March 1941

Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle was in the middle of a discussion with his sergeant Paul Milner when the phone on his desk rang. With a huff of annoyance and an apologetic glance at Milner he picked up the receiver. "Yes?"

Milner shifted slightly, trying to take a little weight off his bad leg and then froze as he watched Foyle put a hand on the desk to steady himself as the colour washed from his face. Foyle was speaking quietly, his replies short and clipped and Milner could only speculate as to what was being discussed.

Once he had hung up Foyle quickly crossed the room collecting his hat and coat before striding toward the door. He was almost in the hallway when Milner called to him, "Sir?"

Foyle pivoted realizing he had completely forgotten that Milner was in his office. "Milner, 'fraid I need to leave immediately, not sure when I'll be back. Anything urgent talk to Mr. Reid but I trust your judgment."

Milner nodded his face creased with concern, "Yes Sir."

Foyle nodded once before turning and heading down the hall. Milner's frown deepened as he limped after him. Foyle was walking rapidly, a further testament, if Milner needed one, to how upset the DCS was. Foyle was always careful to walk at a pace that was easy for Milner to match but now the sergeant struggled to catch up. "Sir?"

Foyle stopped, turning back toward Milner a frown creasing his forehead and Milner hurried to make up the distance between them, panting slightly at the exertion. "What's happened Sir? I know it's none of my business but…" He trailed off as his boss closed his eyes, almost as if he were in pain. "Sir?"

Foyle sighed and ran a hand over his face, "It's Andrew, he's…" his voice broke slightly and he swallowed hard before continuing, "the phone call was from his commanding officer, he's been in a crash, he's in hospital in Debden."

Milner felt his heart sink, he had been worried it was something to do with Andrew, he knew of few other things that could shake his otherwise unflappable superior. "How bad is it?"

Foyle shook his head, "don't know."

"Might not be too bad then, he was more or less alright last time."

Or it might be worse, much worse. Foyle thought shuddering but nodding anyway.

Milner nodded back with what he hoped was encouraging smile but said no more as he fell into step with Foyle.

Sam had clearly seen them coming and was standing at the end of the hallway smiling brightly, "going out on a call Sir?" She asked once they reached her.

"Err no, not exactly, I need to go to…" Foyle broke off, as he remembered with dawning horror that Sam and Andrew were stepping out. A result no less of his meddling the last time Andrew had been injured. He looked into Sam's cheerful young face and found his mouth too dry to speak the words that would almost assuredly bring her to tears.

Fortunately Milner seemed to have realized the same thing Foyle had and after a quick glance at Foyle cleared his throat. "Sam, might I have a word?"

Sam nodded so Milner drew her a little ways down the corridor and gently broke the news. As Foyle had expected Sam gave a startled gasp and promptly burst into tears. "Not Andrew!"

At the other end of the hallway Superintendent Hugh Reid stopped dead in his tracks at Sam's words. He turned and took in the sight of Sam crying in Milner's arms, the slump to Foyle's shoulders and felt his breath catch in his throat, oh God no!

He hurried down the corridor and stopped in front of his old friend, "Christopher what's happened?"

Foyle started slightly at the question, and blinked up at Reid for a minute before saying hoarsely, "it's Andrew, he's been in a crash."

Reid put a hand on Foyle's shoulder, "is he badly hurt?"

Foyle shook his head, "don't know, they've taken him to hospital."

Reid nodded, "right. Give me a minute to grab my coat and speak to the duty sergeant and then I'll drive you."

Foyle frown slightly at this, "Hugh there's no need for you to…" he began but Reid shook his head.

"I want to Christopher and Sam is no fit state to drive. Won't be tick." And with a final reassuring squeeze of Foyle's shoulder he hurried away.

Sam had clearly heard what the superintendent said for she lifted her tear-stained face from Milner's shoulder and said "I can drive you Sir."

Foyle studied her for a moment and then shook his head, "think Hugh's right Sam, best if you wait here."

"Wait here! Oh Sir I can't I'll go positively mad with worry! Can't I at least come even if I don't drive?"

Foyle chewed his cheek furiously as he considered Sam's request. Should I let her come? Do I even have the right to stop her? After all she is stepping out with Andrew but that was just makes me want to protect her more. I know she's strong enough to handle it but she was still so young and we don't know how bad it is…

He shuddered as vivid images of burned and disfigured men filled his mind. While he prayed with all his might that Andrew had escaped such injury he didn't want Sam see him until he was sure.

He glanced up, only to have the words die on his lips at the imploring look in Sam's eyes. Thankfully Milner came to his rescue once again. "They usually only allow family in just at first Sam, Mr. Foyle's right probably best if you wait here for now. If he's allowed more visitors I promise we'll have you up there first thing tomorrow."

Sam looked between them, "you promise to telephone as soon as you know how he is?"

Foyle nodded, "of course."

Sam nodded tearfully, "alright. I just don't know how this could have happened! He was supposed to be safe in Debden!" The tears were running down her face again and Milner pulled her gently back into his arms.

"I know Sam" He soothed, "we'll know more once Mr. Foyle's seen him. Now why don't you go and wash your face while I fix us some tea?"

Sam nodded and took the handkerchief he offered her before heading toward the lavatory. Foyle and Milner watched her go and then Foyle cleared his throat. "Thank you Paul. Do keep an eye on her for me won't you?"

Milner started slightly at the rare use of his Christian name but recovered quickly, "of course Sir, don't worry I'll take good care of her."

Foyle nodded, "I know."

"Right, you ready then Christopher?" Reid asked as he strode over to the two men. Foyle nodded and with a final glance at Milner, turned and made his way out of the station.

Milner caught Reid's arm just before he could walk away, "you will call us once you know how he is won't you Sir? Mr. Foyle said he would but he might not get the chance and Sam is going to be desperate for news."

Reid nodded, "of course Milner, I'll telephone as soon as I know anything."

Milner nodded, "thank you Sir and don't worry about things here, Sergeant Rivers and I will see to it."

"I know you will and try not to fret too much, Andrew might very well be fine."

Milner nodded, "I hope he is Sir."

"So do I Milner now I must go."

Milner nodded and watched the Superintendent hurry away before turning and limping slowly toward the kitchen.