by Mary T. Kalnin
 

"Hi, Steve, coffee's ready. I made a couple of toast for you. Want anything else?"

"No, dad." Steve took a deep breath and continued: "Well, this day will be worse than Monday. What I have to say is, is …"

"Is what, Steve? Finish it. I want to …"

"Help, I know. I know that it's hard enough for you to hold back during this time, and I don't make it any easier when I start to say something and then suddenly stop."

"You do understand. It becomes increasingly difficult not to ask, every time that you do this. I can pass this time, but one day I won't be able to let it rest. I hope that you can remember this conversation when it happens."

"I will." Steve looked at his watch and read 7:00 a.m. "Let's go, dad."

They left for the hospital, Mark in his car and Steve in his truck. As he followed his father to Community General, he wondered if he'd be able to drive home. Well, he had all day to recover and he could probably sleep in the lounge if things were that bad. No, he would not worry about today; Dr. Martines said that she would be on his side; she wouldn't let him drown in the memories. He pulled into the hospital parking lot behind his father and they entered together. It was quiet in the ER, so they went up to the lounge and grabbed some coffee. Mark donned his lab coat and sat. Soon Jesse and Amanda came in.

Amanda started the conversation: "Hi, Steve, are you OK?"

"Hi, Amanda. OK but not great, but I won't be great for quite some time. Dad's going to grab some sandwiches from Bob's for lunch today. That OK with everybody?"

Jesse answered: "Yes, it's great. Have you been jogging?"

"Running mostly. I ran a little too far the first day, but walked back. I run a little farther every day and my stamina is starting to build up."

"Good, just be sensible about it." Jesse then put on his best doctor's manner and continued: "Your doctor has spoken."

"Yeah," replied Steve, "he speaks a lot."

Jesse and Mark were paged to the ER just at that moment, and Steve waved: "Bye, guys, I'll probably be gone before you get back."

Amanda stayed and questioned: "Mark said that you went back to the restaurant. How is it doing?"

"Well, it seems that we've picked up some new customers. Two families come in at least twice a week for dinner. One of them is a retired cop from North Dakota, who came West. They started coming in because of the kidnapping-they felt that helping to keep the business afloat was what they could do to help me. Now they come in because they like the ribs. Kevin told me that some people come in for the sideshow effect-hoping to see me, I guess, but I haven't seen too much of that. Maybe the attraction will pass. I sure as hell can't be a roadside attraction." Then, with sadness in his eyes and softness in his voice, Steve continued: "That would really drive me into the ground."

Amanda picked up his hand and said: "Steve, shall I stay until you have to go?"

"I would like it, but I probably won't talk much."

"That doesn't matter."

They spent about an hour in the lounge until Amanda's beeper went off. She went to the phone and dialed the dispatcher. "Amanda Bentley, here. What is it and where?" The voice sent her to a murder at a strip mall in west Los Angeles. As she picked up her gear and left, she and Steve waved. Now he was alone and it was 8:30. He picked up a magazine and, before he realized it, it was 8:55. He left the lounge and headed for Dr. Martines' office.

As he opened the door, Eva Jackson looked up from her work and greeted him warmly:

"Good morning, Lt. Sloan. Dr. Martines is in her office. Go right in."

"Thanks, Ms. Jackson." He walked to the inner office door, took another deep breath and entered."

"Good morning, Steve. Come in and sit. How have you been since Monday? By the way, your father didn't call."

"The week went pretty well. It was kind of hard at night, but during the day I went back to the restaurant. It helped a lot. We've snagged a few new customers who originally came because Bob's is my restaurant, but liked the food enough to stay. After I spoke with dad and my friends on Monday, I thought that he might not call. They're willing to play this my way, at least for now. I've promised that they will understand. The time just has to be right, and it isn't yet."

"Steve, what are you waiting for?"

"A couple of things. First, the ability to tell you what I have to tell them. When I finally do get to that little tale, it should be quite a show. You might want to sell tickets."

"Steve, what brought that on? I've not treated you differently than I told you I would. Why are you snapping at me?"

"Because, because all of you think that just talking about it is all that I need. Dad thinks that I should be able to talk to him, to confide in him. There, there are other things, things you don't understand …"

With that, Steve lost control of himself; he ran out of the office and half way down the hall. Dr. Martines followed him out, and saw him leaning with his head against the wall. She went to him, put her arm on his shoulder, turned him toward her, and escorted him back to her office. Eva brought two cups of tea and then left them. Steve looked up and said:

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you. It's no excuse, but I just couldn't help it."

"I know. You're not the first to have done it and you won't be the last. Do I sense that we're getting to the really painful part of this?"

"We're getting there. When they finally left me, I didn't know when they'd come back. Would it be soon? What would they do next? I had a long time to wait and wonder. Keeping you waiting makes everything worse. You can only dread what will happen and the dread brings you down, almost faster than the beatings. They came in again and started kicking. However, they must have ticked off the ringleader because he cracked a whip and they stopped. I thought he was going to use it on me, but he never did. He used it as a signal. Two of the flunkies picked me up and shoved me against a wall, while the third forced more bread and water down my throat. Then they left again, leaving me to wonder what would happen next, and when."

Steve arose and went to the window. Dr. Martines watched and waited, but he said nothing. She was just about to prod him, when her telephone buzzed. She picked it up and said that she would be right out. Steve looked around and said:

"Are we through? It didn't seem like three hours."

"It isn't. I just have to answer this. It's another doctor and he's demanding that Eva put him through."

Suddenly she noticed a fear in Steve's eyes that she'd not seen before, and he said:

"Dr. Martines, are you leaving? What happens now?"

"I'm not leaving. I'm just going to use the phone in the outer office. When I finish the call, I'm going to leave you alone for about five minutes, but I will be back. I want you to finish your tea and rest. Then we'll continue."

"All right. I guess I'm losing it, huh?"

"Not as much as some others. I see signs of terror in your eyes, but you're staying remarkably calm."

"And that worries you. You're afraid that I'm keeping something back."

"A little, but I'm not that worried now. We've just started."

"I'm not really. What I truly dread talking about hasn't happened yet. I'm trying to take it as it happened. The cop in me, I suppose." He smiled, as did she.

She stepped into her outer office and picked up the phone. "I can't come now. I'm with a patient. If necessary, keep your patient in restraints and I'll see her when I'm free." In obvious answer to the other person she repeated: "No. I will not leave my patient. You know that. Good-bye." She hung up and sat for about five minutes. Dr. Martines then arose, got another cup of tea for Steve and went back into her office. As she had hoped, he was much calmer. She handed him the second cup of tea and sat opposite him. He started to talk again.

***********************************************

During the time that Steve was in Dr. Martines' office, Mark and Jesse were quite busy in the ER. The dust had finally settled, as the victims of three accidents were treated and either admitted or sent on their way. Jesse, Mark and Susan decided that they badly needed a break. With the usual orders to page them if there was trouble, they went up the lounge. As they sat, they started to talk again about the case. Whenever they weren't busy, that seemed to be the only topic of conversation among them. As they were sitting, Mark sneezed. He reached into his lab coat pocket for a tissue and pulled out a card. He looked at it and asked:

"Do you know what this is? It was in my lab coat. All it says on it is 'Pest Control.'"

"Let me see it," said Jesse. Mark handed it to him and he looked at it. "Doesn't ring a bell." Susan took it and looked at it. She was about to give it back when she took another look. She looked at Mark and finally remembered something:

"Mark, I think you picked this up the night that Steve was tossed into the ER. In fact, I think that it was attached to the rock that they threw at Steve's face."

Mark took the card again and gazed at it. "You're right, Susan. That is exactly where I got it. I wonder what it means. Pest Control. I don't get it."

They sat in thought for about five minutes, and then were paged again. Mark put the card back into his pocket and said: "We'll come back to this later."

They returned to the ER to find victims of a neighborhood natural gas explosion. Would people never learn to check the location of the pipes? Mark and Jesse started to treat the wounded, and their thoughts of Steve and the case vanished.

***************************************************

"Let's see. I think that I left off with my incredibly nourishing meal. They left me alone for quite a while again. When they came back, they cuffed me to the door handle again. Then they started in with their fists. I was getting a little weak, when one of them kicked me in the abdomen, and I wondered what else they'd get. That seemed to satisfy them and they stopped. They stepped away from me and lit cigarettes. It was pretty obvious what was coming next, and it did. They burned my chest and seemed to enjoy it. Finally the boss cracked the whip again and they put out the cigarettes. I wondered how long it would be before they did it again. Then they left."

"Steve, I know that you've said you lost all sense of time, but is there no clue when any of this happened?"

"No. I remember falling asleep for awhile, but I have no idea how long. The next thing that I remember is hearing dad's voice. I was still groggy, so I couldn't quite hear what he was saying, but I was sure that he was there, that they'd found me. I managed to get into a sitting position and the door opened. Then I couldn't hear any more. They came back in and started kicking me again. Then a few more burns and they left me alone."

Steve got up to move around again and Dr. Martines questioned:

"Steve, do you want to stop for today?"

"Why, is it past time?"

"No, we have another hour, but we'll go as long as you wish."

"Let me take a break and I'll tell you afterwards. Would you like to go see that other patient?"

"Absolutely not. I have all the time in the world."

Steve stared out the window for about three minutes and then turned to her.

"Let's call it off for today. In order to get it out, I have to start what comes next and not stop. It's really that bad."

"Are we getting to the core of what troubles you?"

"Yes. I want to prepare myself for this. Does that make sense?"

"Of course. Let's see, when do you want to come back?"

"Do you have time on Monday, I want to get this out. If I don't do it soon, I'm afraid that I won't."

Dr. Martines opened her appointment book and saw that Monday morning was open, and she replied: "Steve, I have all of Monday morning. 9:00 again?"

"Fine. Thanks very much. Good-bye."

"Good-bye. Take care this weekend."

He left the office and went to find his father in the lounge. Mark and Jesse were still attending to the victims of the explosion so he lay on the couch, intending just to shut his eyes. He fell asleep. It was 11:45 when Jesse entered the lounge. Just as he noticed Steve and went to wake him, Steve had a nightmare. He cried out in his sleep: "No, dad, you can't mean that. No. No."

Jesse was quickly at his side and shook him awake. "Steve, what's wrong? You just had a beauty of a nightmare. What happened?"

"I was re-living the kidnapping. I got into some really ugly stuff today. Something even worse is coming Monday. I think that dad's nightmares are setting in. Sometimes I wonder if I'd be having them if I'd just kept this buried inside."

"I tried it once when I was a kid, Steve. You'd be having them. Maybe not this soon, but they'd come. What was it?"

"What did I say?"

"No, dad. You can't mean that. No. No."

"I was afraid of that. Don't ask now, and, as my physician, don't tell dad what you heard. If he hears it now, without knowing everything, it'll hurt him. I really mean it, Jess."

"Steve, you've just put this under doctor/patient privilege. Don't worry."

"Where is dad?"

"He's gone off to Bob's to retrieve lunch. Would you like to call it off?"

"No, I need to be with you guys, now. Are you willing?"

"Of course. Here comes your dad, now."

Mark entered the lounge and said: "Hi, son, are you all right?"

"Sort of. Things got ugly today and it was hard. Let's eat."

Unfortunately, Steve's manner was forced, and his father noticed. He wondered when he would find out what happened, but suspected that it would not be soon. He set the food on the table and Susan and Amanda joined them. Steve had calmed considerably during the lunch hour and, as the clock struck 1:00 p.m., he decided to return home. Just before they parted, Steve spoke:

"Do you guys have tomorrow off?"

Jesse and Amanda answered affirmatively. Susan was on duty. Mark asked:

"Why, what do you have in mind?"

"A movie and a BBQ at home." He flashed a grin at his father and continued: "Something nice and greasy, like hamburgers. What do you think?"

Jesse spoke first: "Fine, what time?"

Amanda answered: "Sure. I'll leave CJ with mom. That widens the choice of film."

Steve replied: About 1:00? Maybe a matinee and then the BBQ?"

Amanda and Jess agreed and they left. Mark still sat and Steve eyed him warily.

"Dad, what is it?"

"I sense that something happened. Will you talk about it?"

"Not now. I will tell you that I talked a lot today about what happened while they had me. I will tell you that, when this is over, I'd like us to get away for a couple of weeks and drive up the coast. Will you? I'll tell you everything, then. Things that I can't even tell Jesse and Amanda."

"Yes, we'll go. And we will also have a good time. Perhaps we'll stop and see Carol."

"I had that in the back of my mind. Do we know where she is?"

"She should be home and calling soon. Shall I tell her?"

"No, we'll do it when we visit. There's no point in her coming down now. I'm going home. See you later. I'll cook, I promise."

"All right. See you at home. Take care."

Steve left and Mark went back to the ER. When he arrived home, Steve put some steaks in a marinade and prepared the rice. He decided that he would unwind with a little television. That proved a bad idea, so he retrieved a few of his CDs. The afternoon passed with music and a book. At about 4:00, he started the rice. Mark came through the door at 5:00 and Steve started the steaks. After their meal Mark caught up on his reading, and Steve called the restaurant. Everything was all right and so he went to his room and continued to read. So ended their day.

Pt.20
Saturday was another day for sleeping in. Neither Mark nor Steve stirred until 9:00 a.m. After he arose, Steve went for a run on the beach. He went back to the house, showered and went in search of his father. He found Mark at the table, sipping a second cup of coffee. They sat in silence for some time. Finally, Steve spoke:

"Dad, what movie do you want to see?"

"I don't really care if we see any movie. I want to know what's going on with you, and I'm not sure that I will be put off."

"Look, dad, you agreed to this. You insisted that I talk this out; well, now you'll have to live with the way I choose to do it. If it bothers you that much, you should have let me do it my way."

"Steve, that isn't fair, especially when you start to talk and then stop."

"Do you think what happened to me was 'fair'?"

"Of course not, but …"

"But what, dad? I promised that I would tell you everything, all the gory details. Besides, you already know what the physical injuries were. Hell, you were there when they dumped me back at the hospital. What you really want to know is what's going on in my head. I can't tell you that, because I'm still working it out. I'm still trying to figure out how to tell you guys why I was so distant, so frightened of you."

"And if I press?"

"Don't do it, please. I want to be able to sit down with you and explain what is impossible to explain. And I want to do it without becoming an emotional wreck."

"All right, son, you win. We do it as we agreed. As for the movie, I really don't care. I'll let you guys pick it."

They spent the next several hours reading, sleeping, or watching TV. At noon Steve heard the doorbell. He admitted Jesse and, just as he was about to close the door, Amanda drove up. They went upstairs together.

Jesse started the conversation: "So, what movie?"

Steve said: "Something light."

Amanda brought out the paper and turned to the movie section. After several minutes of perusing the section, they decided on a James Bond movie that not only didn't require thought, it precluded thought. With escape on their minds, they left for the theater. The movie was a typical James Bond film, and they found that they not only knew the plot, they could recite the dialog before they heard it. As they left the movie and walked to the car, Steve said:

"There's something really comforting about formula movies. You don't have to analyze anything, just sit and enjoy the action, or romance, or whatever. It's pure escapism and I love it. Anyone else feel the same way?"

As they got into the car, Amanda replied: "I think that you're becoming more and more perceptive lately."

Steve countered: "Amanda, I always knew it. I just never bothered to talk about it, I just enjoyed it."

Jesse joined the discussion: "Steve, why talk about it now?"

"Because I feel like it," Steve snapped.

Jesse flashed him a look of surprise but said nothing. Steve apologized:

"I'm sorry. I really am. I guess that I talked about the movie because I'm getting into the habit of analyzing everything and then spilling my guts about it. I just wish I knew how to stop snapping at people: you, dad, Dr. Martines. Have I jabbed you yet, Amanda?"

"No, Steve." Then she turned and, with a wide grin on her face and a twinkle in her eye, said: "Shall I expect it soon?"

To her surprise, Steve gave a serious answer: "God, I hope not."

Mark, Amanda and Jesse let the remark pass, for which Steve was immensely grateful. Mark turned into his driveway and stopped. They went into the house and headed for the kitchen, as was their custom. Mark fired up the grill and Steve brought out the hamburger. Amanda went for the condiments and Jesse, the chips, iced tea and brownies. After dinner, Steve suggested a game of Monopoly. That took several hours to complete and, had the game been real, Jesse would have left the table a very rich man. After Amanda and Jesse left, Mark went to bed and Steve stayed up to watch a movie. He finally went to bed around 1:00 a.m.

******************************************

He rose at 7:00 on Sunday; he would spend the day at Bob's. He had more orders to place, and he was determined to keep the books in shape. It was the best way to thank his father's accountant for all the help. Mark had an early shift at the hospital, so Steve expected Mark to be gone, but he didn't expect the note that he found on the kitchen counter: "Steve, there's an omelet in the fridge. Three minutes in the microwave should warm it. Enjoy. See you later, son." Steve picked up the Sunday paper and decided that he would read and breakfast slowly. When he turned to the page with the crime news, he noticed an article with Charlie Clark's byline. Charlie had been right; the case in Pennsylvania was getting ugly and, much to Steve's dismay, there appeared to be civil rights violations. If the information were in the article, the stories were probably true; too bad. After about an hour, Steve left for the restaurant. The breakfast rush was in full swing when he arrived, and Kevin tossed him an order book and pen immediately:

"Hi, boss. The tables near the back need water and orders taken."

"Gee, thanks, Kevin. Glad to see that I'm needed around here."

The rhythm of the restaurant energized him, and Steve let the thoughts of the morning fall away. He waited tables, chatted with customers and generally enjoyed himself. The thought crossed his mind that leaving the Force wouldn't be so bad; he'd be busy and excise an enormous amount of stress from his life. The stress of the restaurant was as nothing when compared to that of the streets. This idea deserved serious consideration. The weekend breakfast rush slowed, and Steve was able to finish some paperwork: quarterly tax statements, payroll, orders and accounting. Just as he shut down the last computer program, the restaurant had an unexpected lunch rush. People had been shopping and were now evidently hungry. Steve was seating diners when Amanda and CJ arrived. He seated them and said that he would return a bit later for a chat. Finally, everyone was seated and served; Steve took time to grab some tea and join Amanda.

"Hi, Amanda. How are you? CJ, how are you?"

"Fine, Steve. Are you all right?"

"Just like always. I don't think that there will be any real change until the worst of the therapy is over. I don't suppose that is the answer you want to hear, but it is the truth."

"I know. Sometimes I think that it would be better not to keep asking, but it's the only way I can think of to let you know that I'm thinking about you."

"I know, Amanda. CJ, what did you learn in school this week."

"We went to the Museum. It was cool. But what we did after was better. We went back to school and drew pictures. They're hanging up in the room. The teacher told us about colors that look good together."

"That's very good, CJ. When you go home, will you draw a picture for me?"

With excitement in his voice, CJ replied: "Sure, Uncle Steve. Mom will you give it to Uncle Steve for me?"

"Yes, CJ."

Jesse showed up just as Amanda and CJ finished their lunch and left. Steve looked at him in surprise and said:

"Jess, what are you doing here? I thought you had a shift with dad today?"

"I did. Things have been hectic and while there's a lull, I came by for lunch. Susan's on duty, too, so we'll take three BBQ sandwiches and some fries."

"OK, Jess. Coming right up."

After Jesse left Steve went back to work in his office. Mark came in at 5:00 after a very long shift. He was tired and plopped into a chair. Steve heard his voice and came out to sit with him.

"Hi, dad. Thanks for the omelet this morning. You look tired."

"Hi, Steve. You're welcome, and I am tired. It was a very long day. How about we have dinner here?"

"Sure." Steve placed an order for a family meal of ribs, slaw and corn on the cob. He brought back with him two glasses of tea and set them down.

"Here, dad. Have some tea."

"Thanks, son. Good day?"

"You know, dad, it was. I did some thinking and got a lot of work done. Jess said the hospital was a mess."

"Yes, it was. It was a very tiring day. When we finish, I thought that I'd go home, read for awhile and then go to bed. Any idea when you'll be home?"

"I thought that I'd go when you did. I'll follow you. I'm kind of tired. I thought I'd get a good night's sleep and prepare for tomorrow."

Steve and Mark finished their meal and Mark left. Steve spoke with the staff for about five minutes and then left. He and Mark arrived home at almost the same time. They said good night and went their separate ways.

Pt.21
On Monday, July 22nd, Steve Sloan's alarm rang at 7:00 a.m. As he reached to silence the beast, he thought: "Yesterday was such a good day. I hope that it bodes well for the future." Then he thought again: "Just get through today, Sloan. Whatever you do, don't take it out on Dr. Martines; she doesn't understand why you're so troubled. Well, you can't think about it anymore. If you don't get up, dad will be down here." So he got up and dressed. He went upstairs to join Mark in the kitchen, and found toast and coffee awaiting him.

"Good morning, Steve."

"Hi, dad. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, son. Look, I'm sorry about Saturday. I know that I pushed, but I really couldn't help it."

"I know, dad, but I had to take a stand."

"I know, son. Are you going to drive in with me today?"

"No, I'm going to wait and go in just before the appointment."

"All right. Meet for lunch?"

"Why not, but how about someplace besides Bob's?"

"Sure, how about Luigi's?"

"Fine. Meet you around 12:15 in the ER?"

"Fine. I'd better go. See you later, son."

"Later, dad."

Steve spent a little time watching the morning news and then left for the hospital. He pulled into a parking place at about 8:50. "Good," he thought, "just enough time to get to Dr. Martines' office." He walked into Dr. Martines' outer office and noticed her there, waiting for him."

"Good morning, Steve. We have all the time in the world today. Come in."

"Good morning, Doctor. I hope so. I have a lot to say, today."

"I thought as much. Do you want to start in where you left off?"

"Yes. I think I left off just after I heard dad's voice. It was so real. Then they came in and hit me and burned me again. I was really out of it. I must have fallen asleep but I don't know for how long. I woke up and, it seems so funny to say this, but I was really hungry."

"Why does that seem funny?"

"I guess because they kept hitting me, kicking me, burning me and I'm worrying about food. Doesn't that make you think I'm weird?"

"No, Steve. That's perfectly understandable. I'd bet that you didn't think about it for very long."

"Now that you mention it, I didn't. Anyway, I started hearing dad's voice again. I figured that I was really losing my mind. Then it got louder. I was hearing it, but … but …"

"But what?"

"Never mind."

"Steve, tell me. We're getting to the heart of the matter."

Steve's voice was beginning to rise: "No, you'll think I'm crazy."

Dr. Martines kept her voice calm, annoyingly calm: "No, Steve, I won't think that you're crazy. Tell me, before you lose your nerve."

"No," Steve snapped. "Yes," Dr. Martines prodded. "Tell me now. Let it out. Let it out, now, Steve. Then we can move on in the healing process."

Steve was almost shouting: "All right, all right. I heard my father, the man who's supposed to love me, telling them to go ahead and beat the tar out of me. That he always hated me for becoming a cop instead of a doctor. And all I could do was wonder how he could do this to me, how could he be involved in this."

Steve stopped suddenly and went over to the window. After a couple of minutes, he turned and expected to find Dr. Martines glaring at him. Instead, she arose, walked over to him and handed him a tissue.

Steve's voice was calm now. "I was really panicking. They came in and pulled me off the floor and shoved me against a wall. All I could hear was dad's voice saying to go ahead and hit me, and all I could feel were the punches and kicks and burns. They kept it up for a really long time. Then everything stopped. The voice stopped and they pushed me down. Then I heard the door close and I started to sob. I kept it up for a little while, and then I started to think. Dad wouldn't do that. It had to be a tape, something spliced together from bits and pieces of his conversation. I tried to keep thinking, trying to remember what the tape sounded like. Could I have heard where the tape was spliced? Everything hurt so much that I couldn't remember anything; then I must have fallen asleep."

He arose again and looked out the window. Dr. Martines spoke:

"What happened next?"

"I came around and started thinking about what I'd heard. I reassured myself that the voice might have been my father's, but it wasn't real. Not long after, I heard the door open again and they came in. First they threw a pan of cold water on my face; I guess they wanted to make sure that I was awake. Then it started all over again. Then I heard the voice again. Saying different things this time. The voice would say to kick me and they would; then it would congratulate them and say burn me, and they would. It went on like that."

He got up and started to pace. Dr. Martines allowed him to pace for several minutes and then spoke:

"Steve, continue. You're close."

"No, I don't want to."

"I know you don't, but you have to. Continue, now."

He turned toward her and shouted:

"OK, OK, you win. You want to know it all? Fine. Here it is. They kept beating me. All I could hear was my father encouraging them. Over and over again, until I finally screamed: 'Dad, how could you? How could you do this to me?' They kept it up for what seemed like a long time. I kept screaming and then I heard dad's laughter. No, no, dad, you can't mean that. You can't mean that. No."

Dr. Martines realized that Steve's hysteria was a reaction to his own narrative. She quickly arose and went over to him, took hold of his shoulders and shook him. The hysteria passed and he calmed a little, but he was still shaking as she led him back to his chair. He sat and took several deep breaths. She finally spoke:

"Steve, are you all right now?"

"No. How can I possibly be all right? I finally succumbed to the mental torture. They won. They got me to believe that a man who had loved and protected me all my life really hated me, hated the fact that I was born. Just tell me how the hell I'm supposed to tell him that. Tell him that I doubted him, was deathly afraid of him."

Dr. Martines smiled at him and said:

"Sit back and relax. Bring your breathing under control and just sit. We'll go on in a minute."

*********************************************************

While Steve was in Dr. Martines' office, Jesse and Mark had time for a break. They went up to the lounge and grabbed some coffee. Mark absently reached into his pocket for a tissue and pulled out the business card as well. After looking at it for about a minute, he spoke:

"Jess, here's that business card again, the one that says 'Pest Control'. I still can't figure out what to make of it."

"Well, we know that you picked it up when Steve was returned to us. It must be a clue. Let's see: truck, license, sketch, Omega and Pest Control."

Just as Jesse finished the list, Mark looked up at him. "Jess, it's right in front of my nose: Omega Pest Control. I bet that there's a company with that name. Would you get the phone book?"

"Sure, Mark," Jesse replied and he went for the book. "Let's see," he said as he scanned the company names. "Here it is, Mark, Omega Pest Control."

"OK, we now have the link between Omega and the card, but we still can't find anything with Omega in Steve's files. Maybe I'll call Herrera and see if he can check into this."

He reached for the phone and then noticed that Captain Herrera had just entered the lounge.

"Hello, Mark, Dr. Travis."

"Hello, Jack. What can I do for you?"

"Mark, I just came by to see how Steve is doing."

"It's a hard slog, Jack. I get the feeling that he's into the worst part of his story today. He's been short with everybody lately and more unwilling than usual to talk about it. I was just about to call you. I think that we have a break in the case, at least a small one. We've linked the Omega name with a pest control company. I wonder if you could check into it. I know that there's no Omega anything connected with Steve's files, but maybe you could trace the company back to inception."

"Sure, but what are you thinking?"

"Change of name or change of ownership."

"I see what you're getting at. Let me have the card. I'll call you after the check is complete, which could be a long time. Don't worry, I won't forget. Give my best to Steve, please."

"I'll be glad to. Good-bye, Jack."

"Good-bye, Mark."

Herrera left and Mark and Jesse returned to the ER.

*******************************************************

Following the short break, Dr. Martines questioned again: "What happened next?"

"After I lost it, they tossed me on the floor and left. I was in so much pain, both emotional and physical, that I couldn't do anything. I couldn't think, feel. I don't even remember passing out, but I must have. I remember coming around again and thinking that I had absolutely nothing. Dad hated me; and if he did, so would Jesse and Amanda. They're dad's protégés; if he were to disown me, they would follow his lead."

"Is that everything?"

"No, there's the end of it. They came in again, kicked my clothes over to me and told me to get dressed. I could barely move but I managed to get my shorts on. I heard an altered voice say: 'Stay on the Force and see what happens.' Then two of them picked me up and held me while the third knocked the wind out of me. That's all I remember until I woke up in the hospital."

"Jesse said that you came around in the ER but didn't seem to know him. Did you?"

"Know him?"

"Yes."

"I knew him, but I was still reeling from the abduction. I was frightened of him so I decided that I'd pretend I didn't recognize him. If he were sincere about wanting me to get better, he'd wait; if what I had heard on the tape were true, and he was in it with dad, he'd expect me to act that way."

"Steve, it's about noon. Do you want to continue?"

"No, but I don't want to go, either."

"Why not?"

"I told dad that I'd have lunch with him, but I'm not up to it. I just want to go home."

"Don't you think that he'll understand?"

"Yes, but he'll worry and probably want to come with me. I really want to be alone."

"I'll go with you to meet him. I'll explain."

"Uh …"

"Don't worry, I won't tell him. Even if I could, I wouldn't. I'll just tell him that, as your physician, I prescribe an afternoon of music and rest. He'll understand. Are you sure that you can drive safely?"

"Yeah. Let's go. Oh, when do we meet next?"

"How about Friday at 9:00?"

"Fine."

They left her office and found Mark in the ER waiting. When he saw Dr. Martines with his son, he panicked, sprinted toward them and asked:

"Steve, are you all right?"

"Not really, dad," Steve replied. "I'm going home."

Steve walked toward the door and Mark tried to grab his arm. Dr. Martines stopped him and said:

"Mark, let him go. Things came to a head today and he needs some rest."

"Elena, will he be OK? Is he in any shape to drive?"

"Yes, Mark. Just let him be for now. Let him have this afternoon. When you get home, then you can go to him."

"All right, Elena."

They shook hands and went their separate ways.

Pt.22
Steve arrived home, took a soda from the refrigerator and went to his room. He flipped on his CD player and listened to whatever was already in it as he drank. By the time he'd finished, he was calmer. He lay down and slept. When he awoke he noticed that it was about 5:00, almost time for his father to get home. He also knew that his dad would be on time. Not long after he awoke, he heard the door open. Here it comes, he thought. He decided that he'd stay in bed, at least until he'd spoken to his dad. As he made that decision, he noticed Mark at his bedroom door saying:

"Son, are you all right? I've been worried about you all afternoon."

"Come in, dad. I'm better. I just couldn't face lunch today."

"I know. Elena told me that it had been a hard day and that she felt rest was better for you. She did say that I could see you when I got home."

"Thanks for understanding. I don't suppose that you talked to Herrera today."

"Yes, I did. Jesse and I finally figured out the Omega. It's the name of a pest control company, Omega Pest Control. Herrera's tracing its history back to inception looking for a change of name and/or ownership."

"Not a bad idea. Did he say how long he thought it would take?"

"Some time, I gather. He said it might be a long trace. Who knows how many changes of name?"

"Yeah."

"Steve, do you want some dinner, or would you rather be left alone?"

"I'd like some soup. I'll be up in a minute. I want to splash some water on my face."

"See you upstairs."

Mark left and Steve arose. He rinsed his face and went upstairs. After dinner, they walked on the beach for about an hour. They had been home for about fifteen minutes when Captain Herrera arrived.

As Steve escorted Herrera to the living room he inquired:

"Captain, are you here because you have news?"

"Yes, Steve, I do. It turned out to be a quick trace, only one change of ownership. The present owner is Leo Gray. He took over from Avery Sutton. The company's previous name was Sutton Bugs Bugs."

Steve turned deathly pale: "Oh, God. Joseph Sutton, violent rapist and one of his rapes went too far. I remember that case. He was doing his time and got caught up in a prison fight. He tried to stay out of it, but ended up really beaten. I remember getting a call from his father. He said that I'd never know, but the time would come when I'd pay for what happened. Nothing came of it so I passed it off as another idle threat. As I remember, old man Sutton had three other sons. Everything checks out?"

"Yes. Omega is still very much a family business. You know, Steve, if they hadn't tossed the rock and business card in the hospital, we probably would never have solved it."

"Yeah, it occurred to me. Well, most criminals aren't the brightest people. Are you going to pick them up?"

"Steve, that's a problem unless you know where you were. There are several branches now plus the residences. I hate to ask this, but I really have to. Do you have any idea where they took you? Any idea of how long you were on the road?"

"No idea where we were. Let me think about how long we were on the road. There was traffic, that much I remember. I don't think that it was more than an hour. I do remember that the place where I was held was level-no stairs. They just pulled me out of the truck, and shoved me into a room. Any help?"

"Yes, that narrows it down, but I think we'll raid everything. No sense in taking chances. We'll have to coordinate this and hit them all at once."

Mark could keep silent no longer: "Jack, when do you expect the raids to take place?"

"We're going Wednesday at 8:00, just as they open for business. Just as soon as I leave, I'm going to meet with Sgt. Ames. We'll set the plan and talk to the others involved tomorrow night. Not a word to anybody, certainly not to the press. Steve, that includes Clark if he's back."

Mark interjected: "Jack, I'm coming with you. I'm going to face the scum that did this to my son."

Herrera replied: "Mark, you can't."

Mark stood to his full height and said: "Try and stop me. I will see that piece of dirt arrested. Then I will be satisfied. You just make sure the case sticks."

"It'll stick. I'm going to pick the most likely branch and go there. You come with me. Stay outside until we've secured the building. Then you can enter."

"Agreed."

Herrera continued: "Steve, you can't be here alone. If one of them does get away, he'll come after you. Where can you go?"

Steve replied: "Dad, ER at the hospital? Jesse can keep an eye on me and we can have a couple of guards. What about Bob's? Do you think they'll go after the restaurant?"

Mark said: "ER is fine Steve. We should close the restaurant tomorrow night until a few days after the raids. What do you think, Jack?"

"I think it's a good idea, Mark. The ER is fine, Steve. I'll put a couple of officers there just in case."

"Dad," interrupted Steve, "what about the restaurant staff? Their salaries?"

"Son, we can't take a chance of people getting hurt. I'll pick up the salaries."

Herrera said: "All right, guys. Remember, everything as usual. Steve, I wouldn't look too relieved when you see Jesse and Amanda. They can't know until the raids start."

"Captain, Jesse will have to know tomorrow night when we close the restaurant."

"All right, but only at that time."

"OK. Now, why are we going to close?"

Mark answered that question: "We're taking the rest of the week off to rest. We need to get out of town for a little while."

Steve replied: "That will probably do. A sign in the window."

Herrera said: "Fine. Now, gentlemen, I have a massive raid to plan. Mark, I'll meet you in the ER at 6:30 on Wednesday. Good-bye. Steve, we'll get them."

"I know, Captain. Thanks. Bye."

Mark escorted Herrera to the door, shook hands, and locked up for the night. When he got back upstairs, he saw Steve out on the deck. He joined his son and said:

"Steve, all you all right?"

"I guess so, dad."

"When do you see Dr. Martines again?"

"Friday morning at 9:00. I had an idea of what was going to happen. Now I'm not so sure. Dad, I'm tired. Would you mind if I went to bed?"

"Of course not, Steve. Are you going into Bob's tomorrow?"

"I think I have to. This week had better look normal until we close on tomorrow night."

"You're right. Do you expect Holloway's family to come in? I'd like to meet them."

"I don't know. They might."

"Steve, you look like something more is on your mind besides the raids. Can I help?"

"There is something on my mind, but you can't help. I have to work this out myself. Later, I'll want to talk to you about it. Will you listen, then?"

Mark smiled: "You know that I will. Sleep well."

"Good-night, dad."

Pt.23
Tuesday was a normal day. Steve was at the restaurant, caring for his customers and his sauce. He realized again how much the hustle and bustle energized him. He thought about that for awhile: "If I do leave the Force, at least now it will be because I want to, because the restaurant is more interesting."

Mark and Jesse were on duty, but managed to get there about 5:00 for dinner. Amanda and CJ joined them and they consumed an enormous amount of ribs, slaw and corn-on-the-cob. At about 5:30, Holloway and his party came in. Steve rose and showed them to a table. They ordered their usual meal and, after turning it in, Steve introduced his dad and friends:

"John Holloway and Judd Jones, I'd like you to meet my father, Dr. Mark Sloan, and my friends Dr. Jesse Travis, Dr. Amanda Bentley and Amanda's son, CJ. Dad and Dr. Travis are also my business partners."

Holloway said: "We are very pleased to meet you. Your ribs are wonderful."

Jones said: "My family and I second. Your place is wonderful. We're glad that we are welcome here. It's not easy to find a place that so willingly caters to children. Dr. Bentley, I see that your son has struck up a friendship with our kids. Perhaps they can get together some time?"

Amanda replied: "I'd like that and so would CJ. I intend to take CJ to the zoo next Saturday." She handed Jones her business card and continued: "Here is my card. Call me and we'll set a time to meet. They should have a good time."

Jones answered: "We'll call. Next Saturday it is."

Dinner arrived for the Holloways, and John and Judd returned to their table. They ate at their usual leisurely pace and then left. Amanda and CJ left. Finally, it was 9:30; the restaurant was closed and everything was in place for the following morning. Steve and Mark called the staff and Jesse together and Steve said:

"Guys, we're closing the restaurant for the rest of the week. Dad and I are incredibly tired and need some time off. We'll reopen next Monday morning."

Everyone's mouth dropped open and Jesse was the first to speak:

"What the hell are you two doing? You haven't told me about this. I do own this place, too. If you're tired, go, but there's no reason to close."

Steve continued: "Two against one, Jesse. You're outvoted. Live with it."

Jesse went into the office, saying as he walked: "Sloan, in here when you've finished with your takeover, you jerk."

Kevin said: "Steve, Dr. Sloan, what about us? Our rents are due and payday's Wednesday. Not only that, most of us have tuition coming up. What are we supposed to do, lump it?"

"No." Steve pulled checks out of his pocket, distributed them and said: "Here are your checks. They should tide you over until we reopen. Now, go."

Mark and the staff left and Steve taped the sign in the window: "Closed for vacation. Back Monday, July 29th. See you then." He then took a deep breath and walked into the office. As he entered, he heard:

"Steve, when did you and Mark decide to gang up on me? I thought we were friends and partners. Answer me!"

In answer, Steve took a note out of his pocket and handed it to Jesse, who caught one look of pleading in Steve's eyes. He opened the note and read:

"Stay angry with me. We have to close. Herrera's found out who kidnapped me. Revenge. He's raiding tomorrow morning. Afraid Bob's might become a target if one of them gets away. Leave, make sure nobody is following you and go to the beach. We'll explain there. Please, Jess." After Jess read the note, Steve said:

"Tough, Jess. Dad and I are tired. Lump it."

"You two really are jerks. Fine, you'll hear from my lawyer. Good-bye."

Jesse left the restaurant, slamming the door behind him. Steve had taught him how to spot a tail, so he drove around for awhile. Satisfied that nobody was following, he headed for Malibu. As he drove he thought: "Thank God. Finally. We can find out who did this and get them. Then maybe Steve will be all right. Maybe he can finally tell us what happened."

As Jesse left, Steve shut down the restaurant, locked up and left for home. As he drove, he thought: "Finally. If they can get everybody, I can tell Dr. Martines everything. Then, maybe I can tell dad, Jesse and Amanda and decide about my future."

Steve and Jesse arrived at the beach together and entered the house. After the door closed, the officers that Herrera had already stationed there took up their posts. He would make sure that his favorite officer was safe.

As they congregated in the living room, Jesse began the conversation:

"What gives? Why the cloak and dagger routine? I thought you two were really ganging up on me."

Mark explained: "Sorry, Jess, we really are. This all came together Monday night. Nobody could know. If the perps got wind of it, they'd disappear and we'd never get them. If we don't get them, Steve will never be safe and this can never end. Omega has several branches, and coordinating all of this is a bear. Need to know only. You now need to know because you have a part in this."

Jesse questioned again: "Steve, what was with the note? Was the restaurant bugged?"

Steve replied: "Not that we know of, Jess. Herrera's had officers doing sweeps, but you never know. We thought to play it safe. Dad said that you have a part in this. I can't be with the raid and I can't be here alone. If one of them gets away, he could come here or go to the restaurant. I want to stay with you in the ER tomorrow while all this is going on. There'll be a couple of cops there. It should be OK. Are you agreed?"

"Yes, Steve, you know that, but why not go to the station?"

"Appearances, again. Probably more precaution than is necessary, but it doesn't look odd if I hang around Community General. Stay here tonight, please. Dad and I have had a huge case of nerves since last night. We're close to the end of this, at least one part of it."

"All right, Steve. Does Amanda know?"

Mark answered: "No, Jesse. She couldn't know either. Tomorrow night this will be over. I believe that. I believe that Herrera will get them all. He has to. If this goes well, Steve and I have planned a celebration for tomorrow night. All of us."

Jesse said: "Steve, are you going to ride in with me?"

"Both dad and I are. We have to be there by 6:30. That when Herrera's going to be there. Then it's a go for about 8:00. We should get to bed."

Everybody agreed and retired for the evening. Each had the same thought: Let the raids be successful. Let this end.

Pt.24
On Wednesday morning, July 24th, Steve was up at 5:00. He dressed and went upstairs to start some coffee. Mark and Jesse were up by 5:15. They had a quick breakfast of toast and coffee, and then left for Community General. Jesse pulled into the parking garage at 6:15. They had to wait only about five minutes before Herrera arrived:

"Mark, Steve, Jesse, it's time. Steve we've coordinated this down to the last second. We go at 7:59. Officers Smith and Adler will be here shortly. When they arrive, Mark, we go. The first units will be unmarked. Then, patrol units and transport vans."

Smith and Adler entered the ER just at that moment. Smith said: "Captain Herrera, it's time. Steve, we're here. It'll be OK."

Steve answered: "I know. Captain, get them, please. Dad, be careful and, for once, do as Captain Herrera says. Confront Sutton if you must, but don't get hurt." In an almost inaudible voice, he added: "I couldn't take that."

Mark touched Steve's shoulder and answered: "I'll be careful, but I have to see them in handcuffs."

Mark and Herrera left, and Steve settled himself in a chair next to the ER admissions desk. Since the ER was empty, Jesse settled beside him. They exchanged a glance and Steve said:

"Thanks, Jess. I'm getting really nervous. This just has to work. They have to get them all."

"Steve, they will. Take it easy." To Steve's look, Jesse replied: "I know, easier said than done, but try, Steve, try."

Jesse found a couple of magazines for Steve to read and said: "Here, try to read these. You might be able to keep your mind off the raids."

"Thanks, Jess." After reading for approximately one minute, Steve arose and began to pace. Without thinking, he walked toward the door and right into Officer Adler, who said:

"I'm sorry, Lieutenant, you have to remain here. Please go back and sit down."

Steve sat again and started to read. A story in one of the sports magazines interested him and he lost track of time. Amanda came in, noticed him and the officers and said:

"Steve, what's going on? Why are the police here?"

"Amanda, come over here and sit down." Steve glanced at his watch and read: 7:45. He continued: "Amanda, they know who the perps are. They finished the trace Monday night, and they're raiding in fifteen minutes. You'll have to stay here."

"Steve, I wouldn't be anywhere else. Where's your dad?"

"With Captain Herrera. He had to be there, to confront Avery Sutton. Omega Pest Control used to be Sutton Bugs Bugs. Remember that rapist about five years ago, Joseph Sutton? The guy who got beaten up in a prison riot?"

"Oh, yeah. I remember the threats against you. We never thought that they'd go anywhere."

"We were wrong. They have to get them all. They have to. I can't feel safe until they do."

As Amanda and Jesse put their hands on Steve's shoulders, Amanda replied: "I know, I know."

Steve glanced at his watch again and saw that it was 7:59. He looked up and said: "Here we go."

************************************************************

At the same time that Steve looked at his watch, Captain Herrera looked at his. 7:59. He picked up his radio and said: "Go, go." With the precision of an Army platoon, officers entered the branches of Omega Pest Control and the principals' residences with arrest and search warrants; more officers entered and started to search for evidence. They got lucky. Leo Gray and Avery Sutton were at the main office. Each of Sutton's other sons was at another branch, beginning the day's work. Arrests were made. Herrera saw that the office and parking area were secure, so he went to the door and signaled to Mark that he could enter. Just as Mark entered the building, Officer Everton re-entered the main office and reported:

"Nothing yet, Captain. We have one more room to search."

Just then, Everton's partner called from the back of the building:

"I think we have it."

With Herrera in the lead, Mark and Everton sprinted for the room. As they entered, they could not believe their eyes. They found blood on the floor, bread, and, most importantly, one piece of Steve's clothing, which Mark quickly identified. Herrera called for the evidence technicians waiting outside. As they entered, he said:

"Make it good, guys. Make it stick."

"You bet, Captain. We're not about to blow it now."

Mark wandered about the room, absorbing the feeling of evil still abiding there. No wonder Steve felt as he did. He wandered toward a small chair, which held a tape recorder, and summoned Herrera. The captain picked up a pencil and pressed the play button, and everyone gaped in wonder. In a clear and calm voice, everyone heard Mark say all the horrible things that Steve heard. They heard: "Go ahead, hit him. I hate him. I never want him near me again. Hit him in the stomach. Burn his back." Mark's eyes teared as Herrera shut it off and said:

"Mark, what is this?"

"Not my voice. Or should I say, nothing I ever said. Everything makes sense now. Why Steve wouldn't acknowledge us, why he wouldn't talk. Not long ago he said that he had to find a way to explain the unexplainable. Now I know what it is. They got to him. Captain, did you hear a splice in that tape?"

"No, Mark. My God, no wonder he's been a wreck. Let's go."

Herrera and Mark left the room of horrors and walked back into the office. Mark approached Avery Sutton who spat at him. Mark would not be deterred and walked up to him:

"You bastard. How?"

Sutton replied: "You figure it out. You're the doc. I got your precious kid to doubt you, to be afraid of you. You'll never get him back. He'll never be OK again, just like my Joseph will never be OK again. How did you find us?"

"Simple, you're full of vengeance but not too bright. We figured out the logo on the truck and attached it to the business card you tossed into the ER the night you returned him to me. Without them, you might have gotten away with it. At the very least, it would have taken us longer to find you. You won the battle, but you've lost the war. And you and your whole family will rot in hell for what you did to him."

Mark turned and walked out into the sunlight. Herrera followed and escorted Mark to the car. As he drove toward Community General, he received reports from the other raids. Everyone was in custody. He heard from headquarters that background checks were under way to locate any other relatives who would be a threat to Steve. He would drop Mark off at the hospital, see Steve and then return to the station. When possible, he would question the Suttons and Leo Gray. He had a pretty good idea how Sutton managed the tape, and he expected to receive confirmation by the end of the day. Herrera turned into the Community General Emergency Room entrance and parked just out of the way of the ambulance area. He and Mark entered, and Steve rose to greet them.

"Captain, dad, how did it go?"

Mark responded: "Fine, son. We got them all. You're safe. Steve, we found the tape."

Steve started to turn away from his father, and said: "No, no. I didn't want you know about that until I had a chance to explain." As he finished his sentence, he collapsed. Mark, Jesse and Amanda ran toward Steve; Jesse reached him first and ordered a gurney, and took him into an exam bay. After a few minutes Jesse returned and reported:

"Mark, Amanda, Captain, he just fainted. It's clear that he wanted to tell you about that tape; whatever was on that tape disturbed him. We managed to bring him around, but I want him here overnight. He's asleep again."

"Jess," said Mark, "had he told you about that tape?"

"No, Mark, he hadn't. I also think that the relief of knowing that the Suttons are in custody contributed to the fainting spell. Mark, call Dr. Martines. Maybe she should be here when he comes around."

"Good idea, Jess," Mark replied as he picked up the phone. He heard Dr. Martines say hello and responded:

"Elena, this is Mark Sloan. We've got the scum who kidnapped Steve in custody. We also found one piece of evidence that explains a whole lot. Steve has fainted here in the ER. We brought him around, but he fell back to sleep. We're going to keep him here and I wonder if you could be available when he wakes up."

"Mark, I'll be right there. We had an appointment Friday, but maybe we should talk after he awakens."

"Thanks, Elena."

Mark turned to Herrera and said:

"Thanks, Jack. It was good to be there, good to hear that tape. Are you going back to the station?"

"Yes, Mark. I just want to know that Steve will be OK."

"He should be all right. We'll probably be here all night. Call me when you've found out how that tape was done."

"Right, Mark. Now, I have a few pests of my own to exterminate. Give Steve my best."

The two men shook hands and Herrera left. Martines entered the ER and approached Mark:

"Mark, you said that Steve fainted. What happened, exactly?"

"Hi, Elena. I returned from the raids on the business of the kidnappers. He was very relieved until I told him that I found and heard the tape. He said that he didn't want me to know about that until he could tell me, and then he collapsed. Jesse thinks the combination of relief and worry caused it.

"Mark, I think that Jesse is right. Jesse, are you going to keep him here or transfer him to a room?"

"Elena, I'm going to transfer him now. I want him here overnight."

"Fine. Mark and I will go with him. You and Amanda come up later, after he's come around and I've had a chance to talk with him. Let's go."

Mark and Dr. Martines accompanied Steve to his room, 242. They sat for about an hour until Steve began to stir. Dr. Martines turned to Mark and said:

"Mark, wait outside for just a minute. I want him to see me. As soon as he's fully awake and knows what happened, I'll have you come in. You can see him for a little while, but then I want to talk with him this afternoon."

Mark hesitated and said: "Elena, I want to see him come around. He has to know that I'd never be a part of something like that. He should also know that I understand what happened to him, why he was so frightened of me."

"No, Mark, I still want to see him first."

"All right, Elena. But I'm not crazy about this."

"It has to be, Mark."

As Mark left, Steve started to come fully awake. He opened his eyes and saw Dr. Martines. He asked:

"Hi. What happened?"

"You fainted in the ER. Jesse brought you around but said that you fell back to sleep. Do you remember what happened?"

"Yeah, dad was telling me that he found the tape we talked about. He said that he heard it; that was the one thing that I didn't want to happen. I told you. After he said that, I remember saying 'No, no,' and then I passed out."

"Steve, I'm going to raise you a little." As she pressed the bed control she continued: "Do you want to talk a little?"

"I want to see dad. Where is dad? I have to tell him, explain. Why isn't he here?"

"Calm yourself, Steve. He's here. He's been with you since the collapse. He's outside in the hall, now; I want to talk to you first. Are you sure you want to talk to him now?"

"Yes. I was going to ask you on Friday how I tell him, but it's a moot point now. We might as well talk. Can we talk again tomorrow instead of Friday?"

"Of course, Steve, but I want to talk with you later this afternoon. Jesse said that you're spending the night in our accommodations."

"OK, but why?"

"I want to make sure that you're all right after you talk to your father. I have a patient at 11:00, so call me after lunch. I'll send your dad in and then return to my office. Steve, I'm glad your captain caught them."

"Bye, Dr. Martines."

Martines left Steve's room and found Mark pacing in the hall, just as she suspected. She called to him:

"Mark, he's fully awake. Go in. He's troubled about the tape, and that was the main cause of the fainting spell. Gently, Mark."

"You think I would act otherwise? I'll get you a copy. I'd guess that he's told you about it, but you have to hear it. Then you'll really understand. Thank you, Elena."

"You're quite welcome, Mark."

Martines left for her office and Mark entered Steve's room-