Across The Pond
Chapter 4
The hospital admin proceeded to take the boys on an unofficial guided tour of the hospital starting with an elevator trip up to the seventh floor. Like a flock of ducklings following their mama duck, the boys found themselves wandering through a quiet hallway that led to a rather large office that could double as a small conference room. The admin invited them in and politely asked them to wait.
Brian looked around the all purpose room, checking out the large desk that held a phone, computer, lamp, a few pens, a tons of sticky note pads of varying sizes. He chose a chair next to the desk and attempted to make himself comfortable. The rest of the guys found plenty of other chairs and they all took a seat. Carl took the second chair that was in front of the desk. He sat all the while with his cell phone next to his ear, continuing the conversation that had begun just after they got off the elevator. Unable to sit still, Brian got up to pace.
Just as Brian’s patience was about to wear out, an unassuming person in a white coat entered the room. Carl snapped his phone shut as the boys stood to greet who they hoped was the doctor.
“Gentlemen, please sit. I’m Dr. Parker; I’ve been assigned to Mr. Novotny’s case. Please forgive my tardiness, I was supervising Mr. Novotny’s transfer to his private room, and briefing the agency nurse on his orders. There was also the matter of Mr. Novotny’s police guard, or should I say, disappearing police guard,” said the doctor with curiosity.
The doctor looked around the room while the boys glanced at Carl. “Detective Carl Horvath, Pittsburgh P.D., retired. The charges against Michael have been dropped; therefore, there’s no longer a need for the officer,” Carl explained. The air in the room appeared to get a little lighter.
“Well, that is good news,” said the doctor gesturing to the chairs as he sat behind the desk. “Are you related to Mr. Novotny?” the doctor asked.
“Carl is married to Michael’s mother,” replied Brian in a tone he reserved for those who were about to get on his last nerve.
“I see, and you are?”
“Brian Kinney, Michael’s health care proxy and power of attorney,” Brian succinctly stated.
“And Mrs. Horvath is…?”
“Home,” Brian spat out. “Let me make this simple. We are Michael’s family. I grew up with Michael and Debbie. Carl is married to Debbie. Bobby Morrison is one of Michael’s lawyers.” Bobby nodded at the doctor. “Justin Taylor is one of Michael’s business partners.” Justin coyly smiled. “And John Anderson, while not directly involved, is my brother and built the homes that Michael stayed in while convalescing when he was first diagnosed with chronic fatigue. So, whatever you have to say, you might as well tell all of us so that I won’t have to repeat it,” Brian stated in a low growl as he stood up with enough force to nearly tip over his chair.
“Brian,” Justin said as he stood and, in a flash, was at Brian’s side. He gently took Brian’s hand then guided Brian away from the desk. The guys all stood.
“Dr. Parker, I was first alerted by the police department earlier this morning of Michael’s arrest and subsequent hospitalization just as the boys were to about drive into the city. My wife is a little excitable,” said Carl. He paused when he heard Brian snort. “So, it was my decision to get all the facts before letting her know,” Carl explained.
“That’s understandable,” said the doctor. “Our records indicate a domestic partner?”
“Professor Ben Bruckner,” Bobby calmly stated from across the room. “He and Michael were recently separated.”
“The plan is to inform both of them at the same time,” said Carl.
“Uh, do you all live together?” The doctor was still a little unsure of the relationships.
“We all live on the same lane a couple of hours outside of the city,” John explained.
“I see, convenient, if a little unusual. I must say this whole case is a bit unusual. I’ve never seen a patient transferred to a private room so quickly and with around the clock private nursing,” said the doctor. John smirked as he nodded toward his brother. “Ah,” murmured the doctor as he picked up his file. The boys took that moment to sit back down.
“You good?” Justin whispered to Brian as he led Brian back to his chair.
“Yes, thank you,” Brian replied as he discreetly brought Justin’s palm to his lips as an apology and a thank you. He received a beautiful smile in return.
As everyone settled down, another doctor entered the room. She looked a little matronly with salt and pepper hair and a wise expression.
“Dr. MacLaughlin, so happy you can join us. I was about to explain to these gentlemen about Mr. Novotny’s condition,” Dr. Parker said looking somewhat relieved. Carl immediately stood to offer Dr. MacLaughlin his chair while John brought another for Carl. Introductions were quickly made then Dr. Parker let Dr. MacLaughlin take over.
“Mr. Kinney?” Dr. MacLaughlin began as she looked over each man.
“Brian. And that’s John, Bobby, and Justin,” said Brian. The guys nodded.
“Carl, ma’am,” Carl politely introduced himself.
“Please call me Annie. Brian, Alex warned me about you,” she said. Brian groaned as the boys chuckled. “He told me to tell you no growling or flirting allowed.” The boys cracked up. “He also told me to assure you that all is well on the lane and that Drew and Emmett arrived to make sure everyone is okay. He also said not to second guess yourselves because you all made the right decision.”
The boys looked visibly relieved.
“Excuse me, Dr. MacLaughlin, who is Alex?” asked Dr. Parker.
“Pardon me, Alex Wilder.”
“Dr. Wilder? Aren’t he and Glen on vacation? Wait, don’t tell me they’re on the lane too?” Dr. Parker asked with an incredulous tone. Brian smirked.
“Annie, how is Michael,” Carl asked, returning the conversation back to Michael.
“Physically, stable for the moment. I’m sure Dr. Parker will go into more detail but Michael is very dehydrated and a little unweight for a man of his age and stature,” Annie stated as she gestured to Dr. Parker.
“I was just about to go over the initial lab reports with them when you arrived. To put it bluntly, I’m amazed he wasn’t hospitalized weeks ago or at least under treatment by his primary physician. And yes, he’s had a relapse. Comparing his lab values to when he was initially diagnosed, well, Mr. Novotny is in a very critical condition at this point. We’re still working to stabilize him.”
“Will he recover?” Brian asked.
“Now that he’s in a controlled environment, his chances for recovery are better than if left untreated,” Dr. Parker stated vaguely as he closed the file.
The boys took a moment to digest the information the doctor had just told them.
“You said physically stable which implies that mentally he isn’t,” said Brian as he focused his eyes on Annie.
“You are correct. I won’t sugar coat this. Michael’s recovery is dependent upon his will to survive. At this moment, Michael appears to be taking a slight vacation from reality. It was noted in his records that Michael was previously in therapy at some point. Please don’t break any confidences; I can apply to his therapist for his records but it would be helpful to know a little bit more.”
“He was in couples counseling on and off and therapy on his own, but not very consistently,” Brian said sadly, remembering the time when Michael swore he was going to counseling but then spent that time in Woody’s. “May I see him?”
“Honestly, I’m of two minds about allowing visitors. Let me explain,” Annie quickly said before the boys could protest. “First, Michael is at risk for infection. We don’t have him isolated, but being in a private room and with private staff will limit the traffic, so to speak. He’s extremely vulnerable right now; the staff is taking all precautions. Plus, I think it would be better for you emotionally.”
Brian threw a full blown death glare at the doctor that startled her and made her lean back in her chair.
“Bri,” Justin got up then calmly stood behind Brian, squeezing the tense muscles of his neck and shoulders. “She’s only thinking of you,” said Justin. Brian nodded as he reached back for Justin’s hand as a tear rolled down Brian’s face.
It melted Annie’s heart.
“What do you suggest?” asked Brian when he regained his composure.
“There is an observation window, but if you insist, I will allow one or two visitors in his room for a brief visit,” said Dr. Parker.
“Brian, why don’t you and Carl take turns?” said Bobby. “Mel just texted, she’s on her way up. I’ll wait for her here.”
Annie took Brian and Carl out and to Michael’s room, then showed John and Justin to the observation room. Bobby informed Dr. Parker about Mel.
“Melanie Marcus is a close friend and has also represented Michael in the past. She is the biological mother of Michael’s daughter. Jenny Rebecca, also known as JR, is currently out of the country on her honeymoon. We’d like to avoid worrying her unnecessarily or trying to cut short her trip if Michael’s stable enough,” Bobby explained. “But I’m sure Mel will handle it.”
“Mel will handle what?” Mel asked as she stormed into the room. Bobby efficiently updated Mel. “Well, shit,” she quipped as she scrubbed at her eyes. “How’s Brian?”
“Coping, barely. Thank the gods for Justin,” said Bobby.
“What do we need?” Mel asked.
“Brian’s got the hospital covered. Did Ben cancel Michael’s health insurance?” Mel shook her head, no. “Thank goodness for that.”
“Dr. Parker, Michael took almost a year to recover when he was first diagnosed. Adding in his current mental state…” Melanie’s words failed her. She thought she’d never forgive what Michael did on JR’s wedding day, but she’d never wish any real harm to befall him.
“You’re thinking rehab in a facility,” Bobby surmised. Mel nodded. Bobby gently put an arm around Mel’s shoulder. No matter what, they were family.
“It’s a possibility, but one day at a time. My advice right now is to inform Mr. Novotny’s partner and mother. Whether you want to let your daughter know, that of course, is your decision,” Dr. Parker wisely stated.
“He’s right, you know, first things first. We need to go home. I wouldn’t be surprised if Ben goes back to the house with Debbie,” said Bobby.
“Carl won’t let Debbie face this alone,” said Mel. “What about Peter?”
“He can stay with us. There’s a couple more weeks of school left,” said Bobby. “Does Lindsay know?”
“Yes, as much as I knew before I got here,” Mel said. Bobby nodded.
Dr. Parker pretended to be busy while the family sorted themselves out. Just then, Annie brought Brian, Carl, John, and Justin back into the office. Mel took one look at Brian and quickly moved into his arms.
“It’s bad isn’t it?” Mel asked. Brian nodded. “What do you want me to do?”
“Tell Teddy for me; he’s always held a special place in his heart for Michael. Besides that, not sure yet; we’ll know more when we get home. I’ll call you later. You okay?” Brian asked Melanie.
“Yeah, for now. I’ll have a good cry later,” she said. “Carl, if you and Debbie decide to stay in the city for a while, Lindsay wants you to stay at her house.”
“Thank you,” Carl said with a hoarse voice.
“May I suggest you all go home and inform Mrs. Horvath and Professor Bruckner. It will be easier to formulate your plans,” Dr. Parker stated logically.
The family agreed. Before they left, they gave a list of local contacts that included Hunter and Dr. Nick to the doctor. Then they decided to meet Hunter at the Liberty diner to break the news to him in person.
*****
“What the fuck happened to him?” Hunter shouted as he sprinted towards the guys just as they arrived at the diner. Hunter then found himself engulfed in Brian’s arms. The guys proceeded into the diner ushered in by Carl.
“Let’s give them a few minutes,” said Carl as he opened the door then led the boys inside.
“He’s had a relapse of chronic fatigue but that’s not all, the doctor said he’s had some sort of mental break. Dr. MacLaughlin said…”
“Annie? She’s on the case,” Hunter asked as he searched Brian’s eyes.
“You know her?” Brian asked as they got themselves together and went inside. Searching the diner, Brian spied the guys in the back, taking over the largest booth as they were filling in Lacy. Brian and Hunter went to join them.
“Yeah, I know her,” said Hunter as they slipped into their seats. “When we come across someone who requires more emotional help than what Karen or I can provide, we call Annie MacLaughlin,” Hunter explained.
“Most of your foundlings are gay. I thought you’d have Alex on speed dial,” Brian quipped.
“We did at first until we noticed that most of the kids found him a bit too prissy; our older kids and grads respond to him better. Annie reaches the younger kids; she’s not as intimidating,” explained Hunter. “Kind of like Debbie but a lot quieter.” The boys found that amusing.
Between Carl and Brian, Hunter was brought up to speed.
“I knew something was up but I wasn’t expecting this. I take it Debbie and Ben don’t know,” Hunter surmised. The boys all shook their heads, no. “Then you should go home and tell them. Do you want me to go with you?”
“We’re heading home soon, but please be our eyes and ears here,” Carl asked.
“I’m on it. Nick knows Annie; he’ll keep me informed. You let me know if you guys want me to do anything,” Hunter said as he was preparing to go back to the Jason Kemp Center. Lacy came back with a tray overladen with a carafe of coffee, a huge plate of steak fries and a large bowl of brown gravy. Hunter and Justin jumped up to help her.
“I got this, blondie, you take care of the big guy,” Hunter said with a wink. Justin scowled.
Brian arched a brow at the fries.
“Oh, stop it,” said Lacy in response to the brow. “It’s nowhere near seven and you’ll need all the comfort food you can get. What’s better than fries with brown gravy? Now eat and don’t leave until I tell you. Cook is making his famous chicken and roasted baby potatoes for dinner tonight,” she said in a tone that brooked no argument.
“Thank you, Lacy,” said Justin. Lacy smiled then went back to her other patrons.
The overwhelmingly delicious aroma of the perfectly cooked thick fries and luscious gravy took over; the boys dug in. Later, with full bellies, and enough comfort food to last at least a week, the boys were ready to go home. On the drive back, they made calls to the Wilders and Emmett, filling them in on their plans to tell Debbie and Ben. Alex suggested neutral territory such as the B&B cottage. Its large living room would hold everyone comfortably. Another call to Emmett and Drew, and the B&B would be ready.
With the lane troops rallied, the boys spent the next couple of hours fighting traffic to get back home.
*****
Jacq woke with a start. She still hadn’t gotten used to being in a mansion in London and every morning she woke up with a vague feeling of disorientation. Her nose twitched as she took a deep breath and smelled coffee and … bacon. She threw off the covers and grabbed her robe before opening the door to the bedroom.
“Morning sleepyhead,” JR said. She was sitting near the window with a cup of coffee in her hand. She looked so lovely that Jacq almost forgot about her need for coffee and food.
“How long have you been up?” Jacq asked.
“Couple of hours.”
“What the hell time is it?”
“Almost ten-thirty,” JR replied.
“Christ, why did you let me sleep so long?”
“Come and have a cup of coffee and I’ll explain.”
Jacq poured herself some coffee and sat down across the little table from her wife. She couldn’t resist lifting one of the cloches and snagging a strip of bacon. “Yum,” she whispered as she took a bite.
JR studied her wife for a moment as she watched Jacq devour her bacon. “I’m glad you have an appetite this morning. I’ve been worried that you haven’t been eating or sleeping well.” Jacq shrugged and bit into another piece of bacon. “I’ve been thinking,” JR continued.
“For the two hours you’ve been up?”
“Pretty much.”
“So, what are your thoughts?”
JR took a moment to collect herself then she plunged in. “I know you’re not really thrilled with being here.” When Jacq opened her mouth to protest, JR raised her hand to get her to stop. JR continued, “I know you’ll say you’re fine with being here and the house is wonderful, but I don’t want things to be just fine. I want them to be terrific. This is our honeymoon after all.”
“I can’t disagree with anything you’ve said,” Jacq admitted. “So what conclusions have you come to?”
JR smiled at her wife. “I love you so much and I want us to be happy … equally happy. Sooo, I think we should go to Paris.”
“Paris?”
“Yes, you know, that place in France.”
“I may have heard of it,” Jacq said with a smile.
“Thought you might have,” JR chuckled. “I think a few days by ourselves in the most romantic city in the world is just what the doctor ordered. We can stay in a nice hotel and go sightseeing and eat in sidewalk cafes. What do you think?”
“I like the idea, but I really don’t want to get on a plane again so soon.”
“Me either, so I’ve looked online and we can take the Eurostar train and go though the Chunnel and be in Paris in a little over two hours.”
“Really?” JR nodded. “The Chunnel sounds like an interesting experience.”
“I thought so too.”
“Can we get tickets?”
“I think we can get two for this afternoon.”
“Let’s do it!”
“Really? Are you sure?”
“I think it’s a great idea; let’s go for it.”
“I’ll book the tickets while you have some more breakfast.”
“Paris, here we come!” Jacq stated.
JR smiled as she picked up her laptop to start booking things.
A few hours later they arrived at the train station to catch the Eurostar. It had been a whirlwind of a day - telling everyone what they were planning to do, packing small bags to carry their clothes and toiletries, booking a couple of sightseeing excursions and a hotel, and then saying goodbye to Hudson, Gus and Ray.
As they got settled on the train, Jacq took hold of JR’s hand. “Thank you for arranging this. I’m looking forward to some alone time with you … in the most romantic city in the world.”
“You’re such a sweet talker,” JR said with a little chuckle. “I’m sure the most romantic city in the world wouldn’t be your first choice for a vacation. More likely Amsterdam where everybody rides a bike.”
“Amsterdam would have been great, but since you were going to Paris then so am I. I love you and we are going to have a great honeymoon in the city of lights.”
JR felt tears well up in her eyes. This is what she wanted to hear, more than she even realized. “I love you so much and I just want you to be happy.”
“In spite of what I was like in London, I would have had a good time … because you were there. I’m happy wherever we are as long as we’re together,” Jacq declared.
“Well, we’ll have a wonderful time in Paris. I’m so happy we decided to do this.”
“Me too.”
The two of them settled back in their seats as the train pulled away. They held hands for most of the trip talking about what they would do in Paris and how much fun they were going to have. The two hour ride flew by and other than it was dark outside the train, it was hard to tell that they were under many feet of water. The train sped along taking them to their final destination.
When they arrived in Paris, they grabbed a taxi outside the train station. Luckily, they got a cab whose driver spoke some English. JR explained that they wanted to go to the hotel they had booked but would love a brief tour of the city if the driver was willing. It was just getting dark and the lights of “the city of lights” were coming on. They negotiated a price that seemed fair to Jacq and off they went.
“We will start at the Tour Eiffel,” the driver explained.
“Sounds great,” JR replied. “Merci.”
The driver wound his way through the city until he came to a bridge that was drenched in light. He slowed the car as they crossed the bridge. The Eiffel Tower was all lit up in the distance.
“Oh, it’s spectacular!” JR gushed. “I’ve always wanted to see it for real.”
“It is pretty,” Jacq conceded.
“Oh, come on, it’s more than pretty,” JR said.
“Okay, okay, it’s beautiful.”
JR gave Jacq’s hand a squeeze in appreciation of her statement.
The driver smiled as he looked in the rearview mirror. “I will show you next the Louvre,” he said.
“We should take a tour through there,” JR said. “We can see the Mona Lisa.”
“You can see that painting, but it’s much less impressive in person,” the driver stated.
“Oh?”
“It’s much smaller than you think it is.”
“Really. That’s interesting,” JR said with a frown.
The driver pointed out the spires of Notre Dame and drove them past the famous Moulin Rouge. He sped around the Place de La Concorde and showed them the Opera House.
“That’s some of the highlights of the city,” the driver said as he pulled up to the small boutique hotel that had been recommended by Gus and Ray.
“I hope you enjoyed your tour,” the driver said as he got their luggage out of the trunk of the car. The girls pulled the luggage into the tiny lobby of the hotel, after thanking the driver and making sure he got a generous tip. “Here’s my card if you’d like a chauffeur while you’re here.”
“Bonsoir, mesdames,” said the woman behind the small front desk. “We have been expecting you.”
“We took a little tour of the city,” JR explained.
“And did you enjoy it?”
“Yes, yes, we did,” Jacq replied.
“Your room is ready. I hope you will enjoy your stay.”
The woman handed them a key and indicated the old fashioned elevator that would take them up two floors.
The girls found the small but comfortable room on the second floor and settled in for the night.
“I love you,” JR said.
“And I love you back,” Jacq replied as she turned out the light and kissed her wife.