Once You'Ve Touched the Heart (33 page)

This was too much for JD. He caused this. He was so intent on protecting everyone else; he let this happen to Tracy and their baby. Ashley held JD and held him tight. It was her turn to comfort her brother. She looked up at him and could not read his expression. That scared her. Whenever JD was mad or hurt, she could always see it in his face, but at this moment she could not read her brother. Calvin, who usually was the voice of reason, could not contain the anger he was experiencing. As he looked at JD standing there motionless with Ashley,
Calvin knew he had to walk away. He could not state his feelings at that moment, for it would only set JD off. Brian walked away; busting through the doors with so much force it broke the glass pane.

A crowd had gathered in the waiting area. Gavin and Carolyn were there along with James and JD’s mother. Martha walked through the door as JD fell to his knees. James ran inside. Calvin came out the door.

“Is she dead?” Carolyn asked.

They all looked at her.

“Is that your prayer, Carolyn?” Calvin asked as he walked out the exit doors to get some air. James followed, taking Ashley out for some fresh air. JD grabbed his mother’s hand as he stood. He towered over his mother as she looked up at him.

JD hung his head. “Mama, I can’t do this,” he said, shaking his head. “I can’t.”

“Hold your head up, son,” she said. She smiled. “Tell me how she is.”

He relayed what the doctor told him. Martha stood there looking up at her son. He was the spitting image of his father. Her heart was breaking for him. The guilt was all over his face. But now was not the time for self-pity; he had to be strong.

“Tracy stood in this very hospital not long ago, feeling just about the same way you are feeling right now. Not once did she say I can’t do this. She was strong for you. Now you need to be strong for her. It’s not easy being the person everyone turns to for strength—and having that one person you turn to out of commission. You want to just give up, give in. Well, you can’t, because if you do: son, look at me.” He looked down at her. “If you give up, who is going to be there for Tracy when she wakes up?”

“Mama, they savagely beat her and killed our child. I can’t let that go.” JD kissed her on her cheek, and then walked away. He heard what his mother said loud and clear. But he was not ready to let go of his anger; not yet.

JD walked to the waiting area; Carolyn started to say something. He put up his hand to stop her. Damn if he was in the mood for her. He walked out the door to where Calvin and Brian stood. He could see James in the distance consoling Ashley. For a moment, it was comforting to have someone else to help with his family. He smiled to himself; he was glad James was in business and not law. He prayed Ashley would not experience anything like this.

The three friends stood there in silence. Brian and Calvin were itching to voice their opinions.

Brian started. “Juan needs to be taken down.”

“I knew you were going there. But we got to stick with the legal system,” Calvin tried to reason.

“I’m all for the legal system. I pledged my life to it. But the legal system did not protect Tracy today. She is alive because of our bond,” Brian argued.

“I admit, there are times when we must step out, but those times need to be limited and avoided at all cost. If it’s not, we are simply another version of what we took an oath to stand against.”

“Calvin,” Brian hesitated, “what if that was Jackie in there instead of Tracy?”

“B, you can’t make a decision like this based on emotions.”

JD stood there with his hands in his pockets, looking at the ground as he always did when he was torn between right and wrong. His dad taught him not to do anything that would not allow you to look at yourself in a mirror the next day. But his father also taught him to protect your family at all costs. JD was truly torn here. “The propensity for violence” crept into his mind.

Gavin came out. “JD, the doctor is back.” JD turned to go inside. He stopped, turned to his friends and said, “This case must come to an end. But it must be done according to the law.”

♥

Tracy was in intensive care. As JD sat next to her, he wondered why he had wasted so much time. He had allowed years to go by without her, when he knew from the very first time they met, he loved her. He kissed her hand. “Baby, I am so sorry it took me so long, but there will be no delays from this moment on,” he said. She looked so helpless and weak lying there. But JD wasn’t worried; he knew she was going to pull through. Tracy was strong. She had handled a lot in her life. This was just another hurdle for her to jump. And she would, he knew it.

Brian knocked on the window. JD went outside to see what he needed. “They need you for a press conference. There seems to be a small riot going on in Blackwell. Some of the residents there decided enough is enough. They have taken up arms against Juan’s people. The media’s coverage of the incident has caused the city to go a little crazy. The mayor is asking you to speak directly to them through the media. Are you up for it?” Brian asked.

“I don’t want to leave Tracy alone, man,” JD said. “At some point I have to start putting her first. I just need her to know I’m here.”

Gavin interjected. “JD, the residents over there trust you. If you could just take a moment to speak out to them from here, it could settle things down a little.”

“It’s getting ugly over there,” Calvin stated. “You may be able to save a life here, JD.”

JD thought about it for a minute. He looked through the window at Tracy.

He was exhausted. It had been a long day in court; then this. He was not sure he could conduct himself in the manner needed if the press pissed him off. This needs to end, once and for all; that he knew. “All right, they get five
minutes.”

As JD stood at the podium, questions were
coming from everywhere. JD remembered why he hated talking to the press. They never stop to listen. The crowd began to settle down, realizing he was not going to speak until they were quiet. “Good evening,” he started. “This afternoon, a young woman I care deeply, no—” He shook his head. “A young woman I love with all my heart was brutally beaten. We believe the attack was related to a case I am prosecuting. At this time, we believe it may be the same individual who ordered the attack on me last month. It does not seem this individual will stop until I step down or I’m six feet under. As you can see, I’m still living and have no plans on stepping down.” He hesitated before he continued. “I would love to do nothing more than to execute him with my bare hands. But I took an oath to uphold the law and I am a man of my word. I will not break that oath. To the residents of Blackwell, please, know I understand your anger and your need to do something. I am experiencing it myself. But I beg you to please stop the attacks. I gave you my word that I would help to clean out your neighborhoods of the gang activity, and I will continue to do that. If you continue with the actions you have taken, it makes us no different from the very people you are fighting against. There must be a clear separation of those of us that uphold the law and those who choose to break the law. If you choose to break the law, regardless of the reason, you will have to contend with me.” He hesitated for a moment, then continued. “Please understand, my attention needs to be with Tracy right now. I cannot give her my full attention and be worried about what’s happening with you all. Please give me the time I need to make sure my family is safe. Once that is done, I promise you my undivided attention.”

“JD, in your position you are charged with the protection of the citizens of this city. What does it say to them when you can’t protect your own fiancée?”

The vein in JD’s neck got thick as he tried to swallow his anger. He cleared his throat. “It’s because of my commitment to the residents of this city that we are here tonight. I could have walked away when the attempt was made on my life. Many said I should have. But I’m still here because I care about this city. Do you want this job, Charlie?” JD angrily asked. The reporter did not respond. “That’s what I thought. Don’t ever presume it’s your place to tell me what my job is again.”

“JD,” Victoria called out. She knew JD was getting in trouble here. He needed to ease up a little. “Could you tell us how Tracy is doing? Have you been able to talk to her?”

JD took a moment. “I have been in the room with her most of the night; she has not regained consciousness.”

“What was the extent of her injuries?” another reporter asked

“Abrasions to the face and upper torso; broken ribs and a punctured lung.”

“What is the doctor’s prognosis?” Victoria asked sadly.

“Barring certain complications, he believes she will have a full recovery.”

“What about you, JD, you’ve taken some hits—will you be able to recover from this?”

“I can’t answer that yet; I don’t know.”

“A report indicates there was a body on the scene of a Hispanic man. Is there any information you can give us on that?”

“I will have to refer that question to our chief of police. Thank you for your time,” JD said and left the podium.

When JD returned to Tracy’s room, the agent was not there. The nurse came, moving briskly towards them. She entered the room; JD followed behind her, then Brian behind him.

“What is it?” JD asked.

“Her heart rate is increasing,” the nurse replied.

“What would cause that?” JD asked, very concerned.

“I don’t know. She may be dreaming and something frightened her.”

“Tracy.” JD started talking to her and rubbing her forehead. “It’s okay, babe. Whatever it is, I’m here. I’m not going to let anyone hurt you ever again; you don’t have to be frightened. I’ll stay here with you.” He kissed her.

“She’s settling down,” the nurse smiled as she continued to check the monitor. “Keep talking to her, seems like she wants to come around. People, let’s clear the room.”

“Brian, get with Al,” JD said calmly. “Let him know what’s happening here. Tell Calvin to make sure things are in place at the office. Then try to get some rest.” JD took off his jacket and shoes. He lay in the bed beside Tracy and began to talk to her. He wanted to assure her that she was not alone. The nurse came in to check Tracy’s vitals. JD never stopped talking. He started speaking to her on their agreement about children. “You know, I’ve been thinking if you really want to show me how much you love me you would have child number six for me. You know, it would be difficult for me to carry a baby for nine months.”

“What are you talking about?” The nurse smiled.

JD smiled. “We have an ongoing argument about the number of children we are going to have. I want 12.”

“Wow!” the nurse responded.

JD laughed. “Yeah, that’s what she said.”

“How many did she say?”

“She agreed to five; but if I have number six, she’ll have the rest.”

“Now, that seems reasonable. If you have number six I will come and help raise all 12 for free,” the nurse said as she laughed.

JD smiled at her; she had a very comforting way about her. “Don’t laugh—I may have to hold you to that,” he joked. Tracy squeezed his finger. “Tracy?” JD got up. “Tracy, babe, open your eyes,” he pleaded. The nurse pushed the button to call the station as Tracy opened her eyes.

“Tracy, babe.” JD smiled. “Hey.” He kissed her face. “It’s so good to see those eyes.” Tracy was still groggy. She gave JD a faint smile.

The doctor came in. “Tracy, hi, I’m Dr. Shaw. It’s good to see you awake.” Tracy frowned then moaned as a tear ran down her swollen face. “I know you are in a lot of pain, but we are going to take care of that. We wanted you to wake up first. This is going to be a little uncomfortable,” he said, removing the gauze from her face, “but only for a minute.” They removed the ventilator and Tracy moaned from the pain. They gave her an oxygen tube to help with her breathing. The doctor gave an order, and the nurse left and closed the door. “Tracy, I need you to listen and try to concentrate on what I am about to say. I need you to tell me who you want to handle your affairs here. It is very important that we do this.” JD stepped forward. “Stay back, Mr. Harrison, please, she has to say this. Tracy?” Dr. Shaw bent down to her ear.

“Jeffrey,” she whispered.

“Okay,” he said. “Is she left-handed or right-handed?” he asked JD.

“Right.”

“Tracy, can you sign your name here for me?” He held the clipboard and gave her the pen. She signed then dropped her hand.

JD thanked the doctor.

“As her designee, you are the only one who can make decisions for her. For the next few days she will be in and out. Once she is not in as much pain, we will ease up on the pain medication. At that time, she will be more aware of her surroundings,” the doctor advised.

“Thank you for taking this action. This had not crossed my mind and it should have.”

JD completed the power of attorney form that Tracy had signed.

“Your mind was on other things, Mr. Harrison. She is going to sleep through the night once the nurse administers the medication. You might try to get some rest yourself. Good night, Mr. Harrison.”

JD stepped back over to the bed. He looked at Tracy. Her face was clear of the blood now, but it was swollen and badly bruised. But she was still beautiful to him. “It is so good to see you awake.” Tears ran down her face. JD kissed her. “I’m sorry babe, I’m so sorry.”

The nurse came back into the room and administered the medication.

JD bent down to Tracy. He held her hand. “I love you more than I would ever be able to show you.” He smiled and kissed her. “I need you with me, Squirt Two; I’m lost without you.” JD waited until she fell asleep, then stepped out of the room.

Brian was talking with the agent, who was attempting to explain why he stepped away.

“A woman stopped by the room and indicated she was Tracy’s mother,” Brian advised JD.

“Where is she now?” JD asked.

“We don’t know.”

Gavin came down the hallway. “JD, the jury is back with a verdict. The verdict will be read in Judge Mathew’s courtroom tomorrow at nine.”

JD looked at Gavin, then back to Brian. Which should he deal with first: Juan or Tracy’s mom? “I’ll be in court in the morning. Just give me a minute here.”