Chapter 21

Gail and Holly's Townhouse - One month later - 6 am

Gail's POV

There's the knock on the door and I can't help the load groan that leaves my lips. I'm a police officer and I know they are doing their job but I just hate it. I've tried talking them into not knocking at shift change but Oliver put his foot down. He argued that Holly and I needed to know who was at the door always. I just sighed in defeat. There was no point in arguing with Oliver.

I turn my head a little and look at my Holly and I can't help but smile. She's so beautiful and looks so peaceful. Every night she ends up spooning me holding me close and I love it. Whoever would have thought I would ever enjoy cuddling so much? In the past as soon as the sex was over with I'd just roll over and fall sleep but not with Holly. Being in her arms not only makes me feel safe but loved and even protected.

Since we've been here I've had a couple of bad Perik and shooting nightmares. But they haven't happened as frequently as in the past. She just shakes me awake, pulls me on top of her and as she whispers that I'm okay, that we are both safe as she soothingly rubs my back. I put my head on her heart and her soothing hands and the rhythm of her heart lulls me back to sleep.

Damn it, the knocking is getting louder. Who the hell is out there? They know it takes us a couple of minutes for us the answer the door at freaking 6 am. I just grown and untangle myself from my Lunchbox. Usually she's the one that goes to the door in the morning but I don't have the heart to wake her. I give her a quick kiss on the forehead stand up and grab my cane. When I barely enter the living room I call out, "I'm coming. Stop your stupid knocking."

Just as I'm reaching the door the locks turn and the door swings in, before I know it there's a tremendous amount of pain and I think I scream and then there's just darkness.

Holly's POV

A load bang and scream is what wakes me up. I sit straight up and quickly glance over to see that Gail is gone. Shit. I jump out of bed and even before I can get out the door I hear yelling. I ran to all the commotion and my heart dropped to my feet as I quickly take in the scene.

I see Chloe kneeling beside Gail on the floor and while taking her pulse yelling at the other officer that's just standing there like a stupid statue, "Don't just stand there! Get a bus! Now!"

I run to the other side of my love and I can clearly see that she is out cold and she has blood all over her. My heart is beating so hard. This can't be happening, I quickly try to access her injuries as I frantically ask, "What the hell happened Chloe?"

"Stupid Roberts hit her with the door. I told him not to do anything till I came back. I had brought a box of Gail's favorite donuts. As I was rounding the corner I saw him unlock the door and throw it open. She probably was just getting there." Chloe quickly explains.

Shit, she has huge knot on her head and her nose is probably broken. She's probably going to have a concussion. I look up at him and growl, "Don't just stand there you fucking idiot. Go to the kitchen and get me towel to stop the bleeding."

He does as I say as he gives me the towel he mumbles, "I'm sorry. It was an accident."

I just glare at him and growl, "Stay the fuck away from her you hear me. You got her shot and now this. If I catch you anywhere near her I swear to God you're going to be my first live autopsy and I'll make sure you are never heard from before. Now get out my sight."

Before he can respond Chloe orders loudly, "Go wait for the bus rookie. Now!

"Chloe, why is he here? Out of all the cops is this city why did he get assigned to the security detail? Do you guys want him to finish her off? That stupid son of a bitch. He got her shot and now this. Chloe, you get Oliver here and you keep that asshole as far away as you can from me or you're going to have to arrest me for assault." I say angrily as I try to keep pressure on her nose. She's still out cold. Fuck, she's probably going to have 3rd grade concussion.

"Don't worry Holly. I'll make sure he doesn't get near you guys. But first thing first. Clothes Holly, you need clothes. Go get some clothes on so than you can go with her to the hospital. Hurry the bus should almost be here." Chloe says urgently.

I look down and shit. I forgot I was only wearing a tank top and boy shorts. I quickly say, "I'll be two minutes. Keep pressure on her nose. I'll be right back don't let the ambulance leave without me."

As I run into the hall I hear her call out, "Hurry."

I can't believe this is happening. And it's all that stupid rookies fault. When I see Steve and Oliver I'm going to let them have it. Seriously, this guys is a menace. He doesn't deserve to wear that uniform. He almost got her killed and now he's put her in the hospital again. I don't think I've ever been this angry in my life. I throw on the first t-shirt I see and pull on my jeans from the day before. Slip on some sneakers and I'm ready to go. I grab my bag and cell phone and run back into the living room.

By then the paramedics we're putting on a c collar and checking her out. One of them asks, "What happened?"

"An idiot hit her in the face with a solid oak door." I say quickly.

"She probably has a pretty significant concussion. How long has she been unconscious?" The paramedic says.

Before I can answer Chloe says, "About 12 minutes."

Two minutes later they slide the backboard under her and have her loaded on the stretcher. When they have her loaded in the back of the ambulance I jump in and as soon as I sit down I grab her hand and will her to wake up. If she doesn't wake up soon it might mean there's brain damage.

As the paramedics take her vitals and call the hospital I feel her squeeze my hand and whisper, "Lunchbox."

"Hey love. Just relax ok. We're almost to the hospital." I whisper back as tears roll down my face. I can't help them.

"I don't feel too good." Gail groans loudly.

"I know sweetheart. But you're going to be okay." I say softly as I wipe my cheeks with the back of my hands.

Even though she was immobilized I guess she can see me from the corner of her eye because she whispers, "Don't cry. Please."

I shut my eyes and will myself to get a grip. I don't want to be a cause for her to be upset. I whisper, "Ok love. I won't cry. Tell me what hurts."

I can see what's going to happen before she says, "I'm going to be sick," because her face turns an ugly shade of green.

Thankfully the paramedic was on his game and was able to lift her to the side and put something something close to her mouth to catch the contents of her stomach. He hands me a towel when she's done and I'm wiping her mouth as I whisper, "How much does it hurt baby?"

She just moans and says, "Five. What happened?"

Jesus that's probably an 8. That's when we finally got to the hospital. As the ambulance doors open I quickly say, "I'll tell you later."

With that they rolled her into the E.R. and sent me to the waiting room.

Twenty minutes' worth of pacing later I'm finally joined by Steve, Oliver and Tracy. The first thing out of their mouths was, "How is she?"

As I lay eyes on them I ignore their question and I can't help but growl, "How could you guys have put that menace on the security detail?"

"I'm so sorry Holly. We just ran out of cops from both precincts. His T.O. said that he had made progress. I didn't think he'd hurt her again. I mean he wasn't supposed to do anything without Price's permission. We thought it would be fine." Oliver explains as he looks down.

Poor guy. I know it's not his fault but I just lost it. I take a deep breath and say, "I know it's not your fault Oliver. But the moment it happened, it felt like you guys had a death wish for Gail. I know that's not true. This guy is a menace. He got her shot and almost killed and now this. Gail heard the knock. She was going to answer it. There was no reason for him to open the damn door."

"I know. I talked to Price already. I'm so sorry." Oliver whispers.

I put my hand on his arm and whisper, "It's okay Olie. I know you didn't want for this to happen."

"So, how is she?" Steve asks nervously.

"Well, the stupid rookie hit her hard. He knocked her unconscious. I'm pretty sure she's going to have a concussion and a broken nose. But I still haven't talked to the doctors. They are still working on her." I say sadly as I begin to pace.

"That son of a bitch," Steve growls.

"My sentiments exactly. Keep him away from us or you going to have to arrest me for murder or assault." I say angrily.

"You and me both." Steve growls back.

Tracy looks at us and says patiently, "Ok, let's worry first about Gail's condition. Once we get her taken care of I promise I'll help both of you plot Roberts slow painful death if that's what you want. So, let's try to stay calm. I'm going to go to the cafeteria to get us some coffee."

But before Tracy can make a move to leave I catch a uniform coming in our direction and when I turn to get a better look I lose it. I begin to lunge at him but Tracy is fast on her feet she steps in my path as I continue to lunge and yell, "What the fuck are you doing here?! Get out?!"

"Umm..I just...wanted ...to see ...how she was." He stammers as he stands still.

Steve does the exact same thing but Oliver was ready for him. Even as he tries to move Oliver back he yells, "You stupid rookie! You were sent there to fucking protect her not to put her in the fucking hospital again! You just wait until I get my hands on you!"

As Oliver pushes Steve hard and he orders loudly, "Get out Roberts! That's an order! You have no right to be here!"

I don't know how much time passes but he finally leaves. Just as Tracy is letting go I hear the waiting room door open and a doctor call loudly, "Gail Peck."

I quickly walk over to him with all three cops on my heels, I nervously ask, "How is she?"

"She took one hell of hit. Her nose is broken in two places and we are sure she has a 3rd grade concussion. Right now, she's been given a strong pain medication and she's having an MRI done. I just want to make sure that there's no brain damage. But for the time she was awake she was lucid. After the MRI, we are going to have a plastic surgeon set her nose but she's probably going to have to have surgery for a deviated septum but that will be in a couple of months. As you all know she's very sensitive to any pain medication so she's going to be out of it. We are going to keep her for a couple of days for observation." The doctor says.

I just nod in agreement.

"After we have her resting comfortably you can see her. Just be patient. It's going to be a while. We must set her nose, take more x-rays and get her back from the MRI. As soon she can have visitors a nurse will come get you." The doctor finishes.

With that he was gone. I turn to Oliver, Steve and Tracy, and say angrily, "3rd grade concussion and not one but 2 breaks in her nose. That moron couldn't have hurt her more if he had tried harder."

Before anyone can say a word Elaine Peck storms into the room. She goes straight to Oliver, glares at him and says angrily, "Sgt. Shaw why is my daughter injured and lying in a hospital bed again on your watch? And to make it even worse she was injured by the same incompetent that almost got her killed the first time. What do you have to say for yourself?"

Poor Oliver. I can feel how tense he is. He stands up at attention and just looks straight ahead as he says, "I take full responsibility, ma'am. It's my fault your daughter is lying in hospital again and I will accept any punishment you think is warranted."

I can see Elaine softening a little. She sighs and asks sternly, "Why was he anywhere near them? Why hasn't he been fired? That man doesn't deserve to wear the uniform."

"Ma'am his T.O. has been reporting he has made marked improvement. He was one of only 2 cops in the 15th and 27th that hadn't helped in the security detail. I was trying to give some of my officers some rest and I didn't think he could do much harm. I tried to fire him after the shooting but unfortunately he has family connections, ma'am." Oliver explains.

Elaine cringes a little at the family connections phrase but as she continues to glare at Oliver she says angrily, "Well obviously, you were wrong. Who is his T.O.?"

When I didn't think things could get any worse for Oliver they did. I can feel him tense even more as he says, "Officer Hannah Miller, ma'am."

"You have got to be kidding me." I say angrily. Of course, it had to be Miller. Who else?

"Unbelievable. I'll deal with you later, Sgt.," Elaine says as she turns to me to ask, "What exactly happened? How is she?"

"Well, she has a bad concussion and he broke her nose in two places. I didn't see it happen I just heard her scream. But per Officer Price she had given Roberts explicit instructions not to do anything without her consent. She said she went to the car to get the box of donuts she had bought for Gail and as she rounded the corner she saw the rookie open the door with force and it hit Gail in the face. Apparently, Gail didn't answer the door fast enough for the idiot." I explain angrily.

Elaine closes her eyes and mutters under her breath, "Moron."

"I agree with you completely." I say seriously.

"Are they going to keep her in the hospital?" Elaine asks.

"Yes, her concussion is bad so they will keep her under observation for a few days." I say.

Elaine just looks at Steve and says seriously, "I want updates Steven so pick up the damn phone. I'm going to go back to my office I'm going use every connection I've ever had to get this Roberts fired before he gets Gail killed."

I can hear Oliver say under his breath and it makes me frown, "Good luck with that."

Elaine just glares at Oliver and then she storms off again. I can't help but feel bad for her staff. They have a very angry Peck on their hands.

I feel bad for Oliver too so I say, "It's not your fault Oliver. You couldn't have known this was going to happen."

"Yeah Oliver, it's not your fault." Tracy says.

"It's that son of bitches' fault. You just wait until I get hands on him." Steve says angrily again."

"I should have never assigned him to the detail." Oliver responds sadly.

"There's nothing we can do about what's already happened. Now what we need to do is get our shit together and make sure that they are safe." Tracy says quietly.

"How serious are her injuries, Holly?" Oliver asks softly.

I sigh sadly because I don't want to make him feel worse but I have to be honest so I say, "Well, she has the worst grade concussion. I'm going to have to keep waking her up every hour for the next 24 hours to make sure her memory and basically her neurological functions are okay. And she's going to be getting very painful headaches for the next couple of months. It's going to take time for her brain to heal from this trauma. As far her nose is concerned it's going to hurt as she heals. And unfortunately, she's probably going to need surgery to fix her deviated septum. She's having an MRI now and if that comes back fine then there's no permanent damage and she'll heal. But it will take time."

I can see that all three of them unhappy with the prognosis. Oliver and Tracy are just sadly shaking their head and Steve is just seething in anger. After a minute Oliver says, "Okay we need to divide and conquer. Steve and I will go back to the station and immediately dispatch officers here. We'll move the security detail from the house to the hospital. Tracy, you stay here with Holly and when they let Holly in you go back with her. You are not to take no for an answer and if they have a problem you have them call me. You stay there until you are relieved. You will be the only one standing between them and any threat so keep on your toes."

"Yes sir," Tracy says.

"Ok, if anything changes you call us immediately." Steve says while looking hard at Tracy.

She just nods and then they leave. I sit on one of the hard chairs, rest my head on the wall and close my eyes. I just need to take a minute to breath and to go over the morning events in my head. God, I wish I would heard that stupid rookie knocking before Gail did. I hate this. I can't stand her being in any pain.

I feel Tracy sit next to me, grab my hand and say, "Don't start blaming yourself Holly. It was a stupid accident. She's resilient and a fighter. She's going to be fine."

"I know but I just wish she wouldn't get hurt. I can't stand it knowing that she's in pain." I whisper softly.

"I understand but that risk comes with the uniform. There's not much you can do. Just try to make your today the best you can and just roll with the punches. Unfortunately, there's not much more you can do." Tracy says softly.

I just nod and continue to keep my eyes closed. I just want to see her at this point. Access her injuries for myself. Make sure she's not in pain and telling her doctors the truth about how much it hurts.

After a few minutes I hear Tracy softly ask, "So how was the rest of Gail's journal? Did she get mad because you read it?"

That made my eyes open wide. Her journal. Well damn, I haven't given it any thought since her last hospital stay. I grab my bag and I say, "She doesn't know. When we left the hospital I just threw it in my bag and haven't looked at it since. At the house I've been too busy taking care of her and worrying about her."

As I rifle through my bag Tracy says, "Well, why don't you take it out. Read it. It might take your mind off things."

When I pull it out I ask, "Tracy, do you think she's going to be very angry with me because I read it?"

"In the beginning but I don't think it'll last." Tracy smiles.

As I run my hands lovingly over the leather cover I hear Tracy say, "I'm going to go talk to the security guard at the door. See if he can get us some coffee from the cafeteria. Don't go anywhere. I'll be back soon."

I simply nod and start browsing through pages. Stopping to read anything that would catch my eye.

This particular entry caught my eye. She talking about how she felt the night after she cut off all her hair.

Lunchbox,

You made one of the worst 24 hours in my life feel bearable. The day that psycho was using us for target practice you made me feel special. You were there for me. You took care of me when you didn't have to. You gave me exactly what I didn't know I needed so badly and didn't ask for anything in return. You made me feel like maybe just maybe you might care for me as much as I cared for you. I mean in all honestly by that point I already loved you. But I wouldn't admit it to anyone. Not even myself. But that day when I went to work I listened to this song and thought that maybe just maybe you loved me too.

I miss you so much baby.

-G

"One Great Mystery" By Lady Antebellum

I don't know how many stars fill the sky
I know we're here but I don't know why
Maybe there's some other life out there
But as long as you're here with me baby
I don't really care

There is only one great mystery
And I keep searching for the answer desperately
Tell me, tell me baby, tell me please
What did I ever do
To make you fall for me

Don't know what happens when we leave this world
But I know I'll go right on loving you girl
I'll close my eyes and drift off into the blue
And if I go first I will wait for you

There is only one great mystery
And I keep searching for the answer desperately
Tell me, tell me baby, tell me please
What did I ever do
To make you fall for me

I guess I'll never really know
How I deserve someone that loves me so

There is only one great mystery
I keep searching for the answer desperately
Tell me, tell me baby, tell me please
What did I ever do
To make you fall for me
I'll keep asking through eternity
What did I ever do
To make you fall for me

What did I do baby?
Ooh ah

A tear goes down my face as I whisper to myself I loved you too. I grab my bag, dig out a pen and write on the back of the page:

Sweetheart,

I loved you too. I did but I didn't want to pressure you into anything. So I didn't tell you how I felt. I was so afraid you'd do your cat up in the tree impersonation. I just didn't want to scare you off because I needed you.

Many lonely nights in San Francisco I thought of only you. This song always made me think of you. I know you're probably going to think it's corny but it pretty much says what I was so desperate for. What I wanted. I was desperate for another chance with you. That's all I ever wanted.

I'll always love you, Gail and I never want to be without you. Never.

-Hxx

"The Scientist"

Come up to meet you, tell you I'm sorry
You don't know how lovely you are

I had to find you
Tell you I need you
Tell you I set you apart

Tell me your secrets
And ask me your questions
Oh, let's go back to the start

Running in circles
Coming up tails
Heads on a science apart

Nobody said it was easy
It's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be this hard

Oh, take me back to the start

I was just guessing
At numbers and figures
Pulling the puzzles apart

Questions of science
Science and progress
Do not speak as loud as my heart

Tell me you love me
Come back and haunt me
Oh, and I rush to the start

Running in circles
Chasing our tails
Coming back as we are

Nobody said it was easy
Oh, it's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be so hard

I'm going back to the start

Oh [x4]

As I finish my entry a nurse comes out and says, "Gail Peck."

I immediately shove the journal into my bag, stand up and look around desperately for Tracy. Thankfully that's when she walked back into the waiting room. We both walked over to the nurse and were finally allowed to go back and see my poor love.

When I get to the side of her bed I grab her hand and whisper, "Hello sweetheart."

She slowly opens her eyes, and for whatever reason a huge smile appears and she whispers, "I thought you wouldn't borrow my things."

I look down and see that I had thrown on the shirt she was wearing last night. I grin back and say, "Still not my style you know. I just grabbed the first thing I saw."

She just smiles harder and whispers before falling asleep, "Whatever Lunchbox."

I can't help but smile like an idiot. She's going to be okay.

James Roberts Apartment

"I'm a second away from being fired, Hannah." Roberts says angrily into his cellphone.

"Oh it's not that bad." Miller says back coldly.

"The hell it isn't. The entire precinct is dying to make me have an accident and if her brother gets me alone he might do more than just break a few bones." Roberts retorts.

"But it was worth it. She got badly hurt and we finally know where they are hiding." Miller smiles.

"Haven't you had enough Hannah?" Roberts ask angrily.

"Not yet. Will you just relax. You won't get fired. You already called in your connections and mine are on standby if you really need them. So just relax and do your job. You did a good job. I'll call you if I need anything." Miller says

"That's it? I do exactly what you asked, my head is on the chopping block and all you'll call me if you need anything?" Roberts says in shock.

"Yep," Miller says as she hangs up the phone.

Roberts looks at his phone in disbelief. He's putting his ass on the line and getting nothing back in return. He couldn't help but regret ever getting involved with Hannah Miller.

Ashley Romano's Townhouse

As soon as Miller hung up with Roberts she got out of her car and walked up to the door. After two knocks Ashley. She greeted her with a kiss and as they made themselves comfortable she happily asks, "So, do you still remember how to make a molotov cocktail?"

Ashley frowns and says, "Well yeah, why?"

Miller just smiles and says, "Because you are up."