Kayce finally finished with the scrapbook and packed it away before going to the kitchen to make a snack. She took a quick look out the window and saw the two agents Oscar had sent keep an eye on the Austin’s until the killer was caught. The telephone ring startled her. “Hello.”

“Hi Kayce. It’s Rudy. I missed you this morning. Is everything alright?” The doctor was surprised when he didn’t find Kayce at Steve’s bedside this morning.

“Yes, Rudy, everything is fine except Kyle has a cold with a fever and I needed to stay with him. How is Steve this morning?”

“Same as yesterday. No significant changes.”

“That’s good right?” She said with concern.

“Yes it is. Well don’t feel guilty about not being here. I still have him sedated and on the ventilator. He doesn’t even know you’re gone.” His comment pacified her but the following words made her feel tense and she didn’t know why. “Besides, Jaime’s here and keeping him company.”

“I see…that’s good.” She stated with minimal enthusiasm. “I’ll be there tomorrow okay?”

“Sure I’ll call if there is any change.”

”Thanks Rudy.”

“You’re welcome Kayce.” The phones were disconnected and Kayce turned to see a flushed little boy rubbing his eye with a small fist while the other hand clutched a small teddy bear.

“Mommy I don’t feel good.” He explained in a sad voice.

She picked him up and held him close, “I know sweetie. I’m going to make it all better. Let’s get you settled.” She grabbed some juice for him to drink before carrying him to the family room. Together they sat on the couch and watched cartoons. He became sleepy as she ran her hand through his fine hair over and over. Just as his eyes were closing he whispered to her, “Mommy is Daddy coming home soon.” She had explained the situation as best she could but didn’t think the news of his grandparents passing was really understood by the little boy.

“Yes honey as soon as Uncle Rudy makes him all better.”

“That’s good ‘cause I really miss him.” He mumbled as the sandman took him away.

Jaime’s heart was so filled with love and sadness it felt like it would burst. Her mind was cluttered with all she wanted to tell Steve. Now, alone, she took the opportunity to express her thoughts even though he couldn’t hear or respond to her.

“Steve, I’m here and I’m staying as long as you need me, we have to stick together, you know, just to get through this.” She took his hand in both of hers and spoke softly, “I never imagined our lives would take such turns, you know? I guess I always felt sooner or later we would fall in love again.”

She stopped speaking and in the quietness of the room the only sound was that of the ventilator. She let out a weak chuckle and continued, “I figured we had time. Next thing I know you were engaged to Kayce.” A small laugh escaped her lips, “I was shocked to say the least and your mom…well…she was just so happy you were getting married. She went on and on about having grandchildren and everything. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so happy, not even when we were engaged.”

“Steve, I really am happy that you found someone to share your life with.” A shaky hand rose to wipe away the tear leaving her lashes and a nervous giggle followed, “I just thought that someone would be me that’s all. Silly isn’t it? Especially after I stood by that tree telling you I just wanted to be friends when you were hoping we could continue our relationship where it left off after I lost my memory.”

She paused again reminding herself it was safe to express herself, “The thing is… I love you Steve with every ounce of my heart and soul…but I know your heart belongs to Kayce.” After taking a deep breath she was finding it hard to say what else needed to be said, “I promise Steve…I promise to keep my feelings to myself. I don’t want to cause problems in your marriage. So… we’ll stay friends huh?” She looked at his handsome face, stilled by the heavy sedation, and knew she would need a lot of strength to keep that promise.

It was very early the next morning when Kayce greeted the guard outside Steve’s room before pushing the heavy door open, her eyes immediately falling upon Steve’s still body. She noticed the obvious right away and a small smile graced her glossy lips. Placing her purse on the floor she then settled herself onto the bedside chair on Steve’s right side. After taking a deep breath she took her husband’s bandaged hand and stared at his peaceful face as he slept. He heart was overflowing with the love and respect she held for this man but also ached at what he was going through. Her thoughts suddenly returned to their first date.

She wanted so much not to like him, not to fall in love with him. Just getting out of a bad marriage Kayce was not looking for another relationship. After a hard-fought battle between her head and her heart during their conversation over drinks she was sure she was un-phased by his charm and good looks. So much so she declined his invitation for a second date. Several weeks after that night, on his birthday in fact, they kissed for the first time. That one simple act of affection destroyed all the resolve she had and Steve Austin held her heart from that moment on.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Rudy’s entrance into the room, reviewing Steve’s chart as he went. “Oh, hi Kayce.” He greeted warmly.

“Hi Rudy.” She replied watching him approach the left side of the bed while placing his reading glasses in the breast pocket of his lab coat.

“Have you been here long?” He inquired looking at her tired eyes not expecting to see her here this early.

“No I just got here. A good friend of mine came over and offered to sit with Kyle so I could come by.”

“How is Kyle?”

“He’s better, the fever broke last night. He’s like his father, won’t sit still, already trying to run around the house.” She looked back at the patient, “Steve must be improving. The first thing I noticed when I came in was the trach tube was gone.” She reached up with her left hand and ran it gently through Steve’s thick brown hair.

“We took it out last night.” There was a moment of silence as both absorbed the implications of the progress. Steve was improving and for that they were grateful however, knowing he would soon be awake and need to be told of the circumstances surrounding his injuries left them both feeling uneasy.

The doctor continued to explain, “The swelling in his throat has decreased considerably and he can breathe better. I didn’t want him to wake up with the tube still in.”

Kayce’s eyes immediately left the ruggedly handsome face and met the serious expression of the physician. Rudy knew what she was thinking. “Kayce I can’t keep him sedated any longer. I only did it because of the discomfort of the trach tube and the painful debridement of his burns.”

“Won’t the treatment still be painful?” She asked wanting Steve to have a little more peace before waking to find out his parents were gone. She knew what it would do to him.

“Yes, the treatment will still cause a significant amount of pain but there are drugs that will take care of most of that.” He completely understood her hesitation but there was another reason Rudy needed to have Steve awake. He reached down and took the edge of the sheet that covered Steve’s nakedness to his mid-chest and slowly lowered it to his waist. In a caring voice he spoke, “Kayce look at him and tell me what you see.”

With her brow furled she stared into Rudy’s chocolate brown eyes unsure what he was asking. “Look at him closely.” He requested.

Her dark blue eyes traveled from the top of Steve’s head, along her husband’s familiar body to where the sheet rested. Returning eye contact with the doctor she just shrugged in confusion. Rudy explained his riddle, “Steve has always been lean and muscular. Over the many years I’ve known him, treated him, I’ve learned how to tell when he’s dropping weight. Look at his cheekbones.” She looked at the tan face and saw his cheeks fell inward just under the bone. It was only noticeable to her when Rudy pointed it out. “Now look at his torso. I know it’s hard to see with all the bandages but look at his hips, how much more pronounced they are.” She couldn’t believe it. “Kayce his metabolism is racing. I can’t keep him on an IV any longer. I need him to eat real food, lots of protein, to compensate. In fact he’ll have to consume double the amount of calories he’s used to because he doesn’t have much extra body weight to spare.”

Rudy smoothly pulled the sheet back to Steve’s chest without him stirring. “The only problem I’m anticipating is how are we going to get him to eat? You know he doesn’t eat when he’s depressed.” Kayce’s eyes went back to his face. She wondered if she was ready for the despondency her husband was about to fall into.

Rudy’s tone turned more business-like, “Right now my nurse and I need to do his treatment. I think it would be best if you waited in the hall until we are finished.” Suddenly Kayce felt strength well up inside her. She needed to be with him, be a source of strength for him, knowing he would do the same for her. “No I’d like to stay.” She stated plainly.

“Kayce he’s still sedated he won’t know you aren’t here.”

Her voice was controlled and confident as she replied, “No, but I’ll know. I’m staying.”

“This is not an easy process to watch. Are you sure?”

No, she wasn’t sure but those were not the words that left her mouth, “I might as well get used to it now while he’s sedated right? When he’s awake I plan on being here. Besides I’ll be doing some of his care once he’s home I want to desensitize myself to the burns before he wakes up.” Rudy just nodded and stated he would be right back.

Soon it was time to go to work. Kayce stood by Steve’s side holding his hand in both of hers. Rudy glanced over at her unnoticed wondering who was providing the strength to whom Kayce or Steve. Jean, the registered nurse laid out the sterile field of instruments and Rudy donned a pair of sterile gloves.

As Jean prepared the tools needed Rudy slowly removed the bandages. Kayce sucked in a breath at the sight of the raw tissue outlined with dead skin. It was the doctor’s job to remove the dying flesh so new flesh could regenerate in its place. Infection was prevented at all costs. After the new skin and flesh filled in the vacant space then scar tissue would need to be minimized to avoid limiting Steve’s movement.

Rudy explained all this as he went. Kayce was relieved that Steve was not aware of what was being done to him, at least not yet. She nodded at Rudy’s explanation of keeping Steve lying flat so the skin and tissue of his stomach did not heal in a tight fashion.

The doctor finished redressing the wounds on the torso and left hand with skillful movements. The medical staff efficiently concluded the process and although pale and nauseated at times, Kayce stood strong, holding Steve’s hand and praying for a quick recovery for her husband.

Feeling comfortable leaving her son in the hands of her neighbor and friend, Kayce stayed at Steve’s side into the afternoon. She wasn’t surprised when Jaime stopped by for a visit. By the look on her face it was clear to Kayce that the tall woman hadn’t slept much in the past days. She gave Steve’s wife a weak smile before coming to stand beside the bed.

She watched her curiously as she sat on the opposite chair. “How’s he doing?” Jaime asked without taking her eyes of Steve’s resting form.

“Better.” Kayce replied softly. “Rudy said the swelling in his throat is all but gone.” Jaime just nodded her understanding. “Have you heard anything from Oscar?”

Jaime’s tired gaze went to Kayce’s face at the question, “Yes.” She took a deep breath before finishing, “No leads on who did this yet. He said the autopsies showed both Helen and Jim died from the gas fumes.” By the look on her face Steve’s wife knew Jaime was all out of tears, she was emotionally spent. Steve’s former love interest commented in a whisper, “I guess its something to be grateful for.”

“What’s that?” Kayce asked with a little confusion.

“They died peacefully in their sleep lying in each other’s arms. Sounds like a nice way to go doesn’t it? In the arms of the one you love?”

Kayce gave a short nod and commented sadly, “Unfortunately it still means they are gone.” Jaime ran her hand along Steve’s left forearm. “Does Steve know yet?”

Kayce gave a negative nod, “No. Rudy has kept him sedated.” She let out a loud sigh, “I’m not looking forward to telling him.”

The two women were startled when Rudy entered carrying a small metal box containing the components needed to repair Steve’s hand. Kayce gave up her seat to the doctor and watched him from the end of the bed.

He cleared off the top of the nightstand and laid out his tools and the hardware needed. He turned to the observers and asked if they wanted to grab some lunch while he completed his task. Neither woman would initially budge at his suggestion, neither one having an appetite or a desire to be away from the man they loved. The doctor just shrugged and went about his chore.

They watched intently as Steve’s arm was positioned out to the side, palm up and the hand and wrist carefully unwrapped. Rudy gave a basic commentary as he went. The damage was mostly cosmetic with the melting of the plastiskin and cracking of the hard shell. The delicate touch receptors would need to be replaced. The work needed was tedious, to say the least, and time consuming. After watching the scientist work for almost an hour Kayce needed a break. She invited Jaime to get some coffee in the cafeteria and she gratefully accepted.

The two tired ladies sipped their beverages but remained silent for several minutes. It was Kayce who finally broke the quiet with a question, “Jaime, how did you and Steve meet?”

Jaime looked up at her surprised that Steve never told her. She smiled at the memory and told her the story of her daring him to each one of everything in the cafeteria and his subsequent illness. Kayce laughed at the story while enjoying her coffee. Jaime then went on to explain how the Elgin’s became her guardians and the automobile accident that took her parent’s lives when she was fifteen. Kayce sat her coffee down and was tempted to continue her questioning, knowing in Jaime’s tired state she would be less likely to hold back any information but Kayce quickly dismissed the idea. She didn’t want to take advantage of her ‘sister-in-law’.

“Jaime, have you made arrangements for the funeral?” Jaime nodded unable to face the responsibility alone. She was secretly hoping Steve could help in those decisions, knowing he would want to, but it was looking more and more unlikely. “I can help you if you want.” The older woman just smiled and expressed her gratitude at the offer. The rest of their lunch was quiet, each lost in their sadness and grief. When they returned to the room an hour later Rudy was wrapping Steve’s hand with gauze explaining that the hardware was replaced and repaired. The hard shell and plastiskin would be replaced later that evening.

The following day, with Kyle being looked after by Linda, Rudy’s assistant in the lab, Kayce came in to see Steve in the afternoon. Rudy went with her to see the patient and report the progress that was being seen, both of them anticipating he would be regaining consciousness soon. Rudy stood at the right side of Steve’s bed and watched the slow rise and fall of his chest. Kayce stood at the left of the bed watching Rudy who leaned down after hearing a weak moan from the patient. Rudy looked closely at the peaceful face seeing eyes moving slowly beneath the lids.

“He’s waking up.” Kayce watched Rudy elevate the head of the bed slightly. They were rewarded with a soft groan and shared a nervous smile for what was coming.

Steve could hear mumbled voices and struggled to slowly prop his heavy eyelids open. He was successful, opening them to slits and trying to comprehend his situation. He could see colors and shifting objects but they were fuzzy with the edges blending together. The voices were muffled and distant, one sounding male and one female but he could not quite decipher their origin as yet.

The pain in his left arm and stomach soon made its presence known and caused him to moan which got both observers’ attention. He thought he heard his name called but was too preoccupied with getting himself oriented to answer. The visual images were slowly becoming discernable, as were the voices, which he assumed were directed at one another in a question answer kind of pattern. Both were familiar but one in particular, the feminine one calling him was so soft and melodic that it soothed his discomfort enough to break the surface between consciousness and unconsciousness; soon her face came into focus.

She smiled warmly at him and he wanted to reciprocate but didn’t have the strength. “Steve?” She called while gently stroking his face. Rudy waited patiently as she worked her magic to bring him around.

Steve’s eyes darted short distances from her face trying to identify his location. He took a breath and his brow furled as the stretching of his torso from the deep inhalation shot pain right through him. His voice came from his damaged throat as a hoarse whisper, “Where…?” was all he could get out but his wife could anticipate what he was asking and replied immediately, “The hospital Steve. You are in the hospital.” She leaned forward in a better attempt to hear his weakened voice.

“How… long…? He asked in two small breaths.

“You’ve been here three days.” She gave him a weak smile, her stomach twisting anticipating his reaction to the news she needed to deliver.

“Why…?” He began to ask with closed eyes.

Rudy smiled at the abbreviated conversation between husband and wife. Knowing her spouse as well as she did, Kayce was able to read and anticipate each thought. “You were burned Steve…. in an explosion.” She swallowed hard feeling the anxiety tightening around her.

With all the strength he could muster he bent his left elbow to lift his forearm and saw the bandages on his hand and arm. He then let out a soft grunt while lifting his head to view what was causing the pain at his torso. After seeing the bandages there his elevated head was deposited back on the pillow with a soft thud when he quickly weakened. He closed his eyes feeling the incessant pain from contracting his abdominal muscles.

Kayce and Rudy exchanged a concerned expression at the lack of strength the once strong muscular man had. They waited until the pained expression slowly left his face and replaced with one of confusion. His brow relaxed as he peeled his lids open slightly and looked at Kayce. She strained to hear his broken words that were croaked out of his dry mouth, “Don’t… remember…mission.”

Kayce took a deep breath and swallowed hard. She told Rudy she would tell Steve of his parent’s unexpected and tragic passing but now felt her confidence waning. Rudy watched her, readying himself to jump in if needed.

“Steve, you weren’t on a mission. You…. there was…” She stammered and Steve tried to follow her, opening his eyes further. She suddenly looked across the bed at Rudy, the tears welling up in her eyes clearly telling him she couldn’t do it. The doctor calmly took over as Kayce held Steve’s bandaged hand tightly in hers.

“Steve you were in a house that exploded.” The doctor began in a calm voice.

The weakened patient tried to remember but recall was slow in coming. “Whose house?” He whispered and turned his head toward his longtime friend.

Rudy took a deep breath and replied, “Your parents Steve. It was your parent’s house.”

Kayce was barely aware of the words Rudy used to explain the situation to her injured husband. Steve’s physical weakness seemed to overtake him as the words were delivered. She wasn’t sure that Steve, in his exhausted condition, comprehended what Rudy was saying until giving in to the need for sleep, his eyelids finally closed and lone tear rolled down his temple toward the pillow. The young woman didn’t realize her own tears were wetting her cheeks.

“Kayce are you okay?” Rudy asked softly with concern.

“Yeah Rudy.” She replied getting control over her emotions and wiping the wetness away. “Thanks for jumping in. I guess I’m not as strong as I thought I was.” Rudy stepped to her side and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, “I think your stronger then any woman I’ve ever met.”

She gave him a small smile and thanked him for his compliment before collecting her son and leaving for home. She wanted to spend some quality time with Kyle before his bedtime.

Late that evening Rudy stepped quietly into Steve’s room satisfied with his steady recovery thus far. He gently grasped Steve’s left wrist to check his pulse through the thin gauze. He then removed his stethoscope from his lab coat pocket and listened to his patient’s heart and lungs. When he straightened up he saw Steve stir and waken. He waited and held his breath. With his eyes barely open the injured man looked around the room then to his stomach. His head flopped back onto the pillow.

“How do you feel?” The doctor inquired.

Steve let out a sigh then spoke very softly while his eyes remained on the ceiling, “For a minute I thought it was just a dream.” A moment of silence followed before Steve asked, “It wasn’t a dream was it?”

“No, I’m afraid not Steve.” The doctor replied in a sullen tone of voice. It was slow in coming but soon the salty tears flowed steadily from Steve’s red eyes, moistening his white pillowcase. There was no sound coming from the grief stricken son. He just continued to stare unfocused at the ceiling allowing the grief to fill and overflow his heart. He never noticed the doctor quietly leave the room giving his patient the privacy he knew he wanted.

Steve didn’t sleep much that evening and was awake when his beautiful wife entered his room in the morning. He didn’t return her smile as she seated herself on his bed. She was happy to see him awake and talking, even though he wasn’t doing much talking She leaned forward, scrutinized the dark circles under his eyes then kissed him. “Good morning.” She greeted and he quietly responded, “Hi.”

“How are you feeling?” She asked already knowing his automatic response.

“I’m fine.” He let his head sink deeply into his pillow. “Where’s Kyle?”

“He’s at home with a babysitter. Although don’t tell him that. He told me this morning he isn’t a baby and doesn’t need a babysitter.” She chuckled but her comment did not even provoke a smile from her husband. She tried again, “I asked him who should be there to watch him then. You know what he said? Call Aunt Jaime.”

Steve displayed a small lopsided smirk but it disappeared within seconds. He thought of his longtime friend and the impact this must be having on her, losing her ‘parents’ as well. His voice was quiet and sad, “Where is Jaime?”

Kayce’s stomach tightened that he was asking for her but put her feelings aside. “She went to see about funeral arrangements.” There was a long silence before Steve spoke up, “When is the funeral?”

“Tomorrow. I was thinking maybe I could drop Kyle off with you for a couple hours. What do you think? Maybe bring in some quiet activities for him to do.”

“That’s fine. Does Kyle know… what happened?” Kayce immediately saw the sadness in the blue eyes knowing he also felt responsible for his son losing his only grandparents.

“Yes, I explained the situation as best I could but I don’t think he understands it totally.” Her husband just nodded. It was then the blonde nurse arrived with a large tray of breakfast food. Steve’s stomach churned at the smell and he tried to calm it. Kayce commented eagerly, “Well this looks good. I’m sure Rudy will expect this to be empty before it leaves this room.”

Steve closed his eyes and rubbed his face with his right hand trying to pull himself from this nightmare he was in. “I’m not hungry.”

When Kayce replied her voice was soft and comforting, “I understand that Steve, I really do but you need to eat. Your son misses you and you won’t get better if you don’t eat.” She gave him a triumphant smile knowing she just sidestepped a huge argument by bringing Kyle into his recovery.

The weak man occupying the bed sat forward and repositioned himself with a painful grunt before poking at the meal before him. Seeing none of the food heading towards his mouth Kayce continued, “Kyle was sick the other day, he had a fever, and while we lay together on the couch watching cartoons he asked when you were coming home. I told him as soon as Uncle Rudy made you better. His response was, ‘That’s good ‘cause I miss him.’” She heard the long exhale as the egg-laden fork traveled to Steve’s lips and she smiled, so far so good.

While waiting at the elevator Kayce surprised to see Oscar leaving Rudy’s office. She walked over and greeted him. Rudy came out into the hallway and asked if she had any luck getting her stubborn husband to eat any of his breakfast. Kayce gave him a victorious smile, “I’m happy to report your patient ate every morsel.”

“How did you manage that? Last night he stared at his dinner for two hours until finally I had the nurse take it away.”

“Oh Rudy…have you forgotten I am experienced in maneuvering around the human psyche?”

The three chuckled and then Oscar brought out his diplomatic voice and asked if Kayce had time to speak with him. Rudy offered his office for the two to chat and they entered and shut the door.

Rudy went to see his patient feeling relieved he had at least ate a full meal.

When their meeting had concluded Oscar opened the door for Kayce. He said his goodbye and left. Kayce took a moment to think of what she was doing then headed to Steve’s room.

She returned to her husband’s bedside to find him dozing. She quietly settled herself and was surprised when his eyes opened. “I’m sorry I woke you.”

“That’s okay I wasn’t sleeping.” He eyed her closely, really taking in the emotion behind her sapphire eyes, “What is it you don’t want to tell me?”

She smiled at his insightfulness and sat herself on the edge of his bed, “Well I’m afraid Uncle Sam is in need of my services.” She paused and saw Steve’s jaw clench at Oscar’s poor timing. “Steve I don’t want to go but…but it’s very important. Oscar needs not only my bionics but also my flying skills. I don’t think I’ll be gone long.” She exhaled slowly watching him take it all in.

“What if I said I didn’t want you to go? What if I said I needed you here?” He asked without emotion.

The tears welled up in Kayce’s eyes, the pull of both her job and her husband almost splitting her heart in two. “Steve I want to stay. In fact when I met with Oscar I planned on refusing but…but he explained everything and I figured I could finish in a few days.”

Steve stared at the ceiling tiles, tiles he had counted over the long night. He completely understood the position she was being put in. He wouldn’t make it any more difficult for her. “Promise you’ll be back in a few days?” He forced a small lopsided smile.

“Promise.” She said quietly knowing he was conceding for her sake. She placed a tender kiss on his lips and smile.

“When do you leave?”

She frowned, “Tomorrow night.” Steve’s heart sank and he asked, “Can you tell me about it?”

“I’m flying a Comanche helicopter to a black market buyer.”

“I see. I guess the sooner you leave the sooner you’ll be back right?”

“Exactly. I just don’t know what to do with Kyle.” She waited.

“What about Jaime? She’s good with Kyle. I’m sure she won’t mind.” He watched her but didn’t see the disappointment in her eyes. “That’s a good idea. I’ll give her a call. Steve I’m really sorry this has come up.”

“I understand. I work for the same guy, remember?” He gave the pretty woman another weak half-smile.

She leaned over him and whispered a heartfelt ‘I love you’. He replied the same and the two shared a passionate kiss before Jaime and Rudy entering the room interrupted them.

Kayce asked Jaime for her assistance with Kyle which she eagerly provided and then made her goodbyes. Knowing Jaime would be close by to care for her son and comfort her husband made her want to finish this assignment in record time.

The following morning Kayce dropped Kyle off with Steve. After getting him settled with his coloring books and puzzles she kissed her husband and headed to the memorial service. Since there was no viewing the crowd assembled at the cemetery.

As the reverend spoke warmly of the long married couple he had known for decades Kayce’s mind wandered a bit wishing Steve could have attended. She was glad she left Kyle with him to occupy his mind as his parents were being laid to rest.

Jaime did an exceptional job putting the memorial together. The deceased couple had matching oak caskets that would forever lie side by side in the Ojai Memorial Gardens.

When the short ceremony concluded the large group of mourners met at Jaime’s house for a light lunch. Kayce made an appearance but quickly returned to the hospital, which everyone completely understood. She entered the room, walking on her tip toes not wanting her high heels to make noise, to find Kyle lying next to his father, snuggled protectively in Steve’s arms. She hesitated just a moment to burn the picture into her memory, the two men she loved more than life itself.

Steve, sensing a presence opened his tired eyes to greet his wife. She inquired in a soft whisper, “I hope he didn’t tire you out.”

“No.” He replied looking down at his son, “He sat quietly and colored until he got tired. He wanted to nap with me so he climbed up here and settled himself. How was the funeral?”

“It was fine. Jaime did a great job with the details. As soon as you are able we can visit the gravesite as a family. Okay?” He just nodded as Kyle began to awaken.

“Hey sweetie, are you ready to go home? Daddy needs to get some rest.” Kyle just nodded his sleepy head as his mother lifted him into her arms. “I doubt I’ll get back here before I have to leave. I promise to get the mission completed as soon as possible.” She leaned down and kissed his lips.

“Be careful okay?”

“I will.” She waved as she headed out the door.

Steve tried to fall back to sleep but he was bothered by the fact he was unable to attend his parents burial. He was pulled from his thoughts when Jaime dropped in. He was glad for the company as he was getting restless stuck in bed.

“Hi.” She greeted with a friendly smile.

“I heard you did a wonderful job. Thank you.”

“It was the least I could do. I’m afraid there is a small item I overlooked. I need you input on something.” She sat herself on the edge of his bed and unfolded a brochure. “The funeral director said they could lay the tombstone next week but I wanted you to pick it out.” She handed him the picture brochure hoping his contribution would take away some of the guilt of not being able to see to the other details.

“I circled some I thought were nice. She leaned closer, her head practically on his shoulder to point to the options. I penciled in their last name to get a better idea of which would look best. This one is my favorite with the two hearts, although the single heart is nice too…”

Steve had stopped listening the moment his eyes fell upon the free-handed name ‘Elgin’. Something was gnawing at him as he continued to stare at it, Jaime’s voice quickly fading far into the background. Steve was so lost in his thoughts he didn’t even hear Rudy come into the room. The two observers watched the patient as he stared intently at the pictures before him. After several minutes passed Jaime wondered if she did something wrong.

“What’s going on?” the doctor asked. Jaime explained and just shrugged at Steve’s lack of response.

“Steve? Steve?” She finally reached out and tugged at his arm. His eyes grew wide and he snapped out of his reverie.

“Jaime, that’s it!” He dropped the brochure and suddenly grabbed her face with both hands and kissed her hard. “You are brilliant!” Rudy’s eyebrows shot up at the overt kiss.

She struggled to recover from such a spontaneous kiss, “What did I do?”

“The name. The name on the gravestone.”

“I’m still not following you.”

“Whoever blew up the house knew who my parents were.” He glanced from Jaime to Rudy and didn’t see anyone putting the pieces together. “Don’t you see? They would have had to know my parents didn’t have the last name of Austin!” He dropped his head back on the bed. “Would you please hand me the phone Jaime? This may just be what Oscar needs to nail the guy who did this.”

She quickly set the telephone on his lap and he quickly dialed. Oscar took the information and promised to inform Steve when they had a definite suspect. Steve hung up the receiver, his energy spent. He closed his eyes for a moment hoping this would all be a distant memory soon.

“Steve?” Jaime asked softly. “Which stone do you want me to have delivered?” He slowly opened his eyes and agreed with her first choice, the double heart. She assured him it would be taken care of and headed home to get Kyle before Kayce left town.

Later that evening after seeing Kayce off on her assignment Oscar decided to pay Steve a visit. He hoped Steve would understand his need for using Kayce. He opened the door and was met with Steve’s curious stare.

“Hey pal, how are you doing?”

“Fine. Did Kayce get off alright?”

“Everything went according to plan. Steve I want to apologize about the timing. I didn’t want to send her but the Secretary ordered it… I had no choice.”

“That’s okay Oscar.” Steve was feeling more and more depressed as the days dragged on. He really didn’t have any feeling regarding his wife leaving. He didn’t have feelings about anything anymore. The apathy was consuming him. “Did you find the guy who did this yet?” He glanced down at the bandage covering his stomach.

“No, I’m sorry Steve. Are you sure there wasn’t anything unusual about the phone call?”

Steve closed his eyes for a moment to replay the conversation in his mind. There was no accent, no clue in the message, no background noise, nothing. “No Oscar. Nothing he said and nothing I heard would help point the finger at any particular suspect. I don’t understand why he isn’t trying to finish the job. It’s like he just vanished.”

Oscar shrugged his broad shoulders. “Maybe he thinks you were killed in the explosion.”

“I wish I had been.” He mumbled in a whisper that went unnoticed by his visitor.

Oscar hoped to lighten the mood, “So are the nurses treating you well?”

Steve didn’t answer he just asked more questions, “Did the autopsies on my parents come back yet?”

“Yes, it said they died from the gas fumes. I’m afraid they were… gone long before the first explosion…long before you even got the call.” He wanted to reassure his friend that there was nothing he could have done to change the outcome of the situation.

Steve let out a deep sigh but remained stoic. For the rest of the visit Oscar could only pry one-word answers from the wounded man. After promising him he would keep him abreast of the investigation he left.

Stepping into the hallway he paused and was approached by Dr. Wells. “Something wrong Oscar?”

“I just wasn’t expecting… I mean I came hear ready to argue with him on why he shouldn’t be involved in the investigation of his parent’s death.”

“And?”

“He didn’t even request to see the file, nothing. It’s like he’s lost the desire to fight back at whoever did this. It’s just not like him Rudy.” Oscar’s eyes bore into the doctor.

“I know. It’s the depression. He’s not sleeping well either, still trying to deal with the grief and the guilt. It will take some time but sooner or later it will make its way to the surface.” The two men walked side by side to the elevator as they continued to share their thoughts on how to best help their longtime friend.

...Continued