Wrong Place, Wrong Time
By Linda Schwartz

Peter had waited for a break in this case for weeks now. He had been sitting on a lot of drug dealer's backs trying to get to the head honcho. Finally some tw bit drug dealer by the name of Crigger decided to turnover on his boss. Peter didn't even need to use much pressure on this guy. Maybe it was the fact that he was dying from aids and he wanted to die with a clear conscience, that made him squeal He told him the supplier was a business man by the name of John Wilkins. He had an office in the corporate park righ on the edge of Chinatown. His front was as an investment banker. Peter was going to have to catch this guy off guard. He was going to need help on this one. He took Jody and Blakewith him. Blake had him wired.

Peter had Crigger tell Wilkins that Peter was a supplier who could give provide him with a rich supply of heroin. Now it was going to be up to Wilkins if he would take the bait. Wilkins was very greedy, he saw an opportunity and he grabbed it. Crigger set up a meeting in the parking garage at 7pm. Peter would be ready.

Caine definately felt out of his element. He was used to being with nature and being "one with the universe." Going into a glassbox, an office building, made him a bit uncomfortable. It was a favor that he was doing for the ancient that brought him here. Lo Si had to attend to a sick relative out in San Francisco and he asked Caine if he could go to the offices of Wu Lee imports to pick up a rare family heirloom that was arriving from China. Caine agreed to go. He arrived on the 6th floor and made his way to Mr. Lee's office. Mr. Lee bowed at Caine, which Caine returned. He invited Caine to sit. He sat down opposite Mr.Lee. He was offered tea, which he accepted. They began to talk about the ancient, the community. Mr. Lee went to the safe and took out a mahogany box and opened it. Inside was a red vase with gold Chinese lettering on the side. Caine took great interest in the vase, it had been in Lo Si's family for centuries.

Peter parked his car in the parking garage. He looked around, Jody and Blake were on another leve. They didn't want to spook Wilkins. Suddenly Wilkins pulled up in his Mercedes. He came out of his car and Peter climbed out of his. "You Cooper?" Wilkins asked. Peter decided not to use his real name. "Yeah". Peter answered. "I did a background check on you, seems you been a busy boy suppling some big wigs with smack." "The thing is can you make that deal an exclusive one with me?" "yeah, for the right price." Peter told Wilkins. A noise drew their attention. One of the stairwell doors had opened and a security guard came over to check the garage. "Hi Mr. Wilkins." the guard waved. "Hi Bob." Wilkins called back at him. "Hey Mr. Wilkins what are the cops doing here?" the security guard asked. "What are you talking about?" Wilkins asked keeping a suspicious eye on Peter. "Don't you read the papers That's Peter Caine from the 101st precinct your standing with.

Caine was waiting for the elevator, he was holding the mahagony box that Mr. Lee had presented him. He would be glad when he handed this over to Lo Si. It made him a bit nervous carrying such a priceless object. Suddenly a woman was standing beside him. It was Sarah Hong, she was Mr. Lee's secretary. She nodded at him. "Mr. Caine I hope you won't think this is too bold, but could you please escort me to my car." "Of course, I would be honored." The woman obviously didn't want to go to the parking garage alone. They rode down in the elevator in silence. Caine sensed something was wrong and when the elevator doors opened he asked Ms. Hong to stay inside.

He ventured out and he could see Peter and another man in the distance. He could not make out what was happening. All he knew was that Peter was in trouble. He went over towards his son, suddenly he felt a sharp pain that struck him in his stomach and he was knocked up against the wall.

Before Peter could react Wilkins had spotted Peter's gun and made a grab for it. Wilkins had grabbed his gun from the holster and was trying to point it at Peter. Peter had his hand on the gun and was trying to get him to drop it. He managed to get it pointed away from him. Peter grabbed Wilkin's arm and was smashing it on the ground, desperately trying to get him to drop the gun. Suddenly the gun went off, Wilkins was caught off guard and in that moment Peter struck him across the face and took the gun away from him. He breathed a sigh of relief. He glanced up and was shocked to see his father. He found him leaning against the wall. Peter handcuffed Wilkins and stood up and went over to his father. "Pop"?, Peter sensed something was wrong. Just as he drew closer to his father, Caine collapsed at Peter's feet. "Father!" Peter bent down, put his arms on his father's shoulders and turned him over. It was then that he noticed the blood on his father's shirt. His father had been shot with Peter's gun. Pe er took out his cell phone and called 911. "Officer needs assistance, send an ambulance and a black and white to Sloanville corporate park, building #6. He put the phone back in his jacket pocket and knelt down by his father's side. "Pop", Peter whispered as he put an arm around his father's shoulders and held him close against him. "Oh Pop, I'm sorry", his father moaned, his head fell back onto Peter's shoulder. Peter lifted his father's shirt to look at the wound. Peter applied pressure to the wound. "Hold on Pop, help is coming, just please hold on". He laid his cheek against the top of his father's head. All he could think about was the fear of losing him all over again, the feelings of being alone, endless empty days, shock and confusion. All the memories of the days after the temple was destroyed, came back to him now as his father lay wounded in his arms. "Not again, Pop, I can't go through it again. We have so many things we gotta do. what about.....what about that ball game we never went to " He kept the pressure on the wound and gently rocked his father, trying to ease the stress building inside his gut. "Where the hell is that ambulance!" Peter screamed in frustration.

The tears welled up and ran down Peter's cheeks. He could hear sirens in the distance. The police car arrived just ahead of the paramedics. He looked up and saw two cops coming towards him. One cop ran over to Wilkins to take him into custody. The other cop came over to Peter and laid a hand on his shoulder, Peter looked up and saw that it was Eric Larson. He and Eric had graduated the police academy together, with honors. "Eric my fathers' been shot, I was struggling with Wilkins when the gun went off." Just then Eric's partner passed by with Wilkins in tow. "Get him out of my Sight!", Peter spat out with disgust. The paramedics came over, they started to work on Caine.

Peter held his father's hand as the paramedics moved Caine to a gurney. As they approached the ambulance the paramedic placed a hand on his arm. "I'm sorry detective, but you'll have to ride in front" Peter kissed his father's forehead "Don't worry Pop, I'm not leaving you" Peter watched as they placed his father in the ambulance. He ran to sit beside the driver. The ride to the hospital seemed to take forever, he glanced through the glass partition to look at his father. He couldn't believe this was happening, it seemed like this couldn't happen to his father. He'd already lost him once, he couldn't face losing him again. "NO!" The driver looked at Peter when he heard him shout, but quickly turned back to the task of getting them all to the hospital in one piece. The doctors were waiting for them as the ambulance arrived. Peter jumped out and came quickly to the back, just as they were wheeling his father into emergency. He took his father's hand. He followed closely, as they approached one of he treatment rooms one of the nurses stopped him " I'm sorry but you'll have to wait out here." Peter gently kissed his father on the forehead." Don't worry Pop, "I'll be right here. Waiting for you". He stared at the door as it closed behind the gurney. He felt a hand gently touch his shoulder. He turned to see that it was the ancient. He didn't even bother to ask him how he had found out about his father. "Lo Si, my father's been shot. The gun was mine" Peter felt the tears fall down his cheeks as he choked on the last words. He felt the older man pull him into an embrace. Peter returned the hug. Peter had to live with the violence of his job everyday. He'd seen far too many people shot, but it was very different when that person happened to be his father. "You blame yourself, young Caine?" Lo Si asked him. "Yes" was all Peter could manage to say. "So much like your father. When you were shot he also blamed himself" "He did? I didn't know" Peter was surprised that his father would feel guilty. "It wasn t his fault, Lo Si. it was just some junkie looking for a fix, I was just at the wrong place, at the wrong time."I know my father doesn't like my being a cop, or my carrying a gun, if something happens to him I don't know what I will do" Peter bowed his head, not able to continue. "Peter, your father loves you. He wants you to be happy, being a cop fulfills you. He is very proud of you" Lo Si placed his hands on Peter's arms. Peter could feel the energy come into him and give him strength. Peter began to walk the halls. He just couldn't sit still. It seemed like it was taking forever. Peter saw Dr. Sabourin come out of the treatment room. He looked at her face, trying to read it. She looked tired, but he couldn't tell anything more. "Detective Caine, we're prepping your father for surgery. The bullet appears to have gone through. We'll know more when we get him to surgery." Just then he saw his father being wheeled past him. He quickly came over and gently placed a hand on his father's cheek and squeez d his hand. "Doctor, is there anything I can do. Can I give blood. We're the same blood type". "Of course, detective, I'll have one of the nurses take you to have it drawn." She realized Peter needed to do something to help his father. And it was true that they could always use the blood.

After he gave the blood, Peter quickly went to the floor his father was on. The wait seemed to take forever. The ancient was with him and Skalany came by. "Peter, have you heard anything?" "No, nothing yet." Peter let out a sigh. He never was good at playing the waiting game. Especially when it meant life or death for his father. He must've paced the hallway a dozen times before Dr Sabourin finally came out of surgery. Peter saw her coming down the long hallway. He looked at her face, trying to read her expression. She must be good at poker, he thought. He couldn't tell whether she was bringing good or bad news. "Dr. Sabourin.....How is my father?" he asked anxiously, dreading what she would say. "I have some good news, Peter, the bullet when clean through. It didn't hit any vital organs. He did lose alot of blood, so he will be very weak. Of course we'll have to watch him over the next 24 hrs to make sure there are no signs of infection." "Can I see him, Doctor?" Peter was desperate to see him. "He's in recovery right now, as soon as we get him settled in a room then you will be able to see him." "Thank you doctor" Peter sagged against the wall, all his energy was drained from worrying over the endless hours. Mary-Margaret came over to him and hugged him. It was about an hour before Peter was finally allowed to see his father. He was driving the nurses crazy, asking them every five minutes about his father.

It was a long walk down the hospital corridor, and with each step Peter's anxiety increased. Despite the fact that the doctors had said they expected Caine to make a full recovery, it still caused Peter to worry. Peter had rarely seen his father sick, let alone in a hospital. Except for that one time, when they were first reunited. At first he didn't even know it WAS his father. " the only thing that hasn't changed in 15 years is your eyes". Peter could hear those words clearly in his mind as if he had just spoken them today. It had only been 2 years since that momentous reunion. And the pain from thinking about it was still fresh in his mind. If only they could go back and erase the lost years, but unfortunately they couldn't. They did make the best of the time they have shared. To think that also could have been taken away from Peter today..... He closed his eyes tightly as he reached the doorway to his father's room. He took a deep breath and went in. His father lay in the bed closest to the wi dow. He was covered in a blanket. An I.V. line ran out of his left arm. The bed next to his was empty, no one was assigned to that bed. Peter came over to his father and watched him sleep. He reached down and took held his right hand. Giving it a gentle squeeze. "Oh, Pop", he let out a sigh. Peter sat down in the chair next to the bed, holding Caine's hand the whole time. A soft moan escaped Caine's lips, that drew Peter's immediate attention. "Pop?" Peter asked. Caine opened his eyes. His gaze unfocused at first, then he turned to look at his son. "Peter" his voice was hoarse, but it was the sweetest sound Peter had ever heard. "Pop, welcome back" Peter suddenly became so overwhelmed with emotion that tears began to fall and he came closer to his father and began to weep on his father's shoulder. As Caine had done in that first meeting he placed a hand on Peter's head and began to stroke his soft hair. "Peter, what is wrong my son?" Caine looked down at his son and continued to stroke his hair. Peter coll cted himself enough to pick his head up and look at his father. "Pop, there's something I gotta tell you, the gun that you were shot with... ...it was mine". Peter was barely able to continue when he broke down again. "Peter, you did not do the shooting my son." "Pop, it's my gun and I'm responsible for it." Caine placed his hand on Peter's face. "I do not blame you, my son. Accept it, do not feel the guilt. " His hand travelled down Peter's face, rested briefly on his shoulder and then dropped on the bed. The effort exhausted him. And Peter could see that his father wanted to sleep. He got up from the bed and was getting ready to leave. He felt his father's hand on his arm. "Pop?", Peter looked questionly at his father. "Please stay with me, my son" Caine said weakly. Peter was surprised, he was the one who couldn't stand to be without his father, the turnabout caused Peter to smile. He took his father's hand in both of his. "Hey, Pop, I'm not leaving you. Wild horses couldn't drag me away". I do not believe there are any wild horses in this city". Caine said as he yawned and closed his eyes. "Yeah, I know, Pop. You just rest, I'll be right here with you". Peter pulled up a chair and continued to hold his father's hand and watched him as he slept.

He felt a hand caressing his hair, and he slowly opened his eyes and looked into the warm smiling eyes of his father. "Pop how are you feeling? Peter asked, he realized he had fallen asleep with his head resting on his father's chest. He straightened up and placed his hand on his father's cheek, his father closed his eyes briefly and let out a slow sigh. "I am feeling sore, but I will recover my son. I am glad you are here." "I'm glad your still with me Pop, what were you doing at that building?" "I was picking up a package for Lo Si. Why were you there, my son?" his father asked, he tilted his head in a way that Peter knew so well. "I was on the job, Pop. I was trying to nap a drug supplier. I was working on this case for weeks, when a break finally came." Caine suddenly moaned and Peter grabbed his father's shoulders. "Pop what is it?" worry clearly showing in his eyes. "I am alright, my son. The wound is still painful." Caine settled down and Peter relaxed his grip. "Please let me know when you want to change positions, Pop, I'll help you." Caine had been in the hospital two weeks before he was released. Peter told his father he was going to be staying with him until he made a full recovery. He wouldn't let his father try to talk him out of it. During his convalesence they learned a great deal about each other. And this time together only strenghtened their relationship.

Peter made dinner, rice for his father and some fried noodles for himself. After dinner he joined his father in the garden. His nose brought him over to a plant he knew very well. "MMMMM, Jasmine, Pop I'm glad you still like to grow them. I keep thinking about mom everytime I smell it." "Yes, that is why I cherish the plant. It was one thing I have left to remember her by." Caine let out a small sigh. Peter came over to his father and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry to have upset you, Pop." "You did not, upset me, my son. The memories are pleasant ones." They continued to enjoy the garden. And looked up at the sky and the stars. Peter yawned. "Oh, excuse me. I don't know about you, but I'm bushed. I think I'll turn in. Is there anything I can do for you, Pop?" "No my son, I am fine. I believe I will meditate for a while then I will also sleep." Peter came over to his father and pulled him into an embrace, which Caine gladly returned. They had been through so much together over the past few ye rs since they were reunited. Almost lost each other more times than they could count. But one thing was their close bond to each other and their love. With that they could face the world, together. "I love you Pop." Peter said as he was making his way to one of the spare rooms that he was using as a sleeping quarters. "I love you, too, my son. pleasant dreams."