A Snowy Night

Part 23

By Kellie

Danny left Ross and David talking with Ray. They were going over how to get Carmen to talk without it turning into entrapment. Ray was going to ask Carmen to have lunch with him tomorrow at Company. If everything went as planned, Ross would have what he needed to go to the judge and have the conviction overturned. Ross told him and Rick that it would take a few days to do this the right way and they would have to be patient. Danny wanted to go tell Michelle everything that was happening, but he didn’t want to put her through the torture of getting her hopes up and having it all fall apart again.

Danny walked back down to Pilar’s room. He stood at the window and saw her talking with Dr. Bradford. She looked so much better than she had the other night when he had visited. At that moment he knew that she would come through this, and maybe be stronger for it in the long run. "Now, if things go as planned tomorrow, Mama won’t be able to hurt any of us anymore."

Danny turned and left, knowing that he shouldn’t disturb the session. He walked down to the cardiac ward to inquire about Jesse’s condition. He walked up to the nurses’ station and saw Lillian Raines reviewing a chart. She looked up and spoke, "Danny, what are you doing here?"

"I came down to find out how Jesse’s doing. Do you know anything?"

"Well, I came up on my break to do the same thing. Dr. Grant is reviewing the test results with Jesse right now. He seems to be improving according to his chart. How’s Michelle holding up?"

"She was a wreck when I left the jail. I had to tell her about Jesse’s condition and Lizzie. It killed me to leave her so upset. At least I can give her good news about Jesse. How’s Lizzie?"

"That granddaughter of mine is a real trooper. The rest of us – well we’re all in shock. Lizzie’s just taking it all in stride. She’s convinced that Uncle Rick will make sure she gets well. I know she’s got to be scared, but she’s putting up a brave front with everyone," Lillian commented as Dr. Grant walked up.

"Danny, Jesse saw you through the doorway and asked me to send you in. Don’t stay too long, he needs his rest," Dr. Grant remarked as he reached for the chart in Lillian’s hand.

Danny nodded at the doctor and looked at Lillian. "Give Lizzie a hug for Michelle. I know that she would want me to ask that of you."

"Of course, Danny. I know that you will find a way to prove Michelle didn’t do this. It’s all going to work out," Lillian responded.

Danny walked towards Jesse’s door and entered the room, "Hey, Jesse. How are you doing?"

"I’m going to be fine in a few days. There’s nothing to worry about. I hope you haven’t told Michelle about my visit to Cedars."

"Actually, I have told her. She’s really worried about you. What did Dr. Grant say?"

Jesse looked up at Danny, "Basically, I had a reaction to a new medication they gave me. I have to take these anti-rejection drugs for the rest of my life since I’ve had an organ transplant. The doctor prescribed a new type of drug during my check up last week. Well, my old prescription ran out the day before the verdict and I switched to the new drug. It caused a rapid heartbeat. Dr. Grant just told me that my heart rhythm was back to normal and they switched me back to the old medication. They’re going to keep me here another day or two for monitoring, but I’m going to be fine."

"Michelle’s going to be relieved to hear that. I’m glad you’re alright."

"Danny, have you made any progress at clearing Michelle?"

"Actually, we have two things going our way right now. Ross and David Grant are working on one of them right now. Frank and Bill have found where Matt took Vanessa. They’re on the way to see them as we speak. Hopefully, one of these things will work out and free Michelle."

"David Grant is trying to help Michelle? He was convinced that she was guilty. What happened?"

"I don’t know all the details, but I think Michelle let him have it the other night at the jail. She’s told me stories about playing in the hallways here with David when they were kids. I guess she read him the riot act about not believing in her."

"Yeah, Michelle has a way of making a point when she wants to," Jesse remarked.

"Don’t I know it," Danny replied as they both laughed. "Listen, I need to get down to the jail. It’s time for evening visiting hours and Michelle needs to hear your good news. Take care."

"Danny – tell Michelle – well give her," Jesse paused. Telling Danny to give Michelle his love when you considered their past relationship seemed awkward.

"It’s okay, Jesse. I’ll know what you want me to tell her. Michelle’s your friend and it’s all right with me. A year ago, I couldn’t have said that, but now – well things are different."





Chapter 24

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