Title: Mistake
author: Cindy Ryan
category: future fic
summary: A stunt gone wrong on Sam's movie set has the news media declaring her dead.
Private Investigator Eddie Valetik was sitting at an old friend's bar after work on a thursday in early November. It'd been nearly a year since he'd reluctantly partnered with actress Samantha Swift. Eddie was still surprised at how well it had worked out. Even after her probation time was done Sam had stayed. It was nearly six o'clock and the bar was starting to fill up as more people left work. A breaking news icon on the tv above the bar caught Eddie's attention. Eddie caught the bar owner's attention.
"Zeus, can you turn that up?"Eddie asked.
The older African-American man nodded and found a remote behind the bar and aimed it at the flat screen tv. In seconds Eddie was able to hear the young blond male newscaster. Eddie nearly choked on the sip of beer he'd just taken when his partner's picture appeared over the youth's right shoulder.
"Repeating...actress Samantha Swift has died. The former star of Hot Suspect..."
Eddie didn't hear anything else. He felt the color drain from his face. The beer bottle fell from his hand and hit the bar. As he stared dumbfounded at the tv Eddie felt his phone vibrate. Eddie pulled the device out of his jacket pocket praying to see Sam's name on the caller ID. Hoping like hell this was all a mistake. The caller ID read Berto.
"Was she working with you today?"Zeus asked quietly.
"No."Eddie said hoarsely. "Acting jobs have been trickling in the last few weeks. She was shooting somewhere in the hills."
"Syd called."Berto stated after Eddie answered. "She's trying to get confirmation from the studio Sam was working for."
"It can't be true, Berto."Eddie said his gaze still fixed on the tv. "She called me this afternoon when they were on lunch break..."
"I tried calling Sam; went straight to voicemail. As soon as I hear anything I'll call. Hang in there."Berto responded as he ended the call.
Eddie was completely numb. He knew from experience this was shock. Eddie was also having a hard time putting two thoughts together. Chris...he needed to call Chris...with shaking hands Eddie pulled up Rollins' number and dialed. The LAPD detective answered on the second ring.
"Eddie, you okay?"Rollins asked with concern. "I saw the news."
"I don't buy it, Chris."Eddie replied.
"Eddie..."Chris cautioned.
"I need you to find out if it's true."Eddie pleaded. "You know how these reporters can jump on something..."
"I'll make a few phone calls."Chris promised.
Eddie cut the connection and hit Sam's speed dial. Even though Berto had said he'd tried already. When her voicemail clicked on it took all his will power to listen to the message. Her voice was like a virtual pail of water making the shock wear off and the reality of the situatin sink in.
"Sam, it's Eddie I need you to call me as soon as possible."Eddie said quietly and he heard his voice catch. "I just need to know you're okay...
Eddie trailed off. Part of him wanted to say so much more. A few months after their lost night at the hands of the FBI they'd given into the chemistry between them. They'd been dating ever was practically moved into Eddie's apartment. She spent more time there than her own home. Swallowing hard Eddie realized he was running out of time with the message so he finished it.
"I love you."Eddie added huskily before ending the call.
The voice of the newscaster caught Eddie's attention as he put money on the bar to cover his drink.
"...the actress was filming a tv movie for Hallmark in Laurel Canyon park. The story is evolving and details are coming in fast. We will..."
Eddie turned to leave and nearly walked smack into Zeus. He hadn't heard the older man approach.
"I'm going up to Laurel Canyon."Eddie began grimly. "If you hear anything..."
"I'm driving."Zeus stated firmly taking Eddie's keys. "You're in no shape to."
"I'm fine."Eddie protested.
"That may work on other people; but not me."Zeus countered as he turned. "Come on let's go."
Eddie shook his head and followed. He grudgingly admitted at least to himself that his old friend was right. He wasn't fine; and wouldn't be until he saw Sam. Eddie knew she was alive; corny as it was he could feel it. Eddie climbed in the passenger side of his SUV and sat down closing the door. Zeus got in and as the driver's door closed Eddie stared at his phone. As they pulled into traffic Eddie couldn't help but wonder why Syd hadn't called yet.
Sam Swift awoke with a groan. She blinked to find four people leaning over her each with worried expressions. One was the movie's director, one brown haired man she didn't know and two paramedics one male one female. Sam closed her eyes her head felt like it was going to burst.
"Ms. Swift?"
Sam opened her eyes reluctantly to find the female red haired paramedic was the one who had spoken.
"You have a concussion and we need to take you to the hospital."The paramedic stated calmly.
"Concussion?"Sam repeated. "What happened?"
"The stunt went wrong."The director who's name was Henry Avolon chimed in as he ran a hand through blond hair. "Your stunt double was killed."
At the mention of her stunt double the memories came flooding back for Sam. The romantic movie she'd been shooting had a car chase. Her character's ex was chasing them. The car was supposed to go through a grove of trees. Once the stunt happened Sam was supposed to switch out with her double for the closeups in the car wreck. There'd been...
"There was an explosion before I got in the car."Sam recalled grimly.
"Sam?"A familiar voice called.
"Syd?"Sam asked struggling to sit up.
Her manager fought through the crowd of crew and extras.
"Oh thank God."Syd said in relief when she reached the actress.
"I'm okay; hard head."Sam said trying to joke.
Syd pressed her phone into Sam's hands ignoring everyone around them.
"You have to call Eddie."Syd said still breathless. "The news declared you dead before it was officially confirmed."
"What?!"Sam yelped wincing as pain made her head throb.
"Call Eddie."Syd repeated. "He saw it on the news and called me."
Sam was grateful Syd was here and that she had her phone. Sam's purse and phone were in the director's car. They'd carpooled up to the park from the studio earlier that day. The others gathered stepped away from Sam for a moment.
"Please keep it short."The male paramedic advised. "We need to get you to the hospital."
Sam nodded absently as she dialed her partner's number. Eddie answered on the first ring. She winced at the worry and fear Sam heard in his voice.
"Syd, please tell me..."Eddie began but Sam interupted.
"Eddie, it's me."Sam interjected. "I'm okay...I have a concussion so they're taking me in..."
"Thank God."Eddie whispered. "I was so afraid the news was right. What happened?"
"My stunt double was killed."Sam replied her voice breaking.
"I'm sorry, Sam."Eddie said softly. "What hospital are they taking you to?"
Sam queried the nearest medic and then relayed the info to her partner.
"I'll see you soon."Eddie promised. "I love you."
Sam blinked back tears.
"I love you too."Sam replied as she ended the call and handed the phone back to her manager.
"I'll follow in my car."Syd commented as the medics lifted Sam's stretcher and carried her to the ambulance.
As the ambulance drove away Sam clung to the fact that she'd see Eddie soon. It'd been an awful day Sam closed her eyes and tried to forget the images her mind was replaying. She knew it'd be a long time before she could put this behind her.