A/N: A little look at what went through Gary's mind at 2 PM. Set during 'The Choice'
Disclaimer: I don't own Early Edition
2 PM
I felt my fingers tighten just a little around Amanda's as I watched the minute hand of the clock inch closer and closer to the twelve. It was almost two. It was almost too late and there was nothing I could do. There was no hope of anyone reaching the airport on time, let alone finding a way to stop the flight. All I could do was watch the clock.
And the second hand marked the passage of another minute, and the minute hand reached the twelve. I squeezed my eyes shut as images of the coming crash played through my mind. Faces of people I had never met hovered in my minds eye and I reluctantly opened my eyes, returning to the operating theater and turning my gaze to the little girl on the table.
I smiled down at her despite my mask, but inside I was cursing the paper. Cursing the choice it had forced me to make. Cursing this burden that I did not want, that I had never asked for.
Hundreds of people dead. Hundreds of people that I could have saved.
I tried to focus on Amanda, forcing myself to think of her. Of the little girl lying on the table who would live today because I didn't try to reach the airport. But, no matter what, I kept picturing that clock. I kept thinking of those travelers and the wreckage they were now in.
And I kept picturing that clock. The hour hand pointing at the two, the minute hand pointing at the twelve. 2 PM. Too late.