Annie
Section 3
Please note: This is copyrighted (©) by me, Tammtamm. Please do not copy it or save it without my permission. Thank you. I began writing this story back in the spring of 1995... I do that alot... I start stories, leave them alone, find them after weeks, months, years... and then I see where I can take them to from where I stopped them. None of them are finished. It's just that when I get an idea... it becomes so overwhelming that I have to follow that particular story until something else comes along or I can go back to one of my other stories. This one is only 106 pages long but nowhere near finished. I've added it so that it gives my ever faithful reader base something "new" (to them) to read and gives others something to read other than fan fiction. PLEASE PLEASE send me feedback (comments, questions, etc...) at stories@iwuvjoey.com. Or feel free to email me at tammtamm@bigfoot.com. Thanks for visiting and Happy Reading!
“Annie?” Tammy and Kathy opened the door to Annie’s room.
“Hey you two! Come on in.”
“How are you? Where’s Todd?” Tammy asked.
“He had to go back and finish a case. He’ll be back.”
“Drat! I really wanted to pick on him.” Kathy said.
“Don’t worry, you’ll be able to do plenty of that when he comes home for good.”
“How’d you manage that one?”
“Told him his niece or nephew is gonna need him.”
“You’re pregnant!” Tammy gasped.
“Pure miracle.”
“That’s terrific.”
“Wonderful!”
“Thanks, guys. Kathy, how’s the office? Be honest.”
“Worried about you. Most of the artists want to come and pay their respects. Tammy was great convincing a lot of them to stay on tour and rallying those who are in the studios. Mr. Masters called with the funeral details and the memorial service for the press release. He said he would come speak with you personally about the funeral since it will be private. And the flowers and condolences are coming in around the clock.”
“What do you mean?”
“The public loves you. They’re worried about you and they’re mourning with you. You’ve helped the community a lot. They feel like they know you personally.”
“That’s creepy. Okay, Kath, check with Ryan Torres and work with him to schedule a press conference. You’ll have to check with my doctor, Dr. Evans, as well. In the meantime, Tamm, can you do a little publicity stunt and go out and approach Rick at Channel Six and give him an exclusive on my behalf. He’ll love it.”
“You are so bad! Hard to believe you’re confined to this bed for a little while.” Tammy stated.
“Derrick always loved my work. And I know you will convey my feelings. You’re a great public speaker.” Annie said.
“Okay, will do. Just for you. By the way, Craigie will be by later but gave me permission to tell you something very important.”
“When did you start needing his permission to say and do anything?”
“Well, since in about six months it’s going to change for the better.”
“Your pregnant!” Kathy answered.
“Yeah! We found out last week.”
“Congratulations!” Annie was so happy for Tammy and Craig.
“Watch out Kath...you’re next!” Tammy laughed.
“Not if I can help it. Three kids are enough already.” the women laughed.
“Hey, what’s going on in here?” Johnny asked as Ryan opened the door so Johnny could enter with the wheelchair.
“They let you out of bed? Don’t the doctors know they given you a deadly weapon?” Tammy teased.
“Please! That room is driving me batty, besides I wanted to see how Annie was doing for myself instead of everyone else’s opinions.”
“Ryan, your wife is terrific!”
“Thanks, Annie. I’ll be by later, have some paperwork to finish up.”
“I’ve got some stuff to finish up at the office.” Kathy quickly quipped.
“And I must go complete a mission...I’ll stop by later.” Tammy gave Annie a hug and followed Kathy and Ryan out of the room.
“Was it something I said?” Johnny joked.
“I was so scared that I had lost you too.” Annie suddenly turned serious.
“Didn’t know you had me.”
“John, please, I’m serious. I don’t know what I would’ve done had I lost you too. You have always been by my side since you and Todd became partners. You’ve been my best friend. Don’t ever do something like that again.”
“I was doing my job, Anastasia. I’m really thankful that I was wearing my vest and I swear, I’m going to be just fine. You, on the other hand...”
“Am pregnant.”
“What?”
“I know...that’s impossible, right? Well, it’s a pure miracle.”
“Wow.”
“Johnny, I’m so happy about this, I could burst.”
“How’d you find out?”
“Sarah blurted it out early this morning. Apparently, Dr. Morrow ran quite a few tests on me after the seizure.”
“But...”
“But nothing. It’s a miracle. And I think you’re going to make a wonderful godfather.” Annie stated.
“This is wonderful news, Annie. I’m so happy for you. Have you told Derrick’s family yet?”
“Not yet. Chris and Mr. and Mrs. Masters will be by later and then I’ll tell them.”
“I brought a deck of cards, wanna play rummy or something?”
“Okay, anything to pass the time.”
“Cool.” Johnny moved closer to the bed, put the brakes on the wheels and sat on the bed.
“Looks like you’re getting your color back.” Annie noticed.
“Yeah, for a while there, I was truly white.” they laughed. They ate their dinners together and spent the time playing cards and reminiscing about Derek. Chris had called to explain that they wouldn’t be coming in. His father’s plane was late and more brothers and sisters were still arriving.
“Wanna see if anything good’s on TV?” he asked.
“Sure, come sit up here, next to me.” Annie said. She pushed the night table away and turned on the TV. They settled on a movie and were watching it when Dr. Cummings came in.
“Good movie?” he asked.
“Sort of. What are you still doing here?” Annie asked.
“Got called back in to cover so I thought I’d come check on you and see how your day went.”
“It was okay. Shocking, but okay.”
“Cool. I’ll stop by tomorrow.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“True, but I want to. After all, you were my patient until the tests came back that you’re pregnant. Don’t argue with me.”
“I won’t. Good night.”
“Good night.” Dr. Cummings said and left the room. He peeked back in immediately. “Mr. Adams, you should really return to your room before the shift change for the nurses at 11.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Johnny replied. He and Annie both fell asleep watching the movie. When Sarah, Marissa, and Ryan had come back later, they were sound asleep. Ryan went to wake Johnny, but Sarah stopped him.
“Don’t wake them. Annie finally looks peaceful. She needs that. I’ll just tell the nurses that they’re both sound asleep and that they shouldn’t be disturbed.”
“Sarah...” Ryan wanted to object.
“Honey, she’s right. Annie needs all the peaceful sleep she can get right now.”
“In that case, let’s go. I’ll explain to the guards that they’re sleeping and that no more visitors are permitted unless they are on the very specific list.”
“Hey, quiet down. I’m trying to sleep.” Johnny whispered as he opened his eyes.
“John Adams, you should be in your own room.” Sarah teased.
“We fell asleep watching a movie. Besides, Annie really didn’t get much sleep last night or the night before. I didn’t want to leave her here alone. I didn’t want her to wake up alone.”
“John, you need to build your strength up too, you know.” Ryan broke in.
“Don’t you have paperwork to do or something, partner?”
“Aren’t you uncomfortable sleeping in that position?”
While they were arguing, Annie was dreaming about Johnny’s shooting. She dreamt that he hadn’t had his vest on when she found him. “Johnny!” she gasped as she sat up.
“Ssshhh, I’m right here. I’m right here.” he stated and wrapped her in his arms. Ryan, Marissa, and Sarah quietly left the room. “Wanna tell me what’s wrong?” he whispered.
“No. I don’t understand it myself. Thanks for staying with me.” Annie said.
“I’m not going anywhere. Close your eyes.” he commanded. “Think of your babies.” he brushed his lips against her hair ever so gently. When she was sound asleep again, he laid her down on the bed so he could lay on his side and watch her. He wanted to take away her pain and her fears concerning Derrick and the pregnancy. He wanted her to feel safe and loved and wanted and needed.
“John...John!” Captain Clooney said the next morning. He was trying not to wake Annie.
“What is it Cap?”
“We gotta talk. C’mon, let’s get you back to your room.” his captain said.
“I don’t want to leave Annie alone...” he replied.
“She won’t be alone, I’ll be here.” Marissa Torres came into the room followed by her husband.
“What’s going on?” Johnny asked as he got into the wheelchair. He could tell that Marissa had been crying.
“Not here.” Ryan said softly. He held the door while Cap wheeled Johnny out of the room. Ryan looked at his wife. “It’ll be okay.” he said and left the room.
“Cap, what’s wrong?” Johnny said. Brad was waiting in Johnny’s room for them. He had been crying too.
“Johnny, Sarah’s dead. She was killed outside a restaraunt in San Lasota while having dinner with Marissa and I and Brad. The bodyguards were also killed and both Marissa and Brad suffered grazes. Brad to the leg and Marissa to the right arm.” Ryan said right away.
“Oh my god. When did this happen? Brad, I’m so sorry.” Johnny said. Brad was sitting in the chair. Johnny went over to him.
“We were all leaving the restaraunt when it all happened so fast. I didn’t want you to hear from anyone else. I didn’t want Annie to hear from anyone else.” Brad stopped talking. Ryan continued.
“The wounds were too severe. Sarah had lost alot of blood. She died on the operating table about ninety minutes ago.”
Johnny leaped out of the wheelchair and headed for Annie’s room.
“Annie needs to be told.” he said as he had Ryan, Brad, and the Captain chasing after him. Brad caught up to him first.
“Not yet, John. Not until she and the babies are out of the woods. I promised Sarah.” Brad said.
Johnny stopped to listen so Brad continued.
“Marissa and I rode in the ambulance with her. Sarah made us promise not to tell her what happened. Not until the babies are born. Sarah wanted Annie to be so happy.”
“Brad, Sarah’s Annie’s sister. Annie has a right to know. Oh my god, Todd!”
“I already spoke to him. As soon as he can, he’ll be back here.”
“Annie has to be told. But not here. Not in this place.”
“Now is not the time. Marissa and I promised that we would not tell Annie until we knew for sure that she and the babies are okay.”
“What are you going to say when she starts to ask where Sarah is?”
“That she’s away on business.”
“For the next five months?”
“If I have to, John. Annie’s life depends on it. Please, come back to your room. Calm down. We haven’t told you everything.” the men headed back to John’s room.
“Derrick? Johnny? Derrick!” Annie was dreaming that she was watching both men drown because she couldn’t save them.
“Annie, Annie, wake up. C’mon...” Marissa gently coaxed Annie out of her dream.
“Derrick...” Annie opened her eyes and looked around to get her bearings.
“It’s Marissa, Annie.” Marissa tried to sound normal.
“Where’s Johnny?”
“Ryan needed to talk to him so they went back to his room. You were dreaming.”
“I know. What time is it?”
“Nearly 7:30.”
“What are you doing here so early? You look so tired.”
“It’s been a long day.”
“You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m okay.” Marissa lied. She got up and opened the curtains to let the sunshine flow in.
“So did Ryan and Cap agree about the house you and Sarah found for me?” Marissa cringed with Annie said her sister’s name.
“Yes, they did. Can I get you anything?”
“A nurse. I don’t feel really good.” Annie admitted.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m achy and I can feel my heartbeat in my head.” Annie went to sit up. “Whoa” she laid back down. Marissa pressed the call button for a nurse.
“Try some water, Annie.” Marissa offered her the glass and Annie dropped it. Marissa ran to the door.
“I need a doctor in here, something’s wrong with Annie.” she said from the doorway. Two doctors and three nurses came into the room. “I’ll page Dr. Evans.” a nurse offered.
“Johnny, I’m on my way down there. I quit the force.”
“Todd, Annie would want you to stay and finish the job.”
“Right now she’s more important than my job. I’ll be there by lunchtime. Tell Brad I’m really sorry.”
“I will. Stay safe.” Johnny hung up the phone. Marissa came into the room.
“It’s Annie, she’s had another seizure. Dr. Evans wants to talk to her next of kin immediately.” she said. Ryan went to his wife.
“I’m the closest thing until Todd gets here. What happened?” Johnny explained. The Captain picked up the phone. He was calling Todd’s precinct to see if Todd was still there.
“She was having a nightmare so I woke her up, we were talking and then she suddenly didn’t feel very well. I thought it might be morning sickness so I offered her some water, she dropped the glass and went into a seizure. Dr. Evans has called for a nero something-or-other. They’re moving her up to ICU so they can monitor her brain waves.”
“Are you okay?” Ryan asked.
“I’m fine. I’m just worried about Annie. She’s had so much happen.”
“Todd, fly home. Annie’s had another seizure. I can get Kathy to send the corporate helicopter to get you.” the Captain said into the phone.
“Do it. Give Kathy this number. I’ll be waiting for her call.”
“Todd’s on his way. I’ll go see if I can find Dr. Evans for you John.” the captain said and left the room.
“This isn’t good, is it?” Marissa asked Johnny.
“I don’t think so, Riss, I don’t think so.” Dr. Evans came in a few minutes later.
“Hi John, I’m Dr. Evans.”
“How’s Annie and the babies?”
“Judging by her tests, she has a big chemical reaction to the pregnancy. Now, the seizures aren’t hurting the babies at all since both times someone’s been there to control Annie’s body from harm. However, the chemical imbalance is bad for Annie. I’ve called a specialist who is flying in to see Annie. Unless we can find a way to stop the seizures I don’t think Annie will be able to go home until after the babies are born. She’s in ICU now so we can monitor her brain, heart, and the babies. She’s unconscious and right now, the longer she sleeps, the better.”
“I need to see her. Todd won’t be here for an hour or so. She needs someone familiar around her. Can I go to her?”
“Yes John. You can go. Marissa, are you okay?” Dr. Evans asked Marissa.
“Just a bit shaky. I’ll be okay.”
“I’m pretty sure Annie will be too now that we know for sure what’s going on. Thank you for your quick thinking earlier and I’m glad she has friends like all three of you looking out for her.” Dr. Evans turned back to look at Johnny, “Johnny, I’ll let the staff know that you are to have access to Annie at any time. We’ve also placed the guards in ICU and two outside as well. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers. And Marissa, go on down to the ER and get your arm looked at.”
“Doctor Evans? Annie’s sister was killed last night. Should she be told right away or should we wait to tell her?” Brad asked.
“As her friend, I say stall, as her doctor, she has a right to know but if you do tell her, be as gentle as possible and don’t let her get too emotional.”
“Thank you.”
Dr. Evans left the room and the four of them were silent.
“Excuse me...could you tell me where Annie Dennison is?” Tammy asked a nurse in passing.
“You are?”
“I’m her best friend.”
“Follow me, please.” the nurse went to the nurses’ station and dialed ICU. “Hi, Ellen. This is Tracy on the third floor. Is Todd Dennison available? I have someone down here asking about Annie.” the nurse handed the phone to Tammy.
“Hello?” Todd said into the phone.
“Todd? Where’s Annie? Where are you?”
“Tamm...I’ll meet you in the cafeteria and explain everything to you. Okay?” Todd said.
“Is she okay?” Tammy was worried.
“Just go to the cafe. I’ll be there in five minutes.” he replied and hung up the phone. “Thank you.” Todd went back to Annie’s bedside. Johnny was holding her hand and watching her sleep.
“That was Tammy, John. I’m going to go talk to her.”
“Be easy with her. She’s pregnant. She told me and Annie yesterday.” John replied.
“I will. You need anything?”
“Nah, I’m okay.”
“I’ll be in the cafeteria if ...”
“I know.” John said not taking his eyes off of Annie. She had been sound asleep since the seizure. Dr. Evans said that was good.
“Excuse me, Mr. Adams. You should go back to your room and get some rest.” a nurse suggested an hour later.
“I’m not leaving Annie, nurse. Her doctors agreed that I should be here for her in case she wakes up and my doctor knows where I am if he needs to speak with me.”
“Then how about I get a tray up here for you for lunch?”
“I’m not hungry.”
“Son, you have to eat.” a loud, booming voice claimed. Johnny turned around, it was his dad.
“Dad...”
“Todd told me what’s happened. I brought you a sandwhich and some milk from the cafeteria. And I talked with your doctor. They’re releasing you from the hospital.”
“Mr. Adams, I still encourage you to move around and get some air away from Annie. It’ll do you some good.”
“Thanks, nurse. When her brother or brother-in-law returns, I just may do that.” Johnny’s father walked over to the other side of Annie’s bed. “Hi, dad.”
“John...how’s your leg?”
“Fine. Dad. How are you?”
“Worried about you...what else.”
“Dad, no arguing please. You know where I stand when it comes to Annie.” Johnny pleaded with his father.
“I know, son. Just don’t want you to overdo it.”
“Your concern means alot to me dad and I promise I won’t overdo it.”
“Good, now I know you mean it. I brought you some clothes to change into and since I know you pretty well, I also brought your favorite pillow.”
“Dad!”
“Just kidding, son.” Mr. Adams laughed and Johnny joined in on the laughter.
“Hey...what’s all the laughing about?” Annie asked as she tried to stretch. She found her one arm tied to the side of the bed. She got a scared look on her face.
“Ssshhh, Annie, you’re okay. You’re in ICU.” Johnny turned serious.
“Why? Why am I tied down?”
“Baby, you had another seizure.”
“No!”
“Ssshhh, calm down. It’s not good for you or the babies.” Johnny said as gently as possible. Annie had tears in her eyes. “Ssshhh, it’s alright.”
“No! No! No!” Annie said and tried to get out of bed. She knocked out all of the equipment that was hooked up to her and the baby before Johnny’s father managed to hold her back down to the bed.
“Young lady. You’re a pretty sick babe. Calm down this instant!” he said as nurses and doctors came running.
“What happened?”
“She woke up and panicked. We tried to calm her down.” Johnny explained.
“You’ll both have to leave.” a nurse said.
“NO! Johnny stays or I leave with him.” Annie weakly said.
The nurses didn’t argue with her.
“Annie, my father and I are going to be right outside while the nurses hook you back up to everything.” Johnny explained.
“Please, don’t go.”
“They need room to work. I’ll only be gone a few minutes.” he replied. She let go of his hand reluctantly. Johnny went straight to the nurses station. “Please page Dr. Evans and Todd Dennison to ICU.” he overheard a nurse ask an aide.
“Todd Dennison is in the cafeteria.” Johnny offered.
“Mr. Adams, you can go back in now. She’s resting again.” A nurse came into the waiting room to tell him.
“Thank you.” Johnny said and wheeled himself back into the room. He noticed that both of her arms were tied down. “Excuse me, but she does not need to be tied down. Please untie her.” he went back out to the nurses station to ask.
“We can’t do that. There’s no guarantee that she won’t rip everything out when she wakes up again.”
“If she wakes up and sees that she’s tied down, she’s going to panic and that is what can do harm to her and her pregnancy. Now take off the cuffs before I do it.” Johnny had raised his voice. Dr. Evans came over to him.
“John? What happened?” she asked.
“Annie woke up and panicked. I tried to calm her down. she ripped all of the monitoring equipment off of her before my father had stopped her. The nurses hooked her back up to everything and cuffed both of her arms down to the bed. Dr. Evans, if she remains in those cuffs, she’s going to panic ten times worse.”
“Okay, stay here. Let me go see to Annie and the babies. You need to stay calm too. Okay?”
“Okay, thanks.” Johnny said. His father stood by his side. Todd came running out of the elevator straight to Johnny. Johnny told him everything.
“Annie? Annie? It’s Dr. Evans, can you hear me?” Dr. Evans asked as she looked at Annie’s chart. She noticed that there was some medication on there that should not have been. She called for the resident on call. “Annie? Wake up.” Dr. Evans was stern in speaking with her patient.
“Doctor?” the resident asked when he walked into the room.
“Doctor, close the sheet.” once the resident did that, “Now, look at this patient’s chart. Is that you’re handwriting?”
“No, doctor.”
“You did not give orders to induce a coma?” Dr. Evans asked.
“No, I did not. I did not see any need for it.”
“Thank you. Could you please call for Dr. Hartman for me. I think we have a problem here. I need to go talk to the family and please, don’t leave her bedside and try to wake her. If she doesn’t come out of this coma we could lose both her and her babies.” Dr. Evans said and went out to the nurses’ station.
“Todd, Johnny, we need to talk.” she showed them into a nearby room.
“Annie’s been put into a coma. Both myself and the resident have been trying to wake her. Neither one of us ordered the induced coma. I’m ordering a full investigation. Please, I need you both to talk to her and try to wake her. The longer she stays under the more harmful it can be for her and the babies.” she explained as calmly as possible.
“Who did this?” Todd asked. Johnny was to mad to speak.
“We aren’t sure. When Dr. Hartman gets up here, an investigation will begin.”
“I’m going to Annie.” Johnny said and left them alone to talk.
“John? What’s wrong?” his father asked him.
“Dad, I don’t want to discuss it.” he said as he went to sit by Annie’s side. The resident was in the room.
“Annie, wake up, c’mon. Please wake up.” Johnny spoke to her as he brushed the hair away from her face.
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