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.

Author's note: I’ve wanted for some time to let my imagination have a field day and not be bothered with reality. This story is the result. It’s based on a daydream I had a long time ago and I knew if I was to do this I had to let my imagination go free. Any medical or scientific terms if any are made up.

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The Enemy Without

Part two

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It had been almost three months since Aaron and his friends had captured Steve. So many things had happened to him that Steve didn’t know where to start as he sat on his bed contemplating. He would be returning to work soon. After being on medical leave for a long while. He was glad his dad had talked him into taking a vacation by himself to unwind after his ordeal which hadn’t stopped when his father and him were finally rescued.

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Steve had been depressed after learning that ‘Rachelle, Benjamin, and Ashley’ had been figments of his imagination brought on by the drug he was given. Steve’s despondency had been so deep that Mark had been worried to leave his son alone. Finally able to convince his son to seek professional help to deal with his feelings.

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Steve couldn’t work as a police officer during this time either. He just couldn’t hurt anybody or anything. When a fly or other insect had invaded their home it had been up to Mark to kill the intruder. He didn’t have the heart to swat the fly or squish the bug. Captain Newman, his dad, and him knew that he wouldn’t be able to work if he couldn’t use his gun if he needed to or confront a bad guy.

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As he thought some more Steve knew that one of the hardest things to deal with was that Aaron had escaped justice and it had been his fault. Of course he had been told numerous times that he hadn’t been responsible for his actions. Still he knew that somewhere out there Aaron was waiting to try again.

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Steve’s car stopped and Steve wondered what was wrong. He pulled up the hood and checked. “This is strange” he thought “I thought I had plenty of gas.”

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Steve was about to start walking to the nearest gas station when he received a blow to his head. Aaron who had purposely drained Steve’s gas tank until it was almost empty and at the same time made his gas gauge appear to be full then took Steve’s wallet. His badge and gun had not yet been returned to him.

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While Steve laid unconscious on the side of the road. Aaron took out a gas can he had in the trunk poured gas into Steve’s gas tank and fixed the gas gauge so it worked. He then pushed his own car until it went over the hill and down the embankment. He was going to put Steve in his car but he had heard the sound of another motor vehicle and knew he didn’t have time. He did manage to pull Steve so that he wasn’t visible to the oncoming traffic. Then Aaron took off. Ready to be Steve Sloan once again. He’d come back later and finish the lieutenant off. He figured with the blow to his head Steve would be out for hours.

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Then Aaron turned around and went to the beach house. “Hi Steve,” Mark greeted his son as he was leaving for work, “I thought you were going to take my advice and take a little vacation.”

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“I was Dad but I decided I could get all the vacation I needed just surfing and riding my motorcycle.”

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“Ok son enjoy yourself. Bye.”

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“Don’t worry Dad I will.”

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A motorcyclist came by and noticed Steve lying on the ground. He had come very close to running over Steve.

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He called for help and the ambulance sent Steve to the nearest hospital ‘St. Vincent’s Hospital’.

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The doctors examined Steve and discovered he had a concussion. Since their ‘John Doe’ had no identification on him they fingerprinted him in an effort to discover their patient’s identity. “Steve Sloan… Hey isn’t his father Dr. Mark Sloan of Community General?” one of the nurses said. “You’re right said Dr. Fine I wonder why no one has been looking for him.

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Dr. Fine called Community General to talk to Dr. Sloan. Mark picked up the phone and said “Dr. Sloan.”

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“Dr. Sloan this is Dr. Fine over at St. Vincent’s. I’m calling to let you know your son has been found. He has a concussion but other than that he should be fine. Of course we’ll find out more after he wakes up.”

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“Dr. Fine I don’t know who you have there but I talked to my son just ten minutes ago… Wait a minute! That must be a guy named ‘Aaron’. I don’t know his last name. Be careful he’s very cunning.”

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“But his fingerprints matched your son’s that’s why I called.”

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“I’m sure they did Doctor. Like I said he’s very clever. He probably switched his fingerprints for my son’s. It was a lucky break he somehow got hurt and wound up in the hospital.”

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“Ok Doctor Sloan anything you’d like us to do?”

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“Yes, notify Captain Newman tell him Aaron’s been found. I’ll be right over.”

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Mark called Steve (Aaron) at the police station. He had been delighted to hear they had found ‘Aaron’.

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Dr. Fine and the nurses were examining Steve when he woke up. “Where am I?” Steve said. “You are at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Aaron.”

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“Aaron” why did that name seem unfamiliar to him? As he thought about it he really didn’t know what his name was.

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Captain Newman, Mark, and Steve (Aaron) arrived to question whom Mark and Captain Newman believed was Aaron. They were met by Dr. Fine.

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“I’m sorry Captain Newman, Doctor Sloan, and Lieutenant Sloan my patient has amnesia. He’s not up to questioning.”

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“We really don’t have a lot of questions Doctor. We just want to make sure that’s really Aaron you have.”

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“Ok but only stay for a few minutes. Remember no matter what he’s done he’s still my patient.”

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“Don’t worry Dr. Fine we’ll be careful believe me I care for my patients no matter what also.” Assured Mark.

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Captain Newman, Mark, and Steve (Aaron) walked into Steve’s room. Steve was still fuzzy and not sure what was going on. He thought he saw someone that looked just like him.

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Captain Newman and Mark looked at Dr. Fine’s patient and then the three of them left. “Well there is no doubt Captain, that’s Aaron.”

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“I agree Doctor.”

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Aaron was delighted to hear they believed Steve was him.

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“What are we going to do Doctor Sloan? We can’t put Aaron in jail while he’s suffering from amnesia.”

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“Wait a minute Steve (Aaron) said what about the psychiatric part of the jail ward?” Steve that’s a great idea. Mark said.

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“I agree Lieutenant,” Captain Newman also praised Steve (Aaron) “it sounds like the perfect solution. As soon as Dr. Fine gives the ok to have his patient moved I’ll make the arrangements.”

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“I concur the perfect plan.” Aaron said to himself.

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After a few days Dr. Fine declared his patient well enough to be transferred. Although Steve had no memory. Aaron volunteered to assist in bringing the dangerous criminal to the psychiatric ward where he would receive treatment until he was well enough to stand trial.

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A few days after being in there Steve’s memory had returned. He insisted he was not Aaron but Lieutenant Steve Sloan but no one believed him.

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The doctors at the psychiatric ward had declared Steve fit to be with the rest of the jail population while awaiting his trial.

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Unlike the guards and the warden Steve had no problem convincing his fellow prisoners he was really a cop. Since some of them recognized him as the one that had arrested them.

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As Steve was trying to eat in the cafeteria, which wasn’t easy considering the prisoners weren’t fed nearly as well as the patients at Community General, Steve was caught off guard and beaten up by at least three prisoners. The guard on duty felt ‘Aaron’ had it coming and allowed the beating to go on for several minutes before calling for help and stopping it.

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Steve’s injuries were too severe for the prison infirmary. So he was transferred to Community General in the prison section of the hospital. Jesse was on duty but he didn’t feel he could give 100% to this patient after what Aaron had done to his two best friends. So Dr. Blakely took over.

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Steve (Aaron) had been visiting Mark in his office planning where to have lunch. Aaron knew as part of his deception he would have to suggest the hospital cafeteria. He was hoping that Mark would win so they could eat someplace decent. Captain Newman arrived at Mark’s office and informed Mark and Steve (Aaron) of Aaron’s beating.

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As much as Mark thought that Aaron deserved the beating considering what he and his friends put his son through as a doctor and a human being who cared about others he was saddened by the news. Mark looked over at Steve (Aaron) for his reaction to the news. Mark was surprised at Steve’s callous attitude towards ‘Aaron’s’ beating.

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Mark thought about it some more. When had his son no matter the circumstances hadn’t shown some kind of compassion for others? That was part of what made Steve a good police officer. He cared.

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“Steve what time is it?”

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“It’s 11:48 why?”

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“I was supposed to meet with our new budget director Mr. Steuberg at 11:30 for a very short meeting before lunch. This is no way to start a working relationship between the two of us. I’m sorry son we’ll have to postpone lunch. But the good thing is it looks like we’ll have to settle for the hospital cafeteria.”

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Steve (Aaron) tried to sound enthused. “That sounds great Dad! I can’t wait!”

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“Hopefully the meeting won’t take too long and Mr. Steuberg won’t be too angry with me.”

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“See you later, Son.”

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“Bye Dad.” Steve (Aaron smiled) although he was dreading having to eat the hospital food again.

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Mark left Steve (Aaron) in his office and hurried to catch up with Captain Newman. He was hoping he hadn’t quite left the hospital. Mark managed to wave him down as he was about to leave the hospital parking lot.

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Captain Newman stopped his squad car and this time he took his keys with him. “What’s the matter Doctor Sloan?”

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“I think we may have made a very serious mistake.”

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“What do you mean Mark?”

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Mark then went on to explain Steve’s (Aaron’s) reaction on hearing that Aaron had been beaten.

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“You’re right Mark I’ve never noticed the Lieutenant to act that way toward another person. No matter what crime they’ve committed. What do you suggest Mark? I mean a fingerprint test is out of the question. Which ever one is Aaron he would have had the opportunity and the knowledge to switch fingerprints.”

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“I’ve got a plan Captain and with your help I think it will work. But we need to do it fast.” Mark then told Captain Newman his plan. When it’s ready bring it to the cafeteria. So they can add their touch to it.”

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“All right Mark I’ll get a rush order and bring what you want down to the cafeteria as soon as I can. I’ll also bring back some reinforcements to help.”

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“Call me when you’re at the cafeteria so I know when to bring the Steve that is in my office down. You’ll have to bring the other Steve to the cafeteria. We can’t let either one know what’s going on.”

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While Mark waited for the Captain to get back he talked to the head cook of the cafeteria and explained what to do when Captain Newman arrived.

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Mark then went back to his office where Steve (Aaron) was waiting. “All set now Dad? I can’t wait for lunch!”

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Mark smiled, “almost Steve. Mr. Steuberg wants me to go over a few things. I just have to do a little paperwork, but I can do it right here and we can talk.”

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Mark tried to act busy until he received the phone call. Then he waited a few more minutes so it wouldn’t appear so obvious. He set down the papers. “All done now Steve thanks for waiting. I believe lunch is on me.”

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Steve (Aaron) smiled. But to himself he was thinking Mark was a cheapskate. Just how much did the food in the cafeteria really cost? It couldn’t be that much considering how awful it tasted.

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Mark and Steve (Aaron) arrived at the cafeteria. They were greeted by Steve in a wheelchair his right arm cuffed to a guard so he couldn’t escape. His head was bowed down. He didn’t respond to his father or Jesse, who had come to observe after being told by Captain Newman of their suspicions.

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“What is going on?” Steve (Aaron) said as he tried to escape the obvious trap.

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“Not so fast” the police officer said as he grabbed him and stopped him from leaving.

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They placed the other Steve in the opposite direction so neither one of them could tell what the other was doing.

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“Mark these two look so much alike how are we going to tell them apart?” Jesse asked. He wasn’t sure Mark’s plan was going to work.

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“Don’t worry Jesse I know how.”

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Mark and Jesse each placed one plate of food next to the two Steves. The food did not look very appetizing.

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They both looked at the food on their plate. The Steve impostor knew how much the real Steve loved hospital food so he started eating. He figured that it had to be hospital food. The real Steve just kept staring at the food.

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“Captain Newman arrest that one he pointed to the one that had been eating. My son would never eat this.”

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“But..how…Did you figure it out?” asked Aaron amazed that once again Mark had figured it out that he wasn’t Steve.

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“I had Captain Newman bring some food from the nicest Italian restaurant nearby then I gave it to the cafeteria workers and had them make it look like it came from here. I knew my son would recognize that it wasn’t really hospital food and not want to eat it.”

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Captain Newman placed Aaron under arrest and then he told the policeman who was guarding Steve. “What are you waiting for? Release the Lieutenant right now!”

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Steve had continued to look down and not pay any attention to what was going on.

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“Steve what’s wrong?” asked Jesse.

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“I know what’s wrong” said Mark. “Just a minute Steve I’ll get you some real hospital food.

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Mark went into the kitchen and brought back some of Steve’s favorite hospital foods. He put them near Steve’s place at the table and said “Here Steve. Here’s all your favorites.”

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Steve ate but remained silent. He also didn’t respond to anything Mark or Jesse said.

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“Jess, I’m worried now. I was sure that once Steve had real hospital food he’d come around.”

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“Let me examine him Mark.” Jesse tried to examine Steve, but he just jerked away and refused to let Jesse touch him.

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“I’ll call Dr. Blakely.” Mark said he was concerned, very concerned at the way Steve was acting.

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Dr. Blakely had Steve placed in another hospital room. Since he was no longer under arrest. Then he examined him. Steve did respond to him. Dr. Blakely realized that his patient was still in pain from the beating he had received while a prisoner. He ordered a sedative for his patient and then he went to talk to his colleagues Dr. Sloan and Dr. Travis.

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“Dr. Sloan, Dr. Travis I examined Steve he’s in a lot of pain from the beating he received. I’ve given him a sedative so he could get some sleep. But he did respond to me before the sedative took effect.”

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“Well that’s good,” said Jesse.

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“I don’t think so,” replied Dr. Blakely.

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“Why” asked Mark also confused.

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“Apparently he will respond to anyone except the both of you, and his Captain.”

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“But why?” Mark asked again. He couldn’t understand why his son would decide to shut out his father who loved him so much, his best friend, and his boss.

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“I think you better talk to the Psychiatrist Dr. Nelson. I’ve talked to her about what Steve was willing to tell me while I was examining him.”

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“Okay I’ll do that thanks.”

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Mark knocked on Dr. Nelson’s door and she invited him right in.

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“Hello Dr. Sloan, after meeting with Dr. Blakely I knew that the two of us would have to talk about your son.”

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“Dr. Nelson do you know why my son is shutting me out?”

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“Dr. Sloan lets go through what has happened to your son lately. He is taken prisoner held for weeks given stale sandwiches, warm water. Given a drug that not only creates a fantasy world for him that was very hard for your son to realize was all a fake, and not only that the drug made him susceptible for a long time to believe anything anyone tells him, and because of that he helps Aaron escape even going so far as to give him money. Then when things are going back to normal in his life he’s hit on the head gets amnesia and his father, best friend, and Captain with the help of Aaron do their best to make sure he’s put a way in prison where the only ones who do believe him when he regains his memory is his fellow prisoners and they beat him up while a guard just stands by and watches.”

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Mark sighs. “So how can I help my son and reach out to him when he won’t have anything to do with me?”

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Dr. Nelson suggested an apology for one and realizing that Mark was going to have to gain his son’s trust and it wouldn’t be easy. He would have to let Steve decide where to go from there. She also said that included his other relationships with his best friend and boss.

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Mark thanked her and promised to follow the psychiatrist’s advice.

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Mark explained to Jesse how Steve was feeling. “We really blew it didn’t we Mark?”

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Mark sighed. “Yes Jesse we did. I should have figured something was strange when Steve came back so soon. He was looking forward to his vacation before he started to work again.”

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“But what I don’t understand is why Aaron wanted to deceive us again. I mean last time I know it was because he wanted to kill my father using my best friend as the fall guy.”

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“I think Jess that he actually enjoyed Steve’s life and wanted to step in and replace him.”

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“So what do we do Mark?”

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“I’m going to do just what Dr. Nelson suggests. I’m going to apologize to Steve just as soon as he wakes up, and then I’m going to let Steve decide where to go from there. I have to gain my son’s trust again.”

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“I have to gain my best friend’s trust. I sure hope I haven’t lost the best friend I’ve ever had.” Jesse sighs.

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Mark and Jesse were told from Dr. Blakely Steve’s room number and decided to wait in his room together for him to wake up. They were hoping that if Steve saw them together when he woke up that they could begin to make things right between them again.

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Hours later Steve woke up. He saw his dad and Jesse in his room. Steve once again shut out his father and best friend. Mark and Jesse looked at each other. Now was the time to try.

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“Steve I am so sorry that I believed Aaron was you and because of it you were hurt again. You even had amnesia for a time but I didn’t even realize my own son didn’t know me then. You have every right to be angry Steve. Jesse and I have been sitting here both wishing things could have been different. If I could turn back the clock I would. I’ve been thinking I should have realized that something was different when you came home so early. You were looking forward to your vacation before you started working again. I love you son and I know that it may take you a while but I hope someday you can find it in your heart to forgive me son.”

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Mark sat down and Jesse stood and talked. “Steve I’m sorry also. I’m scared that I’ve lost the best friend I’ve ever had and it’s my fault. I should have helped you when you were injured. Steve I’m willing to do all your shifts at Bob’s as long as it takes for you to forgive me. Please don’t shut us out of your life Steve.”

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Steve smiled when they were done but didn’t say anything. Mark and Jesse knew that was a good start but it would take time for Steve to fully get over his trauma and forgive them.

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Captain Newman came into Steve’s room then. “I came to see how my best detective was doing. Steve I owe you an apology also. I’ve talked to the chief and we’ve fired the guard that stood by while you were being beaten. I hope you decide to come back to work Lieutenant you are the finest officer I have.”

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Steve then spoke “what about Aaron? What if he tries to take over my life again?”

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Mark, Jesse, and Captain Newman looked at each other. They were glad Steve was talking to them again.

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“Steve that’s a very good question. I’ll see to it that the judge requires Aaron to get plastic surgery again so he won’t look like you again.”

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“I’ll help Captain Newman” replied Mark.

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“I really appreciate everything you’ve said to me and I will try to forgive you all one day but right now I’d just like to get some sleep.. Please.”

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“Okay Steve.” Mark said with relief. That was a step in the right direction in building their relationship again.

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Jesse smiled at his best friend and left the room.

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“I’ll go have a talk with the DA and tell him what you want Lieutenant. See you later Steve.

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Jesse had to start on with his rounds while Mark had to interview applicants for a nursing job that had recently opened up.

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After Mark had interviewed several of them another candidate for the nursing job came into Mark’s office for an interview. Mark looked up the woman was very pretty with blonde hair that was put in a French braid. “Hello Dr. Sloan I’m Rachelle Andrews and I’m applying for the nursing job…

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Before Rachelle could say anything else Mark said “I’m very pleased to meet you Miss Andrews. You’re hired. You can start right now. My son is going to be a patient for the next few days I’d like you to be his nurse.”

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Rachelle smiled.

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Steve woke up and noticed a nurse in his room. He noticed right away how pretty she was.

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“Lieutenant Sloan my name is Rachelle I’ll be your nurse.”

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Steve smiled. “I’m very pleased to meet you Rachelle.”

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“You know that is almost exactly what your dad said to me when I applied for this job?”

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Steve smiled. Rachelle when you see my father next time could you tell him I forgive him?”

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“For what?” Rachelle asked confused.

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“Don’t worry he knows” Steve said smiling. Rachelle Andrews was the woman in his fantasy world.

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The End

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Author’s Note: Did you really believe I’d let my imagination run free and not let it do a Steve amnesia story? J

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