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To Your Happiness

Episode 6 written by Brenda
Original air date: November 15, 2001

 

Disclaimer: The characters in the following fan fiction do not belong to me. They belong to CBS and Viacom and other powers that be. I am only using them for the purpose ofwriting this story. No money is being made from this writing it is for entertainment purposes only. And now on with the show...


What have you got Amanda? Steve asked as he entered Community General Hospitals Pathology Lab. The only time a dead body upset him was when the corpse was that of a young child. This one seemed young, but a child she was not. Amanda confirmed that.
We have a twenty year old Caucasian female, five-foot five inches, one hundred twenty pounds, basically healthy. I am still waiting for the toxicology report. Theres no skin under her nails, no sign of bruising. She died laying on her right side on the couch, apparently in her sleep.
So what is it, death by natural causes? Steve asked. He had given up a Sunday afternoon Raiders game for this. Amanda usually doesnt call him in for anything, so he wondered why she had called this time. He knew his question was a rhetorical one but he was trying to urge her on.
I dont think so, Amanda replied answering Steves question. Her lips are swollen and there is an impression of her teeth on the inside of her lips. I found lint on her tongue and in the esophagus. I am sure there will be some in the lungs also. This lady was suffocated while sleeping.
The only question is why didnt she wake up and fight when the pillow was placed on her face, Steve thought to himself aloud as he looked at the lifeless form before him.
When the toxicology report comes back, I am hoping to find the answer to that.
Who found her? Steve knew he should have been up on all this before he came, but he had been showering before going to the game when his telephone rang. He hadnt thought to ask all the usual questions.
I was wondering when you were going to get around to him. Amanda said with a quick-witted smile on her face. It was her fiance Keith. Hes in the doctors lounge with your father.
As Steve entered the doctors lounge, he was facing the same scene he had witnessed so many times before. His dad was sitting at the round table located closest to the entrance, his back facing Steve. Mark had come into the habit of sitting in the chair nearest the door. There was something about the position that intimidated people into thinking there was no need trying to leave.
Keith, this is my son Steve, Mark said. You remember that I told you he would stop by to help us.
Ya, I remember. Hes the cop, right? Keith dropped the Kleenex he held in his hands while reaching for another. I dont know why we need a cop. It looks like she just died in her sleep. I guess you have to look into it anyway, right. Just a matter of procedure.
Something like that. Steve said without tipping his hand that he already knew this was a murder. Steve sized up the young man who sat in front of him as being no older than the victim herself. He appeared truly sorrowful, but then again, many a convicted criminal had been good at appearing sad. Mind if I ask you a few questions?
Sure, why not. The only thing on Keiths mind was Jenna, his girlfriend. He wanted to see her body one last time, a way of saying good-bye. He still was having a hard time believing she was dead.
Amanda tells me youre the one who found her. Is that right? What were you doing at her house?
Jenna and I were going to be married in two weeks. I was there to work on the wedding with her. When I got there, I expected to find the door closed and locked, but it wasnt. The door was open, just a crack, not enough to make a difference. Usually the dog lies up against it so you cant get in without him knowing and making a ruckus. I was surprised to find him lying on the rug next to Jenna. Apparently, she had fallen asleep on the couch. It seemed unusual because she hardly ever does that unless she is watching television but it wasnt on. In fact, neither were any of the lights.
Steve listened intently to every word. Better to get what clues he could now. Steve tried to urge him on by asking questions. Does that seem strange to you?
Ya, why would Jenna turn off the TV and lights then go to sleep on the couch? If she was going to turn everything off, shed head into her own bed.
Steve knew if he asked too many questions it would appear to be an interrogation and he didnt want that just yet. As it was, Keith was trusting him and feeling relaxed enough to ramble on. Thats the way Steve liked it. The more comfortable, the better. He could get more information that way. It was time for him to head back to the Pathology Lab. By now, Amanda should have the toxicology report back.
Before Steve could make his way into the Path. Lab, he was stopped by Jesse.
What is it? Im really busy right now. Steve said in exasperation, knowing he was never going to make it to the game, not even to see the second half. He didnt want any more excitement for a Sunday that was supposed to be his day off.
I know, Steve, but this is really important. Theres this girl in the Emergency Room..
Jess, with your there is always a girl. Let me guess, blond blue eyes Please say her name isnt Susan. Steve was being sarcastically honest.
No, Steve. Its not like that. Shes dead. I think she was murdered. Im sending the body to Amanda right now.
What makes you think she was murdered?
Steve, there was nothing wrong with her. She came in DOA but for no apparent reason. The only thing I noticed is the swelling of the lips and some lint on her tongue. I think she was suffocated.
Great, a serial killer! Steve whispered in low tones. I am on my way to Amandas. I will see her there. You come with her.
Jess knew this was Steves day off and wondered what he was doing at the hospital, and in Amandas office at that. There could be only one reason, murder. For Action Jess that meant an opportunity to get involved.
Fifteen minutes later, Jess was wheeling the young girl into the Path Lab. He noticed the other female that was already there. He also noticed the resemblance the two girls had to each other. He had to ask questions.
Whats this one here for?
Uh, murder Jesse. What do you think. Amanda was snide with him.
No, its not that, Jesse insisted. It is just that she looks so familiar. Here, let me show you Jesse picked up the girls purse from a rack under the gurney he had used to bring her over. It had fallen earlier spilling the contents on the floor. When Jesse retrieved the items, he couldnt help but go through them wanting to know more about the girl who had died.. He took out the wallet and handed it to Steve. Sure enough, there was a picture of Jenna. On the back of the picture were the words,
To My Baby Sis, With Lots of Love, Jenna

Steve looked at Jess, anything else in that purse that I should see?
Jess handed him the purse in which Steve was able to learn her name and address. Alongside the wallet were various other items usually found in a girls purse. There was a hairbrush, some makeup, keys, a couple of writing utensils, and three sheets of notebook paper, each on folded separately from the others.
Steve took the sheets out and began to unfold them. Each one, a letter. They started out with My Sweet Baby and ended with Love you Lots, Rick In-between the two there was messages of love and plans for their future.
Well, theres a place to start, thought Steve and he put the papers back where they belonged. Amanda, how much longer until the toxicology report is back?
I have it right here, Steve. It seems she has quite a high level of naproxin in her system. About four times the normal dosage a person would need to help them sleep.
Steve knew the first place to start his investigation was going to be with the parents of the two girls, then the school of the young girl, and then the boyfriends. To make things go easier and quicker, he decided to implore the help of his friends Amanda and Jesse.
Steve took the direction of the parents. Amanda was needed to work Jennas friendship circuit. Mark would fill in where needed. Jesse would go to the school as a social worker, there to help students deal with the death of a friend. Since it was Sunday, the schools would be closed. This would give him sometime to do some manipulating form his office to get Jesse in.
Steve looked at the young girls identification. Krista Jones, 525 Lincoln Way. That was only five miles away from the hospital. It shouldnt take him long to get there. He decided to stop by and talk with the parents before heading into the station.
He got out of the car and made his way up the driveway and to the door. He could hear the Raiders game playing on the boob tube and was reminded of what he was missing. He knocked on the old screen that rattled beneath his knuckles. A mans voice was heard yelling from inside, Gretchen, get the damn door.
A woman, who seemed as one only existing yet never really living, yelled something back that was incoherent. Steve figured it was probably better that way. She then made her way to the door. Her hair looked as if it had seen better days and was long over due for a trip to a beautician. Her dress was stained and worn. The apron she wore around her waist was wrinkle from the wringing it was going through with her nervous and tired hands. Steve wondered how anybody could exist this way. He decided to proceed anyway.
Maam, Im Lieutenant Steve Sloan with the Los Angeles Police Department. May I come in?
What is this about? She asked.
Maam, do you have a daughter named Krista?
Nows not a good time, hes really busy. Can you come back later?
Maam, I really must speak to the both of you now. Could you please let your husband know I am here? Steve wondered at her response. What kind of parent says that to a police officer who is asking questions about their teenage daughter!
Gretchen nervously turned the other way and went towards her husband. Bill. Bill, there is a police officer at the door. He wants to talk to us about Krista.
Tell him to go away. Ive had it with those children! The Raiders are losing!
Steve knew it was time to push his weight around. He didnt wait for an invitation to come in. Right now, it was time to get the fathers attention off the damn game and on his daughters. Steve approached Bill with a force Bill had never felt in his own home before.
Sir, Steve said as he grabbed Bill by the shoulder forcing him to stand up, I am here to discuss your daughters. I suggest you turn you TV set off or I will!
Bill stepped back with a vengeance. How dare somebody come into his house and talk to him that way, especially when a Raiders game was on. He drew back his right fist with intent show his power and strength, but Steve was faster.
With lightning quick speed, Steve had Bills arm locked behind his back and with the other hand, a gun pointed at the set. Now you want to listen to me or do I have to permanently turn the set off! Steve threatened.
Fine, fine, what can I do for you officer? he said in sarcastic tones.
Your two daughters, Jenna and Krista, they came into Community General Hospital this morning. Theyre both dead sir. Steve knew no other way to tell them except straight out. He was however, caught off guard by the response he was about to receive.
Gretchen, what do you know about this. Shes the one to care for the kids. Youd be better off talking to her, and Bill turned around to turn his set back on.
Sir, I am talking to you about your children. They are dead and it looks like there may have been some foul play involved! Now I need to talk to the both of you! Steve said firmly, but the man just blew him off and went back to watching his game.
Steve turned to Gretchen hoping to find some answers but only found a nervous woman twisting her apron. He merely shook his head and turned to leave. However, before he could make his way out of the house he saw three other children standing in the doorway of a back bedroom. There stood a young girl, Steve guessed to be about eleven or twelve. On both sides, she held the hands of younger brothers. They were unclean and scared. Steve knelt before them and reached out a friendly reassuring hand to each of them. He stroked their heads and spoke in soft terms heard only by them. The young girl nodded and Steve stood up. As he did, he saw a crib in the background. A little baby lay on its back just staring up at the ceiling. He wondered how long it had been since these children had received a loving hug or heard a caring word. He knew they werent getting any from their father and he had doubts about the mother.
It wasnt long, Steve was back at the Jones house. He brought bags of groceries inside and began to put each item away. Then he made sure the kitchen was clean and a good meal was prepared. After doing this the baby was changed and the kids were fed. Then he made sure that each child was bathed before leaving. All the while, Bill sat in front of the TV cursing at the screen. Steve knew their lives wouldnt be completely different, but for this one night, he had made a difference.
By late afternoon, Steve was sitting at his desk thinking about the family he had just left and the two girls at the morgue. He decided to give Amanda a call.
Amanda Bentley. The voice of the phone answered.
Hi Amanda, this is Steve. Have you learned anything new regarding Jenna and Krista?
Steve, yes, I am glad you called. It turns out Krista also had large amounts of Naproxin in her system.
Where was she before she came to the hospital? Steve asked hoping to get some leads.
I dont know, I would have to ask Jesse. Do you want to hold on?
No, I have some phone calls to make. Ill just call Jesse myself. Is he still at the hospital?
I think he and Mark are off work now. The two of them talked about taking a jog on the beach and then having a cookout while waiting for you to get home. Amanda informed Steve.
Steve knew there was some work that was going to keep him busy at the office and that it would be a while before getting home. Although the thought of his dads cooking, was enough to make him want to rush through it. He said his good-byes to Amanda and then did his finagling to get Jess a spot at the local high school. It went faster than he had expected. He figured that was because he had an incentive to get home, a fresh cooked meal.
The next day Jess was showing up for his new job. He first had to go downtown to get some training on how to handle these issues. He did not get it from the family care center; he got it from Steve. Everything Jess was supposed to do was find out if this girl was having any troubles with anyone. If so, who and what kind. In addition, was there anyone there who knew both her sister and her well enough to be able to kill both of them? Then there was the boyfriend, Rick. Find out more about him and where he lives. Also, find out any information about Ricks family. Jess was anxious to get to his new job
During the course of the day, Jesse interviewed about twenty-five people. All said the same thing, school was where she was happiest but home was a different story. She wanted to marry Rick and they had plans to do so.
Amanda went to Jennas workplace. She was a secretary at Lincoln Elementary School. Amanda stepped in to sub for her and used that as a way of finding out information. When Amanda showed up that day, she introduced herself and was given instructions on everything she needed to know from the other attendance secretary. Amanda soon found out that she had access to everyones records and could find out as much information as she possibly wanted. She also found out that most people who worked there were very chatty. She also found out that Jenna and Krista attended school there while they were growing up, as did Keith and Rick, who by the way, turned out to be brothers.
Steve was busy doing work of his own. He had stopped by the Jones house to assure that the younger kids were getting breakfast and had clean clothes to wear to school. He made their lunches and took them to school. While there, he made his way to the school cafeteria to talk to the lunchroom staff. He asked about the childrens eating habits and how well they got along with others. It did not surprise him to find out they mostly kept to themselves and seldom had anything to eat. Since the father had a good paying job, the kids did not qualify for reduced or free lunches. Steve brought out his checkbook once more and found out what it would cost to pay for their lunches until the end of the year. He wrote out what was needed and saw to it that the payment was credited to their account. He then walked down to each of their respective classes and let the kids know that lunch would be provided for them throughout the rest of the year. He set aside some time that afternoon to pick the kids up and take them coat shopping. Having done all this, he returned to his duties with the LAPD.
That evening, all members reconvened back at Marks house for dinner. All the while Mark was watching Steve and realized he wasnt listening to a word. He pulled Steve aside and began to talk to him.
Steve, whats bothering you?
Its the kids dad. Jenna and Kristas brothers and sister, Im worried about them.
Steve, theyre not your kids. Theres nothing you can do about them except what you are already doing, and you cant do that for long.
I know dad. Its just, I want to do more.
You can Steve. First, find Jenna and Kristas killer. Then take care of the others. If the killer targeted these two girls, whos to say he wont go after the other kids, or maybe even the parents.
Ya, I better get back to Jesse and Amanda before they begin to think I deserted them.
Amanda and Jesse, although both eager to share their findings, could see something was on Steves mind. Rather than stumbling over each other, trying to be first with their news, each took their time giving it.
Steve, while I was at the school, I found out that both girls attended the same school as well as both boyfriends and that they were brothers.
So someone from the school, or someone that doesnt like the boys, or someone in the boys family who doesnt want them to marry could have done the killings. Steve thought aloud.
Oh, I think that is kind of a far stretch, Steve Mark replied.
I know dad, but I have to look at every angle. Im going to head on over to Keith and Ricks house. Want to come with me Jess?
Do I!
It wasnt long before Steve and Jesse made their way up PCH to the turn off near the boys home. A couple of minutes later and they were parking the car.
Well here it is, Steve said looking at a two-story brick house with Ivy growing up the front and sidewalls. The lawn neatly kept was lined with bushes that had been recently trimmed. There was two Maple trees in front that provided shade from the late afternoon sun. In the driveway sat three very nice, clean cars. Steve could see Keith walking out the front door with a younger boy whom Steve presumed to be Rick. Steve exited the car with Jesse following close behind.
Hey Keith, can I talk with you a minute? Steve called out.
Ya Lieutenant. What can I do for you?
I have a few questions I needed to ask you about Jenna. Im wondering if you can help us out a little?
Why do you still have questions. I thought it was all open and shut. I mean, its not like there was foul play or anything like that, right? Keith asked.
Both boys looked at Steve. The younger then turned his gaze toward Jesse.
Didnt I meet you today at the school? Rick asked.
Ya. Ya you did. Jesse replied. How you doing?
Rick had not yet told his older brother about Krista. He knew Keith was going through his own sorrows but now Keith wanted to know what relation had gone on between his younger brother Rick and this other gentleman.
You two know each other from school?
Ya, I was there today talking to some of the kids about Krista, trying to help them deal with the situation. Jesse replied to Keith.
What situation? Keith demanded to know looking straight at Rick.
I didnt want to tell you. I know this is hard on you, since you lost Jenna too. I didnt want to bog you down with what I was going through.
Little brother, you know you can always come to me no matter what. Were brothers. Thats what we do, support each other. Keith told him, putting both hands on Ricks shoulders and looking him square in the eyes to make sure the message was driven home.
Ricks eyes began to swell with the tears he had been holding back for so long. As Keith pulled his brother close, he could feel his shoulders heaving with sorrow as he cried out that Krista was dead.
Oh my god, Krista too!
As Steve and Jesse stood by looking on, it was clear to them that neither of these boys could have done anything to hurt their friends. There was too much love involved.
Steve offered to take everyone out to dinner at a quiet place where they could talk. While sitting at a quiet table in a back corner of Del Flores, the four men began to discuss the girls and their home life.
What can you tell me about their brothers and sister? Steve began to ask. At times it seemed he was no longer working a homicide but thinking more of the children that were left behind.
I know if they arent careful and things dont change theyre going to end up the same way Krista and Jenna did, dead. Rick started out.
You dont know that. Keith said in quiet rebuttal. Nothing says this has anything to do with their parents.
It does too! Krista used to tell me how frightened she was. She was always afraid her mom was going to do something! It was clear Rick was very serious about his words and wasnt going to let anyone tell him differently.
Something? Something like what? Jesse had come to respect Rick. He knew the boy had a level head on his shoulders. He wouldnt just spout off about something.
Steve saw that the two had clicked. He decided to let the conversation flow without too much intervention from him. As long as they could forget there was a cop listening, they would talk freely and Steve could gain the knowledge needed to crack this case.
She was afraid of something like suicide, or murder, or just someday disappearing and never showing up again. Rick added.
Jenna used to say the same thing, Keith interjected. She was always worried about Krista and the others, but especially Krista.
Why especially Krista? Steve questioned.
Keith was more than happy to tell Steve all the horrors that went on in that home.
Their mom used to tell them their happiness would end if they ever married. She also used to say how she never wanted her girls to be as unhappy as she was. Keith continued with the story.
The mom thought she was unhappy because of the marriage? Steve asked.
The mom knew she was unhappy because of the marriage. both boys answered in unison without hesitancy.
Steve and Jesse just looked at each other. Steves mind on the remaining kids. Jesses mind was on the killings.
The waiter began to clear the dinner dishes and serve coffee all the way around. Jesse noticed Steve, with notebook in hand, writing furiously so as not to miss anything the boys had to say.
Do you think the mother could have been at Jennas anytime Saturday night and if so, would Jenna have taken any sleeping medication from her? Steve prompted.
Not a chance, Keith was quick to answer. I mean, yes, Gretchen could have been there and Jenna would have let her in for a visit, regardless of how her mom felt about the wedding. Jenna was sweet and loved her mother. She would never be rude to her.
But, would she take any medicine from her? Steve continued to press.
No. As much as Jenna loved her mom, she didnt trust her. Her mom had said too many times that the girls would be happier dead, then married. Jenna was very careful of her, Keith was insistent.
What about dinner, Jesse asked. Did they have any dinner together?
Ya. Jenna said they were going to have some soup that night. In fact, she was in the process of de-boning the chicken when I was talking with her on the telephone. Her mom was supposed to be there in an hour and she was in a hurry to get it done.
What are thinking Jesse? Steve asked looking right at him.
Wait a minute, Jesse replied. Rick, do you know if Krista had anything to eat that day?
Ya, she said something about left over soup. Probably the same stuff her mom had with Jenna. She even told me her mom had promised to bring some home to her.
Jesse, where are you going with this? Steve was persistent.
Jesse looked at Steve with a smile. Boys, I think its time to take you home. Steve and I got some work to do.
Without question, all four of them got up to leave the table. Steve paid the bill as they left the restaurant.
After dropping off the boys, Steve and Jesse headed back to the hospital. They met up with Mark and Amanda in the Path. Lab.
Steve, you were right, Mark said with a smile on his face.
Actually it was Jesses idea he replied.
Then Jesse, youre becoming as good a detective as my son. Mark said beaming with pride.
Or just as suspicious Amanda added.
They all looked at her and smiled.
It turns out they both had soup for dinner Saturday night and the naproxin was definitely in the soup. Amanda told them.
Time for a search warrant. Anyone coming along? he asked looking directly at his dad.
Mark smiled, announced that his shift had ended ten minutes ago, then disappeared with his son.
Arriving at Jennas apartment, the first place they headed was to the refrigerator.
Just like a mom, Mark said smiling at his son. She couldnt throw away the leftovers. Even labeled and dated it. Hows that for evidence.
Wont know until we test it. Steve said as he continued his search.
With a gloved hand, Steve reached down the drain of the kitchen sink. He brought it out with bits of chicken, noodles, and vegetables on his fingers. He placed them into a plastic bag and sealed it. They continued to look around, searching for the sleeping aid which they didnt find.
Their next stop was the Jones residence. Steve had planned ahead and got a search warrant for there also. When they arrived, Kristas nine-year-old brother Matt answered the door.
Hi there Matt. Steve said kneeling down and giving him a friendly smile.
Matt wrapped his arms around Steves neck. Hi Uncle Steve. Whatcha doin?
Steve laughed and picked Matt up. He held him in his arms and spent time visiting with him. He didnt appear to be in any hurry to put Matt down. It took a few minutes before Steve got back to the business at hand.
Matt, is your sister or mom home? he asked.
Yes, but theyre sleeping.
Matt, did they have anything to eat before they went to bed? Steve asked.
Uh-huh
What did they have? Steve asked, fearing the answer.
They had some of Jennas soup. She makes the best soup. We wanted some, but mom threw the rest down the drain. Matt told Steve.
Be grateful she did Matt, be grateful she did. Dad
Im already on it Steve Mark said as he made his way through the door and back towards the bedrooms. He found the two of them lying together in the bed, the mothers arm wrapped around her daughter.
Mark felt for a pulse on both of them. He found a faint pulse on the mom, but none for the daughter. Steve he called out while grabbing his cell phone and punching 9-1-1.
Steve walked into the bedroom. His gloved hand was holding a sheet of paper. With his other hand, he handed a set of gloves to his dad.
Murder scene Steve? Marked questioned.
Murder-Suicide, Steve reported. I have the note right here.
Steve placed his hand on Matts back. He knew the boys life was about to change in a drastic manner. He wanted that change to be as easy as possible.
I think Im going to call Amanda Steve said as he walked away.

Steve I cant take in anymore kids. The two I got are keeping me busy enough. Youre asking me to take in three more.
I know Amanda. It is just that I am worried about these kids. Ive grown to love them as if they were my own. They call me Uncle Steve.
Amanda understood completely how easy it was attach to kids in trouble. That is how she came into custody of Dion.
Ill see what I can do Steve.
Thanks Amanda.

Steve went back to his work of gathering evidence and looking for clues while the rest of the uniforms and suits showed up. Gretchen went with the ambulance while Renee went with the hertz.
The note, plus the chicken soup Steve recovered from the drain, would be enough to seal the case against Gretchen, provided she lived.
He placed the remaining three children in the back seat of his car. After depositing them with Amanda and dropping his dad off at home, he went to Bill Jones place of business.
Once there he found Bill yucking it up with his friends while downing a quart of scotch.
Dont you think that money could be better spent on your children? Steve asked as he walked up behind him.
Ah screw you! Bill an angry tone in his voice.
No, screw you Steve replied while slapping an arrest warrant against Bills chest. Youre under arrest for child neglect. You have the right to remain silent, scumbag. You have the right to speak with an attorney, if dirt balls have that right. If you so desire

Four weeks later:
So Steve, hows the trial going? Has she said anything yet? Mark asked as Steve walked out on the balcony to join his father for a late afternoon drink.
She took the stand today. It was crazy Dad. Nobody should have to die like that and for those reasons too. It was just plum crazy.
What did she say son?
She said she was unhappy. The last time she remembered being happy was when she was single. She didnt want her children to go through what she has. So before they could learn what misery was, she killed them. She said she did it to preserve their happiness.
Youre right Steve, thats crazy. At least you were able to help the other kids before their lives were ruined.
Have you heard anything from Amanda, Dad?
Did I hear somebody mention my name? Amanda asked as she made herself comfortable at the balcony table.
I was just asking about the Jones kids. Do you know how theyre doing?
Theyre doing well and adjusting nicely. I think each of them has put on at least ten pounds since moving in with their new family. Matt did ask the other day about you. He said, when is Uncle Steve going to come visit us again.
Jesse and I talked with the foster parents last night. Since both of us have a day off tomorrow, were bringing the kids out here to the beach. Steve told her.
Im gonna be cooking hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill Amanda. Wed love to have you and the boys join us.
Sounds great Mark. Well be here.

 

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