"Amelia, it's Maggie." She draws her hand back waiting nervously as the knock goes unanswered. The receptionist confirmed she was still staying here but so far all they've been met with is silence and she winces as Riggs pounds the door. "She could be in the shower... or out taking a walk?" Her voice lifts at the end, implying the suggestions even though they're flimsy at best. "I'll try calling again."
She pulls out her phone and he gives it one more go, his fist connecting with the splintering paint job. "Amy, if you're in there we just want to make sure you're okay?" He leans against the frame, almost positive he can hear someone start to move inside. "Wait-" he nudges Maggie's arm down, straining to catch the muted shuffle coming from inside, "there's definitely some-"
A loud thud cuts him off and he swallows roughly trying to place the noise. It sounded like a body hitting the floor and he doesn't hesitate, forcefully slamming his shoulder against the door
"Whoa! What are you doing?" She jumps back, nearly dropping her phone as she debates whether or not to try and stop him. If Amelia's in trouble then they need to get inside but they could also just go downstairs and ask for a key.
"Come on," he justifies the action, twisting the knob and trying again, "it's not exactly the Hilton."
"That's not the-" she finches as the lock splinters apart, causing the door to swing open and reveal Amelia's prone from sprawled out on the floor. It takes her a second to react but Riggs is already moving faster than she can keep up with.
He drops to his knees, his hand instinctively searching for the deft beat below her neck. It's weak but steady and he glances up as Maggie's voice draws his attention to the night-stand. There's half a bottle of whiskey open but it's the bag of pills on the side that propel his concern. "Oxy?" He doesn't know much about her past, only what he learnt in the car, but he's thankful for the information because right now she needs him to be a doctor not a friend.
She picks up the bag, fingers shaking as she reads the small markings on the pills. It's not a hard symbol to forge and if they were bought on the street they could be cut with anything. "I don't think she got them from the hospital."
He shifts his attention back to the unconscious women trying to get her to stir, "Amy... come on wake up."
She moans at the intrusion struggling to sit and he helps her up, moving the hair to get a better look at her face. When her eyelids eventually flutter open she's barely recognizable and he's taken aback by her pale skin and pinpoint pupils. She might be completely out of it but he knows she's in there somewhere. Whatever drove her to this he's not the kind of person to pass judgment, not without knowing all the facts. "Amelia listen to me... how much did you take?"
She fumbles for the material of his shirt wanting to keep herself upright while the room spins violently around them. It's a question she can't answer, the fire in her brain preventing coherent thoughts, and even though she tries her words come out as a slurred mumble.
He catches her before she topples forward again, his arm latching around her waist and drawing her against his chest. She feels hot against his skin and he finds Maggie's concerned gaze, urging her to call for help, "pulse is weak and she's burning up... we need to call an ambulance."
Amelia shakes her head trying to fight his hold but he doesn't let go. "Not Grey-Sloane, ask for Chelsea State." The words seem to calm her but Pierce hesitates making him rethink the decision. Amelia needs support but if they break her trust now it could ruin any chance they have of helping her. "I know the guys there, they'll take care of her."
She reads between the lines and dials the number regardless of her own doubts. Meredith is going to be livid but they don't have time to weigh up the pros and cons of where to take her. "Hello, yes... I need an ambulance-"
The conversation disappears into the background and Riggs forces down another wave of concern. Even though she's still sweating he can feel Amelia's temperature starting to drop and he knows that isn't a good sign.
"Amy, hey... stay with me-" he jostles her again trying to support her weight as Pierce finishes relaying the situation over the phone. Chelsea state is an extra five minutes away and he hopes to god they're making the right call.
"Ambulance is eight minutes out." She shoves the cell in her pocket willing herself to stay calm and think. They need to buy some time and if possible get the drugs out of her system. "Ipecac-" she says suddenly, "they might have some in the kitchen."
He's about to tell her to go when Amelia's breathing becomes labored, the short desperate gasps sounding almost painful and he lays her quickly on her side. A blue tinge has already started painting her lips which means it's too late to induce vomiting, their only option is to keep her breathing until the paramedics arrive. "We don't have time, she's going into respiratory failure."
The scratchy rasp turns Maggie's stomach and she drops to her knees forcing herself to be a doctor first and a sister second.
"Amelia, it's okay. You're going to be fine but I need you to take slow deep breaths okay?" Her hand flails and Maggie reaches out catching it, giving it a tight squeeze, "I'm right here, just focus on my voice and stay with me." She lifts her head, keeping her voice low as she angles it towards Riggs, "you can do a field tracheotomy right?"
He winces at the question, not because he can't but because he's really hoping it isn't going to come to that. "Used a rock and two sticks once, guy made a full recovery." She nods a sort of approval and he glances around the room looking for something to use when he spots the small kitchenette in the corner.
"Swap-" he shuffles back allowing her to take his place as he pushes off the ground. There's no cutlery at the sink just a ballpoint pen in the draw which is useless if he can't find anything to make the incision.
"Riggs!"
He spins at the panicked tone, his stomach clenching as he watches Pierce start CPR. They're out of time and he rushes into the bathroom scanning the small space and spotting a disposable razor on the counter. "I think I've got something!" He grabs the item, slicing his hand as he works the blade out but it's a trivial wound and he ignores it as he races back to them. "You sure about this?"
"Give it a second-" she pushes down on Amelia's chest silently begging her sister to respond. Even though it's a relatively simple procedure she doesn't want to make the incision unless it's absolutely necessary. "Come on!" She repeats the process two more times preparing to call it when a strained cough suddenly breaks the silence, followed by the sound of sirens in the distance.
Riggs tears a hand up through his hair as the noise from the ambulance draws closer. It's clear she's a fighter. All she has to do is hold on a little bit longer because if she doesn't make it he's not sure he'll be able to forgive himself. Even though his actions weren't directly responsible they didn't help the situation... but regardless of the fact, he suspects Hunt will kill him long before guilt does anyway.
