Chapter Twelve

I reread this story the other day and realised how long it had been since I had updated- so sorry to everyone that actually does read it! Please keep going and keep reading and reviewing as it really does mean a lot!

Chapter Twelve

Riggs laid in beds his true blue eyes staring sightlessly up at the ceiling, his thoughts a million miles and light years away from the present. He hated this. He hated that his past kept coming up to haunt his future and his friends and newfound family got swept along in the process. He sighed to himself, his chest heavy with the weight of his current predicament. He sat up swinging his legs over the edge of the bed, resting his bare arms against his denim clad thighs. His clammy forehead held in his pale palm, his breath ragged in his own ears. There was no way he was going to get sleep tonight, his mind just wouldnt shut down enough to allow him to drift into oblivion. He sighed deeply and got to his feet- his legs weighing more than he remembered. Quietly he eased his way out of the room and headed down to the kitchen. Without hesitation he opened the fridge and grabbed a can of beer, popping it seamlessly and downing half of the can in one gulp. Silently he moved towards the couch, ruffling Sams ears as he walked past. He sank down onto the sofa, resting his head against the back as the beer flowed down to his practically empty stomach.

Cant you sleep? a young voice asked from behind the detective. Riggs barely lifted his head.

Just felt like a beer, what are you doing up? he asked Rhianne.

I was worried about you, so when I heard you come down I just thought I should check on you she replied. Riggs half smiled in reply- touched that the teenager would care about him in such a way.

Thats sweet he commented, offering a tired smile to the youngster.

So are you ok? she asked, almost as stubborn as her father when it came to the welfare of the younger detective.

Yeah, Rhianne. Im fine

Arent you supposed to be resting? she asked, not willing to let it go so easily. Riggs half chuckled.

You really are your fathers daughter arent you! he commented, not getting annoyed at her- merely frustrated at the questions. I am resting- just chilling with a beer he continued Honestly Rhianne I am fine, get yourself to bed its a school night he told her. She nodded to him, not fully satisfied but not willing to push the hurting man away. She moved closer and delivered a small kiss on his forehead.

Night Martin she told whispered softly before turning and heading back up the stairs to her bed. Riggs sighed deeply- he had never had a caring family and he had never felt as loved in his life as he did at the Murtaghs. He shook his head ruefully before finishing his beer and heading back up to bed to try to catch some much needed sleep.

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Roger Murtagh didnt mind mornings, they reminded him in many ways of why he loved being part of a family. The mornings were all hustle and bustle in his house as all the kids got ready to head out to school and Trish juggled all their lunches and breakfasts. It was family time and he loved it- but this morning he was distracted. Riggs had yet to surface and that was strange enough usually but especially strange in light of recent events.

Martin not up yet? Trish asked him, caching sight of his concerned expression.

No not yet he replied. Do you think I should check on him? he asked his wife.

No, if he is sleeping then that is exactly what he needs he replied, offering a comforting grin to her husband.

He was up at 3am so he is probably still sleeping a third voice interjected.

How do you know? Trish asked her daughter.

I heard him get up so I came to check on him, he was just sat having a beer and then he went to bed she told her mother before giving her a quick kiss goodbye and leaving for school- leaving bemused parents behind.

That girl never seizes to amaze me Roger commented to his wife. Trish chuckled.

She takes after her mother she replied with a wink. Roger shook his head in mock disgust. Trish then planted a kiss on her husbands cheek before turning to leave the house to take the remainder of the Murtagh clan to school.

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Two hours later and still no sign of his partner Roger made the decision to check on him. He pushed open the door and was surprised but also slightly concerned to find his partner fast asleep on the bed- shirtless but still wearing his jeans. He moved closer staying as quiet as possible- but his concern elevated when he caught sight of the pill bottle next to bed. Quietly he leant over and picked it up- sleeping tablets. He sighed, his partner never took pills for anything- especially to help him sleep. He needed to be wake able and easily alert and pills prevented that. He sighed again, his concern and fear escalated. He paused for a moment only now registering that his partner had still not stirred and the pill bottle seemed extremely light. He read the label and saw it had originally contained 50 pills- opening it up Roger counted ten in the bottom and his heart skipped a beat.

Martin! he shouted at his partner to rouse him. Riggs didnt stir. Riggs! Riggs man wake up! Murtagh shouted again, this time shaking the shoulder of his friend. Before he knew what had hit him a wild haired, wild eyed beast had him by the throat pinned to the bed staring down the barrel of a 9mm.

Jesus! Roger what are you trying to do to me?! a bemused Riggs asked trying to settle his now racing heartbeat as his head told his body that he was not in danger.

What am I trying to do to you? Roger replied, his voice trembling. I just nearly shit my pants! he told his now grinning partner.

Well why were you shaking me? Riggs asked as he replaced the safety on his side arm and sat back down on the bed.

To wake you up Roger replied sheepishly.

You told me to sleep! Riggs stated indignantly.

I didnt tell you to take pills though and their seemed to be a lot missing Roger replied quietly looking his partner square in the eye. Riggs paused for a moment before he started laughing- his whole body shaking with whatever had amused him. What? Roger asked, confused by his partners reaction.

Rog, have you ever known me to take a pill? he asked, his voice soft.

Well no, but. Roger replied gesturing towards the bottle on the table. Riggs picked the bottle open and looked at it handing it to his partner.

What name is on that? he asked quietly. Roger paused for a second the read it.

Oh was all the reply he could make after reading the name of his mother in law on the pill bottle. So you didnt take any of them? he asked though he already knew the answer.

No Roger, I didnt Riggs replied. Now Im awake I am going to get a shower, and he left the still recovering Murtagh sat on the bed allowing his heartbeat to settle to a normal rhythm.

End Chapter Twelve.

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