor mat to complete the sit-ups.
Rudy had to admit Steve had surprised him. He knew Steve was in shape but was never sure how much of that was from his bionics. With those out of the equation this was a true test of his human endurance. He smiled as Steve went from one exercise to the next without a rest. He allowed his patient to self monitor the pain level but reserved the right to end the workout if Steve was beyond his limits. It wasn’t long into the second hour that Rudy noticed a change in his patient’s demeanor and stopped the session while Steve was struggling on the last few chin-ups. “Steve I think that’s it.”
At that point Steve was so overwhelmed with pain that he didn’t hear the request. Rudy had to physically pull the left hand from the bar. Steve blinked a few times trying to focus on the blurry image before him.
“Steve?” Rudy called out with concern. Perspiration trickled down Steve’s face but his body shivered. “Steve?” Rudy placed his hands on Steve’s shoulders and helped him to a chair. The signs of shock were obvious.
“Cold.” Steve mumbled.
Linda immediately handed Rudy Steve’s jacket from the chair and the doctor helped him put it on while Steve closed his eyes trying to get control over his body. His breathing remained rapid and shallow.
“Linda, help me get him to the room.” With Linda on his right and Rudy on his left Steve got to his feet and moved slowly out the door. The patient was slightly confused but cooperative.
When the made it to the hallway they ran into Jaime who had come by to talk with Rudy. Her tear-stained face looked on in shock. She had never seen Steve in such bad shape before. Steve, not being in complete control of his faculties, looked at her and muttered angrily. “Is this what you wanted to see?”
Jaime watched from the door as Rudy assisted a stiff-moving Steve onto the bed, mindful to remove his jacket in order to administer the IV which Linda had gone to get. The doctor noted the clenched jaw muscles as his silent patient struggled with the intense pain. When Steve was finally lying down in the bed his body was revolting and his breathing was shallow and fast. He kept his eyes tightly closed, attempting to will the pain to lessen just a bit so he could take a deep breath.
Rudy pulled the blankets up quickly to prevent shock from setting in completely. He was efficiently taking a set of vitals when Linda arrived with the drug treatment, already warmed to the optimal temperature.
“Here it is Rudy.”
”Thanks Linda.” Rudy hung the bottle from the stainless steel hook on the pole while his patient was trying to calm his body’s uncontrollable reaction to the exercise.
“How is he?” Linda asked knowing Jaime was desperate to know and, from the shocked expression on her face by the door, wouldn’t ask.
“He’s hanging in…Steve I’m giving you a mild sedative to help with the pain. Dr. Geary said it wouldn’t interfere with the treatment. Just try to relax and get you breathing under control.”
Steve, with his eyes still tightly shut, just nodded, beads of perspiration trickled down his face. His teeth pressed tight together as every nerve in his body screamed in protest.
The IV was inserted, secured with white tape and Rudy swiftly added the sedative to the clear tubing. He waited and watched for several minutes that, to him, seemed like hours. Steve’s jaw gradually relaxed, his limbs fell slack and finally his head rolled slightly to the side as it sunk deeper into the pillow below it. It was only then that Rudy finally took a deep breath and sighed heavily. He wiped a hand over his face, his body feeling the stress of the past few hours.
Before moving away from the bed he placed a hand on Steve’s shoulder and mumbled a few words that only Jaime picked up with her sensitive hearing. “I’m sorry Steve. I wish there was another option.” Turning to leave, he noticed Jaime had already gone. He felt he needed to explain to her what was going on so she would understand Steve’s mood when she first came upon them.
smdmsmdmsmdmsmdmsmdmsmdmsmdmsmdmsmdm
For the next few hours the scientist moved between his office and his patient’s room every 15 minutes to check the progress of the treatment. He was given a list of signs to look for that might indicate complications such as fever, muscle rigidity and seizures. He prayed Steve was through the worst of it and it would be smooth sailing from here. After all his friend had been through he didn’t feel it was too much to ask.
Pushing the door open he was surprised to see Jaime sitting on a chair at the bedside, leaning forwards on the bed with her head on her folded arms. He stepped quietly to the opposite side to check the muscle tone of Steve’s left arm. He was glad to find it loose and relaxed as he moved each joint through a full range of motion. Looking down he was concerned at the flushed cheeks that were a contrast to the paler face. One hand on his patient’s face and he knew the fever had arrived.
“Damn.” He whispered but loud enough to wake Jaime from her light dozing.
”What is it Rudy?”
“He’s developing a fever.” At that moment Linda entered. “Linda, would you please grab some towels, rubbing alcohol and a basin of cold water? Maybe we can stop it before it gets worse.” With nothing more than a nod she turned and went about her mission.
The brown eyes moved back to Jaime. “You look like you could use some decent sleep.”
“Later.” She replied and stood to stretch. He watched her as she gazed upon the still form in the bed. He wavered on whether to broach the subject of her and Steve’s relationship.
“I understand you and Steve got a chance to talk this morning.”
“Yeah….unfortunately not much came out of it.” She shrugged. “It would seem his stubborn streak is bionic too. Was that your doing?” She teased.
Rudy chuckled lightly. “I’m afraid I can’t and won’t take credit for that. You’ll have to speak to Helen.”
Linda returned with items in hand. “Here, Rudy. Would you like some help?”
“No thanks Linda. I can handle it.” She smiled and left to attend to her other duties.
Suddenly Jaime spoke up. “Let me do that Rudy. I’m sure you have other things to do.”
Rudy stared at her with indecision. He knew Steve would be upset to learn Jaime had cared for him while he was sick. Then again he was Steve’s doctor and had to admit it might be good medicine. “Alright.” He answered as he placed the basin on the table and added the alcohol while Jaime made her way to the left side of the bed. “Are you sure?”
Jaime gave him a small smile. “Rudy, Steve may want me out of his life but I’m afraid I’m not going anywhere. He thinks he is doing this for my happiness but what he doesn’t realize is I could never be happy without him….whether this treatment works or not.”
Rudy tried to hide his smile but it grew. “That’s good to know.” He stated simply. Moving to the door he stopped with his hand on the knob. “You may have some explaining to do if he comes to.” He winked. “I’ll be back in a few hours.”
She returned the wink and set out to care for the man she loved. She pulled the blankets down to the waistband of his shorts and began moving the moist towel across his face, neck, chest and abdomen. “I’m afraid you aren’t getting rid of me that easily Colonel Austin.” She whispered softly.
As promised the dedicated physician returned to his patient’s room. Steve’s hair was soaked from the perspiration that exited his skin in a futile effort to cool his burning flesh. Jaime had laboriously continued to use the cool water and towels to ease his discomfort. Occasionally he mumbled her name but she was sure he hadn’t been conscious enough to know she was even there. But hearing her name leave his lips was enough to warm her heart.
Rudy didn’t like the heat coming off Steve’s body…a heat he could feel before he even touched him. He exhaled slowly, not sure if Steve’s body was up for the fight it was now waging. Looking over at the substitute nurse he frowned at the tired face.
”Jaime why don’t you go rest in my office, I want to stay with him for awhile.” He was surprised when she didn’t argue, but soon realized she might be at her limit too. It was always hard to see a loved one suffer so much.
“Alright.” She said quietly before leaning down to caress the handsome still face of her former fiancé. “Call me if anything changes.”
“I promise.”
After the door shut Rudy settled in for the vigil, worried that a seizure might occur. The fever rose to 103 degrees before it finally broke which eased his tension. He fell asleep at the bedside soon after assuring himself Steve was out of danger.
Just before dawn he awoke with a startle, not sure what had caused it. Coming to stand and stretching in one fluid motion he stifled a yawn before checking Steve over and finding him becoming restless.
The blue eyes cracked open and Rudy smiled in relief. “It’s about time you woke up.” He stated softly.
“Where’s Jaime?” He asked in a groggy voice wondering why he thought she was there with him.
“She’s not here Steve.”
“Yes she is…..heard her talking….”
Rudy realized what Steve was referring to. “That was hours ago. She was here…taking care of you.”
”Care… of… me?”
“You were running a high fever and she stayed with you through most of the night trying to help lower it.” He saw the blue color enlarge slightly in surprise. “That’s right Steve. She wanted to be here with you……helping you through this.”
Steve let out a sigh as his eyes closed. He was exhausted and just wanted to sleep forever. Rudy saw him drift off within seconds. Maybe his words would make Steve see Jaime was strong enough to handle what might come.
After one final stretch Rudy headed out in search of any caffeinated beverage that was available and some food. Now his mind was preoccupied with whether the treatment did what they had hoped.
When he passed his office he was surprised to see only Linda at her desk. He gave her a quick update then inquired as to Jaime’s whereabouts. He was told she went home but would be returning soon. So Rudy went about starting his day.
A few hours later he found Jaime in Steve’s room. He entered and greeted her with the good news of the fever breaking. She was elated but concerned.
”How long will the sedative last?”
“The sedative I gave him was only strong enough for a few hours at the most.” His head nodded to the slumbering patient. “Right now he is just sleeping… a very deep and hopefully healing sleep. I’m afraid what we did took everything out of him.”
Jaime nodded as her eyes fell back on the peaceful face. There was a long silence while Rudy checked Steve over then settled into the chair across the bed. Jaime was puzzled and Rudy immediately answered her silent question.
“I think he’ll be awake soon so I thought I’d stay.” There were a few things he wanted to talk to Jaime about and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.
She repositioned herself in her chair. “So do you think it worked?”
“I’m afraid we won’t know that for a few weeks.”
“I see.” The silence fell once again and Jaime began staring at the stack of envelopes she had sitting on her lap. The three inch pile was held together by a tan rubber band. They had sat on her side table at home for weeks. Every one thrown onto the pile as it arrived. None of them were opened.
“Are those what I think they are?” The doctor asked seeing glimpse of familiar handwriting. He had been told by Oscar what was going on after the director was informed by the Prosecutor.
Jaime nodded. “How many did he send you?”
“About one a week since he was arrested.” Her eyes slowly came up from the stack and she looked Rudy in the eye. “I haven’t opened any of them. In fact I don’t know if I even want to know what is in them.”
Rudy tried to look on the bright side. “That’s your choice but maybe he wants to apologize.”
“It doesn’t matter. Nothing he can say or do can ever make me forgive him for what he did to Steve. Nothing.”
smdmsmdmsmdmsmdmsmdmsmdmsmdmsmdmsmdm
Steve was at peace in his warm cocoon enjoying the respite his sleep offered. He didn’t know how long he had been dreaming but he did know he didn’t want the dream to end. He was happy and in love. He saw the house where he and Jaime began their lives together complete with horses and a lush green lawn. She was there with him, in his arms and everything felt so right it warmed his heart. They lay together sharing a large hammock that was tied between to large shade trees. Off in the distance three horses frolicked in the meadow, the light breeze wafting through their tails.
The slow rocking back and forth cause by his one foot on the ground lulled him into an even deeper sleep. He rolled his head to the side and placed a kiss on Jaime’s head, inhaling the flowery scent of her blonde hair as she lay in the crook of his arm. He felt her breathe deeply and let out a contented sigh before pressing closer to him. In that one moment he had everything he ever wanted. For several minutes they moved with the breeze. Steve kept his eyes closed not wanting to risk having the scene vanish into nothingness. He heard her voice softly call to him but he didn’t want to ruin such a perfect memory. Again she called him and he sighed.
“Steve?” He felt a gentle hand on his face causing him to reluctantly open his eyes.
He blinked a few times to rid himself of the blurriness and slowly her angelic face came into focus. He knew he was lying down and for an instant he thought he was still there on the hammock with her in his arms.
Rudy’s low voice brought him to the realization of where he was. Unfortunately the how and why were still a bit hazy.
“What’s going on?” The raspy voice didn’t even sound like his.
“The treatment is over Steve. Do you remember?”
Steve took a deep breath. “Not really. The last thing I remember was coming here and starting to workout.”
“Well you did and after two hours….well….things went downhill quickly.”
“What do you mean?”
“Let’s just say we found your limit and then some. You were in so much pain you almost went into shock. Linda and I walked you over here and put you to bed, started the treatment and then you slept all night.”
Jaime smiled. “How do you feel?”
At first Steve didn’t answer, remembering where the two of them stood. Why couldn’t she just move on without him? Rudy felt the tension immediately and excuse himself.
“Well…I’ll check back with you later Steve.”
Before Steve could plea for him to stay the doctor was gone. He laid his head back and tried to recapture the feeling from his dream….serenity.
Jaime perched herself on the edge of the bed. “Now that I got you captive I think you need to hear what I have to say.” Steve tried to speak but her slender fingers on his lips prevented that.
“Steve I know why you are pushing me away but I want you to know…well…that there is no way I can ever be happy if you are not in my life. I love you Steve and I want us to be together. I know that is impossible unless you want the same thing. So if you can give me one, just one, valid reason besides your illness for us not to get married then I will walk away. If you can’t then I want to be with you….to be your wife.”
Steve looked her in the eye and saw the love and devotion she had for him and also the fight she still had in her to try and change his mind. It was ironic really that all he wanted was for her to be his wife. He thought a few minutes…..picturing the horses, the hammock, and the woman he loved lying next to him not just for a day but always. Having her face be the first thing he would see every morning and the last thing he would see at night.
She knew it was very difficult for him to think he was putting his needs or wants above others. But in this situation it wasn’t the case. They both wanted and needed the same thing…..each other. She watched as his heart waged battle with his head so she added, “What if we were already married? Would you still want me to leave?”
“No, of course not.” He stated in a low soft voice. “But we aren’t married yet….this is…this is a chance for you…for you to…..” He couldn’t find the right words to finish his thought so Jaime did it for him.
“Escape? Is that the word you are searching for?” She locked eyes with him with a serious expression on her face that was one mixed with hurt and anger. “Steve I don’t WANT an escape.
“Jaime what if this didn’t work? I mean what if….”
”Stop it!” She glared at him. “Don’t you understand? I don’t care if this worked or not. That doesn’t effect how I feel about you just like my accident wouldn’t have changed your feelings for me. And if its pity you’re worried about well… I’ve got news for you…I will be pushing you harder than Rudy.” She gave him a smirk. Her voice softened. “Steve I would never confuse pity with love.”
Steve broke off eye contact and stared at his hands. “So you really want to stay with me?” After a silent moment he risked a glance upward with a raised brow. Jaime nodded sincerely, holding her breath as he considered the situation further. “Till death do us part?” His lopsided smiled melted her heart.
Her nod became more animated and she smiled brightly, her eyes filling with tears. “Til death do us part.”
Epilogue
He meticulously washed and rinsed his hands before pulling three paper towels from the dispenser and using them the dry his hands. Just as he tossed the crumpled ball into the trashcan he heard the authoritative voice.
”Doc!”
Michael Marchetti looked up at the large prison guard as he entered the prison’s poor excuse for a medical clinic.
“Mail Call Doc.” The taller man slowly lowered his head and looked at the sealed enveloped in the offered hand. “Maybe she finally wrote back Doc…after all this time.”
As the brown eyes came up a small tentative smile graced the thin lips. Could it be… after all this time???? He thought as the anticipation grew.
“Well aren’t you going to open it?” The guard asked knowing Michael had been writing to a lady friend. Every week he would collect the outgoing mail from the prisoners and every week there would be a letter addressed to a woman named Jaime. The guard felt bad for the skilled doctor who was on his sixth month of imprisonment. Every day at mail call the prisoner would inquire about any letters from said woman. There never was one. When informed of the lack of mail Michael would retire to his bunk, stretch out and stare at the ceiling. The guard had always wondered who this woman was.
Michael turned the bulging envelope over, its flap already loosened by the guards to check for illegal drugs and the like. Michael’s was joy almost uncontrollable seeing the elegant cursive script. He looked at the guard again. “I think I’ll take this back to my cell and open it.”
“I was just coming by to escort you back. Are you finished here?”
“Yes, I’m finished.” The physician stated in a monotone after looking around his work environment since being sent here.
The prisoner walked two feet ahead of the guard to the second floor and down the hallway ending at the fifth cell on the right. Michael stepped in and the guard signaled for the cell to be locked. “I hope it’s what you’ve been waiting for.”
Michael just nodded silently and dropped onto his bunk. He waited a few moments until the guard left before proceeding. With his heart pounding against his ribs he slowly opened the envelope. Pulling out a stack of letters that held his handwriting along with a piece of pink stationary which he carefully unfolded the one page missive and began to read.
Michael,
I am writing this after months of indecision. Enclosed you will find your letters…all unopened. I’m sorry I could not bring myself to read even a single one. I still cannot get past what you did to Steve and therefore have yet to find any forgiveness in my heart.
I thought I knew you Michael but I was mistaken. Inside you have a cold heart. You assumed anything you wanted was yours for the taking. I am writing now to tell you that is not true. I was never one to be taken.
If you hold any feelings for me then please just let me go…forget all about me and let go of your jealousy of Steve. He is not the reason I have sent you this letter. Be assured Steve does not even know of these letters or your attempts to contact me through your attorney.
The only reason I took the time to even respond to your mailings after all these months was because I am slowly forgiving myself for what transpired and wanting to put this whole situation behind me. I am only able to do that now because Steve has fully recovered and has returned to his active life. I cannot say when I will find any forgiveness for you.
Goodbye Michael,
Jaime Austin.
THE END
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