An adult stories – Comeuppance Pt. 03 by Texican1830,Texican1830 Comeuppance, Ch. 3
****
They slept so late they ordered supper in the room. It wasn’t better than standard hotel room service, but it served its purpose and gave them the opportunity to discuss and consider Jack’s revised plan. Janice was enthusiastic, believing it raised their odd significantly, so they called Donnie, who was helping his wife clean up the kitchen while the children played.
He put them on speaker so his wife would be included, and it was Donna who took the ball and ran. She and Janice were bouncing ideas off each other at a dizzying pace, growing ever more enthusiastic. At some point, about fifteen minutes in, Jack tried to rein them in so they could actually plan.
Donna told him to call Donnie on Janice’s phone, and they would continue.
“Reminds me of announcing you’re engaged to her girlfriends and never getting another word in until the wedding,” Jack observed.
Donnie laughed, admitted the ideas he heard sounded good to him, and suggested they leave THAT to the girls so they could talk business. Donnie reminded him of ranch problems that weren’t being addressed while he and Carl were in San Antonio, and told him his Segundo was needing direction ASAP.
After another fifteen minutes, Jack finally got around to asking, “So what’s the situation down there, in Austin, and in DC? And how did the attack get played to the media.
Reconcile with the statements Rene made earlier “Those captured never saw the inside of the Cow County jail cells. The feds suddenly appeared, listened to some of the interrogation, and took over the case. They whisked them out of here for parts unknown, probably.
The feds immediately fed the media a line of BS about a drug cartel, but ‘leaks’ developed this week after concerns were raised about another cover up.
“The media now have the story the Rangers and our Sheriff want them to have, which is an interesting mix of fact and fiction. You are mentioned, it being an attack on your ranch and all, but the heroes, or, I should say, heroines, of the media story are Janice and April.
“Although no direct accusations are made, the essence of the alternate story is that it wasn’t a drug cartel that carried out the attack. Rather, it was another attempt to recapture April and Janice by the remaining members of the sex cartel that enslaved them. They had survived capture, slavery, abuse, and torture to protect you from the evil intentions of corrupt and vile men, and then fought bravely when the gangsters came to kill you and recapture them.
“Their pictures are all over TV, newspapers, magazines, and the internet. Yours are too, but you aren’t a beautiful and heroically brave woman, so they are front and center and you are nothing more than a footnote… which I’m sure you appreciate.
“Understand, I’m only giving you the highlights, but try turning on your TV for an hour, or checking the news sites on the internet, and you’ll see what I mean.
“They haven’t found Janice yet, and the hospital won’t let anyone near April, but they are searching high and low for you and your sister, so be prepared. And, Jack: you might want to revise your public response when it comes to your heroic sister and wife, unless you want to become the center of a shitstorm about misogynistic and egoistic males.”
****
Forewarned and forearmed, Janice and Jack quickly checked out of the hotel and checked into a cheaper one on Loop 1604, between UTSA and the La Cantera shopping center. They used fictitious credentials from her old life that she had retained, “Just in case.” Ann Taylor had a New York address, and her traveling companion was simply listed as John.
After a few minutes of consideration, Jack called the unit where April was housed and asked if there had been any changes in her condition. The shift nurse, Nancy Jenkins, said April had become quite agitated about the number of news stories she had seen on TV detailing her troubled recent past, and by the number of news vehicles reporting live from outside the hospital.
The nurse also told them the hospital had to add security personnel to keep reporters from sneaking into the wing where April was a patient, and they were inundated by interview requests.
After hearing that, Jack asked how the hospital would feel about transferring her to BAMC’s Level 1 Trauma Center for increased security. Nurse Jenkins assured him she would approach her superiors with the idea and get back with him.
Less than an hour later, she called back with an administrator sharing the line. April’s doctors were concerned about the transport, but confident in the care she would receive at BAMC. The hospital administration was happy to arrange the transfer, as Fort Sam was much better prepared for the media onslaught than they were. As it was all happening on Jack’s dime and insurance, his approval was the first step, but they still had to convince the patient.
Janice suggested they tell her the move would put her in the same hospital as Carl and provide a better buffer against the press0. The nurse relayed that she actually showed a spark for a moment before making the choice to move, but settled back into melancholy almost immediately after. They also warned that her memory of events and people was spotty, which wasn’t unusual after the kinds of trauma she suffered, which included a concussion not immediately treated due to her life-threatening injuries.
This was news to Jack and Janice; they pressed the nurse and administrator for more information, which they would not provide due to ‘privacy concerns.’ ‘Or liability,’ Jack thought, ‘because you’ve already violated HIPPA.’
The transfer occurred in the dead of night, around 2 am, using an ambulance designed specifically to transport patients with cervical and spinal injuries. Janice got the news after breakfast via a phone call from Nurse Jenkins. She wished them luck and asked that they forget her name; her job was on the line if others learned of her beyond-the-call-of-duty assistance… and privacy violations.
Reassured no one would hear it from them, she asked that updates be provided from time to time, to which Janice agreed.
****
They wrote their loving notes, went flower shopping, and then to BAMC. They were told Carl was being allowed to awaken on his own, and they expected that to happen sometime today. They agreed to call Jack if it happened, and he and Janice agree to return immediately when it did.
They identified themselves to the staff at The Spine Center, and were required to provide documentation. They had nothing to show that April had denied visitors, but she was engaged in testing and evaluation, so she would not be available for several hours; most likely until early afternoon.
“So, do we stay, wander, and wait, or go through the long, drawn-out processes of checking out and in?” his sister asked.
“Let’s look for a place to stay that’s closer. We can get our clothes and stuff, check out, and maybe do a little shopping for Clay and April. I have no idea what to get them, but I’m sure you do.”
They were at the Shops at La Cantera by 11 and across the interstate at Academy Sports and Outdoors at 12:30. Still nothing from the hospital at 1:40, so they headed south on 10, caught 410 east, and made their way to the Estancia del Norte Hotel. It was near North Star Mall, the Airport, had several good restaurants nearby, and offered several shortcut options for getting to BAMC.
Although they hadn’t been called, at three they headed over to the hospital, as much to avoid the 4-7 traffic madness as anything else. By the time they made it past the guards, parked, and hiked through the hospital, it was nearing four. Clay was closer, so they stopped by there first and were told he was talking to his doctors but should be free soon.
The nurse that shared that news was smiling and holding up a notepad saying to call them if he awoke. “Perfect timing – I was about to call you! He woke up on his own about an hour ago, so we’ve been running all the tests and evaluations. I shouldn’t tell you this, but, other than lost memories of the explosion, which is normal with this kind of TBI, he seems fine!”
An hour later, they were certain he was weak but getting better by the minute. “Thanks for coming by and telling stories. Believe it or not, I heard everything you said, but I just couldn’t respond. Still, in my head I was laughing and joining in.”
“We kept telling them we detected movement! They doubted us, but the machines agreed, so they let us keep doing it. Glad you were listening in!”
Clay suddenly grew thoughtful, then serious. “No one will tell me what happened to April – is she okay?”
Janice glanced at her brother, and then replied, “She’s injured, but alive and in recovery. They haven’t let us see her because she hasn’t allowed visitors. We’ve been leaving her notes and cards with notes inside, and Donnie and Donna just started a mail campaign down home, so we’re hopeful. Speaking of, have you gotten any mail yet?”
“Probably. They said they had something for me, but it would have to wait until tomorrow because ‘you need to eat, talk to your friends, and rest.’
“Hearing ‘Donnie’ reminded me – tell me about the fight. I assume we won, but did we have any casualties?”
“Not that we’re aware of,” Jack answered, “but the bad guys did. The wall in front of you and April was hit by a RPG, so you two had the worst of it. Part of the wall fell on top of her, so she’s got some back and neck injuries that we heard they stabilized. We don’t know for sure because she didn’t put us on her list of people the doctors can talk to, so we’re hoping to see her and learn more.”
Clay looked skeptical. “So, you don’t seem as pissed off at her, Jack. In fact, you seem concerned.”
Jack sighed, glanced at Janice, and answered his friend/cousin. “I’ve made a few concessions since she and sister over there broke into my house and took up arms against the bad guys. I don’t see a future for our marriage, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care about her, and Sis. They fought courageously, just as you did, our sheriff and deputy did, and our trooper did; Alfred too, for that matter.
“We hear,” Janice interjected, “that news media has gone gaga over the story, and that everyone involved is being stalked. We got April moved here from University so she could have privacy, and we’ve changed hotels twice since we found out, just hoping to keep them at bay.”
“Yeah, Cuz, it seems the two selfless and courageous warrior women not only saved my life through their heroic actions in Washington, but also saved all of us in the gunfight! You’re mentioned as another casualty, and I’m mentioned as the cuckhold husband and ranch owner, but the rest of the story is about Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel saving us – mostly me – from death and destruction.”
Clay was grinning from ear to ear. “Sooo, Cuz, that means you’re going to be the villain in this story when it gets out you’re divorcing Captain Marvel?”
Janice burst out laughing. Jack made a face and said, “Pretty much. But I’ve always been the asshole in that relationship, since April can do no wrong. Besides, it will all pass over soon enough, and we can get on with living in reality.”
Clay’s smile faded, he looked thoughtful, and then said, “Brother, I’m starting to wonder. It seemed so clear-cut when we watched the films, but I know the character of these two, and seeing them back on the ranch… I’ll be honest: I’m starting to lean their way.”
Jack could feel Janice’s eyes sending rays his way, but he simply replied, “I’m not convinced, but I’ll admit my mind is not as certain as it once was. Don’t know how that will play out, but right now we need to get you and April well!”
“Since you’re using two walking sticks, Cuz, it seems you might need to include yourself in that plan,” Jack replied with a raised eyebrow.
“Minor flesh wounds – nothing like you and April have endured.”
Janice demurred. “Well, other than basically dying on the way to San Antonio and having a few gallons of blood poured into him to replace that he left all over the ranch and house, he’s fine. His doctors did want him to stay in the hospital until tomorrow, but Superman can’t stay still that long, so here we are!”
Clay had just begun asking for a replay of the battle when his nurse came in to check and medicate him, and ran them off. “Check the visiting hours on your way out; I’m holding you to them for the next few days. He needs rest and therapy too.”
He was whining as they left and made their way to the Spine Center, where they were again rebuffed. “She asleep now and she doesn’t sleep enough. Check back tomorrow.”
They ate supper at Salt Grass Steakhouse, after which Jack talked to Donnie and Janice talked to Donna. Jack was told a retired ranch manager, Bud Allee, and young cowhand named Jose were taking care of cattle and crops, and the construction crew had been cleared by law enforcement to begin the demo and reconstruction of the bedroom. It had even rained six inches over the past five days, so the crops and graze were green, the cattle and wildlife were getting fat, and the river was full to flooding.
The women were still chatting, so Jack called the sheriff to get an update. No answer, so he called Elias. Their call was cordial, but nothing had changed; the feds had the gangsters and weren’t sharing information. With Janice distracted, Jack did a little more research on the ‘honorable gentleman’ behind the attack, and began developing the framework of a plan. As powerful and connected as he was, he would not evade his comeuppance.
****
“I was instructed to inform you that she is not receiving visitors at this time; however, she designated both of you as ‘personal representatives’ for the purpose of viewing her medical records. If you will accompany me the conference room, I’ll provide them to you and answer questions you may have.”
“Thank you, Captain Allen. Let us skim over them to see if what questions we have, so you can return to your duties.” Jack buried himself in the documents Janice was already reviewing. Halfway down the page he stopped. “Captain, what does this diagnosis mean: ‘ASIA D: a motor incomplete injury with more than half of the muscle groups anti-gravity’?”
“E is the best score after evaluation; basically, you have no impairment. D is next; you have some impairment, but most of your muscles work. If Mrs. Armstrong would apply herself, she can return to a normal life with possibly some rather minor motor control issues. The idea of limping, along with the minor scaring on her face, neck, and shoulders, seems to have stymied her; she just won’t put in the effort necessary to work and heal the muscles and nerves.
“Has she always been this vain and self-centered?”
Jack’s initial reaction was to defend his wife, but Janice answered, “As her best friend, I say with confidence: yes. Jack won’t agree because she adores him so she controls it better, but, yes, she’s vain, self-centered, and spoiled. Daddy’s little princess grew up to be Jack’s princess, and, while I love her to death, knowing she will have scars on that beautiful face and body, that she may not walk with the grace of an angel, and her husband intends to divorce her… yeah, she’s not gonna try.”
“Divorce?” Captain Allen asked with a frown. “Didn’t she get hurt trying to help protect you?”
Jack took in a breath and released a deep sigh. “It’s a long, complicated, and messy story, but yes, I filed for divorce, and served her two days before the battle broke out. If you think it will help, I’ll pull it for now. Also, she’s on my insurance, and I’ll pay the deductible for any cosmetic surgery she needs, face or body. Tell her that, but tell her that’s contingent on her giving rehab her best effort.
“I may kill her as soon as she’s completely well, but I’ll do whatever I can to help her get well.”
“She has a ways to go before she even gets to rehab, but I’ll tell her what you said. Can I also tell her you’re not going to divorce her?”
Another deep sigh, and then he nodded. “Okay. But I reserve the right to wring her pretty neck when she’s fully healed.”
“I’m not going to tell her that, but I’ll convey the rest. What about you, BFF?” asked the Captain.
“Tell her Jack and I have made up, and we can’t wait for her to join us and Clay, who is doing quite well. Tell her the whole town is behind her, and she had better get ready to read some mail, email, and social media. Also, tell her Jack is calling her Captain Marvel to our friends, so she needs to get nimble, quick, and strong!
“And then tell her if she doesn’t let us come visit, we’re going to break into her room, get arrested, and thrown in the brig! Or whatever you call military jail.”
Captain Allen laughed. “It may not be word for work, but I’ll let her know what both of you said, and I’ll take her the mail as soon as it arrives. I hope that it will be in the batch that arrives at noon. Be sure to check back in an hour and I’ll let you know her response.”
Clay was actually returning from the restroom when they came into his room. He was as weak as a newborn calf, but he gave them each a gentle hug, and bragged, “No catheter!” They congratulated him, and Jack asked if that meant he could leave.
“They told me it might be next week, but I’m gonna fool ’em! Now, how’s April?”
****
Clay and April each got a sack of mail after lunch, for dessert. The captain told them that April seemed pleased by all she had been told, that she got tears in her eyes when she learned Jack had stopped the divorce, and again when she heard he and Janice had made up. She didn’t agree to visitors, but she did work much harder at the exercises they gave her, and she sobbed when she got all the mail.
Hours later Captain Allen found her with letters and cards all around her, on the bed and floor. She looked exhausted, and a bit stunned. She looked up at her, sobbed once, and quietly said, “I had no idea. I feel so bad about what I’ve done, I thought everyone else knew what an evil slut I turned out to be and hated me as much as I hate myself.
“I don’t know how to face them, much less Jack. It’s not just the hideous scars and crippled legs; I loathe myself so much that feeling his loathing is more than I can stand!”
Captain Allen kept a neutral face, but her words had bite. “I don’t know the man you’re talking about, April. There is a man named Jack who comes every day, but all I see in his eyes is concern and caring. I’m pretty good at reading people, so if he loathes you he’s fooling me.
“As to the ‘hideous scars’, they are actually quite superficial, and the man named Jack that I talk to says he will ensure you get all the cosmetic surgery you need to look as beautiful as always – but only after you’re up and about. The exercises we’re asking you to do are introductory to the rehabilitation that can restore your mobility, but only you can determine how well you’ll walk and run, or sashay about on high heels.
“Whether you have hideous scars and are a cripple a year from now is entirely your choice. So is seeing your friends and loved ones while you’re ‘hideous and crippled,’ of course, but let me ask this: do you want to tackle the hard work and difficulties ahead with or without support from those who care about you? You seem to be trying to wallow in your sorrow, which is a big impediment to overcoming your challenges.
“If you let your best friend, Janice, your ‘favorite cousin’, Clay, and the man named Jack into your room for a visit, how will that set you back? You’re stuck on dead center – well, absent the effort you expended this afternoon after you got the mail – so, what do you have to lose?”
Maybe it was the pep talk; maybe it was the next sack of mail, or getting on social media to see the live and recorded “get well” chants, songs, and dances to which she’d been sent links in the mail – for some reason, the next day she added Janice to the approved visitors list.
Jack was disappointed, but returned to Clay’s room to talk, laugh, and plan. While he was there, they called Bud Allee’s cell and got an update on the cattle. They had opened the gates to the nearer pastures, where there was plenty of graze, so they were doing good. He then warned them they needed to hire someone to farm the crops, because he and Jose had no idea how to farm but the maize, corn, haygrazer, and coastal Bermuda all looked like they needed attention. They asked whom he suggested, and he sent them a contact from his iPhone.
It was a man they knew and trusted, so Jack made the call, and Tomas Martinez agreed to go take a look before dark. He would call tomorrow to let them know what needed to be done, and would have an estimate of the cost of his contracted labor.
Their next call was to Alfred, who was in his room in the barndomenium rather than in the basement. “Time to change things up, Bossman,” he informed Jack. “These dudes are pretty good. They’re not as good as me by any means, but good enough that I have to come at our problem from various angles, if you know what I mean. I’m going for a ride in few minutes, but I’ll call when I get a chance.”
“Going for a ride?” Clay asked after they hung up.
“That means he’s moving to another location,” Jack replied, “in case they get lucky and trace him. It also means the man we’re after is well protected in cyberspace too.”
Janice showed up a few minutes after their conversation with Alfred, but she wasn’t as ebullient as expected after getting to see her BFF. When queried, she hemmed and hawed, before insisting, “April is in a lot of pain, she has a lot of small wounds on that beautiful face, and she’s not sure she’ll ever walk again. It was good to see her, but also disturbing. Maybe tomorrow will be better.”
She wouldn’t share more, so they talked, reminisced, and updated her on the ranch before they returned to the hotel room.
Clay called while they were eating breakfast the next morning to let them know he would be released today after meeting with the Otolaryngologist about his ears. They waited for him to be released, and then took him with them to April’s unit. She wouldn’t see either man, but Janice went in to visit carrying her laptop.
Clay and Jack went down to the cafeteria, sipped coffee, and talked quietly. Some of the conversation was about April’s stubborn refusal to see them, some about the purpose of the laptop Janice took, and some was about the man Alfred was stalking – the man who ordered the hit on Jack and the two women.
Jan allowed in; they talk. Second day, Jan brings laptopMeanwhile, Albert makes contact on dark web with rough characters willing to participateUnable to see April, Jack goes homePlans madeApril’s gynecologist