Vodka and Zen
Charlie held her close as they walked down the stairs. She was unsteady as they moved towards the ambulance. She'd finally stopped talking and was just concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other.
"We got her," one of the paramedics said and Charlie started to let go of Dani's arm. She refused to let go.
"Stay with me," Dani pleaded as they helped her onto the gurney in the ambulance. Charlie gave her his trademark smile and climbed in next to her.
"You're going to be ok," the paramedic assured her. She nodded numbly and lay there, staring at Charlie. She wore a weary smile. He squeezed her hand tightly as the medic placed an oxygen mask over her nose and mouth. Dani's eyes started to close with the pull of the alcohol.
"Come on, Reese. Don't fall asleep on me," Charlie said gently. She gave a soft groan but opened her eyes.
The rest of the ride to the hospital was silent. Charlie kept Dani focused on him so as not to drift off. Dani tried to protest as they took her off to a room but the nurses subdued her. Charlie simply took a seat in the waiting area. His mind ran through all that had happened that day. He should have known something was wrong when Davis told him that Larson had made bail. He should have realized sooner that he was going after Dani. He lost track of time. When the nurse came to find him it was almost four in the morning.
"Detective Crews?" she called. He rubbed his eyes and stood up.
"She's resting now but she's asking for you," the nurse said. Without a word, she led him down a series of hallways. Dani was propped up with pillows when Charlie walked in and took a seat.
"Hey," he said.
"Hey," Dani replied groggily.
"How are you feeling?" Charlie asked.
"Like crap," she answered, trying to sit up more but found her stomach was sore from the stomach pump.
"I should have realized that Nancy wasn't his target," Charlie tried to apologize.
"Crews, shut up. I was the one who pushed his buttons," Dani said with a shake of her head.
"You were there for me," she added with a tired smile.
"It's what partners do," he replied.
"It's what friends do," she murmured. Charlie smiled again and leaned a little closer. They were silent for a minute.
"You know what I kept thinking about?" she asked.
"What?" he prompted.
"I kept thinking that if I could just keep him distracted I could stop him. I kept telling myself that I had to just drink past the alcohol," she murmured.
"You did good, Dani," Charlie said. She nodded and Charlie stood up.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
"You need sleep. I'll come back later," Charlie answered. He was halfway out the door when she called to him.
"Charlie," she said. He stopped and turned around.
"I think I'm starting to get it…Zen," she said.