Steele Alone for the Holidays - Part IX    

    "Mr. Steele, you have to take your medication now.  We generously skipped your last dose but I'm afraid we have to follow the doctor's orders," the nurse smiled apologetically.

    "And just when will Dr. Cooper be returning?"  Remington said ducking his head further into the pillow to avoid the pills.

    "He won't be in till later this evening Mr. Steele, and he was quite specific about his instructions.  He made it a point for me to mention that either I give you these or Nurse Togley will."

    Remington remembered the five foot two, two hundred-fifty pound woman from a few days ago.  She was adamant Remington was going to use the bed pan instead of going to the bathroom in his private room.  It was a battle he wasn't about to lose but she gave him a run for his money nonetheless.

    "Nurse Togley?"  Remington cringed.  "No doubt she'll be looking for a rematch," he concluded.  He wasn't sure he'd come out the victor if they crossed paths today.  Truth be told, he was in pain and it was increasing by the minute.  "Bugger this," he said holding out his hand for the medication.

    Daniel observed his son from the doorway.  His heart threatening to overflow with the pride and love he felt.  He was concerned about the outcome of his revelation but it couldn't be put off any longer.   Coming further into the room he placed the flowers he'd brought on the table and dropped a few magazines on Remington's lap.  Sitting in the chair next to the bed he got comfortable before turning his attention to his boy.  "Threat of Simpson?"

    "Worse," Remington said dryly.  "Togley."

    "Good Lord," Daniel grimaced.  "No wonder you took them.  Can't say I blame you on that one dear boy.   That woman gives me the creeps.  Did I tell you she used to work with Dr. Gordon?"

    "Your proctologist?"  Remington shrieked and sat up.  He immediately regretted the movement and fell back against the pillows.

    "Easy," Daniel chided.  "The very same."

    "Daniel, no man should have intimate knowledge of her bedside manner."

    "Tell me about it.  I think Dr. Gordon got his fair share of complaints from his patients about Nurse Togley," Daniel looked at his well manicured hands.  "She's married, you know."

    "Stop it, Daniel.  This conversation just keeps getting worse and worse," Remington complained.  "So, what brings you by anyway?  You were here this morning.  I don't want you wearing yourself out for me." 

    "I'd do anything for you my boy.  You know that."

    Something in Daniel's voice caused Remington to look over in question.  "Sure I do Daniel," Remington tapped him on his shoulder.  "Flowers?  Daniel, really."

    His father put his hands up in protest.  "Don't blame me Harry, those were Laura's idea." 

    Remington frowned at the mention of Laura.  "That reminds me, I've been wanting to talk to you.  Daniel, what's Laura doing here anyway?  Has something happened at the agency?  Was she trying to get a hold of me before I got worked over?"

    Wondering whether he should tell him the truth caused Daniel a few seconds of delay.  He couldn't lie to Remington, not again.   Squaring his shoulders he took a breath and forged ahead.

    "No Harry, she isn't here on business.  Truth is, I asked her to come.  I needed her advice on something of the utmost importance.  You see, it's about you dear boy, and I realize that I can't keep this a secret any longer."

    Silence settled into the room causing Daniel to look over at the bed.  Remington was sound asleep.  Leaning over, Daniel smoothed a lock of Remington's dark hair from across his eye.  "So much for confessions, eh?"

    ###

    Laura slammed the phone down and paced the floor of Daniel's study.  Her contacts hadn't come up with any leads on who set out to rearrange Remington's face and why.  Frustration was another part of Laura's job that she had never warmed up to.  Picking up the telephone she dialed the hospital and left a message at the nurse's station for Daniel to call home before leaving.  One of the nurses must have personally walked the message in to Daniel because fifteen minutes later, he was on the line.

    "Daniel, I've got to search Remington's hotel room.  I wasn't able to get any information from my contacts.  There has to be something Remington discovered before he was attacked.  I need his suite key, but I don't want him to know I need it."

    "You think he won't wonder why I'm asking for his suite key?  He's bound to put two and two together and get you Laura."

    "Not if you say you need it to bring some of his personal items to him.  If you cater to his vanity Daniel, I'm sure he won't suspect a thing.  You know how Mr. Steele is about his toiletries.  He's probably chomping at the bit by now," Laura smiled at the thought.  She loved him, but he was as vain as they came.

    "Quite right Laura, I'll be home as soon as I can.  He's sleeping right now, they finally forced him to take more pain medication.  Apparently he caved quicker than expected."

    "What persuasion did they use?" 

    "Togley," Daniel chuckled.

    Laura made a face.  "That'd do it for me too."

    Daniel hung up and surveyed Remington.  He called his name quietly a few times and when he didn't get an answer he headed for the closet.  Finding an inside pocket on Remington's tattered coat, Daniel gingerly lowered a hand inside.  When his skin came in contact with a plastic card he smiled.  Pulling Remington's room key out he quietly closed the door behind him.

    Two hours later, Laura leaned back against the headboard of Remington's bed and smiled.  It was obvious that her lover and associate had picked up a thing or two from her.  There was a battered manilla folder with information from the orphanage he grew up in and personal notes from the director.  Laura scanned other leads in Remington's handwriting.  The back of one paper was littered with addresses and the names of families he'd been shuffled to over the years.  All were lined through, no doubt dead ends.  The last family, Chester, had three stars by it.  Jumping up from the bed Laura excitedly stacked the paperwork into a neat pile and placed it back into the folder.  Dialing Daniel's number she waited for him to answer.

    "I think I've found something," she said excitedly.  "I've got the address of the last adopted family Remington must have visited.  It's the only one not crossed through so I'm sure he visited them.   Who knows, maybe it was the last place he went before ending up in the hospital."

    After hearing the family name, Daniel's lip curled in distaste.  He knew them by reputation only.  Daniel didn't trust the Chester clan as far as he could throw a case of whiskey.  "All right, but we go together Laura, and that's final.  It would be unconscionable to send a woman to that house alone.  And don't argue Linda, I meant no offense."  

    Laura smiled into the phone.  "None taken."

    ###

    "Now see ere' Simon, don't go wastin' me money on nonsense," Peter chided. 

    The muscles on his son's forearm bulged from exertion.  The man across from him expelled a loud breath as he concentrated on pushing his opponent's arm further to the table.  Simon felt like his arm would snap in two at any moment but this was too important to lose.  His father was watching and he refused to look like a sod in front of him.  Doubling his efforts, Simon pulled strength from deep inside.  Steadily, his arm moved farther away from the table top in an arch across his chest and slammed down on the other side of the worn, wooden table.

    The crowd cheered loudly and rushed to congratulate Simon on his victory.  His chest swelled with pride as he pocketed the pound notes he'd won on the arm wrestling match. 

    "Not too shabby for one night's work, eh father?"

    "Indeed, considering you're not smart enough to get a real job," Daniel spoke up from behind them.

    Father and son turned in unison to glare at the interloper.  "Bit o' warning mate," Peter got in Daniel's face.  "The last man that insulted us wasn't able to walk out of ere' on his own."

    Taking a step back to rid himself of the stench of cheap cigars and stale liquor, Daniel arched an eyebrow.  "Well, it's a good thing I always bring back up," Daniel nodded over Peter and Simon's shoulders.

    The two men turned around noticing the bulky gentlemen standing off to the side.  Their presence curiously observed by the regulars.  The crowd took a few steps back giving Daniel and his group a wide berth.  Laura approached Peter.  "When was the last time you saw Remington Steele?"

    "Who?" Peter replied nastily.

    "Laura took out a picture of Remington and almost shoved it into the older man's face.  "Recognize him now?"

    "Don't know what you're talking about tart."

    Daniel nodded to one of his body guards.  The big man came over and slammed Simon into a nearby table.  "How about now?" 

    Peter frowned and contemplated not answering at all, until the body guard moved for Simon again.  "Ok, damn you!  He popped round our flat earlier.  Asking questions and hurlin' insults.  We didn't have no answers for him and same thing applies to you.  So let go of me son and quit botherin' us."

    Daniel grabbed Peter by his shirt and slammed him against the bar.  "Afraid not, mate.  I'd wager you know more than you're telling.  You see, someone decided to rough up Mr. Steele pretty good.  I'd wager that the bastards that did it are looking me right in the eye."

    "We didn't have nothin' to do with it.  We been ere' all night and that's the truth!"  Simon yelled from his spot on the floor."

    "Martin?"  Daniel called out.

    "Wait!" Peter pleaded.  "We ain't lyin.'  Sure, we wanted to get back at 'im for spoutin' all that filth about us.  Acting like we was beneath him.  The Mrs. and I did what it took to survive.  Reggie was just a boy and those checks we was gettin' came in real handy."

    "You're right, he was just a boy and you took advantage of him, you bastard!"  Laura railed.  "Your family used and abused him and you should rot in jail, all of you!"

    Daniel had heard enough.  He pulled Peter to him, eyeing the man with undisguised contempt.  "I'm giving you one warning.   It's one more than you deserve.  Stay away from my son, or you'll answer to me and I assure you, there isn't anywhere you can run and hide that I won't find you. . .or your family."

    "Your. . .son?" Peter breathed. 

    Daniel turned and walked over to his men.  "Follow them.  If they so much as breath wrong, call me."

    "Yes, Mr. Chalmers."

    Laura followed Daniel out.  "I'm not convinced they are completely innocent in this."

    "Neither am I, but we've got someone tailing them now.  Joseph will keep an eye out on the Chesters.

    "Great, but who's going to keep an eye on Mr. Steele?" 

    Daniel looked at Laura a moment then went pale.  Good Lord Laura, you don't think someone will come after him again?"

    Neither waited for an answer.  They rushed outside to Daniel's waiting limo.

    "Back to the hospital Bernard.  And for God's sake be quick about it!" 

    ###

    The nurse wrote something on Remington's chart before returning it to its holder.  Walking around the bed she gazed down.  Remington was sedated and sleeping peacefully.  A piece of cake. She mused.  Looking at the I.V. drip, she pulled a small glass container out of the pocket on her uniform.  Before she inserted the syringe she leaned down and kissed Remington's lips.  Still unconscious, Remington's inert body didn't respond.  

    "Such a pity, you're gorgeous," the woman sighed with regret.  "Still, a job is a job," she whispered aloud.  Slowly drawing the clear liquid into the syringe, she hummed while waiting for the correct dosage.  Sitting casually on the bed she turned Remington's limb over to expose the middle of his arm.  Tapping the veins, the assassin slowly slipped the needle under the skin.  "Goodnight, sweet prince."  

To Be Continued...