Chapter 1
It was when Robin got the call, for the first time in her life, she felt panic. True panic and a bit of despair. She couldn't help but roll her eyes at the emotions, Only Rick would make her worry like this.
Running her hand through her short copper coloured hair, Robin Grimes paced in front of a red bench outside of Harrison Memorial Hospital in King County, Georgia.
'Take a breath, Mom. Uncle Rick will be fine' a 14 year old boy said from the bench.
Robin looked at the boy, seeing the light blue eyes that she, her brother and her son shared.
'I know. Doesn't mean I can't worry. Thanks for calling me, Alex' Robin said to her son, nudging his shoulder with hers as she sat on the bench.
'He's your brother. And Lori wasn't going to tell you. Her and Shane are going to be ticked off when they see you here.' Both mother and son couldn't help but grin. 'You got here quick, where were you anyway?' Alex asked, leaning against his mother's shoulder.
Robin was silent for several moments, staring out across the parking lot of the hospital. 'Something... big was happening in D.C. Something I can't tell you about right now... And then I booked it to Georgia. Drove non-stop. Was just breachin' Atlanta when you called.'
Alex gazed up at his mom, seeing her brow furrowed. She was worried, and not just about his uncle.
A silence descended and they both got up from the bench and walked into the hospital, Alex showing the way.
'Hey, Doctor Moon! Look who's here!' Alex called to an older man in a white doctors coat. The man turned around and a smile spread across his weathered face
'Well, well, well. Robin Grimes. You haven't changed a bit.' Dr. Moon greeted. Robin chuckled and readily embraced the doctor.
'You have, Roger. Getting a little thin on the top.' Robin said, pointing to the man's thinning hair. Dr. Moon rolled his eyes and looked down at Alex ' And still as blunt as ever.' Alex laughed
Robin sighed and looked at the doctor 'What's the diagnosis, doc?' she asked.
'Well, Richard was shot through the side of his chest. I myself performed the surgery, all went well. But he has fallen into a coma...'
It was Robin's turn to roll her eyes 'Of all the times to be dramatic, Rick.' she murmured. 'Visitors?' she asked the doctor.
'You are welcome anytime, my dear.' he replied. Robin nodded her head in thanks.
'Can I shadow you again, Dr. Moon?' Alex asked. The doctor grinned down and looked to Robin for permission. A nod of the head and the doctor and her son walked off chatting about the patients the older man was going to treat.
Walking to a door, Robin looked in and sighed. There he was. Her older brother, wired up to machines, with a thick patch of gauze taped to his chest.
Silently, Robin walked into the room and sat down in the bedside chair.
The wait began.
