Chapter 18

Kasey bounced over to Rachel, lying back on the couch. “You’re so pale you’re almost see-through, Rach, can I get you anything?”

Rachel shook her head and opened her eyes. “It’s like this every night, lately.”

Cora walked in with a cloth and handed it to her. “Try this on the back of your neck.”

Rachel put the cold cloth on the back of her neck. She grimaced and glanced over at Leena. “Have you been sick at all?”

Leena shrugged and shook her head. “A few moments here and there feeling off, but not like what you’re going through.” She glanced at Owen from his slumped position in the big chair. “Although being with Owen seems to help me.”

Owen glanced over to where Tara was checking Patrick’s incision site and back to Rachel. He winked at her and held up his hands showing her his palms.

Rachel grinned. “It’s so not fair.”

Chris stood up as Gwen and Justin came through the side door. “Just waiting on Steven, he was held up at the hospital, but should be here soon.”

Gwen smiled as she set her coat on the pile beside the door. “Jean make it?”

Kasey grinned. “She’s in the kitchen with Kevin.”

Justin rolled his eyes. “Trapped in there is more likely.”

“I heard that.” Kevin mumbled as he came out into the room.

Jean walked out behind him. “I actually picked him up this time.” She smiled at Gwen. “Poor man is exhausted with all the overtime. I guess we can blame the snow.”

Dade, who had been sitting on the floor silently through it all, snorted. “If the jerks on the roads would stop and think before they drive as if the roads were dry, it would save everyone a lot of trouble. I had to stop this morning and help some idiot after he slid right into the ditch.”

Cora sat in the chair Dade was leaning against. “Winter isn’t even really here.”

Tara turned and grimaced. “The holiday season seems to have everyone rushing around like a lunatic.”

Kasey continued to sit beside Rachel and worry. “I never go out to any store after the middle of December, unless its open twenty-four hours and I shop at three in the morning.” She looked over at Leena with worry in her eyes. “Is there anything we can do to help her, she’s feeling so awful.”

Leena shrugged. “I really don’t think so, it’s just something that has to work itself out.”

“I hate you, Lee.” Rachel grinned. “I’m just barely showing and I’m dying and you sit there looking all pregnant and feel fine.”

Tara walked over and touched Rachel’s forehead. “The hormonal changes are just stronger with you. It’s like that with most women, and worse with twins as then there are two extra sets of changes going on.”

Rachel opened her eyes and sat her head up slowly. “Twins? Wouldn’t that be awesome?” She smiled. “We go for our first ultrasound next week, I can’t wait.” She let out a slow breath and looked at Kasey. “Maybe I’ll try some apple juice now, Kase.” Kasey just nodded and hopped up so fast Rachel felt dizzy watching her. “Steven tried to borrow the portable ultrasound, so we could peek, but he ran into some red tape.”

Owen laughed. “I’m sure that pleased him.”

Kasey walked back in with the juice and gave it to her. She looked at Chris and frowned. “I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to go through this, Chris.”

Chris grinned. “It’s an optional choice in a marriage sweetheart, not required.”

She walked over and hugged him. “But still, I can’t imagine I’d make a very good mom. I’d drive the child crazy by worrying all the time.” He ran his hand down her back.

Tara sat on the edge of the couch. “I see you with happy energetic children, Kasey. You have more than enough energy to keep up with them.”

Kasey turned in Chris’s arms and looked at her. “Really? Well I love the puppy, but he still sleeps so much.”

Chris laughed. “He sleeps so much because you wear him out and he can’t keep up with you.” He bent down and kissed the top of her head. “Even when you’re writing you don’t sit still.”

She swatted his arm. “I’m not that bad, Christopher.” He chuckled. Turning, she looked up at him. “I think we need to discuss a few things and begin the process of negotiation, Councilor.” He raised his eyebrows at her. “Well if I’m going to consider this parenting option, I want guidelines established early on.”

Chris kissed the top of her head again and grinned down at her. “Anything you want, Kassandra.”

Rachel moaned. “You’ve converted her Chris, I’ve never heard her calmly say anything so businesslike in her life.”

Everyone laughed except Cora. She looked down at Dade with a serious look.

His mouth dropped. “Don’t even think about it, honey. Momma G would have my head if you were pregnant before we were married.”

Owen chuckled.

Cora pursed her lips and looked up at the ceiling for a moment. “Then we had better get the vows out of the way soon, Dade Jones, I am not getting any younger.”

Dade got up on his knees and turned so he could pull her into his arms. “Whatever you need, Love.”

Patrick looked over at Rhonda sitting silently on the edge of his bed. You look sad, lass, what is it?

She looked over at him and offered a weak smile. She knew her eyes were glazed with tears forming. They’re all so happy, Pat.

He studied her eyes for a moment then looked around at the couples. Even Jean and Kevin were grinning at each other. Aye, they are and deserve every second of it.

Yes, they do.

He looked from her to the couples for a moment. You’d be wanting the whole package as well?

Rhonda blinked as she looked at him. If you mean parenthood, yes, I would love a child of my own someday. She looked down at her hands for a second. But I don’t know if it’s possible with my back the way it is.

Patrick hadn’t thought of that. Then I suppose you need to find out if it is possible. He didn’t say it to her, not yet, but as soon as he could move like a man instead of an invalid, he had plans to take their relationship much further than where it was presently hovering.

They turned and watched Cora get up and walk into the kitchen, Dade following her like a puppy.

Rhonda turned back and studied Patrick as he watched her. I suppose I should. I’m not getting any younger either.

The way she smiled told him she had her own plans. His recovery couldn’t move fast enough.

When Dexter cleared his throat, they looked at him, watching them from where he leaned near the stairs. Patrick stifled a smirk when he raised one questioning eyebrow at him. Turning to Chris, he leaned back and crossed his arms. “Any word from the Captain?”

Chris straightened from hugging Kasey and shook his head. “No, I left a message for him but haven’t yet gotten a return call.”

“So, we’re in the dark then?” Patrick mumbled. Everyone turned when a slow-moving Steven came walked into the room.

He kicked off his boots and flopped into the nearest piece of furniture. “I think every child on the planet has a cold or the flu right now.” He sighed and looked over at Rachel. “Another rough night, angel?” She nodded and sipped the juice. He sighed again and pulled himself up out of the chair and went over to the couch. She slid down onto the floor and sat between his legs, resting her head on his knee. He began to rub her neck and shoulders gently.

Rachel’s eyes closed. “Tara said its worse with twins.” She turned her face to look up at him. “Maybe we’re having two.”

Steven grinned down at her. “That would be awesome.” She nodded.

Leena rubbed a hand down over her round tummy. “Better you then us. One at a time will be just fine with me.” Owen nodded but remained silent.

Steven gratefully took the cup Cora handed to him. “You’re amazing, Cora.” He winked and took a sip. “It’s good everyone is here, I had a visitor this evening.” Both Patrick and Dex were on immediate alert. Steven nodded in Patrick’s direction. “Your coworker, Betty, paid me a short visit.”

Patrick sat up to the edge of the bed, ignoring the pulling pains from the movement. “She’s all right?”

Steven nodded and took another sip of the strong coffee. “She’s fine. We met in my office, so we could talk.” He leaned around Rachel and set the cup down. “She dumped a whole lot of information on me, so just give me a sec to sort it out.” He shrugged. “I called Captain Bentley, but he didn’t want me to tell him over the phone, and he said he wasn’t going to chance coming here.” He looked at Chris. “He said he’ll stop by your office tomorrow and get the details.” Chris nodded. “Okay, in the order she told me, this is what she’s knows.”

He ran his hands down Rachel’s arms before speaking again. “There has been no sign of Jack, anywhere apparently.” Patrick looked over to Dexter, a silent look of understanding passed between them. “Bob…” He looked at Patrick. “I’m assuming you know who Bob is?” Patrick nodded. “Bob showed up at few times, where at, I don’t know, but he was pretty badly beaten according to Betty.” He shrugged. “I’m assuming she’s letting you know this for reasons I don’t even care to understand.” Patrick closed his eyes almost in a blink and nodded quickly. “She feels someone beat the holy hell, her words, out of him trying to see if he had any information about you.”

Patrick sighed. “Not sure that one would deserve it, as he’s so flighty he wouldn’t know anything if it wasn’t written down for him. What else?”

Steven thought for a moment. “Walt?” He looked to Patrick to confirm he had the right name again. “Walt has been seen several times, she thinks he’s recruiting.”

Patrick swore under his breath and looked over at Dexter. Even though Dexter didn’t know all the players, he knew by the expression on his face that he understood how bad that was for their situation. “No sign of Jack?”

Steven shook his head.

Patrick looked back to Dexter. “It’s possible he was also shot.” Dexter crossed his arms and nodded. “Maybe he’s holed up somewhere recovering.” He looked over at Rhonda. “Can you get me some paper, lass? I want to give Chris a few names to pass onto the Captain, to see if Jack has used the normal channels… to keep any injury treatment out of the system.” She nodded and got up.

Patrick suddenly didn’t want to be sitting, he felt so bloody useless. He worked his way to his feet and stood until he was sure he had his balance. Walking to the window he looked out into the back yard. It was dark and the snow glistened in the moonlight. Before he could turn, Dexter was beside him pulling the sheer curtain across. Of course, standing in front of an open window was stupid, but he felt trapped and more restless than before, it was like his hands were tied. Waiting was something Patrick didn’t do well.

Dexter stood with his arms at his side, he was pumped now. “This Walt, he’s bad news?”

Patrick grinned. “Makes you look like a harmless child.”

Dexter snorted and grinned at him. “That’s doubtful, but I get the picture.” He rubbed his rough jaw for a second and thought. “Can the captain get me pictures of these people?”

Patrick nodded and glanced to Chris who acknowledged he’d heard, and would pass it on. “These aren’t people you can track.”

Dexter winked at him. “I’m not much of a hunter.” He glanced briefly around at the others in the room, hoping the other man would understand.

You’re wanting to use their talents to give us a heads up?

Dexter looked him straight in the eye without speaking aloud to answer him.

Tara chuckled and stood up. “Oh, for crying out loud.” Everyone turned to look at her. “This was all quite entertaining at first, watching all of you trying to be sneaky, but now is not the time for it.” She turned and gave Dexter an exasperated look and scowled at Patrick before glancing down at Rachel. “I mentioned twins, because you are having twins.” She looked at Kasey and grinned. “And you need to speed up those negotiations, Mrs. Larkin.” Then she gave Rhonda an exasperated look. “And seriously if you want to carry on conversations in silence with Patrick, by all means do so.”

Chris chuckled at the shocked look on everyone’s faces. “You see the future, Miss Veering.”

Tara grinned excitedly. “Yes. Among other things.” She looked around the room. “When I met up with Steven a few weeks ago at the hospital, everything came flying at me.” She looked around and gave everyone a smirk. “And I mean everything. I knew this was where I was meant to end up.”

Gwen grinned at her. “Welcome to the group then. We’re blessed to have you.”

Tara took a deep breath before she sat down. “Thank you.” She turned to look at the Patrick. “Now if you two professionals would like to share what you know with the class, in ways we can ALL hear, that would be great.”

Kasey shrieked and jumped into Chris’s arms. “I’m going to be a mom.” He caught her and laughed. Then he saw the expressions of shock on everyone’s face.

“So it would seem.”

Rachel’s nausea was forgotten as she climbed up into Steven’s lap. The tear started rolling down her face, despite how happy she was feeling. “They’re all going to be best friends.”

Steven smiled at his crying wife and glanced over to where Leena was wiping her eyes.

Kevin groaned. “Oh no, more pregnant women.” He grinned at everyone. “Things are just never dull with you guys.”

Jean laughed as she swatted him.

“All I have to say is I better be hormonal soon.” Cora said quietly as she sat back down.

Dade winked at her. “I’m all over that, Love. Well, when we go home.” She blushed and smiled at him. “Momma G will just have to forgive me.”

Gwen stood up and turned looking at everyone. “I’m just so happy for all of you.”

Justin reached up and grasped her hand. “Perhaps we should discuss Dex’s ideas, so we can get rid of the threat hanging over Patrick’s head first, dear. Then we can all be happy and safe.”

“Oh, oh you’re right of course, Justin, I almost forgot.” She sat back down.

Patrick shook his head and looked at the man standing beside him. Dexter rubbed his jaw then looked at Tara. Walking to squat down beside her he hesitated, as he looked at her a moment. “Have you seen?” She sobered and nodded. “Tell me.”

Tara nodded and looked around the room at the others, watching. “I haven’t seen anything to do with Patrick really, other than a long life, so obviously, he makes it through this.” She glanced over at the Doctor. “I saw Steven and a future for most of the others, and a confrontation.” She looked back to Dexter. “But it wasn’t here, or anywhere I know, and I can’t say who it was with.” Her eyes widened. “Can I see the pictures when you get them?”

He nodded and thought for a moment. He glanced to Patrick and then over at Chris. “Can you reach the Captain outside of the office?” Chris nodded. “I want to see him, tonight if possible, and I’ll need him to bring the pictures.” Chris nodded and walked into the kitchen as he pulled his cell phone from his pocket.

Dexter stood up and looked around the room. He stopped when he reached Steven. “Can you stay and cover the house while Chris and I go out?” He grinned at the tired doctor. “Think you can drum up some anger if you need it?”

Steven laughed. “Keep me awake too much longer and I’ll be growling just for the hell of it.”

“Perfect.”

Patrick knew Dexter had something planned, but wasn’t sure what. He walked slowly over and looked at him. “As much as I’d like to be able to read minds… what are you stewing inside that head?”

Dexter grinned. “If we can get the pictures for Tara, she can confirm where the confrontation is going to be from.” He glanced around to the women. “Then I’m going to get the ladies to see if they can pinpoint the exact place for us.”

Patrick nodded slowly. “Ah, I get it. Let’s see if we can get this rolling and done with sooner then?”

“Exactly.” Dexter glanced to where Rhonda was handing Patrick the paper. “Are you well enough to give the women a boost in their search, Rhonda?”

She smirked. “More than, I’ve been bored silly for far too long.”

Chris walked out of the kitchen. “We have to go, now.”

Dexter didn’t ask questions, he took the paper Patrick held out to him and headed for his jacket. He looked around at everyone. “Make your list for Yule preparations. We’ll play this out tomorrow morning.” He grinned at Gwen. “Then you can get on with your celebration planning.” He followed Chris out the door.

Rhonda looked down at Tara. “Welcome aboard.”

Tara smiled. “I feel like I just came home.”