Malibu Nights—Part 5
By Nancy F. Thysell (the Nifty Lady)
This story follows immediately after Malibu Nights—Part 4
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Thursday, 3:00 p.m.— Chris Martin’s ICU room, St. Joseph’s Hospital
Doug and Annie Martin sat quietly across the room from their daughter's bed and Johnny's cot. Doug held his wife's hand in his as they conversed softly.
"I don't understand who he is?" Annie said of Johnny. "I mean, Chris never mentioned him to me. Not even last Saturday before she took Jessie to the vet. And why is he still here?"
"I don't know honey but it's obvious he's someone who cares about our daughter otherwise he wouldn't be here. Perhaps when he wakes up we can find out more."
"I hope so. I mean, doesn't it seem strange that he's been here all night, sleeping in her room? And why isn't he working? What is he? Some kind of a gigolo?" Annie wondered anxiously. She had worried when Chris had left home for Los Angeles. She was afraid of the wild people and lifestyles that existed in Hollywood. To her, Los Angeles was all Hollywood and a den of iniquity. They still didn't even know how Chris had been injured.
"I don't know. We'll ask him when he wakes up. He seems nice enough." Doug Martin wished his wife wouldn’t worry so.
Annie shook her head. "I’m not sure. I mean, look where we are Doug. Hollywood! You've seen the news. That Watts riot. The Hill Side Strangler. Our baby isn't safe here! How soon do you think it'll be before they let us take her home?"
"Now, Annie," her husband reasoned, "Dr. O'Dell said it might be weeks before Chris wakes up. Maybe even longer before she can be moved. Until she improves, we just don't have those answers."
"But Doug, we can't stay here like this indefinitely. I mean, your boss isn't going to let you stay off work for that long. And we need to get back to the children. We just can't stay here! I want to take her home! I mean, why can't the doctors back home take care of her?"
Doug Martin was beginning to lose his patience with his distraught wife but he tried to be kind. Ever since John Gage had contacted them last night, their whole world had been turned upside down. The rush to make arrangements for someone to watch the other children, booking an early morning flight and taking off time from his job, it had all been very hectic. He knew his wife was right in that they wouldn't be able to stay long and if Chris were at a hospital near home, it would be easier on everyone.
"As soon as it can be arranged, we'll have her moved back home. But right now, we're just going to have to take things one day at a time. Okay, honey?" He held Annie in his arms and she began to weep softly. He kissed the top of her head and laid his head on hers and rocked her gently.
A few minutes later, a small rap on the door disturbed them. The police officer peered into the room.
"Yes?" Mr. Martin asked in a whisper.
"There's someone here to see Mr. Gage," he informed him.
"Okay, I'll tell him." Doug released his wife and crossed over to the sleeping young man. He shook Johnny's shoulder to awaken him. Johnny's eyes opened instantly and he sat up, immediately looking to see if Chris was okay. When he saw that nothing had changed, he looked up at Mr. Martin.
"What is it?" he anxiously whispered.
"There's someone to see you outside," Doug informed him.
"Oh, thanks," he mumbled as he ran his hand through his hair. I wonder who it could be? He stood up and grabbed up his crutches and made his way to the door. He smiled slightly at Chris' mother before he left the room.
Annie crossed over to the door and opened it a slit and peeked into the corridor in time to see a young woman embrace Johnny in a hug before they turned and made their way down the hall. Anger seethed within her. Now she was certain that John Gage was no good and somehow he'd taken advantage of her Chris!
###
When Johnny left the room, a wave of relief washed over him as JoAnne DeSoto greeted him with a friendly hug. He had felt so out of place in that room with Chris' parents.
"Man, JoAnne! I am so glad to see you!" Johnny told her. "And I'm starved! Let's go to the cafeteria."
"Sounds like a good suggestion," she agreed. "How's Chris doing?"
JoAnne reached and pushed the call button for the elevator.
"She's still unconscious. Oh! JoAnne, would you go tell the ICU nurse where we're going? Just in case…"
"Sure. Be right back." JoAnne hurried back to the nurse's station. Johnny let the arriving elevator car go and pushed the call button again. JoAnne returned with a smile on her face.
"They'll page you if there's any change."
"Thanks Jo."
They rode to the basement in silence and made their way through the cafeteria line. Debbie, the young candy stripper, who had helped Johnny earlier, rushed forward to assist him again. Johnny had to laugh at the look on JoAnne's face as she watched the young girl. As soon as Johnny had paid for the food items, Debbie took his tray and led them to a cleared table. She gave JoAnne a curious look for following them and then realized that JoAnne and Johnny were together. Color rose in her cheeks as she assumed that JoAnne must be Johnny's wife. She removed the items from the tray and placed them in front of Johnny.
"There you go. Can I do anything else for ya?" She attempted to sound professional even though she was a bit jealous.
"No, thank you Debbie. You've been a big help," Johnny assured her.
"Okay. Well, I hope you and your wife have a good lunch," Debbie responded before turning and fleeing the room. Both JoAnne and Johnny tried hard not to burst out laughing.
"Poor little thing. I think she has a crush on you!" JoAnne chuckled. "And she thinks I'm your wife!"
John slid a small salad bowl over to his best friend's wife. "Well, don't tell Roy. I'll never live it down."
"What? Debbie? Or the fact that she thinks I'm your wife?" JoAnne inquired in a teasing tone.
Johnny took a large bite of his sandwich. "Both."
"Oh, Johnny. What are we going to do with you?" JoAnne asked as Johnny grinned at her.
"What are you doing here anyway? Shouldn't you be at home with Chris and Jen?" Johnny took another huge bite and followed it with a large gulp of mike.
"Roy called. I asked my next door neighbor to watch the kids until we get home. Roy thought that when Chris' parents get here, you might want to come home for a while," JoAnne explained.
"Well, they're already here. They came in around ten or so," Johnny informed her as he ate some French fries. "I would have called you then, but I was so tired. I fell asleep. They had to wake me up to tell me I had a visitor."
"Oh! Well, I'm glad you got some rest. You look tired," JoAnne commented. Johnny drained the milk from the glass.
"I feel tired. This whole mess has been too much."
JoAnne picked at her salad. She really wasn't hungry but felt she had to have something to be polite. Johnny was already devouring his second sandwich. JoAnne had to smile to herself and wonder where in the world Johnny stored all the food he consumed. Johnny caught the smile on her face.
"What?" he asked frowning. He wiped his mouth with a napkin, wondering if he had created a mess.
"Oh, I was just wondering about that hollow leg of yours," she joked. Johnny lowered his eyelids into slits as he glared at her. He knew she was teasing but he had to give her a hard time back.
"I'm just joking," she declared. Then Johnny smiled.
"I know, Jo. I know." Then he chuckled as she swatted his arm. He polished off the last of the French fries. "I guess we should go back up there. I want the Martins to know how to get in touch with me."
"Good idea. Do you want me to come with you or should I go ahead and get the car?"
As they reached the elevator, Johnny considered this. "Why don't you come with me and meet them? Mrs. Martin may need someone to turn to. You've been through stuff like this so often with me and Roy, I'm sure you'd be a great comfort to her."
"That's very thoughtful Johnny. You know I'll be more than happy to help. Any way I can."
"That's what I love about you, Jo. You're the best! And if you were single, I'd give that partner of mine a run for his money!"
"Oh, Johnny! You're such a flirt!"
The elevator arrived and they stepped into the car.
###
Thursday, 4:30 p.m.— Chris' ICU room
JoAnne gently pushed the door open and held it for Johnny. Both Doug and Annie Martin rose to their feet and waited.
"Mr. and Mrs. Martin. This is JoAnne DeSoto," Johnny began the introductions. Doug Martin came forward and offered his hand to JoAnne.
"It's nice to meet you. I'm Doug and this is my wife Annie."
"It's nice to meet you too." JoAnne took his hand and shook it lightly. "Though, if looks could kill, Annie would," JoAnne thought.
"How do you know our Chris?" she asked bluntly. JoAnne looked from the woman to Johnny and back again.
"Through Johnny." JoAnne had thought that would have been obvious. She felt the reception she was receiving from Chris' mother was cold. But, JoAnne decided it must be the circumstances that made the woman behave that way.
"I see. I don't want to appear rude but I have no idea who you people are. Or what you have to do with my daughter," Annie stated icily.
"We're your daughter's friends," Johnny interjected.
"I don't know whether to believe that or not!" she responded bitterly. "I'm sure Chris would have mentioned you if you really are her friends."
"Annie," JoAnne said kindly, "We only met Chris a few days ago. And we think she's a wonderful girl. As a matter of fact, my husband, Roy thought…"
"Husband! You have a husband?"
"Yes. I do. He and Johnny are partners."
Annie snorted in disgust. "A likely story! You people just want to take advantage of my baby!"
Both Johnny and JoAnne were taken aback by Annie Martin's comments and attitude. JoAnne rose to the challenge.
"I'll have you know, Mrs. Martin, that Johnny and my husband are the best damn paramedics in LA County! They aren't that kind of men. How dare you…" Now JoAnne felt at a loss for words. She could see the pain in Annie's eyes and she didn't want to hurt her. Annie turned to her husband as the tears began to fall and he pulled her into his arms.
"I'm sorry, JoAnne. This has been very hard on Annie. She's been a bit overly protective when it comes to Chris. She was afraid for her to move out here," Doug Martin tried to explain.
"I understand. I have two kids of my own. We'd never do anything to hurt Chris. Who knows, if it weren't for my husband, she might not even be alive."
Annie whirled on JoAnne at that comment, her eyes wide with questions. "What do you mean by that?" she demanded.
"Hasn't anybody told you what happened?" JoAnne was incredulous. The Martin's shook their heads. JoAnne turned to Johnny. He sighed heavily.
"Why don't we all sit down," he suggested. Once everyone was seated, he told the Martins about all the events leading up to their arrival. The couple sat in stunned silence as they listened. Annie stifled a small sob with the back of her hand as Doug shook his head in disbelief. They had no idea.
By the time Johnny and JoAnne took their leave, things were more amicable. Johnny had made sure that they had his, the DeSoto's, and the fire station telephone numbers. They had originally planned to stay in Chris' apartment until they learned that it was sealed as a crime scene. Everything felt surreal. So, instead they took a motel room within walking distance of the hospital. That way they could take turns watching over their daughter.
Johnny coerced JoAnne into driving him to his house. He really wanted to be home. He missed his house and his horses. He convinced JoAnne that his ankle felt better and that he really could manage. Against her better judgment, JoAnne agreed and took him home. She decided she would call Roy when she got home and insist that he check on Johnny as soon as his shift ended.
###
The weekend passed quietly. Chris remained in the coma. Johnny called the hospital repeatedly to check on her condition. Since he still wasn't driving and he hated imposing on Roy and JoAnne, he stayed at home. He also felt like he would be intruding on the Martin’s privacy. The Martins continued their alternating vigil until Monday when Doug had to return home. Annie stayed on, spending as much time as she could with her daughter.
###
Friday, One Week Later, 2:00 p.m.— Annie Martin's motel room
By the end of the week, Dr. O'Dell agreed to let Annie transport Chris back to Kansas. She was stable, though still in the coma. The hospital had done all that they could for her and was recommending a long-term care facility. The arrangements were made for an ambulance to carry Chris to the airport. Annie was preparing to check out of the motel and leave for the hospital when the telephone rang. She crossed the room and removed her clip-on earring and picked up the handset.
"Hello?"
"Mrs. Martin? It's John Gage."
Annie stiffened at John's voice. She had hoped to slip quietly out of town without having to deal with him.
"Yes, John? What can I do for you?" She sat on the edge of the bed and pulled at the phone cord.
"I just talked to the floor nurse and they tell me they're releasing Chris today. What's going on?" She could hear the concern in Johnny's voice.
"I'm taking Chris home to Kansas. I'm sorry I didn't tell you but I've been going crazy trying to make all the arrangements," she stated simply. She heard Johnny's intake of breath.
"You're leaving today?" Johnny couldn't believe that the Martins would do this without telling him.
"Yes, as soon as I can get to the hospital. Our flight is at five this afternoon."
Johnny was fuming. There was no way he'd be able to get a ride to the hospital in time or out to the airport.
"I can't believe you're doing this!" he almost yelled. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"Quite honestly John, I don't see how this concerns you. I know you are my daughter's friend but that's all. She needs to be close to her family so we can take care of her. I can't stay out here indefinitely. Chris can't live with a policeman outside her door with a madman waiting to harm her. I can't live like this. I'm a nervous wreck thinking what that man might try to do to her. I've got to take her home. Where she'll be safe. Can't you understand that?"
"I'm trying to. Please…I need to see her before you leave. I'll meet you at the hospital," Johnny pleaded.
Annie shook her head. That young man was so determined. "I won't promise to wait for you but if you can get there before we leave for the airport, I won't stop you from seeing her," Annie told him.
"Thank you Mrs. Martin. I'll be there as soon as I can."
"Goodbye, John."
"Bye Mrs. Martin."
###
Johnny replaced the receiver and stood up. There was only one way he was going to make it to the hospital before Mrs. Martin took Chris away. He was going to have to drive. His ankle was feeling better and it was taped up nice and tight.
"I can drive on this," Johnny decided. He grabbed a clean shirt from the stack of laundry on the sofa and pulled it on. He located his car keys and the dreaded crutches and headed for the Land Rover. Within minutes he was on the road, headed for St. Joseph’s, determined that he would use his right foot as little as possible.
###
Friday, 3:00 p.m.— Entrance to St. Joseph’s Hospital
The private ambulance waited in front of the entrance of the hospital. Johnny pulled into the parking lot as the gurney bearing Chris was wheeled out the door by two attendants. She was escorted by Annie Martin and a uniformed police officer. Johnny pulled into the first available space and made his way as quickly as he could to meet them. The officer moved to intercept him from reaching Chris and Annie.
"John!" Annie greeted with a forced smile. She turned to the officer. "He’s okay Officer. He’s my daughter’s friend."
Turning back to Johnny she said somewhat coldly, "I’m surprised that you made it. Especially since you haven’t been here all week."
"I haven’t had transportation until today," Johnny responded evenly. He moved over to the gurney and reached down and caressed Chris’ pale face with his hand. He was shocked at how much weight she had lost in such a short amount of time. She looked so young and fragile. He felt as though his heart would break. He didn’t want her mother to take her away. Kansas was so far away. He choked back a tear as he bent down and kissed her forehead.
"Bye sweetie. Don’t forget me," he whispered as he gently touched his cheek against hers. Johnny started as he felt Chris’ head move slightly. He lifted his head and stared at her. Willing her to move again.
"She moved!" he said excitedly to Annie.
"What?" Annie responded, disbelieving. She hurried around the gurney to Chris’ right side.
"Chris? Honey? It’s Mommy. Can you hear me?" Annie cried hopefully, taking Chris’ hand in hers.
"Chris, it’s Johnny. It’s time to wake up now. Come on, sweetie. Open those big blue eyes!" he coaxed.
Chris’ eyelids fluttered slightly and then slowly they opened. Johnny and Annie both smiled broadly. Annie covered her mouth with her hand as she choked back tears of happiness. Johnny turned to one of the attendants.
"Go find Dr. O’Dell!" he instructed. To the policeman and the other attendant, "Let’s move her back inside."
"No, wait! What are you doing?" Annie Martin was confused.
"Mrs. Martin, she needs to be checked out by a doctor now before you can leave with her," Johnny tried to explain as two men began to move the gurney back into the hospital.
"But we have a flight. All the arrangements have been made!" Annie protested, following the gurney. They entered the lobby and stopped to wait for the doctor.
"Johnny?" Chris whispered hoarsely. She could hear Johnny but she couldn’t make her eyes focus. And there was another voice. It sounded so familiar.
"I’m right here sweetie," Johnny told her. "And so is your mother."
"Mom?"
"I’m here baby," Annie said as she took Chris’ hand in hers again.
"Hurts," Chris managed painfully.
Dr. O’Dell, followed by a nurse, rushed across the lobby and knelt by the gurney. John and Annie stepped back to allow them room to work. He took out his penlight and checked Chris’ eyes. The nurse began taking her vitals.
"Chris. I’m Dr. O’Dell. Can you hear me?"
"Uh-huh."
"Do you know where you are?"
"Uh…no. Johnny!?" Chris felt panicky.
"I’m right here Chris," Johnny assured her.
"Don’t leave me!"
"I won’t sweetie. I won’t," Johnny promised. Annie stood back and watched as the doctor and nurse worked on her daughter while this man, this stranger, seemed to be closer to Chris than she was. She was suddenly afraid that the doctor wouldn’t let them leave. And she felt as though she was losing her daughter.
"Doctor. How long will this take? We were on our way to the airport."
"I’m sorry, Mrs. Martin. I’d like to conduct a few tests on Chris before you do that."
"Mom?" Chris cried out again.
"I’m right here, honey," Annie assured her.
"I want to stay. I don’t want to go back to Kansas," the young woman sobbed. Tears spilled from her eyes. Annie’s tears flowed with her daughter’s. "Please, don’t take me back."
"Okay, baby. Okay," Annie promised.
"Nurse, I want Miss Martin readmitted. Let’s get a new set of x-rays on her skull. And a full set of labs." He quickly wrote the orders on a pad and handed them to the nurse. An orderly approached the nurse.
"George," she addressed the orderly. "We need to take Miss Martin down to the ER until she can be readmitted. But first Dr. O’Dell wants a new set of x-rays. Would you take her down to x-ray?
"Yes, Miss Windfield." The orderly and the ambulance attendants moved the gurney down the hall to the elevator. Johnny, the police officer, and Annie followed behind them. After Chris was transferred to the x-ray table, the attendants retrieved their gurney and left. Johnny and Annie went to the waiting room while the officer resumed his watch position.
###
A few minutes later—ER waiting room
"What happens now?" Annie asked Johnny while they waited.
"Well, they will send her to a room. Soon I hope."
"I’m not going to be able to take her home with me, am I?" Annie felt defeated. She wanted to go home. She needed her husband and her other children. Being here with Chris like this was too hard. She wanted to take Chris home with her.
"No. I don’t think so. Chris is an adult. She conscious. She can make her own medical decisions. I’m sorry." Johnny understood how Annie must feel. He was just so happy that she was awake, he didn’t care about anything else.
"I need to make arrangements for a place to stay again. My tickets need to be rescheduled. I have to call Doug. I mean, there’s so much to do," Annie said wearily. She turned tired eyes to Johnny. "I won’t be staying long. A day or two at the most. I have to get home. You’ll take care of her for me, won’t you?
"I will. I promise."
"I know I haven’t been very nice to you or your friends. I’d like to apologize for my behavior. I guess I’m just a little overprotective." Annie spoke softly.
"Don’t worry about it, Mrs. Martin. I know that this has been a stressful time for you. But I want you to know I really care for your daughter."
"Do you love her?"
Johnny pondered this for a moment. He searched out Annie’s eyes. The same blue eyes that Chris must have inherited from her mother.
"I don’t know. Our relationship is still quite new. But I do know that she’s very important to me. I won’t do anything to hurt her. I’ll take care of her. You don’t need to worry," Johnny promised again.
"Okay. You’ll keep me posted?"
"Anything you want."
Annie smiled. She felt as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. "Thank you John."
Annie left to make her phone calls while Johnny waited for the x-rays and tests to be completed. He was glad that he and Annie had come to an understanding now that Chris appeared to be on the road to recovery.
###
Friday, 4:00 p.m.— Entrance to St. Joseph’s Hospital
From the shadow of the trees across the boulevard from the hospital, Jimmy Chandler watched as the ambulance pulled away from the entrance. A sick smile crept across his lips. Hopefully, it wouldn’t take long for the brakes to fail. If I can’t have her, nobody will! The ambulance turned down the boulevard, heading south toward the freeway entrance. Chandler stepped back into the sunlight and headed north.
###
END PART 5
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