A/N: I know nothing about medicine or how hospital work. My knowledge goes as far as watching tv medical drama!

After Sophie left, Nate decided to go for a walk to clear his head not really wanting to see his son in the state he was in. What happened on top of that balcony still shocked him. Of course he had a vague suspicion than the beautiful thief had been behind the donation, but he never thought it could have been her. Did he really underestimated the feelings that he knew she felt for him? He has always thought she was playing a game with him, and most of the time that was true. He was just another man attracted to her that she liked to tease, but sometimes he could see it in her eyes, this longing that he could never put a label on it. Until now…

Not that he could do anything about it. He was married and he took his vows very seriously. Things between Maggie weren't going so great but with Sam finally getting better and with time he hoped that things were going to change. He stills had to believe in that.

He had been walking for what seemed hours and he had odd enough ended in the ER. An ambulance came full speed and the doors opened. The paramedics brought a stretcher out.

"Caucasian woman, early 40s, victim of a car crash. Evident head trauma and lacerations. There has been barely been a pulse for 10 minutes" one of the paramedics shouted.

The doctors nearby took the respirator and started to treat her.

"Out of the way" One pushed Nate out of the stretcher's way.

That's when he recognized the woman laying on it. "Maggie..." He was shocked.

He slowly walked to her.

"Sir, you can't stay here" one of the nurses tried to take him away.

"That's my wife" he whispered.

"What?"

"That's my wife..."

The doctor kept working to save her. "There must be an internal bleeding somewhere. Bring a scan machine, quick!"

But the heart monitor emitted a long beeping sound. "She's crashing! Get the cart!"

In front of Nate all was moving in slow motion.

The cart.

"Clear!"

Bang

"300, clear"

Bang.

"Nothing... clear"

Bang

"Still no pulse"

"Clear"

Bang.

Until there was no sound.

"Time of death: 21.48"

Nate stood still. Around him the nurses were clearing the room. Somebody asked him if he was okay, but he felt nothing. Slowly he approached Maggie. Expect for the cuts and blood it looked like she was sleeping. He caressed her hair and face and kissed her on the forehead like he use to do years before. He took her left hand in his. He felt the cold gold metal and after a bit of hesitation he slowly slide her wedding ring off. He has never seen her without. Not since he had put it on her on their wedding day. That's when he finally hit him. His wife had died in front of him. He couldn't stop the sobs and he leaned over her. He felt someone taking him away and then it was all blank.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Four days later he walked through the hospital corridors for what was going to be hopefully the last time. He could feel the nurses eyes on him. He knew what they were all thinking. Poor man, to get his son back and then lose his wife so suddenly. They were all pitying him. Everyone was trying to help him; flowers, card, food from neighbors and friends. They all looked at him like he was going to break down anytime soon, he hated it! He hated all the attention!

He entered his son's room. Sam was unsuccessfully trying to tie his tie and he groaned in frustration.

Nate smiled a bit. He was all him!

"Hey there, need help?"

Sam looked down and slowly nodded.

Nate went to him and tied his tie. "There you are"

"Thanks. Mommy used to..." but then he sadly looked down.

Nate felt his throat close up bit then let a sigh out. "I know."

The devastated expression on Sam's face when he told him about his mother still haunted him at night. He had nightmares every day, sometimes wishing that he could trade place with her.

He patted his son head. "Come on, let's get out of here. We won't be seeing this place for a long time"

Sam jumped out of the bed and after taking his father hand they walked out.

The funeral that afternoon had been a memorable service, Paul made sure about it. For once Nate was grateful to have him has a friend. That was until Paul insisted that he gave confession before the funeral. But he didn't really talk. There was nothing to say. He was angry with everyone, but especially to God and it was going to take him a while before he could find his faith again.

They all met at their- Nate's house. He didn't know who took care of the cleaning and service, probably Maggie's parents, but frankly he didn't really care. He just wanted the day to end. So he stood outside on the porch with a glass of scotch hoping that everyone had the decency not to bother him.

"Nate" That was definitely the last voice he wanted to hear.

"Ian Blackpoole. To what do I owe the pleasure?" he turned around to confront the man.

Of course Sterling was soon behind the man. Lately he has been the bastard's shadow.

"Just came to pay my respects. Maggie was such a wonderful woman. So sorry to see her leave us so early in life."

"Yeah, I'm sure"

"I also came to offer you your job back. I know you weren't on your right state of mind the day you decided to quit and with all the bills you will have to pay…"

"Oh, believe me. I had never seen things so clearly in my entire life." He grinned.

Blackpoole looked affronted. "I hope you're not still upset about that claim."

"You denied treatment for my son. Something that saved his life." Nate replied angrily "If it hadn't been for that donation..."

"Oh, yes that anonymous donation. Strange really, how that showed up at the right time. Wonder who's sent it. I'm actually curious, I might ask IYS to look into it"

"You stay out of it" Nate pointed a finger at him.

"Why so angry? Does it have to do with a certain brunette thief that has been seen in L.A. recently?" Blackpoole smiled in an evil way. " I wonder if Maggie knew that her husband wasn't so noble after all"

Bang, Nate punched him hard on the face. "Get out of my house!"

Sterling went to help Blackpoole up but the man shoved him away and touched his bleeding lip.

"About that, IYS needs this property back. You have until the end of the week to leave!"

Both men left and Nate sighed frustrated. He really wanted everything to end.