I own Rick but he's now gone so I own nothing. Hehe

My mind was telling me to run; telling me this wasn't safe; telling me that I was going to get hurt; tell me he didn't mean it. Again I looked to the door, back to the bed and then to the door again. I couldn't do it; I couldn't risk it. I bent and gave Woody a gentle kiss on the lips.

"I love you Woodrow," I whispered against his lips before turning to the door. I just couldn't risk it all.

Tears began rolling down my cheeks, one trailing the other, as I closed the last 2 meters between the door and me. I didn't turn back in fear that I wouldn't be able to do this. I already hated myself but I couldn't stop it. I had to leave.

I reached for the handle and turned back to take one last look at Woodrow Wilson Hoyt, before pulling down on the handle…

It was stuck! The handle would not move down or up. I stood there for a minute, tears blurring my eyes, pulling the handle as far up and as far down as it could go, but the door wouldn't open.

Meanwhile about 200 metres down the hall, Lilly, Bug and Nigel were talking to a nurse and doctor about the condition of one Detective Woody Hoyt.

"The bullet entered just below his left shoulder and luckily missed any vital organs. He bled a lot though so we need to keep him in for observation for about two or three days. He doesn't have much energy at the moment and really just needs sleep and some pain killers." The Doctor informed all three colleagues.

Lilly was still shaking a bit and Bug cautiously gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze to reassure her that everything was going to be okay. Lilly took a deep breath, 'He's going to be okay.' She told herself. 'Woody's going to be okay.'

"Can we see him Doc?" This was Nigel's question.

The Doctor shook his head. "I'm sorry but only his next of kin is allowed in there and she's there right now."

The three colleagues and friends looked at each other with a silent question. Bug shrugged while Nigel and Lilly gave each other a small nod and the doctor left without another word. Minutes later Bug, Nigel and Lilly were headed out of the hospital now more relaxed knowing that their friend, Woody, was going to be okay.

sorry it took me so long guys. been busy but still got more to come so hopefully wont take too much longer for the next chapter.