Thanks for the interest in the story and for all of the reviews. There are two more chapters after this one. Thanks again to Baileyak1 for taking the time and editing my chapters for me! I really appreciate it!
By the end of the week, no new letters arrived. Between the infirmary being watched by a rotation of her three unofficial bodyguards and the healthy half of Evan's team guarding her door, there wasn't much of an opportunity to slip anything by them.
Jennifer felt the men could back off a bit, especially with the escort to and from the bathroom, mess hall, and sitting in on her meetings with the heads of her department.
When Sheppard escorted her back to her room that night, he lingered a bit to talk with Anderson and Miller. The men still guarded her fiercely, despite the lack of anything remotely significant happening that week. But Anderson had loosened up a little to joke once in awhile with her, teasing Jen that the women in the city were beginning to get jealous of her nightly escorts around the city.
She had just gotten out of her uniform and into cotton sleep pants and a buttoned matching top when she heard the shots. She could hear yelling outside of her room immediately. Diving for the communicator, she got down next to her bed, screaming for Evan and Sheppard. Faintly, she heard Evan shouting they were on their way.
Silence came just as quickly. Trying to make out any sounds, over the thunderous pounding of her heart, she heard scuffling coming from an area away from her room. A moan sounded outside her door. Running to the door, she called out.
"Anderson! Miller! What's going on?"
Another shot sounded, significantly away from the room. Throwing caution into the wind, she opened the door.
"Doc, get back inside," Miller yelled over to her, leaning against wall. He was injured— a gunshot wound to the shoulder. Yet he still held his gun towards the hallway, protecting her.
She looked down the hallway. "Where's Anderson?"
"He took off chasing him. Sheppard and the others are on their way."
Hearing the distant sounds of gunshots, Jennifer jumped across the hall and helped him into her room, shutting the door. She tore at the buttons of his shirt, finding a clean t-shirt to press onto his bleeding shoulder.
Nearly a minute later, they heard something outside the door. Then someone began pounding on her door.
"Open up!" she heard a voice demand. They could hear him trying to enter a code to her room, but thankfully Rodney had rigged it with a new code that no one on base could override and only Jennifer, Evan, and John knew.
Miller grabbed her, sending Jennifer behind him. "No."
"Keller, we're almost there," Sheppard yelled into the communicator, which she forgot she still had on.
"Colonel, did you send someone ahead? Someone's trying to break down the door," Jennifer whispered.
Evan's voice came through. "Jen, don't open it."
Jennifer was scared, but also knew she had to stall so that whoever was on the other side would be there when the guys arrived.
"Who are you?" She screamed. "Why are you doing this?"
"Shut up," someone screamed. "Open up or I kill the captain."
They both looked at each other. Jennifer felt her heart stop when she heard Anderson call out.
"Don't!" he rasped. "Stay insi—"
Anderson was interrupted and they heard a single bullet go off. Jennifer screamed.
"His blood is on your hands, Jennifer," the man called out. "This isn't over."
They heard him walk away. Miller got on the radio, calling for Sheppard's team and letting them know the man was on the run. He had to restrain Jennifer from opening the door.
"Anderson's outside! We have to get to him." Jennifer had tears running down her cheeks.
"What happened?" Evan called out on the radio. "Miller, is the hallway by her door clear?"
"I think so," he responded, voice getting fainter. "Sir, we have reason to believe he just shot Anderson. Doc's going crazy trying to get to him."
"Jennifer, you stay inside," Evan shouted. "We'll be there in less than ten seconds."
When they arrived, Evan radioed for a gurney upon seeing the sight before him. Anderson was slumped over several feet away from her door. Sheppard and Ronon split up, each taking a few men and searching for the man who caused the scene that lay in front of them. Evan directed the two men who stayed with him to cover the door as entered the code to her room. Inside, he barely had time to prepare as Jennifer came, flying out of the room, leaping next to Anderson.
"Get back inside, Jen," Evan shouted, moving to haul her back himself.
She refused. "He doesn't have time," feeling for his faint pulse. Unconscious, she swore as she saw the wound. It was bad. As bad as it could have been. "Get me something to press on him to stop the bleeding." Evan was just stared as he saw the extent of his officer's injury in front of him. It didn't take a doctor to know he was watching Anderson die in front of him. "Evan, now!"
He moved back to the room, grabbing a towel from her bathroom, and pressed it against Anderson. "What about Miller?"
Jennifer nodded. "He got shot once, but he's nothing compared to Anderson." The gurney arrived with Marie running ahead of it. Evan helped the infirmary staff pull Anderson onto it. "Walk Miller down. I have to go."
"Jen, he's still on the loose," Evan protested.
"Then send these two guys with me, but I'm going. If we don't get him into surgery within the next few minutes, he's gone."
Evan didn't want to let her out of his sight, but he felt the obligation to bring Miller down himself.
"Go with her, sir," Miller said at the doorway. "These guys can help me."
Evan nodded, thankful. Pulling out his gun again, he followed Jennifer and her team. She worked on Anderson as they moved, holding on to one of the side railings on the gurney while cutting open his shirt with the scissors Marie handed her. In his years of service, Evan had never seen anyone survive something like this.
He wanted to join Sheppard's team, find this man, and kill him himself—for tormenting Jen, attacking Adams, and now shooting his other two men. It took all of his training to hold the rage inside as he watched the woman in front of him desperately trying to save Anderson's life.
As they reached the infirmary, Jennifer shouted at her team. "Prep surgery. Now!" Turning back to Anderson, her face paled. "We're losing him!"
Doctors surrounded the gurney as they worked to stabilize him for surgery. Evan couldn't watch any longer. He took up a post at the entrance of the infirmary, updating Sheppard. Miller walked in with the help of one of the marines while the other joined Evan on guard.
"Sir, is he—?" Miller asked. Evan knew full well the two men were close.
"They're working on him," Evan answered, not able to tell him that it didn't look good.
At least two hours flew by. Evan paced the infirmary, waiting to hear word from Jennifer on Anderson's condition. While he knew that every minute she stayed back there working on him, it meant the man was still breathing.
Sheppard's team came up with nothing during the search. After questioning Miller, he was frustrated to learn the captain reveal that the gunman had worn a mask. And with Rodney still working on setting up some sort of video surveillance near the living quarters, which they had never installed since beginning the expedition, they still didn't have an ID on the man.
Finally, Jennifer emerged from the OR. She was covered in blood. As she walked out, she slowly discarded her soiled scrubs someone must've thrown on her. He doubted she would've stopped otherwise at the rate the blood was pouring out of the captain. Under the scrubs, Jennifer was stained with almost as much blood, barely dried. Instead of briefing them, she sat down in a nearby chair, with her head hanging low.
Evan's heart sunk in his chest. It could only mean—
"He's hanging on, Major," Marie came up to them when he saw Evan's face fall. "Jennifer just needed a second to regroup. He crashed twice."
Sheppard walked over, hearing the conversation. "What are his chances?"
The head nurse shrugged. "It's hard to say. But he's bad off, Colonel. He was shot at a very close range. But he has one thing in his favor." Marie gestured to Jennifer. "She wasn't ranked as one of the top surgeons in the country for nothing. I've worked with many doctors, but she's unreal to watch. Most of us were ready give up, but she kept working. Her hands never shook. Not once."
She nodded at the men and went back to her CMO. Jennifer sat there still, head pointing down and resting on her hands. Marie saw the tears falling from her face onto the floor. Sensing the doctor, whom she held in the highest esteem, needed something more than she could provide, she sent a look to Evan. The man was already on his way. He walked over and knelt in front of Jennifer.
"Come on, Jen," he murmured. "Let's go get you changed."
"Get her out of here for the night, major," Marie murmured. "She worked a double shift today and needs her rest if she's going to be any help to us tomorrow. Dr. Stevens is on call and is capable of handling watching over Captain Anderson. I'll be here as well."
Jennifer heard them and wiped her face. "I'm fine."
Eying her CMO's hands, which had finally begun to shake, she looked down at her. "Dr. Keller, you're in no shape to stay in here. If you keep your communicator on, I'll radio you if there's any change in him."
Evan didn't wait for her to answer. He grabbed her hands and pulled her up. Jennifer nodded and allowed Evan to escort her out of the infirmary.
Sheppard sent a look at Ronon and followed them.
"Sheppard, we got to get this guy," Evan called over his shoulder.
"Couldn't agree with you more, Lorne," his CO answered. "But he vanished without a trace. There's not much more we can do tonight other than keep everyone safe. Particularly doc here."
When they reached her room, she keyed in the code. Blood was everywhere... the hallway had not be cleaned nor was the floor in her room. Miller's wound proved to be more serious than she originally had thought, but Marie assured her Dr. Stevens had come in several minutes after she'd arrived and successfully removed the bullet. The prognosis on recovery was good. The blood itself didn't bother her... but the words the man had called out through her door did.
"His blood is on your hands."
The blood seemed to leave her head and she began to breathe fast. Panicking, she backed up and slumped into Evan, who caught her before she hit the floor.
"Get her out of here," Sheppard said. "She can't stay tonight."
Evan agreed. "My room. I'll stay with her, but let me know if anything changes on Anderson."
He carried her to his room, with Sheppard trailing behind him. He half listened to his CO directing Woolsey to radio all Atlantian personnel out of the hallways and into either their quarters or the mess hall for the next ten minutes.
Evan shot him a curious look.
"I don't want anyone to know where we're stashing Keller," Sheppard explained. "No men on your door, either. I'll spread the word that she's still in the infirmary and Ronon's keeping post there. It should deter him from coming after her."
Evan swore.
"Easy, Lorne," Sheppard said. "I'll get McKay to lock out anyone from entering in a code to your room. You'll be the only one who can open it from the inside. That should provide enough security for tonight, at least. Keep your communicator on you. I'll swing by in the morning for you both." He eyed Evan's leg. "Are you carrying right now?"
"Just my side arm," Evan said. "I have a few more pieces stashed in the room."
Sheppard nodded, shutting the door and allowing Evan to finally set Jennifer down. Sometime during the walk, her eyes opened again. She looked like she just walked out of a battle.
"Come on, Jen," he spoke softly to her. "Let's get you cleaned up." Wishing he would have thought to grab some clothes, he rummaged in his closest for a sweatshirt and draw-string sweat pants for her to wear. Taking the items into the bathroom, he watched as she walked in a daze to change.
A few minutes later, he had changed out of his own clothes and into running pants and a t-shirt. Evan heard her open the door, calling for him. Jennifer was wearing the pants, but looked up at him helplessly.
"My hands—" she said, holding them out. "I can't stop shaking. The buttons—"
Seeing her dilemma, he stepped forward and moved to slowly unbutton her top. Averting his eyes, he pulled apart the shirt and tugged it off her limp arms. Stepping around her, he asked her softly to hold up her arms as he pulled the sweatshirt over her head. His pants were several sizes too large for her, so he gently moved up the sweatshirt and rolled the waist band a few times, just like he'd had to do for his small nephew when his pant legs dragged.
Turning, he pulled down the covers and led her to the bed. "Try to get some sleep. I'll be in the chair."
She grabbed his hand before he could leave her side. "No!" She said, forcefully. Embarrassed, she reached out for him. "Stay with me. Please?"
Unable to resist her request, he pulled the covers and sank in next to her. On his back, he wasn't surprised when she scooted over and lay her head on his shoulder. Pulling her closer to him, he rested his chin on the top of her head.
"Marie told us that you really pulled off a miracle tonight," he murmured into her hair. "She said Anderson was lucky to have you as the surgeon."
She didn't respond at first. Taking a deep breath, Jennifer told Evan about the attack, from the time she heard the scuffle to hearing the shot that brought Anderson down.
"They almost died protecting me. And Anderson— when he was shot just on the other side of the door... I think my heart stopped beating. Ev, I'm not sure if he's going to make it through the night," she confided, tears pouring down her cheeks again. Jennifer cried as she told him what the attacker had said through the door.
Evan didn't know what to say to her. She'd just witnessed probably one of the most horrific things even a soldier would've a hard time dealing with. He did the only thing he knew would comfort her... all night, he held her tight against him and prayed for a miracle.
Wrapped in the warm, strong arms of Evan was about the most perfect way to wake up. Jennifer stirred, looking up to see if Evan was awake. Seeing his open eyes, she smiled.
"Morning," she murmured.
"Morning, yourself," Evan said, shifting to allow her to stretch.
The events of last night came flooding back to her. Sitting up, she began to remember the horrifying attack, the long surgery, and then finally coming back to Evan's room. She studied his room. It was the first time she'd been inside it. It was neat; she assumed that was from his military training ingrained into him. A few picture frames were placed on the tables of his family. Two that stuck out were a few pictures of his sister's children Evan was always fond of bringing up, especially after coming back from a visit to Earth.
She turned to Evan, almost afraid to ask. "Have you heard any updates?" She knew he'd fallen asleep with his communicator still in his ear.
"Marie radioed me just before she left for her quarters," he said, brushing her hair that had escaped her pony tail out of her face. "He not only made it through the night, but there's been no sign of infection and his blood pressure is improving."
She breathed a sigh of relief. Now that she was more awake, she began to feel a little awkward sharing his bed. Especially since they really hadn't spoken about this change in relationship they seemed to be having in the past few weeks.
"I hear your brain moving," Evan said, tugging her back into his arms. "How about shutting that off for a few more minutes?"
She sighed, cuddling up to him. "I know the timing stinks, but we probably need to talk about this sooner than later. It seems like there's no right time lately. Between the notes, Adams, and now Miller and Anderson..."
Evan kissed the top of her head. He would've replied, but Sheppard came over his radio.
"Sheppard," he patted Jennifer, signaling he'd just gotten a call over the radio. "Yea, I'll tell her. Okay. See you in a few." Although he would rather spend a few more minutes with her snug against him, he moved to get up. "Sheppard's on his way. Marie went into your room earlier this morning and gave him a bag of clothes for you to change into. He's going to take you to his room while I get ready here. Then I'll take over for him in the infirmary."
Almost disappointed, she got up from the bed.
"I'm not sure what will happen tonight if we don't make progress on ID'ing this guy," Evan said, "but you won't be sleeping in your room until he's caught."
"Oh?" she asked innocently, helping him make his bed. The good news that Anderson was holding his own made her want to start the day on a positive note. Waking up in his arms was the first step... teasing him would be the next. "So whose room will I be in tonight? Ronon's?"
He glared at her, then laughed as he chased her around the bed, throwing the pillow at her head just as they heard a knock at the door.
"Saved by Sheppard," he growled.
She ran to the door, confirmed it was Sheppard, and opened it before Evan could chase her down.
Sheppard was surprised to find her with a smile on her face. Looking at Evan with his eyebrows raised, he saw his SIC shrug.
"She's feisty this morning, Colonel," Evan said. He knew Sheppard had no clue to the change in his and Jennifer's relationship and wanted to keep it that way until the two of them had a change to discuss it themselves.
"Must have got a good nights rest finally, Jen," Sheppard said, waiting for her to step out.
"Yeah, speaking of which..." she looked at the both of them. "Where do I get a big, comfy bed like that?"
Evan snorted and looked at his CO. "I think she caught us." Leaving Sheppard to field the question alone, he closed the door to his room.
"Sheppard, you're capable of walking and talking at the same time," Jennifer said as they made their way to his quarters.
"Okay, okay, General O'Neil hooked up a few of us. If you keep quiet about it, I'll get you one too." Sheppard said, knowing he wouldn't be able to shake her loose on the matter.
"Much better," she said, satisfied.
