The Tyrant from Tuckahoe

Good morning, Dr. Shellbach.

“Morning, Dr. Dennison; what are you doing here. Lena did everything but take out personal ads telling people don’t call you today; oh the cop. Dr. Shapiro called you; did you see those hallways it’s more cops than staff; who’s watching crime?” Dr. Shellbach asks.

No, I came through the back parking gate was raised; to many cop cars to count. You’re almost done scrubbing, please let Dr. Shapiro know I’ve arrived when you go out.

“Will do Dr. Dennison, good luck out there,” Dr. Shellbach says exiting. After being told Dr. Shapiro wants a word.

“Good morning, Dennis if it can be called that. Again, apologies for asking you in. Lena made clear under no circumstances don't call you, double apologies. Did you see it out there; top cop has hospital looking like police funeral. Buildings tight, rooms tight, pictures look bad. You'll tell me if I’m looking through hopeful eyes wishing too much this morning. I don’t want a funeral Dennis. Tell Jada and the girls I’m sorry,” Dr. Shapiro says.

Good morning Dasha stop all that. We can call this a good morning. Days off are suggestions in our profession. Birthdays are for women and children no offence.

"None taken I love birthdays," Dr. Shapiro says.

It was nice of Lena to put word out, but we don’t tell people when to shoot cops. People lining corridors have nothing to do with us. When I made you my number one, what did.

"Yeah, yeah, I no. If the devil is on our table, we fix him so he can go to hell," Dasha says.

That's correct, that's our job. I’ve never seen hope standing next to you. Your brain talks to your hands, if you say you see it, I'll see it. I'm not here to second guess.

“Dennis, between us can you lead this one. I’m not asking my boss; just the best I've see. It's no secret, no one puts a room at ease like you. You’re on first name basis with everyone out there. I know your preference I’ve assembled an all-female team; Dr. Shellbach is relief. You've played tight rooms to perfection; it would really help?” Dr. Shapiro asks.

Relax Dasha I can do that. Like I said, what happens in here is our business, when done, the press in your business. Asking is no way a reflection upon your skills; are you ready?

“Yes” Dr. Shapiro says.

Good morning, everyone nice to see you all; considering what little I’m able to see. (Laughter) I think we need to get together more under different circumstances. You guys should give more parties, like my wife makes me do for you. Everyone laughs saying their good mornings.

"Your wife knows how to entertain Dr. D, she goes all out, those coconut shrimps are worth the price of admission" say surgical technologist Greta Fowler.

I cannot disagree Greta. And who do we have pleasure of serving, on this lovely Friday morning?

“Police Captain Vivian Hernandez Dr. Dennison,” surgical nurse Perez says.

Thank you, Jessica. Good morning, Captain Vivian Hernandez. I am Dr. Dennis Dennison, this is Dr. Dasha Shapiro; we’re here to take orders from you this morning Captain. Captain if we can agree, saying all our names aloud is a mouth full. In interest of time, I’d like to call you captain, you call me Dennis, and this young lady is Dasha, okay?

“I’d prefer Viviana,” Captain Hernandez replies.

Even better Viviana, such a beautiful name Viviana. Viviana, try and relax; I know that’s difficult for someone like you, finding herself in this position. To reach the ranks of Captain as female took a lot of tough work, in boys in blue club. I understand being laid-out on your back feels like a position of helplessness, a position someone like you is unaccustomed to; I respect that. Please believe when I say Viviana, you are on your back; but no one in this room thinks you’re helpless. I will assume no one has explained why you must remain awake during this procedure. I’ll do my best not to freak you out while doing so. Let me say the fact we’re talking is very good; you will feel know pain during any of this. You are awake so you and I can continue talking, while Dasha and I work. Talking allows us to no you’re still working while we do what we do, as long as we keep flapping our gums all is well. It’s only fair to warn you, my daughters say their daddy talks too much, if my talking gets on your nerves, it’s important you know; I don’t care. There will be sounds and smells derived from us working, if you can hear and smell those things that’s good; it lets us no areas where we're working is still working. Before we get started let me tell you about people in this room Viviana, they pride themselves on rolling you out of here better then you are now. Like good people you have commanded, people in this room need no commanding. When we begin, we each plug in staying on top of important things. In your line of work, I’m sure they teach the adverse effects of panic.

“They teach a whole chapter on it,” Viviana says.

That's good, to avoid dire consequences of panic everyone in this room is panic proof. I’ve personally vetted each one. If I was in your position, I would want people in this room helping me. Viviana, I need you to believe panic will not enter this room, that includes you, Viviana; understood. Everyone in this room will keep their cool.

“To avoid dire consequences of panic; everyone in this room is panic proof, you’ve vetted each one, if you were in my position, you would want people in this room helping you. No one in this room will panic, everyone will keep their cool; including me,” Viviana says.

I didn’t expect you to repeat that Viviana, I only wanted you to know everyone in this room keeps their heads.

“What you said needed repeating; so, everyone in the room will know, I believe; I will pull through this,” Viviana says.

On behalf of everyone in this room, thank you for saying that. Dr. Dasha Shapiro is one of our country’s best and brightest neurosurgeons. You of all people Viviana; should understand how dumb us men can be all the time, that’s why there are more women in this room, they cut down on stupidity. Funny story, a couple of weeks back Dr. Shapiro took her car in for service, big brawly machinic comes out using his shirt as napkin asking Dasha, “hey doc, me and you do the same things, I open hoods of cars to fix them; you open people to fix them: why do they pay you more money?” Dr. Shapiro asked him, “can you fix a car while it’s running.” Everyone laughs. He didn’t get it, with that said are there any questions for us Viviana?

“No,” Captain Hernandez replies.

Very well we will begin shortly. On table is a 51-year-old Spanish-American female in good physical health, before taking bullet to her head in the line of duty. Looking over film first impressions are not good. Bullet fragmented in three places requiring a long difficult day.

“Fragmenting in frontal lobe, I think we can retrieve this piece from here, without disruption. Coming from here to retrieve this piece, leaves this area undisturbed. I’m thinking this way for this piece. Most should leave minimal repairs; we can begin immediately rather than waiting to go back in; let’s give this officer time to heal quicker. If it feels like I’m taking advantage of you being here, I am?” Dr. Shapiro says mapping skull.

I've seen this a few times between frontal and parietal Sasha. I think it best we tackle from here.

“That’s why you’re here; you da man Dennis. I wouldn’t say that to our narcissistic colleagues. Are you ready to get started?” Dr. Shapiro asks.

Yes, Viviana we are ready to begin how are feeling; good?

“Yes, good doctor,” Viviana replies.

“Please, before we do can someone start Dr. Dennison’s wife and daughters. Glory should be heading to Juilliard not Stanford. I’ve grown fond of this sound it’s very soothing, I listen in my car.” (Music begins) “Thank you; Dennis we can get started,” Dr. Shapiro says. Fourteen hours, forty-six minutes, eight bananas, nine protein bars, one protein shake, two-bathroom breaks; fifty-three short conversions with Viviana, the anesthesiologist is testing her vital signs.

“Captain Hernandez, can you squeeze my fingers, good; do this for me please, very good: Captain. Can you tell me who the President of the United States is,” Dr. Tolly the Anesthesiologist asks, rubbing ice cube over patients’ lips as people work around her.

“Is it that cute gentleman right there, guess not Barack Obama’s not a doctor; not as good looking,” Jokes the Captain, starting everyone laughing and clapping.

Listen to Captain Viviana. mask covers most of my face Viviana, how can you tell what my face looks like?

“Trained eyes. A big heart with brains enough to save me; pretty brown eyes come with a pretty face. If not, I gave you one anyway. Your daughters are right, you talk a lot” Viviana says, making people laugh.

Ha, ha, ha, I'll make sure and tell them that. You better watch your mouth in my house Captain; we have other music. Last time patient flirted with me; I snatched her up dancing her around the room, her heart rate went crazy; I can dance. You look like you can hold your own. Viviana has jokes; I’ve met the man, Viviana; I agree he's not as good looking. (Laughter) You are fortunate Captain; I hope you don’t mind me taking a little for myself. Captain Hernandez, after short rehab you should be able to return to duties. On behalf of everyone in this room, thank you for your service.

“No, I don’t mind; give some to Dasha, thank you all for what you’ve done. Can you tell me your names again, I had a lot on my mind before we started?” Viviana asks.

Ha, ha, ha, that's understandable Viviana. I am Dr. Dennis Dennison assisting magic hands Dr. Dasha Shapiro.

“As you can see Captain, not only is he handsome; he’s brilliant and modest, two rare qualities, the kind we wish we could make more of ha, ha, ha. He’s right about luck; you’re a lucky lady. Dr. Shellbach thank you. Great work as usual Dr. Dennison: always a pleasure learning by your side. I’ll assume you’ll be sneaking out avoiding press ha, ha, ha. Thanks again give Jada and the girls my love. Happy birthday,” Dr. Shapiro says.

“Happy Birthday doctor, Happy Birthday doctor,” others say.

“Today’s your birthday, oh my lord Happy Birthday and you made it mines; God bless you, thank you so much for helping me: you’re a God send,” Captain Hernandez says sounding surprisingly well.

Thank you for saying Viviana; that’s the best gift I’ve received today. I want you take care of yourself, I promise scares will heal allowing beautiful black hair to cover them. Don’t go looking in mirrors, give this beautiful Puerto Rican head a chance to restore itself, it will. Thank you everyone, excellent as always. Dasha; trust what you see go with what you no: it was a good call.

“Okay Dennis thanks again. Captain Hernandez, they’re taking you to recovery now; you’ll be put to sleep for a short time while we run some tests. I’m going out to talk with your husband. Let him know what’s going on and when he can come to see you; okay, take care I’ll see you in a bit,” Dr. Shapiro tells patient.

“Anyone's welcomed to join me at the podium in thirty-minutes,” Dr. Shapiro tells room full of exhausted people shedding PPE.

“Excuse me Dr. Dennison, excuse me doctor,” young lady says walking behind me.

Yes, hello.

“I’m sorry for the intrusion, my names Gaynell Crompton. I’m a training surgical nurse; from Grady Memorial hospital in Atlanta, it's my fourth day in training. I was told you didn't do that kind of thing anymore; I'd wondered if I would get a chance to see you in action. Standing beside the nurse who called you: when your crew was assembled, I took it upon myself to suit up: no one told me otherwise. There's been lots said about you although you've never written a book. When I was told of department head dismissing formalities, I didn’t understand how that worked. I've just witnessed how that works; everyone danced so well together. It’s an honor to finally meet you: I’ve followed your career since nursing school. Told of your soft command, what I’ve witnessed doesn’t go far enough. You’re why people like me come here to train; anyone can see you enjoy what you do. Giving in so many ways is brilliant; I don't mind saying. I’m sorry I know it’s your birthday, happy birthday I won’t keep you; I only wanted to say hello; I guess I said more than that. Keep-up the good work,” surgical nurse in training says.

I’m sorry I am terrible with names. What did you say yours was?

“Nurse Crompton, Gaynell Crompton,” nurse Gaynell Crompton says.

Thank you nurse Crompton.

"Gaynell, please call me Gaynell.

Gaynell, it’s a pleasure meeting you. I am trying to get out of here. Let’s do this, before your thirty days around here expirers, I will seek you out for sit down over tea. It will give me a chance to punch holes in your perceptions. You don’t look like someone who believes everything they here. I must be on my way; again, nice meeting you, take care.

“No, but I’ve read more than I've heard ha, ha, ha. Thanks for taking time doctor. It would be a pleasure sitting down with you,” nurse Gaynell Crompton says.

Avoiding anyone not hospital related, I’m in my car looking at another dark sky to dark sky day. If traffic corporates, I can be home in time to salvage a dance or two before told enough. Quick check of phones before pulling off; private line shows know calls, public phone shows two missed messages from Denise; why did she call this phone. Her messages are muddled before dropping; Denise forgot to recharge her cellphone again, she always needs reminding. Calling her back goes to voicemail. Hello Denise, its daddy baby girl, sounds like you forgot to charge your phone again. What’s going on, remember we agreed daddy gets called in emergencies only; why didn’t you call my family phone? Anyway, call me back I’m in the car headed home. You can’t leave daddy wondering like this Denise, we’ll discuss why when I get home, bye. Jada’s phone goes to voicemail, I’m cursing phone rules I put in place. Hey sweet Denise called me; I called her back it went to voicemail like yours. I’m so sorry make sure my ladies no that, I’ll make sure they feel it when I get there, it shouldn’t be too late to do most of what was planned. Tell them whatever they want to plan for tomorrow; count me in. I’ll be home soon bye; I promise to love you more tomorrow. Maybe I’m being set-up for ghost games, a take on hides and seek I came up with when they were younger. Knowing I was on my way, they would turn off all lights except the one Jada sat under. I'd win only after finding them all; finding them was easy, I’d sing or make jokes making them laugh, they called it cheating. Feels forever since we've last played. Mile from home family phone buzzes, hello.

“HELLO DR. DENNISON, HELLO, HELLO is this Dr. Dennison?” An unrecognizable voice asks calling from phone they should not have.

Yes, this is Dennison who is this, HELLO THIS IS DENNIS DENNISON who is speaking please, I CAN’T HERE YOU, TO MUCH NOISE ON YOUR END. Call drops leaving wondering. Turning onto my street at 9:39 pm, looks like army of emergency vehicles in vicinity of my home. Helicopters fly overhead shining bright lights, news vans everywhere, lots of lights light up night. We've received no notice of Hollywood filming in our area; this should not be here this time of evening. Vehicles with letters on them block path, slow is only way towards my home. I hope things are alright with neighbors; my nosey family is out here somewhere not answering their phones. Closer to bright lights I abandon vehicle making way through maze of cars. My neighbor’s gates are opened, driveways lined with emergency vehicles. It's apparent whatever’s happening is happening at my house. Pushing through reaching caution tape, police officer puts her hand in my chest raising tape over my head.

“Back behind the line sir,” officer tells me.

This is my home, officer.

“Sorry Dr. Dennison, Jerry; JERRY, this is Dr. Dennison, follow him sir,” officer says. Why does she know my name. In my yard we move like pieces on chess board around cars parked anywhere they can fit, lights like UFO landing. Clearing first ten yards Nancy and Mia can be seen surrounded by cops. Mia puts her hand up deflecting lights thinking she sees me, certain; she runs in my direction screaming into noise. Three feet away she yells.

“THEIR DEAD DENNIS, THEIR ALL DEAD; MY GOD THEY'RE GONE, GONE, THE WORSE THING IN THE WORLD HAPPENED?” Mia screams slamming her head in my chest beating my shoulders. If I had a soul she's pierced it.

What are you talking about Mia who’s dead, stop it, what the fuck are you saying; where’s Jada and the girls, move?

“JADA! JADA! THE GIRLS DENNIS. THEY DON’T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED, THEY’RE ALL GONE,” Mia screams through tears as Nancy walks up.

Nancy, what's going on; what is Mia talking about: who’s dead Nancy. Where are Jada and the girls, what’s all this; what’s going on in my house?

“Dennis my cars over here; let’s go sit in my car,” Nancy asks.

I don’t want to sit in your car, why should we sit in your car; I’ve never sat in your car before, why is your car in my front yard? What’s going on at my house? Never mind. Brushing them aside approaching my front stairs; three uniforms are guarding my house.

“You can’t go in sir,” one says, using his hand like stop sign; other two act in unison.

Officers I’ve never disrespected the law in my life, at this very moment the law is disrespecting me. I have deed in my name that says I can go in my house. With that said, get the fuck out my way. Cursing put a football in my arms, they grab body parts slamming us to the ground. It’s on now; we fight like fools in MY FUCKING FRONT YARD.

“GRAB HIS ARMS” “STOP HIS LEGS, HOLD HIS HEAD DOWN” “GET YOUR CUFFS OUT!” They say pugnaciously to each other.

“HAVE YOU ALL LOST YOUR MINDS; LET THAT MAN UP RIGHT NOW, LET HIM UP. DO YOU NO WHO HE IS, GET OFF OF HIM GET YOUR HANDS OFF HIM, THAT MAN’S FAMILY’S IN THAT HOUSE, SHOW SOME FUCKING RESPECT,” DA Nancy Yancy yells, bending down brushing me off. They scuffed my ass good; I see them checking injuries. Rolling over sitting where three officers stood unable to understand: my neck feels broken. Two men with shiny shoes come standing over me.

“God dammit I don’t want nobody laying another finger on this man, sorry about that Dr. Dennison. I’m Chief of police Figliuzzi, this is Major Kinzinger. Sorry about the scuffle doctor: they were only following orders; you can’t go in there it’s a crime scene now. I’m sorry to inform you doctor, your wife and kids were savagely attacked and murdered this evening,” Chief Figliuzzi says bending, trying to look in my eyes.

NO! NO! NO! NO! THAT SHIT DIDN'T HAPPEN, that’s not true, what you’re saying cannot be true. Do not tell me shit like that. Today’s my birthday, I hate celebrating birthdays, Jada said my ladies want to do something special for their daddy. That’s what I’m here for; you people need to leave; let me go inside it’s time to celebrate. Mia lets out another piercing scream.

“Sorry, I can’t allow that doctor,” Chief Figliuzzi tells me.

Why not, if they are like you say, they need identifying?

“ADA Yancy did that sir,” Major Kinzinger says.

That’s bullshit, she’s not family. Are you not listening; today was my day off, I got called in, it happens. When I leave this house, I leave my life in it. Are you telling me my life is over, are you saying everything’s gone nothing but dead in my home, in civilized society. This fucking tie is choking me, I wear this stupid ass outfit for people inside. FUCK: I can’t feel my legs. This shits not happening, why are people in and out of my home. JADA! Where’s Jada I need to see Jada. This is not happening; shit your saying can’ t be happening. It’s my stupid birthday; they are waiting to play my music. FUCK. Mia’s crying is unbearable, where is Glory girl, Sammy, Denise. Denise called, she’s not dead; why say shit like that. JADA! What you’re saying is unacceptable, I left my family alive this morning; I must see what's going on.

“I wish I could allow that doctor you know I can’t,” Chief Figliuzzi says again.

I’m not asking.

People run after me running towards solarium doors kicking in, tripping on threshold I’ve been meaning to replace for years. Hands stop me from falling on my face, looking up people covered in white PPE zips grey zipper on black body bag. I got their attention.

“Sorry Dr. Dennison: sorry for your loss,” one tech says before he and another pick bag up trying not to slam on gurney.

Open the bag I want to see.

“Trust me doctor you don’t want to see. Crack the bag boys,” Chief Figliuzzi tells them.

OH, NOOOOOO NO! NO! NO! NO! JADA! JADA! MY SWEET FACE, LOOK WHAT THEY’VE DONE; WHAT DID THIS TO MY BEAUTIFUL JADA, WHY! WHY! WHY DO THIS? Please get up sweet. Tears clog everything, sending me face first hitting gurney before floor.

“Help him up boys, let us help you up doctor; let’s go outside, help him outside boys. Sorry Dr. Dennison, I wish you hadn’t done that, believe me doctor you don’t want to see this, take him outside boys,” someone says before I'm grabbed. My hand gets cut crashing against tree Mr. Rutherford planted with Glory girl and Sammy; bleeding on yellow rock Sammy painted with her mother. What’s going on, GLORYYY, SAMMYYYY, DENISE. I need my babies, where’s my babies. Rain, fucking rain, look at this shit. THIS FUCKING DESERT CALL CALIFORNIA IS PISSING IN MY FACE. WHAT'S YOUR MESSAGE LIAR IN THE SKY. I CAN’T FEEL SHIT IN THIS STUPID ASS SUIT, PISS ON.

“Protect the crime scene fellas, breakout the rain gear. Let’s get out the rain doctor, help him up boys get something for his hand. Let’s go over here this is better out the rain. I'm sorry doctor; it appears your family was inside when intruders entered, we think more than one. Alarm wasn’t on, they're usually not when people are home during the day. They entered through the front, which apparently wasn’t locked. Your neighbor came over backside, said she'd seen a strange, unmarked van leaving your home. When she came around front, front door was open, she called out to your wife: she called us when no one answered. We've counted at least twenty cameras, in and around your property. Your recording equipment was discovered floating in downstairs bathtub; nothing was recovered. Do you have a back-up system doctor? Bring that ladder over here boys. Did we get pictures and footprints by the wall. Doctor, we found this leaning against your inside wall; does it look familiar,” Major Kinzinger asks.

No, I’ve never seen it before, there is no back-up system.

“We think it was used to get over the wall, let’s get the ladder tested guys. Sorry doctor I should've mentioned, your youngest daughter was found conscious in bad shape, she’s been rushed to Mt. Ivey medical,” Maj. Kinzinger says.

That should have been the second thing out your mouth.

“Your right doctor it should have. So far perpetrators left little to go on; our teams sweeping from top to bottom. Dr. Dennison, can you think of anyone who would want to do something like this. We got people checking for grudges, combing your wife’s cases; she’s helped put away a lot of scum?” Major Kinzinger asks, causing Mia to scream; Nancy walks her away.

Is there anyone in your life, anyone you know personally; that would come in your home and kill your family? Why would someone my wife helped put away want to harm her, rather than prosecuting attorney?

“Dr. Dennison, we have about twenty-five people in there trying to figure out what's happened here. It’s my understanding you left home about four this morning, been in surgery all day. Saved one of our best I hear, thank you for that by the way. Is that correct doctor?” Chief Figliuzzi asks.

Yes, can I see my daughters when they bring them out, can I kiss them, please, please?

“Sorry doctor can’t let you contaminate evidence; you know what I mean,” Major Kinzinger says.

People walk by carrying things, pouring rains pounding parked vehicles running in my front yard sounds like tank regiment rolling over what was once home, with me in front of it, my brains going to explode.

“To your knowledge doctor, did your wife have enemies?” Major Kinzinger asks. I say nothing.

“Doctor, you don’t have to be here; you shouldn’t be here. We won’t be done anytime soon, when we are; I don't think it's nothing you'd want to see. Do you have someplace you can go; I can have someone take you?” Kinzinger keeps talking.

Stop walking open the bags. Tell these fucking ghosts open the bags. WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU; OPEN THE FUCKING BAGS!

“Dr Dennison please, I strongly advise against that sir,” Major Kinzinger says.

Ghosts: this is personal. I'll accept my assault charges and move on after knocking you out. Open the fucking bags, I’m not asking again.

“Go back under cover boys, get out the rain; open them up,” Chief Figliuzzi tells them.

NO! NO! NO! MY BABIES DIDN ‘T HURT NOBODY: WHAT DID THIS TO MY BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIES. LOOK AT THIS, WHY! WHY! BABIES. Get-up Glory girl, get-up Sammy, daddies’ home. PLEASE, YOU CAN’T GO, DON’T GO BABIES DON’T LEAVE DADDY PLEASEE. I CAN’T DO WITHOUT YOU.

“Take them away boys,” Chief of police Figliuzzi tells ghosts.

If this is true, I need quick access to weapon to blow my brains out. Staggering away, rain hitting lights makes what I'm hearing less imaginable.

"Sometimes I hate this fucking job, that man didn't deserve this. Fucking animals," Chief Figliuzzi can be heard telling Major Kinzinger.

In the cloud I scream. JADA, DENISE, GLORY, SAMMY, COME OUT PLEASE, PLEASE, COME OUT, JADAAA. Falling, Mia and Nancy get muddy putting arms around me. Where is my family on my birthday, Jada told me be happy about my party. Where’s Jada, my Glory girl, my SAMMY. Call Denise Nancy, this makes no sense. I wake where I black out, Nancy trying to console Mia while stopping my head from hitting grass.

“Dennis, come home with us,” Nancy says behind bloodshot eyes.

I need to get to my car.

“You shouldn’t drive Dennis, let us take you,” Nancy says helping me up.

“MAJOR KINZINGER, can we get a couple; to help us though this mob?” Nancy asks.

“Certainly ADA, officer Korean officer Macy; makes sure the doctor gets where he needs to be,” Major Kinzinger says.

Two cops lead followed by Mia and Nancy hold hands, I walk behind them. Lying eight-foot walls did nothing, while something crawled over slithering to door ending life as I knew it. Rainy streets we've played in looks like bad scene from Hollywood movie. News cameras, helicopter, large trucks with larger lights changes night. Bubblegum machines turn as hooded ghost wearing different letters run around. Outside we walk along wall unnoticed at first. My families not dead, that’s not possible; they’re inside ready for my birthday. My ladies have hair appointments in the morning; I get to take them while their mother enjoys spa time. We leave for Africa soon my families not dead; why say that about my family Mia. Why are they in my home scaring my family. Why sad Mia, Jada’s okay; girls are fine, those people don’t know shit. Mia stops walking, going to her knees to cry, Nancy bends over trying to shield her from rain. Cops and I continue hopefully towards my car. Outside caution tape mob forms hold big umbrellas cameras and microphones splashing everywhere.

“MAKE A HOLE, BACK AWAY, GIVE THE MAN SPACE, MOVE!” one officer shouts clearing path. Yelling lights follow.

“DR. DENNISON, OVER HERE; WHO WOULD WANT TO MURDER YOUR FAMILY SIR?”

“DR. DENNISON, WHO WOULD WANT TO HARM YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR?”

“DR. DENNISON, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO WHOEVER DID THIS, SIR?”

“DR. DENNISON, WHAT HAVE POLICE TOLD YOU SO FAR?”

“DID SOMEONE YOUR WIFE PUT AWAY DO THIS DOCTOR?”

“WHERE WERE YOU DOCTOR, WHEN IT HAPPENED?”

Stumbling through pouring rain car found. The two officers try to keep lights away once inside, I don't see them doing that for long in pouring rain. Closing my eyes to blinding bright lights can't shut brain off. WHERE ARE YOU JADA; WHAT’S GOING ON? Why do lights keep shouting at me, what does it want. Four priceless objects were left in my home this morning; how can I be broken. Last time it rained this hard my life was changed, by person standing in it. Jada gave me identity when she made me her man. My ladies fed me purpose, my complete is gone. Blood- brain ready to pop drips tears upon bloody pages, they feel impossible to stop. Life without them is unforeseeable life, what the fuck is going on; I can smell them. Someone's tapping pressing badge against window.

“Dr. Dennison Lt. Orr sir. We've just received word your youngest arrived alive at Mt. Ivey: unconscious but still alive doctor. DID YOU HEAR WHAT I SAID, YOUR YOUNGEST IS ALIVE?” Lt. Orr shouts as window seals. I nod when he repeats himself. The hospital my children were born in.

I must get out of this cloud. If Denise dies all bets are off, I'll find something at the hospital to end life peacefully. Something is seriously wrong, people responsible for making sure things don’t go wrong, are not here. WHERE IS FUCKING LUCKY MAN. HOW COULD HE CALL HIMSELF LUCKY, COULDN'T PROTECT THE ONLY THINGS THAT MATTERED. WHY DIDN’T I, HOW COULD I LET THIS HAPPEN, WHAT’S HAPPENED. WHO DID THIS TO US, WHAT DID I DO. I promised to protect Jada every day of her life. What did I do, I failed when it mattered most; what have I done? This morning started like so many, Jada hounded me about what’s required. I loved every word from her righteous mouth. What happened to my electrified kitchen door. What silenced my music forever. Beeping horn before pulling off means blinding driver. Drive to hospital begins my decent; fifteen minutes away on other side of the world. Phones buzz off front seat, Daniel, Isabelle, Michelle, Mrs. Robinson, my parents, welcome to social media. Things have gone terribly awry; I can’t explain what I don’t understand. Where is my beautiful wife? I can’t think, I don't remember how I got here walking in hospital. Ghost sighting pushing squeaky wheel gurney buckles legs, sending me headfirst kissing hospital’s shiny marble floor.

“SOMEONE’S DOWN IN YOUR LOBBY” are last words heard.