A/N: Hi guys, sorry for the delay. I didn't have internet for a few days and didn't have much time for translation. But here's another chapter. I hope you like it.

Chapter 3

Sharon woke up again with a start. Nightmares woke her more often than she cared to admit, and she really didn't know what was causing it. The situation of the past few months was finally getting to her.

"Sharon?" Dr. Torres' voice reached her ears, pulling her out of her reverie.

"Hey". She smiled a little. "What are you doing here, Doc? I thought you were taking the weekend off of me".

"And I am". He winked at her and smiled too. "But you didn't think I would leave you alone, did you?"

Sharon shrugged, not quite sure what he meant. However, in these last few days she discovered how friendly and friendly the young doctor could be. Maybe it was because he didn't like Pope and shared that with Sharon or empathized with her situation. Anyway, the Commander was happy to have someone to talk to at certain times of the day.

"Well... I thought you'd give me some slack".

"Sorry, Commander, but it won't be this time". He gave a small smile and called someone from the door. A young woman walked in with a smile. "Sharon, this is Dr. Susan Anderson, a colleague. She is a great psychologist and a great friend".

"Hello Susan". Sharon reached out and greeted her with a smile. "Psychologist?"

Sharon asked looking at Torres, he smiled at her and shook his head with great enthusiasm. Sharon stared at him confused and narrowed her eyes a little, this was very suspicious and very similar to what she did to Rusty.

"I don't need a psychologist".

"Actually, you do. This is one of the many procedures we skipped during your treatment". Torres informed firmly. "Sharon, I understand this can be upsetting and I know how hard you tried to keep everything in order. But having a psychologist is mandatory after major surgery. Being a transplanted person is a big change in life".

"But do I have to have a psychologist? No offense, Susan".

"No take". Susan spoke for the first time. "Look, Sharon, I know it sounds a little intimidating right now, but it's guaranteed to get easier. I'm here to help you with all the changes that will take place now that you have a new heart".

"And do I really need a psychologist for this?" questioned Sharon again and extremely suspicious.

Torres smiled at that and left, leaving the two women alone, this would be a battle of forces he wasn't in the mood to watch.

Finding herself alone with the stranger, Sharon shifted uncomfortably. She didn't like things to be thrown at her unannounced and at that moment it left her totally out of her comfort zone.

"Can I sit?" Susan pointed to the chair beside the bed.

"Sure". Doing this, the Psychologist smiled at her and waited.

Sharon stared at her not knowing what to do, she knew the questions would come at any moment and she waited. With her anxiety on edge, the Commander began to play with her ring finger where her wedding ring and engagement ring had been.

Susan sensed his hesitation and nervousness, so she decided to take the first step and start the conversation.

"Sharon, I see you are uncomfortable. And I understand your situation, so I'm not going to start with fancy questions or force you to talk about sensitive issues". Susan was kind and kept her voice low.

"Okay, I can do this".

"Excellent. How about you tell me a little about your childhood? Your parents, brothers, cousins. Did you have a large family or the traditional American family?"

Sharon smiled a little at that, her family was not very traditional, starting with their origins. Her mother was Irish as was her maternal grandmother, so being a strong woman was in the family's blood. Her father, a great judge in his time of glory, was of Italian and Greek descent. So, a good Sunday lunch was all about a full house, noisy and overflowing with love. And that wasn't very traditional, just ask your neighbors.

Sharon told all this to the psychologist, she was a little more relaxed when she realized that talking about her parents didn't hurt so much. Time passed slowly as the Commander opened some of her armor, but Susan could tell she kept her emotions and thoughts locked away tightly, just showing what was needed.

"So you were the only one of the brothers to follow the path of the law?"

"Yes, my two sisters stayed in the planning area. One is an interior designer and the other an architect, both work in partnership. One of my brothers is a pediatrician and the other an engineer".

"You're the youngest, aren't you?"

Sharon looked at her in surprise and smiled a little. 'Damn psychology', she thought. It was hard enough to be confined to a room all day, now she would have to put up with someone analyzing her for an uninterrupted hour.

"Don't worry, Sharon. I'm not psychic. It's just that the youngest child tends to look up to the parents to get a little attention. They are unconscious attitudes".

The Commander decided not to question this and smiled tiredly, she was sleepy again and wanted to get some sleep. And realizing this, Susan got up from her chair.

"I'm sorry to take up too much of your time. Let's get to know each other along the way". Susan spoke with a big smile. "I'm glad you wanted to talk to me. I'll see you soon and hope you have a good day".

"Thank you, Susan. It was nice to have someone to talk to". Sharon said this and realized it was true. And even if the subjects were sensitive, it was nice to have someone other than the hospital staff who looked after her to talk to.

The psychologist nodded and headed for the door, however before leaving she turned to Sharon and looked at her with calm but serious eyes.

"Sharon, what are you afraid of?"

Sharon was taken completely by surprise, she had no idea what answer to make. She had some fears in her life, but she couldn't put her finger on which was the most frightening. But before being able to answer the psychologist had already left.

And for several minutes she stood there, trying to understand the real point of that question. But it wasn't her fears that were haunting her thoughts, she wanted to know if the decision she'd made these past few months hadn't aroused fear in the people she loved.

Rusty walked into the house and breathed a sigh of relief, being inside the apartment always brought a feeling of security and he clung to it tightly. He looked around for Andy and was already giving up when he spotted the Lieutenant on the porch.

Andy was leaning over the railing with his cell phone to his ear, and Rusty felt his heart sink a little at the sight. He knew Andy was calling Sharon's cell phone just to hear her voice mail. The boy did that too, that was their way of staying connected to her.

With cautious steps, Rusty went to the Lieutenant to let him know he had bought dinner. But before he got there he saw Andy's lost gaze and the way he clung to Sharon's wedding ring that was now on a chain around his neck. He didn't want to end the private moment, but for the past few days he had to remind the Lieutenant that he needed to eat.

"Hey Andy".

The older man was startled and realized how distracted he was. With a small smile he faced the boy.

"Hey"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I just came to let you know that I brought dinner". Rusty put his hands in his pants pockets, a craze he picked up on from Sharon, and waited for Andy to say something.

"Yes, of course... let's eat. I just..." Andy shook the phone, there was no need for an explanation.

The two men then made their way to the kitchen in silence, they were still uncomfortable around each other. Sharon was the one who held them together and now it was like they were strangers again. However, sometimes the silence was too much and one of the two tried to start a conversation. This time, Rusty decided to say something that was bothering him.

"Andy, can I ask a question?"

"Sure. What is it?"

"A few days before Mom..." He took a deep breath and avoided looking Andy. "You know... collapse in the office... I heard you guys talking. I didn't want to hear it, but the door was open and it really couldn't be helped".

Rusty quickly apologized, he was sweaty hands now and a little nervous. He didn't really want to know the answer, but at the same time he did. And these feelings were driving him crazy.

"It's okay, Rusty. Just spew it out".

"Well... I heard Mom saying she didn't know if she wanted to be in the transplant line. I thought she had no other choice, you know... it was really serious what she had. And the way she spoke was like she- like she just gave up. Do you think she didn't want to fight anymore?"

Andy took a deep breath and pushed his plate away with the food still untouched. He stared at the boy not sure what to say, Andy didn't understand all that. Sharon had always been a mystery to him, Andy could never really understand what she wanted and that was frustrating to say the least. Not to mention the last serious conversation they had, Sharon said she would rather have died than let them change their lives to help her. Surely, he wouldn't tell about this.

"Look, Rusty, I can't confirm this. Your mother was a big question mark for me, she always had incredible control of her emotion". Andy started out still unsure if he should be having this conversation with the young man. "And even these last few months when our emotions were running high, she managed to avoid giving herself fully to everything she felt. She never told me she wanted to give up, but Sharon was grieving that we were grieving for her".

"But we were just worried. We loved her. It was natural to be apprehensive for her, right?"

"Of course, but this is your mother we're talking about. Sharon wasn't used to being protected, to being taken care of. She was the one who did this. And that scared her".

"Do you think if she had talked more about this with us she would have had more time?" Rusty's voice was small now, he hadn't been able to keep his emotions in check for the past few days. "I wish I had more time with her, that we had more time to be a real family".

Andy looked at the boy sadly, he also wished he had more time, he would do anything to exchange all those fights for more time with her, loving her unconditionally. Unfortunately, it was too late.

"Rusty, it's not because she's gone that we can't be a family. In fact, we need to be the family she created, and we'll make her proud of it".

"Can we make it?"

"Of course, and answering your question. I think Sharon didn't have time to fight, that's the big problem". Andy spoke with a small smile. He wanted to believe it, even though he sometimes got the feeling she had abandoned the fight.

"For days I was afraid she wouldn't come home". Rusty spoke suddenly. "When the author of the letter tried to kill me and I saw her use the weapon, I remembered she wasn't invincible. I think that was the first time I realized she was a cop and that she could get hurt. Sometimes I woke up in the middle of the night just to see if she was home and okay".

"I know the feeling". Andy sighed. "These last few months I would wake up to see if she was breathing. I was afraid to sleep and not realize she was out of breath or that she needed me".

"Dr. Joe said these fears are normal, but I think it was more than that. That kind of fear was and still is paralyzing. I know you feel the same way Andy".

"More times than you think, Rusty. This helplessness we feel is because we didn't have enough time with her, as you yourself pointed out. I was and still am madly in love with her, Sharon was the woman of my life and sometimes I think I didn't say this enough. That I should have asked her to marry me sooner so I could be a good husband. And you found the mother who loved you and who you always dreamed of. And having that ripped out of our hands is terrifying". Andy spoke with a choked voice and tears in his eyes. "The only thing we can do with all this love she has awakened in us is to be the best we can be for her".

"Do you think she will be happy?"

"I do". Andy wiped away the tears he had shed and took a deep breath. "Now how about we put all this angst aside and clean this up? I'm not really hungry right now. We can play some chess and watch those clueless movies that you like and she hated. What do you think?"

"Excellent idea". Rusty smiled a little lighter.

The fear was still stalking them, but they would fight this with all their might.

It was well after lunchtime when Doctor Peter Torres finally stopped and was able to breathe a little. He had driven all the way home to get back to his normal routine. He was tired, that was for sure, but happy to finally see Sharon awake. He hadn't had such a strong bond with a patient since his first year of residency. Perhaps because the Commander is a special person or he is curious to see how this would all turn out. But in the end, he was happy to be able to accompany her on this journey.

Dr. Torres entered the rest room before the next round, he needed this and his shift was far from over. However, before he even closed his eyes his phone rang and an unknown number appeared. He really hoped that wasn't the chief of police, he was one step away from being arrested for murder for having that man make his life a hell.

"Dr. Torres". His voice was a little harsh, but not to the point of scaring anyone on the other side.

"Hello, Doctor. I'm Buzz Watson". Buzz spoke a little unsure. "I worked with Commander Sharon Raydor, she was one of your patients".

Peter sat up in bed and widened his eyes a little scared. Maybe he was being paranoid, but somehow, he knew this would be a turning point in this mess.

"Yes, I remember her". His voice was shaky but he cleared his throat to hide his nervousness, he couldn't tell he saw her a few hours ago and that she was doing fine. "What can I do for you?"

"Well... I'm not sure". Buzz mentally kicked himself as the words left his mouth. "Actually, my colleague and I need to talk to you in person".

"In person?" Dr. Torres felt all the alarms beep at that.

"Yes, it's something that cannot be said over the phone. We need to show you something, that's the only way you'll believe us". Buzz looked around quickly, he was in the break room but couldn't risk anyone overhearing him.

"Ok... I think we can arrange that". Dr. Torres decided to take a risk at once. Looking at his watch he calculated the best time. "How about you come after 6 pm?"

"Great". Buzz sighed in relief. "We'll see then. Thank you, Dr. Torres, I hope it's the best for everyone".

With that the phone went dead and the doctor stared at the inanimate object for a few minutes. He wanted to go back on that decision, he was probably putting himself in danger, just like Sharon. But his curiosity was getting the better of him and he wanted to know what the man needed to show him.

When Dr. Torres finally finished with the last patient it was just after 6 p.m., he hoped the other man was still willing to show up.

Fortunately, he didn't have to call to let him know that he was available - and extremely curious - to meet him. As soon as he walked past the nurses' desk he was informed that someone was waiting for him.

As soon as he entered his room two men were waiting for them, both looking nervous and a little anxious. Greeting them quickly, Dr. Torres showed them to his office and closed the door.

"Gentlemen, what can I do for you?"

"I think you better see". Buzz spoke and opened a laptop.

'Hello Buzz...'

Sharon's voice filled the entire room and Peter held his breath as she instructed the man. Several questions crossed the doctor's mind, what should he do? Sharon never said anything to him. And if he helped them, what would Chief Pope do with him?

For a while he didn't say anything, he needed to think about it all. And for him to be fair to them all, he needed a good night of sleep.

"Well..." He took a deep breath. "I believe I have a lot of questions to answer and I will help you. But I can't do that today. I need a little rest to be able to think clearly. Can I get in touch with you later?"

"Of course, Dr. Torres. Thank you for having us". Buzz smiled politely, but he was even more confused and anxious about it all.

"I'll get in touch with you, don't worry".

With that he dismissed the two men and faced the walls exhausted. What the hell was he going to do?

Two days had passed since the hospital visit, Peter Torres had made the decision that very night, but he still needed the courage to carry out his actions. He had called Buzz and asked him and his partner to accompany him on a visit, he took advantage of being a Saturday and that they were both off.

Now, about to open the door, he felt his heart run wild. He could see through the small gap that the physiotherapist was finishing her exercises and that the whole dynamic going forward would be changed.

"You must go it alone now". Peter spoke as soon as the physiotherapist left.

Buzz was the first to enter, he was too eager to stay behind. Though this seemed like a bad idea, he froze and his breath caught in his throat.

Sitting by the window with her back to them was Sharon. She was in black blouse and sweatpants, and socks on her feet, she looked calm and was breathing slowly, that's what surprised him, she was breathing. She was alive!

"Commander". His voice was low, but reverberated through the silent room.

Sharon, for her part, was distracted. She had gotten a little tired from the day's exercise. Melanie, the physiotherapist, had demanded a little more this morning and she was trying to breathe slower and calm her new heart.

However, hearing her old title called out by a breathless, surprised voice, it sent adrenaline flooding her body. She turned quickly to face the visitors.

"Oh my God". She whispered and her eyes widened a little.

"Ma'am?" Julio was next to Buzz and he looked just as shocked as the other.

However, he had a different reaction. With quick and determined steps he walked to where she was sitting and stared at her still incredulously.

"You are alive". The statement still held a tinge of doubt and she could see the emotions shimmering in her detective's eyes.

But before she could respond, Julio hugged her. A tight, comforting hug, she could feel the relief in his touch and couldn't help but smile at the irony of this, look who was now all hugging. Still surprised she wrapped her arms around him and stared at Buzz with questioning eyes. The officer just shrugged, he was speechless.

"I'm sorry- I just... It's good to see you, ma'am". He released her and took an embarrassed step back.

"It's okay, Julio. I understand". She smiled. "You found me". She spoke, still surprised. "How?"

"We followed your leads". Buzz spoke and took a step forward still uncertain of what his eyes saw.

Sharon noticed this and approached him, she held out her arms and he hugged her quickly. For a moment she could pretend everything was fine, everyone there seemed relieved for now. But that's when the penny hit.

"Oh... you saw the video".

"Yes".

"You weren't supposed to see this. I'm putting everyone in danger". Fear began to consume her again, her mind racing with several scenarios that would end badly.

"We were careful getting here". Julio reassured her.

"You don't understand. If Stroh suspects it was all a hoax, he might get away". Sharon tried to argue, but her breathing started to quicken and Dr. Torres appeared in the room in a flash.

"Sharon, take a deep breath". His voice was calming and he led her to the bed. "You can't be nervous like that".

"I'm sorry, I think this was all too much".

"I think so too. I'm going to ask them to leave".

"Don't! Please leave them here. It's the first time I've had a little hope". She whispered just for the doctor to hear. "I promise not to be anxious".

"I'll have to stay here then".

"All right. I just need a little time". She took a deep breath and turned to her detectives. "Buzz, Julio. Sorry, I'm still out of shape".

"Ma'am, what the hell is going on?" Julio questioned confused and a little upset.

Sharon knew this would happen, after all the euphoria of the reunion, anger would be the next step and she seriously rethought the doctor's decision to send them away. But she knew it would be the wrong decision. Maybe now she would have one more tool to destroy Stroh and regain her life?

However, she had to tell them everything, explain why all this suffering and sadness was the only way out, and hope they would forgive her.

To be continue...