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CHAPTER 38: FUNNY HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED… OR MAYBE NOT


Nathan looked down at his ringing cellphone, which had been going off nonstop for the past twenty-five minutes. He’d ignored it as much as possible in favor of getting to see the inner workings of the family unit the Taylor-Kinney faction was becoming. He had to admit the two new additions were adorable, and he felt just a smidge of jealousy watching everyone fawn over them, even while making sure Lynette had one of the first holds the babies would endure for a little while longer, before everyone would be shooed out the nursery area. Hearing the abbreviated version of Emmett Honeycutt’s story and how he came to be in Pittsburgh, he couldn’t begrudge the man this bit of happiness, especially in lieu of what the family was facing as a whole. But it did strengthen his resolve to do the right thing by all of them. The more he learned about the key players in this drama, the more he could understand the need to protect them.


And that especially went for Brian Kinney and Justin Taylor.


“Judge Mathers,” he answered his phone, even while moving down the hall a little ways from where everyone else was still gathered.


“Oh, thank God. Nathan, you have to get us out of here,” the plaintive voice on the other end of the line commented.


He rolled his eyes, immediately recognizing Clara Hobbs’ voice. “What are you talking about, Clara? And just where is it I must interrupt my time to rescue you from?”


“Believe it or not, Virginia, Hammond, and I, are in jail.”


“And how did this happen?” He asked, before adding, “And I want the truth, Clara.”


Nathan had a feeling just what he would hear, but still needed her to speak anyway. This was the main problem with not having a wife of his own, and instead having of a veritable harem of well-bred mistresses. For some reason, they always believed they were above the law. And in some ways, he supposed they were right, in that if they greased the right palm, or slobbed the right knob, the bored housewives of high society were usually able to get their way. But this was one time he wasn’t sure what giving in to Clara Hobbs and her circle of Cuntery was going to cost him. He was sure though that it would be much more expensive than having pussy-on-demand was worth.

 

And that's much too high a price to pay.


He heard that fucking long-suffering sigh she often used, which always grated on his nerves, before she began speaking again. “We went to George’s house to retrieve some papers Virginia had mistakenly left behind when she was removed from the premises.”


“And were you asked to leave?”


“What does that have to do with anything?”


“Everything. So were you?”


“Well, George was being unreasonable, denying his wife…”


“Ex-wife, Clara.”


“Semantics, Nathan. But that’s not the point. The items were Virginia’s, and Hammond is still his son…”


“As I understand it, Hammond is also not allowed at the residence, and I know for a fact that George is not there at the moment.”


“How do you know that?”


“It doesn’t matter how I know, just that I do. In addition, you all were warned against darkening his doorstep not even a week ago.”


“That doesn’t matter. Look, are you going to come get us or not?”


“Not.”


“Wh-what? Did you just say you aren’t coming?”


“That’s exactly what I said,” he stated, even as he remembered the warnings he'd received.


George, Ronald, and Lynette had done him a courtesy in the veiled threat, even if it rankled at the time. But it was Leda’s very direct speech which made all the difference in how those threats were really perceived. She admonished him to keep his nose clean, primarily because of Shavonne Fuller’s investigation into the corruption within the Pittsburgh Police Department. Which included bribery charges against many elected officials and other higher ups within the department. Stockwell and Russo’s bullshit was about to take down many people, some of whom were just following orders, even knowing there was a slight chance it could backfire on them. But then there were others, such as the ones asking him to circumvent the law in order to pull their collectively stupid and entitled asses out of hock right then, who wouldn’t and shouldn’t be shown any mercy as far as he was concerned. 


Regardless of the many favors he’d done over the years for the country club set, he still tried to act in accordance with the law. It was one thing to offer advice about potential legal proceedings, or sign an order or two in favor of a friend. But as long as it was above board there wasn’t any way for his seat on the bench to be threatened. Unlike his father’s legacy, which was a lot more like Russo’s than Nathan ever wanted to admit. It was bad enough finding out he’d been traveling some of the same holes his father’s dick had traveled in the past- one resulting in the birth of that bitch, Lindsay Peterson- but that was where he’d prefer the similarity end.


Again with that fucking sigh, Nathan thought, as he continued to listen to the woman breathe on the phone. He was sorely tempted to just hang up the phone, but call him a masochist, because he just had to know what they planned to do. He didn’t have to wait long.


“I really hate to do this to you, but, well when there’s nothing left…”


“What are you talking about, Clara?”


“The judicial review board. You know, I think Samuel still has a few contacts there, and…”


“Are you threatening me?”


“Oh Darling, threaten is such a harsh word,” she tsked, and chuckled. “I prefer to think of it as negotiating.”


At first, Nathan felt panic. But then he remembered the ace up his sleeve he’d kept for just such a time as this. “Fine, Clara. We can negotiate.”


“Oh good, I’m so glad you’re seeing things my way.”


“Not so fast, Sweetheart. You haven’t heard my terms, yet.”


“What are you speaking about?”


“The rape and murders your father committed, ones that he was able to get away with because of my own asshole father. While the rape can’t be tried, due to the statute of limitations, the murders… Well, there’s no statute on them. There are three I know of, but if I really started digging, I have no doubt I couldn’t find more. It wouldn’t do for both your father and husband to end up on trial at this juncture now, would it? I mean with your father’s age, and then with your husband being an accessory after the fact… Well, I don’t think it would look too good. After all, look at what you’re already going through because of Christopher’s penchant for violence. One could surely say it’s hereditary, right? That’s one angle the defense could take, but then again, since he was screwing you and you’re still alive…”


Clara gasped. “You wouldn’t?!”


“Don’t find out,” Nathan whispered, knowing he’d made his point so thoroughly to her that he had no further need to worry about Clara’s threats. “So, in closing this phone call, I’ll advise you to call your husband to bail your rotten asses out. And while you’re at it, make sure to advise your lover, Hammond, and your brother-in-law, Calvin, that any further action taken against Justin Taylor or Brian Kinney will result in the complete and total annihilation of the Hobbs and Virginia’s family. If I had my way, I would have seen all your asses tossed out of high society long ago. But you were a good lay- not great, but good- but I still might find a way to make it happen anyway.”


“How dare…” 


“Very much so, but whatever. Bye now.” 


Nathan hung up, not needing or wanting to hear anymore of Clara Hobbs’ threats, veiled or otherwise. He’d done what he needed to do to protect himself, and those young men in the process. Now it was time to get Brian Kinney’s mother’s business completed so he could adequately deal with her. His own mother was much like he heard Joan Kinney was, and he was never more glad that she’d died when he was too young to have to deal with her beyond twelve years of age. And then next up on his list of things to deal with were Nancy and Lindsay Peterson. 


I’m certainly going to enjoy the start of my work week.


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~SOWK


Shavonne arrived at the hospital a little over an hour after being informed of the latest drunk driving accident. On the one hand, she couldn’t help but laugh. Not because of the situation, but because of the perpetrator. Between Joan Kinney and her daughter, Claire, Shavonne was gleaning a better understanding of the party-hard mentality she’d heard about Brian. The woman was one of the most hypocritical people she’d ever had the displeasure of being acquainted with, and in a sense, she reminded Shavonne of her ex-husband. Everything was everyone else’s fault, but never their own. 


Unfortunately, in all of this though, she felt sorry for Brian and those two little guys who were essentially going to have to hear of the damage done through Joan’s carelessness. One thing was for certain though- and probably the only consolation throughout this entire situation- was that Joan Kinney wouldn’t just be getting off with a slap on the wrist and a stint in rehab. Trevor Brown and CPS had already been informed, so now it was time to tell Brian and the family.


Coming upon them all in the Maternity waiting room of the hospital, she was loath to disturb the good vibes she witnessed as she stood in the doorway, looking at the makeshift family. From the little bit of conversation she heard, the littlest Honeycutts had at last made their appearance, and looking over to Emmett, who was holding an older lady, she couldn’t help but smile at the grin and pure glow of bliss gracing his features. Melanie was the first one to see her, even while the family was still in several clusters with the new father in the middle.


“Hey,” Mel greeted her, with a kiss to her cheek. “Have you come to see the Unicorns?”


“The unicorns?”


Mel laughed. “Yeah. That’s what we’ve all taken to calling them, after Heather said it.”


“How is she? Has she…?”


“No, she hasn’t changed her mind,” Mel said sadly. “But she’s happy, Vonne, even though we all wish it was otherwise. She’s a lot stronger than most of the women I know, and whether she’ll ever know them or not, she loves those little girls.”


Shavonne nodded, understanding what Mel was thinking, but not saying. Heather Davis was a lot more honest and brave than that fuckwit, Lindsay Peterson. It took a special, and loving person to admit you just weren’t cut out to be a parent, regardless of what society stomped into the minds of young girls from the time they were able to ask for a doll in the toy store. In Lindsay’s case, she was an example of a person who shouldn’t have been born with a reproductive system at all. And her continued fecundity was a metaphorical slap in the face to those women who wanted nothing more than to have children, but were unable to for any reason. 


Again, she was reminded of the Joan Kinneys of this world, and shook herself of the morbid thoughts. Clearing her throat, she said, “I hate to break up these moments of peace, but I need to pull you and Brian out into the hall.”


“Why? What’s happened? Has Joan…?”


“No, she’s still up on the upper level, screaming for Brian. I just left from up there, deciding I needed to speak with you guys first to let you know what’s going to happen to Joan from a legal standpoint.”


“Legal?”


“Yeah. During her incident, she hit someone.”


“What do you mean?”

 

Shavonne looked at Melanie, willing her to hear what she didn’t want to say aloud. Finally, it seemed like the lightbulb went off in the brunette’s head, and even though she would have preferred all of them to remain in the dark about this particular victim, she couldn’t stop the flinch when Melanie asked, “Who was it?”


“Michael Novotny.”


“Fuck!” Melanie exclaimed, halting all the celebration happening within the room. 


Brian stepped forward, noting the paleness of Melanie’s skin. Looking towards Shavonne he asked, “Mendel?”


She shook her head violently. “No, no. He’s still fine as far as I know. I spoke to Frayda a little while ago. Believe it or not, they are asking the doctor if there’s a way he can make the trip up here.”


Brian shook his head. “I’ll call him to tell him not to even think about it.”


“I doubt he’ll listen, but you’re welcome to try.” She smirked, before growing serious again. “The reason Mel looks like she’s about to pass out is that I have news to deliver in regards to Joan’s incident.”


“I’ve already made arrangements to have Mel and Justin deal with Saint Joan on my behalf, even as I make the necessary decisions for her. It’s the best I’m prepared to do for her, Shavonne.”


“I can certainly understand that. I was just up there, and I don’t mind telling you that you have my sympathies if that’s the bitch you grew up with.” Shavonne shook her head. As promised, Trevor had kept her abreast of all the developments as he’d gotten them while Brian and the others were in Florida. It kinda made what she had to tell him a little easier, but not by much. Clearing her throat again, she continued. “There’s no easy way to tell you this, or explain the situation as it is right now.”


“Then get on with it,” Brian said. “It’s bad enough I have to deal with the woman as it is.”


“The problem is that Joan hit Michael Novotny with her car. You probably have received several messages on your phone since it happened.”


“You’re fucking kidding me, right?”


“Afraid not. Since he’s still unconscious from the impact, it’s up to you to make decisions for him since you’re listed as his medical POA.”


“Oh fucking hell no! He should have changed it over to David Cameron when he moved to Portland. DOCTOR David Cameron.”


Shavonne wanted to roll her eyes the same way several of the family members were doing, but she had to remain professional at all cost. “I hate to tell you this, but he never did.”


“Melanie, isn’t there some way I can rescind the responsibility back to Debbie?”


“You could, but that would take time Michael may not have.”


“Fuck!” Brian said, even as he started pacing. 


“I know, Brian. Unfortunately, this isn’t a situation exactly like Joan’s, where due to her behavior of late, she is termed a danger to herself and everyone else around her. Speaking of which, what’s going to happen to her?”


This time Shavonne smiled a little. “She’s going to be charged with DWI and Vehicular Assault. If Micahel dies, the charge gets upped to Vehicular Manslaughter.”


Brian nodded, understanding what she was telling him. Shavonne breathed a sigh of relief, acknowledging that this situation wasn’t easy for the man to be put in. He had to choose between two evils in his life, both hellbent on keeping Brian tied to them by any means necessary. If it were her, even as an officer of the court, she couldn’t say what she would have done. They were blatantly hateful even in this. 


“Okay, Sunshine, you already know what to do regarding Joan. Vic, I’m going to need you to do the same thing about Michael. The first thing is to call Debbie, but please if you can keep her contained to the floor where Michael is, that would be best for everyone, and that especially goes for Em right now. The last thing he needs is to answer questions about why she wasn’t told what’s been going on in his life. If he wants to tell her, then he should be given the choice. Daphne and George, can you guys take the boys to get something to eat and then show them where they will be staying for the interim…”


“What do you need me to do?” Mel asked, while Shavonne just stood there in amazement at the way Brian’s mind was working.


“I need you to get me the paperwork as soon as possible to give Michael’s medical proxy over to Debbie as soon as humanly possible. I don’t want anything to do with him, and it’s almost as if I’m violating my own restraining order against him. I don’t want to deal with him in any form or fashion, otherwise I might be tempted to pull his fucking plug myself. Better to not tempt fate.”


“Brian!” Everyone yelled, but were immediately cut off.


“What about what I just said was difficult to understand? It’s why I need to get that shit out of my hands as soon as possible. Now Shavonne, will you please accompany Mel and Justin to deliver the news to Joan. Sunshine, let her know that I’m not paying for a lawyer, so she’ll have to go with legal aid. All I’m going to do is pay her medical bill, which if asked, the standard package should be fine beyond what her insurance pays. No private room; just the copayment for the surgery and x-rays plus whatever recovery time she’s allowed and that’s it.”


Damn, Shavonne thought. No wonder he’s considered the best at what he does. As she, Melanie, and Justin moved towards the elevator, she asked, “Is he always like this?”


Justin smiled. “This is a relatively calm day for Brian. When he’s in business mode, he’s much worse.”


“Must be a helluva guy to work with.”


“You have no idea,” Melanie answered for both of them, laughing at Shavonne’s look of astonishment.


Alighting from the elevator and then stopping at Joan Kinney’s room, Shavonne noticed the twin shark looks on Justin and Melanie’s faces. Adopting her own look of malevolent glee, she whispered, “Showtime.”


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~SOWK


CAHILL COURT

SEWICKLEY, PA


“Is this what you’re planning on wearing to Vanguard tomorrow?” Nancy asked, as she picked up the black silk blouse which felt and looked as if it had seen better days.


“Yes, Mother. I thought to pair it with the long pencil skirt next to it, and my black blazer.”


“I suppose it’s suitable… Well, if you’re an undertaker,” Nancy scoffed. “What happened to the Chanel suit I gave you for Christmas last year?” At Lindsay’s mumbled response, Nancy asked, “Well?”


“I’d rather not discuss it.”


“Well that’s too bad, Lindsay. I didn’t spend your father’s good money in order for you to dress like the blonde haired version of Morticia Addams. Or should we just call you Wednesday instead, since this skirt looks like if you sneeze everyone would see what you’ve eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner a week ago.”


“It’s not my fault, Mother. It’s Melanie’s, and those bitches who had my things sent to that storage place. Do you know I had to bid on my own belongings?”


“And you couldn’t afford to buy back your things? Lindsay, what about the money I told you to stash away when you had access to those accounts? You know if you had listened…”


“I have been listening!”


“Don’t you take that tone of voice with me. It’s not my fault you haven’t learned any of the lessons I tried to teach you,” Nancy said, before huffing out a huge breath. “Now, again, these threadbare offerings are highly unsuitable if you’re planning to make an impact within the walls of Gardner’s company. Firstly, as his mistress you should be a lot better dressed. So let me make a call and see if we can get you some better garments more befitting your current station in life.”


Nancy picked up her phone again, immediately aggravated with the pleasant sounding automation. “If this is an emergency, please dial 911.”


“Fucking Ronald. The first stop we need to make is to the local CVS, Lindsay.”


“Why?”


“To get us a couple of prepaid cell phones. Then we’ll work on proving your worth to Gardner so you can be moved to the main house by next week, regardless of whatever crap Constance may be able to pull. This living arrangement is beneath both of us, and we need to make sure he knows it.”


For the first time all day, both mother and daughter smiled at each other.


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~SOWK


AGH

ORTHOPEDICS UNIT


“Mrs. Kinney, you can stop yelling for Brian now,” Justin patiently said, barely keeping the laughter from his voice. “As we explained to you the first six times since we’ve been here. He’s not coming to deal with you. Instead he’s delegated that responsibility to me and our attorney. It’s all nice and legal so there isn’t anything you can do about it, except to rescind the medical proxy and power of attorney you have on file both with the hospital and our attorney, Melanie Marcus, so she can file it with the court posthaste.”

 

“Young man, I want you out of here right now,” Joan said through gritted teeth. “As Brian’s attorney, can’t you see that he’s banned?”


“Sure, Mrs. Kinney. But then if Justin goes, so do I, since he and Brian pay me to do the job for them as I’m required. Since you don’t, and both of them have assumed guardianship for you until such time as you’re able to be arraigned in court, I’ll have no choice but to advise my clients to abdicate all responsibility for your care, and put it back to you.”


“Brian is responsible for me. He would never just…”


“He already has, which is why I’m here in his stead, Joan,” Justin said, giving up all pretense of respect for the abusive woman. “The bottom line is that he doesn’t want to see you, but is willing to do what he can live with, where you are concerned. To that end, I already know he’s approved your hip and leg surgeries, should you need them. He’s also advised that beyond what your insurance will pay for, he’ll financially take care of the rest.”


“Does that include a private room?” She looked down her nose at him, before shifting her attention to the other patient, who was avidly watching the contretemps going on over in Joan’s section.


“No, it doesn’t,” Justin said, smiling at being able to deliver that bit of news. “Since Brian already makes sure you have health insurance to begin with, I think it’s unfair of you to ask him to do more. In fact, I think it’s magnanimous of him to see to your care at all, but then that’s Brian, right?”


“I’ll bet he didn’t have a problem paying for you to have a private room,” she sneered, and again Justin laughed.


“True, he didn’t. But I’d wager it’s because I actually care for him as much as he does for me. You on the other hand…”


“I love my son!”


“No, you don’t. You don’t even love yourself, or the Lord, with how hateful and hate-filled you are. On second thought, maybe you do love yourself. After all, only the truly evil could get off on the pain they inflict on helpless others. Well, Brian isn’t helpless anymore, and as such has chosen to remove himself from any situations which try to return him to that state, beginning with you.”


“I don’t appreciate your attitude, young man.”


“And I don’t care. Furthermore, I don’t appreciate the fact that in your quest for lamebrain of the year, you nearly mowed down someone.”


“What? What are you talking about?”


“I think I’ll let the ADA do the honors of explaining the particulars of your crimes to you. Just know that before you ask, we’re not paying for an attorney for you. Brian has already paid for you enough,” Justin said, as he moved towards the corner of the room where Shavonne was standing. “Be prepared to hear another round of screeching.”


By the time Joan was informed of the charges against her, as well as the temporary custody of John and Peter into Brian and Justin’s hands, she had to be sedated. Once again, she tried to get out of bed, thereby proving just why guardianship was needed in Joan’s case in the first place. The woman was clearly a physical danger to herself, but thankfully it wasn’t due to mental instability. No, she would face jail as a fully capable human being, and Justin was happy about that. As they prepared to leave the ward, Justin gave orders to call him or Mel if any further authorizations were needed.


“Well, that went a lot smoother than I expected,” Shavonne said.


“I think Joan seeing she doesn’t have many options is what really did it,” Justin answered. “But there is one thing bothering me.”


“What is it?” Melanie asked him, narrowing her eyes at the young man.


“What are the odds she’s going to call Virginia for her to assume responsibility?”


“It’s always a possibility, Justin. In fact, it would probably be the smartest move she could ever make. But then again, perhaps the need to keep Brian suffering her presence would outweigh her need for self-preservation.”


“We can only hope either way it goes. As for me, I really enjoyed that.”


“We could tell,” Shavonne answered for both her and Melanie, while joining Justin in laughter.


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~SOWK


Hurricane Debbie blew into the Emergency room entrance, damn near knocking others out of her way to get to the attending nurse at the desk. “Has there been any word on my son, Michael Novotny?”


As the nurse brought up the information, Debbie tapped her long red fingernails in impatience. By the time the nurse turned back to her, she was about ready to push the young woman out of the way and get the information herself from the computer.


“Ma’am, a member of his medical team, along with his representative, will be with you momentarily. Please have a seat.”


“But…”


“Ma’am, please,” the attendant said, gently, even as she motioned for the person behind Debbie to come forward. 


She wanted to yell; she really did. As far as Debbie was concerned, no one in there was more important than her Michael. But that wasn’t the way the world worked. It was a lesson she was constantly having to learn as she watched her baby have to live with the consequences of his ever-running mouth. The only consolation she had right now was that although Brian still wanted nothing to do with Michael, he’d put Vic in place to deal with Michael’s immediate needs. 


Oh sure, she wanted to berate Brian about it. She wanted to tell him to get over his snit, man the fuck up and do what he’s supposed to do by her son. But after listening to Vic explain some of the situation involving Joan Kinney, and then the reasons why Brian couldn’t see to Michael’s well-being personally, once again, she understood. It was still shocking to her that both Brian and Justin had a restraining order in place. Carl had spent a few hours explaining to her just why it was necessary. Neither of them had been at the courthouse when Lindsay and Michael confronted Brian and Sunshine, but Carl had heard about it. 


Part of her was angry that they had all kept her out of the loop, but after Carl told her about Brian almost punching Michael, she could well understand why no one wanted to tell her that. Admittedly, Debbie would have gone off the deep end, telling Brian he was just short of an animal. And after the last time she’d slapped him because of her son, Debbie couldn’t blame him for his distance. It was just a knee-jerk response to Brian’s anger with him. So surely, he wasn’t still holding that against her? 


It was just another of the questions in her mind at this moment that she unfortunately wouldn’t be able to ask.


“How are you, Sis?” Vic sat next to her, almost shocking the ghost from her. She was so lost in thought she hadn’t even seen him when he entered the waiting room.


“Not good, Vic. What’s going on? The attending nurse wasn’t able to tell me anything,” Debbie complained.


“The doctor is just getting the okay from Brian to include you in all the reports until the paperwork can be finalized.”


“Paperwork? What paperwork?”


Vic took a deep breath. “Look, Sis. There’s no easy way to tell you this, but it’s for the best. In lieu of recent events, Brian is removing himself as Michael’s medical proxy and power of attorney.”


“But that’s ridiculous, Vic!”


“No, it isn’t. And I can’t say I blame him. Brian and Justin have too much else going on right now to have to be forced to make Michael’s list of mess their priority.”


“What’s going on? Oh I hate being out of the loop like this.”


“I know, but it’s also not my place to tell you. Suffice it to say that Lindsay, and yes, Michael are involved. The former more than she ever let on. As for Michael, the further he’s kept away from the guys, the better, especially now. So anyway, we all think it’s best that the medical proxy be turned over to you as soon as possible. That way, you don’t have to wait to receive information on Michael’s care secondhand. Not only that, but right now they aren’t sure if there will be any lasting effects from the incident.”


“I could just kill that fucking drunk bitch! DO you know how many times all of us have warned her about drinking and driving over the years?”


“I can just about imagine, but we all know Joan. The key question though is what was Michael doing over by the loft in the first place. He knew good and hell well he shouldn’t have been near there. The restraining order works both ways, Deb.”


“I know. I haven’t spoken to him in about three days.”


“Really? That’s unusual.”


“I know. And I know he’s been getting my messages since each time I’ve called him I’ve been able to leave one for him. You know his voice mail only holds thirty messages.”


Vic nodded, understanding part of Deb’s real urgency. If she had known all the things Michael had been up to since David dumped him, she would have tried to talk sense into him and he never would have been following Emmett around, or been arrested in the first place. He certainly wouldn’t have been over at the loft, where Joan nearly ran over him. He wondered if she knew all that. Well, no time like the present.


Debbie listened to her brother, getting angrier and angrier at all she was being told about Michael’s escapades of the last few days. If he wasn’t in the hospital already, she probably would have reserved a room for him before knocking him unconscious herself. The grown man he was supposed to be was chronically stuck at fourteen, and Debbie could see that, even if she was loath to admit it aloud. The first thing she was going to do was talk to him about staying away from Lindsay. Fucking bitch and her suggestions were bad news. It was just lucky for him he couldn’t find her. No doubt she would have put more stupid ideas in her son’s head, and after finding out what he did in Portland and why, no one needed that kind of trauma again.


“Mrs. Novotny?” She heard her name being called.


Standing quickly, she hurried over to the physician in scrubs and a white coat. Holding tightly to Vic’s hand, she answered. “Yes, I’m Debbie Novotny. How’s my son? When can we see him?”


“I’m Doctor Kenneth Raymond, the surgeon who worked on him. Mr. Kinney gave me permission to speak with you. If you would follow me, I’ll be happy to answer your questions.”


Debbie did as she was instructed, following sedately behind the doctor while still holding onto Vic’s hand. She couldn’t help the trembles beginning to wrack her insides with every step she took. Instinctively, she knew whatever he was about to tell her would be life-altering but how she wasn’t clear. As they entered the office at the end of the hall, she knew she wouldn’t be long in finding out.


Dr. Raymond took his own seat behind the desk. “First, Mrs. Novotny. I’m cautiously optimistic that the injuries your son sustained will heal. However, there are a few things we have to discuss.”


“Okay.”


“The first thing to know is that although he’s suffering some amnesia at the moment, it’s still too early to tell just what he remembers. I have the neurologist on call looking after him in that respect. The good news is that the pressure on his brain was very mild, so we were able to allow the swelling to go down on its own before operating on the rest of him.”


Debbie crossed herself, and sent up a silent prayer in gratitude and for strength to hear the rest of Michael’s prognosis. “When can we expect a full report on that?”


“Again, it’s too soon to tell, but right now we’re monitoring him every thirty minutes to see if there is any change in brain waves. Currently, he’s still in post-op, which is good because it’s going to cause him to lie completely still. Which brings me to the most concerning of his injuries. Michael’s whole left side has been affected.”


“What do you mean?”


“We had to reset his clavicle and entire arm back in its socket. That was mostly likely due to the way he fell from the impact of the car. Although he has some broken ribs, thankfully none of them punctured his lung, although it was a close call. However, most troubling was resetting his left hip and knee joints. From the way they were angled upon arrival, it was difficult to tell whether the car was the cause, or how he landed. He’s going to have to undergo another surgery to remove any shards or bone fragments that we weren’t able to catch during the reconstruction of his left pelvic bone. For now, we’ve done all we can do. Surgery is already quite taxing on the body, so we didn’t want to run the risk of any more clots or calcium deposits forming. We were able to remove the ones we were able to see at the sites of impact.”


“What are we looking at in terms of healing, Doc?” Vic asked, when Debbie was apparently lost for words.


“Honestly, that solely depends on the patient, Mr. Grassi. I’ll be honest with you. If Michael has a determination to heal, the process will go a lot quicker than if he doesn’t. It really is a mind over matter situation, since there will be days where he’ll feel he isn’t making the kind of progress he feels he should. It will be up to him to- and forgive my language- kick himself in the ass and get to the business of making his goals towards full mobility. Unfortunately, none of us can do it for him. He has to want it.” 

 

Debbie and Vic sat, continuing to listen to the doctor’s advice when handling Michael. From all he said, it was as if he knew his patient better than the two of them. And strangely, he did.

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