The Fox in the Hen House

Chapter 10

Susan drew in a deep breath as the heavy gates opened, she slowly drove through and officially onto the lane.  There had been some changes since the last time they were there but she barely noticed them.  All Susan was focused on was the larger cottage towards the middle of the lane.  As she pulled up to the B&B, Susan realized Craig was starting to wake up.

“What’s taking so long?” Craig slurred.  He was feeling stiff from the long drive to the lane but had no clue he wasn’t in front of his own condo.

“We’re here,” Susan murmured as she parked in front of the largest building on the lane.  She had no clue how she was going to get Craig out of the car and into the cottage.  Turning off the ignition, Susan momentarily closed her eyes when she felt them begin to fill with tears.  Her years with Craig had not been easy.  She preferred to think of good times, the fun times they had together rather than all the frustrating times.  At times she questioned her motives for staying with the man, she questioned her sanity but she never questioned her love for him.

A gentle knock on the car window brought Susan back to the here and now.  When she wiped away her tears and looked out, she found the car surrounded by several large handsome men most of whom looked very familiar.  A friendly smile on a serene handsome face attached to a muscular body greeted Susan.

“Ms. Taylor?  I’m Ben Bruckner, Michael’s husband,” Ben said quietly as he glanced toward Craig.  Susan smiled as she nodded.  She certainly remembered Ben; he was always friendly and respectful.  “We’re here to help get Mr. Taylor into the B&B,” he explained.  He opened her door.

“Thank you,” Susan said with relief as Ben handed Susan out of the car.  “I was told there’s a physical therapist staying on the lane,” she stated as she looked around.

“Yes, Glen Wilder agreed to be Mr. Taylor’s therapist.  He’ll be here soon.”

“When Craig’s doctors heard that Mr. Wilder accepted Craig’s case they agreed to this crazy plan.  Apparently Mr. Wilder has an exceptional reputation.”

“So we’ve been told.  His partner is Dr. Alex Wilder; he’s also agreed to help if necessary,” Ben stated.

“Yes, I spoke with him the other day.  He sounds very nice,” Susan said in a faraway voice.  She was still unsure of what she was doing so far from home and with a man who could barely stand on his own two feet.  “I...I...don’t know what I’m doing here,” Susan confessed.

“You’re here to get help for your husband,” Ben said reasonably.  He then introduced the rest of the men to Susan as they waited for Alex and Glen.  Luckily Craig had fallen back to sleep as they waited when two gentlemen arrived.

“Mr. Wilder, thank you so much for taking on my husband’s case.  I was told you’re actually on vacation,” Susan said as she stepped up to the handsome silver haired gentleman.

“You’re welcome,” Glen said with a smirk as he extended his hand.  “I’m Glen Wilder, therapist.”  Susan looked down but took Glen’s hand in a bit of shock.

“In more ways than one,” Alex stated.

 “And this is Alex Wilder, doctor, in more ways than one.  Between the two of us and with the help of these good people we’ll get your husband up and moving independently again,” Glen promised.

“You’re awfully confident,” Susan commented.

“I love a challenge,” Glen boasted as he rubbed his hands together.

“I guess our present challenge is getting Craig out of the car,” Alex said.  They all moved closer to peer at the man laying across the back seat of the car.

“Piece of cake!” Glen declared as he began issuing orders.  Within five minutes Craig Taylor was inside the specially fitted up large suite of the B&B, medicated again and fast asleep in a hospital bed.  Both Alex and Glen examined Craig and declared him no worse for wear.  He survived the trip to the lane.  Glen informed Susan that after a good night’s sleep and a decent meal, Glen would start Craig’s therapy in the morning.  

Susan remained unconvinced.  As did a few of the guys.  Alex had faith in Glen.  Drew and Ben had some idea of what a physical therapy program entailed but were still unsure that Glen could manage.  Peter and Carl were skeptical.

As Glen began to instruct Susan on some post hip surgery dos and don’ts, Alex decided to put on a pot of coffee.  Carl and Peter marveled over all the physical therapy equipment that had been set up in the spacious living room area of the large cottage.  There was a set of light weights placed safely in a corner.  A set of parallel bars that ran for at least twenty feet with monkey bars attached overhead.  There were a couple types of walkers and canes leaning against the wall as well.  And what looked like a highchair for an adult.

“Do you know what all this stuff is for?” Peter asked Carl.

“Not a clue,” Carl replied as he ran his hand over one of the bars.

As the aroma of fresh coffee filled the room Debbie and Emmett came into the cottage carrying several crates.  The guys immediately went to them to give them a hand.

“What’s all this?” Susan asked, somewhat in a daze.

“Debbie and I put together some easy to cook meals for you,” Emmett said with grin.

“We figured you’re going to have your hands full with…” Debbie grinned as she shrugged her shoulders.

“I don’t know what to say,” Susan said as more tears came to her eyes.  Their kindness was overwhelming her.

“Don’t cry, honey, it’ll all work out,” Debbie assured her.

“Now we only made a few meals to start off with,” Emmett said.

“This is a few?” Susan asked as she watched them load up the refrigerator and freezer.

“Well, we just thought about it this morning,” Debbie said.  “We’re going to prepare some larger pre-cooked meals that you can freeze and take out whenever you need them.”

“Thank you.  This is so generous of you.  But how did you know what Craig would like?” Susan asked.

“That would be my fault,” Jennifer said as she and Seth came down the stairs.  “I spent enough time with Craig to remember what he liked to eat.  Besides, he should be grateful that you’re feeding him after the way I’ve seen him treat you,” Jennifer stated.  Seth placed a hand on Jenn’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry, that was uncalled for,” Jennifer admitted.  “Molly and her family are here to help when you need a break.  And Seth and I are staying right upstairs.  We all know how pigheaded Craig can get and I’m not apologizing for saying that.”

“What she’s trying to say and badly,” Seth began, “is that you’re not alone.  We’re all staying here until Craig is walking under his own power.”

Susan stared at all the people in the room, and then she burst into tears before turning away.  Everyone froze to give Susan a moment to get herself together.  Someone shoved a wad of tissues into her hands.  When she turned, Emmett placed a well sweetened mug of tea into her hands.  After Susan took a couple of sips she walked toward the living room and to all the equipment.

“This looks like the physical therapy room in the hospital,” she said.

“It should.  I spend enough time there,” Glen retorted.

Susan stared at the equipment and then stared at Glen.  Then she began to blush.  Glen knew what was coming.

“I’m sorry.  It was rude of me to stare,” Susan said.

“No problem, it happens all the time,” Glen replied.  “Ben can tell you we get weird looks at the gym.”  Ben chuckled.

“Babe, I think you need to show her,” Alex said with pride as he came closer.  The rest of the curious friends moved in closer too.

“You just want me to take off my shirt,” Glen quipped as he winked at his spouse.  He rolled himself up to the parallel bars then stripped off his outer shirt down to his ‘wifebeater.’

“Well that too,” Alex admitted.  Alex kept himself fit but Glen had extraordinary upper body strength to compensate for his lack of use of his legs. 

Glen flung his shirt at Alex then locked the wheels of his chair.  Alex smirked as Glen was about to show off for their friends.  Glen grabbed the bars to pull himself up and out of the chair.  He smirked when he heard Emmett’s low squee.  Glen “walked” himself a few feet using the bars swinging his legs like a gymnast then he reached up for the monkey bars.  He did pull ups, flung himself back and forth the length of the monkey bars at breakneck speed.  He jumped down to the parallel bars then back up to the monkey bars.  All without breaking a sweat.  Then like a gymnast he “dismounted” by going back down to one bar, spinning himself around it then walking himself back to his wheelchair.  Alex handed Glen his shirt signaling that the show was over then he leaned down to give Glen a kiss.

“I think your husband is in good hands,” Ben said as he handed Glen a glass of water.  Everyone agreed.  Emmett did too as he fanned himself.

“What happens when he wakes up?” Susan asked.

“Before or after he starts shouting that he has to take a piss?” Debbie snarked.  Carl gave her a look.

“You tell him the truth,” Alex said.  “He’s here to recover and that the best physical therapist that money can hire will be working with him.  If he complains he can call his doctors.  If he has any minor complications, I’m sure I can handle it.”

“And if he needs his head shrunk, Alex can definitely handle it,” Glen interjected.  “And I’m not so bad at it myself,” Glen said as he blew on his fingernails then rubbed them against his chest.   

“I don’t understand,” Susan said.  Debbie and Emmett leaned in closer to listen.

“What Glen is trying to say, and poorly, is that not only is he a physical therapist but Glen is a practicing psychologist,” Alex explained.

“I specialize in neuro and spinal injuries.  I find quite often that my patients aren’t ready for physical therapy until they’re mentally prepared even though their bodies may be ready.  I have the advantage of being qualified to treat both,” Glen stated, his prior flippantness had been replaced by professionalism.  All but Ben and Alex were duly impressed.

“So let me get this straight,” Debbie said as she pointed at Alex.  “You’re a shrink but you can do real doctor stuff.” 

Alex rolled his eyes.  “I am a real doctor, I just happen to specialize in psychiatry.  I do an ER rotation on a monthly basis to keep my medical skills up.”

“Okay, so you’re a real doctor.  And you,” Debbie pointed a sharp nail at Glen.  “You’re a physical therapist and therapist.  So we’re getting two for the price of one!”

“Something like that,” Glen agreed.

“Well, la-dee-da.  The lane’s getting pretty fucking fancy!” she declared.

For the next several minute Glen discussed his plan for Craig and the recommendation to keep Bree away until Craig’s head was clear or if he actually asked for her.  Glen, Alex, and a few of the guys would be back in the morning.

*****

"Daddy," Bree said as she and Ashley came into the sun porch.

Justin was sitting on a chaise looking through an art magazine that he subscribed to.  Sometimes inspiration came from looking at what other artists were doing.

"What's up, buttercup?" Justin quipped.

"You're silly, Daddy," Bree giggled.  Justin gave her a thumbs up.  Bree's face sobered.  "Is Grandpa Craig here yet?"

"Yes."

"You didn't tell me," Bree said with a frown.

"I know you want to see him, but he's very tired from his trip here."

"How do you know?  Have you seen him?" Bree asked with an accusatory tone.

Justin sighed and patted the chaise, moving his legs over so Bree could sit down.  He indicated the chaise next to him for Ashley.  She nodded and sat, staying quiet.  She didn't like tension.

"I haven't seen him, but Bobby went to help move Craig from the van to the B&B.  He said Craig was really out of it," Justin explained.

"Out of it?" Bree repeated.  "Do you mean like sedated?"

Justin shook his head at his precocious daughter.  "Yes, sweetheart, he was sedated.  He's on some drugs to help him through the pain."

"Is he in a lot of pain?" Ashley ventured to ask.

"Quite a bit," Justin replied.  "He needs some time and Glen's help."

"I could help too," Bree informed her father.

"Sweetheart, you can help when Craig is up to seeing people.  Maybe in a few days."

"But I could help now," Bree said hopefully.

"We told you that you need to wait till he's feeling better."

"But..."

"No buts, you can't see him now and that's all there is to it."

"What's going on?" Gus asked as he entered the sun porch.

"Grandpa Craig is here and he's in pain and I know he would like to see me, and Daddy says I can't see him and I don't like it."  Bree crossed her arms on her chest and glared at the world.

"Bree, it's for your own good.  Craig isn't ready to see anybody," Justin explained.

"I don't care.  You're mean."

"Bree, that's uncalled for," Gus said moving closer to the father and daughter.

"Well it is mean not to let me see him," Bree declared.

"I can't see him either," Gus interjected hoping that might make his sister feel better, and less singled out.

"You can't?" Bree asked with a frown.

"No, and neither can Pop or Justin or Uncle John or Patrick."

"Why not?"  Bree's eyebrows had shot up in surprise that she wasn't the only one banned from seeing Craig Taylor.

"I'm sure your fathers told you that your Grandpa Craig is in no condition for visitors.  He needs rest and therapy," Gus continued.

"But I want to help him," Bree persisted.

"I know you do, and I'm sure you will help him, just not right now."  Gus looked at Justin who nodded his approval and mouthed a thank you.

"I think you owe your father an apology, short stuff," Gus admonished.  "He wasn't being mean."

"Sorry, Daddy," Bree conceded.

"That didn't sound very sincere," Gus commented.

"I meant it," Bree whispered.  "I love you, Daddy."  She flung her arms around her father's neck.

"Love you too, sweetheart," Justin whispered in her ear.

"Much better," Gus said.  He smiled at them.  "I just came in here to say that I'm leaving soon for the airport to pick up Ray."

"Right, I almost forgot he was coming today," Justin said as he released Bree from their hug.

"I didn't forget," Bree said.  "Can Ashley and I come with you?  I like Ray."

"You never forget anything, do you, short stuff?  Um, I thought Ray and I might stay overnight at the loft, so..."  Gus let the word dangle in the air.

"I think Gus and Ray want to be alone," Justin said to his daughter.

"But Ray likes me, and they can be alone here after we get home," Bree informed them.  "You want to go too, don't you, Ashley!"

"Um, sure," Ashley said, uncertain as to how she should respond, "but it's okay if I stay here if that's what you want."

Gus looked from Bree to Ashley to Justin.  No one seemed to be giving him any help.  He could tell that Bree really wanted to come with him, and Justin looked like he could use some help to keep her away from Craig.  Drawing in a deep breath, he said, "Okay, you and Ashley can come."

"Yay!" the girls yelled.

"But, when we get back here, I want lots of alone time with Ray.  Understood?"

"Gus and Ray sittin' in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g..." Bree chanted.  She and Ashley giggled loudly.

"Okay, okay, no more of that if you want to come with me," Gus griped.

"'Kay," Bree agreed.

"Then let's get this show on the road."

"Thanks, Gus," Justin whispered as he stood up to see them off.

As the Jeep pulled away down the lane with two happy young ladies in the back seat, Justin gave them a wave.  He was about to turn and go inside when he was joined by his husband.

"I see you got rid of them all," Brian said with a smirk.

Justin snorted.  "Where the hell were you?  I could have used some support," Justin informed him.

"You did just fine."

"You heard?"

"I was in my office."

"And it didn't occur to you to come down and help?" Justin asked indignantly.

"I thought you did just fine," Brian repeated.

"Gus did fine.  I thought we were in for a major tantrum until Gus came to the rescue."

"See, you didn't need me," Brian said with a sheepish grin.

Justin shook his head in disbelief.  "You're a big coward, you know that."

"I'm very discriminating about where I stick my nose in."

"Really, is that what you think?  I call it cowardice."

"Semantics," Brian countered.

Justin gave up.  As smart as he was, he could rarely beat his husband in a battle of words.  "You do realize that this isn't over yet."

"Bree is persistent."

"More like stubborn."

"I wonder who she gets that from," Brian observed. 

"Bree will not give up until she sees her grandpa," Justin stated ignoring the dig from his husband.

"God only knows what the fuck she sees in him."

"Well, she sees something."

"Then we keep her away until the time is right."

"I expect some help the next time she brings it up."

"Yes, master."

Justin gave him an elbow as they watched the Jeep disappear down the lane.

*****

Gus glanced in the rearview mirror as he drove away.  He could see Justin and Brian standing at the front door of their conjoined cottage watching them leave.  Then as they passed the B&B, he saw Bree give a little wave toward the building.

"What was that for?" Gus asked her when their eyes met in the mirror.

"I was waving in case Grandpa Craig was looking out the window," Bree informed him.

"I doubt he would be looking out a window.  I don't think he can get out of bed, and he's probably sleeping anyway."

"Well, it was just in case," Bree affirmed.

"That was nice of you, Bree," Ashley told her friend.

"Yeah, I thought so too," Bree replied smugly.

Gus wondered how they could possibly keep Bree away from the B&B.  She seemed very determined to see her grandfather.  The trip to the airport would solve this afternoon's problem, but then there was tomorrow and the next day and the one after that.  For the first time in his life Gus wished for a speedy recovery for the man who hated his father.

*****

"When will he come out?" Bree asked for the tenth time.

Gus and his entourage were waiting outside the secure area of the airport.  The sign above the exit indicated that Ray's plane had landed some time ago, but so far there was no sign of the person they were waiting for.  They were all on pins and needles.

"Your guess is as good as mine, short stuff," Gus replied.  "I guess it depends how far away the gate was where he got off."

"I wish he'd hurry up," Bree griped.

"My mommy says you should always be patient," Ashley informed them.

"Of course she does," Gus said a little more sharply than he had intended.

"Gus," Bree admonished.

"Sorry, Ashley," Gus said as he peered into the exit looking for his lover.  "Here he comes!" Gus shouted as he spotted Ray heading toward them.

As soon as Ray passed the edge of security , he found his arms full of a very excited Gus.  "Happy to see me?" Ray asked with a big grin after he kissed Gus heartily.  They got some strange looks for their PDA.

"Very happy," Gus replied breathless from the kiss.  He threw his arm around Ray's back and picked up the carry-on that had been dropped during their encounter.

"We're happy to see you too," Bree ventured to say.  Ashley nodded in agreement.

"Bree, what are you doing here?  And Ashley?" Ray asked, as he noticed them for the first time.  He gave each of them a hug with a questioning look toward Gus.

"They needed a ... distraction," Gus said.

"Oh?"  Ray's forehead wrinkled at the simple statement.  Obviously there was more to this than Gus cared to say.  They had talked about going to the loft for an immediate reunion, but that seemed very unlikely now.

"Let's go," Gus said.  "We need to get the girls back to the lane."

"Oh, okay," Ray said as they started to walk toward the parking garage.  He felt a hand slide into his and he looked down to see Bree holding on.  The next thing he knew, Ashley had his other hand.  Gus walked on ahead heading for the car and carrying Ray's luggage.

"Will you sit in the back of the car with me?" Bree asked batting her eyelashes at Ray.

"Um..."

"Bree, remember your promise," Gus warned.

"Oh, okay," Bree replied petulantly, "but I have so much to tell you on the ride home."

Gus groaned audibly.  It was going to be an excruciatingly long drive back to the lane.

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