It was early, but Dr. Romano was wide awake and sitting in the quiet SICU to keep Dave company. Dave was intubated and hooked to a vent to give his healing body a chance to rest from the surgeries, but he was stable. He was also expected to wake at any time.

Sighing heavily, Dr. Romano gently took Dave's IV-laden hand, "Hey there, pal," he spoke gently, deep sadness in his voice. "What you did was very brave and I doubt people in the hospital will ever forget it. I know you were badly hurt, but I need you to hang in there."

Tears filled Dr. Romano's eyes and he looked at the floor, "I know I said this to you before, back when you were stabbed, but you have to fight," he spoke quietly. "You have to…"

Footsteps filled the room and Dr. Romano silently composed himself before looking up to see Peter standing there in scrubs, "I didn't think you'd be in this early since you took your grandkids home," Peter spoke quietly. "I went home after I talked to Carter…"

"School breakfast program and daycare are miracles," Dr. Romano replied stiffly. "Anyway, I need something to do since the ER is closed and the police haven't found Nathan…"

Peter sighed, "The ICU is being used as a temporary place to house ER patients because the ER is still closed," he replied softly. "Anspaugh's on site and he'll be doing a walkthrough…"

"And I care why?" Dr. Romano asked sharply. "I told you what I was doing today."

Peter suddenly looked confused, "Um, I said you might want to check the ICU because there are rumors among the nurses that Nathan turned up around five this morning beaten in the back of a cab," he explained in a quiet voice. "They put Nathan in the ICU cause…"

Dr. Romano swore and promptly got up, gently setting Dave's hand back down before he tore off out of the SICU. His heart pounded in his ears as he took the stairs down to the ICU floor.

The ICU staff room had been rearranged to fit things from the ER and it was there that Nathan lay unconscious on a gurney with a gown and blanket covering his body while an oxygen mask covered his bruised face. His clothes had been carefully cut and were now in a bag for the police to collect. X-rays had been taken using a portable machine and blood had also been drawn as a precaution and Luka was waiting for the information to come back.

Luka sighed heavily as he looked at the chart Elizabeth had made before going home for a few hours sleep. Together, with the help of the nurses, they had collected photos, evidence, done x-rays and made sure Nathan was comfortable until they knew how badly off he was.

A knock at the door suddenly sounded and Luka frowned when Elizabeth came in holding a folder, "I thought you went home?" Luka asked softly. "You've been here all night."

"I got a rush on the X-rays and labs and called Mark," Elizabeth replied softly. "Any change?"

Luka shook his head, "I'm mad that he can't even be given any medicine because we don't know if he was drugged," he replied in a tired voice. "It's bad enough that he was raped."

"His tox came back clean," Elizabeth explained, opening the folder. "I checked."

Luka nodded, "I was on my way out when a cab pulled up and the driver begged me to take him," Elizabeth spoke softly. "I was tired, but when I saw it was Nathan…"

"I know full-body x-rays were done," Luka spoke softly. "What about the ultrasound?"

Elizabeth sighed and began looking through the films, "A broken left arm, broken ribs, and a skull fracture," she spoke softly. "He's also got internal bruising because his injuries from when he was stabbed, but no damage. He's also got trauma from the sexual assault…"

"Now that we know what's wrong, we can help him," Luka spoke softly. "I know you've been here all night and you're tired. I can handle this if you want to go home to your family."

Elizabeth shook her head, "I have to wait for the police to come back anyway and Mark's so freaked out by the whole thing he's coming to get me after he takes Ella and Rachel to school," she explained calmly. "The ICU said we can use their supplies until the ER's cleared for use and I know you want to stay with Nathan, so I can go get the supplies."

The door suddenly opened and Dr. Romano came into the room, "Peter told me Nathan showed up two hours ago," he said briskly. "Have you told Nathan's mother?"

"She was moved to a room at four," Luka spoke quietly. "She's still very weak."

Dr. Romano nodded, "The ICU said we could use the staff room for ER patients and we have what we need to take care of Nathan," Elizabeth explained. "We have access to supplies."

"Alright," Dr. Romano replied quietly, suddenly frowning as he looked towards the windows.

Luka paused as Dr. Romano left the room and started talking angrily to the police, "I should let Amy know that Nathan's alive," he spoke softly. "I'm worried about leaving, though…"

Silence filled the room as Elizabeth shut the blinds, "Let's bandage him up quickly," she spoke in an anxious voice, wanting nothing more for Mark to be there and comfort her through what she had seen. "I'll get the supplies if you remove his gown. It won't take long…"

"NATHAN IS BEING TREATED BY DOCTORS AND YOU CAN SEE HIM LATER!" Dr. Romano's angry voice suddenly filled the hallway. "ELTON'S STILL GOING TO BE DEAD LATER TODAY!"

Luka paled, but removed Nathan's gown, "The police already took photos of Nathan's injuries when he was first brought in," he hissed. "I told them to get out and…"

Elizabeth quickly brought a cart filled with supplies over to the bed just as the door opened, "The police want to talk to Nathan because Nurse Taggart and her son are still missing," Dr. Romano spoke in a solemn, quiet voice. "You saw Nathan before he passed out, Lizzie…"

"Everything happened so fast, Robert," Elizabeth spoke anxiously. "Can't the police wait until we've patched Nathan up? Someone's also got to go tell his mother that he's here."

Dr. Romano sighed, "Officer Moore got told over the radio," he replied. "He's guarding Amy."

Elizabeth nodded and got to work helping Luka treat Nathan's injuries, "By the way, Peter's keeping watch over Malucci and Doctor Chen took Malucci's kid to school, but she's coming back," Dr. Romano spoke sternly. "Doctor Carter and Abby are still camping out…"

"I hope he pulls through," Elizabeth spoke anxiously. "To shield Ella and Reese like that…"

The door suddenly opened wider and Lydia came into the room, "The hospital told us to share the ICU until the ER's safe," she spoke anxiously. "Haleh went to see Amy and the babies."

"Michael and Abigail," Luka spoke quietly as he worked. "They seem healthy enough."

Soon enough, Nathan was properly bandaged and his casted arm was drying while his gown covered his other bandages and his catheter. He also sported a bandage around his head.

"Why don't you stay here and I'll go talk to the police?" Elizabeth suggested tiredly.

Luka silently covered Nathan with warm blankets from one of the supply closets and quickly sat between Nathan and the door, effectively shielding him from the police's view. Elizabeth silently left the room and sighed tiredly, sitting on a chair just outside of the ICU. The officers exchanged a look and walked over to her and Dr. Romano, eager for information.

".…Carter, why are you still here? I heard you were told to go home and rest."

"I also heard that Dave was in the SICU and might wake up soon. We're brothers and he's been through agony. I figure he should wake up to a friendly face since Deb's taken Daniel off to school and won't be back til later on. Amy's resting in OB, so she's unavailable…"

"Carter, you're bruised. What happened?"

"Elton beat me and Amy up downstairs before the shooting. He knocked me out cold and Abby delivered one of Amy and Luka's babies. I haven't slept or talked to the cops…"

A sigh filled the room and Dave suddenly felt his hand being grabbed, but he couldn't tell by who. He also felt a tube down his throat and heard the whirr of machines. Was he alive?

Even though his eyelids felt heavy, Dave forced his eyes open and immediately felt a sense of panic as he felt strange fingers in his own. He pulled his hand away frantically.

Carter froze at seeing Dave awake and very confused, "Carter, talk to him," Peter spoke in a calm voice, sensing that Dave was frightened and confused. "Tell him what happened."

"Dave, it's John," Carter spoke in a quiet voice. "You're in the SICU at County…."

Dave gave Carter a look and made a writing motion, prompting Carter to grab a mini whiteboard and marker from a nearby table, "Here," Carter spoke, offering it to him.

Dave's hand shook as he wrote Pratt? on the board, "Um, Pratt was shot in the head," Carter spoke in a quiet voice, trying to keep his voice steady. "His kidneys are now inside you."

Silence filled the room as Dave blinked and wrote my legs? on the board, but Carter looked anxiously at Peter instead of answering, "You took a bullet in the spine and we got it out, but I don't know if the paralysis will be temporary or permanent," Peter spoke quietly, sighing. "You saved your son, Ella, and Reese…you were very brave and…thank you for that."

Dave sighed weakly, his hand drooping as he became tired, "You should rest now," Carter spoke in a quiet voice, taking the marker away. "I'll see about getting you into a room."

Overexhausted and emotional about the loss of his friend, Dave closed his eyes, "Carter, let's step over here," Peter spoke quietly, sighing. "I heard something through the grapevine."

Carter frowned, "Nathan showed up in a cab a few hours ago," Peter explained quietly.

"What about Sam Taggart and her kid?" Carter replied softly. "He was with them."

Peter sighed, "Romano didn't say," he replied quietly. "He only mentioned Nathan…"

Carter suddenly noticed the expression on Peter's face, "What is it?" he pressed softly.

"Carter, Elton's dead," Peter replied softly. "I don't know all of the details…"

Carter frowned, "Do Amy and Nathan know?" he asked worriedly. "How did it…?"

Peter shrugged and Carter bolted from the room, not stopping until he got to the ICU. He saw Elizabeth and Dr. Romano talking quietly to uniformed police officers in the hallway just outside the common area that was being lent to the ER until it was usable again.

"What happened?" Carter asked anxiously. "Doctor Benton said Elton's dead?"

Elizabeth nodded, tears filling her eyes because she was shocked and saddened that Nathan had been forced to kill in self-defense, "Sam Taggart may have placed the gun in the jacket Nathan was wearing before she put him in the cab," she spoke, looking at the police.

The officers exchanged a look, "You should really be talking to Luka or Amy about Nathan," Elizabeth spoke nervously. "From what I heard, Amy's down in OB with her new twins…"

"That foreign guy's gonna bite our heads off," one of the officers muttered anxiously. "I'd honestly just rather talk to the kid and find out what happened and where."

Dr. Romano glared at the officer's nametag, "Officer Jablonski, did they teach you tact at the police academy or what?" he asked sternly. "Nathan is a minor and you have to talk to his PARENTS for permission to speak to him. He is also very injured and unable to talk!"

The other officer, whose name was Rasmussen, gave his partner a look and sighed, "I know Nathan is injured, but there are still two hostages missing and time is of the essence if we want to find them alive," Officer Rasmussen explained in a serious voice. "According to a Doctor Weaver, Elton Douglas had two accomplices and they are also still missing…"

"Carter, have you not been released yet?" Elizabeth asked worriedly. "Your head…"

Carter sighed, "I sat with Deb and Daniel last night in the waiting room, but Deb took Daniel to school and is at Dave's apartment, so I visited Dave," he replied quietly. "He woke up…"

Dr. Romano's eyes widened in shock, but he didn't say anything, "Doctor Benton and I told him about Pratt, the kids being okay, and his spine before he fell asleep," Carter explained in a concerned voice. "When he finds out Elton is dead and what happened to Nathan…"

"That is a conversation better left alone for now," Dr. Romano spoke tersely. "Lizzie here just told the police that she found Nathan in a cab and when she was helping him inside, Elton tried to attack them and Nathan shot Elton with a gun that was in his jacket pocket."

Carter's eyes widened in shock, "Nathan killed Elton?" he asked in a stunned voice.

"Officer Moore has been guarding Amy Kovac all night and he was radioed details," Officer Rasmussen spoke in a quiet voice. "When she wakes up, he'll explain things to her."

Carter nodded, "You and Abby can go home," Dr. Romano spoke sternly. "I mean it."

"If I could find Abby, I would," Carter replied worriedly. "She went AWOL earlier."

Sighing, Carter silently went over to a chair and sat down, his exhaustion level growing as he listened to the conversation and also wondered where Abby had gotten to.

"...Is Amy awake yet? The nursery said the babies could come see their mother."

Amy stirred from the sleep forced upon her by the medicine and exhaustion the C-section had triggered. She felt physically stronger, but she was still sore, tired, and worried. She turned her head and immediately noticed Abby and Reggie talking quietly at the door.

"What happened?" Amy asked groggily. "I heard something about the babies?"

Reggie flinched and disappeared into the hallway, but Abby came over to the bed, "How are you feeling?" Abby asked in a concerned voice. "I know the birth was hard for you."

"I had Nathan, Lucas, Erinn, Katie, and Kathryn, but Kathryn was stillborn," Amy spoke in a quiet, tired voice. "I thought Elton was going to kill Michael and Abigail like he killed Kathryn a long time ago. We weren't married, but he followed us and found us one night…"

Amy sighed heavily, "I haven't even told Luka about it," she spoke shakily. "Nathan…"

Reggie suddenly came back into the room, "Um, Amy, I just got a call on the radio that Nathan's up in the ER's temporary area," he spoke softly. "He's got injuries."

Amy frowned, "And Elton?" she asked in a small voice. "I know he's still out there."

"Um, Elton was killed in front of the hospital," Reggie replied softly. "By Nathan."

Amy paled, but she said nothing, "Doctor Elizabeth Corday-Greene was headed out and she witnessed Nathan arrive in a cab all bloody and Elton was following him on foot," Reggie explained in a somber voice. "Elton tried to attack Nathan and Nathan apparently had a gun in his jacket, so he used it. We still don't know where Sam Taggart and her son are."

Abby looked appalled, "When I'm able to get up and walk around, I'd like to see him," Amy spoke in a quiet voice. "In the meantime, can you get me a phone? I need to call Luka."

Swallowing hard, Abby got her cell phone out, "Here," she said softly. "Use this."

Amy silently took the phone, but she stared at it wordlessly before sighing, "I'm still so tired and this made me even more so," she spoke softly. "Can you and Carter please help me?"

A knock suddenly filled the air and Abby turned to see Carter lingering in the hallway, "I figured you might be here since you helped Amy deliver," Carter spoke in a tired voice. "I know it's not what you want to hear, but Dave got hurt pretty badly. He took a bullet to the spine and he took a couple of bullets to his internal organs, but he has Doctor Pratt's kidneys and has a colostomy. He's intubated in SICU now and he's hanging in there."

"Oh," Amy replied in a pained voice, exhaling sharply. "Everything's wearing off…fast."

The monitor blipped and Amy exhaled anxiously until the monitor stabilized, "Should I get someone?" Abby spoke worriedly. "You seem to be having a bad reaction to the pain."

"My body's been through trauma and I just experienced a set of traumatic births followed by a hysterectomy," Amy replied softly. "It's not anything I can't handle; I just need to rest for a while and process everything that's happened. I know I need to check on all of my kids…"

Abby placed her hands over Amy's hand, "You don't have to entertain the babies right now if you don't feel like it," she replied softly. "They're still in the nursery and if you need to rest…"

Amy sighed and slowly relaxed as her eyes closed, "I just need sleep," she spoke softly.

Abby sighed and quietly left the room with Carter after taking her cell phone back, "I know you're tired and should rest, but I wish there was more we could do," she spoke softly. "They've all been through so much."

"How about we go home and think about it?" Carter asked groggily. "Would that help?"

Abby nodded and allowed Carter to lead them both to the elevator down the hall.

Sounds and smells of cooking greeted Mark and Elizabeth as they walked through the front door, "Breakfast is almost ready," Rachel's voice called out. "Ella went back to bed…"

Elizabeth frowned as she entered the kitchen and saw Rachel making waffles and eggs, "I thought you and Ella were at school?" she asked in a concerned voice.

Mark suddenly entered the kitchen, "Thanks for cooking, Rachel," he said calmly.

Rachel nodded and sighed heavily, "I…I just couldn't go to school today," she spoke in a quiet voice, sighing. "When I saw the news and saw the ER and heard that Nathan was kidnapped…"

Mark nodded and Elizabeth sighed heavily, "Rachel, I have something to tell you, but I want you sitting down," she spoke softly. "Your dad can take over making breakfast."

Rachel sat at the table and Elizabeth joined her, "I actually got off around five, but as I was leaving, I came across a cab wanting to get rid of someone," Elizabeth spoke softly. "The cab driver said some lady in scrubs paid him to take his passenger as far as they could go and that the cash was gone. He also mentioned that some drunk was yelling after them…"

Rachel frowned, but kept quiet, "The passenger turned out to be a badly beaten and raped Nathan," Elizabeth spoke shakily. "Elton followed the cab on foot and he approached us as I was helping Nathan out of the cab. He threatened to kill Nathan, but there was a gun in the jacket Nathan had on. Nathan killed Elton Douglas in self-defense before collapsing…"

Rachel swore, "A broken left arm, broken ribs, and a skull fracture is what Nathan ended up with," Elizabeth spoke softly. "He's also got internal bruising because his injuries from when he was stabbed, but no damage. He's also got trauma from the sexual assault…"

Nodding, Rachel started crying, "And Doctor Malucci was shot protecting Ella, Daniel, and Reese Benton," Mark spoke in an anxious voice as he cooked the breakfast. "He's in the SICU and might be paralyzed…"

"Isn't there any good news?" Rachel asked anxiously. "Wasn't…wasn't Nathan's mom pregnant? Nathan did write me at the center and he mentioned that…"

Mark nodded, "I think she went into labor during the shooting, but I don't know anything else," he replied in a worried voice. "Do you want me to call the hospital and ask?"

Rachel sighed anxiously, "The mail came," she spoke softly. "There's a letter from a lawyer…"

"Oh, before the shooting, I spoke to a lawyer about Craig," Mark spoke softly. "About…"

Rachel nodded, "When it happened, I ran and went to this doctor in Chicago who helped me file a report," she spoke quietly. "I was scared, but this doctor named Neela Gallant…."

"Neela Gallant?" Elizabeth replied softly. "She's a surgeon over at Northwestern or Mercy."

Rachel sighed, "Doctor Gallant arranged it," she explained softly. "I'm sorry."

Mark sighed and responded by giving Rachel a hug, "I'll call Doctor Gallant and see if I can talk to Neela about it," he replied softly. "After I finish this and call County."

Elizabeth sighed as Rachel continued to cry, shellshocked at what she had been told.

Morning quickly turned into evening and Luka found himself taking a nap on an empty gurney next to Nathan's. He had gotten a call from Carter and Abby's home that Amy, Michael, and Abigail were fine and that Amy was resting because she was totally spent.

Luka had fully intended on going to see his newest children and spend time with Amy, but exhaustion had won out and he had laid down for a sleep. He had heard people come and go and he had heard nurses check on Nathan, but he hadn't heard anything from Nathan himself except for the machine beeps which told him that Nathan was alive and stable.

Now that he felt rested, Luka was awake and was now on the OB floor to check on Amy and his newborn children. Haleh had promised to sit with Nathan, as had the ICU staff. During the journey to the OB floor, Luka had phoned home and found that Dr. Romano had gotten home and was keeping Erinn, Lucas, Katie, and Joe busy with things that related to education.

The sight of Amy resting in her hospital bed made Luka smile as he entered the hospital room carrying a bag of takeout and smoothies he had managed to get delivered from across the street, "Amy?" he called out softly as he put the food on the portable table.

Amy stirred and looked confused at seeing Luka, "Hi," she spoke softly. "What are you…?"

"I got you food and a smoothie," Luka spoke softly. "How are you feeling, honey?"

Amy yawned, "Better, but tired," she replied softly. "Give the smoothie here."

Luka handed the smoothie over and Amy drank it before sighing, "Thank you," Amy replied in a relieved, anxious voice. "I always tried to have something cold after delivering babies because it would relax my muscles and emotions. I know it sounds odd, but it works."

"It doesn't sound odd," Luka replied calmly. "I'm glad you were able to rest."

Amy nodded, "Abby and Carter stopped by before I had a rest and I assume Reggie took off to go to work," she spoke softly. "How are the rest of the kids? Erinn, Lucas, Katie, and Joe?"

"Your dad says they're fine," Luka replied softly. "I called them on my way up."

Amy sighed weakly, "How are Nathan, Michael, and Abigail?" she asked softly.

"Nathan hasn't woken up yet and I haven't looked in on Michael and Abigail yet," Luka replied softly, frowning when Amy slowly got up. "What are you doing?"

Amy sighed as she slowly stood up briefly before making her way over to a wheelchair in the corner of the room and sitting, "I need some pants and I need to see the babies," she said.

Luka silently complied by wheeling her to the desk, "Excuse me, can I get some pants, please?" Amy asked, giving the nurse at the desk a look. "It's been a very long two days."

"I should check with Doctor Coburn," the nurse replied. "You still have your cath in…"

Amy sighed, "Never mind, just get me a blanket for my legs?" she replied firmly.

The nurse nodded and handed Amy a blanket, which she used to cover her legs. Luka silently wheeled Amy to the NICU and over to the bassinets where Michael and Abigail lay. Tubes and IV's covered various parts of their bodies, as did blankets, gowns, and clean diapers.

"They're asleep and still on oxygen and meds, so we shouldn't stay long," Amy spoke softly.

Luka nodded and took photos of the babies with his phone before they left to let the babies sleep, "Do you think we could visit Nathan?" Amy asked softly. "I just need to know…"

"He's still unconscious, but maybe knowing you're there will help," Luka replied softly.

Amy nodded and it didn't take Luka very long to wheel Amy to the ICU, "It seems like the ICU and ER are sharing space quite well," she observed softly, watching as ER nurses worked at a desk while the ICU staff worked at another. "Where did they put the patients that…?"

"They transferred most of them and the few minors were released hours ago," Luka replied softly. "The ER is closed while repairs are made, but the staff are getting paid leave."

Amy nodded, "I'd like Nathan moved to Peds once he's awake," she replied softly. "The décor up there will make for a more peaceful recovery. I also want counselling arranged for him."

Luka nodded and rolled Amy into the temporary ER curtain area where Nathan was still unconscious. To Amy and Luka's surprise, Kerry was sitting beside Nathan's bed.

"Doctor Weaver, hi," Amy spoke softly. "I…I didn't know anyone was working…"

Kerry sighed, "I'm covering the temporary ER," she replied softly. "How are you feeling?"

Amy sighed, "As well as I can be after two violent deliveries and a hysterectomy," she replied in a quiet voice. "We named the babies Michael Marko and Abigail Jasna. They were born under crazy circumstances, so the NICU just wants to keep them for a few days…"

Kerry nodded, "The police stopped by to check on Nathan and they want to know where he was before showing up here," she replied softly. "They were hoping he was awake…"

Luka rolled Amy over to the bed and Amy took Nathan's free hand, gently stroking it as she fought back tears. The monitor suddenly blipped and Amy felt a faint squeeze on her hand.

"Nathan?" Amy spoke in a concerned voice. "Luka, Nathan squeezed my hand…"

Kerry hurried over to the phone and called a nurse while Luka sat in her chair, "…Everything hurts," Nathan's voice suddenly spoke weakly as his eyes slowly opened and closed again because of the brightness of the room. "So bright…makes my head hurt."

Luka quickly turned off the light above the bed and Nathan exhaled before paling and suddenly shooting upright with wide eyes and a pale face, "Bucket…" he rasped weakly.

Amy grabbed a bedpan and held it under Nathan's chin as he began to gag and vomit for several minutes into the pan. A moment later, Haleh hurried in with a supply cart and immediately helped Amy hold the bedpan, sighing as Nathan stopped and moaned weakly.

Haleh quickly wiped Nathan's mouth and gently lowered him back to the pillow, sighing as he let his eyes fall shut again. A faint snore escaped from Nathan's lips, indicating he was asleep.

"I'll do what I can to keep the police away until he's more coherent," Kerry spoke softly, shaken by the fact that Nathan had woken only to get sick. "I'll also order labs…"

Amy nodded and gently brushed the bangs off of Nathan's forehead, "He's sweating pretty badly," she spoke in a concerned voice. "I really hope he isn't getting sick with something…"

"It's about time you got back to your room and tried dinner," Luka spoke gently, but firmly.

Amy sighed, but she knew Luka was right and released Nathan's hand, "Haleh and I will do another workup on Nathan and let you know what we find," Kerry spoke gently. "I'll also let Doctor Romano know that Nathan is getting there. I can also let the police know…"

"If the police want to come, call one of us and we'll come sit with Nathan," Luka said softly, a firmness in his voice as he wheeled Amy to the door. "Nathan is still very much a minor."

Kerry nodded, "Thank you," Amy spoke in a quiet voice, sighing as she was wheeled out.

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