Taxi


SIU – Interview Room

"Sam you okay? Dale Gibbson asked as he gave his client and friend an assessing look.

How could Sam be okay? This shot would be weighing heavily on him. Dale would do all in his power to protect Sam. He had no doubt it was a good shot that just went horribly wrong. Somethings were just out of their control.

Running his hands through his hair Sam paused before he answered. God he was so tired. The SIU agent across the table was looking at him with raptor eyes just looking for a weak spot. If he admitted to being tired how would Agent Claudia Danville twist the comment?

Sam answered "I could use a coffee."

Agent Danville was very tired. She was the new agent in the office so got all the shitty hours. She had been on call but never expected to be called at three am to come in and deal with something like this. It took her an hour to get here. Then she had to read the transcript before coming in here.

She had to do all that without coffee. Now this officer was asking for coffee. Well hell, if she could do this without the aid of coffee then so could he.

Claudia pushed a water bottle to Constable Braddock and said "No coffee, someone broke the carafe. All I have is water. Are you ready to begin?"

Taking the water Sam nodded as he opened it and then downed half. He had been waiting in this room for nearly two hours. He had nearly fallen asleep several times as he waited for the agent to come in. Sam thought that if the agent had taken much longer to get in here the SIU interview room might have made it to the Unacceptable Nap Locations list.

"Okay start from the beginning" Danville instructed.

Sam finished the second half of the water then said "The team responded to the call. Ed designated me as Sierra One. I got into position and waited as the Boss began to negotiate."

Danville interrupted "Ed and Boss?"

Dale answered "Constable Ed Lane and Sergeant Greg Parker."

Sam rolled his head around his shoulders, stifled a yawn and continued "After four hours of negotiating the Boss had gotten all but one of the hostages released. The subject still would not release the one that he blamed all his problems on. The subject re-escalated when the hostage slapped him and told him he was a worthless piece of garbage. I was given Scorpio when the gun began to rise toward the hostage."

He stopped as the image ran through his head. Sam swallowed and firmly put his mask in place. With no emotion he stated "I had the subject in sight and pulled the trigger. At the last second the hostage lunged at the subject. She moved into the path of the bullet."

Danville challenged "With the hostage so close why did you shoot?"

Sam blinked. That was a stupid question. He answered "He was preparing to shoot the hostage. I was given the order to fire. It's my job. I had the solution."

"But you shot the hostage not the subject" Danville stated with an edge and accusation in her voice.

Sam's breathing was a bit heavier. He dropped his eyes to the table. God this hurt. He almost killed another innocent like he had killed Matt.

He lifted his eyes and looked into the raptor-like eyes of the SIU agent again. She was out for his blood. Sam wasn't sure what to say. Hell there was nothing he could say.

Dale looked at Agent Danville and said "Enough. Constable Braddock was given the order to fire. He did his job. He cannot control the hostage's movements."

Danville then asked "Why did you not then take another shot to neutralize the subject? You allowed him to fire and it hit one of your teammates."

Sam wanted to yell 'Why the fuck do you think? I just shot a hostage. The person I was trying to protect. It screwed with my head for a moment. I'm human not a fucking robot'.

Then in his head Sam heard Spike calling out 'it's in the vest' as he checked Wordy. Sam knew he had frozen for a second when he saw the woman was hit instead of the subject. It ate at him that the subject got off a shot and it hit Wordy in the vest. While he was frozen, Ed had taken the second shot that neutralized the subject.

None of this could he share with the SIU agent. Otherwise he would be out of a job. The look on her face told him that.

So Sam answered "Ed was Sierra Two. We are a team and train to back each other up. Ed had the shot and he took it."

"So you did not have the shot?" Danville asked.

Shaking his head Sam said "No."

Technically it was not a lie. No he did not have the shot because he could not take his eyes off the woman falling to the ground for that second. He was trying to see if he killed her. Thank god he had not.

Sam didn't know if he could do this job anymore if he had killed an innocent. It was bad enough that he had shot her. But at least she was alive.

Agent Danville maintained her laser focus on Braddock. There was something in his eyes that told her he was not telling the truth. She said sharply "But I'm told that you are the best and fastest sniper in SRU. You expect me to believe you did not have the shot from your position when you previously had the shot."

Sam remained quiet. Exhaustion was getting the better of him and if he opened his mouth he might say something he regretted. He would rely on Dale to handle Danville.

Dale looked at Danville. Why the hell did Sam get assigned the most inept and callous SIU agents? He stated "Constable Braddock has given you his statement. Unless you have further questions that are relevant I suggest this interview is over."

Danville turned to Gibbson "He did not answer my last question."

"All I heard was a statement. What you believe is not something Constable Braddock is privy to. Nor is it a relevant fact in this matter" Dale stated.

Then he shut Danville down as Dale quantified "The facts speak for themselves. Constable Braddock was given the Scorpio command. He took the shot. The hostage put herself in the line of his fire after Constable Braddock pulled the trigger. The hostage was hit as a result of her moving, not Constable Braddock's aim. A second later the subject fired and hit Constable Wordsworth in the vest. Constable Lane as Sierra Two had the shot and took it. It was all by the book and within protocol. It also all happened within three seconds."

Danville closed the file. She was miffed at Gibbson. A civilian was shot and someone needed to be held accountable. The officer that shot her should be the one. She would pursue this later today after she got some sleep and some coffee in her.

She stood and said "That is all for now. I may have more questions later. You will be notified when a decision on the legality of the shooting is made. Until then you are on administrative leave."

After she left, Dale turned to Sam "It was a good shoot Sam. Not the outcome any of us want but I do not think you have anything to worry about. Go home and get some rest."

Sam let his guard down a bit as he softly asked "Can you find out for me how the woman is?"

Dale patted Sam "Of course. I'll call you later this afternoon. You look like hell and like you need a good sleep."

Shaking his head Sam replied "I need to know sooner. Just leave a voice mail if I don't answer my phone."

Standing up Dale nodded "Okay. Let's go."

The two headed out of the SIU interview room. They were greeted by an agent that said the patrol car that was supposed to run Sam back to the SRU headquarters was called out to a morning rush hour accident. He called Sam a taxi and said it would be a bit before it arrived.

Dale said "I could give you a ride Sam."

Sam shook his head "It's in the opposite direction of your home Dale. I'll just wait for the taxi. Thanks for being here in the middle of the night."

Patting Sam's shoulder Dale grinned "Like I've told you before Sam. I'm here whenever you need me. Don't worry about Danville. She'll learn eventually that cops are human too; that you are not robots that do not have emotions. She'll also learn very quickly that you cannot control everything and sometimes bad things happen even when you are doing the right thing."

Those words were like a warm, comforting cloak being put around Sam's weary shoulders. Sam knew that Dale understood and was still in his corner. The way Dale defended him when Danville made the crack about him being the fastest and best sniper told Sam that Dale knew. Because of Dale's constant and continued support, Dale had become not only his lawyer but a solid friend.

They shook hands and Dale headed out as Sam sat down in the lobby chair to wait for the taxi.

His mind shifted wondering how Wordy was feeling. The fact that Wordy was shot hurt him more than the hostage. Sam put his elbows on his thighs and let his head drop into his hands. He was so exhausted.

He jerked up twenty minutes later when the receptionist said "Your taxi is here."

Sam stood up slowly and headed out the door. He slid into the back of the taxi and said "SRU Headquarters please." Then he gave him the address.

He slumped down in the seat thinking that SIU Lobby almost made it to the Unacceptable Nap Location list too. Feeling totally drained Sam laid his head on the back of the seat and closed his eyes. It would normally be a short ride to SRU HQ from SIU but it was morning rush hour now. Sam settled in for the extended ride.


SRU HQ – Briefing Room

The team minus Ed and Sam sat in the briefing room and each of them was exhausted beyond measure. This shift had been grueling, the pace faster than most days. It didn't help that they transitioned from working days to nights with only one day between. Their last call had a horrendous outcome too that each had to process.

Spike leaned back in his chair and breathed out "There's gotta be something about a full moon that makes people crazy."

Leah leaned forward and input "Researchers at Université Laval's School of Psychology in Quebec did a three year study to see if mental illness and the phases of the moon are linked. They found that there was no link between the incidence of psychological problems and the four lunar phases."

Jules scoffed "Tell that to the people we dealt with today. Full moons are like Valentine's Day. Non-stop and full of crazy situations."

Spike and Greg nodded.

Ed strode into the room and looked at the team "Sam's not back yet?"

Greg shook his head "Nope. You beat him back. How'd it go?"

Ed pulled out a chair and sat down tiredly "As well as can be expected. It was just damned bad luck the hostage moved into the line of fire." Ed then looked at Wordy "How are you feeling Wordy?"

Wordy grimaced a bit but said "I'm good. Just a little sore."

Leah turned to Wordy "You should go home and rest Wordy."

"No. I need to be here when Sam gets back. He needs to see I'm alright" Wordy responded.

"We can let Sam know you are okay" Leah replied.

Wordy looked to Spike, Jules, Ed and Greg. They understood what he understood. Sam would need to actually see him. They all knew Sam would be carrying guilt for him getting shot; even if it was in the vest and not his fault. It was a trait of this team. Every one of them knew it. Every one of them did it too.

Leah urged "Wordy you really need some rest. It's got to be hurting too. Sam will understand that you had to go home."

Looking at Leah, Wordy readjusted his thinking. Everyone on the team except Leah got it. She was more accepted now. She had learned some about them and was more integrated but there were still times she just didn't get it; especially when it came to Sam.

But hey it was Sam and he was complex. But this was simple. Sam took the shot. It hit the hostage. As a result the subject fired and it hit him in the vest. Sam needed to be shown he was alright. Going home and resting was out of the question until he had a chance to talk to Sam.

Peter entered the briefing room and spoke to Greg quietly.

Greg stood and said "Sam's here. Ed, come with me please."

Ed stood and wondered what was up. He and Greg left the room following Peter.

Jules stood. So did Spike. Both started for the door. Wordy stood up and winced slightly at his sore shoulder and followed Spike and Jules.

Leah slowly got up and followed the rest of them. She wondered what was up and why Sam didn't come into the briefing room like Ed had.


Outside SRU HQ

The taxi driver stood near the entrance of the SRU building. He saw several people coming. A tall bald man and a shorter bald man were first out the door. The shorter bald man spoke to him.

Greg saw the taxi driver and went directly to him "I'm Sergeant Parker. Peter told me you wanted to speak to me."

The taxi driver nodded and in a heavy Chinese accent said "He say he have no wallet to pay when he get in. Say he get money when we get here. But he no wake up."

Ed looked past the driver to the taxi. He saw Sam in the back. When he heard the driver Ed sprinted to the taxi. He was closely followed by Spike and Jules.

Greg pulled out his wallet and paid the taxi driver. He would get reimbursement from SRU later.

Wordy was going slower than normal and came along side Greg as he was putting his wallet back. He asked "What's up?"

"Sam had to take a taxi back from SIU. The driver said he will not wake up" Greg answered as they headed to the taxi.

Ed opened the door. Sure enough Sam was asleep. They all knew very well not to startle Sam awake. He looked at Spike and Jules "Any ideas?"

The taxi driver was getting impatient "Wake him. He go. Need go get new fare. Need make money."

Leah joined the rest of them behind Greg and Wordy. She wondered why someone did just reach in and shake Sam awake. She shook her head and rounded the other side of the taxi.

As she opened the door and reached in to shake Sam awake the entire team yelled "Nooooo."

Too late. Leah's hand landed on Sam's shoulder just as the team yelled no.

Sam startled awake and felt a hand on his shoulder. He was disoriented for a split second. But that was all it took for Sam's instinct and training to play out. His hand clasped the wrist of the hand on his shoulder and he twisted it.

Leah screamed in surprise as her body twisted with her hand and she ended up on her back across the back seat of the taxi with her arm wrench uselessly above her and Sam's other hand closing around her neck.

It took Sam less than a second to realize who it was he was holding. His hands instantly released Leah. His voice was sincerely apologetic "Sorry. Sorry. Oh crap I'm so sorry Leah. Did I hurt you?"

Leah's eyes were still wide with surprise. Sam moved lightning fast. Holy moly. She blinked a moment then found her voice as she started to get up "I'm okay."

Sam watched Leah gingerly rub her wrist. He turned and saw the rest of the team. Sam dropped his head and lowered his eyes. Today was a bad day. Two teammates hurt because of him.

"You wake now. You go. Out taxi now" the taxi driver said loudly.

Sam slid out of the taxi then closed the door without looking at the team next to him. However he did look at Leah on the other side of the taxi as she closed that door too. He felt so badly about hurting her. The taxi physically separating them drove off quickly.

Leah started forward to Sam. She saw the hurt look in his eyes. She said "I'm sorry I startled you. I know you didn't mean to do that." She smiled and added "I now know why the rest of the team was just standing around trying to figure out how to wake you up. Lesson learned. Don't startle Sam awake."

She put her hand on his shoulder "Really Sam, I'm okay. More surprised than anything."

Sam nodded accepting that he had not really hurt her. He finally turned to the team. His eyes landed on Wordy. He could see Wordy holding his arm stiffly and a small furrow in Wordy's brow. He was in pain.

Wordy came forward and put his uninjured arm around Sam's shoulder. He leaned close and said "I'm okay too. Just a little bruising. I already called Shel and you are coming home with me today."

"No I cannot impose" Sam said quietly.

"Nonsense Sam, you are not imposing. You are family. We all had a very rough shift" Wordy said.

Spike pipped up "If you don't want to go home with Wordy, I could stay at your place."

Jules hooked her arm around one of Sam's and said "You could always come stay in my spare room. I'll make your favorite cookies."

Greg smiled and shared a look with Ed. This team knew that Sam should not be alone after today. It warmed his heart to see Wordy, Spike and Jules all offering to ensure he was not alone.

Leah watched the team. Things were beginning to click. She could see that everyone was really concerned for Sam. Shooting a hostage even by accident had to be tough to cope with. The longer she was with this team the more she liked it. They were more like a surrogate family. It was nice because her family lived so far away in Haiti.

Sam turned to Wordy and said "If it wouldn't be an imposition I'll stay with you."

Wordy grinned "Good. The girls have been begging to see you. You can be my stand in when they wake up and want to tackle someone."

Sam smiled at that. He loved Wordy's girls. They were all so unique and precious. Being around them was like seeing small fragments of the beauty of life. Their giggles and laughter always brightened his mood. Getting tackled by Allie, Lily and Holly right now seemed pretty good to him. He needed their tickle therapy right about now.

Ed was glad to see the grin on Sam's face. Today was terrible. Staying with Wordy, Shel and the girls would be good for Sam.

As they headed back into the building Ed could not resist as he laughed then said "You know Samo, I'm gonna have to add Taxi to the Unacceptable Nap Locations list."

Sam turned to Ed and nodded with a small lopsided smile "Yeah I kinda figured that would make it to the list."