No sooner than Dean had made his announcement, more explosions were heard. They seemed to surround Great Falls. People came out of their homes and businesses, the curiosity was too much.

In the Bank of Great Falls, nobody moved. All Adam could see were the weapons pointed at his precious students as they stood at the front of the bank, around the table where customers filled out their bank slips.

"NO!" Adam's voice cried out in terror. His eyes were as big as saucers as he struggled to get to his feet. Chris put his arm across Adam's body to stop him. Seth turned at Adam's movement and pointed his pistols at Adam and Chris.

"Smart move, Christopher. Just sit still and no one will get hurt. Mister Banker, we want that box that just arrived, then we will go. It's that simple." Seth said in an even tone. His eyes never stopped flicking around the bank. When he looked at Adam, the teacher shuddered.

Adam had never seen such an icy look in a man's eye. The cold eyes said the man would kill, without remorse. Adam knew by the underlying hardness in those eyes, Seth had undoubtedly killed before.

The children looked at the three robbers with wide, terror filled eyes. Edward pushed his sisters behind him. Ian Farrelly did the same, as did Michael Ziggler. Damien, his hands held up, slowly moved to stand in front of all the children.

"Now, lets just be calm. I'll give you the box, but it's in the vault," Sandow said with a shaky voice as he looked at the three men in black. Dean, Seth and Roman stepped further into the bank. Ambrose spun on his heels and pointed his guns at Adam and Chris. Seth and Roman slowly walked toward Sandow.

Chris looked at Dean, and a thousand thoughts flashed through his mind at once. His first thoughts were for his three precious babies. Chris knew he had to protect them, and the other children no matter what.

Chris looked directly into the ice cold eyes of Dean Ambrose. "Please, Dean. Let the children go, they can't do anything to you. Please, please let them go. Dean, you're not so cruel as to terrorize innocent children, are you?" Chris' voice was steady but full of tension. His eyes were wide as his gaze moved from Dean to the children.

Adam took a deep breath, as pain rocketed up his spine. "Chris... is... is.. right, De... Dean. Pl... Please, let the... ch... ch... children go." His childhood nervous stutter returned with a vengeance. Adam's hand flew to his abdomen as another pain went through his body. He had to relax, for the health of Baby Barrett.

Dean narrowed his eyes until there mere slits, giving him an almost snakelike expression. "Nope," was all Ambrose said to the pleas of both Chris and Adam. While Dean liked children, now they were potential hostages, that was a whole different prospect.

Chris looked over at Adam and frowned. He could see that Adam was in pain and Chris prayed it wasn't something with the baby. He knew Adam wasn't due until the end of the month or early July. Chris calculated that was about four to six more weeks, too early for a baby to be born.

Adam swallowed hard and looked at Chris. His eyes were filled with fear, panic and pain. "What... d... do... we... do... th... the... child... children," he stuttered in a breathy whisper. Dean's eyes flashed at Adam.

Seth and Roman advanced to where Damien and the students were standing at a table in the middle of the room. Damien spread his arms out to try to protect the children. His eyes were filled with fear, and his heart pounded in his chest. Damien always knew a robbery was possible, but one of those things that you never thought would actually happen.

Tears rolled down Loretta Helmsley's face. "Poppa! Poppa!" She started to run to where Chris sat. Seth moved his left hand and pointed his gun directly at the little girl's head. Chris' heart catapulted into his throat.

"Loretta, stop. Honey, go back to your brother, please. Be my strong, brave Daisy. Seth please, she's only eight, please! She's scared..." Chris begged, his eyes filled with sheer panic. His fingers were laced so tightly in prayer his fingertips were white. If he had not been so frightened he would have been on his knees.

"Listen to your Pa, little girl..." Seth growled out his words as he stared at Loretta. When Loretta moved back to the other children, Seth continued. "Now, I want you kids to get against that wall, sit down, and be quiet. Move!" He waved his gun toward the left wall, on the east side of the bank.

Adam looked towards his students, and with a smile, he managed to find his voice. "Children, do as he says. It is going to be alright. Be brave my darlings," he spoke more calmly than he felt as another pain coursed through his body.

Damien turned, he kept one eye on Seth and one on Simon. "Do as he says, son. Take care of your sister. Go on now, everyone. As Mister Barrett said, you will be alright," he spoke as he smiled bravely at the children.

Simon nodded to his father. He took Mary's hand and led her to the eastern wall. Young Sandow also put his arm out to herd his fellow classmates to the area where they had been told to sit. Even though the ten children were terrified, they sat on the floor quietly. Edward Helmsley sat with a twin sister on either side, his arms over their shoulders. The Zigglers and Farrelleys did the same. Mary Sandow's head rested on Simon's shoulder as he held his sister close.

Adam and Chris watched as the children settled. Chris had made up his mind that if Seth moved and looked to shoot at the children, he would try to stop him physically, even at the risk of his own life. Chris sat still, but his body was coiled and ready to spring into action.

Satisfied that the children were out of the way and would behave, Seth focused his attention on the worried banker. "Now, Mister Banker, put your gun on that table and move slowly," Seth growled, the icy glint still gleamed in his eyes.

Roman's eyes bore into the Banker. His usual friendly look had been replaced by one that flashed danger. Roman's eyes had turned from soft gray to a gray that was as dark as the gun in his hand.

Damien's face showed surprise. "How did you know? I've never told anyone I carry a gun," the banker asked in a low whisper. He'd hoped to use the gun to make an escape attempt.

Seth chuckled through the sneer on his lips. "This isn't the first time we've done this. Now, very slowly, put the gun on the table. Oh, and Mister Banker, don't try to be a hero." Seth's sneer turned to a sadistic smile as he aimed his left handed weapon at Mary. The terrified girl whimpered as she clung to her brother and looked at her father with wide eyes.

Damien held up his hands again, with panic etched across his entire face. "Yes, yes! Alright. It's in my inside vest pocket. I'm going to take it out, I swear, I won't be a hero." Sandow said. He kept his voice calm and level, and his darkened eyes never left Rollins.

Seth and Roman watched as Damien slowly moved his hands. With steady movements, he pulled the small silver Derringer from his inner vest pocket. The banker slowly put the gun on the table, and to show good faith, stepped back. Reigns moved to the table.

"Very nice. I've always wanted one of these," Roman said as he put his six shooter down on the table and picked up the much smaller gun. He looked at it closely, almost greedily. Roman came out of his brief reverie when Seth sharply cleared his throat. Reigns pocketed the small gun and picked up his own bigger weapon.

Suddenly all hell broke loose. With loud laughter, Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan came into the bank. Without even blinking, Dean turned and fired his weapon at the three men.

The girls screamed as Erick Rowan fell to the floor, blood pouring out of a hole that had opened directly between his eyes. For a few horrifying moments it was if time stood still. The only sound was that of the last breath of Erick Rowan as it passed over his unmoving lips. His eyes were still open, as if in surprise.

Chris and Adam were shocked as they sat in their chairs. Adam's hands clutched his belly and Chris' hands were wrapped tightly around the seat of his chair. Both turned toward the children when they heard the girls scream. Bray and Luke stared in stunned silence at their fallen companion. Neither man understood what had just happened.

Seth looked at the upset children. "Shut up. Now be still if you don't want the same," he spoke through gritted teeth. Seth was not happy at what Dean had done. The gun fire would now draw unwanted attention. They had to move quickly and he hated to be rushed.

"Roman, clean up Dean's mess..." he nodded to Roman with a look of panic in his eye, then turned to the banker. "Get that box and get it now!" Rollins said with a wild wave of his pistol toward the vault.

Outside, the gun shot had echoed like a fire cracker. All eyes turned to the bank. Wade, Kevin, Scott, Dolph, Zack, Sheamus and Jack had been standing in the middle of the eastern end of Main Street. They had heard the explosions and wondered what was going on. Others, while they heard the explosions, either weren't bothered or were too busy to stop what they were doing. Shawn stepped out of the Sheriff's Office and waved Wade over.

"What's going on? I looked up and saw John and the brothers jump on their horses and leave," Shawn asked his son-in-law with a raised brow. He'd heard the explosions but figured the construction of the new rail line tunnel through the mountains had begun.

Wade's eyes flicked from Shawn towards the bank. The gun shot worried him more now than the explosions. "I don't know..." Wade was cut off when John and the Hardys returned. They dismounted and joined Shawn and Wade.

John had a puzzled expression on his face. "It was nothing, just nothing. Someone just blew a hole in the ground," he took his hat and scratched his head.

"John, we many have trouble. It sounded like a gun shot from inside the bank," Wade spoke with hesitation, he didn't want to upset Shawn, but John had to know.

Shawn's eyes flew open, "What?! Gun shot? The bank? Adam! The students! Chris!" Shawn went into immediate panic. Without thinking he started towards the bank.

Wade grabbed Shawn's arm. "Wait. We don't know what's going on. Maybe it was nothing, but let John check it out, please?" Wade's eyes were filled with worry, but he couldn't let anything happen to Shawn or Bret would kill him.

All eyes turned towards the bank when something was tossed out onto the sidewalk. No, it wasn't something, it looked like someone... John took off at a run. As he approached, he saw it was the body of Erick Rowan. The deputy stopped short as he looked in the window of the bank. What he saw made his face pale and his knees weaken. He ran back to the sheriff's office where a small crowd started to gather.

John's eyes were wide. "It's... I... no.. can't..."

Shawn took John by the shoulders. "John! Tell us! What!" He gave John a bit of a shake to bring him back to his senses.

Before John could speak, Bret came thundering up Main Street on Oro. He stopped with a pull so hard on the reins, Oro sat on his hind quarters. He jumped off the stallion and joined the others in a breathless, dusty condition.

Bret started to speak, but Wade stopped him as John finally found his voice. "I saw that Ambrose fella... with guns... he was talking to Reigns and Rollins. I... think... no it is... a bank robbery! Rowan is dead! What do we do!" John was at a complete loss. It was like he forgot he was the deputy in charge while Hunter was away.

"Adam! The children! Did you see them?!" Shawn was so upset he now shook poor John like a rag doll.

Bret pulled Shawn into his arms. "Calm down, Sunflower. We know nothing yet. Let John do his job. John?" Bret flicked his eyes to the deputy. Hart could see the panic and confusion in the man's eyes. He prayed John could pull himself together. Bret knew he had legal power as a deputy, but it was John's job to lead them.

Before John could reply, Drew McIntyre and John Morrison came running from the newspaper office. "What's all the noise? Did they start blasting the tunnel for the new rail line? What... is that... a... a.. body?" Drew asked as he looked at the form lying on the wooden sidewalk in front of the bank.

Deputy John Orton found his courage. "Everyone just settle down! Drew, get to the depot and send a wire to Helena..." He went on to tell Drew where Hunter was staying in the capitol city. Both McIntyre and Morrison took off at a run towards the train station where the telegraph office was located.

John turned toward the others. "Everyone else inside. I don't want to risk anyone else getting shot. We'll make a plan. Matt, Jeff, take a look around, but stay low. Come back in fifteen minutes. Move!" John had taken control and was now the lawman he was meant to be.

Roman slammed the door of the bank. He'd tossed the lifeless body of Erick Rowan out onto the sidewalk as Dean pointed his guns at Bray and Luke. Once inside, Reigns pulled his guns from their holsters again. Dean forced Bray and Luke to sit on the floor next to Chris' chair.

Seth and Damien returned from the vault. The banker carried the heavy wooden box with steel strap bindings. Rollins indicated for Sandow to put the box on the table. Seth then told Damien to sit with Chris and Adam. Once Damien was in a chair, Seth joined his companions. All of them kept one eye and gun on their hostages, including the terrified children.

Seth was still angry with Dean. "Why did you shoot him? Now the town will know something is going on!" he made the argument again with a growl to Dean. Once again his lover's rash actions were going to cause a problem. It was up him to now repair the damage.

Dean shrugged. "Shouldn't have burst in here like that. Who cares? Now they know we mean business. They will behave now, won't they? Besides, I never liked him. He used to make me do all the dog jobs," Dean spoke with an emotionless tone, his eyes still as icy as snow.

"We gave you jobs! Gave you our food! I thought you liked us! Why? Oh dear God in Heaven, why?" Bray cried out as tears flooded from his eyes. His shoulders quaked as he sobbed. Luke sat silently next to his uncle. His eyes held a vacant expression as silent tears tracked down his cheeks and became lost in his heavy black beard.

Seth rounded on his former employer. "Shut up! You made the choice to come to the bank today. Now quit your damn sniveling." Seth glared at Wyatt and Harper, his guns aimed at their hearts. When he was satisfied the two men understood his words, Seth turned back to Roman and Dean.

Chris took the chance to look at Adam, he could see the younger man was in pain. Chris caught Damien's terror filled eyes and nodded to Adam. Damien looked at the pretty blond he once had eyes for, he could also see Adam was in a great deal pain.

Damien dared to lean over and whisper in Adam's ear. "Adam, is it the baby? Are... are you in labor?" the banker asked with a furrowed brow.

Adam winced as yet another pain ran up his spine, and he rubbed his belly. "I... I... don't... kn... know... it's... too... soon... only... eight... mo... months. What... do... I... need... Doc..." Adam was brutally cut off when Dean stepped over and slapped his face. With a cry of pain, Adam's hand went to his abused cheek. Tears fell from his eyes before he could stop them. The salty tears stung the skin where Dean's hand print left its impression.

Both Chris and Damien put their arm around Adam protectively and both glared at Dean. Adam's students cowered together. Simon had to hold on to Edward to keep him from getting up.

"No, Ed. They might... like Mister Rowan..." Simon spoke so softly Edward could hardly hear him, but the oldest Helmsley child nodded.

An angry scowl was etched on Edward's face. Loretta and Leah buried themselves against Edward, and he put his arms around his little sisters. The Zigglers and the Farelleys also moved closer together. They were beyond terrified, but yet, they were extremely worried about their teacher.

Damien looked at Ambrose. "Adam is in labor, can't you see that? Please, let him go, he needs the doctor, it's not his time, it's too early. Please?" he begged. Damien had never in his life begged for anything, but now he did, with every fiber of his being.

Roman's face grew concerned. He holstered his guns and stepped towards Adam. The look in his eyes softened as he leaned down and moved Adam's hand away from his reddened cheek.

Damien and Chris watched warily. They moved back in their chairs as Roman gently took Adam's prominent, bearded chin in his hand. He looked deeply into the pain and tear filled hazel eyes.

Roman spoke softly. "Is it true? Are you in labor?" He was now the friendly voiced man that people had come to know. For the moment, they could almost forget he had become a murderous bank robber.

Adam sniffed and moved his head away from Roman's touch. "I... I... don't... kn... know. It... hurts... pl... please... our... baby... please... let... me... and.. the ch... children.. go... all of... us... pl...AHH!" Adam's extremely stuttered words were cut when another sharp pain hit him, the hardest so far. His hands rubbed his belly. It felt like Baby Barrett was doing somersaults.

Roman frowned, he stepped back over to Seth and Dean. "He's not lying. What do we do now?" Reigns asked as he looked back at Adam. He also glanced at the group of children as they huddled together in fear. Roman knew now, because Dean's gun shot had alerted the town to what they were doing, they couldn't just leave as planned.

Before either Seth or Dean could speak, the voice of Deputy John Orton was heard. "Hey! You in the bank! Come out with your hands up! Now!"

The criminals looked at each other, and Dean rolled his eyes. "They always say that. When will they learn that never works?" he asked with a yawn.

"We have to let him go. We can't let Adam lose the baby. It ain't right. Besides, if we let him go, it will make them think we might give in, relax them a bit. Give us chance to escape," Roman spoke thoughtfully. He watched as Seth scratched his black beard with the raised sight of his pistol.

Dean's eyes danced from Adam to the door to the wall with the secret passage. If the law was relaxed a bit, it would be easy to escape through the Dry Goods Store.

Damien caught Dean's glance and growled. "So, that's why you've been keeping company with Miss Eva Marie. You are vile! She actually loves you! You will never escape! John will have men in the alley! They will cover the back door, one back door is as good as another, the Banks or the Dry Goods. You'd be wiser to..." Damien was halted when Roman suddenly moved and knocked the banker in the back of the head with the butt of his pistol. Sandow slumped, unconscious in his chair. Simon and Mary cried out as they saw their father go limp.

"Shut up you two, he ain't dead, just quiet. If you want him to stay alive, you'll behave, understand?" Dean sneered as he stepped toward the group of children, pistols brandished at them.

Both Chris and Adam called out. "Leave them alone!" They looked at each other with a half smile. No matter what, the safety of the children came first.

Deputy Orton called out again. This time it sounded like he was directly across the street. John was across the street, hidden by the horse watering trough in front of the hotel. Bret was with him.

Jason had heard the ruckus and went to the Sheriff's Office. Shawn told him to take Rebecca home to Heath. When Jason returned, he, Shawn and Wade went to the hotel as well. John had put the Hardy boys and Kevin in the alley behind the bank. Dolph and Sheamus were on top the Feed and Hardware Store with their rifles. Scott was on top of the courthouse, in the bell tower. Jack was with Zack in the Mercantile gathering supplies the deputy might need, like ammo and more guns.

"You have five minutes to come out! I wouldn't try escaping, you're surrounded!" John shouted.

Roman rounded back to Seth. Adam had whimpered as another pain hit. Reigns spoke. "We've got to let Adam go. Please Angel, for the baby," he spoke in a whisper only Seth could hear. He wanted to caress Seth's cheek, but they never showed their affection for one another during a job.

Seth looked over Roman's shoulder and saw Chris and Adam trying to rouse Sandow. He noticed that Adam kept rubbing his pregnant belly. Seth was torn, part of him agreed with with his Island lover. The other part knew, with Adam in possible labor, he was the most valuable hostage. He looked from Roman to Dean. He'd decided.

"We will let him go, but the kids and the others stay. We can't do anything till after dark now. Dean, why do you do these things?" Seth whispered as he glared at Dean.

Dean shrugged but nodded in agreement with Seth's decision. He knew better than to push the issue. Secretly Dean was glad of the chance to let Adam go, he still had an infatuation for the beautiful teacher, and would hate to have to kill him. If Adam wasn't there, he would be safe.

Seth turned to Adam and holstered his guns. "Alright teacher, you can leave. Dean, tell them he's coming out."

Dean moved to the door and cracked it open, just enough so he could be heard. "We're letting the teacher go. Try not to shoot him," Ambrose yelled to Deputy Orton, then closed the door.

Bret was behind the trough with John. "What do you think?" His eyes were pinned on the door of the bank, his brow deeply furrowed.

John swiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. "We hope it's not a trick. We can't risk those kids and the others. If they let hm go, we still have to be careful of those still in there. Bret, I don't know what else to do but wait them out. What worries me is what happens when they get hungry. Hungry men make bad decisions. To be honest, I'll be glad when Hunter gets here," John spoke with a bit of a sigh. He adjusted his hat and glanced towards the doctor's office where his husband was.

Bret and John had carried Erick Rowan's body to Randal's office. While Randal was worried to death about John, he said nothing that would keep his husband from doing his job. He knew John was a good lawman and would do all he could to keep Great Falls safe.

Bret nodded. "I agree. I hate waiting. I hate not being in control, but it's the only choice we have. Hunter would agree with you. It's a hard six hour ride from Helena, but if I know Hunter and Mark, they will do it in five, four if they can change horses along the way. If I was one of those three in the bank, I wouldn't do anything until dark. That's what we have to plan for," he spoke softly, but tension was etched on his face. Sweat dripped from his brow. The early June sun was high overhead, as they waited for the bank robbers next move.

Wade had heard Dean's shout, about letting Adam go. He shook his head sadly when Shawn nearly laughed with relief. "No, Shawn. I know my husband and you do too. If they won't release the children, he won't leave and you know it," he spoke with a consigned look in his eyes.

Shawn deflated with a sigh. "Yes, you're right. Oh Wade, I'm so worried, not only for Adam but all of them. The children... Chris..." his words faded as he fell into Wade's arms and took comfort from his son-in-law. All they had been through in the last year and now this? When were he and his boys going to be able to just relax and be happy? He prayed as Wade held him.

Inside the Bank of Great Falls, Adam was biting back another pain. He was scared for Baby Barrett. "Please, baby, please stop. It's not time yet. You are not ready to be born. Please little Barrett, just go to sleep," Adam whispered under his breath through gritted teeth. Adam also knew, that unless the children went with him, he was staying right where he was.

Chris could read Adam's thoughts as he watched the younger man caress his belly and whisper to himself. He touched Adam's arm. "No, Adam, you must go, you must. Think of Baby Barrett. I'll watch over the children. Please, son." Chris' blue eyes begged even more than his voice.

Adam half smiled at Chris, but before he could speak, Roman walked over to him. The Islander held out his hand. "Come on, I'll help you up. You're free to go." Again his tone was soft and friendly, as was his look. It was strange how Roman could so easily change his personality. To be honest, it frightened both Adam and Chris. If it affected Bray and Luke, it didn't show, they were still in shock.

Adam refused the offered hand with a curled lip and cold stare. "Are you letting the children go?" he asked flatly. Adam refused to let Roman see how much pain he was in.

Roman frowned, he thought Adam would be happy to go. "No, only you are being let go. Now, come on, think of your baby. What would your husband say if you stayed and something happened?" he asked.

Adam looked at his engagement and wedding rings. Last month he'd had to take them off because his fingers were so swollen. Wade had bought him a beautiful silver chain so he could wear them as a necklace. Adam looked up at Reigns with fierce determination in his eyes.

"Wade would understand. He's a teacher too. He knows when the children are in our care, they are like our own. They are our responsibility. I would die for them, if it comes to that. However, remember one thing, if you kill me, you kill an innocent life. Do you really want that on your conscience? Even more than poor Erick?" Adam's earlier stutter was gone. He spoke with conviction.

"No Mister Barrett, you must go. We'll be alright," Ian Farrelly spoke up. The looks on his fellow students faces showed they agreed. None of them wanted anything to happen to their beloved teacher.

Adam looked over at the group of children huddled together in fear. He smiled at them with pride. "I appreciate that my dear children, but I can't, I just can't. You are my responsibility, it would be wrong to leave you, I would be wrong. How would I be able to look at my Teacher of the Year certificate, knowing I left you at a time when you needed me most? We're in this together, till the end, whatever that end is. Pray my darlings, pray for all of us, pray for Baby Barrett and most of all, pray for Mister Rowan." Adam's eyes dripped as he spoke. He would not change his mind.

Dean let out an exasperated sigh. "You are a fool! Putting your baby in danger. It's your choice, but you're gonna tell that lawman. You tell him you're staying by your own choice." He shook his head, he couldn't understand the blond at all.

Chris chimed in. "We need things. Will you let them bring blankets and towels? Please?" he asked with hope filled eyes. If Adam was in labor, it would up to him to deliver the baby, if it came to that.

Roman looked at Seth. Seth nodded. Roman turned to Adam. "Alright. You tell them what to bring what he wants. You tell them to leave it at the door and no weapons, and no tricks, or you'll regret it. Understand? They have fifteen minutes." Roman pulled Adam to his feet. Dean grabbed Adam by the arm and led him to the door.

Dean pointed his gun at Adam's head. "Do as Roman said." He pushed Adam to the door, and opened it. Dean held the gun to Adam's belly. "TRY ANYTHING AND I'LL SHOOT!" he yelled out of the open door.

Shawn and Wade saw the bank door open and with horror filled eyes, saw the gun pointed at Adam's belly. Wade growled when he saw Dean roughly nudge Adam. He went flying out of the hotel before Shawn could stop him. Wade was halfway to the bank when Adam cried out to him.

"Dragon! Stop! Don't come closer! Listen carefully. I'm not leaving the children, please understand. They said you have fifteen minutes to leave some blankets and towels for us. Please, Wade. Leave them in front of the door. I'm alright, so are the children. Chris, Damien and the Wyatts are alright as long as nobody tries anything. I love you, my Dra..." he didn't get to finish. Dean yanked Adam's arm, and pointed the gun at Wade. Adam's eyes nearly popped with fear.

"You heard him, Mister Superintendent. Fifteen minutes," Dean barked and moved to pull Adam back into the bank with another hard yank of his arm.

Wade's fists balled up in anger. "I love you, Poppet. I do understand. Fifteen minutes, no tricks. I swear it," Wade yelled as the door slammed shut. He prayed Adam heard him. Wade turned back to the hotel. Bret left his place behind the trough and followed Wade. Shawn had vanished from the lobby. They heard him and April going up the stairs, where the hotel linen closet was.

Wade trembled so hard, the vase of flowers rattled as he gripped the small table in the center of the lobby. Bret couldn't tell if it was pure rage, tears, or both. All he knew was that his nephew needed him.

Wade knew the hand on his shoulder as well as his own. He also knew the man standing beside him wouldn't judge. Wade turned to his uncle, tears rolling down his cheeks, but rage sparked in his eyes. "Uncle Bret, my Poppet. What are we going to do? I... I... can't... our baby... my love. Oh God, how I love him," Wade melted into Bret's arms. Bret held Wade like he did when Wade was little. He calmly caressed Wade's back and let his nephew do what he needed to do.

Shawn came down the stairs with a box filled with blankets, towels and a pillow, he hoped it was enough. He gave a bit of a sympathetic smile as he saw his husband and son-in-law in an embrace. Shawn set the box down and went to Wade and Bret. He put his arms around both of them. "Adam and the others will be alright. I have to believe that..." he turned as Jason came out of the restaurant.

Jason had a huge plate of sandwiches and a pot of coffee. He put it all down on the front desk, then froze when he saw the look on Wade's face. Had something happened to his baby brother?

Wade told Jason what had happened. When he finished, Wade picked up the box. Their fifteen minutes was nearly up.

Jason nodded. "I can't stand this waiting. Wade, I'll never again doubt your judgment of people. You said that Ambrose was no good. I'm going to check on Heath and Becky G. I'll be back later." Jason knew he needed to get to Heath. Heath would keep him from doing something rash, that could endanger Adam and the others.

Shawn hugged his son. "Take care of your sister. Jason, I'm counting on you. Keep your sister safe," Shawn spoke with parental firmness. Shawn had to keep Jason occupied.

As Jason left to exit through the kitchen, Wade left by the front door of the hotel with the box of supplies. Wade slowly walked across the street. Shawn and Bret watched from the hotel door. John watched from behind the trough.

As Wade walked, he noticed how quiet the town was. No birds sang or fluttered around the rafters of the tall, false store fronts, or around the clock tower of the courthouse. Even the very atmosphere seemed to hold its breath. Wade could see Eva Marie in the window of her store. It looked like she was crying, he felt bad for her. It must have been a horrible shock when John told her what was going on.

John and Bret had carefully gone up and down Main Street to warn people to stay inside. It had been a quiet day in town. One farmer was stuck in the Feed Store, while his wife and child were in the Mercantile. Had the robbers been later in the day, the town would have been busier. This time of year, farmers usually came to town on Saturdays, making the rest of the week quiet. That was the only good thing, less chance of more people ending up like Erick Rowan. If only they had known sooner, they could have warned the Wyatt family as well.

Wade got to the door of the bank and frowned. He couldn't see in, the shades had been pulled down over the windows and the face of Dean Ambrose filled the window in the top half of the bank door.

Dean warily watched Wade approach with the box. He had a sneer on his lips and his eyes laughed with defiance. "Put it down, and back away. If anything happens to me when I open the door, your pretty husband will be shot," he spoke loudly through the glass. Dean held his gun up for Wade to see.

Wade nodded and bent over to put the box down. When he straightened up, he looked at Ambrose with utter hatred. Barrett had to painfully bite his tongue to keep from saying anything that would put Ambrose's victims in danger. He backed away from the door with his hands in the air to show he carried no weapon.

Dean waited until Wade was across the street. He could see that Wade was moving his mouth, probably telling the lawman about his warning.

Ambrose cracked the door open. "Remember, do anything and the teacher gets it," he shouted with a growl. He slowly pulled the door open. Dean bent down and picked up the box, then closed the door with a kick of his boot. The sound of the slammed door echoed up and down the empty street. It sounded like the ghost of a gunshot, and it sounded so... final.

John had gotten up from behind the trough and gone into the hotel. Jack and Zack had brought the supplies from the Mercantile. They had come in through the back door in the kitchen, so the robbers wouldn't see them. The deputy nodded in approval.

"Jack, you go to the southwest, Zack to the east. Don't let anyone else come into town. Consider yourselves deputized. Arrest anyone that gives you trouble. Hunter, Mark and Glenn are riding up from Helena. They are the only ones that can pass. Drew told the Station Master but he can't stop the afternoon train. We'll just have to keep anyone getting off at the station. All we can do is wait. Bret and I figure nothing will happen till nightfall. I know all this a waitn' is frustratin', but I won't risk doing anything that will bring harm to the hostages. I'm sad to say, for the moment, they are in charge. Well, grab some grub and take some canteens of water and get to your places," John spoke firmly, he was frustrated and it showed on his face.

Shawn put a hand on John's shoulder. "You're doing all the right things, John. Hunter will be proud and I'm sure Randal is as well. Come on, you need to eat and have some coffee. Wade, you and Bret come too," Shawn went to the front desk and started to pour cups of coffee.

Bret knew his husband was trying to put on a brave face. He also knew Shawn was near the breaking point, because Shawn's hands shook as he poured the coffee. There was nothing they could do but wait.

Zack and Jack grabbed their canteens and a few sandwiches Shawn had wrapped for them. They each grabbed a rifle and each wore a holster with two pistols. They left through the restaurant to take up their watch posts. Jack and Zack were terrified for their children and were glad to have something useful to do. Jack especially had more to worry about.

No one was really hungry, but they ate for something to do, and in the heat, it would keep their energy up. Wade was so angry he nearly shattered the coffee cup he'd been holding when he slammed it on to the saucer. He'd had an argument with John about helping to keep watch on the bank.

Shawn was just as upset, but was more understanding. "I feel the same, Wade but, John was right. You and I are too close to Adam. It could lead to one of us overreacting. Why do you think I sent Jason home? If he had his way, he'd storm the bank like a one man army. That would be bad." He gave Wade's shoulder an understand pat and a small smile tugged at his lips.

"I wouldn't do that! Uncle Bret... no, you're right... John was right... I would do something stupid. Shawn, I just... why did they want Adam to ask for blankets and towels? Are they going to bunk down for the night?" Wade's brow wrinkled in confusion as he chewed a bite of chicken sandwich.

Shawn hesitated to speak. He had a good idea why but didn't want to worry Wade, without knowing for sure. "Probably for the children. They might think the children would take naps. At least it shows they aren't completely without hearts." He took a bite of his own sandwich and prayed Wade bought his words.

Wade nodded. "Makes sense. I just hope Adam is alright. Oh God, Shawn..." Tears filled Wade's eyes as he put down his sandwich. Shawn put his own food down and took Wade into his arms. It gave both men some much needed comfort as they waited... just waited.

Inside the Bank of Great Falls, things had changed. The children were allowed to go to the water closet. The men of The Shield knew there was no window or way out, so one by one, the children went. Afterwards it was much easier for them to sit still and be quiet.

Chris had been allowed to make a pallet on the floor for Damien. The banker had woken up, but felt terrible. There was a large knot on the back of his head, and he had a massive headache. Chris applied a cool, wet cloth to Sandow's head and now Damien rested much easier.

Bray and Luke sat huddled together under a blanket. Chris knew they were in shock, and all he knew to do was keep them warm, and make sure they had water to drink.

Chris made another pallet on the floor for Adam with several blankets and the pillow. Adam refused to lay down. He felt that once he gave into the pain, he'd be in trouble.

However, the kindness of Rollins, Reigns and Ambrose only went so far. Neither Chris nor Adam were allowed to go near or even speak to the children. The robbers were afraid a plan might get made and they would take no chances. That's what made them even more dangerous. The Shield never, ever underestimated an enemy.

Dean, Seth and Roman stood around the table with the box of money. They had holstered their weapons, but all them were extremely fast at the draw, they practiced constantly. All three were also deadly accurate with their aim.

Seth looked around at their hostages. "They seem to be settled. What happens when the kids get hungry?" He gave his black-blond head a scratch, then pulled his hat back down low on his brow.

Roman pursed his luscious lips in thought. "If I was one of them..." he nodded toward the door to indicate outside. "I wouldn't give us food, hoping to starve us out."

Seth nodded in agreement. "Well, too bad for the kids," he chuckled as he pulled some beef jerky out of his pocket and took a bite. They always carried jerky, just in case.

Adam squirmed in his chair, he had a horrible urge to use the water closet. He whimpered. "Please, Roman, may I use the WC?" he figured the Islander would be the most understanding of the three.

Roman looked at Adam, he could see the urgency on Adam's face. "Yeah, you help him, but don't be stupid," he spoke firmly with a hard glare as he nodded to Chris.

Chris stood and offered Adam his hand. Adam gladly accepted the help. With a couple of rocks of his body to get the momentum to stand, Adam raised up off the chair. When Adam stood, he felt something happen. At first he thought he'd wet his pants, but he then realized what had really happened. A look of sheer terror washed over his face.

"Chris! My waters broke! The baby... oh god!" Adam cried out as he doubled over in pain.

Chris Jericho-Helmsley looked at the three criminals, with a growl he called out to them. "Help me! Adam has gone into labor!"