Disclaimer: I own nothing and no-one except those characters outside of the Numb3rs show. Everyone else belongs to the Producers and Creator of Numb3rs.

A/N: I have never written anything like this before EVER! No creative writing since I left school which was so long ago even Charlie would have a problem counting that far! This is just an idea about the type of girl I think Don should have ended up with. Not that I don't like Robin, but I just felt that the writers didn't develop her softer side sufficiently and I think she's not family orientated enough for our Don. If you are going to review then please be kind!!

Chapter 1

'What the hell…?' They had come from nowhere. He intel had said that there would only be 2 of them – at least that's all the surveillance team had seen go in or out in the past 48 hours. Now they knew that there were at least 3 or 4 more and they were armed to the back teeth and had been waiting for them. Bullets flew everywhere, the acrid smell of gunfire, the deafening sound of multiple automatic weapons being fired, the adrenaline rush mixed with not a little fear, all made for a total sensory experience and yet the hours or training, experience and duty took over. Don Eppes barked orders, checking his people were ok and assessing the situation in an instant, moving them and advising where he could. Then it was suddenly quiet, too quiet. Something didn't feel right and over time he had learned that his gut was the thing he should trust.

'Out, everyone out. Now! Fall back, fall back!'

They got out just in time before the back of the warehouse blew. Not entirely clear, but he hoped enough for everyone to still be alive if a bit banged up. After an ad hoc roll call and injury report they surveyed the scene. Ambulances had already been called.

'Don, over here.' It was Colby Granger. 'We got one alive – just.'

The man was in bad shape but they didn't care, they needed to get as much out of him as possible before he either lost consciousness or died.

'Who are you working for? Who set us up? You may as well tell us cos you've nowhere to go and you got nothing to lose. Talking now could even be good for you in the long run.' Special Agent Don Eppes leaned over the writhing man, glaring down at him.

At the arrival of the EMTs the man just smirked before groaning in pain. The EMT crew took over, working on the man before loading him into the ambulance.

'Colby go with him and don't leave him. I want to know anything he says. I'll meet you there.'

'I'm on it Don'

Other EMTs checked over the injured agents and LAPD officers before insisting they too get in the ambulances. Agent David Sinclair had a couple of deep gashes from the blast and possibly a fractured wrist and Don himself became aware of the increasing amount of pain from his upper arm as his body came down from its adrenalin high and allowed him to register pain.

Dr Abigail Lawrence had already been on duty for a 12 hour shift plus the On Call from the night before and was really looking forward to a hot bath and a long sleep. It had not been a quiet shift. A multiple vehicle accident, the usual gang related gunshot wounds and a fire in an old folks home had made for a varied, busy and at times, emotionally difficult shift. Ironically, this is exactly why Abi had come here – this is what a Trauma doctor thrived on. And Abi was one of the best. Years ahead academically but with the maturity to match, here she was in her very early 30's, with a superb professional reputation to her name – just her being here had raised the hospital in the national rankings and in the 6 months since her arrival, she had earned the respect and admiration of her hard nosed and often cynical, colleagues. She had even earned the begrudging respect of the even harder gang members that had tried to intimidate the small, female doctor with the strange accent into treating their 'brother' quicker or by passing him off some extra drugs. Abi may be small, but after years of working in serious conflict zones, she knew how to deal with these people – a mixture of respect, humour and steely resolve was usually enough, but she also knew that while she was treating their comrade, she had the balance of power. Let them threaten, shout and preen but she would get her own way in the end. He kept face, but she won. And they both knew it.

Just as she was handing over to the next shift the call came in. Serious burns and GSW accompanied by at least 5 other possible victims, seriousness unknown but they were cops. Damn! As the most experienced Trauma doctor there, she would have to stay, at least until after triage and they knew what they were dealing with. While she trusted the more junior doctors around her, she was also aware that she was the most senior and experienced one there at the moment and she just couldn't bring herself to go. That bath would have to wait.

The doors burst open with the EMT crew shouting out information as they made their way to the resus room. After the briefest of assessments it became clear that this guy was a 'when, not if' case. They would make him as comfortable as possible but it was not worth the dollars and time to operate – cold but true. Even if she were to decide to operate there was no way he would be able to survive the process anyway. No, spare him that, find some family and go from there. She would supervise from a distance until he was doing ok, make up the charts and then hopefully, would be able to get out of here.

'I'm sorry Don, but that's not possible. No, you can't. Look, I've already said… I understand but… Yes, I know, the other agent said the same….' It was Teresa Kenny's voice.

Her friend and Head Nurse was obviously in heated debate with someone. As Abi wondered who it could possibly be getting Teresa tongue tied, the door to resus flew open and in walked a very frustrated but very handsome – hell, where had that come from? – man in an FBI vest and all the other webbing and kit associated with those on a tactical assault team. The man was shouting questions at the patient on the gurney and began to move threateningly towards him. Who did this guy think he was? She knew the type. An alpha male, probably one of the boss guys, the 'I want it so I'm going to get it' types. Well, not in my ER!

She moved between him and the patient – not to mention her obviously intimidated staff.

'Is there a problem here Agent? Who are you and will you please step outside and let my team work?' She kept her tone strong and even as she looked him straight in the eye.

'Ma'am, this man is a Federal prisoner. He and his gang injured 5 of my agents in an ambush and he is part of a cartel running drugs, arms, women and who knows what else. I need to know what he does and who he works for, and I need to know it now.' Dark brown eyes flashed at her expectantly, obviously waiting for her to back down immediately. Dark green ones met him with the same intensity and their gazes locked, neither yielding.

So much for finding the man's family, she thought.

'Agent…?'

'Eppes'

'Eppes, this man is critically injured. It's not if, it's when. He's barely conscious and he won't be saying anything a while yet. We need to work. You can't be here. Please leave.'

'No.' The dark eyes turned black. 'Do you understand what I've just said? I need to get the information this man has. It's taken us weeks to get to tonight and they knew we were coming. I need to know how.'

'Agent, I understand perfectly, but this is my ER, so my call and this man is not fit to be questioned and you know it. I understand your frustration but you must also know that anything he were to say in this state would be inadmissible in a court of law anyway as it would be technically given under duress. Therefore, any subsequent arrest you make based on this information would also be void. So I suggest you calm down and let us do our jobs.'

Damn! She was right. He had no choice but to back down but he didn't have to like it. Still their gazes held as she gave him time to process and make a decision. The frustration was unbearable and if he were forced to admit, the pain from his arm wasn't much better.

'Here's the deal.' Her voice, softer now, cut across his thoughts. 'You let me sort out that arm of yours and I'll let one of your guys stay in the treatment room with him while my team works. We'll have to tell him you're here, but anything he says will be heard and admissible as he's under advisement. But your guy says nothing, right?'

It was fair. Actually, more than fair. She didn't have to do that.

'Deal. Colby, stay in here, but you're not to say anything other than identify yourself if asked.' Don looked at Abi to confirm the point. She nodded.

'Got it Don,'

'Teresa, he says anything, he's out. Ok?'

'Got it Abi.' Teresa nodded a mutual understanding with the good looking younger agent.

ooOoo

'It's a nasty injury, but nothing major. You were lucky. It'll hurt worse that it actually is. I'll need to clean it, stitch it and dress it. Shouldn't take too long.'

He had time to study her while she tended to him. He wondered if she knew that she hummed to herself as she worked. She wasn't that tall – 5' 4" maybe, slim but not thin. Although her shape was largely hidden by the oversized scrubs that she wore, he could tell that she was toned and fit. The way she carried herself and the healthy glow of her skin told him she took care of herself. Large, clear, dark green eyes, full mouth – she really was quite beautiful. Dark brown hair pulled harshly off her face did nothing to hide this fact – not many women could wear this style and get away with it, but she could, even though she was clearly tired. He couldn't help but wonder what she'd look with her hair loose…..

'Ouch!' A sharp pain focused him back to the now.

'Sorry, but I did warn you that it would sting,' she said hiding a smile.

He hadn't heard. Get a grip Eppes.

'So what's an English doc doing here in LA?' he asked.

She gave a short laugh. 'Needed a change and to stay in one place for a while without losing my skills. I'd not worked in the US much but after short stints in New York and Chicago with friends, this opportunity came up and I took it. Much more my kind of climate here.' She smiled and her whole face lit up. She was indeed very beautiful and there wasn't a trace of make up either, it was all he could do to stop looking.

'There you go, all done. You're good to go Agent Eppes. I'm not sure what happens about the insurance, so if you wouldn't mind sorting that out, I can go home!'

'Thanks doc. Would you mind checking on the patient before you go please? By the way I didn't get your name – sorry!'

'No problem. It's Lawrence, Abigail Lawrence. Why don't you come with me and we'll see how he's doing, but you wait outside ok? One of you in there is enough as it is don't you think?'

Personally Don felt that his whole team around the guy wouldn't be too much. Maybe that would intimidate him enough to spill what he knew. But then again this was an East European mobster they were dealing with so it was highly unlikely that he was going to say anything anyway.

As he and Abi were walking through the ER back to resus a young man with dark curly hair and a very worried expression rushed over to them. He clearly wasn't a law enforcement officer.

'Don, what happened? Are you ok? Your arm, the bandage, what happened?'

'Charlie, I'm fine, just calm down and let me speak will you. It's nothing, just a scratch, look ask my doctor here, she's just cleaned it up? I'm right aren't I doc?' He gave Abi the look that she seen dozens of times from soldiers, law enforcement officers and firefighters across the world.

'He's right, he's absolutely fine sir. It's a superficial wound that will probably be a little sore for a few days, but that's it.' It was almost true, but she said it in the brightest way she could without overdoing it.

Abi had become very good at doing that as it wasn't just families of emergency service workers and law enforcement officers that she had had to do it for, but widowed mothers and fathers and children looking after younger siblings, people who, for very different reasons, didn't need their families worrying about them.

The young man pulled the Agent into a brief, relieved hug as Don shot her a grateful smile. And what a smile. It was totally dazzling and lit up his already incredibly handsome face. Enough Abi! She must be tired. She had never found herself thinking like this at work before, and certainly not about someone who she had met not a couple of hours ago. And a patient. What was the matter with her. Focus.

'Oh, doctor Lawrence, this is my little brother Charlie.' Don said gently pushing his brother away.

'Please to meet you Mr Eppes, but really, your brother is fine.' She smiled offering her hand in greeting.

Charlie shook her hand. 'Actually it's Dr Eppes – not a medical doctor though. My area is Applied Mathematics.'

'Yeah, well Charlie, we got to go and see the guy we got and see if he's up to some questioning, so why don't you just go home. You can see I'm ok, so go and let dad know and I'll stop by later ok?' Abi could see the concern in the Agent's eyes for his younger brother. She also noticed that he didn't mention telling a wife of girlfriend that he was ok. Hmm, he was about mid 30's and if he was single with those looks, that probably meant that he was either divorced with a couple of kids or a total player – or both. Either way not good. Oh well, it was just as well. She certainly wasn't looking for a relationship and she wasn't a one night stand kind of a girl, so she would just enjoy the view and move on. It was quite a relief really.

She saw him looking at her very intently. Oh no, what had she missed! He'd seen her staring at him hadn't he! Great, just what she needed.

'Sorry, miles away. It's been a long day. Shall we?' She moved down the corridor towards the side room that the prisoner had been moved to, but she didn't miss the small smile that had been playing across the Agent's face.

'Anything?' Don asked Colby as Abi looked at the man's charts.

'We've ID'd him. Mislav Ivanko. Serbian national, here illegally and has known links to one of the major mobs in Chicago, but nothing in LA. Hasn't said much apart from what sounds like Kolyo will come.'

'Kolyo?' Don asked.

Kolyo, Kolya maybe.'

'Kolyo?' It was Abi.

'You know what that means?' asked Don in surprise.

'Well, I can't be sure, but remember I said earlier that I had done a short stint in Chicago? Well, Kolyo was the name of a major mob boss up there. Kind of a nickname really. Gave us a lot of custom shall we say. As I said, I can't be sure, but I think his real name was something like Fyordor Kolyenko. I'm sure your office in Chicago will be able to confirm if it's the same guy. If I remember correctly, there was a concern that some of the different East European factions were kind of uniting or trying to call a truce or something. Sorry, don't really know.'

At her words the man Ivanko began to shout at her, albeit weakly, in his own language before spitting out 'Bitch, you'll die for that! Kolyo will enjoy you first though before he slits your throat!' He fell back in to a wheezing fit before slumping back into the pillows. Abi took a few seconds to collect herself before she went to tend to him, making sure the IVs were still in place. She'd been threatened before on many an occasion, but it still was not something that she could really get used to.

Don shot a concerned look at the doctor, impressed by how quickly she rallied herself and went about her business. She had obviously heard this stuff before.

'Well, guess we won't need to call the Chicago office to confirm it now.' Said Colby with a grim smile.

'No, but I'll get Nikki to call them anyway. If this guy's that known to them then I want to know what he's doing here and who he's doing it with. Colby, you've had a long night already what with being up all night with the surveillance team. So go home and get some rest. I'll stay here with him and I'll give Gary Walker a call. He's worked Organised Crime and the Gang Unit so he'll want in on this. Any news on David?'

'Yeah, he dislocated his wrist and had some nasty gashes to his legs, but he's basically ok. They're keeping him overnight with a couple of the others to be sure. We got lucky in there Don. Next time…..'

'Yeah, well let's just be as prepared as we can ok. Nikki and Liz can get on writing up the reports and contact the Chicago office in the morning and you meet me back here after you've got some sleep unless you hear otherwise ok?'

At that the door burst open. It was Teresa.

'Sorry Abi, multiple gunshot wounds coming in.' She turned to look at Don. 'Looks like your mob guys hit some of the LAPD Gang Unit.' They both heard the sharp intake of breath and the mild curses of the FBI Agents.

'Des?' Don saw the concerned look on Abi's tired face as she aimed her question at the nurse.

'No thank God. He's the one who just called it in. ETA 6 mins.'

'Ok, call ahead and put the OR on standby.' She saw the look on Don and Colby's faces. 'Her husband, Des is her husband. Works with Lieutenant Walker on the Gang Unit. Now if you'll excuse me..' They nodded she left the room.

'Looks like I'll be staying after all,' groaned Colby.

ooOoo

Four hours later Abi found herself going into the Family Room at the hospital to face the assorted law enforcement officers gathered there. The officers they brought in had been in badly hurt, but medicine and the surgical skills of her and her colleagues had managed to win out so far. There was still some way to go, but she was quietly confident that they would be the victor, this time at least.

As she pushed open the door she saw Agent and Dr Eppes, Lt. Walker, Des Kenny, a curly haired female agent that she had seen with Eppes earlier, a couple of cops she didn't know and a guy in a suit that she vaguely recognised but couldn't place.

'Who are you?' It was the guy in the suit. Before she could answer he barked, 'Go get the doctor in charge will you. Now!'

Abi was tired, really tired.

'And you are?'

'Kanski, Phillip Kanski.'

'Well, Mr Kanski….'

'Captain'

'Excuse me?'

'Captain. My name is Captain Kanski. You can call me Captain Kanski, I believe I've earned it.' He glowered at her like she was something unfortunate under a microscope. 'Now, be a good girl and find the doctor who treated my officers will you?'

The others in the room just stood there in shocked silence. As they recovered Abi could see both Don and Lt. Walker glare at the man. One of them was going to say something for which she was grateful, but really not in the mood for.

'That would be me.' She kept her tone as professional as she could.

'What?' He spat back at her.

'The doctor who treated your officers. That would be me.'

'Then find the doctor in charge.'

Abi held his gaze and smiled. 'Well um, that would be me too. Abigail Lawrence.' She held out her hand. He didn't take it.

Turning to Gary Walker Abi left Kanski sucking air angrily.

'Lieutenant, I won't lie. You're officers are not out of the woods yet by a long way, but we've done the best we can so far. As you know the next 24 – 48 hours will be crucial. Officer Sanchez is looking by far the better of the two. We were able to the repair the damage to his lung and stop the internal bleeding. Officer Dawson however has other problems. Did you know he was diabetic and has an underlying heart condition? No, well it's possible he didn't either, but these are causing secondary problems and so I cannot give any guarantees I'm afraid. They're both in Recovery now and will be going up to ICU when they're stable enough. The doctors up there will talk to the families.'

'I want a second opinion.' Kanski had recovered and was furious. 'How old are you? These are LAPD officers and I want to be able to tell the reporters waiting outside that an experienced doctor has been treating them. Where's Clarke? I need to talk to him.'

'Dr Clarke's office is on the 3rd floor. Out of the lift, sorry elevator, and turn left, last door on the right.' Abi had had enough now and happily gave him directions to the Chief's office. Right on cue Adam Clarke walked in, having heard that the overbearing Captain was in his hospital. The guy was known for having political ambitions and wouldn't think twice about using Clarke's hospital or even his own Police Dept. for his own gain. Clarke had heard the tail end of the conversation as he walked in and could accurately guess what was going on. He also knew that look in Abi's eyes. She was seriously pissed. He needed to smooth this over before she said something he'd regret.

'Captain Kanski, I see you've met Abigail Lawrence. We're lucky she was on duty tonight. Her and the whole surgical team here really are the best in LA you know. I know your officer's are in critical condition, but thanks to Abi and the team at least they are still alive. Would you like to come up to ICU and see your men? I'm sure it'll be ok and I'm sure the families of the men will appreciate your support at this difficult time.' Adam was not Chief here for nothing and he was playing Kanski perfectly.

Everyone in the room knew that Kanski was the last person they'd probably want to see, but Adam Clarke was right. From Kanski's perspective it was a good call.

Abi just felt sickened by the whole thing and incredibly weary. Clarke had already given her the next day off. With an understanding nod to Don and Gary Walker Abi went to leave the room.

'So gentleman, if you'll excuse me..?' Clarke smiled in relief as Abi headed for the door – he'd gotten away with it. He knew that in her tired state Abi wouldn't be able to keep check on her temper or tongue. Actually, her sassiness one of the things that he really liked about her. It couldn't have been easy being so smart and so good so young, especially being a woman, and a damned good looking one at that. So she had developed a bit of a smart mouth and that, with her incredible skills, usually took care of most people and their pre conceived ideas about her.

'Goodnight Abi and thanks,' he said quietly.

'Lawrence,' Kanski bit out.

That did it. She turned from the doorway and took a few steps towards Kanski.

'Captain Kanski, I'm tired, I mean really tired. I've been on a 12 hour shift that ended 5 hours ago and was the 'On Call' duty doctor last night as well. I need to sleep, have a bath and some chocolate – not necessarily in that order. Needless to say, I don't need to come here and have you try to embarrass me and throw your weight around in front of officers from the LAPD and Agents from the FBI. However, I feel better knowing that in trying to belittle me you have in fact, only succeeded in making yourself look a total arse!'

Kanski almost choked as he went bright red with rage and embarrassment, Clarke rolled his eyes heavenward – it'd been so close. Don, Charlie, Gary and the others did their level best to stop themselves laughing out loud. The ass had deserved that.

Abi turned back toward the door, stopping just short before turning and looking Kanski straight in the eye.

'Oh, and by the way, I have two medical degrees including additional qualifications in Forensic Medicine and Virology. I have won countless awards, was the youngest Trauma Surgeon ever to be fully registered and I have worked in conflict zones cross the world including working with your Armed Forces. That means you can call me Doctor Lawrence – I'm damned sure I've earned it!'

With that she stormed out of the room. Don and the others quickly followed leaving Clarke to do some major damage limitation with Kanski. He was sure it wouldn't be too bad. The guy may be an idiot, but even he knew he'd gone too far.

ooOoo

Abi was grateful for the excellent hospital showers. She had been incensed by Kanski's attitude towards her, but after a long, hot shower and some clean clothes, she felt human again and realised that she may just have gone that bit over the top. She'd have to call Clarke in the morning and apologise, but there was no way she was going to say sorry to that pompous jerk of a Captain. Still, she'd worry about that in the morning. She just needed to get home now and sleep.

As she stepped out of the doctor's locker room she met a now familiar and handsome face smiling at her.

'Peace offering,' he said with mock seriousness as he held out a chocolate bar.

She couldn't help but smile back as she took it.

He took her appearance in as she unwrapped the chocolate on the spot. Dressed in a tight pair of jeans and form hugging sweater, damp hair brushed back, she really was gorgeous. It was all he could do from leaning and a sniffing her, she smelled so good.

'Want some?' she asked.

'Not a chance. I'm not that brave. Come between a lady and her chocolate. No sir, not me.' He gave her the full 1000 watt grin.

She laughed at his answer and grinned back. Good grief he was just gorgeous. That smile could stop traffic. Stop it Abi, keep it together, you're not a schoolgirl. As their eyes met something jolted in each of them. Neither had experienced it before and neither knew what to do. Still, it had the effect of bringing them back to their senses.

'I wondered if you'd like a ride home?'

'Oh no, you don't have to do that, I'll be fine. Thanks anyway.' She was stammering like an idiot – what was wrong with her? Fatigue, yes that was it, pure fatigue. 'Besides, not babysitting anymore?' She'd salvaged it.

He let out a throaty chuckle. 'No need. As you said, it was when, not if. Anyhow, back to my offer. I'm off now myself. Teresa told me where you live and I know it's a good 30 minute walk, and to be honest you don't look like would make it. So how 'bout it? You can trust me, I'm an FBI agent!' That smile again.

'Teresa told you where I lived huh?' Mental note to have a word with Teresa next time she saw her. He did have a point though, she was tired and she was seriously thinking about getting a cab anyway.

'Ok then, thanks. How can I resist a ride home from the man who gave me chocolate?'

Teresa had said that too, he smiled to himself as he led her to his SUV.

Once in the car she immediately relaxed and felt just how tired she was. She leaned back into the upholstery and next thing she knew..

'Abi, we're here now, you gotta wake up or do want to spend all day in my car?' she heard a lovely baritone voice calling to her with not a little amusement in it.

'Already, sorry, yeah, I'm there.' She felt so tired.

"Hey, slow down, you only fell asleep. C'mon, I'll see you up.' He was openly chuckling at her now.

'No need, I'll be fine, honestly.' Honestly! Who was she kidding, she couldn't even find the door handle to get herself out. He must think she was a total fool.

Just as she was beginning to panic the door opened and a pair of strong arms helped her out. She looked up through embarrassed lashes at the big brown, smiling eyes and couldn't help but smile herself.

'Guess I'm a bit more out of it than I thought.'

'Just a bit. Don't worry about it. Which number are you?'

'14b, second floor.'

She wearily led the way up to her apartment before fumbling for the keys. Don gently took them from her hands and opened the door, automatically following her to just inside the door. Taking a quick look around from the hallway he could see that this was a really nice apartment. Tastefully decorated and nicely furnished. Seeing the look on his face she said,

'Yeah, I got really lucky with this place. Friends of my parents own various properties and when they knew I was coming here, they let me have this one for a really good rent. I've got great neighbours and it's only 30 minutes walk from the hospital through the park, less if I cycle, so it's all good.' She was babbling.

They looked at each other. And looked. Eventually, letting out a breath neither of them had realised they were holding they said they're goodbyes.

'Thanks again for bringing me home Agent.'

'It was no trouble at all Doctor.' There was that smile again, this time teasing her formality. 'And it's Don to you, or Special Agent' and flashing another amazing grin at her, he was gone.