Continued...
Schanke drove home, his mind trying to figure out how he'd missed a signal somewhere, how they'd all missed it. He wondered why she picked Nick's loft for the OD, or had it been an accident? He knew Natalie would never do something that would hurt Nick as deeply as killing herself in his loft.He pulled into his driveway and sat there a moment before getting out and heading into his house. Myra immediately knew something was wrong as she could see the intense worry on his face.
"Is Nick okay? Natalie?"
He hugged his wife and kissed her. Then lead her over to the couch. Myra knew her husband well enough to leave him alone until he was ready to talk about it.
"I went over to see Nick this morning but he wasn't there. I got the shock of my life. Natalie was laying on the couch. I thought she was asleep, but there was an empty wine glass on the coffee table and an empty pill bottle on the floor."
"Oh my God! Is she..."
"She's alive. Nick came home as they were about to load her on the lift. None of us can figure out why. How could we have missed some signal?" He went on to tell her about Natalie's condition.
"Do you think she'll recover?" Myra asked stunned. She was quite worried and didn't know quite what to think.
"I think she will, but how long, I don't know. They wouldn't let Nick into ICU because they're not related. But he could see her from the nurse's desk, which seems to have temporarily satisfied him."
"Is he still at the hospital?"
"No. He's at the loft. He wanted to be alone. Don't worry. He won't hurt himself because he knows she needs him. And he'll be there for her." Schanke looked at his wife. "Trust me, you don't want to be around him when he's in that mood."
Inside the loft, Nick used all his senses to try and figure out what happened. He knew there was something there but couldn't quite identify it. He knew that all the people in the loft earlier distorted it.
He grabbed a bottle of blood, a wine glass and plopped down on the couch. He poured himself a glass and drank it. He stretched out, her scent was soothing, yet made him wish he could be with her now. There was a small part of him that wondered if she did it this time, even though he knew how against suicide she was. He also knew how much trauma she had been through over the last several months. He got up and searched the entire loft for any suicide note, and didn't find one. The last time there were notes to her friends.
He again stretched out on the couch to be near her, even if it was only her scent. He fell asleep thinking about recent events.
A few hours later he awoke and had to do something to help her, but didn't know what. He walked over to the piano and started to play. About a minute later he realized that was how he could help her. He had everything he needed except one item, a microphone. Since it was close to sunset he could venture out if he properly dressed.
Nick threw on all his protective gear and headed out. A while later he returned with his missing piece and a few extra things just in case.
He set up his computer, the microphone inserted a blank CD into that drive and started to play. He let the music come from his heart, yet tried to keep it from being too dark and depressing. When he finished, he listened to it before recording it to the CD. As soon as he finished, he headed out.
Nick entered the hospital and headed straight for the ICU. The nurse saw him.
"She's made a slight improvement, but her brain activity is still near minimal. She still has a chance."
"Is there any chance you'll play this CD I made for her of piano music? I've heard music helps and it's my way of helping her, at least for now," Nick said as he pulled the CD out of his pocket and showed it to her.
"I think that can be arranged," she said with a small grin as she took the offered CD. She unplugged the CD player the nurses listened to and put it in Natalie's cubicle. She inserted the CD and hit play. She listened to it a moment before heading back to Nick. "You're quite good."
"Thank you. It's one of the ways I relieve the stresses of the job." Nick looked in on Natalie from the desk, wishing he could be with her, even if it was just to let her know he was there.
Nick went to the precinct as he needed to do something to keep his mind off of Natalie.
Schanke was sitting at his desk when Nick entered. He looked up a little surprised.
"Need the diversion?"
"Yeah," Nick said, not sounding too cheerful.
"Will you be able to concentrate if we get called to the field?" Schanke asked, concerned about both of his friends.
"I can. I won't let you get hurt," Nick said.
"How is she?" Schanke asked concerned.
"About the same, just a minimal improvement," Nick said depressed. "They did say it would take a while because Phenobarb has a long life. It's just so hard to wait."
"I'm so glad I went over there when I did. I nearly turned around and left when I got to the garage door. I'm glad I didn't."
"So am I," Nick said. And so is Nat.
Cohen heard Nick's voice and approached him. "Nick, I don't want you here if your mind is on Natalie."
"I'm okay. I'll be able to concentrate, especially in the field. I won't endanger Schanke."
Since he sounded convincing, Cohen didn't push further. "I'm sorry to hear about Natalie. How is she?"
Nick told her the same thing he told Schanke.
"Don't give up."
"I'm not. I just wish they'd let me see her, even if for a moment."
"I know," Schanke said. "When she gets stronger, they'll move her and you can see her."
"I know. It's just hard to wait."
"I hate to cut the angst fest short, but you both have a lot of work to do," Cohen said before she went back to her office.
"Nick, I do hope you'll see to it that Natalie gets the help she needs, and keep a close eye on her for a while."
"I'll do the best I can. You know how stubborn she can be."
"Oh, yeah."
Nick knew how cranky she would be when she regained consciousness and found herself hooked up to all the tubes, wires and IV's. A part of him hoped he was there then, and a part of him hoped he wasn't.
The two detectives worked on their paperwork. Nick tried not to let his mind wander too much. Schanke left his partner alone, knowing he'd be in worse shape if it was Myra or Jenny. A part of him was surprised Nick was there and a part knew he was there to keep his mind occupied. He was surprised Nick was concentrating as well as he was, and figured it was how he was staying sane.
After their shift, Nick went home. He had thought about going to the Raven but wasn't in the mood. He also didn't bother listening to the Nightcrawler for the same reason. He grabbed a bottle from his fridge and walked over to his piano.
He took a large sip and set the bottle down on top of the piano. He let his emotions pour out through the music, and felt it help release them. After a while he grew anxious and headed for the phone.
He called the hospital and found out that her condition was pretty much the same, just a small improvement in brain wave activity. The nurse politely reminded him that it would likely be three or so days before there would be any major improvements due to Natalie's choice of drug.
At the hospital, the nurse finished talking with Nick and entered Natalie's cubicle to check on her. She enjoyed listening to the CD Nick had made his friend. She had noticed an improvement ever since it started playing, but nothing significant. She wondered if it would help her patient recover.
"You have a lot of people praying for your recovery. One blonde detective in particular. He tried so hard to get in here to see you yesterday. It was hard for me to say no, but I had to. If you keep improving he'll see you soon," she said as she checked her patient's vital signs, as well as did an equipment check. She saw that one of the IV's would need to be changed at the next vital check. "What happened to make you attempt suicide twice, maybe three times?"
She remembered what Natalie's job was and wondered if that wasn't somehow connected to it. She knew how hard it was when people died, and wondered how much harder it was when death was all you dealt with. Not to mention most of the deaths being violent ones.
Back at the loft, Nick was tired and headed up to bed. He didn't know how well he'd sleep, but he needed the rest. He had to be strong for when she needed him.
The next afternoon he awoke, showered, ate and had a couple hours to kill before work so he booted up his computer and ran a few computer checks. He checked the bank accounts of all the dead people they'd investigated for the last year and made a few interesting discoveries. All had good sized chunks of money go in and out of their accounts anywhere from days to weeks or months before their deaths. He tracked down where the money went and learned it was stock purchases in most cases, a couple bought small businesses.
Nick stopped by the hospital as soon as it was safe to be outside. He headed straight for ICU where he saw Natalie still in her cubicle.
"Hello, Nick. There's been another small increase in her brain activity. There won't be major changes until the drug's out of her system, which will be another two days, maybe longer. The good news is if she remains stable and her test results come back good, she'll be moved to a step-down unit. You'll be allowed to see her during the day." She saw Nick's expression brighten. "You'll have to go home during the night."
"I can handle that. Will there be any time limitations?"
"It will only be during the day that you can see her, other than that, no restrictions. Only two people will be allowed into the room at once." The nurse thought a moment, then said, "She really seems to like the CD. There seems to be a small improvement since I started playing it."
Nick's expression brightened to know he was helping her, even if he wasn't in the room. It helped make the separation slightly more tolerable.
"Thank you." Nick left knowing he had to get to work. Cohen was overlooking his being late because of this, but he didn't want to push it too far.
Nick arrived at work and didn't see Schanke. He took his seat and picked up the first folder on his desk. Schanke quickly returned carrying a mug of coffee.
"How's Nat?" Schanke asked, concerned about them both.
"She's about the same. If she stays stable they'll move her to a step-down unit tomorrow. Then I'll be able to see her. The bad part is visiting hours are ten am to nine pm. I'll be able to spend as much time with her during those hours as I want. You and Myra are welcome to visit her."
"I know. That sounds encouraging. How are YOU doing?"
"I'm okay. I'll be better when she's awake and alert." Nick knew neither he nor Natalie would feel truly okay until the ones who had done this to her were behind bars and she'd been fully cleared.
Inside an office across town, the older gentleman in a suit was talking with his assistant.
"You were supposed to find out the information first. We have to know what they know. Or even suspect," the boss said.
"They're rather distracted right now, so they probably won't even realize our plans until it's too late. Once we make the notification of hostile takeover they'll do everything in their power to stop us. Luckily there's little they can do."
"What about the other situation?"
"It's been handled."
"I still want you to find out as much as you can. I don't want any more surprises."
"Yes, sir." He didn't see how there was any more he could learn.
Nick and Schanke were kept busy the rest of the shift with a new homicide. Nick and Schanke stopped by the morgue on the way back to the precinct to update Grace. She was pleased to hear the good news. She too was worried about both Nick and Natalie.
They were used to the coroner, but missed working with Natalie.
Nick's phone rang near the end of the shift. Nick answered it and was worried when he learned it was the hospital.
"Is something wrong?"
"No. I promised you I'd keep you informed of any changes. I thought you'd like to know she was just moved to the step-down unit. You'll be able to see her after work."
"That's great. Thank you."
Schanke looked up and waited for Nick to hang up.
"Natalie's been transferred to the step-down unit. Now we just have to wait for her to wake up."
"That's great news. Now you can see her and maybe it'll help you relax a little."
"Yeah, maybe."
As soon as the shift was over, Nick headed straight to the hospital. He was a little early so he waited in the cafeteria, reading whatever had been left behind. As soon as the gift shop opened, he entered, looked around and picked out a boom box for her, paid for it and left. He unpacked it before heading for the elevator.
Nick headed straight for the step-down unit. Once there he approached the nurse's desk.
"I'm looking for Dr. Natalie Lambert's room."
"Are you Detective Nick Knight?"
"Yes."
"She's in room three. Have you been told visiting hours?"
"Yes."
"Her brain wave activity has made a good sized improvement. It's still far from normal."
Nick headed for Natalie's room.
"Knight, wait a moment,"
Nick headed back for her, a little concerned.
"I was told to give this to you, as I believe it's yours." She handed him the CD he'd made for Natalie.
"Thanks." Nick took the CD and headed for Natalie's room.
Once inside, he set down the boom box, stuck in the CD and turned it on, keeping the volume somewhat low as not to disturb the other patients.
"I probably should make you another one as you're probably tired of this one. Please come back to me. I need you. You can't let them win." Nick kissed her forehead, then gently caressed her cheek. "The last couple of days have been miserable. I wanted to be there, but since we're not married they wouldn't let me in. I didn't want you to think you were deserted."
He held her hand to make sure she knew she wasn't alone. "I'm here with you all day. I'll be here every day, until you walk out the front door."
Nick stayed with Natalie during the entire visitor period every day for the next three days, bringing her a new CD each morning. The nurses enjoyed the music, surprised he created and played the beautiful music. Natalie's brain wave activity continued it's slow, but steady improvement each day. Nick took it as a hopeful sign she'd come out of it okay.
Cohen was understanding about Nick's arrival after visiting hours. She'd rather he be a little later for a few days, than be preoccupied.
Don, Myra and Grace visited Natalie and went in one at a time so that Nick didn't have to leave. They urged Natalie to fight for her life, and gave Natalie their good wishes.
On Natalie's fourth day in the step-down unit, Nick was holding her hand and felt a twitch. Moments later her eyes fluttered open. Nick stood and looked down on her.
"Welcome back. You had a lot of people really scared." He saw the fear in her eyes and had to hold down her hands when she tried to reach for the tubes. "Natalie, it's okay. Schanke found you unconscious on my couch. Your vitals were weak. They pumped your stomach and found Phenobarbital in it. They intubated you as a precaution as they didn't want any respiratory crisis. You've been unconscious for a week now. You had minimal brain activity when they brought you in, which had us very worried."
Natalie motioned for him to get her something to write on. An alarm sounded which unnerved Nick. He handed her his pad and pen. She wrote – VENT OUT NOW!!! She showed it to him, along with one of her 'you better do it' glares.
The nurse entered and shut off the alarm.
"It's nothing to be worried about. It's just Natalie fighting the machine. It's good. It means she's almost ready to come off of it. I want to leave it in for another hour or so to make sure there are no problems. Then I'll remove it."
Natalie pointed to the NG tube.
"That has to stay in a little longer. I hear it's not too bad while it's in."
"I'll be right back, I want to let Schanke and Grace know the good news." He saw Natalie nod and stepped outside.
Nick walked into the main hallway where he made his calls. Schanke and Grace were relieved. They knew Natalie was going to be okay when her first request was to get the tube out.
Nick rentered Natalie's room. "They both send their best wishes and are glad you're awake."
About an hour later the doctor came in, listened to Natalie's lungs, heart, and checked her pulse.
When all seemed fine he asked, "you ready to lose this tube?" She nodded. I need you to give one large exhale as I remove the tube. Okay.?" She nodded again.
Nick watched as the doctor extubated Natalie. She coughed as her body got used to breathing totally on it's own.
The nurse slipped nasal cannula on Natalie to give her a little supplemental oxygen while her body finished the adjustment.
"My throat hurts," Nat croaked out.
"Nick go get her some ice chips. They'll help. Later she can have some ice cream. Natalie, your throat will be sore for a couple of days from the vent."
About an hour later, Natalie passed the gag test and the NG tube was removed. She winced as they pulled it out, past her already sore throat tissue, and made her nasal passages hurt as well. The nurse left and returned with a large cotton swab. Natalie was nervous when she saw it coming towards her.
"It'll help a little with some of the soreness, at least for a little while." She saw Natalie nod and stuck the swab where the NG tube had been, as far as she could reach, and let the painkiller help that much of it.
When she was done, she left Nick alone with Natalie.
"Want my help?" He saw her nod, and locked eyes with hers. "Lower your defenses or I won't be able to help." She nodded again. "You won't feel the pain from either tube. You will take it easy because if you don't, you'll only make it worse." He broke off the whammy.
"Any better?"
"Thank you," she said a little less croaky as she nodded.
They checked out the EEG and saw the pattern was pretty much back to normal and removed the electrodes. The first thing Natalie did once they were gone was scratch her head. She hadn't realized how much they itched as she had been distracted by the pain in her nose and throat.
Later that afternoon, Grace, Myra and Don paid Natalie a visit. Nick met them outside.
"Natalie's awake. Her throat's really sore, so she might not want to do a lot of talking."
"Okay."
Her friends entered her room.
"You're looking much better than the last time I saw you. Don't EVER do that to me again!" Schanke said as his tone turned scolding.
"I won't. I'm sorry."
"We were terrified we were going to lose you. Has Nick told you how close you came?" Grace asked.
Natalie nodded.
Later that day, when Natalie's test results came back fine, she was moved to a regular room. She was pleased.
Shortly, a physical therapist entered pushing a wheelchair.
"I don't need that," Natalie said as she pushed off her covers and tried to stand.
Her legs nearly gave out on her. Nick caught her and helped her to the chair.
"Okay, I might've been wrong."
Inside the therapy room the therapist put her through a session designed to help her get her balance and strength back. She was not happy to learn it would take a few days before she'd be able to walk across the room.