Chapter Eight

Contemplations

Blake was already at the hospital.

This was day three for Daisy! Her emotions were on edge, but she had to remain calm. She had the backing of the family and Ted was certainly a huge asset in getting matters sorted out.

Yvonne, Ted and Daisy were just about to step into a limo to drive to the hospital.

Blake phoned Ted, ‘There has been attack on Jake. The hospital bodyguards were taken by surprise, two men tried to take Jake out of the hospital. The hospital security came and stopped them. They shot both intruders. The bodyguards are in shock. They remain alive but are useless. They only say they want to go home to their families. They want to take holiday leave.

‘The two intruders are being treated for gunshot wounds in another part of the hospital. The hospital fears they might be shot dead too within the next few hours. There has to be an immediate investigation to extract any information.’

Sure enough, within one and half hour the ineffective intruders who had tried to take Jack Wagner out of the hospital for whatever reason, were shot dead by two other men dressed as nurses. But these nurses had guns! Questions were asked about how they got into the hospital, particularly through security. There must have been others working with them. These people would have to be searched out. The hospital administration told the Wagners that the hospital was no longer a safe place for Jake to be. His life was now potentially at risk.

What does a family do with this type of dilemma? No questions had been answered, only more questions were raised.

The three of them were flabbergasted. When they stepped out of the limo at the hospital, Ted questioned who the limo driver was. The driver did not like his questions and fled. He ran from the car and disappeared into the hospital grounds. Ted called for the hospital security, to block off the entire area and call the FBI.

How did Ted know there was something suspicious about that driver? The others did not query it, they just stood there in shock.

Daisy was clutching both Ted and Yvonne for hope and security. She had never been involved with such treachery; she had enjoyed a privileged life in New Zealand with no harassment.

Ted was thinking that none of his questions would ever be answered or even looked into. He suspected that the commissioner and governor were in on all of this, whatever that matter was.

Only Jake might know any answers and he was in a coma. He was probably trying to get out of the coma bubble and talk, but that might not happen. In the meantime, someone was trying to kill him, for whatever reason. Certainly his family, Ted and Daisy had no answers.

Ted had legal papers that Jake was to sign. As Daisy was his fiancé ,could she sign them if the matter was explained to her? Could they draw up another document to give her some authority? Well, it seemed to be common practise. So, what!

Being a lawyer herself Daisy would probably not commit to such a challenge.

Daisy was starting to think that Jake had never intended to meet her in Dallas as planned. He had been in New York for at least two days before she arrived. It seemed that the bad weather was just convenient as an excuse for her to fly to New York instead. Why was that so important to the family and Jake?

Daisy continued to think. Ted seemed to think she was a significant factor in the events, too. What part was Ted playing in this game she knew nothing of?

Blake called Ted again. This time to organise for Jake to be transferred to a different New York hospital or even back to Dallas.

Could they do that with a person in a coma?

Blake wanted to take Jake out of the hospital and get a private plane to take him to Dallas then onto Jackson, Mississippi. But Blake did not trust the medical system in that state. Ted did not say a word. Blake was Blake Wagner and no one messes with him!

After many conversations it was decided that Jake would stay in the same New York hospital.

This time the FBI would manage the arrangements. There would be more security and dogs would surround the hospital entrances. There would be better management control of Jake Wagner, now that the FBI realised he was an important person. The FBI had not been able to talk to Jake, there was a cloud over information about Jake. The police said they would set about to investigate the matter.

According to the chief of Police there would be no messing around.

Blake was relieved, he did not really want to deal with this suffocating episode in his and Jake’s life. He was getting older by the day, his years were numbered, he wanted peace.

Blake knew that his son had political aspirations. With the US political system in its current mess, could one of Jake’s opponents be behind all of this? Was Jake working his way into a mayoral role or a governorship of one of the states?

What was behind this catastrophe? His bid to do something significant had become obvious. Did he have enemies that had revolted against Jake’s plans?

And where was Daisy’s engagement ring?

Ted, Yvonne and Daisy decided against the FBI and police telling them to return to their hotel until further notice, so they decided to escape.

They speedily walked around the corner from the hospital, well away from the FBI, before the grounds were sealed off. They knew they would not be going back to their hotel. They wanted to go back to the hospital and see Jake. The only way they could do this was by deception. By hiring a taxi, the guards would automatically think they were being driven back to their hotel. But this was not the case. Ted would ask the taxi driver to drive around a couple of blocks and then try getting back into the hospital grounds.

They caught a taxi. A Hispanic driver, who spoke perfect English, asked them for their destination.

When Ted replied the New York Presbyterian Hospital, the driver said, ‘No.’

He said that that no taxis were allowed in that area. There had been shootings and two men had been killed. The traffic was busy, the taxi was stationary during their discussion. This was good as they could not move too far away. The driver was going to be paid for not moving. They wanted some time before they approached the hospital. But the driver was not interested in helping Ted. He was afraid and feared the consequences of going back to the hospital, where people had been killed.

‘Please’, Ted pleaded and handed over a $100 dollar note.

No Hispanic would pass that up!

This Hispanic was shrewd and said, ‘No thank you.’

Ted tried again and said, ‘How about $200, that is my top bid?’

The traffic was busy and streets had been blocked off. The driver knew different routes back to the hospital and tried to step on it, but it took time, a lot of time to return to the hospital.

It was a rough trip back to the hospital. Ted thought that it was amazing that they arrived 20 minutes later. They were all flustered and knew it would be difficult to get inside the hospital.

As soon as they arrived, they went straight to reception and asked where Jake Wagner was being held.

The receptionist looked at them and disappeared without saying anything, he just left. Ted told everyone to remain calm. They sat in reception and waited. They could see the security cameras which would be filming their every move and emotion. After almost ten minutes the administrator came out and motioned to Ted to step up to the reception desk. Ted walked directly over to the desk and wondered, was the answer going to be positive or not?

The hospital administration would allow them to enter and see Jake. There was a good reason for this but no one would say why.

Jake was in a private wing only available to VIP patients or special events people.

The stern nurse who stood at the entry to the facility asked questions. When they had been answered correctly and papers signed, she let the three of them in. There was Blake standing over his son, dumbfounded.

Jake had woken up. He was out of his coma. He was still not speaking; his heart rate and blood pressure were fine and his hands were moving slightly. His legs and feet were paralysed at this point. But he seemed to be self-healing.

Was God playing a part in this miraculous healing, were the prayers from those who loved Jake listened to?

Who knew, the medical staff were working hard to secure his wellbeing.

Jake had to be monitored, he could not leave the hospital.

Ted started to question Jake. He started by saying, ‘Just blink once for yes. This way Jake, you can help us.’

Daisy held his hand tightly. She felt as if he was going to pass away and they would never be able to hug again or have one of their many funny conversations.

Ted commenced the questioning. ‘Listen Jake, please co-operate with us.

‘Jake where is Daisy’s engagement ring? This is the question; can you tell us where it is?’

Jake blinked once.

‘Jake does that mean you know where it is?’

Jake blinked once.

‘Okay.

‘If you blink twice that means you do not know, okay?

‘The same question again, do you know where Daisy’s engagement ring is?’

Jake blinked once.

‘Okay Jake do you have it with you?’

Jake blinked once.

‘Where Jake, where is the ring? Is it on your body?’

Jake blinked once.

‘Where on your body Jake? No sorry, is it with your personal belongings?’

Jake blinked once.

Daisy said that Jake was only blinking once for all questions, did that mean he could only blink once at a time?

Yvonne said, ‘That was a good question Daisy, thank you.’

Ted then said, ‘Jake, if you understand us, please blink twice, okay?’

He blinked twice.

All was good, he did understand everything!

Ted wondered where his personal belongings were. He called for a discussion with the family.

‘Where do you think his personal belongings are? Would the hospital staff have put them into a locker, what do you all think? Let us ask the nurse. Let us all ask questions.’

Blake was elected to ask the questions. He came back 10 minutes later.

He said no one on duty knew about Jake’s belongings. He had been shifted from one unit to another and a private wing as an emergency. No one knew exactly where his belongs were. Blake said he would go back to the other part of the hospital and chase it up. He went, leaving without any good-byes, he just left swiftly.

Ted thought that correcting the missing engagement ring would be a start. Also, a start for Daisy to bond to Jake. Her own personal dignity had been at risk. The engagement ring had been talked about for months and she wanted it. If Jake died, at least she would have something to hold onto for the rest of her life. It was solid and wearable to show off as her beloved’s token to her. She of course, wanted Jake to live.

Her insecurities were real, and she thought any woman would feel as she did. Blake certainly wanted Daisy to have ownership of her engagement ring from their son.

Blake was gone for an hour. During this time no assaults were made on Jake’s life. He seemed to be safe. Earlier it had been suggested that there could be other attempts to get to Jake, but the security had been increased. Surely this would guarantee Jake’s safety.

The three of them stayed close by Jake’s bed. Daisy looked at Jake lovingly, and prayed for his safety, his healing and total recovery. She held his hand and told him again that she loved him. Hang in there Jake, you will be fine, be patient.

They were all looking at Jake in his bed. Everyone was quiet. It was not an uncomfortable silence, more like three people worried about someone they loved and wondering why he was in this position to start with. How could this incident have happened? That question was firmly on all their minds. But it would be one step at a time, there would be a good outcome, Ted knew Jake would be fine eventually, if not now, then later.

Jake opened his eyes, he saw Daisy first, he smiled, and then saw his mother and Ted. He was wondering where his father was. They all had concern written all over their faces.

Daisy leaned over him, sat with him, held his hand again, as his mother had earlier. It was her turn and as she looked at Jake, she could see that his eyes appeared clearer.

Ted left the room for 30 minutes. He had gone off to see where Blake had disappeared to and to find out further information. When he reappeared, he looked gloomy.

Ted looked at everyone in the room and said, ‘Bad news, the medical staff have taken Blake in for an ultrasound of his heart. They will monitor him, and check his health for everything else. They think he might have had a heart attack. He will not be leaving the hospital tonight. He is in the emergency department right now.’

After a few minutes of consolidating his emotions Ted said, ‘Blake is not happy; he sends his love to you all. Says not to worry, he is going to be fine. Just a little bump!

‘Daisy you will get your ring. It is somewhere in the hospital. It will be found.

‘To you, Yvonne you are not to worry, he is in safe hands. Blake says he plants a big kiss on your gorgeous lips and says good night, love you precious. See you soon.’

Yvonne murmured one thing, ‘That is not Blake, he has never had a heart condition. No strokes, nothing. This is unusual. He is losing it a bit, but we all are!’

Ted further said, ‘The security team at the hospital are now searching for the engagement ring. The insurance agent would be informed and all patients’ belongings in the hospital would be searched. If the ring is at the hospital, it will be found.’

Jake then moved; his neck jerked to his left side.

Ted said, ‘Jake you moved your neck. Blink for yes once.’

Jake blinked once for a yes!

Ted looked at Daisy with a smile, ‘I think he is going to pull out of this!’

Ted quickly disappeared again and informed the nurse that Jake had woken up and had moved.

The women remained in Jake’s secure room away from the rest of the hospital. They felt confident about Jake. They hugged each other as if they had always been family. Both women had tears in their eyes.

Ted returned to say his farewells and that he would see everyone again in the morning around 11 am. He would bring brunch for everyone. They would eat in Jake’s room. He would ask the staff if this would be possible.

No one knew Jake’s latest diagnostic outcome yet! This would probably happen tomorrow, well at least everyone hoped.

There had been too many other events happening. The hospital was now secure with the FBI in charge of security of the entire hospital.

The girls said they would stay for another couple of hours with Jake and then leave. Also, they would say good night to Blake in the other part of the hospital.

While they were there, Jake opened his mouth and spoke for the first time. ‘Good night mum, take it easy. Good night my dearest Daisy.’

Everyone was excited, how wonderful! Jake had spoken with clarity in his voice. He had his mental faculties.

Jake then closed his eyes; Yvonne went to the nurse outside to inform her that Jake had spoken. The nurse arrived back into the room in moments and started monitoring him. Daisy and Yvonne were asked to leave.

When Yvonne and Daisy arrived to see Blake, he said he felt silly. Yvonne came closer to Blake and he asked her to come even closer so he could hug his wife; he asked for a special hug from Daisy as well. Blake who was always full of conversation kept it light and just looked at them.

Blake whispered to Daisy, ‘You have been the sweetest daughter-in-law to be, I could ever have hoped for. Thank you for being here with us.’

When all this was done, they parted for the night.

That night Yvonne and Daisy fully bonded.

Yvonne asked if she could stay with Daisy in her suite that night, she knew she had two beds. Daisy immediately indicated she was happy to have the company.

The next morning, they would sleep in and take their time about everything.

There would be no jogging, there would be no limo drivers as they did not know whom to trust. They phoned the young Hispanic driver they had used to take them to the hospital. A negotiation was made for the next day. He said, ’For another $200.’

The ladies laughed and said, ‘No, but we will tip you well!’

Only women can get away with that!