Unconditionally

by Kadi

Rated: M

Disclaimer: They aren't mine, but I do promise to return them in the same condition I found them in… more or less.

A/N: Thank you all. Your comments have been wonderful, and so appreciated. Enjoy!

All the art of living lies in a fine

mingling of letting go and holding on.

—Henry Ellis

"Air 19, responding to location of MVA in the 7000 block of Templeton Street and Saturn Avenue," the pilot radioed his current location back to Central. His copilot was busy studying the ground below as they circled the scene. "Be advised, rescue vehicles and patrol are on site. We have three vehicles, and extrication is underway."

"Acknowledged Air 19. Extrication is underway. Maintain air presence. We do not want press helicopters crowding our air space," the dispatcher relayed.

"Understood Central." The pilot circled again. "We've got a mess down there. Rescue crews are working to remove crash victims. Any word on their status?"

"Negative at this time, Air 19. We do know that one of those vehicles was occupied by on-duty LAPD detectives."

"Copy that." The pilot cast a look toward the ground below. "Central, you might want to send more ground support to this location. Traffic is backing up quickly. Additional emergency vehicles are having difficulty reaching this location."

"10-4 Air 19. Additional patrol support is rolling."

"What a mess," the co-Pilot stated. He had binoculars in hand. "That is one mangled Crown Vic. No way they're getting out of there in one piece."

"Let's hope for the best." The pilot was keeping one eye on the ground, another on his instruments. "Be advised you are entering restricted LAPD air space," he spoke to the news helicopter that was approaching. "You are being instructed to turn back now." He shook his head. "The vultures have arrived."

"Let's hope our boys on the ground have more than carcasses for their news reels," the other one replied.

On the ground, Detective Julio Sanchez jogged toward the center of the accident scene. He flashed his badge at the fire and EMS personnel that he passed. A couple of patrol officers tried to stop him, but he knew both of them. "Get out of my way Jacobs," his dark eyes promised payback if they didn't step aside. "Those are my people up there." Sanchez shouldered past them. He was aware of the others, quickly following. Somewhere behind him, Provenza was grumbling loudly at some unlucky guy who had the misfortune of stopping him.

When Julio cleared the side of the fire truck all the air in his lungs left. He had to bend forward at the waist, while the street and buildings around him spun slowly. "Holy mother," he muttered quietly. He ran his hands into his hair, fisting them as he straightened up. The Crown Victoria had come to rest on its roof, with the front and passenger side caved in. The car had rolled, before another vehicle had struck it, causing it to spin. The light pole had stopped it's trajectory, else it would have ended up on the sidewalk.

"My God." Provenza stopped beside him. He paled upon seeing the damage. He laid a hand on Sanchez's shoulder, whether to keep himself upright or to offer comfort to the younger man, it was hard to say.

"Let's hope he's here right now," Julio said quietly. "Let's hope he's listening…" He for one, was already praying.

Provenza was nodding slowly. "Call…" He stopped. He had to take a moment, just to breathe. Finally, he nodded once and straightend. "Call Buzz. No news, no radios. No one says anything in the Murder Room. Let's get this contained." Before the younger man could move off, he gripped his shoulder tighter. "Julio. We rally. We protect or own."

Sanchez nodded, just once. "Yes sir."

The car was theirs. As were the people inside it. As were those waiting back at the station. Provenza had his phone out, but stared at it in his hand. His fingers felt numb. His brain was still a little sluggish. There were things to do, but he was more worried about what was happening thirty feet away, then what he needed to be doing at the moment. He could hear Sanchez speaking calmly nearby. Provenza finally lifted the phone to his ear after hitting the speed dial. "Get me Taylor," he ordered the secretary. "I need him to make some calls."

There were families that would have to be notified. One way or another.