Title: Hold Tight
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary:see part one

Just as he left the locker room Jared got a text from the Captain saying to meet in his office in ten minutes. With a sigh the detective picked up his pace; so much for easing into the work day. When he reached his superior's office worry flashed through Jared as he saw Michaela was already seated. He hoped she wasn't in trouble. That they weren't in trouble.

"Captain."Jared said in greeting as he stepped into the small office.

Captain Riojas nodded and gestured for Jared to sit. Jared did so and the Captain stood and moved to stand in front of his desk.

"The 1-10 in Queens has a situation that I thought would fall into your wheelhouse."Riojas began. "However, I know what happened with Harvey upset you Michaela."

"I was upset I couldn't save him."Michaela replied defiantly. "I'm assuming this situation has to do with a passenger?"

"Yes, they have a standoff and the passenger is the one armed."Riojas explained grimly. "The brass is concerned this could be a pattern. That we might be dealing with PTSD."

"Let's go."Michaela prompted as she rose from the chair and headed to the door.

Jared caught Michaela's left arm halting her.

"Hold on."Jared cautioned. "I'm worried this is too much for you. Nobody that's dealt with a tramua should be thrown back into it with constant reminders."

"I live with my brother."Michaela countered. "I have reminders every day. I want to be able to help. Some good has to come out of us losing five years."

"If you're sure?"Captain Riojas asked with concern.

Michaela shook free of Jared's grasp as she met her commanding officer's gaze.

"I'm sure."Michaela replied. "Do we have a go?"

"Yes."Riojas affirmed. "I'll send the address to your phones. Keep me posted."

"Yes, Sir."Both Detectives replied as they left the office.

Jared followed Michaela as they stopped at their desks to grab a few items and then to the garage. As they walked Jared had to fight to keep from starting an argument he wouldn't win. When she'd tried to talk Harvey off the roof Michaela had been in a safety harness. The whole time Jared had been on pins and needles waiting for something to go wrong. He just got Michaela back. After five years that was a miracle in and of itself. Jared knew she was a good cop. Understood she could take care of herself. Still the part of him that wasn't a cop wanted to hold tight to the woman he loved and not let go. Some how Jared had to protect his partner from herself. These callings were the wild card. If one surfaced today it could add more danger to an already volatile situation. With a stifled curse Jared got into the driver's seat of the black SUV. Once his partner was settled Jared pulled out of the garage and into traffic. All he could do was pray that whatever the universe threw at them today they'd be able to roll with it.


Arriving at the duplex in Queens a half hour later they discovered they were already too late. The flight 828 passenger, Helen Cross a thirty-three year old computer programmer was being loaded into an ambulance suffering life threatening gunshot wounds. Michaela slammed her hand against the hood of the SUV in frustration. Before Jared could say a word Michaela had stormed away headed for a group of officers leaving the duplex.

"You the 828 cop?"One young dark haired male asked.

Michaela didn't blink at the reference but inwardly Jared cringed as he reached his partner's side.

"Yes, I thought the situation was under control enough to wait for us to arrive."Michaela responded angrily.

"These standoffs are never under control."A middle aged African-American male officer replied. "We do the best we can."

"Apparently you didn't since the person I was supposed to talk down is in an ambulance!"Michaela shot back.

"Doubt she would've responded to you."A female voice interjected from behind. "I'm Lieutenant Benson."

"What happened?"Michaela asked as she walked toward the red haired woman.

"She became nearly incoherent. Before we could try tasers she started firing."Benson said sadly. "We were worried about neighbors getting hit."

"You said she was incoherent."Michaela began. "What was she saying?"

"Nothing that made sense. Lots of religious stuff. Angels, winged ones, demons, fallen...she just kept rambling, repeating."

"Thank you, Lieutenant."Jared commented. "Keep us posted on the passenger's condition?"

"Of course."Benson replied. "Sorry you came out here for nothing."

"We'll update our Captain."Jared said as he steered Michaela away by gripping her right shoulder.

"We were too late."Michaela whispered as they reached the SUV.

"Did you know her?"Jared asked quietly.

"From after...in the hanger."Michaela replied.

"One thing we learn in this job is we can't help everyone."Jared said gently.

Michaela nodded and got into the SUV. Jared walked around and climbed into the driver seat.

After buckling his seatbelt Jared reached across and took Michaela's left hand in his. He squeezed it and interlaced their fingers.

"You okay?"Jared asked quietly.

"Yeah."Michaela said with a brief smile. "Just wish I could have helped her."

Jared squeezed her hand once more before he started the engine and merged into traffic.

'Shadows dance.'

Michaela frowned at the Calling. They were almost back to the station; ten minutes away. Jared in tune to her as always picked up on her body tension.

"Mic, what is it?"Jared asked with concern. "A Calling?"

"Yes I had one earlier this morning."Michaela replied distractedly. "I don't know what they mean or if they're even connected."

"We'll figure it out."Jared commented then glanced at the dash board. "But we better stop and get gas; we're almost on empty."

They pulled into the next gas station and parked at a pump.

"Want coffee?"Michaela asked as she unbuckled her seatbelt and reached for the passenger door.

"Sure."Jared replied as he leaned across and kissed Michaela quickly.

"I'll be right back."Michaela replied as she exited the SUV.

As she closed the door Michaela was lost in thought so she wasn't as aware of her surroundings as she should have been and normally was. Suddenly two pairs of strong arms latched onto her pulling her quickly away from the SUV.

"Jared!"Michaela called more as a warning.

Michaela fell back on her training. She kicked and twisted and was able to free herself from one of the men. She didn't get a chance to reach for her weapon. Just then another man joined the group and Michaela found herself being picked up. Damn it! She was not going to let them take her.

"Michaela!"Jared shouted as he rounded the back of the SUV gun drawn.

The next thing Michaela knew a needle was plunged into one of her arms. She tried to struggle, to stay conscious but the darkness was too powerful and Michaela fell into the void.


Jared pulled out his radio and called for backup. Even with the station being so close he knew they wouldn't get here in time. Jared wished he knew what vehicle the abductors had come in because that he could shoot the tires out. He couldn't risk a shot at the men themselves. Not with Michaela being carried in the middle like a large piece of furniture.

"NYPD!"Jared shouted as he ran towards them. "Stop!"

Fear raced through Jared as he saw Michaela stop fighting; her body going slack. Please God no. He just got her back. No way in hell was anyone taking her from him.

"NYPD!"Jared called once more.

As he took another step forward something heavy hit the back of his head. Jared fought to stay on his feet. Knew he was Michaela's only chance at freedom. Whatever he'd been hit with had been heavy and solid. His vision swam, then Jared felt his knees buckle. He fell to the pavement and darkness closed in rapidly. The last thing he saw was someone with expensive loafers kicking his weapon away.