Page 26 of Heart Strain

10

Jameson

Holden and I have fallen into a comfortable rhythm over the last several days. It doesn’t ease the pain of Drix not waking up, not by a long stretch, but there’s something calming about our routine. I get up early enough to play with Simba and Nala each morning before I leave to get Holden, we’ve now made it a habit to stop at Dunkin Donuts for coffee, then on to the hospital for several hours. The staff at Dunkin’s voices are beginning to brighten when I place our order each morning, and as ridiculous as it sounds, it helps. I haven’t said anything to Holden about it, but I saw the small smile appear on his face this morning when the women immediately chirped, Hey guys, morning. While maybe a small thing, it’s one of those little elements I hold onto as a sign that Drix is going to be okay.

“Holden, what do you want to do for lunch today?” I ask.

As usual, he wears sadness like a cloak while he sits by Drix’s side praying for movement; fluttering eyelashes, a flexed finger, a wiggling toe would even do. “Hmm… this is what our life has become. What to eat next.” He manages a weak smile in my direction.

Before I can respond, there’s a loud, authoritative knock on the door. The fact Holden jumps in his chair is a clear indication that it startles him as much as it does me. Irritation shoots through me, making me irrationally angry that someone would disturb our solitude in such an obnoxious manner. Then I realize why as Chief Caputo, with my brother and cousin right behind him, strides in.

In a low murmur only I can hear, Holden says, “Oh good, Foxy, the three stooges are here.”

My uncle’s glare settles on me as I choke trying not to laugh inappropriately, but Holden really is funny. As my uncle strides farther into the room, he pastes a downtrodden expression on his face as he gazes down at Drix. Larry and Curly—the names they shall forever be in my head thanks to Holden—stand behind my uncle appearing equally forlorn. The atmosphere becomes heavy with grief as they stand over him as if this is his casket and they’re coming to pay their last respects.

After a weighty moment of silence, my uncle turns his attention to me first. “Officer Fox, why don’t you give us some time with Holden? I’ve heard you’re up here every day, so I’m sure you can use a break.” Then flashing Holden a slight smile, he adds, “And I bet you’re up for a few new faces.”

Holden tenses beside me, then saves me the trouble of responding. “Actually, I enjoy having Jameson here with me. It’s been nice getting to know each other.” Holden’s voice is low and quiet compared to my uncle’s booming tone. Whether he realizes it or not, Holden has chastised him for coming in here and disturbing our peace.

My brother, Jovany, rolls his eyes, but remains silent. Cappi however, not one capable of reading a room without clear instruction, steps up to my uncle’s side, bows his chest, and says, “Well, we wanna get to know you again, too, Holly. It’s been years. If Jameson is going to make a pest of himself, let him at least go get us all coffee while we chat.” Not even facing me, he continues, “And, Jameson, I don’t like the dishwater the hospital serves, so run down to Starbucks for me, huh?”

My brother stiffens, but before I can get distracted by his reaction, my uncle says through gritted teeth, “Holden just said he wants Jameson here, Detective Caputo. We need to honor his wishes.”

Cappi’s narrowed eyes turn to me in irritation, properly chastised by his father, and obviously pissed at me for it. I haven’t spent any real time with my family in years, but Cappi appears to be losing brain cells with age—not that he ever was the sharpest guy.

“Anyway, what are the doctors saying, Holden?” my uncle asks in full Chief mode.

“There’s nothing to be done right now. It’s a waiting game, as I’ve passed on to you through the department.” This is such an unusual side of Holden. Since he’s been back in town, I’ve witnessed him grief-stricken, silly, sassy, but most off all kind. Drix’s doctors love him because he can understand their language and treats them with professionalism and respect. There isn’t a nurse on this floor who isn’t charmed by how courteous he is and how appreciative he treats them for everything they do. The only two times I’ve seen this man show any glimmer of agitation was when he politely asked me to stop calling him Holly and the first time these stooges showed up.

The room becomes oppressive under the weight of my uncle’s appraisal of first Holden, then me. “Yes, well”—he clears his throat—“I’m sorry it’s taken us so long to make it back over here. I had high hopes that Officer Weston would wake up before we came back.”

Holden nods before focusing back on Drix. The way he shuffles in his seat, the tilt of his shoulder, and even the mask that slips over his face makes it clear that Moe, Larry, and Curly are dismissed. When my uncle’s hard eyes flick toward me, there’s not a doubt in my mind I’ll be the one paying for what he considers Holden’s disrespect. For once, I don’t mind. In fact, seeing Holden get to him gives me a lift I haven’t felt since we picked up the kittens, so I grin at him. “I’ll be sure to call in if there are any updates, Chief Caputo. We appreciate you stopping by,” I say dismissively.

The inevitable explosion is delayed when Nurse Caroline walks into the room. “Excuse me, gentlemen. I need to discuss a few things with Holden about his brother. The only person he’s authorized to be in the room for updates is Jameson.”

The chief goes for it one last time. Holden’s no dummy so I know he recognizes it for the fig leaf it is when the chief says, “Oh, I’m sure Mr. Weston doesn’t mind us staying.”

“It’s Dr. Weston, actually. As much as I appreciate all the department is doing, until Hendrix wakes up, I’d prefer to hear direct updates with family only. As Jameson said, it was nice for you to come. Hopefully, we’ll have good news for you soon.”

The urge to throw my fist in the air while whooping out loud is strong, but I manage to suppress it. Before they turn to exit the room, my uncle says, “Okay, then.” He rubs his hands down his jacket, tugging on it at the bottom. “Holden, we’ll talk to you soon. Jameson,” he concludes, the anger radiating from him in waves, “you need to make sure you get your counseling scheduled. And be sure to ask if it’s healthy how much time you’re spending up here. It may delay your return to work.”

After the door shuts behind them, Nurse Caroline says, “I really don’t have an update, but I was standing outside the room, and it sounded a little… uncomfortable in here. I wanted to give you guys an out if you needed it.”

While I’m dumbfounded by her consideration, Holden chuckles, then says, “I knew that, but thankfully, they didn’t. That was a good call, Nurse Caroline. Thank you.”

“We’re full service around here.” She giggles before continuing, “And this isn’t the first time we’ve had the pleasure of Chief Caputo around this floor. We know he can be…”

“A bit much?” I supply when her voice trails off.

“Exactly. I’ll be back to check in on Hendrix in a bit. If you two need anything, feel free to buzz me.”

“Well, that was interesting,” I say as I watch the nurse exit the room.

“Jameson, what is with your family?”

“I’ve told you. They didn’t exactly appreciate my coming out. It was an embarrassment to the whole family.”

“And that’s all? Are you sure? Because I’m sure your brother and cousin have told your uncle I’m gay. I don’t think there was anyone associated with the school when we went through who didn’t think it was their business to comment on my weirdness or my sexuality. They treat me decently enough.” He holds up his hand. “Granted, I understand they don’t want me suing the department for anything, but I sense real hatred toward you. Talk to me, Foxy.”

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