Title: 24-7
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: See part one
The police arrived ten minutes after the gunfire had stopped. Shouts could be heard outside and then the elevator started to ascend. Seconds later five uniformed officer, Detective Rollins and a blond male detective burst out all with guns drawn. Berto sat near the desk arms raised while Monica remained still brown eyes wide.
"We're okay."Eddie called as he got to his feet. "Only one shooter and they were outside."
"He's not okay."Sam insisted as she shakily stood. "We need paramedics."
Sam saw Berto look back at them in alarm as Rollins grabbed her radio and called for medics.
"Just a graze….."The PI said with a shake of his head. "I don't need…."
Sam cried out both startled and worried as her partner suddenly pitched to the left his body limp. Sam shot forward to catch Eddie just as the blond detective with Rollins reached them and took some of Eddie's weight. Together they eased him to the floor. Berto joined them thrusting forward an opened first aid kit. The detectives pulled out gauze and applied it to Eddie's shoulder wound. Sam was relieved when a few minutes later Eddie groaned and showed signs of coming to. The paramedics took that moment to arrive and Sam assured them she was fine once they spotted the blood on her shirt. They secured Eddie to a stretcher and began to carry him into the elevator.
They reached the sidewalk as Eddie fully regained his senses. The paramedics managed to get the stretcher into the ambulance but Eddie was arguing every step.
"It's a graze."Eddie insisted his voice rising. "Wrap it and go help someone who's worse off."
"Sir..."The young hispanic male paramedic began.
"Eddie."Sam piped up as she stood by the open ambulance doors. "Let them take care of you."
"Why are you out in the open?"Eddie demanded. "Chris!"
"He's not going to try anything with a street full of cops."Rollins retorted. "If you weren't so stubborn she'd be tucked away with you at the hospital."
"Berto said he was crazy smart."Sam added.
"I'll take care of this myself."Eddie muttered as he started to stand.
The male paramedic was just quick enough to catch Eddie as he began to pass out again. The medic eased him back onto the stretcher.
"Eddie!"Sam called anxiously as she climbed into the ambulance.
"I'm fine."Eddie grumbled.
"When was the last time you ate?"The red haired female paramedic demanded.
"Been a little busy."Eddie replied tiredly.
Sam racked her memory but the spaghetti dinner was the last meal she remembered them sharing.
"Did you eat anythng at the set?"Sam asked.
"Fruit plate."Eddie admitted. "Wasn't very big; I had three cups of coffee though."
"Not enough. We'll get you to the hospital and they'll get things straightened out; give you some fluids and nutrients."The hispanic paramedic stated.
Eddie shook his head and began to prop himself up just as Rollins closed one of the doors.
"Chris."Eddie protested.
"She needs you at a hundred percent."Christine replied quietly as she began to close the other door. "Go to the hospital."
Eddie sighed and slumped back down as the doors closed. The red haired medic took advantage and quickly cleaned the wound and wrapped a bandage on it. Then she moved front and took the driver's seat. Sam took her seat and the ambulance began to pull away from the curb and merged into traffic.
"Sure you're okay?"The medic asked.
Sam looked down at her hands and her forearms they were clear of any cuts. She saw her bandage on her right arm was bleeding again; she must have pulled the stiches.
"Yeah, but my stitches reopened...can you..."Sam replied quietly.
"Of course."The youth replied and moved to Sam's side of the ambulance.
"I'm sorry, Sam."Eddie said softly.
"For what?"Sam asked. "You saved my life; again."
"I should've left you at Zeus's."Eddie continued.
"You know I would've insisted on coming."Sam replied with a weak smile as the medic put on a clean bandage.
Sam took Eddie's right hand in her free hand and squeezed it being careful not to jar his shoulder. He briefly squeezed it back before Sam saw his eyes drift close and she gently placed his hand on the stretcher.
"Rest is the best healer."The medic commented after he checked Eddie's vitals. "He'll be okay."
Sam nodded. Seeing Eddie pass out had frightened her. Sam didn't know how she'd get through this without him. That thought brought the memory of their kiss and Sam sighed. This new closeness was a complication. One they had to figure out how to deal with while staying a step ahead of a stalker who'd already proven he would do anything to get to her. Sam knew they'd figure everything out, but now she was just grateful Eddie was going to be okay.