*Author's Note- First off, let me apologize for the long delay in updating the story. I feel bad that it's taken me weeks to update. This is one of the more crucial chapters of the story; therefore it needed to be written just right. Owen might be slightly o/c in this chapter…again this was a really difficult chapter to write. If foul language bothers you, I apologize. The language gets slightly colorful in this chapter. Thank you so much to those readers who left me reviews. The ride is just getting started, so hang on to your hats, buckle up, read and review*

Owen was officially running late. Soon after he had left the trailer, he had gotten stuck in traffic. At the rate the cars were moving, Owen's truck would run out of gas before he got to the gas station.

'Beep' Owen glanced down at his phone, which was still charging. Seeing as he was literally at a stand still, Owen picked up the phone and unlocked the screen.

Cristina: I'm sitting downstairs by the entrance

Cristina: Let me know when you get here (Sent at 6:05p)

Owen: Still stuck in traffic. Be there as soon as I can (Sent at 6:05p)

Cristina: Are you going to tell me where we're going? (Sent at 6:05p)

Owen: Patience is not one of your virtues (Sent at 6:06p)

Cristina: Never said it was (Sent at 6:06p)

Owen: Trust me. Let me surprise you

Owen: I want this night to be special

Owen: Can't wait. See you soon (Sent at 6:08p)

A sigh escaped Owen's mouth as the traffic suddenly started moving again. Minutes later he pulled into a gas station and parked his truck. Owen withdrew his debit card from his wallet and inserted it into the pump. As he pulled the card out a message flashed across the screen.

'PLEASE SEE CASHIER INSIDE'

"Great," Owen muttered as he turned and headed inside.

What else could go wrong today?" he wondered as he pushed open the door. A small bell jingled as he stepped inside. A few minutes passed before an older gentleman limped out to the register.

" How can I help you today sir?"

" It won't take my card outside," Owen explained as he produced his debit card again.

" Ah it does that all the time. Stupid thing needs fixed. Can I see your ID please?"

" No problem," Owen replied as he pulled out his wallet and gave the gentleman his license.

" Was that a military ID I saw in your wallet? What branch are you if you don't mind me asking?" asked the man as he swiped Owen's debit card.

" I was in the US Army with the 2nd Forward Surgical unit," answered Owen as he put away his wallet.

" So you're a doctor then? I was in the Marines back in Desert Storm. They honorably discharged me after I got caught up in an explosion and took a load of shrapnel to my leg."

" I was honorably discharged as well just a few years ago," Owen explained as he heard the door open behind him.

It was great talking with you, but I should get going. I'm already running late."

"YOU'RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE!" a voice shouted as Owen felt the cold barrel of a gun press into the back of his skull.

You at the register, empty it out into a plastic sack. If you trigger the alarm, I'll blast this guy's head off."

" Let's put the gun down son. No one needs to get hurt," said the cashier, his voice shaking.

" Shut up and put the money in the fucking bag. NOW!"

" If this is about money, I just took $500 out of the ATM this morning. Take that. I'm going to reach into my pocket, take out my wallet, and put it on the floor. Take everything inside it." Owen quickly met the cashier's glance before he reached into the back pocket of his khakis and dropped his wallet to the ground. Silently he counted to three then in one quick, fluid moment, jammed his elbow into the young man's chest, sending him backwards. He caught a glimpse of the cashier out of his eye as he reached down to trigger the silent alarm.

" You shouldn't have done that," the young man said angrily as his finger gripped the gun's trigger and cocked it.

The next few moments seemed to pass in slow motion. One moment Owen was standing in front of the young man, striking a defensive pose. As the cracking sound of the gun penetrated the air, he found himself crumpling to the ground. Owen's skin felt as if it had set on fire as the bullet tore through his chest, shredding the skin and muscle that was in its way. He could hear Cristina mentioning something about his savior complex in his head as he mustered up all of his strength and tackled the young man around his knees, bringing the both of them to the ground.

"Get the fuck off of me or I'll shoot you again."

"Make me," Owen shouted as he grit his teeth in pain. Taking the man by the shoulders, he slammed his body against the floor. The blow to the man's head left him stunned, giving Owen the opportunity to pin his arms down to the ground.

"I. Was in the Army. I can. Kill you. With my bare. Hands. So I. Suggest. You put the gun. Down," he gasped, his breathing becoming more ragged with each word. An eerie silence fell over the gas station only to be consumed with a thundering echo as the gun fired twice more in the midst of the two men struggling with one another

" You. Bastard. You shot me!" gasped the young man as he pulled himself out from underneath Owen.

" Just a flesh wound," Owen spoke, his words barely audible as he fell backwards.

" The cops are on their way. Just take the money and go…though you won't be getting far with that gunshot wound," remarked the cashier as he tossed a bag across the counter. The sound of sirens could be heard in the distance as a pained sigh escaped Owen's mouth. His hands pressed tightly against his chest in an attempt to stop the blood that had begun to pool around him.

'I was wrong…this day has definitely gotten worse,' Owen thought before he was consumed by darkness.

~In slow motion, the blast is beautiful~ Snow Patrol 'Somewhere A Clock is Ticking~