“Anyway. I tried to convince them I would tell Tanya anything she wanted to know. I was hoping they would let me go.”
“You know. I really think I’m feeling better.” Steve commented as he turned around to head back to Rudy’s lab.”
“Well you really don’t look better.” Jaime observed. As a matter of fact you look much worse.”
Steve turned to her. Yea maybe you’re right….” Again he fell to the floor just inside Rudy’s office.
Dan looked at Gregory. “You don’t believe me do you?”
“Well” Gregory gave him a quizzical look.
“You don’t have to believe me.” Dan cried out.
“Of course I do. I just find it very incredible.” Gregory stated.
“Yea. I know so do I?” Dan replied. “Listen I would find it hard to believe if I were in your shoes.”
“Well then I guess I have all the information I need. Listen Dan. If you ever get tired of the OSI the NSB could sure use you.” Gregory smiled at him
“No way Gregory. Dan is not working for you!” Oscar laughed as he reached for the phone.
“Rudy.” Oscar began as he hung up the phone. “That was Jaime is on the phone. Steve had another attack”
Rudy and Oscar raced down to Rudy’s office. Steve was still on the floor. Jaime was next to him.
“Rudy. He won’t respond to me at all.” Jaime cried.
“Rudy bent over him. “Here Jaime can you help me get him up here.”
Jaime helped Rudy get Steve back into bed.
“Jaime’” He began what happened?”
“I don’t’ know. He said he felt better and wanted to get up for a minute, In fact we went for a walk up the hall and back. He thought he felt better. The next thing I knew he was on the floor.” Jaime was still crying.
Rudy started shaking him. Steve? Steve!” he called out.
Steve slowly came around “Rudy?” He asked.
“Yea it’s me. You just lay back and relax.”
“This is getting rather annoying.” Steve complained. “You still don’t know what the problem is?”
Rudy shook his head. “I should have the results later this morning.”
“I hope they tell us something.” Steve sighed.
“Look I want you to stay in bed. I don’t want you moving around.”
“Ok I think I will.” Steve closed his eyes and fell back to sleep.
“How is he Rudy?” Oscar asked when Rudy came out of the lab.
“He’s ok for now” Rudy stated. “I just wish those test results would get here.”
“Yea me too.” Jaime scolded. “Rudy, can I stay with him?”
“Of courser Jaime.” Rudy let her walk in.
“Is Dan still in your office?” Rudy turned to Oscar.
“Yea he seems fine.” Oscar told him. “I told him about bionic skin that tans. He really wants to work on it if it’s ok with you.”
“That’s fine.” I’ll be in my office.”
An hour later Oscar was sitting at his desk when Rudy walked in. “How’s Steve?” He looked up from the report he was reading.
“Still sleeping.” Rudy informed him “I just called the lab I use. The results are on there way over.”
“Well that’s a relief maybe we’ll get to the bottom of this. I’m sure Steve will be relieved too.”
“I’m sure he will be.” Rudy agreed.
He left and went back to see how Steve was doing
“He’s still sleeping” Jaime informed him. “I told Oscar last night, I don’t want him to know the Russians kidnapped Dan again. I’m afraid it would upset him.”
“Yea even though Dan is fine. I’m sure Steve would be very upset. I know how close he is to those kids. Why don’t you go get something to eat?” Rudy suggested. “I’m sure the baby is hungry.”
“Yea I think I will.” They stepped out of Steve’s room. “You know Rudy sometimes I get a little jealous.” Jaime admitted.
“Jealous?” Rudy looked at her.
“Yea will he be as close to our ‘son’ as he is to Marc?”
Rudy laughed. “Of course he will. He can’t wait for the baby to be born.”
“As soon as Oscar and Jaime left the room Steve opened his eyes. He had heard everything.
He slowly got out of bed. And headed down to Oscar’s office.
“Steve, what a pleasant surprise “ Callahan greeted. “But shouldn’t you be in bed?”
Steve ignored her. “Is he in?” he grumbled
“Yes, I’ll just tell him you’re here.”
“Don’t bother!” Steve pushed the door open. He stepped into Oscar’s office.
“Steve, what is it?” Oscar asked shocked to see Steve standing in front of him. “Does Rudy know? I mean you are supposed to be in bed.”
“I WANT TO KNOW WHY I WASN’T TOLD THAT THE SOVIETS HAD KIDNAPPED DANNY!!!” Steve yelled.
If Oscar had been shocked by Steve’s sudden and unannounced appearance in his office he was floored by his outburst.
“Steve I didn’t want you to…”
“Too what!” Steve was calmer now. “You should have told me!!” Steve was getting mad again
“Steve we didn’t want to worry you.” Oscar started. Rudy thought…”
“BUT WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME? I should have been the one to help!!”
“Steve, calm down. Listen let me get Rudy back down here.” Oscar tried to defend his actions.
“I won’t calm down!” Steve shouted stepping closer to Oscar’s desk. “I don’t need you to call Rudy. I’m not a baby. You had no right to keep this from me!!”
“Steve, You’re not making any sense. I’ll have Rudy down here in just a couple of seconds.” Oscar tried to remain calm just what the heck was going on?
“NO YOU WON’T!” Steve slammed his fist down on Oscar’s desk splitting it in two.
Oscar looked from his destroyed desk to Steve standing on the other side of it.
“I’m sorry Oscar. I didn’t mean…” Steve ran out or Oscar’s office. Oscar was just picking up the phone when Rudy stepped in.
“Oscar have you seen Steve…” Rudy looked at Oscar’s split desk “I see he was here.” Rudy sighed. “I was afraid of that I got the test results back. It’s just what I thought. Remember last month when Hillers’ wife shot him?”
Oscar nodded. “It’s from that?”
“Yea I figured that’s what it was. It's scar tissue from the surgery. The tests just confirmed it. I have to find him.”
“He is angry that we held the information from him about Danny.” Oscar said
“I’ll give you odds he went to confront Rustam.” Rudy surmised.
“Are you sure that’s where he went?” Oscar didn’t like the idea of Steve meeting with Rustam, Especially in the state he was in.
“I’m positive of it. I know Steve pretty well. I’ll head over that way. In the mean time call Gregory and let him know what’s going on. I don’t want him to come after Steve.”
“I’ll do that Rudy.” Oscar reached for his phone just as Rudy left to find Steve.
After Rudy left Oscar decided it would be best for him to meet with Gregory in person. He needed to explain Steve’s unique situation to him.
Oscar called for a car to drive him to Gregory’s office. After announcing himself at the front desk he was escorted up to Gregory’s office
“The inspector is on a meeting Mr. Goldman.” His secretary explained. “Did you have an appointment?”
“No Marge I didn’t but it is imperative that I meet with him. Can I just wait?
“By all means.” The secretary allowed him into Gregory’s office.
After waiting several minutes Gregory returned. Oscar stood when he entered.
“Well Oscar what brings you here? Ah you decided to let your son work for us after all.”
“No Gregory. I have a favor. You know the soviets kidnapped Dan. We tried to keep it from Steve…”
“May I respectfully ask why?” Gregory wanted to know.
“Steve has a medical problem right now. We didn’t want him getting up set
“I see.” Gregory responded.
Across town at the Russian embassy Steve sat in Ambassador Rustam’s office. He stood as the Ambassador entered the room…
Oscar looked at Gregory trying to read his expression. “I mean it Gregory.” Oscar continued. “Rudy knows what’s wrong, however we are unsure how far it has progressed. Dr. Wells went to find him. You are aware of his special qualities?”
“Yes I am Oscar.” Gregory sat forward to have a serious talk.
“Anyway it is not related to the current problem. Dr Wells is aware of the problem and is ready to rush him into surgery as soon as we find him.”
“Find him??” Gregory questioned.
“He went to have it out with Rustam. At least that’s what we assume.” Oscar went on.
Gregory nodded.
“If he is meeting with Rustam…” Oscar started.
“Oscar you don’t need to say anymore. We won’t do anything to upset him.”
This time Oscar nodded. “Just don’t fly off the handle. Ok?”
“We won’t I’ll let the OSI deal with it.” Gregory promised.
“Can’t ask for more than that.” Oscar shook hands and left.
Rustam sat behind his desk. “So friend Steve what can I do for you. Have you decided to come join us at the KGB?”
“In your dreams Rustam. In your dreams.” Steve spat. “I have a bone to pick you.”
“I don’t believe I am familiar with that expression.” Rustam stated.
“You leave Oscar’s family alone.” Steve stated.
“What are you talking about Col Austin?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. You kidnapped Dan yesterday. Look we don’t try to recruit your people. Why do you do it to us?”
“Friend Steve…” Rustam started
“I’M NOT YOUR FRIEND!!!” Steve screamed.
Rustam was taken aback by the outburst “Col Austin just calm down.”
“I won’t calm down. If you go near Oscar’s family ever again I’ll kill you. Got it Rustam. I’ll kill you.” Steve stormed out of his office.
Yuriy Shurik Stepped into Rustam’s office. “Want me to take care of him Rustam?”
‘No. Not just now. Let him go.” Rustam watched as Steve walked down the hall. “Just let it go for now anyway Yuriy.”
Rudy arrived at the Soviet Embassy just as Steve was walking out.
“Steve. Hey Steve.” Rudy called out.
Steve slowly walked over to Rudy. “Hey doc. Listen, did I break Oscar’s desk?”
Rudy flashed him a concerned look. “You don’t remember?” he asked.
Steve shrugged “Sort of but more like it was a bad dream.” Steve looked at Rudy “By the way why am I here?” He pointed to the building behind him.
“I think I better get you back to the lab.” Rudy helped him his car. “Here Steve, just relax.” Rudy said as he helped Steve into the back seat of his car. “Why don’t you just lay down? Rudy helped him then he got behind the wheel and sped all the way to his office.
As he drove called Oscar “Oscar. I found Steve. I’m on my way back with him. He has no memory of what happened in your office or at the Embassy.” Rudy told him
“I’ll give you clearance to get in here fast Rudy use the south gate.”
Rudy used the south gate the guard just waved him in.
Rudy rushed Steve up to his lab.
After what seemed like hours Rudy emerged from his office. Oscar and Jaime jumped to their feet. “Rudy how is he?” Oscar wondered.
“I’m getting him ready for surgery.” Rudy informed them. “I’ll give you a brief overview of what’s going on cause I need to get back to him. I told you the test results indicated scar tissue build up from the injury he suffered when Carla Hiller tried to kill him.
Jaime and Oscar nodded. “What do we do for him?” Oscar asked.
“Just what I’m doing. I’m getting him ready for surgery. I have to go in and relieve the pressure.
“Will he be ok then?” Jaime wondered.
“He should be.” Rudy said. “Look, I have to get back to him.”
Jaime and Oscar watched as Rudy headed down the hall.
Jaime grabbed Oscar’s arm. “He’s going to be alright Jaime.” Oscar tried to reassure her. “He has to be.”
“Oh Oscar I don’t know.” Jaime cried. “If anything happens to him…”
“Nothing is going to happen. Steve is going to be just fine. Come on let’s go into Rudy’s office and wait. We’ll be more comfortable in there.”
Dan was sitting in Rudy’s office when they entered. “Dan what are you doing here?” Oscar was surprised to see him.
“Rudy asked me to work on something. Is Steve alright?” Dan wondered.
“We don’t know son. Rudy just took him down to surgery. We are very concerned about him.”
“Well I’m sure he’ll be all right.” Dan turned back to the computer to continue working. He punched in a few more keys. Then turned back to Oscar.
“Dad I’m going to the food machines. Would you guys like something?”
“No thanks Dan.” Oscar stated. “Do you need some money?”
“No. I have plenty.” Dan headed down the hall.
“What do you suppose Rudy has Dan working on?” Jaime asked trying to take her mind off of what was going on down the hall.
“I don’t have a clue. But I’m sure it’s important otherwise I don’t think Rudy would have Dan working on it. How are you doing?”
“Just anxious.” Jaime stated.
“Yea, me too.” Oscar admitted.
Dan came back in the room he had coffee for Oscar and Jaime. “I thought you could use it. By the way dad, Gregory is out there.”
“Dam it!” Oscar growled. He flung the door open. “Gregory what the h--- do you want?” Oscar shouted.
“I have to talk to you about Col. Austin.” Gregory told him as he entered Rudy’s office.
“What about?” Oscar demanded. “Steve is in surgery right now.”
“Surgery?” Gregory eyed Oscar suspiciously
“Yes surgery. Do you remember the conversation we had a little over two hours ago in your office?
Gregory nodded.
“Well Rudy felt it necessary…Steve has no memory of meeting with the Russian ambassador. He doesn’t even know how he got to the Embassy.”
Gregory gave Oscar a suspicious look.
“Well he doesn’t.” Oscar protested.
“Oscar” Gregory began. “Steve threatened the Ambassador.” Gregory spoke slowly.
“Good! Someone needed to.” Oscar snorted. “The nerve of that man. Kidnapping my children.”
“That’s why Steve threatened him.” Gregory stated.
“Look Gregory.” Oscar began. “We are all quite concerned about Steve. But in his defense He was only looking out for my family.”
“I don’t understand.” Gregory came back.
“Look Gregory. Rustam has no right to try and ‘recruit’ my children. We don’t do it to them.”
“You have a point.” Gregory admitted. “I’ll just let it drop.”
“Thank you.” Oscar was more sarcastic than grateful.
As Gregory left Rudy entered. “Oscar, Jaime?” He called out
The two of them turned to him. “Rudy!” Jaime almost ran over to him “How is he.”
“Well the surgery is over. I won’t know much of anything till he wakes up. That could be anywhere between an hour to a whole day. I just don’t know.”
“But the surgery itself went well?” Oscar asked.
‘Yea I was able to remove all of the scar tissue. He is out of danger with that.” Rudy enlightened them
“Well that’s a relief.” Jaime said.
Rudy looked at her with concern. “Are you doing ok?”
“Yea I’m fine Rudy.” Jaime sighed. “I’m just worried about my husband. You know I get this feeling Steve will never see this baby born. I mean… I know I keep saying this But Steve’s natural father died before…”
“Jaime. Steve is going to be just fine.” Rudy assured. “I’m just waiting for him to wake up.”
“He will wake up won’t he?” Jaime voice trembled.
“Of course he will!” Oscar stepped in.
“Oscar’s right Jaime. Steve is going to be just fine.” Rudy assured
‘Well.” Jaime began again. “Can I go sit with him?”
“Sure Jaime.” Rudy started to lead her down the hall.
“Yes Lynda?” Rudy asked as they stepped out of his office.
“He’s waking up Dr.,” She informed him.”
“Well that’s a step in the right direction.” The three of them headed down the hall toward Steve’s room.
Steve was just waking up when the entered. Jaime and Oscar stayed back a bit so Rudy could get closer to him.
“Steve?” Rudy called.
“Hey. Hi Doc.” Steve looked up at him. Steve held up his hands. “Not bad huh.” He said.
Rudy half wondered what he was talking about but played it out anyway. “Yea Steve not bad at all.”
Oscar moved in to him. “How are you Steve?”
Steve turned back to Rudy. “Hey Doc.” He stated a quizzical look in his eye.
“Yea Steve. What is it?” Rudy leaned closer.
“Tell me one thing. Who’s the guy in the stuffed shirt?” …
Oscar and Rudy exchanged a concerned glance over Steve’s head. Jaime gasped.
“What do you mean?” Oscar was quick to ask.
Steve turned to Oscar and then back to Rudy. “I mean it Doc who is this guy?”
Rudy motioned Oscar and Jaime toward the door. Oscar nodded that he had heard Rudy.
Rudy turned back to Steve “Steve. Just take it easy. You rest for a moment I’ll right back.”
“Yea sure.” Steve responded still glaring at Oscar.
The three of them left the room. “What the h--- is wrong with him Rudy?” Oscar demanded.
“I don’t know Oscar I just don’t know.” Rudy was perplexed
“What are we going to do?” Jaime cried.
Rudy slowly shook his head. “I’m not sure. Look. I’m going back in. I have a couple of questions I need to ask him.”
“Rudy what is going on?” Jaime wondered
“I don’t know. I’ll be right back out.” Rudy told her He stepped back into Steve’s room.
Steve turned toward the opening door. “Hey Doc” he called. “What’s going on?”
“”I’m not sure Steve. Why don’t we start with how you are feeling?”
Steve nodded. “ I feel pretty good. Hey listen. The ship? Is she in pretty bad shape?”
Rudy stared at him for a moment. “The ship?” he sounded perplexed.
Steve nodded ‘Yes Doc the ship. Did I crack her up pretty bad?
“Let’s not talk about that right now. Mind if I ask you a few questions?
“No not at all. Go ahead.”
“Good. Let’s start with your name?”
“Steve Austin.”
“Good, very good. How old are you?”
“I’m 31.” Steve told him
Rudy tried hard to hide his shock anticipating what the answer was going to be.
“Where do you live Steve?” Rudy continued
“Kind of all over, but I guess I live in Florida right now. It’s close to NASA you know” Steve turned to him. “But you know all of this.”
“Yea I know. I just want to see if you remember. I have one last question then I’ll let you get some rest. What year is it?”
“1973 I think it’s March.”
“That’s great Steve. You just rest. I’ll be back in, in a minute ok?
Steve nodded. “Ok Doc.” He rolled over and went back to sleep
Jaime and Oscar pelted him with questions the minute he came out.
“”What’s going on?” Oscar asked.
“Is he alright?” Jaime demanded
“Slow down. Slow down. Let’s go to my office so we can talk. Steve is sleeping for the moment.” Rudy advised.
They all walked down to Rudy’s office they sat eager to hear the Dr.’s report.
“Is it brain damage Rudy?” Oscar asked his voice shaking
Rudy shook his head. “At least I don’t think that’s the problem. I almost wish it were it might be easier to solve. I think what Steve has is called retro grade amnesia. For some reason he has chosen to block out the past three years.”
Block out the last three years, why?” Oscar wanted to know
“I have absolutely no idea except maybe the bionic surgery was harder on him than we ever thought, or maybe it’s something else.”
“Meaning?” Oscar was getting agitated.
“Meaning I don’t know how to deal with it… “ Rudy sighed.
“Rudy if he thinks it’s 1973 then he won’t know we’re married.” Jaime realized.
Rudy nodded his head. “That’s right.”
“Rudy we have to do something. I mean we can’t just let him go on this way.” Oscar was saying.
“Yea. I know.” Rudy continued sighing. I’ve heard about cases like these, I’ve just never come across one.”
“What if Jaime goes in. It might spark his memory.” Oscar suggested
“Yea and it could do more harm then good.” Rudy continued.
“So he has no idea who we are?” Oscar was still shocked.
“That’s not exactly the case Oscar.” Rudy began. “Steve does know who Jaime is. He just won’t remember they are married, cause in his mind it hasn’t happened yet.”
“What if we try to stimulate his memory?” Jaime suggested.
“Like I said it could do more harm than good.” Rudy surmised.
“Rudy. What am I going to do? I’m not only going to have his baby. I’m having a carbon copy of him!” Jaime shouted.
“I know that.” Rudy agreed. “I am not sure. Right now in his mind, the crash that made him bionic just happened, and he’s fine.”
“What?” Oscar looked at Rudy. “You didn’t say that!” Oscar shouted. “Rudy you have to let me in there to see him.”
“I’m sorry Oscar I thought I mentioned it. I really don’t think that’s a good idea. He has no idea who you are. Listen I’m going back in. You to just wait here. I’ll keep you informed.” Rudy walked back down to Steve’s room. Steve was just waking up when he walked in.
“So Doc. I cracked up the ship pretty good.
“Yea Steve. You cracked it up pretty good.” Rudy said to him.
Again Steve checked himself out. “I came through it though.” He stated again.
“Yea you did. Guess we got lucky.” Rudy played along with him.
Steve looked at Rudy his eyes opened wide. “Just a minute!” He called out
“What is it Steve?” Rudy asked. He turned to look at him.
Steve sat up in the bed. He was looking directly at Rudy but Rudy could tell his mind was very far away. Rudy watched him closely.
He turned for a moment to wave Jaime and Oscar in.
“What is it Steve. What’s wrong?” Rudy walked over to him. “Steve? Steve! What’s going on?”
Steve turned to Rudy. “Where am I?” He asked.
“Your in the hospital Steve.” Rudy answered. “Are you ok?”
Steve looked around the room. ‘I think so. How did I get here?”
“I brought you here Steve. Do you remember?”
Steve shook his head. “Where is Jaime?” Steve looked around
“I’m right here honey?” Jaime answered.
Steve looked up at her. “What happened?”
“We were hoping you could tell us.” Rudy stated. “Why don’t we start with the date? Do you know the date?”
“Of course I know it’s July 1976?”
Rudy nodded. Ok now, what’s the last thing you remember?”
Steve lay back on the pillow Rudy could tell he was thinking hard.
Steve nodded. “I had just come to your office to tell you I kept passing out. You had Marc with you and…”
“You just rest Steve. I’ll be back in a minute. Do you want Jaime to stay?”…
Steve closed his eyes and was asleep before Rudy got the sentence out.”
They all walked out of his room. “What he said about coming into my office. That sounds about right.” Rudy stated. “It also sounds pretty reasonable. He has just blocked out the past few hours.”
“But why Rudy? Why would he block it out” Jaime asked.
“Well maybe that’s just the way it is. It’s really not important is it?
They all agreed that it more than likely didn’t matter.
“Rudy, when can I take him home?” Jaime pressed
“Not for a few days. And then he’s going to have to take it very easy. No assignments for a while anyway.
“I’ll see to that.” Jaime stated. She walked back into Steve’s room.
“HI honey. How are you?” Jaime asked.
“Ok I guess. When can I get out of here?”
“Rudy says in a few days. Steve you just had a very serious operation.”
“Want to run that one by me again. I had an operation?”
Jaime was afraid she had said too much. “Yes you did. After you told Rudy well he ran some tests. I don’t know if I should… She began to tell him what had happened.
“I actually broke Oscar’s desk?” Steve wan incredulous
“I’m afraid so.” You had us very worried honey.”
“Well.” Steve thought. “I still don’t remember it.”
“Listen.” Jaime stated. “You just rest. I won’t be far.” Jaime headed down to Oscar’s office where Rudy and Oscar were waiting.
“I told him what has happened. I hope that’s ok. He wanted to know what was going on.”
“How did her respond?” Rudy turned to her.”
“He seems ok with it.” Jaime explained.
“Well that’s good then.” Rudy nodded.
“Well, I’m going to head home I’ll go grab Dan. You won’t be home to night?
“No I’ll stay here with Steve.” Rudy told him.
“I’m staying too.” Jaime chimed in.
Dan was sitting at Rudy’s computer when Oscar walked in. “What are you working on son?”
“Bionic skin that tans. Rudy asked me to work on it….”
“How is it coming?”
“I think I might have a lock on it. Of course I’ll have to test it first. But I really think I have a lock on it.” Dan looked up from the computer and turned to his father and pushed his glasses up on his nose.
Oscar bent over the computer terminal “Let see what you have so far.”
“How’s Steve.” Dan asked still looking at Oscar.
“He’s awake or at least he was. I guess what I should say is…”
“How did the surgery go?”
“The surgery went very well. It was very strange at first.” Oscar told him what had happened. “Then he seemed to come back around and he remembered who everyone was.”
“Well that’s good.” Dan Started
“You don’t seem surprised.” Oscar noted.
“Actually “I’m really not surprised” Dan continued. “It would seem only logical for him to suffer some sort of brain damage after all that has happened. How is he now?”
“He has no memory of the past 48 hours.” Oscar explained. “Rudy doesn’t know if it will ever come back.”
Dan sat back in the chair. “Well” He removed his glasses. “That just might be for the best. At least he remembers who everybody is.”
“That’s what we said.” Oscar stated. “Anyway, I’m ready so why don’t we go home
“That’s great. I’m ready whenever you are.”
“So tell me what you’ve come up with.” Oscar again turned his attention to the computer screen.
Dan explained he had come up with something that would make the bionic skin tan. Special filters that allow the sun to in an effect do its job.
“Can I see Steve?” Dan asked standing up.
“Not right now son.” Oscar told him “Rudy says he needs his rest..” Oscar continued. “Why don’t I take you home and I’ll get dinner started. Rudy and Jaime will stay here tonight.”
“That sounds good to me.” Dan agreed. He printed out what he had worked up on the computer and laid it on Rudy’s desk.
Oscar put his arm around Dan and they headed down to Steve’s room. “We’re going home now Rudy. I’ll be here first thing in the morning.” Oscar said as he caught Rudy coming out of Steve’s room “Is he still awake?”
“No he’s sleeping Oscar. I hope he sleeps through the night. I’ll let you know if there are any significant changes in the night.” Rudy stated.
“I’d appreciate that. We’ll all be home all night.”
“Great. I’ll see you in the morning then.” Rudy gave him a wave.
“Can I sit in with Steve, Rudy?” Jaime asked.
“Sure Jaime. Let me know when he wakes up.” Rudy requested
“You’ll be the first to know.” Jaime assured. She stepped into Steve’s room and sat by his bed. Jaime waited for Steve to wake up.
Oscar and Dan arrived home. “I think I’m going straight up to my room.” Dan said as soon as they walked into the house. “I’m really tired.”
“Ok son. I’ll start dinner.”
“Ok Dad.” Dan sighed.
Joey and the twins were sitting in the living room when Oscar passed through. “I have some things to do guys.” Oscar started. “Why don’t you go up to your room and play a game till dinner is ready.”
“Ok dad.” They called as they headed upstairs.
After going upstairs to change before making dinner. Oscar stopped by his office and dialed Rudy.
“Yes Oscar?” Rudy answered.
“I was just wondering. How is Steve doing?”
“Still sleeping. Like I said earlier I’m sure he’ll sleep through the night.”
“I’m sure you’re right. Did Jaime go home? Does she want to stay with us tonight?” Oscar asked.
“No. She said she just wants to stay here with Steve.”
“Ok great. I’ll see you in the morning. I’ll be home all night if anything comes up.”
“I’ll call if there is any change in Steve’s condition.” Rudy assured.
“I’d appreciate that Rudy.” Oscar sighed. He hung up the phone and headed for the kitchen to fix dinner.
When it was ready he went upstairs to get the kids. He went into Dan’s room first. Dan was lying on his bed. “Are you asleep Dan?”
“No dad. Just resting.” Dan responded.
“Dinner is ready. I’m just going to get the twins and Joey. I’ll be down in a minute. Go get cleaned up.”
Dan stood up “I’ll see you down stairs.” Dan went into the bathroom to get cleaned up.
Oscar headed into the kids rooms.
Jaime sat by Steve’s bed most of the night. At around 3:00 in the morning Steve opened his eyes.
Jaime walked over to him. “Steve honey. Are you all right?”
“I guess so.” Steve muttered.
Jaime watched him. Even in the darkness of the room she could see his face and she didn’t like the expression he had.
She sat next to him on the bed. “Listen. Do you want me to go get Rudy?” Jaime wondered.
Steve turned to her. If she hadn’t liked his expression a moment a go the look he gave her now, frightened her.
“Huh? Who?” Steve’s eyebrows narrowed as he tried to concentrate on what was going on. “Could you tell me where I am?”
“Steve honey you’re in the hospital.” Jaime moved closer to him.
Again he gave her a blank look. Jaime reached for the light and turned it on. “Steve what’s wrong?” She asked.
“Steve? You keep calling me that. Why?”
Jaime stared at him. “Because that’s your name.” She stated.
“I’m in a hospital?” Steve asked
“That’s right.” Jaime replied.
“Are you a nurse then?” Steve stared at her.”
“No, I’m not a nurse I’m your…your…Listen let me go get the Doctor.”
“Yea you do that.” Steve sighed as he leaned back on the pillow.
“You stay right here. You promise to stay here and I’ll be back with the doctor.”
Steve nodded. “Yea I guess so.” He sighed. “Your not a doctor then either?”
“Oh Steve. I don’t know what is going on. I’m going right now to get Rudy. You stay right here.”
“I will. I guess.” Steve was looking around the room trying to see if there was anything familiar to him.
“I mean it Steve. You need to stay right here.” She left the room and almost ran down to Rudy’s office.
“Rudy was still reading the papers Dan had left on his desk earlier. He was startled when Jaime entered the room. “Jaime?” Rudy wondered. “What’s wrong?”
“Rudy! It’s Steve. He woke up he…”
“I was really hoping he would sleep through the…”
“Rudy he has no memory at all!” Jaime cried. “He didn’t even know his own name!”
“What do you mean he doesn’t even know his name?”
“Just what I said. “ Jaime continued to cry.
“I’m still having trouble with what you’re trying to tell me.” Rudy looked up at her.
“It’s like I said he woke up he didn’t recognize me. When I called him Steve he asked why I was calling him that?”
Rudy threw down the papers he was reading. “Come on Jaime!”
The two of them raced down to Steve’s room.
“Rudy what could be wrong?” Jaime wondered as they headed down the hall.
“I’m not sure. It could be an after affect from the surgery.” They stopped outside of the Steve’s room Rudy started to open the door then turned to Jaime. “You realize he may never get his memory back?”
“Yea I know.”
“Ok then let’s see what this is all about. He pushed Steve’s door open They stared in shock Steve’s bed was empty The room was empty…
“Jaime you said…” Rudy began
...Continued