“He said he would wait right here.” Jaime told him.
Rudy got on the phone and called security telling them to be on the look out for Steve and to seal off the building. “ I’m calling Oscar..I’m sure he’ll will be right here. You can let him in.”
“Yes sir” the security chief stated.
Rudy then called Oscar. “Say what?” Oscar bellowed into the phone.
“You heard me Oscar. Now it’s full blown amnesia “ Rudy related.
“I’ll be right there!” Oscar shouted.
After Minnie arrived Oscar headed for the OSI. “Have you found him yet?” Oscar was anxious.
“Not yet. We’re turning the building upside down.” Rudy informed him.
“We have to find him” Oscar was beside himself.
We’ll find him Oscar don’t worry.” Rudy assured. “We have security searching the building and the building has been sealed off.”
“Well looks like you’ve taken all the precautions.” Oscar observed.
Later that morning Matt and Marc sat in Matt’s room. “I don’t know.” Marc started something is up.”
“Yea but what.” Matt replied.
“I don’t know.” Marc sighed. “I’m going to go down and get some milk. Want to come.”
“No I don’t think so.” Matt answered.
“Ok then. I’ll be right back.
Marc started into the kitchen when he heard Minnie “You mean Col. Austin has no memory at all?” She spoke into the phone.
“No he doesn’t.” Oscar told her. “Look I want you to keep the kids close to the house. Especially Marc.”
“I will Mr. Goldman. Don’t worry.”
Marc raced back upstairs. “I’ll be back. Steve lost his memory. I have to go help him find it.”
“Matt shrugged “Yea sure ok.”
“Oscar they found him.” Rudy called from the door to Oscar’s office where he was still talking to Minnie.”
Oscar hung up and joined Rudy. “Where was he?”
“He was downstairs in the boiler room.” Rudy informed him.
“In the boiler room?” Oscar questioned.
Rudy nodded. “They’re bringing him up to the lab.”
“Let’s get down there then.” Oscar and Rudy sprinted as quickly as they could
Security was standing with Steve outside Rudy’s lab when they arrived.
Oscar walked up to him. “Steve you gave us a scare. Why did you leave your room?”
Steve shrugged and gave Oscar a blank look.
“Still don’t know who we are huh?”
Steve shook his head. “Do I know you?”
“Yes you do Steve.” Rudy stated. “I’m your doctor. Dr. Wells. Are you sure you don’t know me?”
Again Steve shook his head.
“Well let’s see if there isn’t something we can’t do about it. Will you trust us enough to let us help you?”
This time Steve nodded. “I guess I have no choice.”
“That’s good. Why don’t you come on into the lab? Let’s see if anything triggers your memory.”
“I suppose if you think it will help. It would be nice to know my name.” Steve sighed.
As they walked into the lab the phone was ringing. Rudy picked it up and handed it to Oscar. “It’s Minnie.” He told him.
“Yes Minnie?” Oscar said as he took the phone. “He what?” Oscar screeched. “Ok we’ll be on the look out for him.” He hung up the phone. “That was Minnie. Apparently Marc found out about Steve and is trying to find him so he can help him find his lost memory. That’s what Matt told her anyway.”
Jaime and Rudy gave a slight chuckle “Funny the way kids think.” Jaime mused.
“I’m sure he’s on his way here. I’ll have security head him off at the pass so to speak.”
They all turned in the direction of Steve. “Marc…Marc. That name sounds familiar and yet I can’t place it.”
“Marc is my son.” Oscar explained.
“Does he know me?” Steve wondered. “Or maybe I should say do I know him?”
“Yes to both questions.” Rudy told him. “He adores you. Are you sure you don’t remember him?”
After thinking for several moments Steve slowly shook his head. “I’m sorry it was there for a moment, and then gone just as quickly.”
“Well at least we’re on the right path.” Rudy muttered.
“Maybe we could stimulate his memory.” Jaime was anxious.
“Yea that’s possible.” Rudy continued to mutter. “But the same as before. It could cause more harm than good.”
“Rudy we have to try something.” Jaime cried.
“We will. Just take it easy Jaime.” Rudy soothed.
“Come here Steve.” Rudy called “I need to run some tests and see exactly where the damage was.”
“Yea ok.” Steve allowed Rudy to examine him
“Why don’t we head down to my office Jaime?” Oscar offered. “Let’s let Rudy work on this.”
“You’re right.” As the two of them entered Oscar’s office once again the phone was ringing. “Yes bring him up to my office.” Oscar spoke.
“Who was that?” Jaime wanted to know when he hung up the phone.
“That was security. They found Marc He was just entering the building.
“Marc” Oscar corrected. “You can’t help Steve ‘find’ his memory. He didn’t lose it the way you loose your shoes. Steve had a serious operation….” After explaining the situation Marc seemed to understand and rode home with Russ.
Just as Marc was leaving Rudy entered. “I found out the problem.” He stated.
“Can it be remedied?” Jaime and Oscar asked together.
“It will involve another operation.” Rudy sighed.
“Is he strong enough for that?” Jaime asked.
Rudy nodded. “At least I think he is. I would like to wait a couple of days. See if maybe it comes back on it’s own, but I doubt it.”
“So when will you operate?” Jaime wanted to know.
“First thing in the morning.” Rudy yawned. “I better go get some rest. I gave Steve a sedative. At least we won’t have to worry about him getting away from us again. I will also post a guard outside his room.”
“That sounds like a good idea.” Oscar agreed. He turned to Jaime “Would you like to stay with us tonight.”
Jaime started to shake her head.
“I think you should.” Rudy interrupted before she could turn Oscar down. “You really need your rest and so does the baby.”
“I suppose you’re right. Oscar. Thank you for you offer. I accept.”
“Great. The kids will love it.” Oscar stated.
“Just give me time to go to the house and pick up a few of my things. I should be there in about a half hour.”
“Great. Rudy I suppose you will stay here?” Oscar speculated.
“Yea I think I should. I’ll see you here first thing in the morning.”
The next morning everyone was up early. “I want you boys to stay here.” Oscar told the kids before he left. “If you want you can go over to Teddy’s.
“Ok Dad.” Dan stated. “Let us know as soon as you hear something.”
“I will.” He turned to Jaime. “You ready?”
“Let’s go.”
The two of them headed into the City Rudy was just coming out of Steve’s room when they arrived.
“Well Rudy?” Oscar stated.
“He’s ready for surgery. I just wanted to wait till the two of you got here.”
Jaime and Oscar watched as Rudy wheeled Steve down to the operating room.
“He’s going to be just fine Jaime.” Oscar assured.
“He better be.” Jaime sighed
After what seemed like hours Rudy emerged from the OR
Jaime and Oscar surrounded him
“Well?” they both asked….
“The surgery went well. I’m sure his memory will be back as soon as he wakes up.” Rudy informed them.”
“I hope you’re right.” Jaime stated. “How long till he comes around?”
“A couple of hours.” Rudy said. “Why don’t you go get something to eat? As concerned as I know you are for Steve. You have to think of the baby.” Rudy reminded.
“I guess you’re right. I won’t be long.” She jotted down the number where she was going and left.
Rudy and Oscar both busied themselves doing work they really weren’t interested in. doing.
Rudy was just going into Steve’s room when Jaime and Oscar approached him. “Anything yet Rudy?” Oscar wondered.
“I was just going to check on him.” He pushed the door open Steve was just waking up. Rudy walked over to him. “Steve?” He called quietly.
“Steve opened his eyes. “Rudy?” He asked.
“Yea. How are you feeling?”
“Hungry. Don’t you ever feed your patients?”
“I’ll get you something.”
Steve, Jaime and Oscar made light conversation while Rudy fixed Steve something to eat. A moment later Rudy appeared with a tray.
“Here you go.” Rudy handed it to him.”
Steve started to eat. “Got anything to drink?”
“I can get you something what would you like?” Rudy asked
“Well I would really like a Bud Light but I assume that’s out of the question.”
Rudy nodded “at least till I let you go home.”
“And when will that be?” Steve questioned. “I really feel fine.
“Well I would like to watch you for at least another day. Steve I don’t know if you realize or not, you had a serious operation.”
Steve leaned back. “I guess I didn’t realize that Doc.”
Well bare with me a couple of more days. Ok?”
Steve turned to Jaime. “I guess I’ll humor him for a while.” He smiled.
“Well you will humor me as well. Steve I was really worried about you. You kept passing out.”
“Yea, what was that all about Rudy?” Steve asked
Rudy explained what all had been involved.
“I guess we’re lucky we caught it in time.” Steve spoke slowly. He lay back down and went back to sleep.
Jaime and Rudy stepped out into the hall. Rudy turned to her. “So why don’t you go get some rest. I told Oscar I’d call him if anything came up.” Rudy thought it was a good idea for Jaime to go home.
“I’ll be here first thing in the morning. I’m sure he’ll sleep the rest of the night.” Jaime presumed.
“More than likely he will.” Rudy agreed.
“I’ll see you in the morning then Rudy.” Jaime left and Rudy went back to his office.”
The next morning Oscar left the house as soon as Minnie arrived. “I want to check on Steve.” He said as he left the house. “Keep the boys around here.” He said. “They can go over to Teddy’s if they want.”
He got to the OSI before Rudy was awake. He walked into Steve’s room Steve was still sleeping.
“Oscar, Your bright and early.” Rudy said as he came in.
“How is he doing Rudy?” Oscar wanted to know
“He woke up about 3:00 I fixed him something to eat and then he went back to sleep. I’m sure he’s going to be just fine. “I’m going to let him go home tomorrow.”
“That’s great!!” Oscar started
“Well he’s going to have to take it easy for sometime. No assignments I want him to be very careful.”
“Don’t worry Rudy he will.” Oscar assured.
Rudy chuckled “He will what. Be careful, or go on assignment?”
“He will be careful.” Oscar again assured.
Jaime walked in while they were talking. “How is he this morning Rudy?”
“He’s still asleep.” Rudy informed her.
“I’ll sit with him till he wakes up.” Jaime started to sit in the chair she had used the night before.
“Rudy says he can go home tomorrow.” Oscar told him.
“That’s great.” She turned to Rudy. “Are you sure he’s ready?”
“I can’t keep him down much longer. Really there is nothing to worry about.” Rudy explained.
Jaime sat down. “I’ll just wait for him to wake up.” She pointed out.
“That’s fine Jaime. I’m glad you want to do that. Let me know when he wakes up Ok?”
“Sure Rudy, No problem.” She promised.
“I’ll be in my office.” He turned to Oscar as they walked in. “I really think Dan has solved our problem.”
“What problem>” Oscar wondered.
“He has come up with a bionic skin that tans.” Rudy told him.
Oscar beamed. “Really? Dan figured it out?”
Rudy smiled “He sure did.”
“Rudy that’s fantastic.” Oscar was elated. “That’s something you’ve been trying to perfect for some time now.”
“Don’t remind me. Your thirteen year old son did in one nigh…”
Oscar continued smiling. “I’ll have to give him a call and congratulate him. Then he pointed to Steve’s door. “I’ll be in my office. Let me know when he wakes up.” Oscar headed for his own office.
“I will.” Rudy called after him.
Oscar gave him a wave of acknowledgement as he headed down the hall. Rudy stepped back into Steve’s room
Steve was sitting on the edge of the bed He stood when Rudy walked in. “You ok Doc?” Steve asked concern in his voice.
“Yea I guess so. It’s what Oscar and I were just talking about. It’s true you know. Dan came up with something I have tried to prefect for years. He did it in less than 24 hours. He came up with that theory for Marc with bionics that actually grow. I don’t know Steve. Maybe I’m losing my touch.”
“Is that what’s bothering you? Come on Rudy Dan maybe smart but you still know more than he does about bionics.”
Rudy raised his head. “Do I Steve?” He turned and left the room.”
Steve watched him slowly leave the room. ‘Boy does this ever have him down.’ Steve thought out loud.
“Did you say something?” Jaime asked.”
“Have you been here all night.”
“No. I went home for a while. What were you saying?”
“I’m not sure. Rudy is upset about something.”
“I don’t know what it could be.” Jaime added.
“Something to do with Dan being smarter.”
“Dan thinks he made a break through in bionic skin that tans.” Jaime said.
“Oh that’s it. Look I think I’m going to go talk to him. Did he give you any idea as to when I can to home?
“Rudy says in the morning. Ok?”
“Sounds great!”
“I’m going to go talk to Rudy. If he says it’s ok want to go get breakfast.” Steve gave her a kiss.
“Yes. But I doubt he’ll let you. I’ll go get something for us. How does that sound?”
“I’ll see you in a bit then. Steve headed for Rudy’s office. Rudy wasn’t there. Steve decided to check with Oscar.
He opened the door to Oscar’s office in time to hear Oscar’s voice. “I won’t accept it Rudy. You are way off track.”
“No I’m not Oscar Dan is ready to take over for me now, today.”
“Rudy he’s only 13. He’s not ready emotionally.”
“He’ll develop the emotional maturity Oscar.” Rudy sighed.
“What’s going on?” Steve interrupted.
“Steve. Glad to see our feeling better. See if you can help me talk some since into this guy. He wants to resign and turn the reins over to Danny.”
“Rudy you can’t quit.” Steve protested.
“Come on you will all be a lot better off with Danny. His IQ is already higher than mine ever will be.”
“Rudy” Oscar rejoined the conversation. “Would you listen to what your saying? Danny is not old enough to take over for you.”
“Trust me Oscar he can handle it.” Rudy stated.
“Ok, ok” Oscar agreed. “On one condition. You wait for the week-end.”
“I won’t change my mind Oscar.” Rudy sighed.
“Ok Rudy. But, I want you take the week-end to think about it.”
Rudy turned and left Oscar’s office.
“Your not going to accept it are you Oscar” Steve wondered.
“Of course not. Listen I want you and Jaime to come for dinner tonight. Maybe between the kids and us we can convince him to stay. In the mean time…” Oscar stood and locked Rudy’s resignation in the safe.
After much pressure from all ends Rudy let Steve go home that night rather than in the morning. But they still weren’t able to convince him to stay at OSI.
They had tied all night to convince him. Steve and Jaime had spent the night at Oscar’s
“Now Steve I really didn’t want you to leave just yet. Why don’t you just hang around here for the day? Take it easy no rough housing with the twins, got it.” Rudy stated the next morning.
“Don’t worry I’ll be fine. I just wish you would reconsider.” Steve stated
Before he left Marc ran up to him. “Please say you’ll stay.” Marc gave him a hug.
“Marc we talked about this last night. It’s for the best you’ll see.” Rudy tried to convince him.
Rudy watched as the twins along with Joey walked down the circular drive they met Teddy. He watched as the five boys crossed the street.
Rudy got in his own car. He needed to head for his office and get things packed up. It was Friday afternoon.
Steve watched the boys as well. “Hey Jaime I’ll be right back. I just want to see what they are up to.”
“You heard Rudy.” Jaime warned.
“You act like I’m younger than Joey.” Steve complained.
“Well maybe that’s because you act younger than Joey.” Jaime teased.
“I just want to see what they are up to.” Steve crossed the street and joined the kids and their friends.
“Hey guys” Teddy was saying when Steve joined the group. “I want to show you something.”
They followed Teddy to the back of his house “Follow me.” He called as he went beyond the backyard. “I found this yesterday.”
“Wow!” The twins exclaimed “A cave. Can we go in?”
“I don’t know guys. It doesn’t look very safe” Steve cautioned.
“Come on Steve it will be ok.” Marc said.
“Yea really Col Austin.” Teddy added “I spent the day in here yesterday.”
They spent a better part of the morning exploring the cave. “I’m getting hungry.” Matt cried out.
“Let’s go back up to my house. Mom will make us some sandwiches.” Teddy suggested.
“Then we can bring them back here for a picnic.”
“Sounds good.” Steve agreed. He was doing exactly what Rudy had instructed him to do. They were all hoping Rudy would change his mind after the weekend. “You guys don’t mind if I join?”
“Of course not Steve.” Marc smiled at him. “I’m glad you’re here.”
The boys and Steve took their sandwiches back to the cave. They had just finished eating when they heard a low rumbling sound. Steve quickly scanned the cave with his eye. “I think we better get out of here and fast!” Steve cried.
It was to late the mouth of the cave was sealed up. There was no way they were going to get out.
Steve took Marc aside. “Listen partner. Think you and Matt can keep Teddy busy while I work on getting us out of here.”
Marc nodded. “I’ll try Steve.”
“Ok then.” Steve walked them back to where they had been, again they heard the low rumbling sound. This time a large boulder from the top of the cave started to move.
“Get out of the way!” Steve cried as he pushed Teddy out of the way. Steve started run to where every one else stood. It wasn’t quick enough the boulder landed on Steve’s legs pinning him to the ground.
“Steve!” Marc cried out…
Marc walked over to where Steve lay pinned under the boulder.
“Are you ok Steve?”
“No Marc I can’t move at all. Do you think you can get us out of here?”
Marc looked around for an exit. “The only way is the main entrance. “ Marc told him.
“It’s up to you Marc” Steve turned his head and. then he fell unconscious.
Marc stood and walked over to where Matt and Teddy were. “Is he ok?” Matt asked.
Marc shook his head. “No he’s not.”
“What do we do?” Matt wondered looking over at Teddy.
“First of all we have to get that off of him.”
“I don’t know. I mean do you think you should you in front of Teddy?”
“I think I have a way around that. If we all do it together maybe we can convince Teddy it wasn’t that heavy.
“That might work.” Matt agreed. “Teddy. Come here. Marc thinks if we all work together maybe we can get that off of Steve’s legs;”
“I don’t know what to do.” Teddy cried. “That would have fallen on me if Steve hadn’t pushed me out of the way. And now he’s hurt.”
“You can repay the favor Teddy.” Marc walked over to him. “Help us try at least, maybe it’s not as heavy as it looks.”
“Yea ok. Teddy said the three boys walked over to the boulder that was pinning Steve to the ground. “Come on.” Marc called. “On three.” The three boys grabbed onto the boulder. Marc counted “One, two, three…” Marc shoved as hard as he could free Steve. The boulder rolled away, but Steve remained unconscious.
“Hey!” Teddy exclaimed flexing his muscles “I didn’t know I was that strong.
Marc gave Matt a wink.
’Ok Matt try to keep Teddy’s attention diverted. I’ll try to get us out of here.” Marc Thought at Matt. Then he walked over to the opening of the cave and started removing the rocks that were holding them prisoner
While he worked on this he talked to Jaime who was across the Street. ‘Jaime we need help. We are trapped in a cave in back of Teddy’s house. Steve is hurt real bad. Better get Rudy.”
‘Rudy is already here. He came to see how Steve was doing. We are all on our way. Can I help you get out?’
‘Yes I need you to work from the outside’ Marc informed her.
‘Ok sweetie we are all just right out side. Teddy’s parents are here as well.’
Rudy, Oscar, Jaime and Teddy’s parents stood outside the cave. “I told Teddy to stay out of here.” Larry Grimes cried.
Jaime turned to Oscar “Marc says he needs me to work from the outside Can you take Mr. and Mrs. Grimes up to the house. I’ll work on this end.”
“Ok Jaime. I’ll try.” Oscar walked over to where Larry stood with his wife Elise. “Come on let see if there is something we can do.”
Oscar led them up to their house. “We’ll do what we can to get them out.” Oscar turned he saw Jaime start to toss the boulders aside as if they were mere pebbles.
He couldn’t let Larry and Elise Grimes see what was going on.
It took Jaime only a few moments to open the mouth of the cave. Marc was on the other side trying to clear the rocks out of the way on that end. He was glad to see Jaime
“Jaime. Steve is hurt real bad.” He cried.
Jaime ran to where Steve lay on the floor of the cave “That boulder was on his legs.” Marc pointed. “Between the three of us.” Marc gave a wink. “We were able to get it off of him.”
Jaime looked down at Steve’s mangled legs. “On my G--“ She breathed. “Rudy get in here!!”
Rudy sprinted over to where Steve lay. He quickly assessed the damage to Steve’s legs.
“Let’s get him to the lab!”
Between the two of them Rudy and Jaime were able to carry Steve down the path that led back to the Grimes’ house.
They crossed the street and Rudy put Steve into the back of his car. Jaime rode in the back with Steve.
When they got to the lab Rudy rushed him into surgery while Jaime, Oscar and the kids waited in Rudy’s office.
“Dad” Marc walked over to Oscar. “Is Steve going to be alright?”
“I don’t know son.” Oscar sighed.
“He has to be ok.” Marc cried.
He will be Marc. He’s with Rudy.” Matt assured.
“Dan, would you take your brothers down to my office please.” Oscar asked.
“Sure dad.” Dan led his brothers down the hall.
Oscar turned to Jaime. “He will be all right Jaime.”
“We’ll just have to see.” Jaime sighed. They all turned as Rudy stepped into the room.
“How is he?” They all asked.
“His legs were badly damaged. I did what I could to repair them. Of course at this point in time I have no idea how severe the damage was.”
“But in the mean time, will his legs function the way the did?” Oscar asked.”
“I don’t know.” Was all Rudy would say.
Oscar shot him a glance. “What do you mean ‘you don’t know’?” He demanded
“Just what I said Oscar. Steve’s legs were seriously damaged. Now I’ve repaired them the best I can. But we just won’t know until Steve wakes up and I can test them.”
“Rudy I just…”
“Maybe you need someone with a better knowledge of bionics.” Rudy interrupted Oscar.
“Come on Rudy, Oscar didn’t mean anything by it. He’s just concerned about Steve Heck, we all are.” Jaime interjected. “You’re not still on that kick that Dan knows more than you about bionics?”
“I’ve said all I’m going to say on the matter. Effective noon Monday I officially resign.”
Rudy started down the hall. Jaime chased after him. “Now wait just a minute Dr. I don’t want you to quit. Rudy we need you. So what if Danny knows more than you? Which I don’t believe for a minute listen we need you.”
“I’m sorry Jaime maybe I’m tired of being upstaged by 13 year old kid. I’ll be there to deliver the baby if that’s what your worried about.”
“Rudy that’s not what I’m worried about. I’m worried about you.” Jaime cried. “We all are.”
“Look I’m a big boy now. I can take care of myself. I have to go pack up my things. Then the office will be ready for it’s new occupant. Danny.”
Defeated Jaime headed back to where the rest stood. “I give up. You can’t convince him.” She was very upset.
Oscar started down the hall. “Now where are you going?” Jaime asked. “Is Dan going to take over for you too?”
“No but I’m going to go get him. He’s in my office with Matt, Marc and Joey. Maybe he can talk some sense into that old wind bag.”
Danny walked into Rudy’s office. “It will all be yours Monday. Don’t worry!” Rudy shot at Danny
“I didn’t come to see if you were done packing. I came to tell you to unpack. Rudy I’m not ready to take over for you yet. I’m just a kid. I still have to finish school.”
“No you don’t I told your father in April you could at that time take the State boards and pass without even trying.”
“Yea, right. Rudy maybe I’m ready academically but that’s all.” Danny walked over to where Rudy stood. “Are you sure you’re all right? I mean this isn’t like you at all.”
Dan turned his head. “Dad told me what you said about being tired of being upstaged by a kid. I’m sorry I thought you wanted my help. I’ll just stay home. I don’t want you to leave.”
“Dan. As soon as Steve is through this crisis I am leaving.” Rudy whispered
The phone rang Rudy picked it up. “Yes.” He listened. “I’ll be right there.” He turned to Danny. “Steve is coming out of it. I’ll be right back.”
As soon as Rudy left Dan headed down for Steve’s room also.
Rudy went into Steve’s room the same one he had just released him from the day before. He walked over to the bed. Steve’s eyes slowly began to open. Oscar and Jaime were on the other side of the bed to allow the Dr. to reach Steve
“Steve its Rudy can you hear me?” Rudy asked bending over him.
“Yea, I hear you doc.” Steve looked up at him.
“Good. How do you feel?” Rudy asked.
“I’m not so sure Rudy what’s going on so far?” Steve asked.
“Do you remember being in the cave with the kids?” Rudy asked.
“Yea.’ Steve tried to sit up “Are the kids ok?”
“Thanks to Marc yea they, and you are going to be just fine.” Rudy stated. “I had to operate on your legs though.”
“Really?” Steve tried moving around in the bed. “Do you have them tuned down or something?”
Rudy, Oscar and Jaime exchanged concerned looks. Then Rudy turned back to Steve.
“No Steve I don’t. Why?”
“Cause I can’t move them Doc. I can’t move them at all.”
“You just relax Steve. I’ll be right back.”
The three of them left Steve’s room. “What’s going on Rudy?” Oscar demanded.
“I don’t know. But Steve may never use his legs again…”
Oscar and Jaime stared at Rudy in disbelief.
“You can’t be serious?” Oscar questioned.
“I’m very serious” Rudy spoke softly. “I don’t know if Steve will ever walk again.”
“Come on Rudy. There has got to be something you can do.” Oscar was still shocked.
“Look I have to get Steve ready for surgery…”
“Surgery again. Rudy is he strong enough?” Jaime was concerned.
“He’ll be fine Jaime.” Rudy stated. “I’ll be out when I’m finished. I have to see if there was any injury to the spinal cord.”
Rudy took Steve back down the hall to the operating room
“Dad?”
Oscar looked over to see Dan standing next to him. “You catch all of that?”
“Dan nodded. Sounds like he’s still leaving even after all of this.” Dan commented.
“I’m afraid your right son. I don’t know how to convince him to stay.” Oscar moaned
“I might have an idea. I’ll see you around dad.” Dan headed in the direction of Rudy’s office
Oscar turned to Jaime. “Now I wonder what that is supposed to mean?”
“I have a pretty good idea. I’ll be right back “ Jaime started down the hall in the same direction as Dan.”
“I know what your thinking Dan. We don’t want you to quit either.” Jaime assured him.
“I’m not quitting Jaime Don’t worry about that.” Dan reassured back. “Don’t worry I’ll be fine. Jaime you need to be there for Steve. If what Rudy says is true…. He’s really going to need you now.”
“Yea I know. Listen you don’t do anything stupid ok?” Jaime warned as she headed back down to see if there was any news.
Alone in the lab Dan slowly looked around. ‘I’m going to miss this place’ Dan thought to himself.
He quickly scribbled a note
Everyone
I do NOT want Rudy to quit. Since I am the main reason he feels like he needs to I think it only best that I leave. As much as I love it with you dad I have to put the interests of Steve, Jaime and Marc first. I AM NOT READY to take over the reins so to speak I’m going to go get a lawyer and ask the court to give me emancipated minor status. That means I will be responsible for myself. I’m going to take Gregory up on his offer. He still wants me to come work for the NSB. And if I’m an emancipated minor I will have access to my trust. I’ll contact you later as to my new address and the like. Till then tell Rudy to stick with it I’ll be ready to take over in about ten years.
Love to all
Dan
He put the note in an envelope and took it to his father’s office. He handed it to Callahan.
“Give this to my father when he comes into his office would you please Callahan.”
“Of course Dan, no problem. How is Steve?”
“Rudy was still in surgery the last I heard.” Dan replied.
Dan left his dad’s office He went out onto the street and hailed a cab. “Yes I need to go to 1234 Grant Ave.” Dan told the driver.
Dan walked through the doors of the NSB “Hi.” Dan greeted the security He flipped out his OSI ID “May I see inspector Gregory please?”
“Wait here. The guard stepped into the side room he dialed up to Gregory’s office. “Oscar Goldman’s young son Daniel is here. He wishes to speak to you.”
Gregory shot Hanson a quizzical look. “I wonder what he wants?”
“Let’s go find out.” Gregory and Hanson rode the elevator down to the lobby.
“Daniel, what can I do for you?” Gregory was suspicious.
“I was wondering if that offer still holds?” Dan asked.
Gregory and Hanson both looked at him. “Dan last I heard your father was adamant that you were not going to work for us.” Gregory spoke “What has changed?”
“Don’t get me wrong Gregory. I still want to work for the OSI. But things are not very good right now.’
They led Dan up to Hanson’s office. “Tell us about it.” Hanson said sitting behind his desk.
“Well.” Dan began. “Rudy Wells wants to quit. He wants me to take over for him. He won’t accept the fact that I’m not ready.”
Hanson and Gregory again looked at one another. “What about the other problem we discussed that you cannot sign the contract yourself?” Hanson wondered.
“I have that covered. I’m asking the courts for emancipated minor status. That way I’ll be an adult in the eyes of the law.
”Maybe we can speed up that process.” Gregory stated.
“That would help.” Dan agreed.
“Listen Dan. You stay here I’ll get a lawyer up here maybe we can get this settled today.”
“I would appreciate that.” Dan stated.
“I’ll just take you down to my office. You can wait there.”
Jaime and Oscar were standing waiting for Rudy to come through the doors that led to the Operating Room.
“He’s doing just fine.” Rudy said as he emerged through the double doors. There was no damage to the spinal cord. The reason he couldn’t move his legs is because” Rudy’s face turned bright red. “I uh I missed a couple things that needed to be connected. I don’t know how I missed it. But anyway Steve’s going to be just fine.”
”His legs will be back to normal?” Oscar was anxious.
Rudy nodded. “Yes Oscar he’s going to be fine.
“That’s great.” Jaime exclaimed.
“Where’s Danny? I want to tell him Steve is going to be alright.” Rudy said. “And that I’m staying.”
They both breathed a sigh of relief. “I was hoping you would change your mind Rudy.” Oscar said. “I don’t know I haven’t seen him around for some time now.” Oscar noticed.
“I bet he’s still in the lab. I’ll be right back.” Rudy headed down the corridor to his lab where he expected to see Danny bent over the computer.
Oscar headed for his own office where he would wait till Rudy said he could see Steve He had already sent the younger kids home with Russ’ wife Minnie.
“Mr. Goldman. How is Steve?” Callahan asked the minute Oscar walked through the door.
“He’s going to be just fine Callahan.thanks Any messages?”
“As a matter of fact.” She handed him the envelope containing Danny’s note.
Oscar had to read it through twice before the impact of what it said hit him.
He grabbed the phone and dialed Rudy’s number. “Rudy I need you and Jaime to get down here right away!!!
After racing down to Oscar’s office Rudy and Jaime also read the letter.
“Do you really think he would consider working for the NSB?” Jaime wondered.
“I don’t know. I do know he’s upset over Rudy’s wanting to leave. He blames himself. I’m sure he would resort to those drastic measures.”
“But will Gregory want him?” Rudy pondered
“They did before.” Oscar reminded.
“Yea but with all the trouble Dan has had with the Soviets would they trust him?” Jaime brought up.
“I don’t think that would matter.” Oscar said. “I think they realize how smart Dan really is. They really want him.”
“What do we do?” Jaime asked.
“Not much we can do. Dan is still on our side more or less.” Oscar explained.
“This is my fault.” Rudy chided himself. “I never should have gotten so jealous of Dan’s intellectual abilities.”
“Don’t blame yourself Rudy.” Oscar said.
“Well regardless I need to go check Steve He should be coming around..” Rudy headed out of the office and down to Steve’s room
Oscar turned to Jaime “I guess if this is what Dan wants.”
Dan didn’t think they were ever coming back. Then the door opened and Gregory walked in followed by a man had never seen before.
“Dan this is Jess Brandon. He is one of our attorneys He will help you obtain what you want. Once you are signed on we will assign you to several areas. You can work in our legal department with our legal team. Just let us know where you are most comfortable…
“I think Dan is to young to decide what he wants.” Steve pointed out after Rudy explained to him what was gong on. He hadn’t wanted to. But Steve had insisted. They were all sitting in Steve’s room.
“They will soon find that out.” Oscar told them “Dan is only a kid anything he signs isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on.”
“Yea but Oscar, if he goes for emancipated minor…”
“He can’t do that without my permission Jaime.” Oscar informed her.
“Well I’m sure Gregory will come up with something.” Steve indicated.
“He can come up with anything he wants. I am Dan’s father. This needs to go through me first.” Oscar continued.
“But if he becomes an eman…”
“He won’t Jaime. Don’t worry about it. ‘
“Listen I have a few calls to make you take care pal. I’ll be back in a bit.” Oscar patted his shoulder.
Steve turned to Rudy. “So what was wrong with my legs? They seem to be just fine now.”
“Yea they will be. It’s rather embarrassing I missed a couple of connections” Rudy turned red.
“But they are going to be all right.” Steve wondered.
“I won’t know for a few more days when I test them. But I’m sure they will be fine.” Rudy assured.
Steve turned to Jaime. Are you sure the younger kids are all right?”
“Yea in fact Marc got the boulder off your legs.”
...Continued