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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. Author’s Notes: Once again this story is nothing like I originally intended. It has turned out to be part drama and part comedy. I was going to have this be a simple Steve bash. It has mushroomed into how many ways I can have Steve Sloan get hurt in a single story…Apparently quite a lot! ? ? A Father's Revenge by ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Steve and Jesse are in BBQ Bob’s in the kitchen counting the money from the till so they can put the money in the bank at one of the night deposits drops. They hear a noise of glass breaking. ? “What was that?!” ? “Jess it sounds like someone broke in. You have your cell phone right?” ? “Yes. Steve what are you going to do?” ? “Protect our restaurant and us.” Steve grabs his gun that he has left on the counter while they were counting the night’s take. ? Steve goes out into the main dining area and sees a person in dark clothing wearing a ski mask. “Police hands up!” Steve shouts. ? The person turns around and shoots. Steve is shot at. The bullet nicks his right shoulder and Steve returns fire hitting the masked gun man killing him. ? Steve very carefully approaches the gun man to make sure he’s dead and then he unmasks him. Steve couldn’t believe it he had just killed a teenager. ? Meanwhile Jesse has called the police and heard the two shots. Jesse is afraid of what could be happening. ? “Steve, Steve! Answer me buddy!” ? Jesse leaves the kitchen and enters the main dining area. It doesn’t take Jesse long to figure out what happened. He’s also afraid that his friend is going into shock because he is just staring at the teenager’s face. ? “Hey we won Steve! ? “Thanks to you Kevin you’re the one that scored the winning touchdown.” ? “You scored too Steve.” ? “Kevin I couldn’t think of having a better friend than you! ? ----- ? “Steve I don’t understand why you joined the army and I don’t want to listen to your reasons any more!” Kevin then spit in Steve’s face and walked away. ? “Steve, Steve please snap out of it I need to examine your shoulder. The police will be here soon.” ? “I killed him! I killed Kevin!” ? “Steve!” Jesse grabs the nearest tablecloth and places it around his friend.” ? “Steve buddy I need you to lay down so I can take a look at your shoulder.” ? Finally Steve responds and Jesse checks his shoulder. It doesn’t look that bad but Steve will still need to be taken to Community General to get patched up. Jesse calls for an ambulance. ? The police arrive and take in the scene. “What happened?” asked the first man on the scene. ? Jesse, who didn’t recognize this particular officer started speaking for them. We were closed and were counting the cash from tonight when we heard a noise like glass breaking. My friend went out to investigate and I called the police and the next thing I hear is two shots fired.” ? “Is that what happened?” ? “I killed him!” ? “Ok mister you have the right to..” ? “Hold it!” said his partner “this is Lt. Steve Sloan. I know him. He’s a good man. Obviously he’s not able to give us a statement now. Let him get checked out and then we can talk to him later.” ? “Thanks officer” Jesse said he was glad that the older officer intervened and stepped in. He knew Steve’s confession would not look good. He also knew Steve was having a hard time dealing with killing a teenager. ? They heard an ambulance arrive at the scene. ? “I need to get my friend checked out.” ? “No! the money!” ? “Relax Steve,” said the older cop. My partner and I will make sure the money is taken care of trust me.” ? “Thanks.” Jesse said for the both of them. ? ----- ? Kevin Clark was waiting outside BBQ Bob’s in the get-away car. Kevin had been following his old high school friend’s career for years. He’s been jealous that his old friend has been successful. For years Kevin has been going from one job to another. His wife abandoned him and his son years ago to find herself choosing their anniversary as the day to serve divorce papers. He had won custody of their son. ? He had heard the two gunshots and had figured out that his son and former friend had a shoot out. Kevin hoped it had been his son who had won. When the ambulance arrived and he saw his old friend being placed inside Kevin knew that he would be notified about his son’s death. ? Kevin Clark was furious he had suggested BBQ Bob’s as the place for his son to rob. Even going so far as to encourage his son to break the window which he knew his old friend would hear. He had been to the restaurant numerous times always choosing those days when his old friend was not there. He had also disabled the alarm system having been taught by his new best friend. A friend who had spent years in jail and was an expert in electronics using his skill to steal money rather than earning it which he could with his knowledge but he was in too much of a hurry to get rich. ? ----- ? Steve has been patched up and Mark notified. He’s also been told of what happened and Steve’s reaction. Mark is worried for his son. Steve has been given a sedative and is sleeping peacefully. ? “Jess you said Steve said ‘I killed him! I killed Kevin!’?” ? “Yes Mark what are you getting at?” ? “I’m not sure Jess. I’ll have to go to the path lab and look at the teenager who Steve shot. I may know why Steve reacted the way he did after I do.” ? Amanda shows him the teenager’s body. Mark looks at it for a few minutes. It looks like he may faint. Jesse and Amanda help Mark to sit down in the nearest chair. ? “What is it Mark?” Amanda asks worriedly. ? “I know why Steve reacted the way he did.” ? “Why?” ? “Jess, this teenager looks just like Steve’s best friend in high school. I’m sure Kevin must be… was the kid’s father.” ? “Oh poor Steve!” ? “Yea Kevin and him were pretty close. Like you and Steve now Jess.” ? “What happened Mark? I mean in all the years I’ve known Steve he has never mentioned Kevin.” ? “They had a falling out Jess. A bad one. Kevin was against the Viet Nam war and was angry with Steve for joining the army. Kevin even went so far as spitting at Steve just like other Viet Nam veterans had to endure.” ? “So that’s why Steve’s never mentioned Kevin.” ? “Yes, Jess that’s why.” ? “That also may explain Steve’s reaction. Besides killing a teenager. Steve must have seen his face and then was transported to that time of his life and thought he had killed Kevin. Not realizing that this must be his son.” ? ----- ? Kevin had went straight home and had gone to the trouble to make sure it looked like he had been home sleeping when the police arrived to notify him of his son’s death. He knew the police would have no reason to check his car and discover that his car’s hood was warm. ? ?Kevin would get even with his old friend. Steve had everything family and friends who loved him, a great job. Steve had taken away what Kevin had valued most in life, his son. ? ----- ? Mark waited in his son’s hospital room. He knew his son would need to talk when he awoke. ? The two officers who had come to BBQ Bob’s also waited. They had talked to Jesse after he had finished repairing Steve’s shoulder and had Steve sedated. Jesse could not tell them anything because he was in the kitchen. Jesse asked what was going to happen and the older police man said it was routine that any officer involved in a shooting, especially one where the suspect dies is put on automatic paid suspension. Jesse reminded them that Steve was off duty. They had told him it didn’t matter. They did have good news though from the investigation at the restaurant it looked as though Steve had fired in self-defense, but they still needed his statement. ? After several hours Steve awoke. Mark went to his bedside. “How do you feel Steve?” ? “My shoulder hurts a little… Dad I killed..a …..kid!” ? “I know son. I wish I had the words to take away the pain you’re going through.” ? “I…wish…it was….me..instead!” ? “Steve don’t say that! Don’t ever say that!.. What happened was not your fault.” ? “…Dad it..was Kevin!” ? “No Steve, at least not the Kevin you’re thinking about. His name was Kevin jr.” ? “Kevin’s son?” ? “Yes, Steve.” ? “I haven’t seen in years..not since that day we had our disagreement.” ? “I know son. Steve this may not be the right time but there are two officers waiting for your statement. Are you able to see them or should I tell them to come back?” ? “It’s ok Dad I’d like to get this over with.” ? The two officers are invited into the room. Mark insists on staying to give emotional support to his son. ? “Ok Lieutenant, Dr. Travis has already told us what you two were doing up until you heard the glass breaking. Why don’t you tell us what happened after that? Asked the junior partner. ? “I came out of the kitchen with my gun. I saw a person in a ski mask and dark clothing. I couldn’t tell anything about the person except the standard description medium build, medium height. ‘I told him Police hands up!’ Then he turns around and shoots. The bullet nicked me in the right shoulder and I returned fire hitting the masked gun man killing him… then I very carefully approached the gun man to make sure he was dead and then I unmasked him….. That’s when I discovered he was just a teenager..believe me if I knew he was a kid I wouldn’t have shot! ? “Mark interjects for his son. “That’s enough. My son needs rest. If you have any more questions you can ask later.” ? “That won’t be necessary says the senior officer. I believe we’ll find that the Lieutenant acted in self-defense.” ? “Thanks officers.” Mark said relieved that Steve most likely wouldn’t have to rehash what happened that night over and over. ? ----- ? Steve was released from the hospital a few days later. ? Mark and Steve were relaxing playing chess when they heard the doorbell ring. “I wonder who that is?” ? “We won’t know son until you answer the door. I know it can’t be Jess..he doesn’t knock.” ? Steve smiled. “Excuse me Dad.” ? Steve opens the door and sees his ex-best friend at the door. “Kevin?” Steve says surprised. ? “…I know this..isn’t the right time…but I want you to know that….I don’t .. blame you for killing….my son. The…police told me what..happened…I tried to get my son…the….help he needed…he just wouldn’t let…me.” Kevin sobs. “Steve I’m so…sorry….about what happened….I had no right…. To do what I did.” ? “Kevin come in. You weren’t the only who felt the way you did.” ? “Yea but I was your best friend Steve…best friends should be able to have their differences.” ? “Kevin I’m very glad to have you back in our lives.” Mark goes over and shakes Kevin’s hand. Kevin returns it warmly, knowing that his deception is starting to work perfectly. ? “Yes, Kevin I’m too.” Steve extends his hand in friendship. “Excuse me for not doing it sooner I was just shocked.” ? “Don’t worry Steve! Kevin says good naturedly. ? A few days later Steve and Kevin went to a football game together. On the weekend they rode dirt bikes and water skied. ? Jesse hated to admit it but he was getting jealous of Steve and Kevin’s friendship although he knew he was still Steve’s best friend. ? ----- ? Kevin knew he had gained Steve’s trust. Now was the time he would make Steve Sloan pay for killing his son. When you spend time in jail you learn lots of trades most of them illegal. You also learn who to go to if you want something done discreetly.. For a price. ? “What do you want?” one of the lowlifes said as Kevin had sought them out. He had been told that these two were the best. ? “I want to have someone beaten up.. Not killed just beaten. I want to be the one who kills him.” ? “All right our price is $10,000 a piece.” The other one said. ? “I…don’t have that kind of money.” ? “When why did you come here anyway?” ? “Please I have to get even with an old friend of mine. Steve Sloan.” ? “Lt. Steve Sloan? Why didn’t you say that in the first place. We’ll do it for free.” His partner readily agreed. ? “Are you sure you don’t want us to kill the cop. Believe me we’d throw that in for free.” ? “No I want to be the one .. I have to kill him myself. I want you two to beat me up too. It will throw suspicion off me.” ? Kevin arrived at the beach house bright and early the next day. He knew Steve liked to jog early in the morning before getting ready for work. Kevin knocked on Steve’s unit. ? “Steve buddy I thought I’d join you for your morning jog” Kevin said as Steve opened his sliding door. ? “That sounds great Kevin I was just about to have some water before heading out. Do you want some?” ? “No thanks Steve.” ? Steve and Kevin start jogging. Kevin guides them over to a couple of rocks. Kevin tries to be inconspicuous as he leads Steve. The two guys Kevin hired have now brought a couple of their friends over. Soon Steve and Kevin are in a fight. Steve is knocked out and then beaten up some more. Kevin thanks the goons. They told him it was their pleasure. Steve Sloan had arrested all of them at one time or another. ? Kevin watches Steve just laying on the ground. It would be very easy to kill him right now. But he wanted Steve to hurt more. Killing him now would be too easy. He notices Steve waking up and starts to go into his routine of being concerned. ? “Steve buddy are you ok?” ? “Somewhat ..And you?” Steve said as he was hugging his stomach where it had been kicked. ? “I have a few aches and pains. I just woke up a minute or two before you did. I was about to call for help when I saw you waking up.” ? “Kevin…could.. you get an… ambulance.” ? “Sure Steve.” Kevin calls for help. ? Steve passes out again from the pain. ? The ambulance arrives and Steve and Kevin are sent to Community General. Jesse is the one who meets the ambulance. Kevin is awake and asks Jesse to take good care of their friend. ? “How are you Kevin?” Jesse enquires as he helps Steve into one of the emergency rooms. ? “Don’t worry about me just take care of Steve, please! Kevin says anxiously. ? “I will. Find Mark tell him what happened.” ? “Ok.” ? Kevin finds Mark and tells him of the beating. Mark is very worried about Steve but he knows he’s in good hands. He also knows there’s nothing he can do but make sure Kevin is taken care of. Mark insists on having Kevin checked in for observation. ? Jesse finds Mark and tells him where Steve is. Steve has a concussion, couple of broken ribs and a bruised kidney. He’s going to be in pain for several days but he will recover. ? Mark sits by Steve’s bedside and waits for his son to wake up. Jesse tells Mark he wishes he could stay but needs to go back to the emergency room because he’s in charge. ? After waiting for..Mark had no idea how long he had been sitting there. Mark saw Steve’s eyes try to open up. ? “Who..are…you?” Steve asks his father. ? “Oh no!” Mark says worriedly. “I’ll get Jess! Just hold on everything will be ok!” Mark says frantically. ? Steve starts to laugh “Relax Dad I was just teasing!” ? “You clown!” Mark smiles. “I guess it doesn’t hurt as much as I thought it would.” ? “I’m sure it does Dad.” Steve says in a happy mood. “But with all this junk Jess put in me I can’t feel a thing!” ? “I’m glad you have your sense of humor back Steve.” ? “It must be because things are going so well with Kevin..He doesn’t blame me for that night…How is he?” ? “Don’t worry he’s going to be fine.” ? Mark noticed Steve’s eyelids were slowly closing and that Steve was fighting to stay awake. ? “Steve I’m going to go now and let you get some rest.” ? “All…right….Dad.” Steve said sleepily. He was asleep before Mark even opened up the door. ? ----- ? Kevin gave Steve his regret the day before he was going to be released that he wouldn’t be able to see Steve for a couple of days. He had some work that he needed to do. ? Kevin watched the beach house from a safe distance. When he saw Mark leave, knowing that he was most likely heading to the hospital, Kevin slipped into Steve’s part of the house to leave some surprises for Steve. Nothing that would kill him..yet. ? Mark arrived at the hospital ready to pick Steve up. He had arranged to have a few days off. Knowing that Steve would not follow doctor’s orders and relax. Mark was determined that he would be with Steve so that he did not overdo things. He also knew that was wishful thinking. ? ----- ? The next morning Steve started his early morning routine. After he shaved he put on aftershave lotion. “OUCH!” Steve screamed. “DAD!” ? Mark knew there was trouble..again and raced down to Steve’s unit. ? “What’s wrong Steve?” ? Mark noticed Steve desperately rinsing his face. ? “I put my aftershave lotion on like I do every morning after I shave and it burned my face.” ? “Steve let me take a look.” ? “Mark took a look. Steve I need to get some ointment for the burn and then we need to get you to the hospital.? ? “Dad!” ? “Steve don’t argue. I want Jesse to examine the burn.” ? Mark takes Steve to the hospital. Jesse meets him “Steve can’t you stay away from this place? You haven’t even been released for one day and you’re back in. What did you do now?” ? “Jess this time I can vouch for Steve. All he was doing was putting aftershave lotion on and somehow it burned him. Which reminds me, Steve I’m going to call Captain Newman and ask him to pick up the aftershave and have it tested.” ? “Steve I’m sorry. I thought you had disobeyed me again.” ? “How can I Jess with my dad hovering over me. Is this really necessary?” He asked as Jesse was examining him.” ? “Yes Steve it is.” Jesse looked some more. “I’m sure it smarts Steve but I don’t think it’s going to scar. I’ll put some ointment on it and a bandage.” ? “Thanks Jess.” ? “Steve do me a favor buddy?” ? “What Jess?” ? “Stop getting hurt all the time.” ? “I’ll try Jess.” ? ----- ? Everything went fine the rest of the day. The next morning Steve put on his sneakers to go on his early morning jog. He put his left foot in his sneaker and screamed “DAD!” ? Mark heard Steve upstairs. “Not again!” Mark muttered to himself. “What is it Steve?” Mark said as he reached Steve’s apartment. ? Steve was sitting on his bed examining his foot. His sneaker was on his bed. ? “I put my foot in my sneaker and got cut. I found a razor blade inside my left sneaker.” ? Mark looked at the sneaker on the bed and then he picked up the matching sneaker. Mark shook it and another razor blade fell out. “Steve..” ? “Let me guess we’re going to the hospital so Jesse can examine me.” ? “Yes Steve and you need a tetanus shot. Steve I’m getting very worried.” ? “I know Dad. Newman called they couldn’t find any prints on the aftershave lotion.” ? “Is there anyone that you busted that has been released lately?” ? “Not that I know of. Dad I’m going to need your help getting to the car.” ? “Ok Steve.” Mark helps Steve limp to the car. ? Once again they were met at the hospital by Jesse. “Steve, not you again!” Jesse says surprised. “Buddy I don’t know if you’ve been told but I get paid whether I treat you every morning or not.” ? “I thought I was your only patient.” Steve says with annoyance. ? “Well what happened this time?” ? “I was putting my sneaker on to go on my early morning jog. There was a razor blade and my foot was cut.” ? Jesse examined Steve’s foot and gave him a tetanus shot. While Jesse was occupied taking care of Steve Mark called Captain Newman and told him what happened this morning. He also asked Captain Newman to go through Steve’s case files thoroughly and see if there was anyone that had been released lately. He also asked Newman to have Steve’s part of the house searched for other hidden dangers. ? “Steve?” ? “Yes Jess?” ? “I would really, really like to go through one day in the emergency room without having to treat you.” ? Steve sighs “Jess believe me I don’t like starting my days going here myself.” ? “Steve I’m hurt.” Jesse imitates being offended at Steve’s remark. ? “I don’t think you’ll need crutches Steve just stay off your foot as much as you can.” ? Mark came back and helped Steve out of the emergency room. “Is Captain Newman going to examine the sneakers?” ? “I told him what happened I’m sure he will. I also asked him to go through your case files.” ? “That could take days.” ? “I know Steve..Steve I want you staying upstairs for the next few days.” ? “Dad my blanket and pillows!” ? “Steve you can’t limp downstairs and I don’t want either one of us to go down there until the police go through it.” ? “Dad I am the police!” ? “Yes, Steve but you’re on sick leave..Again!” ? ----- ? The CSU went through Steve’s apartment. They couldn’t find anything else. Mark was still unwilling to let Steve stay in his own unit. ? ----- ? Kevin came knocking on the door the next morning. Mark answers “Hello Kevin I haven’t seen you for a few days.” ? “I’m sorry Dr. Sloan I’ve been working.” ? “Kevin call me Mark.” ? “Thanks Mark I will.” ? Kevin glances at Steve sitting on the couch resting his left leg on the coffee table with a bandage on his face. “What happened to you?” Kevin feigns being surprised. ? “I’ve been accident prone lately Kevin. It’s nothing to worry about.” ? “Ok if you say so. I came by to see if you wanted to set up a day to go dirt bike riding again.” ? “No Steve won’t be going on any dirt bike for awhile…Never if I had my wish.” ? “Dad!” ? “I know Steve you’re a grown man and I except that.. But you’ve got to realize I’m your father. It’s my duty to worry about you.” ? “I know Dad,” Steve smiles “and I hope you never stop.” ? “Don’t worry Steve. You are constantly giving me cause to worry.” ? “As your friend once again Steve. I worry about you too. Well since dirt bike riding is out how about I go pick up a movie and pizza for dinner tonight.” ? “That won’t be necessary Kevin.” ? “It’s my treat Mark.” ? “Thanks Kevin.” ? “You’re welcome Steve.” ? Later on that day Kevin went to choose a movie. He chose a horror movie ‘Night of the Living Dead’. Kevin saw this movie title and thought it would be appropriate. His ex-friend Steve would be dead soon. He laughed to himself as he thought Mark and Steve would have no idea of the significance of the movie title. ? Kevin next went to pick up the pizza he had ordered earlier. He put the pizza in his car and opened the top. Thoughts of poisoning the pizza crept in. But it was too risky. Steve Sloan wasn’t the only one eating the pizza tonight. ? Kevin knocked on the beach house front door and Steve who was feeling better answered the door with only a slight limp as he walked. ? All three enjoyed the pizza and pleasant conversation. Kevin enjoyed daydreaming of what was going to happen tonight. This was the night he was going to kill Steve Sloan. ? The movie started and Steve and Kevin were really getting into the movie. About halfway into it Mark had finally had enough. He gave his apologies and told them he likes the old movies better like the ones with Bogart. Kevin said he was sorry he should have considered Mark also when choosing the movie. Mark told him nonsense the two of you enjoy the movie. ? After the movie, Steve and Kevin talk quietly for awhile about the past. Steve starts to yawn and Kevin tells Steve it’s time for him to leave. They say their goodbyes. Kevin picks up the rental and heads for his car. He puts the tape into his car and opens up his trunk and pulls out his rifle with a scope he had put in there. ? Kevin heads for the beach and aims using the scope for precision. ? After sitting on the couch for a few minutes Steve had decided that he’d better head for bed. Steve wanted to sleep in his own bed but he knew he’d never hear the end of it from his father or his best friend. He went to turn off the living room light before heading to the guest room. As he reached for the light switch there was a sound of glass breaking and a loud boom and Steve went down. ? Mark was woken up by all the noise and came out of his bedroom. “Steve! Steve!” he shouted. Mark saw Steve laying unconscious by the light switch. He quickly went over to Steve and didn’t like what he saw. There was a bullet in his back. Mark calls for an ambulance and wakes up Jesse from home. Jesse told him he’d be there right away. Mark did all he could for his son while waiting for the ambulance. He hoped everything would be ok. ? ----- ? After shooting Steve, Kevin had rushed to his car and headed for home. He wanted to hear the news about Steve Sloan being killed in his home that night. ? ----- ? The ambulance arrived with Steve and Mark. Steve was taken out immediately by the EMTs and rushed to the emergency room. There was another doctor on call. He was good but Mark preferred Jesse working on his son. Mark hoped Jesse was able to get there soon. ? Jesse arrived soon after and went to assist in the operation. Mark called Kevin and he put on a great act of being worried about Steve. Mark next called Captain Newman and told him of the latest crisis. ? After several hours Jesse came into the doctors’ lounge. He found Mark pacing, anxious for word of his son. ? “Mark the bullet in his back came close to his spinal cord but there wasn’t any damage there.” ? Mark heaved a sigh “So Steve will be able to walk again?” ? “Yes Mark but Steve will need physical therapy.” ? Kevin was disappointed. He had hoped that Steve would die from the bullet wound. He wanted to try and poison Steve but he knew Mark. There was no way Mark was going to leave his son alone until he was way on his way to recovering. ? Mark waited in Steve’s room for him to awaken once more. Kevin had tried in vain to get Mark to leave. Jesse had also tried to get Mark to leave. Kevin was grateful for Jesse’s help. But somehow he thought Jesse wouldn’t be too pleased to know that he was helping Kevin convince Mark to leave so he would be free to poison Steve. ? Hours went by and soon Steve had awoken, Kevin had given up poisoning him at least for now, vowing to keep trying to find Steve alone in his hospital room so he could poison him. ? “Hello son” Mark said as he saw Steve’s eyes open. ? “I’m back here huh?” Steve said sleepily. ? “I’m afraid so Steve.” ? “Dad who is doing this to me?” Steve said frustrated. He hated being in the hospital but it seemed lately every few days he was back in, at least as an out-patient. And now it looked like he would be in the hospital for some time. ? “I wish we knew son. I talked to Captain Newman and there hasn’t been anyone released lately that would have a reason to try something elaborate as this.” ? “Dad I put people in jail. Surely I’ve got enemies out there.” ? “Don’t remind me son. All I’m saying is that Captain Newman and I think it’s someone who is seeking revenge. But not for themselves.” ? Mark noticed Steve was getting drowsy. He wanted to talk to him about his friend Kevin. Mark thought Kevin was just a little too eager for Mark to leave Steve’s room. ? ----- ? Mark had asked Jesse to stay in Steve’s room while he talked to Captain Newman. He didn’t want to take the time to explain to Jesse about his suspicion about Steve’s old friend. ? “I agree Dr. Sloan I think I should have a talk with this Kevin. What’s his last name Mark?” ? “Clark. Kevin Clark.” ? “Ok I’ll get the address from Steve’s files.” Captain Newman went to visit Kevin to have a little talk. ? Mark went back into Steve’s room. Jesse offered to stay but Mark declined. He knew Jesse had early rounds. ? ----- ? Captain Newman went over to Clark’s apartment to ask him about his old friend Lt. Sloan. Kevin saw a police car come and decided he’d better flee his place before they found him. ? It was obvious to Kevin that they had figured out it was him who had done all those things to Steve. He also knew that he would have to wait his time and disguise himself if he wanted to get close to Steve in order to poison him. ? Captain Newman knocked on Kevin’s door. There was no answer. Captain Newman would need a search warrant to enter and he didn’t have one. The best he could do was order an APB on Kevin Clark. ? ----- ? Steve had woken up and Mark had tried to break the news about Kevin as softly as he could. Still it was hard for Steve to grasp. He genuinely thought Kevin did not hold a grudge against him about his son and realized Steve had only shot in self-defense. ? Weeks had gone by and there was no sign of Kevin Clark. Steve was in therapy but still not strong enough to go home. Mark had requested, and Captain Newman had agreed that there would be a guard stationed outside Steve’s door at all times. ? Kevin decided that he had waited long enough. He knew some of the guards would start to wonder if it was necessary to guard Steve all the time considering there had been no attempts on Steve’s life for awhile. ? Kevin came in disguised as a hospital janitor. He started a fire in a trash can in an empty room close to Steve’s. Kevin yelled “Fire! Fire!” the guard who was supposed to be at Steve’s door left his post. The guard quickly put out the fire. As he was turning to go back to his post he was hit from behind. ? Kevin entered Steve’s room quietly. He was lucky Mark had finally been convinced that Steve was much better and he could sleep in his own bed. Kevin snuck softly up to Steve. Sloan was asleep. Clark didn’t want to take a chance and put chloroform over Steve’s mouth and nose so he would be sure Steve stayed asleep while he administered the poison. ? Kevin Clark quickly left the hospital. He was sure that this time Steve would not survive. ? Jesse was doing his rounds. He noticed there wasn’t anyone posted at Steve’s door. Jesse swiftly entered Steve’s room and took a look. Steve seemed to be sleeping peacefully but Jesse knew he’d have to check his friend more closely. As he came closer to Steve, Jesse could smell chloroform. The smell was faint but it was still there. He also noticed a hypodermic needle mark on Steve’s left arm. ? Jesse ordered Steve be rushed into the emergency room for a full tox screen. He ordered every test available. He also told one of the nurses to call Dr. Sloan and tell him to come to the hospital STAT. Kevin Clark had tried once more to even the score. ? After getting the blood work done on Steve, Jesse knew what type of poison had been used on Steve. The blood tests had come back positive for hasemb. ? ?Jesse quickly gave Steve the antidote. It had been touch and go for awhile but finally Jesse managed to pull Steve through. ? ----- ? Captain Newman gave the guard that was supposed to be standing by Steve’s door the riot act for leaving his post and allowing Kevin Clark the opportunity to slip in and administer the poison to Steve. ? After an extensive search no sign of Kevin could be found. ? ----- ? Mark and Jesse waited by Steve’s bedside. It seemed to Mark that all he did lately was wait for Steve to wake up. Jesse wondered if he should see about getting Steve his own hospital room, or at least one with a revolving door. ? Steve finally woke up. “Don’t tell me.” ? “Yea son I’m afraid so. Kevin paid you a visit again. He poisoned you but luckily Jesse was doing his rounds and realized there wasn’t a guard posted by your door. He ordered you brought to the emergency room and a full tox screen and blood work done.” ? “Jess it seems likely all I’ve done is give you work to do.” ? “Steve, these things that have been happening to you are not your fault.” ? “Aren’t they?” ? “Son don’t start blaming yourself.” ? “Dad I should have realized that Kevin wanting to be friends with me again, after what I had to do at Bob’s that one night was just a ruse in order to gain my trust so I wouldn’t think he was after revenge.” ? “It’s my fault too Steve. I should have seen through Kevin’s deception too but I was so happy to see you reunited with your old friend.” ? “Jess I’m sorry.” ? “What for?” ? “I had been spending a lot of time with Kevin. I’m afraid I haven’t been much of a friend. The only time we’ve been together has been as doctor/patient.” ? “I understood Steve. You were elated to have your old friend back in your life. I never thought too much about it.” ? “You didn’t?” ? “..All right I admit I was jealous of yours and Kevin’s friendship at first but then I realized I wasn’t being replaced.” ? “No Jess you could never be replaced as my best friend.” ? Jesse smiled. ? “Now when do I get out of here? Asked Steve. He had grown tired of spending weeks in the hospital and was about to pester his dad and Jesse in the morning when Mark came in to visit him, but since this latest scare he couldn’t wait any longer. ? “Steve, son I’ve been waiting for you to nag Jess and I. I’m sorry son but you need to stay in the hospital for at least a few more days. Jess and I almost lost you this time Steve.” ? “Any word on Kevin?” ? “No they still haven’t found him Steve. ? ----- ? Days later Mark and Jesse finally consented to let Steve leave the hospital. He was still on sick leave though. ? Jesse visited Steve and Mark as much as he could to make sure Steve was not overdoing it. ? After being home from the hospital for a couple of days Steve was becoming restless. He wanted to do something, anything. Jesse had forbidden Steve to drive, which included dirt bike riding, or surf. So he was making things miserable for his best friend and dad. Especially his dad. Jesse was able to go home and get away from Steve’s constant complaining whereas Mark was stuck hearing Steve complaining about being cooped up. ? Mark finally reached the end of his nerves. He knew if he didn’t get out of the house soon he would end up doing something very ‘unfatherly like’ to his son that he loved very much. ? Jesse agreed to come over to give Mark a break from Steve. Mark had decided to spend his time away from his son talking to Captain Newman about the search for Kevin Clark. ? The phone rang and Steve answered it. The person on the phone said that Kevin Clark had been arrested and that Steve needed to come to the precinct. Kevin had enlisted one of his prison buddies to make the phone call for him. Kevin was ready to try again. ? “Jess I have to go to the precinct they’ve arrested Kevin.” ? “No Steve remember I said no driving.” ? “Jess I have my duty. I have to go.” ? “Steve I have my duty too. Which is to make sure you stay home until you are recovered from everything that has been happening to you lately, and I mean everything Steve. ? Steve sighed “Jess can’t we compromise?” ? “What do you mean Steve?” ? “If you drive me to the precinct what could be wrong with that?” ? “I don’t know Steve. I can’t think of a reason but isn’t your father there talking to Captain Newman?” ? “Yea, Captain Newman probably told the officer to call me.” ? Jesse finally relented and agreed to drive Steve to the precinct. Jesse parked his car and told Steve to walk slowly not to overexert himself. ? Meanwhile Mark was walking to his car. Captain Newman had told Mark to hang in there Steve would be back at work before he knew it. Mark was still not ready to face his son’s complaining and had decided to go to a movie before heading home. ? Mark saw his son walking to the precinct and was about to ask him what he thought he was doing when a glimpse of a car coming by unnerved Mark and he shouted a warning to his son. It was too late though. Steve had been hit and was laying on the pavement unmoving. Mark rushed to his son. Jesse leapt from his car. ? While Mark and Jesse were seeing to Steve. There were a couple of officers who had just driven up. They were late from returning back from lunch and were dreading having to explain to the captain why they had been late. They quickly went on pursuit of the hit and run driver giving their location. Soon other squad cars had been dispatched and Kevin Clark had been arrested for the numerous attempts on Lt. Steve Sloan’s life. ? ----- ? Mark was sitting by Steve’s bedside. He had been there for hours. Steve had another concussion, two broken legs and a few more broken ribs to add to all his other injuries. Jesse had been in the operating room with Steve for a very long time he thought. Jesse had told him it had been because Steve still hadn’t completely recovered from all the other attempts on his life. As a doctor Mark knew this. As a father however Mark had worried when it seemed to him that Jesse should have been done operating on Steve. ? ?Once again Steve woke up to find his dad hovering over him. “Not again!” he sighed. ? “I’m afraid so Steve. But the good news is that Kevin has been arrested.” ? “So I’ll be able to get back to work in a few days?” ? Mark heaved a heavy sigh this was not going to be easy. “Son you’re probably still under the medication Jesse gave you. I don’t know if you are aware of this Steve but besides having a concussion..again, and two more broken ribs you also have two broken legs. You won’t be doing any walking for months Steve.” ? “Months?” Steve said hoping he had misunderstood his father. ? “Yes Steve. Months.” ? “What am I going to do all this time.” Steve sighed. ? “For starters you can listen to your captain and I, when you are stronger,? lecture you about leaving the house when you are on sick leave.” ? “But Dad, Steve started to whine, “Jesse drove me. Doesn’t he get the lecture?” ? “I’m sure you annoyed Jesse until he finally gave in Steve.” ? Steve sighed “Dad can we just get the lecture over with?” ? “We already did son. “I know you have a lot of things going on now and I’m not going to add to your burden. Consider the lecture over Steve.” ? ?Steve smiled he was glad that for the most part his dad had not been too angry with him. He was afraid his dad was really going to let him have it for leaving the house even if he hadn’t done any driving. ? Jesse appeared at the door just then. “Hi Steve I see you’re awake.” ? “Yea Jess.” ? “Jesse what’s in your hand?” Mark had noticed that Jesse had one hand behind his back. “Oh this?” Jesse pretended not to know what Mark was talking about. ? “Yea Jess what are you hiding?” Steve asked skeptically. He had a feeling his best friend was going to get even with him for pestering him until he finally agreed to drive Steve to the precinct. ? “Oh this old thing?” Jesse said nonchalantly, “I bought a plague and had it engraved I’m going to ask the hospital administrators if we can have it nailed to your hospital room door.” Jesse pulled his hand holding the plague from his back and handed it to Steve. Mark was able to read it from there also. The plague read “Reserved For Lt. Steve Sloan”. ? ? The End ? ·???Ending Author’s Note: ‘Night of the Living Dead’ is a real movie. I looked up horror movies for Steve, Mark, and Kevin to watch. This movie title jumped at me. I haven’t seen the movie so I was unable to describe it in great detail. ? ?
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