The Unexpected Guest

Chapter 3

Rated: PG

Date: January 14, 2000

Spoilers: Season 4

Disclaimer: These characters aren't mine. You know the drill.

 

 

The Unexpected Guest

By Nicky

 

Chapter 3

 

 

 

Miss Parker absently runs her finger around the rim of the coffee cup.  Its contents had long ago gone cold, but she didn't notice.  All she could focus on was the gruesome sight of the baby as she found it a few hours ago.  How could someone do something like that?  So cold.  So cruel.  So heartless.  It was a miracle that Miss Parker returned to her home when she did.  Or else, the scene would have been something different.  Something she didn't even want to think about.

 

"Miss.  We're done with the tests now.  You can come back in now."

 

"Thank you, nurse," Miss Parker whispers.  "How is she doing?  Is she going to be alright?"

 

"Why don't you come in here.  The doctor would like to ask you some questions."  The nurse opens the examining room door and invites her in.

 

Miss Parker's insides suddenly constrict.  Questions?  What kinds of answers could she have to give them?  How could she explain bringing a half drowned newborn into the ER.

 

"What kinds of questions?  Is the baby alright or isn't she? I'm the one who should be asking the questions here," Miss Parker growls.  She decides to take the offensive until she can figure out how to get out of there without divulging too much information.

 

"Don't worry, Miss . . . what was the name again?" the doctor asks curiously.

 

"I didn't give my name," she spits back. "I didn't realize you needed to know my life story for doing a good deed.  This baby needed my help and I just wanted to get her checked out.  I didn't realize I'd get the third degree from you people.  Now, where is she?"  Miss Parker does a quick search and quickly locates the crib holding the tiny infant.  She crosses the room in three longs strides and protectively gathers the sleeping baby in her arms.

 

"As you can see, she's fine," the doctor assures.  "But we just want to make sure she stays that way.  That's why we're asking the questions."

 

"Listen, I don't have time for this.  Thank you for all your help, but I'll make sure she doesn't get hurt again.  May we leave now?" 

 

"No problem, ma'am.  Her lungs sound pretty clear.  Babies seem to have the natural instinct to hold their breathe under water.  And it doesn't appear she took in too much water before you found her.  She's going to be fine. But if you wait a second, I'll bring you a couple of diapers and bottles, just until you get settled," the doctor offers.

 

"Thanks," Miss Parker whispers, her tone much kinder.  "I'd really appreciate that."

 

The doctor smiles as he and the nurse leave the room, closing the door behind them. 

 

"Nurse Bennett, go get those supplies I promised that woman, but take your time about it," the doctor instructs.  "I'll see if I can get Child Protective Services down here.  There's something funny about her story.  I just want to make sure the baby is okay."

 

"Yes doctor," the nurse obeys.  She turns to leave and runs into a very handsome doctor.  One that she doesn't recall ever seeing before.

 

"Excuse me," he purrs, causing the nurse to blush a little.  He continues towards the doctor.  "You were about to call Child Protective Services for this patient?  That seems like a drastic step.  You mind of I offer some assistance?"

 

"I don't mind, Doctor . . ."  He holds his hand out to shake the mystery doctor's hand.

 

"I'm sorry, forgive me.  Horton.  Dr. Jarod Horton.  They usually call me in when things get hectic here in the ER."

 

"Well, we'll take all the help we can get, Dr. Horton.  Things have been crazy tonight.  This woman's no exception.  Like I was saying to the nurse, this woman's story sounds a little suspicious to me.  But if you'd like to take over the case, then go right ahead.  I'm warning you, though, she's pretty, but she's a bit high strung.  And mean, too.  Watch out for your eyes around that one," the doctor chuckles.  He hands Jarod the case history and heads down the hall to check on another of the many patients waiting.

 

Jarod makes sure he's gone before slipping into the room.

 

"Listen doctor, I'm just going to go.  I'll pick up the stuff she'll need from the store . . . Jarod!  What are you doing here?" She's surprised to see him.  But happy.  He always seems to show up, just when she needs him.

 

"Shh!  I came to make sure everything was alright.  You sounded kind of scared when I called you that second time.  I know you said the baby was conscious and breathing again, but it's better to be safe than sorry.  It's good that you brought her here to be checked out."  He pauses and notices the protective stance Miss Parker was taking with the baby.  She had the baby wrapped tightly in her arms and didn't look as if she would be letting her go soon.

 

"They're asking a lot of questions, right?  They want to know how you ended up with the baby?"

 

"How did you know?" she asks.  "They said we could leave, but I can tell they're suspicious."

 

"They are suspicious.  They were about to call Child Protective Services before I stopped them.  But you have bigger things to worry about than them."

 

"Like?"

 

"Like sweepers," he replies somberly.  "Your house was crawling with them when I drove by on my way here.  My guess is that somebody tipped them off about Brigitte and the baby."

 

"Somebody like my father," she whispers.  "How could he do this?  I figured he didn't love Brigitte, but what about this baby?  This poor, innocent baby.  His own flesh and blood. He'd just sit back and allow her to be killed.  And what about me!  Doesn't he know what would have happened to me if the sweepers found them there with me?"  She starts to tremble and sobs start to wrack her body. 

 

Jarod rushes to her side and wraps his arms around her, supporting both her and the baby.

 

"Listen to me.  It's going to be alright now.  I'll make sure of it.  You just have to do what I say and I'll keep you safe.  You and the baby.  Trust me, Allie."  He gently strokes her back, soothing her with each touch.

 

"I trust you, Jarod," she cries softly into his chest, feeling strangely comfortable with him calling her by her first name.  It gave her a sense of peace and for the moment, she felt as if he could make anything alright.  "I trust you with my life."

 

 

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