Chapter 7 - Don't Fight It
Her life hanging on a string. Sam waited, paced and hit walls. No one was telling him anything, as he asked, begged and pleaded for any information. He was just responded with a shake of the head. He was not family, bullshit he wasn't family..Even with an outburst that brought the security guards in, the doctors didn't listen, nor did they even care. Madeline was unaware of the situation as she dashed out for a cigarette after Sam had walked away from her earlier. His hands burying his face as he sat on a boring plastic seat that was sat outside her room. Helpless, Sam just couldn't seem to be able to convince anyone. The stress and struggle to keep himself from completely flipping out, his mind was clouded. He really wasn't sure how to do anything anymore; he hadn't eaten or had any water since Fi had arrived at the hospital. Unaware of just how Michael was. The constant nagging from Madeline, as she too wanted to know how Michael was and where he was...
As Madeline walked through the corridor, passing three doctors on her way to reach Fi's room. Her eyes narrowed on Sam as he sat there, his palms over his face. Realising that Fi's room was in lockdown and the very fact that Sam was not in there alarmed her...
"Sam?..."
She croaked, a sore and worried look painted her face...
"They won't tell me anything Maddie... Something happened with Fi, they rushed in and threw me out. I keep asking them, but they don't tell me anything..."
As Sam explained, anger attacking his tone. Madeline turned as a Nurse finally came out from Fi's room, she looked at Madeline and Sam for a second then slowly stepped over to them..
"Are you her family?"
She asked politely, maybe this time.. Sam would get some sort of luck...As he looked up at her, Madeline stepped between them and smiled..
"She's my son's fiancé"
Madeline quickly answered, her tone very soft and steady. As the Nurse listened, she then looked to Sam then back to Madeline...
"Can you get a hold of your son?"
She wished... Shaking her head, Madeline gave the nurse a sore look..
"He's unreachable right now, we're all she has"
The nurse nodded and smiled. Clearing her throat, she took a look back at Fi's room..
"Well, we're not entirely sure what's going on, she's struggling to breathe on her own. Pieces of shrapnel from the bullet fragment has scattered across her chest, some pieces are extremely close to her heart, and possibly her lungs since she's having trouble breathing..."
She told Madeline and Sam all that she knew, keeping her medical terms a low. She gave them a sympathetic look before continuing..
"With that, she's a fighter though... but she's only just managing to keep herself from completely shutting down...hence why she's very strong.. We'll be keeping extra close watch on her and moving her to the intensive care unit now... I'm sorry, i wish i had better news to tell you... I hope your son get's here soon..."
As the Nurse finished with her words, she then placed a sympathetic hand on Madeline's shoulder and stepped away, making her way down to the receptionist desk..
Dropping to the seat beside Sam, Madeline tightly held onto her purse. Tightly grasping it, Staring at nothing. She just stayed quiet before Sam got up and grabbed a hold of his cell; an idea had crawled into his mind. Not only did he realise just how much Fi needed Michael; but he realised just how much they needed him too...Turning to Madeline, Sam bottled up all the fear and sorrow he held inside for Fi, trying to stay strong. He gave Madeline a smile..
"I figured out how to find Mike.."
He was almost beaming as his idea was perfect and it wouldn't take too long for him to track Michael down now. Madeline raised an eyebrow at Sam before stepping up and leaning in close to hear him out... As Doctors roamed pass, their faces dug into their binders and clip boards. As they moved pass them, Sam looked down and shared his idea..
"They have Mike's cell on, i can track him through GPS. I just need to head back to Mike's Loft... is that ok, Maddie?"
Gently placing his hand on Madeline's shoulder, ensuring Madeline was ok to be alone for an hour or so. Madeline nodded and smiled..
"I'll be Fine Sam, just go and get Michael... Fiona needs him"
Madeline insisted as she placed a hand on his, both comforting each other. Sam gave her a kiss on the cheek and swiftly rushed down the corridor, leaving the hospital..
Madeline felt that sudden rise of hope flush through her body. Some sort of peace was starting to enter her as Sam's words and idea seemed so simple, so easy. Taking a seat, she sighed deeply and did her best to clear her mind...
...
In Michael's Loft. Sam leaned over the work bench and started accessing the tracking software. Entering Michael's cell number, He then awaited for the long loading bar to complete its process...
As it was taking more than ten minutes, Sam started to wonder if the cell was still switched on. Taking out his cell, he dialled Mike's number. Hoping to hear either a ring tone, or anyone's voice for that matter. Just any sign that the phone was still accessible. As he called, he was left with the ringing tone. No one picked up, perfect. However a hint of him wished Michael had answered...
As Sam awaited for the process to complete, he took a glimpse around the Loft... Still, he hadn't bothered to open the refrigerator to obtain a beer. He didn't want or need one. He just wanted Fi alive and well and Michael Safe and sound.
Still waiting, Sam started racking his brain for ideas on how to approach the residence without blowing Michael's cover. At that point, a smile crossed his lips as he imagined Fiona's response.. to rush in their guns blazing.. would have been sweet to do, but he knew for sure Michael wouldn't want the cover blown, regardless of any harm to him...
As an idea started shaking in his head, the process bar finished and beeped at him. Warning him of the completion. As Sam glanced at the screen, he then grinned and jotted the address down. Feeling the sudden burst of adrenaline swarm through his veins, he grabbed the sheet of paper and rushed out of the loft, with the idea in his head. Sam just headed straight to where he needed to. Calling Madeline and informing her that he was going to get Michael. Sam gathered the things he needed and started heading to the hideout...
...
Opening his eyes slowly, Michael blinked gradually before realising he had passed out on the floor of the kid's room. Still in there. Michael turned his head to see Eddi sitting beside him, watching over him. A concerned look crossed the kid's small delicate face...
"You passed out.."
He told Michael. Michael moved slowly, lifting the top half of his body up before the striking burning sensation attacked his ribs.. forgetting that he had a cracked rib, Michael grunted and sat up right.
"I'm fine..."
He told the boy as the question of whether he was ok or not was written all over the boy's face. As Michael's back faced the camera, he was blocking the view of the young boy too. However; there was still audio encoded within the digital software. As Michael blinked tightly, gritting his teeth as his head started to pound from the sudden move. He took a quick glimpse around the room before his mind started attacking him about his escape plan...
"Eddi, i need you to listen to me...can you whisper to me? don't shout or speak loudly, can you do that?"
Raising his eyebrows, showing a concerned and very strict face. Michael chose his words carefully, not to spook the boy out...As he spoke carefully, Eddi nodded softly and whispered softly..
"Ok... but why?"
He asked, his voice so small and gentle. He was baffled at the request but also very interested as to why. He already knew that clearly, Michael was a friend and he was there to help him. He listened extra closely to Michael..
"there's a surveillance camera in the room, picks up video and.. audio. Get me?"
Michael explained softly and in a way the kid would understand. As he listened, Eddi squirmed a bit. unsettled by the new discovery. He started to cower slowly...
"It's ok... don't worry... just act normal.. Play with some toys, I'm going to head over there and disconnect it..."
As Eddi listened, he then moved over to the large wooden toy box that held all sorts of different toys. soft teddies, cars, dinosaurs, games and other allsorts...As he started to rammish through the box, trying to find something that sparked his interest. Michael slowly got up and headed over towards the door, to its right. The corner held the camera mount. Of course, it was a simple task... They didn't predict a young boy would either see it or be able to diffuse it... Nor did they expect Kaine Slade to be a burnt spy...
As Michael started to bang on the door, moving from the camera's line of sight. He knocked and banged on the door three more times to give them the idea that he was wanting out.. As he leaned over, Michael quickly pulled the two leads out from the camera. As Jason and Eli started heading up, the video on the large plasma screen cut out, leaving grainy and distorted feedback...
Hearing the boys head up the stairs Michael moved back from the door, shoving the two leads in his back pocket...
Moving into the room, startling Eddi. Who stopped looking for toys and glued his eyes on Michael. Jason and Eli stared at Michael for a second before Michael crouched forwards, in agony...As he did so; Jason leaned over and asked him what was wrong before Michael shot back up, knocking Jason in the nose and causing him to fall back, hitting the door frame. He passed out. As Michael acted clueless to what had happened, apologizing. Eli turned to him and grabbed him by the throat...Watching the scene before him, Eddi seized the opportunity and fled the room...
Forcing Michael into the back wall, Michael tried to apologize to Eli; keeping his cover. However; nothing seemed to calm this beast down...As Eli squeezed Michael's throat even more, Choking him. Michael struck him in the throat then in the crouch again...Since the man was quite pathetic at restraining him; Michael dropped as Eli let loose of his throat...
Michael then dashed out, as if he was going to chase the boy. Although; he was cautious as his favourite banana's were still missing from the scene. Unaware of their whereabouts. Michael quickly took a glimpse around the rooms, moving pass the room. Checking Eli as he was knees on the floor throwing up..
Michael started down the stairs, as he reached the bottom. The front door open. Even though things didn't go according to plan, Michael sighed deeply as the boy managed to get away...Turning to enter the lounge room, B1 struck Michael in the side whilst Jason snuck up behind him and wrapped his arm around his neck, the free hand pressed his blade against Michael's throat...
"Hey!... I was chasing the kid..."
As Michael explained himself, Jason moved from him and pushed him forwards. Away from him.. Michael turned slightly, seeing he had broken Jason's nose...
"I didn't mean to do that, Jason.."
Michael roughly stated...
"like you didn't with my thumb?"
Raising an eyebrow, Jason wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and moved from the scene...Michael watched Jason as he left the hall way... B1 then slammed the front door shut...
"What the hell happened to the camera!"
Screeching out to his men, Jason threw his blade across the room. Holding his nose, he tried to wipe the blood, trying to keep it from overflowing. B2 moved over and slapped the other roll of bandages into Jason's hand...Michael watched carefully as B2 helped Jason with his nose, B1 was trying to fix the camera issues with the TV remote, trying to figure out just what was going on... At that very moment, Michael could walk out... but it wouldn't fix anything; it wouldn't bring them down...
Eli slowly made his way down the stairs, passing Michael. He held onto his crouch. Michael couldn't help but smile slightly before Jason looked up and pointed at Michael. Calling him over, Jason growled loudly. Clearly, he was pissed off and fed up. His nose was broken, his thumb was broken. What else was Michael was going to break? he had no idea.
"Why isn't this working? Eli head up stairs and check the camera..."
Grunting his Jason's request, Eli slowly made his way back up the stairs. Still hurting and feeling the burning surge up and down his thighs...Michael made his way beside Jason, who started screaming at the TV screen. B1 calculated that it was not the source of the TV, but the camera hardware itself. As B1 explained, Jason turned to Michael and stared at him, studying him carefully. His eyes narrowed on his red and raw neck, the slight red line he had made from the pressure from the blade. He hesitated for a moment before sighing deeply. B2 finished up on Jason's nose, cleaning it and keep it looking quite fine for the time, he moved away and stood next to his boyfriend.
Silence began to cover the room; confusion and tension rising. Jason was then startled by the sudden knock of the front door...Getting off the arm of the couch, where B2 had fixed him up. He moved over to the front door, Placing his blade back into its strap. He opened the door to find a Fed Ex employee smiling at him.
"Good day sir! i have a package here for Kaine Slade..He needs to sign here"
As the man raised his voice, greeting Jason. Michael snapped his head to see who it was. No one could resist the voice of Sam Axe.. Realising just what was happening, Michael carefully watched Jason...
"I'll sign it..."
Jason tried to get Sam off his back and off his porch. Sam moved the clip board from Jason's reach and raised an eyebrow. His eyes narrowed on Jason's nose...
"I'm sorry, but are you Kaine Slade? only he is to sign it.."
Sam stated as he tried to look behind Jason, who kept Sam from taking a glimpse inside...Jason stared at him for a moment, wondering just why Kaine had his mail sent there. Was it for the job? He hoped so...
"Whatever..."
Jason rolled his eyes and looked over his shoulder, his eyes pinning on Michael.
"Get here, there's a parcel for you.."
As Jason called out to Michael. Sam felt that sudden urge to jump for joy. As Jason left Sam waiting, He watched him leave before Michael came into his view.. As soon as Sam's eyes fell upon Michael, he felt his body twitch; feeling that incredible surge of panic and dread overcome him...
"Wow, err you look great?"
Sam was stumped, he wanted to say and do much more but he was very limited to anything at that moment, too many eyes watched them as they made the transition. he could barely even whisper to Michael...
Michael couldn't be any happier to see Sam. However; he kept his mouth shut...taking a glimpse of the clip board, Michael held it in his hands. He wasn't quite sure of Sam's intentions and plan.. His sight becoming blurry, Michael licked his bottom lip and grabbed a hold of the pen..
"I'm fine... "
As Michael spoke, Sam could hear just how weak Michael was. As he tried to keep himself from blowing his own cover, Sam could tell Michael was inches from falling flat onto the floor, as he watched Michael slowly sway.. instantly reacting fast, Sam quickly rushed his arms out and held Michael on his sides, keeping him from falling forwards...As he held onto Michael, it wasn't long before he started showing breathing difficulties...wheezing, coughing and struggling to breathe. Sam then moved his hands from Michael's sides and tried holding him up...
"Hey! Hey! we have a problem here, he needs a damn hospital!"
Sam yelled out loudly, showing a hint of aggression, going with Michael's strategy. Jason ran in and watched as Michael struggled to breathe, as he coughed violently...Jason knew he didn't have anything to help him; it was possibly the only option however...Even with the kid gone, Now Michael was to be gone. Jason began to think of aborting the mission.. although; he wanted to find the kid since he had seen everyone's face...He felt he trusted Michael, that he wouldn't tell anyone. Trusting Michael, he nodded to Sam...
"I'll get Eli to follow you"
Jason then dashed up stairs to order Eli to follow Sam and Michael to the hospital...Keep a close eye on Michael and make sure he not say a single word to doctors etc. Eli insisted he do the job alone and he'd report back.
Holding onto Michael tightly, he helped him to the fed ex van and placed him in the back, he smiled slightly as he shut the back doors to the van. He knew Michael would have a plan to get out of there...Turning to see the large Eli come out of the house...
"you're following are you?"
Sam asked, in a rush. He jumped into the driver seat and awaited for Eli to respond...
"Yeah, but I'll take the main roads... you take the back roads"
Eli replied as he started the engine to his black jeep. Sam gave the man a puzzled look before shaking his head and starting the van. Just how dumb was this guy? Driving through the back roads, Sam couldn't help but laugh at himself at how stupid Eli was... for one - he didn't even ask which hospital, and chose a different route? how did that make sense.
He drove, shouting out to Michael, saying just how happy he was to see him... although; he kept laughing at Eli's stupidity..
As He laughed to himself, Sam slowly slowed down and stopped the vehicle, still laughing. He jumped out and started talking to Michael as he opened up the back...
"Ha, Mike... how stupid are these guys?"
Giggling, he opened the back and noticed Michael hadn't moved...Jumping in, Sam checked Michael's vitals..
"Mike?... "
He asked softly, thinking he was just playing dead to make sure he wasn't followed. However; Sam noticed Michael's breathing was extremely weak..
"Hey Mike.. come on... this was a ploy wasn't it?"
As he was receiving no response, Sam started to panic. Thinking all along that it was just a strategy Michael had thought up on the spot. Sam couldn't help but feel completely stupid at that moment. He rolled Michael onto his back and checked over him again...
"Damnit Mike!"
Realising he really did have to rush Michael to the hospital as he could see specs of blood on his lips. Sam rolled Michael back to his side and settled him nicely before jumping back out, this time he really was rushing and concerned...His hands shook violently...It was the worst time to rush someone to the hospital, it was peak hour...
Authors Note:
Thank you SO MUCH for those who read and reviewed. means so much! Thank you. Enjoy.
