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Seeing Ghosts
Chapter 14
By Dottie
Copyright 2015

When Kevin is brought back into the examination room, Sophie reaches for him immediately. He takes her into his arms, looking around at his friends. "OK, who's going to tell me what's going on?"

They all look down at their feet. All but Brian. He sighs heavily and says, "Kevin, it's a long, confusing story. A few years ago..."

Before he can delve too deeply into the story, the door opens and the doctor walks in. "Mr. Richardson, considering all you've been through, you seem to be healing. I can't tell you how long it will take for your memory to return, but I'm confident it will. We didn't find any kind of permanent damage from the blow to your head."

Kevin perks up. "So I can go home?"

The doctor smiles. "I don't see why not. We'll give you a list of things to watch for in case of complications, but I don't think you'll have any problems."

Brian chimes in quickly. "You can stay at my house and I can help you with the kids until you're stronger."

Kevin eyes him suspiciously. "Why can't I stay at my house?" When none of them say anything, Kevin murmurs, "Please, someone just tell me what's going on?"

DJ is sleeping soundly on AJ's shoulder, so AJ answers him quietly. "Kevin, it really is a long story. Let's go to Brian's house and we'll tell you what we can. Please?"

Kevin sighs, rubbing his eyes. "Fine. I just want the truth."

The doctor turns to leave. At the door, he turns back. "Mr. Richardson, maybe it would be best if you're not alone for a few days. Especially with small children. If you do start to have a setback, someone should be there."

Kevin nods slightly. Nick speaks up. "Trust me Doctor, after what we've been through over the past week, I don't think any of us will be leaving Kevin and the kids alone anytime soon."

The doctor smiles. "I had a feeling there would be plenty of volunteers. The nurse will be in with a prescription for you for pain if you need it. She’ll also have a list of things to look for over the next few days. Do you have a family doctor...?” He smiles ruefully. "I'm sorry Mr. Richardson."

Brian speaks up. "Kev, you see my doctor. I can call and make an appointment for you in a few days."

The doctor smiles. "I think you're in good hands Mr. Richardson. If you have any concerns or notice any new symptoms, come back immediately."

Kevin looks down at Sophie who's falling asleep in his arms. "What about the kids? Are they really ok?"

The doctor smiles. "They are just fine Mr. Richardson. Considering what you've all been through, I'm happy to say you're all healthy...other than the bump on your head."

Kevin smiles. "Thank you Doctor. Thank you for everything."

After the doctor leaves, Brian puts his hand on Kevin's shoulder. "Come on, let's get you to my house and we'll tell you everything. I promise."


Three hours later, DJ and Sophie have eaten lunch and are both sleeping on Brian's bed. Kevin has been told almost everything. The only thing left to tell him is that he's actually married to Elena...and that she's been kidnapped.

As they all settle in Brian's living room for the rest of the story, Kevin rubs his neck. They all see it. Nick says, "Kevin, why don't you rest a while? We can finish..."

The older man shakes his head. "No. Tell me the rest." He sighs, "You say I fell in love, lost her for almost 3 years to the witness protection program, I got her back for one night and she left again, leaving me our children." He looks at Nick. "You said you had never seen two people more in love. What aren't you telling me? Why did she leave? Why couldn’t I keep her safe?"

Nick sits beside him. "She thought she was keeping you and kids safe. She was afraid if she stayed with you, the people that were after her would get to you. After the plane went down, Chealyn came out of hiding."

Kevin looks up. "Chealyn?"

AJ sits on the coffee table in front Kevin. "Chealyn was the last identity she had from the marshal service. She...after the crash, when she came back...she said she wanted to be called Chealyn."

Kevin looks up. "Why?" When no one says anything, Kevin gets upset and raises his voice. "Will someone just tell me what the hell is going on?"

Brian touches his arm. "Calm down, you’ll wake the kids.” Kevin sighs loudly and nods gratefully, glancing toward the stairs leading up to where his kids are sleeping. “She...she said that Elena died with her family."

Kevin feels tears sting his eyes. "Where is she?"

Howie is the first to find the courage to say, "We don't know Kevin."

Kevin looks around the room at each of them. "What are you all hiding?"

AJ reaches out and puts his hand on Kevin's knee. We found out early this morning...before we found you...the marshal that was handling Elena's case...he...he kidnapped her."

Kevin's face goes deathly pale. "Kidnapped? From where?"

AJ softly replies, "Your house."

Kevin looks at each of them in turn. "When Sophie and DJ wake up, I want to go there." They all start shaking their heads but he ignores it. Raising his voice, he says, "Dammit she's my wife! I'm going to look for her!"

All their mouths drop. Howie whispers, "You remember her?"

Kevin's eyes widen. "I...I don't know. Why? What did I say?"

Nick says, "You called her your wife. We didn’t tell you that you were married to her before she went into the witness protection program."

Kevin feels his heart start to pound and he whispers, "I remember...oh God I remember marrying her...but I can't remember what she looked like."

Nick puts his hand on Kevin's shoulder. "Kevin, let Brian and watch the kids. I'll take you to your house. Maybe if you see it..."

Kevin just nods. Brian says, "I'll call Jenn and have her come over. She might even still be at your house. She wanted to come to the hospital but she was dealing with the police...about your house."

Kevin looks at him. "Jenn?"

Brian gives him a small smile. "Our manager. Kevin, you'll remember us all before you know it."

Kevin lets his head fall back on the back of the couch. "I can't explain it but I know I know you...and I know I trust you." He opens his eyes, a tear escaping and sliding slowly down his cheek. "I know I'm in love with my wife...I just can't remember who she is."

Howie clears his throat, emotion making his voice husky. "You will Kev. You will."
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