Jinnyis#1
04-30-2001, 11:03 PM
ok.. so this is my first division fanfic. so read and tell me what you think, k? http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif
Something To Lose
Disclaimer: All characters used in this work of fiction do not belong to me, and I at no time tried to claim ownership.
Scene 1 : The Station
It’s almost time for another day of work to start, and C.D. and Magda sit at their desks looking over papers and typing things into their computers. No one is talking so when the door opens and Jinny Exstead walks in almost everyone looks up. Jinny looks absolutely haggard. Her eyes are half-open and her hair is mussed. She sits down at her desk with a sigh and puts her head in her hands. Magda and C.D. look first at her and then at each other giving the “not again” look.
C.D.: Long night, Jinny?
Jinny: (tiredly) You could say that.
Jinny gives C.D. a slight smile and picks up her phone and dials a number with slow determination.
Magda and C.D. look at each other again and sigh. It’s going to be a long day. Just then the door opens once more and Angela Reide walks in, chipper and full of life.
C.D.: And why are you so happy?
Angela: Can’t someone just be happy when they get up? (smiles)
C.D.: Oh, I get it now. (C.D. smiles sarcastically) YOU must’ve had a long night too.
Jinny slams down the phone and runs her hand through her hair. She looks annoyed at absolutely everything.
Magda: Everything all right, Jin?
Jinny: Yeah… sure. I guess. I don’t even know. (Jinny looks at the phone again, picks up the receiver and then lets it fall back onto it’s cradle.)
Magda: Uh huh. Ok.. talk to me, Jin. What’s up? (Magda gets up and sits on the edge of Jinny’s desk.) WAS it a long night?
Jinny: (smiling) Yeah. Teddy spent the night. (Her smile fades) But he’s not answering his phone now. (Jinny looks at her phone again and then back up at Magda)
Magda: Geez… didn’t you just see him this morning?
Jinny: No. He was gone when I got up. Maybe he had to be at work early. (Jinny looks away from Magda.)
Magda: (playfully) Well… (she gets up from Jinny’s desk) if you want to talk to him so bad why don’t you get your lazy butt up and go over there yourself?
Jinny: (sarcastically) You can let the captain know where I am then.
Magda: Ok… ok… I was just trying to help. (She sits back down at her desk.)
Jinny: (rifling through some papers) Yeah… well…
Just then Captain Kate McCafferty walks out of her office holding case folders and looking around to make sure everyone was there.
Kate: Listen up, everyone. We have some cases. C.D., Angela (hands a folder to C.D.) a robbery… with an interesting twist. Magda, Jinny (hands a folder to Magda and looks at Jinny curiously) murder. Man’s found dead on his back porch, shot to death. No prints of any kind, no witnesses. Have fun. (She walks back into her office and closes the door.)
Jinny: What is up her butt today? (Looks at Magda) What?
Magda: Nothing, Jin. Let’s go. It’s gonna be a long day… (she picks up her coat and walks toward the door.)
Jinny: (putting on her coat) You can say that again. (Catches up with Magda) Why is it that murderers can’t leave us some nice evidence anymore? (They both walk out the door).
Scene 2 House of robbery victim Jennifer Hughs.
Inside house Jennifer Hughs is pacing back and forth with her arms folded across her chest. The doorbell rings and Jennifer rushes to answer it. When she opens the door C.D. and Angela stand there.
C.D.: Miss Hughs? (Jennifer nods) Hi, my name is C.D. Lorenzo and this is my partner Angela Reid. We’re with the SFPD. May we come in?
Jennifer nods her head and lets them both enter. The house is modestly decorated in pastel colors. It looks almost immaculate, except for the mud tracked all over the living room carpet.
Jennifer: Thank god you’re here. I was getting to thinking that no one was going to show up.
Angela: Well, we’re here now Miss Hughs. Would you like to tell us what happened?
Jennifer: Please, call me Jennifer. (C.D. and Angela nod) Well… (Jennifer gets up and paces around again) when I got home I noticed the mud on the carpet… as I’m sure you can too. And I got really scared. I… I checked all the rooms and, well… my bedroom closet was open and that’s all that I found amiss really. Until I realized all my shoes had been stolen, that is. (Jennifer looked at C.D. and Angela waiting for a response) I know it’s silly, but… someone WAS in my house and I DID have something stolen.
C.D. and Angela looked at each other with surprised amusement.
C.D.: Wait… let me get this straight. The only thing that was stolen was your SHOES?
Scene 3 Station
Jinny and Magda sit at their desks talking.
Magda: So… we have no leads, no suspects, no witnesses, nothing. Except for a dead man who has no family.
Jinny: Yeah…
Magda: Jinny! Are you even listening to me? Since we have absolutely nothing on this case we have to start somewhere… let’s start making some phone calls. (Not getting any answer from Jinny, Magda looks up at her.) Ok, Jin… something’s bothering you. Does it still have to do with Teddy?
Jinny looks up, startled at the mention of Teddy’s name and nods.
Jinny: Yeah.. it’s just… why was he GONE this morning? I don’t understand. Ugh.. god, look at me… I’m a wreck over something that I used to do to guys all the damn time. (After she said that Jinny got a frightened look in her eyes and looked at Magda).
Magda: No! I mean… he couldn’t have just left you. He’s probably really busy today. (She looks at Jinny who still looks doubtful.) Ok… why don’t you go over there now and see him? I’ll make the phone calls and cover for you when the Captain asks where you are.
Jinny: (doubtfully) You sure?
Magda: Yes I’m sure. Now go before I change my mind. (She gives Jinny a big smile.) Go!
Jinny smiles at Magda and grabs her coat. No sooner is she out the door when the captain comes over to Magda.
Kate: Where’s Jinny off to?
Magda: Lunch, I think.
Kate: Okay, well… she’d better hurry back. Any news on the case?
Magda: (sighs) Nothing. At all. I’m going to start making phone calls right now… try to find SOMEONE who knows this guy.
Kate: Okay, good. Let me know when you’ve got something. (She turns to leave then thinks better of it.) Oh, and Magda, when Jinny gets back tell her I want to see her in my office ASAP.
Magda: Will do, Captain.
Kate walks away toward her office. Magda picks up the phone and dials.
Scene 5 Teddy’s Office
Teddy’s office door is ajar and Teddy is at his desk looking over papers. There is a knock at his door. It’s Jinny. Teddy looks up from what he is doing, sees Jinny, and looks back down again, not acknowledging her.
Jinny: Teddy?
Teddy: Not now Jinny, I’m busy.
Jinny: Teddy… I’ve been calling you all morning. (pause-no response) You weren’t answering your phone.
Teddy: (coldly) I know.
Jinny looks even more of a wreck than she did at the station. She just stares at Teddy as if paralyzed. Her eyes start to show the beginnings of tears, but she recomposes herself and walks closer to Teddy’s desk, leaning over it.
Jinny: What’s wrong? What happened?
Teddy: (icily now) LATER, Jinny.
Anger flashes in Jinny’s face. She marches over to his door, slams it shut and wheels around to face him once again, her eyes ablaze. Teddy just looks at her in disgusted shock.
Teddy: What the hell…?!
Jinny: Teddy! What is wrong?! (pause… no answer. Teddy is just staring at her.) What… god.. what did I DO?!
Teddy seems to soften, but then regains this former coldness.
Teddy: Last night, Jinny. (pause) (even more coldly now) Try to remember.
Jinny looks confused. Her face begins to move as her mind works, trying to search for the answer.
Jinny: (confused) We spent the night together…
Teddy: Uh huh. Dinner… that was quite nice. Then we went to the bar. (pause) Remember the bar, Jinny? (pause-no response. Jinny just stares blankly, not knowing what he is talking about.) No, of course you don’t. You drank so much you almost didn’t make it home. If I hadn’t been there you wouldn’t have… at least not to your own home anyway.
Jinny’s jaw clenches and her fists form into balls at her side. All she can seem to do is stand there, shocked and angry.
Teddy: So I took you home and put you in bed and stayed with you so that if anything happened to you I could take you to the goddamn hospital. (pause) Then at 3 o’clock this morning you told me to “**** off” as you so nicely put it… and I did.
Jinny: (a bit angrily) I did not…
Teddy: (cutting Jinny off) You DID! (yelling now) I’m tired of wasting a night because you drank too much. And I’m tired of coming home practically every night and worrying about you. And I’m tired of the moods in the morning when you wake up with a hangover. (a little softer) I’m tired… I’m tired of US, Jinny.
Jinny’s jaw is still clenched, but the tears she forced back earlier are welling up in her eyes again. She turns slowly, walks to the door and opens it. She pauses at the door, as if getting another thought, and turns around. The tears are now running down her cheeks.
Jinny: (filled with emotion) **** you.
Jinny turns again and walks out the door, slamming it closed. Teddy stares after her with a pained look.
Scene 6 Station (2 hours later)
Magda is sitting at her desk, pad of paper in front of her with nothing on it. She sighs outwardly and looks at her watch, startled.
Magda: (to herself) It’s been two hours, where the hell is Jinny? (She reaches for the phone.)
C.D. and Angela are at their desks going over their case.
C.D.: Ok… I don’t get it. Whoever this… person was they stole her SHOES?? This isn’t even a case we should be on! For all we know the lady could be crazy… threw her shoes out… tracked mud into her own house.
Angela: I agree with you there….
C.D.: (raising an eyebrow) You do? ( the phone rings-C.D.answers) Inspector DeLorenzo. Yes, we are. Yes. Uh huh. (sighs) All right, we’ll be there. (C.D. looks at Angela) Looks like we’ve got another one.
Angela: (grabbing her coat) Must be a lot of crazy ladies out there.
The captain walks out of her office and over to Magda’s desk, sheet of paper in hand.
Kate: Magda, I just got a phone call… looks like you two might have a witness after all. (Looks toward Jinny’s desk.) She’s not back yet? (Magda shakes her head). “Lunch” was two hours ago.
Magda: I’m as lost as you, captain. I have no idea where she is. I just paged her though… hopefully I’ll get a call back.
Kate: Well… find her fast. We don’t want to lose this. (pause) Got it?
Magda: I got it. (she throws a worried glance at the door.)
Scene 7 –Bar
Jinny is sitting at the bar, her right hand wrapped around a shot glass as she swigs it down. As she looks up her eyes get clouded over and she almost falls off the stool when she lifts her left hand to try to get the bartenders attention.
Jinny: Hey! Hey!! (mutters)Damnit… can’t get his attention…. (louder again.. yelling) HEY!
The bartender, a muscular man about 6 ft tall, walks over and looks at Jinny, bemusement on his face.
BT: Yes?
Jinny: Another one… pronto!
BT: (looks uneasy) Uh… you know… I think I should cut you off… you’ve been drinking for awhile….
Jinny: Hey… this is MY money and MY life so just give me another one.
BT: Yeah… well this is MY bar, and I’m here to make sure YOU don’t pass out.
Jinny: I won’t pass out. (Bartender gives her a skeptical look) Ok.. ok… just ONE more and I promise I won’t ask for anything else… I swear!
BT: (gives Jinny one last look and sighs, pouring her another) LAST one.
Jinny: Yeah yeah yeah… (swigs it down and slams the shot glass back down on the bar, grinning)
BT: Hey! Watch it!
Jinny’s pager suddenly goes off, and she is startled out of her daze. She glances down at the instrument on her belt, but this causes her to lose her balance and she topples to the floor. A moment later, Jinny is unconscious.
BT: Hey.. you ok?
He leans over the bar and sees that Jinny isn’t moving. Quickly he vaults over the bar and crouches down beside her, opening her eyes and slaps her. There is no response. Panicking, he locates two girls staring at the scene before them and gets they’re attention.
BT: You two! Take her to the hospital! (the two girls just stare, wide-eyed) NOW!!!!
This springs the two girls into action as they and the Bartender lift Jinny up from the floor and rush out the door, people staring after them in shocked silence.
Scene 8 – Station
Magda is sitting at her desk with the phone against her ear, listening to something.
Magda: “Damnit Teddy.”
She gets up, grabs her jacket and keys and heads to the door.
Scene 9 – Teddy’s Office
Teddy’s door is open and Magda walks in without knocking, worry on her face. Teddy looks up, startled.
Teddy: You could knock, Magda.
Magda: Sorry. Teddy, look, I…
Teddy: (cutting her off) If you’re here to plead Jinny’s side, forget it. I don’t want to hear it.
Magda: I’m not… (realization dawns on her face)…what happened?
Teddy: You can ask Jinny that. Now, if you don’t mind I’ve got…
Magda: (cutting his off) Yes I DO mind. I can’t ask Jinny… I don’t know where she is.
Teddy: Why don’t you check every bar in the city? I’m sure you’ll find her.
Magda: That’s not funny, Teddy. We have a case. She’s on duty.
Teddy: Like that would matter to her.
Magda: It does matter, she… (pause) I gotta go.
Magda turns around quickly, leaving Teddy a bit startled. Running out the door she grabs for her cellphone. Teddy looks after her and tears well up in his eyes. He places his head in his hands and weeps softly, not caring who sees him.
Scene 10 – Bar
Magda walks in slowly and glances around. This is the last bar on her list. Jinny, just like all the other times, was nowhere to be seen. She sighs and walks toward the bar when her cell phone rings, making her jump.
Magda: Ramirez. (pause) No, I haven’t found her. (pause) Yes.. I know. Just give me (glances at watch) 30 more minutes. If I haven’t found her by then I’ll give up. (pause) Yeah… I know.. me too.
Magda hangs up her phone and walks over to the bar, sitting down on the same stool that Jinny had occupied earlier that day. The bartender walks over to her and smiles.
BT: Can I get you anything?
Magda: Yeah… um… (pulls out Jinny’s picture from her jacket) Have you seen her today?
The bartender takes the picture from Magda and his face goes pale. Magda notices this and questions him.
Magda: You have, haven’t you?
BT: Oh yeah… this is the girl that had to go to the hospital.
Magda: What?!?!
BT: (looks uneasy) I… uh… think she had too much to drink. See… her beeper went off and then she fell off the stool and… she passed out. I had these two girls drive her to the hospital.
Magda: Oh my god…
Magda gets off the stool and rushed towards the door, her face flushed and her eyes deeply concerned. Getting in her car, she sat, breathed in and out a couple of times and picked up her cell phone, dialing the station.
Magda: Captain… I found her….
Scene 11 – The hospital
Magda is talking to the receptionist in the Emergency room. Her eyes are wide and she gives the receptionist an unbelieving look.
Magda: What do you MEAN I can’t see her?!?! I WORK with her for gods sake!
REC: I’m sorry, but only family members and those given permission by family members may see the patients in the ER.
Magda: (getting angrier) Can’t you even tell me how she is?!?!
REC: No, I’m sorry, that is also only given…
Magda: (cutting her off) Fine! (muttering) This is absolutely ridiculous….
Just then John and Casey walk into the ER waiting area, both of them are in their uniforms. Seeing Magda, Casey immediately walks over to her, while John goes to the receptionist.
Casey: How is she?
Magda: I don’t know! They won’t tell me… they won’t let me in to see her… nothing.
John walks over to Casey and Magda.
John: Comon guys, we can go see her.
Magda: You mean I’m ALLOWED now?!?
John: (point to Casey and himself) We’re family, remember?
Magda: (looks a little flustered) Right.
All three of them walk down the short hall and into Jinny’s room. When they see her, they’re all taken a bit aback. Although she doesn’t look completely horrible, there are still numerous IVs and tubes hooked up, and she is extremely pale.
John: Jesus Jinny, you did it this time.
Casey: (looking over at his brother angrily) Will you shut up?! She’s in a hospital bed and you’re still on her case!
John: Well she’s in here because of what she did! Why don’t YOU shut up.
A voice behind them is heard now “Why don’t you both shut up.” The brothers turn around to see their dad standing there, his face drawn and weary. Magda is beside him, her arms crossed over the chest as she stares at the scene in front of her.
Casey: Dad….
John: Hi dad.
JD(Jinny’s Dad): Hey guys. (sees Jinny in the hospital bed and looks away quickly towards Magda) What happened?
John: She drank too much.
Casey: John! Stop it! For crying out loud…
Magda: (looking at Jinny’s dad, whose gaze hadn’t waivered from her face) Something… happened between her and Teddy today. I… I’m not sure what. I went looking for her and found out that she had been in a bar and drank too much. (sighs) And she had to be rushed here. I don’t know anything else.
Just then Magda’s cell phone rings and she answers it.
Magda: Ramirez. (pause) I know cap. (pause) But Jinny… (pause) Peter? On this case?! (pause) Fine. (hangs up). (Looks towards Jinny and then back to her dad) I have to go… apparently this case can’t wait. (the beginnings of tears start to form, but Magda forces them back)
JD: It’s ok Magda, we understand. We’ll call you if we have any news.
Magda: Thanks.
Magda walks out the door of the hospital room and down the corridor towards the entrance. She sighs and runs her hand through her hair.
Scene 12 – Teddy’s Office
Teddy sits at his desk staring at his computer screen. He can’t concentrate, and he picks up his coffee mug for yet another trip to fill it, but then he stops. Looking at his hands, he remembers how wonderful they felt when Jinny was in them. Sighing, he once again got up from his desk and walked toward the door.
Scene 13 – Station
The station is a buzz with activity, but none of the four women investigators are there. Captain Kate McCafferty sits in her office, thumbing through case files. Magda and Peter walk through the door to the offices.
Magda: Of COURSE I’m distracted, Peter! Jinny is in the hospital… unconscious! Please… just…
Peter: But what about this case?
Magda: What about it? We have a witness that didn’t hardly see anything. (sighs) I just want to know how Jinny’s doing….
C.D. and Angela walk into the office now, absolute confusion on both their faces.
Angela: I REALLY don’t understand this. Why would anyone in their right mind steal shoes… and might I add… JUST shoes… from these women.
C.D.: A man with a foot or shoe fetish, that’s who. (looks around and sees Magda and Peter at their desks, but no Jinny). Hey… where’s Jin?
Magda looks up from her desk and motions for C.D. and Angela to sit down.
Magda: She’s at the hospital.
Angela: Oh my god! What happened?!
Magda: Well, you know how she was this morning. (both nod) At lunch time I told her to go see Teddy…
Scene 14 – Hospital
Casey is sitting down in one of the hospital rooms’ chairs staring at his sister, who doesn’t move. He sits back in the chair and runs his hand through his hair, sighing and looks around at John, who is pacing back and forth over the same spot.
JD: (softly) I’m going outside for a smoke. (Casey and John look at him) What?! My daughter (points to Jinny) is laying in a hospital bed right now. (Casey looks away and John returns to pacing). Thank you. (JD walks out the door).
Casey: Will you stop pacing?!? It’s driving me nuts!
John: (angrily) Hey… I can pace if I want to… (pause) I pace when I’m worried.
Casey relaxes and there is silence in the room once again. There is a stirring on the bed, and Casey leaps to his feet and goes towards Jinny’s bed. John follows him. Jinny opens her eyes slightly and then closes them again, the light too harsh right away. Slowly, she opens them again and looks from brother to brother in confusion.
Casey: Jinny?
Jinny: (half groggy) Yeah… what?? (she stops and looks around some more, realizing where she is) A hospital?
Casey: Yeah, Jin. You’re in a hospital.
Jinny: (still confused) Why?
John: (getting annoyed) You drank too much. THAT’S why you’re here.
After John’s words echo through the room there is an odd silence. Jinny looks at John like she wants to argue, but she is too exhausted to do anything but stare at him. Just then a doctor walks in.
Doctor: Well, our monitors say Miss Exstead woke up. Is that right? (doctor looks over as Casey and John part to let him see Jinny, who is awake). Yep… that’s right. Could you guys give me a moment alone with Jinny?
Casey and John nod and walk out of the room, shutting the door.
D: Well, Jinny, it looks like you’re going to be ok.
Jinny: Tell that to my body, please.
D: Oh… I don’t think you’re body is going to get the complete message for another couple of hours at least. (pauses as Jinny grimaces) Jinny, you consumed an extremely high amount of alcohol today. You do know that don’t you?
Jinny: (angrily) Yes. Yes I do! But you don’t have to rub it in, ok?!
D: I’m afraid I do, Jinny. This is serious. (his beeper goes off) Ok… I will talk to you about this later. You’ll be here for a couple more hours for some observation. (he rushes out the door and down the hallway). Casey, John, and Jinny’s father, who has gotten back from his smoke break, walk in. When Jinny’s dad sees Jinny he walks over to her and hugs her with tears in his eyes.
JD: You ok, honey?
Jinny: (weakly) Yeah. But I’d be better if they would stop harassing me about the alcohol….I had a bad day. (tears form in her eyes).
John: Yeah, well, Jinny… you’ve had this problem for longer than today and I think it’s about time SOMEONE said something.
Jinny: Damnit John! That’s all I’ve heard all day! (looks around the room at her brothers and her dad). Get out! All of you! GET OUT! (this last yell took effort and Jinny grabbed her head in pain).
John: Fine! (he storms out of the room without a look back)
JD: (looks at his daughter, his eyes showing he is hurt) I’ll be back later, Jinny. (he turns and slowly walks out the door, turning back to look at Jinny one last time before exiting).
Casey doesn’t say a word and follows his dad, but when he gets to the door he turns to look at Jinny as well. She has an instant “I’m sorry” look in her eyes, and Casey walks toward her a bit more.
Casey: Jin?
Jinny: (tiredly) What?
Casey: I told Magda I’d call her if anything happened. Can I… (trails off)
Jinny: Yeah… call Magda.
Scene 15 – Station
Magda and C.D. and Angela are where they were when Magda was starting to tell them about Jinny. She was just finishing up.
Magda: So I rushed out of the bar and went to the hospital… (phone rings, Magda picks it up) Rameriz. (pause) Casey! How is she?? (pause) She is? Good. (pause) I’ll be right over. (hangs up) Well… (looks at C.D. and Angela) Jinny’s awake. I’m going to go see her. (pauses) And I think it’s best if I go at it alone… for now anyway.
C.D.: Understandable. Keep us posted.
Magda: Will do. (she grabs her coat and keys and heads for the door).
Scene 16 – Teddy’s Office
Teddy is sitting at his desk staring into his mug when Magda walks in, lightly tapping the open door. Teddy looks up and sighs.
Teddy: Hi Magda. (pause) Did you find her?
Magda: Yes, Teddy, I did. In a hospital.
Teddy: What?!?! (worried) wa… was she in an accident or something?
Magda: (sighs) You could call it that if you wanted to. (pause-there is confusion on Teddy’s face). She WAS at a bar, Teddy. She drank to much and… (looks down) and she had to go to the hospital. (looks up again) She just woke up. But… I wanted to know what happened today, Teddy. Why THIS time she drank so much that… (trails off)
Teddy: Why does she EVER drink, Magda? Don’t try and blame this one on me.
Hurt flashes into Teddy’s eyes. He looks down at his desk and shuffles papers aimlessly.
Magda: I’m not blaming you, Teddy. I just need to know what HAPPENED. (pause) Please.
Teddy looks up again and sees Magda’s pained expression.
Teddy: Alright. We… well… no, I told her that it was over, basically.
Magda: Why? I don’t understand. I thought you spent last night together and everything.
Teddy: Last night was the last straw, Magda. She was so… drunk that we really weren’t together. I took care of her all night long. I worried about her ALL NIGHT. I’m DONE spending my life trying to deal with a drunk. I’m just… (trails off)
Magda: Alright Teddy, I understand what you’re saying. I might even be inclined to agree with you. (Magda looks straight at Teddy who is actually surprised at what she just said).
Teddy: You do?
Magda: Yes… I do. But there’s more to Jinny than being drunk. And you know that, Teddy. Yes, she’s hard to talk to. She’s stubborn as all hell. That doesn’t mean that she doesn’t feel. She was so… happy when she was with you. Her face lit up anytime your name was mentioned. She really liked you. Hell teddy, I’m betting she still does! But… you were something she had to lose. And I knew that if she ever lost you… and she did today… that she was going to lose even more control that before. And you knew that too.
Teddy looked stunned, like he had been slapped in the face. He looked down at the floor and then back at Magda.
Teddy: (emotionally) That’s not my fault.
Magda: (her voice hardening) No… Well, Teddy, it’s been great.
Magda’s eyes were locked onto Teddy’s as she turned around. Finally, having to break his gaze she walked briskly out the door, not bothering to shut it.
Scene 17 – Hospital
Jinny is sitting up in her bed, her eyes focused on the TV in the corner of the room. There is a soft knock on her door. Jinny’s gaze doesn’t more from the TV screen.
Jinny: What?
Magda: Jin? It’s me…
Jinny looks away from the Tv towards Magda and gives her a half smile.
Jinny: ok, you’re allowed in. (her smile gets a little bigger)
Magda: Why thank you so much for the priveledge. ( Jinny gives her a look). So how you feeling?
Jinny: Oh, you know, like there are tiny little men with pick-axes in my head. (she laughs, but then holds her head and frowns.) Apparently they don’t like it when I laugh.
Magda: So… well… other than…
Jinny: (cutting her off) I’m fine, Mag. They’re just keeping me here for another couple of hours. You know… make sure I’m in ok physical and… (pauses) well, you know.
Magda looks concerned. She steps closer to the head of Jinny’s bed and grabs her chart.
Jinny: Hey hey! What are you doin? (Jinny gives Magda a puzzled look.)
Magda: Relax, Jin. I know more about you than anythign this chart says anyway.
Jinny: Yeah, well, it’s MY chart (she reaches to grab it from Magda, but when she moves so does her head. Her face contorts in a grimace of pain.)
Magda: Jinny?
Jinny: (still grimacing) Fine. I’m fine. (Magda looks doubtful.) Really! Geez…
Magda looks back down at Jinny’s chart. Her brow wrinkles and looks up at Jinny.
Magda: They’re putting you through psychological testing?
Jinny rolls her eyes and her jaw clenches. Magda moves closer to the bed again.
Magda: Jin? Is there…?
Jinny: Oh my god! (looks directly at Magda.) It’s only because I drank so much or whatever. They want to make sure I’m not a “detriment to the well-being of myself or others” as they put it.
Magda breaks their eye contact and walks to the door, her arms folded. Jinny looks after her with an expression of slight anger.
Jinny: What?
Magda: (turns around and looks at Jinny) It’s just… well… (she breaks eye contact again for a moment, then looks back again.) They might have a point, Jinny.
Jinny looks at Magda in disbelief then turns her attention to the TV once again. Her eyes show her anger, but the silence in deafening.
Magda: Look, Jin, I don’t want to preach or anything, but…
Jinny: (turns to look at Magda again) (angrily) Then don’t.
Magda: Fine, Jinny! (throws up her hands.) If you want to ruin your life, then go right ahead. (pause-Jinny looks straight ahead and her face is a mask of anger.) I talked to Teddy right before I came here. (Jinny looks at Magda now, her face still angry, but expectant.) I tried to explain you to him, Jinny. Now I’m not so sure that I was right. (Magda turns and starts to walk out the door.)
Jinny: (angrily) What’s that supposed to mean?
Magda: (turns around to face Jinny) Next time, Jin, you might be in your apartment alone. Not at a bar. Not with Teddy there to help. And EVERY SINGLE PERSON in your life worries about that! Today you lost someone who meant a lot to you. But he’s still alive. You can still work it out. If you keep doing this to yourself (she gestures at the hospital room) you’ll lose something more. Your LIFE. And all of us: me, Teddy, C.D., Angela, your family, the captain… yes, Jin, even the captain, will lose someone who WE care about! You!!!
With this, Magda turns and walks out the door successfully this time. Jinny stares after her, the anger fading into emotional pain as she starts to cry.
Scene 18 – Station (captain’s office)
Captain Kate McAfferty is sitting at her desk looking at her computer, Every few moments she looks at her watch, getting annoyed at both it’s insistance to not move and how late it was at the same time. There is a knock at her door. Looking uo, she waves whoever it is into her office. It’s Magda.
Kate: So… what’s the verdict?
Magda: She’s… awake. And herself. (gives a wry smile)
Kate: I guess she’s still denying that she was a problem then, yes?
Magda: You got it. Captain… I’m so worried! Not only will she not listen she keeps getting worse. I don’t know what to do anymore.
Kate: (sighs) I’m worried to. And I’m also legally bound.
Magda: What do you mean?
Kate: She drank while on duty. I’m legally bound to suspend her for at least a week… but they prefer more. I don’t know what I’ll do.
Magda: Well, if you’re legally responsible to….
Kate: No, she’ll be suspended, but I don’t know for how long. (Kate looks down at her hands and then back up at Magda.) IT would help if she’d admit her problem.
Magda: I know… I know….
Scene 19 – Jinny’s Apartment, later that night.
Jinny is laying on her couch staring at the bottle of alcohol and the glass that sits on her coffee table. Her expression is sad and lonely. She sits up and reaches for the bottle, then stops herself and reaches for the TV remote. Switching on the TV, she stares at it blankly then switches it off again. She gets up and walks around her living roon, her eyes focused on the bottle wherever she walks. Finally, giving in, Jinny Grabs the bottle and takes a swig then pouts some into her glass. She looks at it and sits down on the couch, her eyes closed, the beginnings of tears running down her cheeks.
THE END
ok... so how was it? i'm thinking about writing a floow-up fanfic where we find out what jinny and teddy do and other things. should i??? anyway.. tell me what you think! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif
~*~jenn~*~
Something To Lose
Disclaimer: All characters used in this work of fiction do not belong to me, and I at no time tried to claim ownership.
Scene 1 : The Station
It’s almost time for another day of work to start, and C.D. and Magda sit at their desks looking over papers and typing things into their computers. No one is talking so when the door opens and Jinny Exstead walks in almost everyone looks up. Jinny looks absolutely haggard. Her eyes are half-open and her hair is mussed. She sits down at her desk with a sigh and puts her head in her hands. Magda and C.D. look first at her and then at each other giving the “not again” look.
C.D.: Long night, Jinny?
Jinny: (tiredly) You could say that.
Jinny gives C.D. a slight smile and picks up her phone and dials a number with slow determination.
Magda and C.D. look at each other again and sigh. It’s going to be a long day. Just then the door opens once more and Angela Reide walks in, chipper and full of life.
C.D.: And why are you so happy?
Angela: Can’t someone just be happy when they get up? (smiles)
C.D.: Oh, I get it now. (C.D. smiles sarcastically) YOU must’ve had a long night too.
Jinny slams down the phone and runs her hand through her hair. She looks annoyed at absolutely everything.
Magda: Everything all right, Jin?
Jinny: Yeah… sure. I guess. I don’t even know. (Jinny looks at the phone again, picks up the receiver and then lets it fall back onto it’s cradle.)
Magda: Uh huh. Ok.. talk to me, Jin. What’s up? (Magda gets up and sits on the edge of Jinny’s desk.) WAS it a long night?
Jinny: (smiling) Yeah. Teddy spent the night. (Her smile fades) But he’s not answering his phone now. (Jinny looks at her phone again and then back up at Magda)
Magda: Geez… didn’t you just see him this morning?
Jinny: No. He was gone when I got up. Maybe he had to be at work early. (Jinny looks away from Magda.)
Magda: (playfully) Well… (she gets up from Jinny’s desk) if you want to talk to him so bad why don’t you get your lazy butt up and go over there yourself?
Jinny: (sarcastically) You can let the captain know where I am then.
Magda: Ok… ok… I was just trying to help. (She sits back down at her desk.)
Jinny: (rifling through some papers) Yeah… well…
Just then Captain Kate McCafferty walks out of her office holding case folders and looking around to make sure everyone was there.
Kate: Listen up, everyone. We have some cases. C.D., Angela (hands a folder to C.D.) a robbery… with an interesting twist. Magda, Jinny (hands a folder to Magda and looks at Jinny curiously) murder. Man’s found dead on his back porch, shot to death. No prints of any kind, no witnesses. Have fun. (She walks back into her office and closes the door.)
Jinny: What is up her butt today? (Looks at Magda) What?
Magda: Nothing, Jin. Let’s go. It’s gonna be a long day… (she picks up her coat and walks toward the door.)
Jinny: (putting on her coat) You can say that again. (Catches up with Magda) Why is it that murderers can’t leave us some nice evidence anymore? (They both walk out the door).
Scene 2 House of robbery victim Jennifer Hughs.
Inside house Jennifer Hughs is pacing back and forth with her arms folded across her chest. The doorbell rings and Jennifer rushes to answer it. When she opens the door C.D. and Angela stand there.
C.D.: Miss Hughs? (Jennifer nods) Hi, my name is C.D. Lorenzo and this is my partner Angela Reid. We’re with the SFPD. May we come in?
Jennifer nods her head and lets them both enter. The house is modestly decorated in pastel colors. It looks almost immaculate, except for the mud tracked all over the living room carpet.
Jennifer: Thank god you’re here. I was getting to thinking that no one was going to show up.
Angela: Well, we’re here now Miss Hughs. Would you like to tell us what happened?
Jennifer: Please, call me Jennifer. (C.D. and Angela nod) Well… (Jennifer gets up and paces around again) when I got home I noticed the mud on the carpet… as I’m sure you can too. And I got really scared. I… I checked all the rooms and, well… my bedroom closet was open and that’s all that I found amiss really. Until I realized all my shoes had been stolen, that is. (Jennifer looked at C.D. and Angela waiting for a response) I know it’s silly, but… someone WAS in my house and I DID have something stolen.
C.D. and Angela looked at each other with surprised amusement.
C.D.: Wait… let me get this straight. The only thing that was stolen was your SHOES?
Scene 3 Station
Jinny and Magda sit at their desks talking.
Magda: So… we have no leads, no suspects, no witnesses, nothing. Except for a dead man who has no family.
Jinny: Yeah…
Magda: Jinny! Are you even listening to me? Since we have absolutely nothing on this case we have to start somewhere… let’s start making some phone calls. (Not getting any answer from Jinny, Magda looks up at her.) Ok, Jin… something’s bothering you. Does it still have to do with Teddy?
Jinny looks up, startled at the mention of Teddy’s name and nods.
Jinny: Yeah.. it’s just… why was he GONE this morning? I don’t understand. Ugh.. god, look at me… I’m a wreck over something that I used to do to guys all the damn time. (After she said that Jinny got a frightened look in her eyes and looked at Magda).
Magda: No! I mean… he couldn’t have just left you. He’s probably really busy today. (She looks at Jinny who still looks doubtful.) Ok… why don’t you go over there now and see him? I’ll make the phone calls and cover for you when the Captain asks where you are.
Jinny: (doubtfully) You sure?
Magda: Yes I’m sure. Now go before I change my mind. (She gives Jinny a big smile.) Go!
Jinny smiles at Magda and grabs her coat. No sooner is she out the door when the captain comes over to Magda.
Kate: Where’s Jinny off to?
Magda: Lunch, I think.
Kate: Okay, well… she’d better hurry back. Any news on the case?
Magda: (sighs) Nothing. At all. I’m going to start making phone calls right now… try to find SOMEONE who knows this guy.
Kate: Okay, good. Let me know when you’ve got something. (She turns to leave then thinks better of it.) Oh, and Magda, when Jinny gets back tell her I want to see her in my office ASAP.
Magda: Will do, Captain.
Kate walks away toward her office. Magda picks up the phone and dials.
Scene 5 Teddy’s Office
Teddy’s office door is ajar and Teddy is at his desk looking over papers. There is a knock at his door. It’s Jinny. Teddy looks up from what he is doing, sees Jinny, and looks back down again, not acknowledging her.
Jinny: Teddy?
Teddy: Not now Jinny, I’m busy.
Jinny: Teddy… I’ve been calling you all morning. (pause-no response) You weren’t answering your phone.
Teddy: (coldly) I know.
Jinny looks even more of a wreck than she did at the station. She just stares at Teddy as if paralyzed. Her eyes start to show the beginnings of tears, but she recomposes herself and walks closer to Teddy’s desk, leaning over it.
Jinny: What’s wrong? What happened?
Teddy: (icily now) LATER, Jinny.
Anger flashes in Jinny’s face. She marches over to his door, slams it shut and wheels around to face him once again, her eyes ablaze. Teddy just looks at her in disgusted shock.
Teddy: What the hell…?!
Jinny: Teddy! What is wrong?! (pause… no answer. Teddy is just staring at her.) What… god.. what did I DO?!
Teddy seems to soften, but then regains this former coldness.
Teddy: Last night, Jinny. (pause) (even more coldly now) Try to remember.
Jinny looks confused. Her face begins to move as her mind works, trying to search for the answer.
Jinny: (confused) We spent the night together…
Teddy: Uh huh. Dinner… that was quite nice. Then we went to the bar. (pause) Remember the bar, Jinny? (pause-no response. Jinny just stares blankly, not knowing what he is talking about.) No, of course you don’t. You drank so much you almost didn’t make it home. If I hadn’t been there you wouldn’t have… at least not to your own home anyway.
Jinny’s jaw clenches and her fists form into balls at her side. All she can seem to do is stand there, shocked and angry.
Teddy: So I took you home and put you in bed and stayed with you so that if anything happened to you I could take you to the goddamn hospital. (pause) Then at 3 o’clock this morning you told me to “**** off” as you so nicely put it… and I did.
Jinny: (a bit angrily) I did not…
Teddy: (cutting Jinny off) You DID! (yelling now) I’m tired of wasting a night because you drank too much. And I’m tired of coming home practically every night and worrying about you. And I’m tired of the moods in the morning when you wake up with a hangover. (a little softer) I’m tired… I’m tired of US, Jinny.
Jinny’s jaw is still clenched, but the tears she forced back earlier are welling up in her eyes again. She turns slowly, walks to the door and opens it. She pauses at the door, as if getting another thought, and turns around. The tears are now running down her cheeks.
Jinny: (filled with emotion) **** you.
Jinny turns again and walks out the door, slamming it closed. Teddy stares after her with a pained look.
Scene 6 Station (2 hours later)
Magda is sitting at her desk, pad of paper in front of her with nothing on it. She sighs outwardly and looks at her watch, startled.
Magda: (to herself) It’s been two hours, where the hell is Jinny? (She reaches for the phone.)
C.D. and Angela are at their desks going over their case.
C.D.: Ok… I don’t get it. Whoever this… person was they stole her SHOES?? This isn’t even a case we should be on! For all we know the lady could be crazy… threw her shoes out… tracked mud into her own house.
Angela: I agree with you there….
C.D.: (raising an eyebrow) You do? ( the phone rings-C.D.answers) Inspector DeLorenzo. Yes, we are. Yes. Uh huh. (sighs) All right, we’ll be there. (C.D. looks at Angela) Looks like we’ve got another one.
Angela: (grabbing her coat) Must be a lot of crazy ladies out there.
The captain walks out of her office and over to Magda’s desk, sheet of paper in hand.
Kate: Magda, I just got a phone call… looks like you two might have a witness after all. (Looks toward Jinny’s desk.) She’s not back yet? (Magda shakes her head). “Lunch” was two hours ago.
Magda: I’m as lost as you, captain. I have no idea where she is. I just paged her though… hopefully I’ll get a call back.
Kate: Well… find her fast. We don’t want to lose this. (pause) Got it?
Magda: I got it. (she throws a worried glance at the door.)
Scene 7 –Bar
Jinny is sitting at the bar, her right hand wrapped around a shot glass as she swigs it down. As she looks up her eyes get clouded over and she almost falls off the stool when she lifts her left hand to try to get the bartenders attention.
Jinny: Hey! Hey!! (mutters)Damnit… can’t get his attention…. (louder again.. yelling) HEY!
The bartender, a muscular man about 6 ft tall, walks over and looks at Jinny, bemusement on his face.
BT: Yes?
Jinny: Another one… pronto!
BT: (looks uneasy) Uh… you know… I think I should cut you off… you’ve been drinking for awhile….
Jinny: Hey… this is MY money and MY life so just give me another one.
BT: Yeah… well this is MY bar, and I’m here to make sure YOU don’t pass out.
Jinny: I won’t pass out. (Bartender gives her a skeptical look) Ok.. ok… just ONE more and I promise I won’t ask for anything else… I swear!
BT: (gives Jinny one last look and sighs, pouring her another) LAST one.
Jinny: Yeah yeah yeah… (swigs it down and slams the shot glass back down on the bar, grinning)
BT: Hey! Watch it!
Jinny’s pager suddenly goes off, and she is startled out of her daze. She glances down at the instrument on her belt, but this causes her to lose her balance and she topples to the floor. A moment later, Jinny is unconscious.
BT: Hey.. you ok?
He leans over the bar and sees that Jinny isn’t moving. Quickly he vaults over the bar and crouches down beside her, opening her eyes and slaps her. There is no response. Panicking, he locates two girls staring at the scene before them and gets they’re attention.
BT: You two! Take her to the hospital! (the two girls just stare, wide-eyed) NOW!!!!
This springs the two girls into action as they and the Bartender lift Jinny up from the floor and rush out the door, people staring after them in shocked silence.
Scene 8 – Station
Magda is sitting at her desk with the phone against her ear, listening to something.
Magda: “Damnit Teddy.”
She gets up, grabs her jacket and keys and heads to the door.
Scene 9 – Teddy’s Office
Teddy’s door is open and Magda walks in without knocking, worry on her face. Teddy looks up, startled.
Teddy: You could knock, Magda.
Magda: Sorry. Teddy, look, I…
Teddy: (cutting her off) If you’re here to plead Jinny’s side, forget it. I don’t want to hear it.
Magda: I’m not… (realization dawns on her face)…what happened?
Teddy: You can ask Jinny that. Now, if you don’t mind I’ve got…
Magda: (cutting his off) Yes I DO mind. I can’t ask Jinny… I don’t know where she is.
Teddy: Why don’t you check every bar in the city? I’m sure you’ll find her.
Magda: That’s not funny, Teddy. We have a case. She’s on duty.
Teddy: Like that would matter to her.
Magda: It does matter, she… (pause) I gotta go.
Magda turns around quickly, leaving Teddy a bit startled. Running out the door she grabs for her cellphone. Teddy looks after her and tears well up in his eyes. He places his head in his hands and weeps softly, not caring who sees him.
Scene 10 – Bar
Magda walks in slowly and glances around. This is the last bar on her list. Jinny, just like all the other times, was nowhere to be seen. She sighs and walks toward the bar when her cell phone rings, making her jump.
Magda: Ramirez. (pause) No, I haven’t found her. (pause) Yes.. I know. Just give me (glances at watch) 30 more minutes. If I haven’t found her by then I’ll give up. (pause) Yeah… I know.. me too.
Magda hangs up her phone and walks over to the bar, sitting down on the same stool that Jinny had occupied earlier that day. The bartender walks over to her and smiles.
BT: Can I get you anything?
Magda: Yeah… um… (pulls out Jinny’s picture from her jacket) Have you seen her today?
The bartender takes the picture from Magda and his face goes pale. Magda notices this and questions him.
Magda: You have, haven’t you?
BT: Oh yeah… this is the girl that had to go to the hospital.
Magda: What?!?!
BT: (looks uneasy) I… uh… think she had too much to drink. See… her beeper went off and then she fell off the stool and… she passed out. I had these two girls drive her to the hospital.
Magda: Oh my god…
Magda gets off the stool and rushed towards the door, her face flushed and her eyes deeply concerned. Getting in her car, she sat, breathed in and out a couple of times and picked up her cell phone, dialing the station.
Magda: Captain… I found her….
Scene 11 – The hospital
Magda is talking to the receptionist in the Emergency room. Her eyes are wide and she gives the receptionist an unbelieving look.
Magda: What do you MEAN I can’t see her?!?! I WORK with her for gods sake!
REC: I’m sorry, but only family members and those given permission by family members may see the patients in the ER.
Magda: (getting angrier) Can’t you even tell me how she is?!?!
REC: No, I’m sorry, that is also only given…
Magda: (cutting her off) Fine! (muttering) This is absolutely ridiculous….
Just then John and Casey walk into the ER waiting area, both of them are in their uniforms. Seeing Magda, Casey immediately walks over to her, while John goes to the receptionist.
Casey: How is she?
Magda: I don’t know! They won’t tell me… they won’t let me in to see her… nothing.
John walks over to Casey and Magda.
John: Comon guys, we can go see her.
Magda: You mean I’m ALLOWED now?!?
John: (point to Casey and himself) We’re family, remember?
Magda: (looks a little flustered) Right.
All three of them walk down the short hall and into Jinny’s room. When they see her, they’re all taken a bit aback. Although she doesn’t look completely horrible, there are still numerous IVs and tubes hooked up, and she is extremely pale.
John: Jesus Jinny, you did it this time.
Casey: (looking over at his brother angrily) Will you shut up?! She’s in a hospital bed and you’re still on her case!
John: Well she’s in here because of what she did! Why don’t YOU shut up.
A voice behind them is heard now “Why don’t you both shut up.” The brothers turn around to see their dad standing there, his face drawn and weary. Magda is beside him, her arms crossed over the chest as she stares at the scene in front of her.
Casey: Dad….
John: Hi dad.
JD(Jinny’s Dad): Hey guys. (sees Jinny in the hospital bed and looks away quickly towards Magda) What happened?
John: She drank too much.
Casey: John! Stop it! For crying out loud…
Magda: (looking at Jinny’s dad, whose gaze hadn’t waivered from her face) Something… happened between her and Teddy today. I… I’m not sure what. I went looking for her and found out that she had been in a bar and drank too much. (sighs) And she had to be rushed here. I don’t know anything else.
Just then Magda’s cell phone rings and she answers it.
Magda: Ramirez. (pause) I know cap. (pause) But Jinny… (pause) Peter? On this case?! (pause) Fine. (hangs up). (Looks towards Jinny and then back to her dad) I have to go… apparently this case can’t wait. (the beginnings of tears start to form, but Magda forces them back)
JD: It’s ok Magda, we understand. We’ll call you if we have any news.
Magda: Thanks.
Magda walks out the door of the hospital room and down the corridor towards the entrance. She sighs and runs her hand through her hair.
Scene 12 – Teddy’s Office
Teddy sits at his desk staring at his computer screen. He can’t concentrate, and he picks up his coffee mug for yet another trip to fill it, but then he stops. Looking at his hands, he remembers how wonderful they felt when Jinny was in them. Sighing, he once again got up from his desk and walked toward the door.
Scene 13 – Station
The station is a buzz with activity, but none of the four women investigators are there. Captain Kate McCafferty sits in her office, thumbing through case files. Magda and Peter walk through the door to the offices.
Magda: Of COURSE I’m distracted, Peter! Jinny is in the hospital… unconscious! Please… just…
Peter: But what about this case?
Magda: What about it? We have a witness that didn’t hardly see anything. (sighs) I just want to know how Jinny’s doing….
C.D. and Angela walk into the office now, absolute confusion on both their faces.
Angela: I REALLY don’t understand this. Why would anyone in their right mind steal shoes… and might I add… JUST shoes… from these women.
C.D.: A man with a foot or shoe fetish, that’s who. (looks around and sees Magda and Peter at their desks, but no Jinny). Hey… where’s Jin?
Magda looks up from her desk and motions for C.D. and Angela to sit down.
Magda: She’s at the hospital.
Angela: Oh my god! What happened?!
Magda: Well, you know how she was this morning. (both nod) At lunch time I told her to go see Teddy…
Scene 14 – Hospital
Casey is sitting down in one of the hospital rooms’ chairs staring at his sister, who doesn’t move. He sits back in the chair and runs his hand through his hair, sighing and looks around at John, who is pacing back and forth over the same spot.
JD: (softly) I’m going outside for a smoke. (Casey and John look at him) What?! My daughter (points to Jinny) is laying in a hospital bed right now. (Casey looks away and John returns to pacing). Thank you. (JD walks out the door).
Casey: Will you stop pacing?!? It’s driving me nuts!
John: (angrily) Hey… I can pace if I want to… (pause) I pace when I’m worried.
Casey relaxes and there is silence in the room once again. There is a stirring on the bed, and Casey leaps to his feet and goes towards Jinny’s bed. John follows him. Jinny opens her eyes slightly and then closes them again, the light too harsh right away. Slowly, she opens them again and looks from brother to brother in confusion.
Casey: Jinny?
Jinny: (half groggy) Yeah… what?? (she stops and looks around some more, realizing where she is) A hospital?
Casey: Yeah, Jin. You’re in a hospital.
Jinny: (still confused) Why?
John: (getting annoyed) You drank too much. THAT’S why you’re here.
After John’s words echo through the room there is an odd silence. Jinny looks at John like she wants to argue, but she is too exhausted to do anything but stare at him. Just then a doctor walks in.
Doctor: Well, our monitors say Miss Exstead woke up. Is that right? (doctor looks over as Casey and John part to let him see Jinny, who is awake). Yep… that’s right. Could you guys give me a moment alone with Jinny?
Casey and John nod and walk out of the room, shutting the door.
D: Well, Jinny, it looks like you’re going to be ok.
Jinny: Tell that to my body, please.
D: Oh… I don’t think you’re body is going to get the complete message for another couple of hours at least. (pauses as Jinny grimaces) Jinny, you consumed an extremely high amount of alcohol today. You do know that don’t you?
Jinny: (angrily) Yes. Yes I do! But you don’t have to rub it in, ok?!
D: I’m afraid I do, Jinny. This is serious. (his beeper goes off) Ok… I will talk to you about this later. You’ll be here for a couple more hours for some observation. (he rushes out the door and down the hallway). Casey, John, and Jinny’s father, who has gotten back from his smoke break, walk in. When Jinny’s dad sees Jinny he walks over to her and hugs her with tears in his eyes.
JD: You ok, honey?
Jinny: (weakly) Yeah. But I’d be better if they would stop harassing me about the alcohol….I had a bad day. (tears form in her eyes).
John: Yeah, well, Jinny… you’ve had this problem for longer than today and I think it’s about time SOMEONE said something.
Jinny: Damnit John! That’s all I’ve heard all day! (looks around the room at her brothers and her dad). Get out! All of you! GET OUT! (this last yell took effort and Jinny grabbed her head in pain).
John: Fine! (he storms out of the room without a look back)
JD: (looks at his daughter, his eyes showing he is hurt) I’ll be back later, Jinny. (he turns and slowly walks out the door, turning back to look at Jinny one last time before exiting).
Casey doesn’t say a word and follows his dad, but when he gets to the door he turns to look at Jinny as well. She has an instant “I’m sorry” look in her eyes, and Casey walks toward her a bit more.
Casey: Jin?
Jinny: (tiredly) What?
Casey: I told Magda I’d call her if anything happened. Can I… (trails off)
Jinny: Yeah… call Magda.
Scene 15 – Station
Magda and C.D. and Angela are where they were when Magda was starting to tell them about Jinny. She was just finishing up.
Magda: So I rushed out of the bar and went to the hospital… (phone rings, Magda picks it up) Rameriz. (pause) Casey! How is she?? (pause) She is? Good. (pause) I’ll be right over. (hangs up) Well… (looks at C.D. and Angela) Jinny’s awake. I’m going to go see her. (pauses) And I think it’s best if I go at it alone… for now anyway.
C.D.: Understandable. Keep us posted.
Magda: Will do. (she grabs her coat and keys and heads for the door).
Scene 16 – Teddy’s Office
Teddy is sitting at his desk staring into his mug when Magda walks in, lightly tapping the open door. Teddy looks up and sighs.
Teddy: Hi Magda. (pause) Did you find her?
Magda: Yes, Teddy, I did. In a hospital.
Teddy: What?!?! (worried) wa… was she in an accident or something?
Magda: (sighs) You could call it that if you wanted to. (pause-there is confusion on Teddy’s face). She WAS at a bar, Teddy. She drank to much and… (looks down) and she had to go to the hospital. (looks up again) She just woke up. But… I wanted to know what happened today, Teddy. Why THIS time she drank so much that… (trails off)
Teddy: Why does she EVER drink, Magda? Don’t try and blame this one on me.
Hurt flashes into Teddy’s eyes. He looks down at his desk and shuffles papers aimlessly.
Magda: I’m not blaming you, Teddy. I just need to know what HAPPENED. (pause) Please.
Teddy looks up again and sees Magda’s pained expression.
Teddy: Alright. We… well… no, I told her that it was over, basically.
Magda: Why? I don’t understand. I thought you spent last night together and everything.
Teddy: Last night was the last straw, Magda. She was so… drunk that we really weren’t together. I took care of her all night long. I worried about her ALL NIGHT. I’m DONE spending my life trying to deal with a drunk. I’m just… (trails off)
Magda: Alright Teddy, I understand what you’re saying. I might even be inclined to agree with you. (Magda looks straight at Teddy who is actually surprised at what she just said).
Teddy: You do?
Magda: Yes… I do. But there’s more to Jinny than being drunk. And you know that, Teddy. Yes, she’s hard to talk to. She’s stubborn as all hell. That doesn’t mean that she doesn’t feel. She was so… happy when she was with you. Her face lit up anytime your name was mentioned. She really liked you. Hell teddy, I’m betting she still does! But… you were something she had to lose. And I knew that if she ever lost you… and she did today… that she was going to lose even more control that before. And you knew that too.
Teddy looked stunned, like he had been slapped in the face. He looked down at the floor and then back at Magda.
Teddy: (emotionally) That’s not my fault.
Magda: (her voice hardening) No… Well, Teddy, it’s been great.
Magda’s eyes were locked onto Teddy’s as she turned around. Finally, having to break his gaze she walked briskly out the door, not bothering to shut it.
Scene 17 – Hospital
Jinny is sitting up in her bed, her eyes focused on the TV in the corner of the room. There is a soft knock on her door. Jinny’s gaze doesn’t more from the TV screen.
Jinny: What?
Magda: Jin? It’s me…
Jinny looks away from the Tv towards Magda and gives her a half smile.
Jinny: ok, you’re allowed in. (her smile gets a little bigger)
Magda: Why thank you so much for the priveledge. ( Jinny gives her a look). So how you feeling?
Jinny: Oh, you know, like there are tiny little men with pick-axes in my head. (she laughs, but then holds her head and frowns.) Apparently they don’t like it when I laugh.
Magda: So… well… other than…
Jinny: (cutting her off) I’m fine, Mag. They’re just keeping me here for another couple of hours. You know… make sure I’m in ok physical and… (pauses) well, you know.
Magda looks concerned. She steps closer to the head of Jinny’s bed and grabs her chart.
Jinny: Hey hey! What are you doin? (Jinny gives Magda a puzzled look.)
Magda: Relax, Jin. I know more about you than anythign this chart says anyway.
Jinny: Yeah, well, it’s MY chart (she reaches to grab it from Magda, but when she moves so does her head. Her face contorts in a grimace of pain.)
Magda: Jinny?
Jinny: (still grimacing) Fine. I’m fine. (Magda looks doubtful.) Really! Geez…
Magda looks back down at Jinny’s chart. Her brow wrinkles and looks up at Jinny.
Magda: They’re putting you through psychological testing?
Jinny rolls her eyes and her jaw clenches. Magda moves closer to the bed again.
Magda: Jin? Is there…?
Jinny: Oh my god! (looks directly at Magda.) It’s only because I drank so much or whatever. They want to make sure I’m not a “detriment to the well-being of myself or others” as they put it.
Magda breaks their eye contact and walks to the door, her arms folded. Jinny looks after her with an expression of slight anger.
Jinny: What?
Magda: (turns around and looks at Jinny) It’s just… well… (she breaks eye contact again for a moment, then looks back again.) They might have a point, Jinny.
Jinny looks at Magda in disbelief then turns her attention to the TV once again. Her eyes show her anger, but the silence in deafening.
Magda: Look, Jin, I don’t want to preach or anything, but…
Jinny: (turns to look at Magda again) (angrily) Then don’t.
Magda: Fine, Jinny! (throws up her hands.) If you want to ruin your life, then go right ahead. (pause-Jinny looks straight ahead and her face is a mask of anger.) I talked to Teddy right before I came here. (Jinny looks at Magda now, her face still angry, but expectant.) I tried to explain you to him, Jinny. Now I’m not so sure that I was right. (Magda turns and starts to walk out the door.)
Jinny: (angrily) What’s that supposed to mean?
Magda: (turns around to face Jinny) Next time, Jin, you might be in your apartment alone. Not at a bar. Not with Teddy there to help. And EVERY SINGLE PERSON in your life worries about that! Today you lost someone who meant a lot to you. But he’s still alive. You can still work it out. If you keep doing this to yourself (she gestures at the hospital room) you’ll lose something more. Your LIFE. And all of us: me, Teddy, C.D., Angela, your family, the captain… yes, Jin, even the captain, will lose someone who WE care about! You!!!
With this, Magda turns and walks out the door successfully this time. Jinny stares after her, the anger fading into emotional pain as she starts to cry.
Scene 18 – Station (captain’s office)
Captain Kate McAfferty is sitting at her desk looking at her computer, Every few moments she looks at her watch, getting annoyed at both it’s insistance to not move and how late it was at the same time. There is a knock at her door. Looking uo, she waves whoever it is into her office. It’s Magda.
Kate: So… what’s the verdict?
Magda: She’s… awake. And herself. (gives a wry smile)
Kate: I guess she’s still denying that she was a problem then, yes?
Magda: You got it. Captain… I’m so worried! Not only will she not listen she keeps getting worse. I don’t know what to do anymore.
Kate: (sighs) I’m worried to. And I’m also legally bound.
Magda: What do you mean?
Kate: She drank while on duty. I’m legally bound to suspend her for at least a week… but they prefer more. I don’t know what I’ll do.
Magda: Well, if you’re legally responsible to….
Kate: No, she’ll be suspended, but I don’t know for how long. (Kate looks down at her hands and then back up at Magda.) IT would help if she’d admit her problem.
Magda: I know… I know….
Scene 19 – Jinny’s Apartment, later that night.
Jinny is laying on her couch staring at the bottle of alcohol and the glass that sits on her coffee table. Her expression is sad and lonely. She sits up and reaches for the bottle, then stops herself and reaches for the TV remote. Switching on the TV, she stares at it blankly then switches it off again. She gets up and walks around her living roon, her eyes focused on the bottle wherever she walks. Finally, giving in, Jinny Grabs the bottle and takes a swig then pouts some into her glass. She looks at it and sits down on the couch, her eyes closed, the beginnings of tears running down her cheeks.
THE END
ok... so how was it? i'm thinking about writing a floow-up fanfic where we find out what jinny and teddy do and other things. should i??? anyway.. tell me what you think! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif
~*~jenn~*~