FriscoDreams18

The doors of the hospital emergency room burst open as the attendants wheeled Casey into the examination area. Harvey followed along side holding onto her hand as they quickly moved down the hallway. He could hear the medical team talking about vital statistics, blood loss and room numbers but for Harvey, the faces and voices blurred when he looked down at Casey's pain-stricken face. Her eyes would close and then quickly open again as she fought to maintain eye contact with him.    Harvey could see the fear in her eyes but he could only comfort her with a reassuring smile. How he wished that he could hold her and tell her that everything would be alright. He felt her hand move in his and looked down to see that she was signing " I love you" with her fingers.

Before he could respond to her gesture, Casey's eyes closed and her hand went limp in his.   The medical team pushed Harvey aside as they quickly rushed her into an examination room.   He tried to follow them in but was stopped by a nurse. "I'm sorry, sir. You aren't allowed in here."   "But...what's going on?   What happened to her?" Harvey tried to move around the nurse but she blocked the entrance to the room and pointed to the waiting area.   "Someone will be out to talk to you shortly."   As the doors slowly closed, Harvey leaned against the wall for support and watched as the doctors worked with Casey. Choking back tears, he whispered   "I love you too, baby."

*

It didn't take long for the small waiting room to fill with concerned co-workers and friends.   Nash and Joe were the last to arrive with Captain Nelson and Captain Jameson.

Nelson: "Any news yet?"

Harvey(sighing heavily): No.   I questioned the nurse but she wouldn't give me any details.

"Captain, could I speak with you for a moment?" Stephanie took Captain Nelson aside and asked "Should I contact Mr. and Mrs. Cortez?"

Jameson thought for a moment before answering. "Let's get an update on her condition first. The last thing they need to hear is that their only surviving child has been stabbed and her condition is unknown."   Stephanie agreed and went to sit down next to Antwon and Harvey.

"Hey, Brother" Antwon told Harvey. "Why don't you find a bathroom and wash your hands."

Harvey felt a twinge of guilt when he noticed his blood stained hands. "First Evan's blood and now Cassandra's. I just can't seem to protect the people that I care about."

Stephanie reached up and put her arm around his shoulder to comfort him.   "You really love her, don't you?"

"I didn't mean to." he replied with a chuckle.

Stephanie smiled at his attempt to be lighthearted. "But you do?"   Harvey nodded his head. "Yeah...I do.   I've never told her though.   I was planning to tell her tonight but then this...."   His voice cracked and he had to turn away.

Stephanie: Things will work out, Harvey. This is one of those times when the only thing that we can do is pray and keep a positive attitude.

"That's easier said than done." Harvey got up and went to the bathroom to wash his hands and splash his face with some cool water.   The worry and the waiting was beginning to take it's toll on him. After stopping for a cup of coffee at the nurse's station, he started back to the waiting room. While walking down the empty corridor, Harvey spied a large oak door. He studied the brass plaque that read "Chapel" for a moment before slowly opening the door and entering the dimly lit room. He walked to the front of the room and sat down on the front pew.   It was quiet and he closed his eyes for a moment to clear his mind.   His heart was heavy and the image of Casey's frightened eyes haunted him.   "I don't understand why this is happening" he declared as the pent up tears began to flow.

*

It had been over an hour and a half since Casey had been taken back to be examined. Her friends and co-workers were anxiously waiting to hear some news. Finally the doors to the Examining Room opened and the doctor walked towards the waiting room. Everyone gathered around Dr. Barbara Roberts as she explained Casey's condition.

"It took us a while to stop the bleeding because the blade penetrated so deep.   She was very lucky...if the wound had been a few inches lower, she might not be here now. Her blood count is a little low right now so I am going to admit her overnight for observation.   I was also concerned that she lost conciousness after the blow to the head but it appears to be a mild concussion. If things go well tonight, I will release her in the morning. The nurse will give her a list of instructions and I also listed the name of a reconstructive surgeon that she can contact concerning the scar that this injury will leave.   She will be fine with a few weeks of rest and medication."

Dr. Roberts excused herself after getting a page and walked to the nurse's station to take a call.   Harvey needed to know more about Casey's injury and caught up with Dr. Roberts to ask another question.

Harvey:   "Excuse me, Doctor Roberts.   I'm Harvey Leek. Cassandra is my...uh.. friend.   You mentioned that she might require plastic surgery. Is this something that I should be concerned about?"

Dr. Roberts motioned for Harvey to join her in the lounge so that they could speak in private.   "I won't lie to you, Mr. Leek. The wound is about seven inches in length and is jagged. It begins just below her left shoulder and continues downward onto her breast.   It's not a pretty sight and I'm concerned about Cassandra's reaction to seeing it."

Harvey's brow furrowed as he listened to the doctor express her concern. "Cassandra isn't a vain person so I can't imagine that her reaction to this would be negative. What can I do to help her?"

Dr. Roberts: "We are all vain to a point, Mr. Leek.   We want to look our best for our significant other. Cassandra might feel that you no longer find her attractive because of the scar. That is why I would suggest that she see Dr. Bingham. If plastic surgery is an option, he can advise her of the best procedures to use for her situation.   The only advise that I can give you is to have patience with her. Give her your support and love during the healing process. I'm sure that you both will be fine."

Harvey escorted the doctor to the elevator and they continued their conversation until the doors opened. "Thank you, Dr. Roberts. I'll keep what you said in mind."    She handed him a card with her phone number listed. "If I can help, please don't hesitate to call."

*

The officers from the SIU and the North Beach Division were gathered in the hallway just outside of Casey's room. They had all checked to make sure that she was alright and were now discussing what the next step should be regarding the meeting with Bastille. It was agreed that the three captains would meet at the SIU the next morning to make a new plan.   Antwon looked around for Harvey but couldn't find him. He excused himself from the group and walked into Casey's room where he found Harvey standing by her bed.

Antwon:    "Harv? I'm driving Stephanie to her hotel.   Can we drop you off at your place?"

Harvey: "No. I'm staying with her tonight. She might need me."

Stephanie: "We can stay with you, if you want us to."

Harvey:    "No thanks...I'll be fine. I just want to be alone with her."

Antwon took Stephanie's arm to lead her out. "You'll call me if you need anything, right."

Harvey: "Yeah, I will. Thanks Twon...Stephanie."

Harvey sat down on the edge of the bed and watched as she slept. He pulled the blanket up to cover her shoulders and leaned down to gently kiss her cheek. "I'm here, Baby. I'm not going anywhere" he whispered as he stroked her hair. Eventually, he pulled the recliner close to the bed and held her hand while softly singing one of her favorite songs. "If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair."

*

The clock on the wall told her that it was 7am. Where was she? What had happened? Casey had woke to find herself in strange surroundings. She pulled herself up in the bed and felt a sharp pain in her shoulder. Looking to her left, she saw that Harvey was asleep in the chair beside her bed.

Dr. Roberts walked into the room and noticing that Harvey was asleep, spoke in a hushed tone.   "Good Morning, Ms. Reed.   I'm Dr. Barbara Roberts. I was the attending physican when you were brought here last night.   How do you feel? Are you having much pain?"

Casey thought for a moment and replied, "I have some pain right here" she reached to touch her left shoulder. "and a headache but it's not too bad."

Dr. Roberts: "Do you remember what happened last night?"

After thinking for a moment, Casey answered her. "A confrontation-- at CJ's. I tried to dodge a knife but felt it hit my shoulder.   I remember hearing Harvey's voice....people yelling.   The rest is fuzzy. The next thing that I can remember is waking up this morning."

Dr. Roberts explained what had happened once she had arrived at the hospital. She also explained what was expected of Casey when she was released from the hospital.   "No work for at least a couple of weeks."   Casey remembered the meeting with Bastille and motioned for the doctor to sit down in the chair next to the bed. "There's something that we need to discuss..."

*.

"I do not believe that you talked Dr. Roberts into agreeing with this."   Harvey was trying to control his temper while driving Casey home from the hospital. She had managed to convince the doctor to let her go to the meeting tonight with a few strict warnings.   Dr. Roberts had seemed most concerned with the concussion. "If you start to have any severe headaches, dizziness or fainting spells, I want to see you asap."   Casey felt certain that after a few hours of rest, she could handle the meeting with no problem.

The drive home was rather quiet.   Harvey was trying to figure out a way to change Casey's mind about the meeting tonight. Casey was trying to think of a way to convince Harvey that she could finish this assignment.

Casey:   "Where did they take Gonzales last night?"

Harvey: "He was booked at the SIU. Why?"

Casey: "Take me to the SIU then. I need to talk to him."

Harvey gave her a surprised look and answered, "Excuse me? You were just released from the hospital, remember? You're suppose to be on bedrest. Check your instructions."

Casey: "Look, I understand your concern but this is not open for discussion.   I HAVE to be at the interrogation this morning to find out what, if anything, Gonzales has told Bastille about me. So, please...just take me to the SIU."

Harvey knew that there was no point in arguing with her.   "Alright, but I'm doing it against my better judgement."

Tom Nelson, Ron Jameson and Nash Bridges were gathered around Nash's desk when Harvey and Casey entered the front door.   They were glad to see that Casey was out of the hospital but surprised to see her at the SIU.

Nash:   Ms. Reed, you're not suppose to be here.

Casey:   I'm not here. I'm a figment of your imagination.

Capt. Jameson:   I'm willing to bet that you were told to go home and rest. Am I right.

Before she could answer, Harvey spoke up. "You are absolutely right. She was suppose to go straight home but no, she HAD to come in for the interrogation."

Casey was growing impatient with her male co-workers. She was the one who knew how SHE felt and right now she felt like talking with Gonzales.

Casey: Gentlemen, could we get on with the questioning please. I need to know what information Gonzales has about the Bastille organization. One way or the other, we take Bastille and his group down tonight!

Casey suddenly found herself surrounded by four men who were staring at her in disbelief.

Nash:     No, no...there is no we. You will be home resting tonight, sister. The rest of us can handle Bastille.

Capt. Jameson:   Christine will meet with Bastille and explain that you were in an accident.

Capt. Nelson:   It wouldn't be wise to allow you to continue with this assignment.   I've officially taken you off the case.

The four men had pushed Casey to the breaking point.   She was beyond angry at this point and didn't care that she was yelling at her superior officers.

Casey: "JUST STOP RIGHT THERE...ALL OF YOU.    I HAVE WORKED TOO HARD TO GET TO THIS POINT IN THIS INVESTIGATION TO BACK OUT NOW."   Managing some self control, she continued.   " This is MY decision to make, not YOURS. I WILL finish my assignment and there is NOTHING that ANY of you can do about it."

Casey walked off in a huff leaving the men dumbfounded and speechless.   The last thing that she needed this morning was four overly concerned "mother hens" hovering over her. She grabbed a cup of decaf and sat down at the table trying to calm down before the others joined her. A few minutes later, Officer Ronnie brought Gonzales into the room followed by the Nash, Harvey and the other officers. Joe Dominguez entered the room last and winked at Casey as he tried to control his laughter. Casey figured that he had overheard the conversation that had taken place earlier.

Casey:   Well, good morning Mr. Gonzales. I'm still here as you can see.   I trust you find the accommodations to your liking. Let me suggest that you get use to the view behind bars.

Gonzales: I don't have anything to say to you.

Ira Rashbaum:   My client will say nothing further without my consent.

Gonzales' lawyer, Ira Rashbaum had arrived and was unhappy with the fact that the meeting had started without him. Nash, on the other hand, was rather amused by the choice of lawyers.

Nash: Ira...Baby, how did you manage to get stuck with this case?

Ira:   "Just my lucky day, Bridges.   If you don't mind, I need a moment with my client."   The officers moved away from the table and Ira placed a pair of glasses on the end of his nose as he read a file.    "I've been studying your file, Mr. Gonzales and quite frankly, I don't like what I have read."

Putting the file down, Ira spoke to the group. "Here's the proposal. Full immunity on all charges in exchange for the details of this shipment of the decade. Take it or leave it."

Nash, Nelson and Jameson discussed the proposal and agreed to the terms. The agreement was not acceptable to Casey though.   "What about the charges that he faces in Amarillo? No way he gets immunity on a murder charge."

Ira spoke privately with Gonzales and told him what the sentence might be if he returned to Texas.   "Mr. Gonzales has agreed to return to Amarillo."

Hector Gonzales began giving details, names and locations concerning the shipment of the decade.

Gonzales: This isn't about drugs, it about a person-- Santieago Cordero.

Nash: Cordero is incarcerated at San Quintin. So what's the plan?

Gonzales explained that Cordero would be smuggled out tonight inside a hidden compartment of a vegetable truck. Bastille had made arrangements to have a ship waiting to take Cordero and a companion to South America in exchange for three million dollars.

Casey: Now tell us how Baptiste fits into the Randolph Hopper murder?

Gonzales: Hopper made a deal with Mario to smuggle a shipment of cocaine from Amarillo to San Francisco.   After the deal went down, Hopper wanted to back out of his end of the bargain. He wouldn't give Mario the money so I was told to take him out. I shot him, Mario took the money from the safe and we left.   That's all there is to it.

Casey leaned on the table and addressed Gonzales. "Once you are back in Amarillo, you can kiss your freedom goodbye, Hector. The only place that you and your buddies will be going is prison."   She quickly walked to the entrance door and shoved it open. She needed to get outside to breathe some fresh air. The pain was almost unbearable and she was feeling a little dizzy.

Harvey caught up with her and put his hands on her shoulders so that he could turn her to face him.
"I wish that you would reconsider doing this, Cassandra. I'm worried about your health but I'm more concerned about your being alone with Bastille.   You don't have the strength to defend yourself."

"I'll be fine, Harvey. I'll be wearing a wire and I'll have a gun with me."
She began walking towards the car with Harvey following her, arguing his point.

"Cassandra, you can barely move your arm and I can see that you're in pain. You have a concussion and you should be in bed resting, you should be..."

"HARV... I have a father in Chicago. I don't need one here in San Francisco."

Harvey's patience had run out. "CASSANDRA!"

"HARVEY!"

Once again a simple conversation had turned into a confrontation. They stood staring at each other, both refusing to back down from their convictions.   Stephanie had arrived at the SIU with Casey's car and couldn't help but overhear the argument. "Hey guys, what is this?   A high noon showdown at the SIU corral?? You're both on the same team, remember?"

"Steph, take me home."   Casey tried to walk past Harvey but he put his arm out to stop her.

"What are you trying to prove? Why do you insist on putting your life on the line?"    Harvey looked down at her and suddenly realized what her motivation was.   "You're doing this because of Evan and Tommy, aren't you?   You think that you have to prove that you're as good a cop as they were."

Casey:   Harvey, I have to prove to myself that Tommy, Evan and Cody's deaths weren't in vain.   Losing my life is a chance that I'll have to take.

Harvey was shaking his head in disbelief at what she had said. Why had he not picked up on her feelings sooner? "Look, your brother's wouldn't want you thinking this way and neither do I. Please....don't do this. Back away and let someone else take over."

"I can't do that, Harvey. I have to see this through to the end."   She pushed his hand away from her waist and walked over to get into her car. Stephanie looked at Harvey and shrugged before getting into the car and starting the engine.    Harvey leaned against the cruiser and watched as the mustang left the parking lot.   Looking up to the heavens, he thought, "I am grateful to you for sparing her life. Now could you please help me figure out a way to protect her tonight?"

                                                                        * * *