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Disclaimer: I do not own Diagnosis Murder or any of the characters. They are owned by CBS and Viacom. I am not making any money just having fun. All Disclaimers Apply.
I would like to thank all my friends who kept telling me that I should write DM Fan fictions besides coming up with ideas for others to write. This is a Steve hurt/comfort and/or a Steve/Mark Relationship Story. This is a Steve based story. ? ? ? Death In The Family by ? ? ? Author’s Warning this story like the title suggests is about the death of a recurring character on Diagnosis Murder (Carol Sloan) if this bothers you please don’t read any further. Also I've done something very mean to Steve. ---------- It was a quiet afternoon, Steve had finished work early and was just relaxing on the couch reading his dirt bike magazine while he waited for his father to come home. Suddenly the telephone ringing broke the silence. ? “Hello Dr. Mark Sloan and Lt. Steve Sloan residence” Steve said automatically. ? “Hi Steve!” ? “Carol?” Steve said surprised to hear his sister’s voice. It had been years since she came to visit them ? “Yes Steve don’t tell me you don’t recognize your own sister’s voice.” ? “Of course I do. I was just startled. Dad and I haven’t seen you in years.” ? “That’s why I’m calling big brother I’m in San Francisco visiting a friend of mine and I thought I’d come by to visit before I head on home. Is Dad there?” ? “No he’s still working…Hey sis I’ve got an idea why don’t we surprise Dad?” ? “Steve is that even possible? You know how he is.” ? “Well it won’t hurt to try. I mean Father’s Day was months ago and it’s too early for his birthday why would he expect anything?” ? “Ok brother but if Dad complains that we kept this a secret I’m telling him it was your idea.” ? “All right sis I’ll catch a plane to San Francisco and you and I can drive back using a rental car.” ? “Steve won’t it be faster if I just drive out myself?” ? “Of course but what would Dad say if he found out I didn’t offer to help you? It’s almost 400 miles between San Francisco and Los Angeles.” ? “But Steve how can you get a ticket out to San Francisco so quickly?” ? “I’m dating a stewardess. I’ll ask her to help me.” ? “That figures but how are you going to get away with not letting Dad know where you’ve gone?” ? “I’ll think of something.” ? Steve hears the sound of his father’s car as it’s driving up the driveway. ? “Carol I have to go Dad just came home.. Wait give me the number where I can reach you?” ? Carol gives Steve the number and Steve quickly writes it down. Steve is too late to hang the phone up without his dad noticing someone has called. ? “Hi Steve you’re home early. You hung the phone up so fast what’s wrong?” ? “Nothing’s wrong Dad.. That was Captain Newman I have to attend a conference over in San Francisco for a few days.” ? “That’s short notice.” ? “I know but the officer who was assigned became ill and the captain asked me to take over.” ? “When do you leave?” ? “As soon as I can make the arrangements.” ? “Won’t Captain Newman be doing that?” ? “That’s what I mean. Dad I’m sorry but I better start packing.” ? “That’s ok Steve I’ll start on dinner while you pack.” ? Steve went downstairs to pack. “You almost blew it!” He scolded himself. ? Steve needed to make a couple of phone calls downstairs away from his father’s prying ears. ? Steve called his captain first. “Captain I’d like a few days off.” ? “Lieutenant I’d like a trip around the world. It’s too bad for both of us isn’t it?” ? “Sir please my sister and I want to surprise our Dad this is a perfect time to leave for a few days. ? Captain Newman sighs. “All right Lieutenant you did close a case that we have been working on for months.” ? “Thanks sir and I really appreciate it.. Just one thing though if my dad asks I’ve told him I’m going to a conference in San Francisco.” ? “Ok Lieutenant.” ? “Thanks again Sir.” ? Steve then called his girl friend. “Hi Sweetheart this is Steve I’ve got a favor to ask of you.” ? “Uh-oh what do you want me to do?” ? “I need you to get me a one-way ticket to San Francisco.” ? “I don’t like the sound of that Steve.” ? “Samantha please it’s important. I want to pick up Carol and then the two of us are going to drive back so she can spend a few days with our dad and I.” ? “Carol?” ? “Samantha, honey I’ve told you about my sister Carol before.” ? “Sorry Steve, I just heard another girl’s name and was starting to panic.” ? “Well, don’t. I promise I’ll take you out to dinner and a movie if you can arrange it.” ? “All right Steve I’ll do my best.” ? “That’s my girl!” Steve said as he hung up the phone. ? After Steve hung up Samantha called her twin brother Samuel and told him what Steve wanted. ? “That’s great I knew if you’d hang in there we could have a chance of getting even with that cop.” ? “It hasn’t been easy. Every time he kisses me I want to puke.” ? “Don’t worry you won’t have to be seeing him much longer if what I have planned works.” ? “What are we going to do Samuel?” ? “First you are going to get the Lieutenant a flight to San Francisco like he asked.” ? “Then?” ? “I have a surprise in store for him. Call me after you’ve arranged his flight and we’ll have a present that he can share with his sister.” ? “All right Samuel I’ll talk to you soon.” ? ----- ? Samantha was able to get the ticket for Steve. Steve was so delighted he offered to take her out that very night for dinner and a movie. She excepted and pretended to enjoy herself and Steve’s company. ? “Steve I have a present to give to your sister. Something that both of you can snack on as you’re driving back here.” ? “That’s not necessary Honey.” ? “Yes, it is Dear. Besides I still feel terrible getting jealous when I heard the name ‘Carol’.” ? “Don’t worry Sweetheart.” ? “Please Steve allow me to do this.” ? “All right if it means that much to you.” ? “It does hold on I’ll go get it.” ? Samantha returned with a fruit basket filled with strawberries, cantaloupe, honey melon, grapes, apples, and oranges. ? “This is so thoughtful of you Samantha. It all looks so great. But Carol doesn’t like honey melons.” ? “Please Steve I went to a lot of trouble arranging this.” ? “You did this yourself?” ? “Of course I did. I wanted to do something for your sister and you by my own two hands so I cut the fruit up myself. I even put a little powder sugar on a few of the fruits to give them a sweeter taste.” ? “All right I’ll eat the honey melon myself.” ? “I was hoping you would Dear. I just couldn’t resist packing a honey melon for my Honey. It’s just as well Carol doesn’t like them. Now you can eat them all by yourself.” ? “All right Samantha thank you and I’m sure Carol will be pleased.” ? “I hope so. Goodbye Sweetheart. See you in a few weeks I have a flight leaving for Italy in a few days.” ? Steve left Samantha’s house. After she was sure he was gone she called her brother. “Were you able to smash up the sleeping pills?” ? “Yes I did Samantha. I only put them in the honey melon like you asked. I put the powder sugar on some of the other fruits so it wouldn’t be obvious there was something wrong. But why just the honey melon?” ? “I couldn’t resist having the sleeping pills be on the honey melon. The only problem is Steve’s sister doesn’t like honey melons. It won’t have an effect on her.” ? “Samantha I’m surprised that’s not a problem. It’s a blessing. Now the police won’t suspect anything but another driver who fell asleep while driving.” ? ----- ? Mark drove Steve to the airport so Steve could go to his conference like he thought Steve was doing. ? “Steve son I don’t mean to pry but why are you carrying a fruit basket on the plane? They do feed you, you know?” ? “I know Dad it’s a present from Samantha. She meant well. I just couldn’t turn her down.” ? They heard the announcement for passengers to start boarding the airplane. ? “All right Steve I’ll see you in a few days take care.” ? “Goodbye Dad.” ? Steve boarded the airplane carrying the fruit basket that Samuel and Samantha had arranged for Steve. ? When the airplane landed at the San Francisco airport Carol was waiting for her brother. “Hi Steve” she greeted him warmly.? “..What’s with the fruit basket?” Carol couldn’t help but notice the big basket of fruit Steve was carrying. ? “It’s from my girl friend Samantha she made it herself so we could have something to snack on while we’re driving home.” ? “That was sweet of her Steve but I’m not driving home. I don’t live there anymore remember?” ? “Carol you know Dad would be more than pleased if you decided to stay.” ? “I know Steve but I just can’t yet. I’m sorry.” ? “No Carol it’s me that should apologize. Trying to put the pressure on you. Lets forget about it and plan our trip back to Los Angeles.” ? “Already started big brother. I rented a car that we can drive to Los Angeles and my friend has invited us to eat dinner at her house and get some sleep before we start on the road.” ? “What about the fruit basket?” ? “I’m sure my friend Natalie can find room in her refrigerator for it.” ? Steve and Carol had a lovely time at Carol’s friend’s house. Natalie had no trouble finding room in the refrigerator for the fruit basket. They were both able to get plenty of rest before heading for Los Angeles. Steve insisted that he would be the first one to drive. ? A couple of hours later they were both getting a little hungry but not hungry enough to stop and eat. So they both started munching on the fruit that Samantha had given Steve. ? “This fruit is good Steve!” ? “I’ll tell Samantha you liked it. Are you sure you don’t want to try one of the honey melons?” ? “No thank you Big Brother. But everything else is just delicious.” ? They drove on some more. Steve noticed Carol was getting tired. “You know Carol some things never change do they?” ? “What do you mean by that Steve?” ? “I mean that here you are trying to stay awake when it’s obvious you’re tired. Didn’t you get enough sleep at your friend’s house?” ? “I did last night but what you don’t know is that Natalie’s little daughter Chelsea was up most of the night before. Natalie thinks Chelsea is cutting her first teeth. I guess I’m still a little tired.” ? “Well don’t worry Sis just make yourself comfortable. I’m fine. I’ll let you sleep for awhile.” ? “Ok Steve wake me up if you get tired.” ? Steve continued driving. He also ate more of the fruit including the honey melon. ? A couple of more hours Steve began to get exhausted. He didn’t know why he should feel so tired. He was about to pull over to wake up Carol and change drivers only there was no safe place to stop. He tried hard to keep awake but a few minutes later Steve was asleep at the wheel. Other drivers saw Steve and Carol’s rental car swerve. They could also notice the driver asleep behind the wheel. One of them with a cell phone called the police. Before the police could arrive the car crashed into a guardrail on the passenger side of the car. ? ----- ? Mark was busy seeing his patients at Community General. He was just about to see his next one when he saw a police officer at the nurse’s station. When he introduced himself as Lieutenant Harold Norris of the Bakersfield Police Department and said he was looking for a Doctor Mark Sloan who worked at Community General Mark came over and introduced himself. ? “Dr. Sloan I’m sorry to inform you but there’s been a car accident these were the words that every parent feared. Your son Steve and daughter Carol were injured.” ? Mark was shocked. “How...how are they?” ? “Your son Steve was lucky he only has a slight concussion and a broken leg. Your daughter wasn’t so fortunate. Her injuries are extensive and she’s not expected to live very long. ..I’m sorry.” ? Mark wanted to cry out. “How could this happen?” ? “I’m sorry Sir but according to witnesses it looks like your son was asleep at the wheel just before the car crashed into the guardrail.” ? “What were they doing in a car together? My son was to attend a conference in San Francisco.” ? “I don’t know all the facts Dr. Sloan but I do know that if your daughter dies we are charging your son with involuntary manslaughter.” ? Mark was torn. He knew that Steve would never willingly jeopardize his sister’s life or the life of another by falling asleep at the wheel. And yet that is what happened. His son had fell asleep while driving and because of that his daughter Carol could die. Part of him wanted to yell at Steve for being so careless, but he also knew that there had to be a reason Steve had fallen asleep. ? “I need to get to my son and daughter as soon as possible Lieutenant.” ? “I know you do Doctor I have a squad car outside. Captain Newman will be taking you and I’ll be in the lead car we’ll be using the sirens so we can get to the hospital as soon as possible.” ? “Thanks Lieutenant.” ? “Nurse, Mark said to the nurse at the desk, tell Dr. Travis to see my last couple of patients. An emergency has come and I’ll inform Drs. Travis and Bentley ASAP. ? “Okay Dr. Sloan and I’m sorry.” She said but Mark and Lt. Norris were already in the elevator headed to the parking garage. ? They met Captain Newman who was sitting in the squad car with the motor running to save time. Mark quickly got into the squad car and buckled up. Then Lt. Norris in the lead car followed by Captain Newman and Mark sped off to the Bakersfield Hospital. ? Mark was careful not to talk too much. Besides knowing that Captain Newman had to concentrate on his driving he was also overcome with grief at the knowledge that his daughter could die because his son fell asleep. ? “Captain Newman I was told Steve was attending a conference in San Francisco. Why were my son and daughter in the car together.” ? Captain Newman sighed. “Mark from what Steve told me Carol called and said she was in San Francisco and was planning on visiting before heading back home to Las Vegas. They wanted to surprise you which is why Steve told you he was going to a conference.” ? “But how was Steve able to arrange a flight so quickly?” ? “His girl friend Samantha did it for him. Dr. Sloan I’m sorry but this is not the LAPD’s? case.? The Bakersfield Police Department will be heading up the investigation.” ? ----- ? Fresh from the Police Academy Officer Davis waited for the news on Carol Sloan. When the doctor informed him that she had died as a result of her injuries, Officer Davis without waiting for approval from his superior officer went to Steve’s room where he was recovering from a concussion and a broken leg. He had not yet been told of his sister’s death. ? “Lt. Steve Sloan your sister Carol is dead because you fell asleep. There will be an investigation and it’s highly likely that you will be charged with involuntary manslaughter. I need to notify you of your rights. You have the right.. ? Steve’s doctor, Dr. Greene was coming back in and saw what was happening. He could see his patient highly agitated and ordered Officer Davis out of the room. Dr. Greene examined Steve. He could see his patient had gone into shock over the brutal way he had been told of his sister’s death. Dr. Greene prescribed a sedative for his patient and soon Steve was asleep. ? ----- ? Mark, Captain Newman, and Lt. Norris arrived at the Bakersfield Hospital. They rushed into admittance. “My daughter Carol and son Steve Sloan were admitted here. My name’s Dr. Mark Sloan” Mark said hurriedly to the receptionist. ? “Dr. Sloan, Dr. Greene your son’s doctor is waiting to talk to you he’s in the doctors’ lounge. It’s on the second floor towards the right.” ? “I’d like to see my daughter and son first!” ? “I’m sorry Sir I was told that you see Dr. Greene first.” ? Mark sighed. “Ok but this better not take too long I’ve been told my daughter is in very bad shape.” ? Mark goes to see Dr. Greene. Meanwhile Captain Newman and Lt. Norris are going over what they know so far. They are asking for updates on Steve and Carol’s condition. Soon they know what Mark is about to find out. ? Mark enters the doctors’ lounge and notices a doctor sitting in one of the chairs reading a medical journal. “Hello you must be Dr. Greene. Please I have to see my children.” ? “Dr. Sloan I wanted you here because I wanted to tell you how sorry I am but your daughter Carol died from her injuries.” ? “Carol” Mark sobbed. ? “What about my son, Steve” Mark finally manages to talk through his grief. ? “He only has a concussion and a broken leg. He’s under sedation. He was cruelly told of his sister’s death and that he would most likely be charged with involuntary manslaughter and was going into shock. I had to have him sedated. He’s resting comfortably at the moment.” ? “I want to say goodbye to my daughter and see my son.” ? “Dr. Sloan I will allow you to say goodbye to your daughter of course but I will not let you see your son until you’ve talked with our psychiatrist on call.” ? Mark is led to where his daughter Carol is. He gives her a kiss and tells her he loves her. ? Then Mark goes over to Dr. Greene “I want to see my son now!” ? “I told you Dr. Sloan I would not allow you to see your son until you’ve talked to our psychiatrist on duty.” ? “I don’t need any psychiatrist to tell me how I feel!” ? “Of course you don’t but you need one to talk over your feelings toward your son. Your daughter is dead because your son fell asleep. That’s a heavy burden. I won’t allow my patient to be upset again because his father holds animosity towards him. Doctor Sloan I too swore to ‘Do No Harm’ to my patients or doesn’t that work when the patient is your son?” ? Mark sighed. “I’m sorry Doctor you’re right. Steve has been through enough already without me laying a guilt trip on him even if I don’t do it intentionally. I’ll see the psychiatrist.” ? “Thank you Dr. Sloan she’s waiting for you.” ? Having been given directions to the psychiatrist office Mark knocked on the door. “Hello I’m Dr. Mark Sloan… I was told I had to see you before I could be with my son Steve.” ? “Dr. Sloan my name’s Dr. Emily Porter but Emily will do for here. I just want to reiterate what Dr. Greene said and tell you how deeply sorry I am over the loss of your daughter Carol.” ? “Thank you Dr. Porter.” Mark manages to get out. ? “Emily please. I want you to be comfortable talking to me. Lets talk over the relationship that your son and you have with one another.” ? “I love my son very much Emily. We have a special bond between us. Up to now I’ve never had cause to question anything that my son has done.” ? “And now?” ? “I’m torn. Part of me wants to go into my son’s room and shake him until he wakes up and yell at him for being so careless and falling asleep at the wheel.. but the father in me knows there must be more to this.” ? “That’s good Dr. Sloan. It’s good that you’re being honest with your feelings towards your son. Let’s talk about yours and your son’s relationship with your daughter.” ? “I love my daughter very much and always have. She’s always done what she’s wanted to do regardless of the consequences. She once married a man that my son and I disapproved of. I think Carol fell in love with him because she knew we didn’t like him. ? My son and daughter have had problems as lots of siblings do. Carol didn’t like Steve acting like he was her dad also. When their mother died Steve took on the role of protecting his sister. Carol once said it was like having two fathers. ? The three of us were able to reconcile a few years ago. Although I knew my son and daughter would never become best friends they were closer than they had been before.” ? “Do you think your son would have deliberately caused your daughter harm?” ? “No Emily as I told you he was always protecting her. My son became a police officer so he could protect people and because he truly cares for others.” ? “Mark do you know why your son and daughter were in a car together?” ? “Yes, Carol had been visiting a friend of hers and thought she’d come over and visit my son and I before she headed home to Las Vegas. She and Steve were planning on surprising me. Only it didn’t turn out quite the surprise they were hoping for did it? ? “No Mark I’m sorry it didn’t… Let’s talk about your son as a driver.” ? “Steve is an exceptionally great driver. His driving skills are excellent he once raced cars for a living.” ? “Mark all the race drivers I’ve known are very careful drivers. They don’t take chances on the road.” ? Mark thought about it. “Emily thank you!” ? “What?” Dr. Porter sounded pleased. ? “I know now that there must have been a reason my son fell asleep. I’m going to find out why and clear him of killing his sister.” ? Mark leaves Dr. Porter’s office and finds Dr. Greene back in the doctors’ lounge waiting. “Thank you Dr. Greene. I now know that my son is innocent I can see him without holding any inward resentment towards him.” ? “I’m glad Dr. Porter could be of help to you doctor. I’ll take you to your son’s room. He should still be asleep. ” ? Mark enters Steve’s room and notices that he is still fast asleep. Son, I don’t know if you can hear me while you’re sleeping but I want you to know that I love you. I know this wasn’t your fault Steve. I’m going to do whatever I can to prove your innocence.” ? Mark reaches down and carefully gives his son a hug and checks his vitals. Steve is indeed resting comfortably. The best thing for him Mark knew. ? Mark comes back down to the lobby and sees Captain Newman by himself. “Mark I’m so sorry..” Captain Newman begins to say. ? “Where’s Lt. Norris I wanted to discuss the case with both of you.” ? “He went back to the precinct. He’s chewing out Officer Davis over the way he told your son of Carol’s death.” ? “Ok Captain then I’ll have to ask you were there any blood work done on Steve?” ? “Yes of course there was but the results aren’t back yet I checked the Bakersfield Police Lab.” ? “I want Jesse and Amanda brought out here Captain.” ? “Mark I told you this wasn’t the LAPD’s case I’m sorry.” ? “I know that. But I want Amanda to handle the toxicology reports and Jesse is good at finding things on the web besides being Steve’s regular doctor. Was there anything that was found in the car?” ? “Mark I know you. You’re on a fishing expedition again what’s up?” ? “I don’t believe Steve fell asleep deliberately. I think there is some reason why he lost consciousness and I want to find what that reason is.” ? “All there was in the car out of the ordinary was a fruit basket.” ? “A fruit basket! Steve told me that his girl friend Samantha had made it as a present. Has the fruit been tested?” ? “Yes it has. I’m waiting for the results of the fruit also. Steve and Carol ingested a fair amount of fruit before the accident but there was some left in the basket for analysis. Luckily the fruit was wrapped up tight. Not much of it spilled out. We also noticed a white powdery substance on some of the fruit. We are assuming it’s powder sugar but we won’t be positive until the testing is complete.” ? “I want Amanda out here as soon as possible to help with the tests.” ? “I’ll have her flown directly to the Bakersfield Police Department and ask Lt. Norris to get permission from his superiors to allow Dr. Bentley to help with the investigation.” ? “It’s too early for Jesse to be of any help with the case but I would also like him out here. I could use the comfort of a dear friend. I know this research is going to prove my son’s innocence.” ? “I’ll take care of it right away Dr. Sloan. Where will you be?” ? “I’m going to sit with my son for awhile.” ? Captain Newman told Jesse and Amanda of the situation. Of course they were more than willing to help. Both expressing their sympathies about what happened and agreeing with Mark that Steve was not at fault over the death of Carol. ? Mark sat in his son’s hospital room and just held his hand. Steve looked so peaceful. Mark knew the sedative would be wearing off soon. He also knew that it was important for Steve that Mark was there. He wanted his son to see him as soon as he woke up for reassurance that Mark still loved his son. ? Almost 30 minutes later Mark saw Steve start to stir. Mark held Steve’s hand a little tighter so Steve could feel his presence. ? Steve opened his eyes and saw his dad smiling at him with nothing but love in his father’s eyes. “I love you Steve.” Were the first words Mark spoke to his son. ? “Dad I’m so sorry. How can you look at me after what I’ve done? How can you sit here and tell me you love me?” ? “Son I know this isn’t your fault and once the evidence is in I know it’s going to prove it. Steve, I know this is going to be hard on you that you will find it difficult to forgive yourself but believe me everyone who knows you knows that you didn’t do this intentionally. There was a reason you fell asleep and we will find out I promise Steve. I know how hard this is going to be and I swear Son I’ll be by your side all the way. ” ? Steve was overcome at the love his dad was showing toward him. Steve had always known his father loved him but just now it meant more to him than he could express. The comfort and support of his father and the reassurance that his dad didn’t hate him or blame him for his sister’s death was a soothing balm to Steve.? ? Mark and Steve sat together in silence. Words were not necessary the feelings of love toward each other didn’t have to be expressed vocally. Then the silence was broken by Steve thanking his dad for his support and telling him he couldn’t convey how he truly felt. Mark told his son he knew and said he loved his son again. ? Just then there was a knock on the door. Mark went to open the door. Jesse was standing on the other side. “May I come in?” ? “Of course Jess” Mark said. ? “Steve I’m so sorry. I know it doesn’t mean a lot but I want you to know Amanda and I are behind you 100%.” ? “Jess, you’re wrong. This means a whole lot to me. Thank you.” ? “I also came to tell you that the results are back in from the lab.” ? “That’s great!” Mark said. ? Jesse was a little hesitant in going any further. “What’s the matter?” asked Steve. ? “They found traces of Ambien in your stomach contents Steve. They also found it mixed in with the powdered sugar on the fruit but only on the honey melon. There was only one slice of honey melon left in the fruit basket.” ? “What’s Ambien?” ? “It’s a name brand for a sleeping pill Steve” Mark told his son. ? “…Why would Samantha do this to me?” ? “I don’t know son but this proves you’re not at fault. Don’t worry we’re find out the reason Samantha did this.” ? “Captain Newman told me he and Lt. Norris were going to question her.” ? “She told me she was headed to Italy.” ? “According to them she never left.” ? ----- ? Captain Newman and Lt. Norris questioned Samantha. ? “I don’t know why Steve said I cut up the fruit and arranged the fruit basket as a gift. Ask him why he lied. I’m a stewardess. I don’t have the time to go to a store by the fruit, chop them up in small pieces and then put powder sugar on some of them laced with sleeping pills that I crushed and on top of that buy a basket with saran wrap!” ? Since it was just Steve’s word against hers they couldn’t hold her. ? Captain Newman called Mark and told him about what Samantha had told them. Mark verified that his son had said the fruit basket was a gift from Samantha. Unfortunately, Mark had to say that he only had his son’s word. But that was good enough for Mark. ? Mark got off the phone from Captain Newman. “Steve can you tell me anything about Samantha? We need to figure out a reason why she’s lying.” ? “Well I don’t know a whole lot. She’s a very private person like I am but I do recall her telling me she’s from San Diego and that her parents’ names were Mark and Katherine.” ? “Are you sure?” Mark didn’t doubt his son but it seemed an odd coincidence. ? “Yea I know you think it’s odd. That’s what we thought also.. Or at least I did.” ? “Mark, Steve I’m going to do a search and see if find anything. ? “Ok Jess and thanks once again for having faith in me.” ? “What are best friends for? Jesse smiled. I’ll see you two later.” ? After a while Jesse comes back into Steve’s room. ? “Mark, Steve I did a search. From what I was able to find out there is no Mark and Katherine Gainer from San Diego and no Samantha Gainer from San Diego either.” ? “I don’t get it why would Samantha lie about who she is?” ? “I don’t know Mark but on a hunch I cross-referenced with the cooperation of Captain Newman all of Steve’s case files over the years with name ‘Samantha’.” ? “Good work Jess! That must have taken some time.” ? “Steve it was worth it. We only found three Samantha’s in your files. We tracked down the other two and they are not involved however we haven’t been able to find the other one. Samantha O’Hare.” ? Mark was shocked. “Jess I don’t believe it! You just solved the case!” ? “I did how?” ? “Remember my old girl friend Lynn who I had to shoot a few years ago before she could kill me?” ? “Of course Steve. You were upset for sometime that you didn’t know she was troubled by what those four cops did to her and that you wished you had known so you could have helped her.” ? “Her reporter friend of hers once told me that Lynn Conklin was an alias. She’d used to change her last name every time she moved to a different city.” ? “But what does that have to do with it?” ? “Jess one of the aliases she used was O’Hare.” ? “So Samantha and Lynn were related?” ? “It looks that way. Lets see if we can verify our suspicions. Steve I’m? going to leave you for a few minutes will you be ok?” ? Before Steve could answer Jesse said “I’ll stay here with Steve so he won’t be alone.” ? Mark does some cross-referencing of his own and discovers that Lynn did indeed have a sister. .. A sister two-years younger than her, but that was not all. Her sister was a twin they also had a brother named Samuel. ? Based on the information that they had found out Captain Newman had one of his officers back in Los Angeles check out Samuel O’Hare. The officer discovered that Samuel worked in a specialty shop. One of the things he did was make gift baskets. Including fruit baskets. On a search of his apartment they also discovered an opened bottle of Ambien with two pills missing in his medicine chest. Since neither he or Samantha thought anyone would survive the accident he didn’t think about getting rid of it. After that he was just too busy as fate would have it. ? Samantha and Samuel O’Hare were arrested. At first they denied everything. After learning all the evidence they had on them they both broke down and confessed. Samantha admitted that she never liked Steve but she and her brother wanted to get even with him so she became the kind of girl they both knew Steve liked. ? ----- ? On learning of Samantha’s deceit which was another blow to Steve who was still suffering through the guilt of falling asleep at the wheel even though everyone he cared for, especially his dad, was very supportive, Steve was becoming depressed once more. ? Mark sensed his son was falling into depression and it worried him. They still had Carol’s funeral to arrange and he did not want his son to be blaming himself for something that wasn’t his fault. ? Son you need to talk to Dr. Emily Porter. She’s the psychiatrist on duty here. Believe me son she knows how to help. I can’t bear to have you carrying this heavy burden on your shoulders.” ? “Dad I can’t get out of bed yet!” ? “I know son I’ll have her come see you. I’ll step outside when she comes so you can have privacy. Jesse and I can go get something to eat. Maybe meet Amanda as well. ? Dr. Porter came to see Steve and as promised Mark stepped out of the room to allow his son the privacy he needed to talk over his feelings. ? “Hello Steve I’m Dr. Emily Porter but you can call me Emily.” ? “Hello Emily.” ? “Steve I’ve read through your case and I have to admit I had a talk with your father earlier. He loves you a great deal Steve.” ? “I know he does. Everyone has just been so kind. …Sometimes I wonder if I deserve their kindness.” ? “Steve you do deserve their kindness. It’s my belief that all people need to be loved. Need to know that there is someone they can turn to even if the world suddenly turns against them.” ? “Emily sometimes I wish I could have amnesia and forget this ever happened.. Or I’d wake up and find it was just a bad dream that my sister was still alive.” ? “I know Steve and as hard as it is you have to come to the knowledge that this isn’t a dream this really happened. Your sister Carol did die.” ? “I really cared for Samantha and I thought she cared for me… but I was wrong she was just using me until she could find a way to take revenge for killing her older sister Lynn.” ? “Steve you will one day find the love of your life. Samantha just wasn’t it.” ? “How do you know Dr. Porter?” Steve sounded skeptical. ? “Because Steve like you I thought I’d never find anyone to love. But I was wrong. My true love was right under my nose so to speak all these years.” ? “If it’s not being too nosy may I ask? Said Steve his curiosity showing through.” ? “Your doctor Steve. Dr. Greene.” ? Steve smiled. “Now enough about my love life we’re here to discuss your situation” said Emily trying to steer the topic back to the issue at hand. Do you believe your dad is the type to lie to you Steve?” ? “No we’ve always had an honest, open relationship.” ? “Then Steve believe him now when he says he loves you and doesn’t hold this against you… You know you are as much as a victim in all of this as your sister was.” ? “How can that be true? I’m alive. Carol’s dead.” ? “Exactly you are alive. You’ll remember this for the rest of your life. There’s no magic wand to make this go away Steve I’m sorry. With time the pain will ease and you’ll remember the good times and the bad times you and your sister shared.” ? “Thank you Doctor.” ? “Steve if you ever need to have someone to talk to about this talk to your father. He is there for you. Just the little time I’ve spent with your father I can sense the deep love he has for you.” ? Steve smiled he knew his father loved him. Still loved him even though his falling asleep while driving had caused the accident that had killed his sister, Carol. ? ----- ? A couple of days had gone by. Steve was well enough to leave the hospital and Mark arranged for a van with room in the back seat for Steve to stretch his broken right leg. Mark and Steve had thanked all the doctors and the police officers that helped them and invited them all to Carol’s funeral. Jesse and Amanda rode with Steve and Mark back to the beach house. ? When they arrived home. Steve had not only his father hovering over him but Jesse and Amanda as well. “Please guys I’m being smothered!” Steve finally couldn’t stand all the attention he was getting from his father and well-meaning friends. ? Jesse and Amanda understood that Steve and Mark needed some time to be alone with each other to plan Carol’s funeral and maybe talk about what happened. ? “Ok Steve we’re going but we are going to have to take a cab to get to our homes.” ? “Yes, it will be nice to see CJ again. My mother’s been taking care of him.” ? Jesse and Amanda left leaving Steve and Mark alone to discuss Carol and the arrangements for her funeral. ? Steve was lying on the couch with his right leg propped up on a couple of pillows. “Dad I remember how Carol and I used to fight and you would have to referee. You do know that I wouldn’t have hurt her intentionally don’t you?” ? “Steve of course I know that. Steve this is not your fault. This is Samantha and Samuel’s fault.” ? “I know Dad. Everyone keeps saying it.” ? “We keep saying it because it’s true and we want you to believe it too son. No one blames you. Especially not me Steve.” ? “Thanks Dad I guess I just needed reassurance coming back to the beach house where we used to live with Carol before she moved out.” ? Mark smiled. “Steve I hope I’ve assured that I love you and I always will. We need to plan Carol’s funeral we can’t put it off any further.” ? “Dad I was thinking Carol was most at home in Las Vegas but she did have some friends in California like her friend Natalie who invited her over. Carol wanted to visit us before she went back to Las Vegas that’s the reason we planned the surprise.. Only it didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to.” ? “I know it didn’t son… Are you suggesting we have the funeral here in California and in Nevada?” ? “Yes I was thinking that would be something Carol would have wanted.” ? “That sounds good Steve.. I’d like her buried in Las Vegas she seemed to like living there.” ? “Yea she did Dad.” ? “Steve you are not well enough to travel but I need to be there for Carol’s funeral..” ? “Dad it’s ok you don’t need to explain. I agree with you. Carol needs you there. Don’t worry I’ll be fine while you’re gone.” ? “I’ll ask Jesse to stay here while I’m gone. He can surf while he’s here while he’s not busy helping you.” ? Just then Steve was thinking of a time in the past where he had tried without success to teach his little sister how to surf. ? “What are you thinking of Steve?” ? “You mentioning surfing I was just thinking of when I tried to teach Carol how to surf. She finally just gave up and said she wasn’t meant to surf. We kidded around and asked each other if the two of us were really related.” ? Mark smiled. “We should both tell some things we remember at Carol’s funeral.” ? “Yea Dad I’m sure Carol would love hearing them.” ? Steve called Natalie and told her when and where Carol’s funeral in California would be. Natalie had heard about Carol’s death earlier. It had been all over the newspapers as soon as Samantha and Samuel had confessed. Natalie helped Steve and Mark contact all of Carol’s friends who still lived in the area. Mark then contacted the doctors and policemen who had helped them and gave them the exact time and location that Carol’s funeral would be. ? Steve and Mark both spoke at Carol’s funeral. Mark had pushed Steve’s wheelchair to the front so he wouldn’t have to use his crutches which were still hard for him to use. They both described the good times and the bad times they had with Carol both saying how much they loved her and how they miss her and would always have her in their hearts. ? Steve and Mark’s spiritual advisor/leader was the concluding speaker. ? Carol’s friends gathered around Steve and Mark telling them how sorry they were and offering their support and understanding to Steve. ? Drs. Porter and Greene also were at the funeral and both gave their condolences to the grieving father and son. ? After everyone gave their sympathies to Mark and Steve they all met at Amanda’s house where Amanda and her mother had offered their house as a place to gather after the funeral for food and to share memories of Carol, and to help Mark and Steve with their mourning. Amanda and Jesse didn’t want Mark and Steve to have to worry about cleaning up the beach house after the guests left. Jesse volunteered to stay over to help Amanda and her mother clean up and to take care of CJ. ? Mark and Steve went back to the beach house. It seemed empty without Carol even though she hadn’t been there in a long time. Mark needed to get ready for his trip to Las Vegas but was worried about leaving Steve alone. ? “Dad I know you’re worried about leaving me here but Jess will be over here as soon as he helps Amanda out. It was kind of Amanda and her mother to offer their home after the funeral.” ? “Yes it was Steve. Everyone has been so kind. I’ve hope it’s helped Steve.” ? “It has Dad believe me. Now you could help me with one more thing.” ? “What’s that Steve?” ? “Go to Las Vegas for Carol’s burial and tell her I’ll come visit just as soon as I can.” ? “Ok Steve. I’ll drive myself to the airport and just part in the long-term parking.” ? Steve and Mark said their goodbyes and Mark left for the airport. Steve got comfortable on the couch and fell asleep until Jesse came over. ? ----- ? Mark was at Las Vegas. He knew it was a pleasant place. He also knew there was lots of gambling in Las Vegas he himself was not a gambler, and this certainly was not the time to do so. He found the cemetery that was mentioned in the brochure that Steve and him had gone through even selecting the site that they had both agreed on. A site on a hill that had a tree growing by it and flowers around it. ? Mark placed some flowers on the casket and watched as it was lowered to the ground all the while giving his love again and the promise that big brother would come visit her when he was physically able to travel. ? ---- ? Meanwhile Jesse was taking care of Steve. Some other time Jesse might have taken advantage of Steve not being able to do anything if he kidded Steve as they sometimes did. This occasion he knew was not the right time for high jinks. ? So Jesse tended to Steve’s needs as tenderly as possible while being careful not to annoy him. Later when he knew both Mark and Steve had gone through the grieving process he could joke around with Steve again. Jesse hoped that day came soon. ? ----- ? Mark arrived back from Las Vegas. He was careful not to wake Steve on the couch as he went to look for Jesse. ? Jesse heard quiet footsteps coming down the stairs to Steve’s unit. “Sorry Mark when I checked on Steve before I came down here he was asleep.” ? “Jess there’s no problem.” Mark whispered “Steve’s still asleep. I just wanted to know where you were.” ? “I wanted to watch the news incase there was anything about Samantha and Samuel O’Hare.” ? “And was there?” ? “Yes, Mark it was just on. As you know they both pleaded guilty. They’ve both been sentenced to voluntary manslaughter.” ? “That doesn’t seem fair does it Jess?” ? “What doesn’t seem fair?” ? “That they only have to spend a few years in jail and then they’re free. Steve has to live with this for the rest of his life and as for Carol..” ? “I know Mark. Sometimes sorry isn’t always enough. But there’s nothing we can do but continue to show our support to Steve.. And to you too Mark.” ? “Thanks Jess. I don’t know what we would have done without you and Amanda. Especially these past few days.” ? “Mark you two have always been there for us. Mark I’m going to leave so you and Steve can talk alone if you’d like.” ? “Jess it’s not necessary why don’t you stay for dinner?” ? “Some other time Mark.. Besides I made arrangements with the cook in the hospital cafeteria. They’re going to have a bag of take-out food fresh from the cafeteria delivered to Steve for dinner tonight. Have fun!” Jesse managed to smile. ? Mark smiled too. Maybe this one time the hospital food might even taste good. And Jesse was right this would give Steve and him time to talk. ? ?Mark busied himself with unpacking as he waited for Steve to wake up. ? Steve woke up and picked up his crutches and began to call for Jess. “Jess where are you?” ? Mark came out from his bedroom. “Hi Steve. I let Jesse go home… Actually he suggested it so we could talk feel up to it?” ? “Yea Dad but to tell you the truth I’m getting hungry.” ? “Don’t worry Steve, Jesse took care of dinner tonight.” ? “What is it?” ? “It’s a surprise but I’m sure you’ll like it Steve.” ? “Are you sure?” ? “Yes Steve I’m positive. Let’s talk ok son?” ? “What about?” ? “I thought you might like to discuss things with just you and I.” ? “Yea Dad I guess I would.” ? “Ok son what would you like to talk about?” ? “First how was it at the grave site?” ? “Steve it’s very beautiful. The place we selected for Carol’s final resting place is just the place I know she’d be happy in.” ? Steve started getting a depressed look on his face. ? “Steve is there something else troubling you?” ? “No Dad it’s when you said the words ‘final resting place’ that it hit me. I won’t see my sister again.” ? “I know Steve just remember that No One, especially me holds you responsible in any way over Carol’s death.” ? “Dad I’d like to visit her when can I go there?” ? “Steve you should be well enough to put pressure on your foot in about three to six weeks. But I’d like to wait an extra two weeks before I feel confident to let you travel.” ? “Why Dad?” ? “Steve it’s going to entail a lot of walking on your part. I want to make sure you’re well enough to do all that walking. Don’t worry I’m sure Carol understands.” ? Just then the doorbell rang. ? “Ah dinner has arrived.” Mark went to answer the door. “Thanks. I’m sure Steve will like this.” ? “What is it Dad?” ? “Jesse arranged for you to get take-out food from the hospital.” ? “That was nice of Jess.” ? “Yea it was Steve.” ? “Are you going to have some too?” ? “Yea Steve I’m going to have some this time… Steve earlier today Jesse heard the sentence that Samantha and Samuel are getting.” ? “Well?” ? “They were only sentenced to a few years Steve for voluntary manslaughter.” ? “It doesn’t seem fair does it Dad?” ? “No son it doesn’t. ..Let’s eat though before this gets cold.” ? “Ok Dad. ? ----- ? The next morning Steve called his captain. He asked Captain Newman to put him and his father on the list to call victims and/or survivors when the criminal is released from prison. Steve wanted to make sure that when Samantha and Samuel were released he was notified and could take the proper steps to protect his father and himself and his two best friends Jesse and Amanda. ? While Steve was on the phone to his captain Mark had time to ponder. Although he was angry that Samantha and Samuel only received a few years for Carol’s death in a way he was also pleased that there wouldn’t be a trial because they had confessed. He didn’t know if his son could withstand the mental torture that he would have to go through if faced with having to describe what happened when he had fallen asleep because he had unknowingly been taking sleeping pills. ? ----- ? Several weeks had gone by Steve had gone to Community General almost every day for hours of physical therapy with Mark, Jesse, and Amanda taking turns bringing Steve back and forth from the beach house. ? Finally Jesse declared Steve well enough to travel to Las Vegas. ? After weeks of waiting to get stronger Steve was finally at his sister’s gravesite with Mark by his side as always. Steve stood looking at her grave. So many things he wanted to say. So many arguments in the past brother and sister once had now seemed meaningless. After several minutes of silence Mark took his son’s hand and squeezed it for reassurance. ? Steve glanced at his dad and smiled he had come all this way, waited all this time and now he couldn’t think of the words to say. ? “I love you Carol… I always have and I always will. Wherever I am I shall think of you whatever I become is because of you.” ? With those words Steve bid his sister a goodbye with a promise to visit again when he could. ? Father and son left the gravesite hand in hand as always while the sun started setting down. A new day would be here tomorrow. Steve and Mark would be together to welcome it. ? The End ?
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