I'm dedicating this Chapter to Robin who is always so ecstatic when I update this story. I know you love the pairing as much as me so enjoy honey xx
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Chapter 3
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Sharon looked up at Mike, his facial expression not giving much away.
"Mike, have I shocked you?"
"No…well maybe a little. I'm sorry Captain, it's just we all assumed it was Andy."
"I see, Andy's a good man but we're just friends, good friends."
"Does he know about you and Agent Howard?"
"I don't think so, I certainly haven't told him."
"Does the Chief know?"
Sharon went quiet for a few moments and looked down at her hands before looking back to Mike.
"No, Brenda doesn't know anything about us. Agent Howard and I wanted to be certain how we felt about us before we told anyone and obviously Brenda should be the first to know."
"Well, as I said…I won't say a word to anyone."
"You're a good man Mike, Kathy's lucky to have you." She smiled.
Sharon and Mike looked up when they heard the receptionist talking to a doctor and looking over at Sharon and Mike. Sharon stood up as the doctor approached them, Mike following suit.
"Captain Raydor?"
"That's right and this is Lieutenant Tao."
"I'm so very sorry to keep you waiting as long as we did; I'm Doctor Gentry I just wanted to check Agent Howard thoroughly."
"How is he?"
"Well he had a minor heart attack; he had a blocked artery so we had to perform a small procedure called an angioplasty."
"An angioplasty…what's that?"
"Oh Captain if I may, an angioplasty involves inserting a small hollow tube into or near a blocked artery. It's a balloon on the end of the tube and it's inflated. This pushes open the artery walls so that blood flows better. Usually it's a small mesh tube called a stent that's placed inside the artery. This props it open and helps keep it from closing up again."
"Your Lieutenant is right of course, very good Lieutenant Tao."
"I like knowledge."
"So, what caused this to happen?" Sharon asked.
"I'd say stress, has he been under a significant amount of stress lately?"
"Some, he has some personal issues, that and he's beginning a new job any day now."
"Well that would certainly do it."
"Is he going to be alright?"
"He should be fine; we've prescribed him some anticoagulants to prevent the blood from clotting and to stop any existing clots from getting bigger. If he looks after himself, eats healthy, no smoking or drinking then…"
"He's a recovering alcoholic doctor; he's been sober for over 10 years and he's never smoked in his life."
"My apologies."
"No I'm sorry, that sounded rude of me…I'm sorry."
"He's your friend, it's only natural you'd be worried."
"Can we see him?"
"Of course, follow me."
…
Batman Begins was just finishing causing Rusty to open his eyes suddenly, the empty bowl of popcorn falling to his side.
"Is it finished already?"
"Yeah, hey I'm the older one here…I'm the one who should be napping not you."
"Sorry, didn't realize I was that tired."
"Yeah well it's been a long day, you hungry."
"Actually, I think I'll head to bed…will you wake me if Sharon calls."
"Sure I…"
They both looked up when there was a knock at the door.
"It's nearly 11pm, who the hell could that be?" Ricky said.
Ricky walked over and opened the door to see Andy standing on the other side.
"Lieutenant Flynn."
"Hey kid, sorry to drop by so late but I forgot to get your Mom to sign the paperwork I need for court tomorrow, she's not sleeping already is she."
"Andy, Sharon's not here." Rusty said, coming up behind Ricky.
"Oh, I did try calling her but her cell was switched off. Do you know where she is?"
They both looked at each other then back to Andy and shrugged their shoulders.
"Look Andy, Mom got a call a couple of hours ago…we're not really sure what it was about though."
"Yeah all we know is that someone she knows is in hospital…we don't know who but she seemed pretty upset."
"I don't suppose you know which hospital?"
"Sorry."
"Right well there's Cedars and St Catherine's Medical Centre…St Catherine's is closer, I'll go and see if I can find her."
"Hey Andy, when you do will you get her to call us and let us know she's okay…we're kinda worried." Rusty said.
"Don't worry Kid, I'll tell her."
…
Sharon and Mike followed Dr Gentry along the corridor until they came to the room at the end. Sharon looked through the window to see Fritz propped up against the pillows, his complexion pale.
"Oh god, you're sure he's alright?"
"He's fine Captain, he's had a scare is all and he's tired."
"We won't keep him long Doc." Mike smiled.
"How long does he have to stay here."
"A few days then you can take him home, I'd prefer someone be with him for the first day home at least."
"Of course, I'll see to that…thank you for all your help Doctor." Sharon smiled.
"My pleasure, anything you need…let me know."
"They waited for him to leave before they made their way in to Fritz room, he looked up when he saw them…relief washing over his face."
"What's with the faces, you'd think someone had died." He tried to joke.
"Hey buddy, how you doing?"
"Better, much better. I'm sorry for scaring you like that; I appreciated all your help."
"I'm just glad I got you here in time."
Fritz looked at Sharon who was standing behind Mike, fear still on her face and tears threatening to spill from her beautiful green eyes.
"Mike, would you mind if I had a few minutes alone with the Captain?"
"Of course, I should be heading off anyway. Captain would you like me to wait for you, I can give you a lift back."
"No it's okay Mike, I have my own car. You get off home to your family and thank you for tonight, I appreciate it." She smiled.
"No trouble at all, good night Captain, Agent Howard."
They waited for Mike to leave before Fritz held out his hand to Sharon, who took it without arguments. He pulled her closer, forcing her to sit on the edge of the bed beside him.
"Sharon…I'm okay."
She looked up, tears now falling freely as she nodded her head.
"You scared the life out of me Fritz."
"Come here."
She allowed herself to be gathered in to his arms as she began sobbing on his shoulder, he felt her arms going around his…tightening her hold on him, afraid to let him go.
…
To Be Continued…