Molly clutched Barnaby close to her, waiting with fear in her heart.

When she heard the doorbell, she put the silver cat down gently. "I'll be back soon Barney, no worries," she said.

When she opened the door to find John Watson, the former army doctor wasted neither words, nor time, ushering her into Mrs. Hudson's car.

When they arrived at the hospital, they were met by Sherlock and Mrs. Hudson, who embraced the frightened pathologist with words of comfort. "No worries dear, he's fine. He simply MUST be. Nobody is more stubborn than Greg Lestrade."

"Except me," Sherlock said, placing his hand on her shoulder and smiling reassuringly.

"Well, our consulting git is stubborn, but I'm ornery, and so is Greg," John finally spoke. "He hasn't been this many years on the force without having a soldier's heart." John wrapped his arm around Molly's waist, leaning into her to reassure her. "I recognize a soldier's heart, Molly," he whispered, "Greg's got one."

Finally, the surgeon arrived.

"Dr. Lestrade," he asked. Molly nodded weakly.

"Your husband is stable. The impact broke four ribs, dislocated his shoulder, and his spleen needed to be removed. But he's in recovery. The child he jumped in front of has 'nary a scratch. Your Detective Inspector's a hero."

Relieved and grateful, Molly heaved a great breath.