…and found part 4

 

part 3

 

In the middle of the night, Nancy awakens in a cold sweat from a nightmare about the accident not realizing she had been screaming.

 

"What's going on?" She asks the nurse who had come in.

"You were screaming, honey," the nurse tells her.

 

"I'm sorry." She says. "I think I had a bad dream."

 

"You're entitled."

 

She smiles, "What time is it?"

 

"About 12:15, and you ought to go back to sleep."

 

"I will." She says.

 

"Need anything to help you?"

 

"No," she says as she drifts off to sleep.

 

The nurse tucks Nancy in.

The next morning, Abby wakes Elizabeth bright and early. "You still up to coming to the doctor
with me?"

 

"What time is it?" she yawns.

 

"Seven. Look, if you'd rather sleep in..."

 

"No..no, thats Ok." Elizabeth says. "Give me 15 minutes?"

 

"Take your time. I'll go make you some breakfast."

 

"Don't worry about it, Cereal is fine."

 

"OK," Abby says, breathing a sigh of relief. "By the way, would you drive?"

 

"Your car?" Elizabeth smiles

 

"Can you drive a manual?"

 

"I never tried."

 

"Then maybe we should take the sedan and if Hilda says I'm OK I'll start teaching you."

 

"Cool, thanks Abby."

 

"Just be gentle with her, OK?"

 

She nods. "After all you're not talking to Tommy."

 

"Tommy and Gwendolyn? Never."

"Good luck from keeping him away."

 

"Oh, he'll keep away. If he wants to live."

 

Elizabeth grins. "I'll warn him."

 

"Good idea."

 

"OK."

 

Elizabeth gets ready and is soon downstairs.

 

Nancy waits for Joannie to show up so they can go and see Cassie and her new baby.

 

Joannie finally walks in, bearing breakfast.

 

"I thank you, my stomach thanks you."

 

"I couldn't subject you to Oatmeal ala Sacramento General."

 

Nancy laughs.

 

"Come on, eat up. We have some baby visiting to do."

 

"Yes sis." Nancy eats the food Joannie brought.

 

Meanwhile Joannie gets the nurse who promised to accompany them.

 

The nurse comes in with a wheelchair and after Nancy is finished eating they head for Cassie's room.

Joannie wheels Nancy inside. "I'll just sit over here," she points to a chair by the window, "and read a script while you two talk."

 

"Ok," Nancy says and the nurse wheels her over to Cassie.

"I heard you can't chew gum and climb stairs at the same time." Cassie jokes.

"Never could." She looks at the baby boy. "Cassie he's adorable.

"Can she hold him?" Cassie asks the nurse.

 

"If it's OK with you and she stays seated, I don't see why not."

 

Cassie hands the baby to the nurse who in turn gets the baby situated in Nancy's arms so her ribs aren't aggravated, so she doesn't drop the baby. Nancy dotes over him.

"So does he have a name yet?"

"No not yet, Jason and I can't agree on what to name him."

 

"What are the choices?" Joannie pipes up.

 

"Jason Jr., Christopher, Trevor, and Ryan." She says.

 

"Which are yours?"

 

"Christopher and Ryan."

 

"I was hoping so."

 

Cassie smiles. "You have good taste."

 

"Which name do you like, Nancy?" Joannie asks.

 

"Christopher suits him."

 

"Guess none of us have much use for Jason's suggestions," Joannie notes.

 

Cassie laughs. "Poor guy."

 

"Lucky guy," Joannie corrects her. "He's got you two."

 

"Thanks for saying that Joannie." Cassie says.

"Hey sis do you want to hold him?" Nancy asks.

 

"May I?" Joannie asks Cassie.

 

"Of course." Cassie says.

Joannie takes the baby from Nancy. "He's gorgeous. I love babies."

 

Jason walks in with a baseball glove.

"Jason he's too young for the Majors." Cassie says.

 

"Yeah," Joannie agrees. "He's definitely still a minor."

 

"Yeah but he will be ready one day." Jason says proudly.

 

"Men..."

 

"And how I love them." Cassie confesses.

 

Joannie glances over at Nancy to check on her.

 

Nancy is starting to weaken but doesn't want to leave her friends and their new baby.

 

"Hey Cassie, can I bring Nancy back later? She promised to introduce me to some cute doctors, and I want her to do it before she forgets."

 

Cassie also sees that Nancy isn't looking too well. "Of course, have fun you two."

 

Joannie snuggles the baby a minute longer before handing him back to his mom.

 

Nancy dotes over the baby one more time before they leave the young family.

"I hope they'll be all right." She says on the way back to the room. "They're both so young."

 

"Mom and Dad were young once, too."

"Not that young."

 

"If they want it bad enough, they can make it work."

"True," they finally make it to her room.

 

"So, are there any cute doctors?"

 

"I don't know Dr. Max is the only one that's been by to check on me. He says there was a cardiologist but I don't remember him."

 

"And Dr. Max doesn't fit my definition of cute."

 

"I hear ya." The nurse helps Nancy to the bathroom and after she's finished she helps her back to bed. "When can I take a shower?" She asks the nurse.

 

"Maybe even tomorrow."

 

"Can I today? Please."

 

"I'll have to ask your doctor."

 

"Thank you."

 

The nurse nods and goes to look for Dr. Max.

 

Dr. Max is conversing with a member of the Bradford family.

 

The nurse waits patiently.

 

"Can I help you?" Max asks the nurse.

 

She tells him what Nancy wants.

 

"She can take a bath, but no showers till tomorrow or the next day."

 

"She'll be disappointed. She's one determined young lady."

 

"She'll get over it."

 

"Maybe you should tell her yourself."

 

"I will in a minute." He says still talking to the Bradford he was talking to before she came over.

Once the nurse leaves. Max turns to Tom. "No there's no chance of the broken ribs getting out of place and causing trouble again."

"Are you sure Max?"

 

"Yes I'm sure."

 

"I'm being paranoid, aren't I."

 

"Yes but I think you have that privilege."

"Thanks Max." Tom says. "Hey isn't it your turn to host the next poker game?"

 

~Sometimes I wonder about this man he goes from worrying about his daughter to talking about a poker game in seconds.~ "Yes it sure is. You bringing the refreshments?"

 

"Yes, do you like Root Beer?'

 

Max gives him a strange look.

 

"I promised Abby, that I will be good for awhile, No desserts, alcohol. You know all the god stuff." Tom explains.

 

"Yeah," Max says having something on his mind but not sure how to approach his best friend about it.

 

"Something wrong Max? You are awfully quiet."

 

"I've just been concerned about how things are going with you and Abby and you and the kids." He says remembering Nancy's sadness from the day before.

 

"It's been rough, that's for sure." Tom states.

 

"On all of you."

 

Tom nods. "I know, I better go talk to Nancy."

 

Max nods, "and I better get to my rounds."

 

Tom walks down the hall to Nancy's room. "Hi Honey." Tom says,

 

"Hi Dad." She says.

 

"I must say, you look better Than the last time I saw you. How are you feeling?"

 

"All right I guess." She says. "Did you want to tell me anything?"

 

~Right to the point.~ Tom thinks. "I'm sorry if I've been distracted lately."

 

"It's ok you've had a lot on your mind."

 

Tom lightly chuckles. "That's an understatement." he says as he sits next to her.

 

"I'm sorry I added to it." She says.

 

"Don't be...I mean I am sorry you got hurt, but it wasn't your fault."

 

"Yeah I know, the doctors told me about the risky surgery."

 

"You were really sick."

 

"I know, I'm glad I bounced back from it."

 

"Me too." Tom says as he takes his daughter's hand.

 

She smiles at him as her eyes well with happy tears.

 

"Nancy, why are you tearing up?" Tom asks.

 

"They're happy tears, it's just nice to hear it from you Dad."

 

Tom is amused. "Why did you doubt it?"

 

"It's not that I doubted it, it's just that every once in awhile it's nice to hear it." She says.

 

"I'm sorry Nancy, its just the past week has been trying. But never doubt my love for you, OK?"

 

She nods, "as long as you never doubt my love for you."

 

"Deal." he says.

 

"Good."

 

Tom looks at his watch. "I hate to leave, but I have to get to the office for awhile."

 

"Can I get a hug before you go?"

 

"Sure you can."

 

They hug each other before Tom leaves. About that time Joannie returns from the coffee shop across the street.

 

"Who was that masked man?" she asks Nancy.

 

She laughs. "That was our Dad."

 

"Humph. He could have said hello."

 

"Tell him that the next time you see him." Nancy says.

 

"I will."

 

"So how was the trip to the coffee shop? See anything you like?"

 

"No, just something I really didn't like."

 

"Like what?" Nancy asks.

"The time."

 

"Which means you have to go?"

 

"I'm sorry."

"For what? You've been here almost as long as I have." Nancy says. "And I want to thank you for that."

 

"I hate to leave you alone."

 

"I won't be alone long, Susan will be back with the stuff and Abby said she'd be by." She then says. "But I don't want you to leave either but if life calls...."

 

"Not life--the kids down on Charles Street."

 

"Ahh, that's important, you should go."

 

"I'll be back as soon as I can."

 

"Good, I love you Joannie."

 

"Love you, too. Now get some rest, OK?"

 

"Ok."

 

Joannie gives her forehead a kiss and leaves.

 

After he's done talking to Tom. Max goes and tells Nancy what the nurse told him to tell her and then goes to make his rounds.

 

Back in Nancy's room. Susan walks in as Joannie and Nancy are talking.

"Hi Suzy." Nancy says.

"Hi" Susan says "How are you feeling today?"

"I've been better."

"That's too bad you're not feeling better."

"Cassie had her baby."

"Really. What did she have?"

"A boy but they don't know what to name him yet."

 

"It guess it takes time picking out the right name."

 

"I guess so."

 

"Is everything okay? You sound kind of down."

 

"I'm ok." She says.

 

"Are you sure?"

 

"Yes, don't worry."

 

"All right, if you say so." Susan says "Can I get you anything while I'm here?"

 

"Some things from home actually."

 

"If you will give me a list and I'll see what I can do."

 

"Thanks Susan, " Nancy writes down a list and hands it to her.

 

"Why don't I run home and pick these up for you." Susan says "I'll be back shortly."

 

"Ok." Nancy says.

 

Abby flips through Hilda's old magazines, not really paying any attention, waiting her turn.

"You can go in now," the nurse tells her.

Abby looks at Elizabeth, shrugs. ~Here goes nothing.~ "I won't be long," she tells her, and goes into Hilda's office.

 

"Ok." Liz says

 

Hilda rises from her chair and motions for Abby to sit down. "The examination can wait, first I want to know how you are doing."

 

"Well, I've been in some pain and I was taking something for it, but Tom wanted me to stop, so I did," Abby says, not speaking at all of anything other than the physical.

 

"What were you taking?"

 

"Just Tylenol. You know, that stuff isn't very effective--I took a little more than the maximum dosage and it didn't help much at all."

 

"Hmm, well Tylenol is fine but I highly discourage taking more than the maximum, and have you been resting?" She asks her.

 

"Well..." Abby tells her some of what's going on at home. "There hasn't been much time to rest."

 

"I can certainly understand that, but Abby the tylenol isn't going to work unless you do rest for the next week or so. I'm not saying you can't go and see Nancy at the hospital but only for short periods at a time and if someone else drives. And I'm not saying you can't be there to check out Elizabeth's tutor, but I am saying you still need plenty of bed rest."

 

"I can try," Abby sighs. "And if I do, the Tylenol will work?"

 

"Yes, and I still want to examine you."

 

"OK." Abby changes and prepares for the exam.

 

After Abby is ready, Hilda does the exam, and after she's done and Abby is dressed again. They sit down and go over the results.

"There's still some bleeding so I want to see you again next week just to be on the safe side."

"I guess it takes time to recover," Abby says, meaning more than just physically.

 

"Yes it does, physically as well as emotionally."

 

"But you do recover?"

 

"Yes, and if there's anything you need to talk about."

 

"When does it stop hurting so much? I don't mean my body."

 

"That will take time, it's not the same amount for everyone."

 

"So. Rest, moderate amounts of Tylenol, and see you in a week?"

She nods, "and if you need to talk call me."

 

"I will."

 

"Good."

 

A girl walks into the waiting room. "Elizabeth Bradford," she smiles, not nicely at all. "I guess you're not the sweet little girl you're made out to be, if you're here."

 

Elizabeth face turns red. "Then whats your excuse?"

 

"I'm not the one going around getting guys in trouble because I'm so 'pure and innocent'."

 

Elizabeth rushes out of there without saying a word.

 

Abby goes back out to the waiting room, only to find no Elizabeth there.

"Have you seen..." she asks the nurse.

"She rushed out of here a few minutes ago. She looked upset."

"Thanks." Abby goes outside in search of Elizabeth.

Elizabeth is in the car crying. When she sees Abby approaching the car, she hurries to wipe away her tears.

 

"Elizabeth? What's wrong?" Abby says, seeing Liz's red eyes.

"Allergies." she states.

 

"I didn't know you had allergies. In fact, I'm almost certain you don't."

 

Elizabeth looks at Abby and tells her what happened.

 

"I'm sorry," Abby says and hugs Elizabeth. "Why didn't you tell her you were just there for me?"

 

"She's a jerk, why bother."

 

"Because she's made you cry."

 

"Just when I think i have it under control."

 

Abby makes a quick decision. "I'm going to lean on the district to get you a tutor. And until they do, I'll work with you."

 

"Abby, you are supposed to rest, aren't you?"

 

"No, no. Hilda told me I'm doing really well. She said to take something if I hurt and to come back next week, but other than that, it's back to business for me."

 

"But won't there be a conflict?"

 

"It's only a few days."

 

"Do I have a choice?"

"If you'd rather go back to school instead..."

 

"No..." she says. "When do we begin?"

 

"Today?"

 

"But what about Nancy?" Liz asks.

 

"We can go visit her and then start in the afternoon."

 

"Just how tough are you..I mean as a Tutor." she asks. "Tommy told me stories, but he exaggerates."

 

"Hey, I may have been tough with Tommy, but he needed it. Your grades are much better."

 

"You can say that again." Liz states. "I swear he spends more time getting out of classes....." Liz stops in mid-sentence not wanting to tattle on her brother.

 

Abby files that piece of information away, then pretends she never heard it. "So, we have a deal?"

 

"Yeah." she says ~Whew, I just about blew it.~

 

"OK. So--we head to the hospital?"

 

"No problem." Elizabeth replies and drives to see Nancy.

 

Elizabeth parks the car. "Do you mind if I just drive home? I can pick you up when you are ready. I just don't feel like putting on a face for Nancy. Tell her I'll come by later tonight."

 

~If I tell her I'd like to go home, too, she'll know I lied to her about what Hilda said. Great.~ "You sure? You could just stay here and I won't tell her you're outside. I won't be long."

 

"Well....OK." she says.

 

"OK. I'll be back soon," Abby says and gets out of the car.

 

Elizabeth puts the car in park and is unaware someone is following her.

 

Nancy is in her room watching tv not knowing that Abby is about to come in.

 

"Anything good on?" Abby asks when she does walk in.

 

"Not really, Hi Abby."

 

"Hi. How are you feeling?"

 

"Better than yesterday, how are you doing?"

 

"Fine. Same as always."

 

"That's good, right?"

 

"Sure. It's great. You need anything?"

 

"No not really, I'm ok."

 

"OK." Abby sits down, then gets back up and looks at her watch.

 

"Do you have to be somewhere?"

 

"Yeah, but I didn't want to skip out on you. I promised I'd come today."

 

"It's ok if you have to be somewhere."

 

"I can try to come back later, or definitely tomorrow."

 

Nancy smiles.  "I'd like that."

 

"OK then. And in the meantime, if you think of anything you need, just get word to me."

 

"I will."

 

Abby gives Nancy a kiss and heads back outside to Elizabeth.

 

Later that night after Dinner, Elizabeth borrows the car to the hospital to Visit Nancy. She brings with her Nancy's favorite snacks.

"Hi Nancy."

 

"Hi sis." Nancy says. "You're a life saver." She says when she sees the snacks.

 

"I brought all your favorites."

 

"Thank you." She says.  "So how are things at home?"

 

"Ok, Abby started Tutoring me today."

 

"That's good, but I thought you all were waiting for a tutor to be sent to the house."

 

"You know Abby..." she says not wanting to worry Nancy about the incident at Hilda's office earlier in the day.

 

"Yeah." She says.

 

"So when do you get to come home?"

 

"In five days, don't tell me you miss my snoring already." She jokes.

 

Elizabeth laughs. "Well its too quiet." she kids.

 

"Even with Nicholas and Tommy around?"

 

"True." she says. "But still its not the same."

 

"I'll be out soon, if only I had chosen a different time to go and talk to David.  Talk about bad timing."

 

"I know."

 

"Did David ever mention what they were fighting about?  Him and that guy?"

 

"I heard bits and pieces."

 

"Which were?"

 

"From what I heard. David was having a fling with his friends girl."

 

"Whoah."

 

"And Dad was not pleased."

 

"He's not mad at David is he?"

 

"No not mad, just disappointed." Elizabeth says. "You could've been killed Nancy."

 

"But it's not David's fault, he didn't even know that I was coming over."

 

"I know...."

 

"Hey you want some of this stuff?" Nancy asks.

 

"No thats Ok, I just ate not too long ago."

 

"Ok,"  she says.  "How's Sam doing?"

 

"Fine. Abby said he got a big treat last night." She tells her about the Pie-Ala-Tom.

 

Nancy laughs.  "Poor dad though."

 

"I know, Abby said the look on his face was priceless." Elizabeth laughs.

 

Nancy also continues to laugh.

 

"What's so funny?" Tom asks as he walks in with snacks for Nancy.

 

"Hi Dad." Nancy says.

 

"Hi." Tom says.

"Hi Dad, we missed you at dinner." Liz says.

"Are there any leftovers?" Tom asks.

Elizabeth nods. "Abby's is keeping it warm." she says.

":Good." he replies.

"I brought you some snacks....." Tom says. "but it looks like someone beat me to it."

"Sorry Dad." Elizabeth says.

"You didn't answer my question, what was so funny earlier?" Tom asks.

"Nothing Dad." Liz replies. "You know Nancy, I better get home. Abby gave me a ton of homework."

 

"Drive carefully." Nancy says.  "Thanks Dad." Nancy says about the snacks.

 

"I will." elizabeth replies.

"Why don't you wait for awhile and I can follow you home." Tom says.

"Thanks Dad, but you don't want me to be in trouble with the tutor do you" Liz asks.

"I could write you a note." he jokes. "But no, go on. The last thing I need is a Parent Teacher conference....but on the other hand." he smiles.

"Dad you are so gross sometimes." Elizabeth laughs. "Bye Nancy."

 

"Bye sis."

 

After Elizabeth leaves Tom takes a seat. "Has Dr. Max come by?"

 

"Before Elizabeth got here, him and the Cardiologist and they say so far I'm mending right."

 

"That's great news."

 

"Dad how are you and Abby doing?"

 

"That's a loaded question, what do you mean specificlly?"

 

"Since losing the baby." She says.

 

"Oh." he frowns. "What can I say? It's been rough.Who'd thought after all these years, I was ready and willing to be a Father again."

 

"I know I could see it in your eyes."

 

"Ah well..It just wasn't meant to be."

 

"yeah."

 

"But everything will be Ok."

 

"I sure hope so."

 

"It will be." he assures her. Tom looks at his watch. "I better get home, I'll stop by in the morning before work. OK?"

 

"Ok, take care of yourself Dad, and of Abby."

 

Tom kisses her. "I will."

 

Nancy kisses him back. "Good."

 

"Now get some sleep."

 

"I don't wanna." She falls asleep.

 

Tom shakes his head and covers her up gives her a kiss. He turns out the light and goes home.

 

Elizabeth drives on her way home. Soon she realizes she is being followed. She tries to speed up but the car behind her slams into her bumper. She hits her head on the steering wheel. The car takes off after hitting her. Elizabeth pulls in the driveway and runs into the house up the stairs to her bedroom. She locks her door. After Tom visits Nancy he drives home. He sees the car Elizabeth was driving and sees the bumper "What the devil?" he says as he rushes in the house.

"Abby.....Elizabeth?" he shouts for.

 

"I'm up here," Abby calls out from their room.

 

Tom rushes up the stairs into their room. "Is Elizabeth OK?"

 

"I think so. She seems to be," Abby says, talking about what had happened that morning, not knowing about the accident.

 

"Have you seen the wagon? The whole back bumper has been caved in."

 

"Wagon? What happened to it?" Abby asks. "I was taking a nap," she apologizes.

 

"I don't know."  he says as he goes in search of Elizabeth.

Abby throws on a robe and follows him.

 

Tom knocks on Elizabeth door. "Elizabeth?" he asks as he tries to open the door. He is stunned to find it locked. "Elizabeth, open the door."

"Dad, I'm sorry about the car." she says through the close door as she holds her forehead.

"I don't care about the car, are you OK?" he says.

"Yeah, I am fine." she lies.

"Then let me in." Tom asks.

"Dad, can we please talk about this tomorrow. Please?" she begs.

Tom is frustrated. "Abby...."

 

"Elizabeth, please," Abby says.

 

Elizabeth relents and unlocks the door.

 

Abby takes a look at Elizabeth's face. "What happened?"

 

"I was driving home and from nowhere this car comes from behind and slams in back of me." she says tearfully.

Tom takes one look at her head. "I'm going to call Max."

 

Abby nods. "I'll stay with Elizabeth."

 

Tom leaves the room.

"Abby, I didn't want to tell Dad this, but I think it was done deliberately."

 

"Why do you think that?" Abby asks her.

 

"I don't know just a feeling I get."

 

"Do you have any feeling about who?"

 

"Don't you think it was too much of a coincidence about that girl showing up today at the Dr.'s office?"

 

"Maybe your father should call Officer Bernstein, too."

 

"Abby, they'll think I'm nuts."

 

"Of course they will--they think all we Bradfords are. But he'll still listen."

 

"I dont have any proof."

 

"They could check the car for paint chips, things like that."

 

Elizabeth shrugs. "Well one things for sure, I'm not leaving this house." she says as she lies down.

 

"You don't have to, not for now, at least," Abby assures her.

 

Tom dials Max's number.

 

Daisy answers.

 

"Daisy, Its Tom. Is Max There?" he asks urgently.

 

"Is something wrong?"

 

Tom tells her about Elizabeth

 

"He should be..." Daisy hesitates. "Wait--he's just pulling into the driveway. I'll go call him."

A few minutes later Daisy comes back. "He's on his way over to you, Tom."

 

"Thanks Daisy." he says as he hangs up the phone. He returns upstairs.

 

"Did you reach Max?" Abby asks.

 

He motions Abby out of the room.

"I'll be right back," Abby tells Elizabeth, "OK?"

 

"Yeah." she says.

 

Abby gives her a kiss and then heads out to the hallway with Tom.

 

"He's on his way..how is she?"

 

"Scared." She tells him about Elizabeth's suspicions.

 

Tom sighs. "Great...just great!."

 

"We have to do something about it. She can't just hide out at home the rest of her life."

 

"I'll go call Officer Bernstein."

 

"Tom, I was thinking--maybe I should go to Pasadena. Take Elizabeth with me. Let her get a little perspective away from her troubles."

 

"Normally I would fight you on this but..I dont have any better ideas..OK." he says. "It might do you both good, just remember where home is."

 

"Wherever you are," Abby says, and gives him a hug.

 

"I hope so." he states. "I'll go downstairs and wait for Max."

 

"And call Officer Bernstein," Abby reminds him.

 

Tom nods and goes to make that call but first he steps in his study and takes a drink from the liquor cabinet.

He then call the Sacramento Police Department.

 

The officer who answers connects him to Bernstein. "SPD. Bernstein speaking."

 

Tom tells him of the accident and Elizabeths feelings.

 

"Sounds a little far-fetched, Mr. Bradford."

 

"Could you just look into it please?" Tom asks out of frustration.

 

"Sure. What else do I have to do but check out Bradford family complaints?" Bernstein sighs.

 

"Thank you." Tom says ignoring his puns.

 

"You're welcome. Hey, Mr. Bradford?"

 

"Yes?"

 

"If I could arrange for some newspaper out of town to hire you, would you move?"

 

"Wouldn't it be easier to just ask for a transfer?"

 

"I'm getting there, I'm getting there," Bernstein sighs.

 

"Call me if you find out anything?" Tom asks.

 

"I will. And in the morning someone will be by to look at the car."

 

Abby goes back in to Elizabeth's room.

 

Meanwhile upstairs. "Is Dad upset about the car?"

"No. He's too worried about you and too glad you weren't hurt worse."

 

"I'm sorry Abby."

 

"There's nothing for you to be sorry about, Elizabeth."

 

"But you should be concerned with yourself."

 

"I'm fine, I told you. Hilda said so, so let's worry about you for a while, OK?"

 

"I wished I could say the same."

 

"If Dr. Max and the police say it's OK, would you like to come with me to my parents for a week or so? It might help, to get out of town."

 

Elizabeth quietly nods but is still wondering if someone is watching.

 

"I'll call my parents in the morning."

 

"Ok." she says.

 

The doorbell rings. Tom answers it.

 

"Hi, Tom," Max says as he walks in, bearing his black bag.

 

"Sorry to bring you out."

 

"You're the only family I still make housecalls for. Where's Elizabeth?"

 

"Upstairs." he states. "She hit her head pretty hard."

"You're really pushing for that medical expense tax break, aren't you? Well, let's go check her out."

 

"You go on ahead." Tom says. "I'll be right there."

Max looks at him oddly, but goes upstairs.

Tom retreats to his study for another quick drink. He then chews some gum.

 

Tommy comes in the back after seeing the car. He walks upstairs, "Hey, what happened?"

 

"What do you want me to tell him?" Abby asks Elizabeth.

 

"Are you kidding?  If he even suspects anyone is after me, he'll tear the school apart."

 

"We could just say you had an accident. From what your father said, it's pretty obvious, looking at the car."

 

"Ok."

 

Abby heads out into the hallway again. "Hi, Tommy."

 

"Hi, what happend to the Wagon?"

 

"Elizabeth got into an accident. I think she's OK, but Dr. Max is going to come by to see her soon."

 

"That was some accident."

 

"Yep." Abby pauses as Max comes up the stairs. "Hi," she says to him. "You want me to take you in to Elizabeth?"

 

"I think I know my way by now." he says. "I'll just be a few minutes."

 

"I'll go find Tom."

 

Tom opens the study and goes upstairs. As Abby walks towards the stairs, Tom comes up. He sees Tommy in the hallway. "Hi Son."

 

"Hi Dad."

"Is Max in with Elizabeth?" Toms asks

 

"Yeah." Tommy replies.

Tom wants to speak with Abby alone. "Tommy don't you have homework to do?"

"Uh...no, I mean yes." he says as he goes to his room. Tom doesn't pick up on his double meaning.

 

"Well, you know how to clear a room," Abby says.

 

"Huh?...Oh yeah." Tom says not getting what she is saying. "Our friendly police officer is going to check around."

 

"That's good. Elizabeth said she'd come with me to my parents. And since when do you chew gum?"

 

"Its better than Pie ala mode, isnt it?"

 

"I suppose..."

 

Max soon emerges from Elizabeths room.

"How is she?" Abby asks.

 

"Except for going to have a severe headache for the next few days? Shes going to fine." Max tells them. "She was very lucky she was wearing her seatbelt."

 

"Can she travel? I was thinking about taking her to visit my parents."

 

"I dont see why not, but I wouldnt advise her driving for a couple of weeks."

 

"I don't think she'd want to, anyway."

 

"Tom you really should get rid of the wagon, it is cursed." Max says.

"Thanks for the advice." Tom says.

"Anytime." Max says. "I can find my way out."

 

"Maybe we should just burn all the kids'  drivers licenses," Abby says.

 

"Then we would be Taxi drivers."

 

"Better than ambulance chasers."

 

"You never told me how your appointment went today, everything all right?"

 

"Oh, sure, everything's fine. She said I can go do whatever it is I need to do," Abby lies.

 

"Thats good." he says and he kisses her. "I'm going to go eat my dinner, want to sit with me?"

 

"Shouldn't I check on Elizabeth?" Abby says, wanting to go with Tom but not wanting to just abandon Liz.

 

"Go ahead, I'll wait."

 

"Why don't you go downstairs and get started? I'll be right down."

 

"Ok." he says.

 

…and found part 5