Note: I made up the name of their daughter and decided to use it as the name of Ian's mother. I've never been to court, I'm not a lawyer or a cop so I know little about law so excuse any future mistakes.
----
Chapter 9
Couple hours later
Sara paces the floor of the lab when she doubles over
Dr Immo hurries over to her side "Miss Pezzini" he says concerned "lets get you back to bed." he helps her back to the bed
"Somethings not right" Sara grinds out as she lays back on the bed
"Christian tell Kenneth I need to speak with him" Dr Immo calls to the silent watcher. As Christian leaves the room Immo looks at the Weilder "Everything will be alright"
"I need Ian" Sara gasps blinking back tears she looks at Immo "please"
Dr Immo nods "I'll see what I can do."
Sara closes her eyes taking a deep breath
Dr Immo picks up the test results looking over them 'What am I missing here?'
Kenneth enters the office "How is everything going?"
"Kenneth I need you to bring Ian up here" Immo
requests
"And why is that?" Irons questions
"His presence might call mother and child down... perhaps speed up her labor."
"I do not think that is wise" Irons remarks
"Irons I need Ian here" Sara pleads pain inflicting her tone "please Irons he deserves to be here when she's born"
After a moment Irons nods "Fine. Christian bring Ian up here"
Sara winces 'Don't worry baby. Daddy's on his way. He'll make you feel better' she swallows heavily 'I hope'
Christian enters the room going to the cell door he unlocks it. "He wants you upstairs"
Ian stands "Is something wrong with Sara?" he asks concerned
Christian shrugs "The doctor knows more than I. She looks to be in a lot of pain."
Sara lays there listening to the hum of the monitors 'It'll be OK baby' she twists the ring Ian had given her during their pretend marriage
"Ian glad you could join us"
Sara looks over to see Ian entering the lab with Christian right behind "Ian" when he reaches her side she smoothes her fingers over his face
At her silent concern he kisses her fingers "I'm fine" he kisses her forehead
Sara nods feeling slightly relieved
"How are you doing?" he asks resting his hand
against her middle
"Better" she says lacing their fingers she closes her eyes "Oh boy" she groans squeezing Ian's hand as a contraction starts
Irons watches thoughtfully as Ian comforts Sara "You had your visit" he nods at Christian "Take him back downstairs."
"No" Ian says angrily "I'm staying with Sara"
Irons holds his hand up stopping Christian "You raised your voice to me" he says angered yet somewhat amused. He raises his cane
"Ian" Sara says seeing the act
Ian lifts his arms blocking the blow. He pivots yanking the cane out of Kenneth's hands "No more. I am no longer your servant... nor am I a child." he turns back to Sara kissing her knuckles "I'm staying with Sara"
Sara looks down at her wrist to see the stone of the Witchblade swirling angrily. She leans into Ian whimpering she clutches his hand
Ian winces feeling a sharp prick on his wrist. He looks down to see trindles of the Witchblade enter his wrist. His eyes meet Sara's as memories flash between them
Sara looks at him scared "Its going to happen again"
"No it won't. I won't let it"
"We keep reliving it... why?!"
"Reliving what?" Irons demands
With his eyes on Sara's Ian answers "The first Weilder was pregnant by her Protector. Not long after the Witchblade was forged the woman who became the first Wearer became pregnant. The men all saw the power it gave her and her Protector. They did not like that a woman could wear such a powerful weapon. The men attacked the Weilder and Protector"
"They fought but in the end" Sara looks at Ian "it was too late. She lost the child." she looks at Irons "That's why the Blade rejects men. It accepted the Weilder's child as though it was its own." Sara slides her arms around Ian's neck burying her face in his neck "Don't let him take her" she whispers so only Ian can hear her.
"Shh rest love" he kisses her head
Couple hours later
"Kenneth this has gone beyond what I can do" Dr Immo says worried as he watches Ian comfort Sara
"Call in some favors and get someone here who can help" Irons orders
"Ian it hurts" Sara says pained doubling over
"IMMO" Ian calls holding Sara
Dr Immo goes over seeing the look of pain on Sara face "Contraction?"
Sara nods grimacing
Immo frowns looking at the monitor "We're going to need to take her to the hospital"
Ian looks at him scared
"I'm not equipped to deliver a baby under this condition"
"Ian you are not taking her out of here" Irons says his voice rising
"Go bring your car around. I'll bring her out" Ian orders his eyes going to Irons "I am taking Sara to the hospital." he says as Immo scurries out of the lab "Stop me
and I will kill you."
"Threatening me Ian?" Irons says stepping up to Ian
"Protecting Sara and our daughter from you" Ian turns his back to Irons looking at Sara
"Ian" Sara says her eyes widening as she sees Irons raise his arm a syringe in hand
Ian pivots catching Irons hand. He twists it behind Irons back leaning in "Stay away from my wife and daughter."
"Ian" Sara says worried
Ian releases Irons with a shove going over to Sara's side he wraps her in a blanket lifting her into his arms. Hearing her whimper he presses his lips to her hair "It will be OK love" he says softly. He looks at Christian seeing his doubles slight nod of approval he walks out of the lab with Sara in his arms.
20 mins later
Dr Immo pulls the car up to the Emergency Room entrance
Ian looks at his doctor "You should lay low. He won't forgive either of us for this"
"I know" Immo nods "but I couldn't let him hurt you anymore."
"Thank you" Ian says getting out of the car he lifts Sara out of the back seat
"Good luck Ian... and congratulations"
Ian nods hurrying into the Emergency Room "I need some help" he calls
"What's wrong sir?" a nurse asks
"She's in labor" Ian answers setting Sara on a stretcher
"How far along is she?" a doctor questions joining them
"About 36 weeks" Ian answers following them down the hallway
"Ian" Sara groans
"Shh" he smoothes her hair back
"How long has she been having heavy contractions?"
"I don't know... half hour or so" Ian shrugs
"What's her name?"
"Sara Pezzini" Ian answers his eyes on Sara
Sara groans "Something doesn't feel right"
The doctor pats her arm "We'll know more once we get you examined." he looks at the nurses and Ian "Lets send her upstairs"
20 mins later
As the doctor and nurses work Ian and Sara talk quietly "I called Gabriel"
"Really?"
Ian nods "I told him that you were in the hospital."
"Thank you Ian"
"Your welcome my Sara" Ian kisses her hand
"Are you ready Miss Pezzini?" the doctor asks
Sara nods "I'm ready"
Little later
"Its a girl" the doctor announces a second later a cry fills the air
Sara smiles at Ian then at the baby as the nurse sets the newborn in her arms "Hey you" she says awed
Ian kisses the top of Sara's head his eyes on the newborn
"She's pretty good size for a preemie" a nurse remarks "how about I go clean her up and bring her back"
Sara nods reluctantly handing the baby to the nurse
While later
"I'll give you some time with her before I do a thorough exam on her" the doctor says
Sara looks up from the baby in her arms "Thank you" she smiles faintly looking down at the silent baby in her arms. As the door closes she speaks "She's so small"
"That she is" Ian agrees his eyes on his newborn daughter
"What are you thinking?"
Ian slips his finger into the baby's small hand "She's perfect... like you" he gives Sara a shy smile "and beautiful"
Couple hours later
Ian stares out the window of the hospital room as Sara speaks with the nurse
"I'll come and check in on you in a few minutes." the nurse tells Sara "Call if you need anything" she says walking out of the room
Sara looks at the nursing baby "Ian?"
Ian looks over at the bed "Yes love?"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing" he replies sitting on the edge of the bed
"Your worried about both of them" Sara remarks
Ian looks down
Sara reaches up running her hand down his cheek "Ian its OK to be worried about them. I mean Irons raised you. And Christian... he's a part of you"
Ian nods
"Now we have something more important to deal with"
"What?"
"She needs a name" she tilts her head "What do you want to name her?"
Ian shrugs
"We have time"
Late afternoon
Ian stares at Sara as she sleeps. He hears the door open and looks over to see Gabriel Bowman enter the room
"How are they?" he asks softly
"Sleeping" Ian stands grabbing his overcoat "Stay with them. If Sara wakes tell her I will be back shortly"
"Where are you going? She's going to ask" he shrugs
"I have something important to do" Ian answers
"Sure don't tell me details. If she tries to kill me I'll come back and haunt you" Gabe threatens as Ian walks out the door.
Half hour later
"Ian" Irons looks up as Ian enters his study. He stands "How is Sara doing?"
"Fine" Ian replies "I came for my records"
"And why is that?" Irons asks
"Because I am done here... its over"
"You are never done Ian" Irons says with a faint smile "I own you"
Ian shakes his head "No Sara owns me. I am done Kenneth. No more killing. I will not put Sara or our daughter in danger"
Irons chuckles "Ian they will always be in danger. She is the Weilder and a police officer. You are an assassin... a warrior. The best of the best. If you leave Ian they will be in danger."
"No longer Kenneth. Its over"
"You won't cut ties with me Ian. I raised yo" Irons says his voice rising. "You would have been alone if it hadn't been for me."
"I still would have found my way to Sara" Ian shrugs
"You ungrateful bastard" Irons yells "I raised you"
"No you trained me" Ian returns "You tried to kill Sara. You had my family killed. You almost killed my child."
"Christian kill him" Irons orders then smirks at Ian "don't worry Ian your daughter will know you... in Christian"
Hospital
Sara awakens to hushed voices. She opens her eyes to find darkhaired Gabe flirting with a blond nurse "Mm." she sighs stretching
"Oh hey Pez" Gabe grins
Sara smiles sleepily "Hey Gabe its good to see you"
"I'll see you around Gabe." the nurse smiles "Call if you need anything Miss Pezzini"
"So what do you think of her?" Sara asks looking in on the sleeping newborn
"She's cute" Gabe remarks shaking his head "You a Mom"
"I know" Sara smiles
"How long have you been back in New York?"
"Christian... Ian's double found us. He dragged me back and Ian followed. Two nights ago"
"Well I'm glad your back. New York isn't the same without you" he looks at the baby shaking his head "I still can't believe Nottingham's her father"
Sara looks around "Where is Ian?"
"Said something about taking care of something" Gabe shrugs
"Did he say what?" Sara asks
"No"
Sara frowns as there's a knock on the door
The door opens and in walks Jake McCartey "Pez" he says stunned "So Bowman was telling the truth"
"Hey Rookie" Sara grins "good to see you"
"Where have you been?! You had me worried" he says his voice rising
"Shh" Sara hushes "don't wake her" she gestures to the basinet
Jake looks in at the baby "You have a kid" he says amazed
Sara nods picking up the sleepiny baby "She doesn't have a name yet"
Jake frowns "Who's her father?"
"Ian is" Sara answers kissing the baby's covered head
"Notthingham?! You slept with the assassin?!" he says angrily
"Its a long and confusing story" Sara shrugs
Jake runs his fingers through his hair "Where is he?"
"Had an errand to run" Gabe answers
Sara looks at the clock "Gabe how long has he been gone?"
"Hour or so" he shrugs
"Why did you up and run?" Jake demands
"We knew the Bulls and Irons would try something. We had no choice" she looks at the baby "We wanted her safe"
Jake nods "You should have called or emailed me and let me know you were OK"
"Sorry. I didn't want to drag you into this" Sara explains "not with the Bulls around"
"You know" Jake says seeing the look on Sara's face
"Ian figured it out" she says
"Figured out what?" Gabe demands
"Nothing" Sara and Jake says automatically
"I'm not going to tell anyone" Gabe protests
"I know. You just don't need to know"
Hour later
Sara frowns "I'm starting to worry"
"He's a big boy Pez" Jake assures "He probably got distracted"
"I have a bad feeling" Sara says looking at the baby dozing in her arms. She glances at the silent stone 'Ian where are you?' At that moment the door opens and Sara looks up to see Ian enter the room "Ian where were you?" she frowns seeing the pain in his eye "Ian? What's wrong?" she turns to Gabe "Take her" she requests
Gabe carefully takes the baby
Sara goes to Ian's side as he slumps "Ian"
"I'm free Sara" he looks at Sara his eyes pained yet happy
"Jake get a doctor" she orders seeing blood seep through his black sweater. "Ian baby what happened?" she asks pressing her hand against the wound
Ian groans
"He tried to kill us"
Sara looks up at the voice to see Christian standing there "Where is he?" she demands
"He's dead" Christian answered looking at his double "Ian saved my life"
"You are me" Ian says pained
"Shh Ian" she kisses his forehead
"Here" Christian hands Jake a couple computer disks "Irons records on the Bulls. All records of deaths
and dealings he did or ordered the Bulls to do."
Jake stares at the disks surprised "Thanks" he says as the nurses and doctors enter
Sara stands stepping back watching as the nurses and doctor with Christian and Jake's help get Ian onto a stretcher. "Ian" she breaths as the baby cries
"Uh Pez" Gabe says
Sara tears her eyes from the unconscious Ian to look at Gabe holding the crying baby "I need to wash my hands first" she hurries into the bathroom
"Come on kid don't cry" Gabe pleads
Sara walks out of the bathroom taking the baby from Gabe "Shh its OK" she looks at Christian "Thank you"
Christian nods "He's safe now... as are we all" he walks out the door
Jake looks at Sara "And soon they'll get what they deserve"
"Make it hurt Jake. I want them to pay for everyone"
"I will" Jake promises "I have to take this back to
headquarters. I'll be back as soon as possible."
Sara nods cuddling the baby
"I'll send some agents to stay outside your door and Nottingham's"
"Jake you won't..."
"I'll find a way to keep him from being charged" Jake promises "at least not for the crimes that Irons ordered him to do"
"Thank you Jake. I know you and Ian don't get along"
Jake shrugs "Its OK Pez."
Chapter 10
Next Morning
Sara smiles as Ian stirs "Hey Nottingham" she smoothes his hair back
"Sara" she says groggily
"You feeling OK?" she asks
Ian nods
"Good."
"How bad was it?"
"Since you waited so long to come in you lost a lot of blood. The bullet was inches from your lungs"
"Oh"
"You'll be fine" she smiles
"I love you Sara"
"I love you too Ian" she says softly "Now get some rest" she grins "Elliana Danielle is waiting to see her Daddy again"
"Elliana? How did you?"
"Jake found your birth certificate among some files." Sara smiles "What do you think?"
Ian smiles faintly "Perfect"
"Good. Now get some rest. We have a lot ahead of us" she watches as he drifts back to sleep. After a few minutes she stands walking out of the room
"Is he awake?" Jake asks
"Not enough" Sara replies "give him some time." she says looking at the FBI agents "He's been drugged, beat and shot all in three days"
"Miss Pezzini his boss is dead at his hand" an agent reminds
"Look Ian's been through a lot. Just let him rest until this afternoon. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to go see our daughter."
Midafternoon
"I've got a few questions for you Mr Nottingham" one of the FBI agents says
Ian nods his eyes on Sara
"Full name?"
"Ian Christian Nottingham"
"Age?"
"35"
"Born where?"
"London, England"
"US citizen?"
"Yes"
"What happened last night"
Ian takes a calming breath "I went to speak to Mr Irons. He hit me then he shot me"
"Why'd he shoot you?" asks Jake
"Because I wasn't going to allow him to take our daughter"
"Why would he do that?" asks the older agent
"To raise her like me" Ian says sadly
Jake nods "We've seen some of the security tapes
but there are ones missing"
"I wouldn't know. I've been gone" Ian says
"Gone?" asks the older agent
"After I told him I was pregnant we thought it best if we were to leave." Sara explains "We didn't want anything to happen to the baby"
The older agent nods "Mr Nottingham what happened to the body in the refrigeration unit?"
Ian shrugs "Kenneth must have moved it"
"How long have you known him?" asks Jake
"Since I was a boy. He gained custody of me after my parents death"
"How did they die?" the older agent asks
Ian shrugs "I'm not sure"
"Mr Nottingham is there anything else you'd like to tell us?"
"Not now"
Jake nods "We still need to go through the security tapes. We'll give you some time to rest up and then we'll talk more"
Ian nods
"Mr Nottingham don't leave town" the older agent requests
After the agents leave Ian looks at Sara "How much do they know?"
"I'm sure Christian destroyed anything incriminating toward you both" she says as the bedside phone rings she grabs it. "Yes? OK I'll be right up" she hangs up the phone pouting "I have to go. Your daughter is hungry" she kisses him "I'll be back down once she's settled."
Ian nods "I love you Sara"
Sara smiles "I love you too." she squeezes his hand "Get some rest." at Ian's nod she stands walking out of the room
3 days later
Sara smiles at the sight of Ian watching the dozing Elliana "What do you think?"
"She looks like you" he says awed
"Think she's going to have curly hair" Sara chuckles "The doctor said she's gained weight and she'll be able to leave in a few days."
Ian nods
"I think we lucked out. For being 3 weeks early she's had no major health problems." she strokes the baby's cheek
Ian smiles as the Elliana yawns "She's my second chance... to be" he tilts his head "normal."
"Nottingham you'll never be normal" Sara laughs kissing his cheek "that's why I love you"
"I love you Sara" he kisses the baby's head "and you Elliana"
TBC
----
Chapter 9
Couple hours later
Sara paces the floor of the lab when she doubles over
Dr Immo hurries over to her side "Miss Pezzini" he says concerned "lets get you back to bed." he helps her back to the bed
"Somethings not right" Sara grinds out as she lays back on the bed
"Christian tell Kenneth I need to speak with him" Dr Immo calls to the silent watcher. As Christian leaves the room Immo looks at the Weilder "Everything will be alright"
"I need Ian" Sara gasps blinking back tears she looks at Immo "please"
Dr Immo nods "I'll see what I can do."
Sara closes her eyes taking a deep breath
Dr Immo picks up the test results looking over them 'What am I missing here?'
Kenneth enters the office "How is everything going?"
"Kenneth I need you to bring Ian up here" Immo
requests
"And why is that?" Irons questions
"His presence might call mother and child down... perhaps speed up her labor."
"I do not think that is wise" Irons remarks
"Irons I need Ian here" Sara pleads pain inflicting her tone "please Irons he deserves to be here when she's born"
After a moment Irons nods "Fine. Christian bring Ian up here"
Sara winces 'Don't worry baby. Daddy's on his way. He'll make you feel better' she swallows heavily 'I hope'
Christian enters the room going to the cell door he unlocks it. "He wants you upstairs"
Ian stands "Is something wrong with Sara?" he asks concerned
Christian shrugs "The doctor knows more than I. She looks to be in a lot of pain."
Sara lays there listening to the hum of the monitors 'It'll be OK baby' she twists the ring Ian had given her during their pretend marriage
"Ian glad you could join us"
Sara looks over to see Ian entering the lab with Christian right behind "Ian" when he reaches her side she smoothes her fingers over his face
At her silent concern he kisses her fingers "I'm fine" he kisses her forehead
Sara nods feeling slightly relieved
"How are you doing?" he asks resting his hand
against her middle
"Better" she says lacing their fingers she closes her eyes "Oh boy" she groans squeezing Ian's hand as a contraction starts
Irons watches thoughtfully as Ian comforts Sara "You had your visit" he nods at Christian "Take him back downstairs."
"No" Ian says angrily "I'm staying with Sara"
Irons holds his hand up stopping Christian "You raised your voice to me" he says angered yet somewhat amused. He raises his cane
"Ian" Sara says seeing the act
Ian lifts his arms blocking the blow. He pivots yanking the cane out of Kenneth's hands "No more. I am no longer your servant... nor am I a child." he turns back to Sara kissing her knuckles "I'm staying with Sara"
Sara looks down at her wrist to see the stone of the Witchblade swirling angrily. She leans into Ian whimpering she clutches his hand
Ian winces feeling a sharp prick on his wrist. He looks down to see trindles of the Witchblade enter his wrist. His eyes meet Sara's as memories flash between them
Sara looks at him scared "Its going to happen again"
"No it won't. I won't let it"
"We keep reliving it... why?!"
"Reliving what?" Irons demands
With his eyes on Sara's Ian answers "The first Weilder was pregnant by her Protector. Not long after the Witchblade was forged the woman who became the first Wearer became pregnant. The men all saw the power it gave her and her Protector. They did not like that a woman could wear such a powerful weapon. The men attacked the Weilder and Protector"
"They fought but in the end" Sara looks at Ian "it was too late. She lost the child." she looks at Irons "That's why the Blade rejects men. It accepted the Weilder's child as though it was its own." Sara slides her arms around Ian's neck burying her face in his neck "Don't let him take her" she whispers so only Ian can hear her.
"Shh rest love" he kisses her head
Couple hours later
"Kenneth this has gone beyond what I can do" Dr Immo says worried as he watches Ian comfort Sara
"Call in some favors and get someone here who can help" Irons orders
"Ian it hurts" Sara says pained doubling over
"IMMO" Ian calls holding Sara
Dr Immo goes over seeing the look of pain on Sara face "Contraction?"
Sara nods grimacing
Immo frowns looking at the monitor "We're going to need to take her to the hospital"
Ian looks at him scared
"I'm not equipped to deliver a baby under this condition"
"Ian you are not taking her out of here" Irons says his voice rising
"Go bring your car around. I'll bring her out" Ian orders his eyes going to Irons "I am taking Sara to the hospital." he says as Immo scurries out of the lab "Stop me
and I will kill you."
"Threatening me Ian?" Irons says stepping up to Ian
"Protecting Sara and our daughter from you" Ian turns his back to Irons looking at Sara
"Ian" Sara says her eyes widening as she sees Irons raise his arm a syringe in hand
Ian pivots catching Irons hand. He twists it behind Irons back leaning in "Stay away from my wife and daughter."
"Ian" Sara says worried
Ian releases Irons with a shove going over to Sara's side he wraps her in a blanket lifting her into his arms. Hearing her whimper he presses his lips to her hair "It will be OK love" he says softly. He looks at Christian seeing his doubles slight nod of approval he walks out of the lab with Sara in his arms.
20 mins later
Dr Immo pulls the car up to the Emergency Room entrance
Ian looks at his doctor "You should lay low. He won't forgive either of us for this"
"I know" Immo nods "but I couldn't let him hurt you anymore."
"Thank you" Ian says getting out of the car he lifts Sara out of the back seat
"Good luck Ian... and congratulations"
Ian nods hurrying into the Emergency Room "I need some help" he calls
"What's wrong sir?" a nurse asks
"She's in labor" Ian answers setting Sara on a stretcher
"How far along is she?" a doctor questions joining them
"About 36 weeks" Ian answers following them down the hallway
"Ian" Sara groans
"Shh" he smoothes her hair back
"How long has she been having heavy contractions?"
"I don't know... half hour or so" Ian shrugs
"What's her name?"
"Sara Pezzini" Ian answers his eyes on Sara
Sara groans "Something doesn't feel right"
The doctor pats her arm "We'll know more once we get you examined." he looks at the nurses and Ian "Lets send her upstairs"
20 mins later
As the doctor and nurses work Ian and Sara talk quietly "I called Gabriel"
"Really?"
Ian nods "I told him that you were in the hospital."
"Thank you Ian"
"Your welcome my Sara" Ian kisses her hand
"Are you ready Miss Pezzini?" the doctor asks
Sara nods "I'm ready"
Little later
"Its a girl" the doctor announces a second later a cry fills the air
Sara smiles at Ian then at the baby as the nurse sets the newborn in her arms "Hey you" she says awed
Ian kisses the top of Sara's head his eyes on the newborn
"She's pretty good size for a preemie" a nurse remarks "how about I go clean her up and bring her back"
Sara nods reluctantly handing the baby to the nurse
While later
"I'll give you some time with her before I do a thorough exam on her" the doctor says
Sara looks up from the baby in her arms "Thank you" she smiles faintly looking down at the silent baby in her arms. As the door closes she speaks "She's so small"
"That she is" Ian agrees his eyes on his newborn daughter
"What are you thinking?"
Ian slips his finger into the baby's small hand "She's perfect... like you" he gives Sara a shy smile "and beautiful"
Couple hours later
Ian stares out the window of the hospital room as Sara speaks with the nurse
"I'll come and check in on you in a few minutes." the nurse tells Sara "Call if you need anything" she says walking out of the room
Sara looks at the nursing baby "Ian?"
Ian looks over at the bed "Yes love?"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing" he replies sitting on the edge of the bed
"Your worried about both of them" Sara remarks
Ian looks down
Sara reaches up running her hand down his cheek "Ian its OK to be worried about them. I mean Irons raised you. And Christian... he's a part of you"
Ian nods
"Now we have something more important to deal with"
"What?"
"She needs a name" she tilts her head "What do you want to name her?"
Ian shrugs
"We have time"
Late afternoon
Ian stares at Sara as she sleeps. He hears the door open and looks over to see Gabriel Bowman enter the room
"How are they?" he asks softly
"Sleeping" Ian stands grabbing his overcoat "Stay with them. If Sara wakes tell her I will be back shortly"
"Where are you going? She's going to ask" he shrugs
"I have something important to do" Ian answers
"Sure don't tell me details. If she tries to kill me I'll come back and haunt you" Gabe threatens as Ian walks out the door.
Half hour later
"Ian" Irons looks up as Ian enters his study. He stands "How is Sara doing?"
"Fine" Ian replies "I came for my records"
"And why is that?" Irons asks
"Because I am done here... its over"
"You are never done Ian" Irons says with a faint smile "I own you"
Ian shakes his head "No Sara owns me. I am done Kenneth. No more killing. I will not put Sara or our daughter in danger"
Irons chuckles "Ian they will always be in danger. She is the Weilder and a police officer. You are an assassin... a warrior. The best of the best. If you leave Ian they will be in danger."
"No longer Kenneth. Its over"
"You won't cut ties with me Ian. I raised yo" Irons says his voice rising. "You would have been alone if it hadn't been for me."
"I still would have found my way to Sara" Ian shrugs
"You ungrateful bastard" Irons yells "I raised you"
"No you trained me" Ian returns "You tried to kill Sara. You had my family killed. You almost killed my child."
"Christian kill him" Irons orders then smirks at Ian "don't worry Ian your daughter will know you... in Christian"
Hospital
Sara awakens to hushed voices. She opens her eyes to find darkhaired Gabe flirting with a blond nurse "Mm." she sighs stretching
"Oh hey Pez" Gabe grins
Sara smiles sleepily "Hey Gabe its good to see you"
"I'll see you around Gabe." the nurse smiles "Call if you need anything Miss Pezzini"
"So what do you think of her?" Sara asks looking in on the sleeping newborn
"She's cute" Gabe remarks shaking his head "You a Mom"
"I know" Sara smiles
"How long have you been back in New York?"
"Christian... Ian's double found us. He dragged me back and Ian followed. Two nights ago"
"Well I'm glad your back. New York isn't the same without you" he looks at the baby shaking his head "I still can't believe Nottingham's her father"
Sara looks around "Where is Ian?"
"Said something about taking care of something" Gabe shrugs
"Did he say what?" Sara asks
"No"
Sara frowns as there's a knock on the door
The door opens and in walks Jake McCartey "Pez" he says stunned "So Bowman was telling the truth"
"Hey Rookie" Sara grins "good to see you"
"Where have you been?! You had me worried" he says his voice rising
"Shh" Sara hushes "don't wake her" she gestures to the basinet
Jake looks in at the baby "You have a kid" he says amazed
Sara nods picking up the sleepiny baby "She doesn't have a name yet"
Jake frowns "Who's her father?"
"Ian is" Sara answers kissing the baby's covered head
"Notthingham?! You slept with the assassin?!" he says angrily
"Its a long and confusing story" Sara shrugs
Jake runs his fingers through his hair "Where is he?"
"Had an errand to run" Gabe answers
Sara looks at the clock "Gabe how long has he been gone?"
"Hour or so" he shrugs
"Why did you up and run?" Jake demands
"We knew the Bulls and Irons would try something. We had no choice" she looks at the baby "We wanted her safe"
Jake nods "You should have called or emailed me and let me know you were OK"
"Sorry. I didn't want to drag you into this" Sara explains "not with the Bulls around"
"You know" Jake says seeing the look on Sara's face
"Ian figured it out" she says
"Figured out what?" Gabe demands
"Nothing" Sara and Jake says automatically
"I'm not going to tell anyone" Gabe protests
"I know. You just don't need to know"
Hour later
Sara frowns "I'm starting to worry"
"He's a big boy Pez" Jake assures "He probably got distracted"
"I have a bad feeling" Sara says looking at the baby dozing in her arms. She glances at the silent stone 'Ian where are you?' At that moment the door opens and Sara looks up to see Ian enter the room "Ian where were you?" she frowns seeing the pain in his eye "Ian? What's wrong?" she turns to Gabe "Take her" she requests
Gabe carefully takes the baby
Sara goes to Ian's side as he slumps "Ian"
"I'm free Sara" he looks at Sara his eyes pained yet happy
"Jake get a doctor" she orders seeing blood seep through his black sweater. "Ian baby what happened?" she asks pressing her hand against the wound
Ian groans
"He tried to kill us"
Sara looks up at the voice to see Christian standing there "Where is he?" she demands
"He's dead" Christian answered looking at his double "Ian saved my life"
"You are me" Ian says pained
"Shh Ian" she kisses his forehead
"Here" Christian hands Jake a couple computer disks "Irons records on the Bulls. All records of deaths
and dealings he did or ordered the Bulls to do."
Jake stares at the disks surprised "Thanks" he says as the nurses and doctors enter
Sara stands stepping back watching as the nurses and doctor with Christian and Jake's help get Ian onto a stretcher. "Ian" she breaths as the baby cries
"Uh Pez" Gabe says
Sara tears her eyes from the unconscious Ian to look at Gabe holding the crying baby "I need to wash my hands first" she hurries into the bathroom
"Come on kid don't cry" Gabe pleads
Sara walks out of the bathroom taking the baby from Gabe "Shh its OK" she looks at Christian "Thank you"
Christian nods "He's safe now... as are we all" he walks out the door
Jake looks at Sara "And soon they'll get what they deserve"
"Make it hurt Jake. I want them to pay for everyone"
"I will" Jake promises "I have to take this back to
headquarters. I'll be back as soon as possible."
Sara nods cuddling the baby
"I'll send some agents to stay outside your door and Nottingham's"
"Jake you won't..."
"I'll find a way to keep him from being charged" Jake promises "at least not for the crimes that Irons ordered him to do"
"Thank you Jake. I know you and Ian don't get along"
Jake shrugs "Its OK Pez."
Chapter 10
Next Morning
Sara smiles as Ian stirs "Hey Nottingham" she smoothes his hair back
"Sara" she says groggily
"You feeling OK?" she asks
Ian nods
"Good."
"How bad was it?"
"Since you waited so long to come in you lost a lot of blood. The bullet was inches from your lungs"
"Oh"
"You'll be fine" she smiles
"I love you Sara"
"I love you too Ian" she says softly "Now get some rest" she grins "Elliana Danielle is waiting to see her Daddy again"
"Elliana? How did you?"
"Jake found your birth certificate among some files." Sara smiles "What do you think?"
Ian smiles faintly "Perfect"
"Good. Now get some rest. We have a lot ahead of us" she watches as he drifts back to sleep. After a few minutes she stands walking out of the room
"Is he awake?" Jake asks
"Not enough" Sara replies "give him some time." she says looking at the FBI agents "He's been drugged, beat and shot all in three days"
"Miss Pezzini his boss is dead at his hand" an agent reminds
"Look Ian's been through a lot. Just let him rest until this afternoon. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to go see our daughter."
Midafternoon
"I've got a few questions for you Mr Nottingham" one of the FBI agents says
Ian nods his eyes on Sara
"Full name?"
"Ian Christian Nottingham"
"Age?"
"35"
"Born where?"
"London, England"
"US citizen?"
"Yes"
"What happened last night"
Ian takes a calming breath "I went to speak to Mr Irons. He hit me then he shot me"
"Why'd he shoot you?" asks Jake
"Because I wasn't going to allow him to take our daughter"
"Why would he do that?" asks the older agent
"To raise her like me" Ian says sadly
Jake nods "We've seen some of the security tapes
but there are ones missing"
"I wouldn't know. I've been gone" Ian says
"Gone?" asks the older agent
"After I told him I was pregnant we thought it best if we were to leave." Sara explains "We didn't want anything to happen to the baby"
The older agent nods "Mr Nottingham what happened to the body in the refrigeration unit?"
Ian shrugs "Kenneth must have moved it"
"How long have you known him?" asks Jake
"Since I was a boy. He gained custody of me after my parents death"
"How did they die?" the older agent asks
Ian shrugs "I'm not sure"
"Mr Nottingham is there anything else you'd like to tell us?"
"Not now"
Jake nods "We still need to go through the security tapes. We'll give you some time to rest up and then we'll talk more"
Ian nods
"Mr Nottingham don't leave town" the older agent requests
After the agents leave Ian looks at Sara "How much do they know?"
"I'm sure Christian destroyed anything incriminating toward you both" she says as the bedside phone rings she grabs it. "Yes? OK I'll be right up" she hangs up the phone pouting "I have to go. Your daughter is hungry" she kisses him "I'll be back down once she's settled."
Ian nods "I love you Sara"
Sara smiles "I love you too." she squeezes his hand "Get some rest." at Ian's nod she stands walking out of the room
3 days later
Sara smiles at the sight of Ian watching the dozing Elliana "What do you think?"
"She looks like you" he says awed
"Think she's going to have curly hair" Sara chuckles "The doctor said she's gained weight and she'll be able to leave in a few days."
Ian nods
"I think we lucked out. For being 3 weeks early she's had no major health problems." she strokes the baby's cheek
Ian smiles as the Elliana yawns "She's my second chance... to be" he tilts his head "normal."
"Nottingham you'll never be normal" Sara laughs kissing his cheek "that's why I love you"
"I love you Sara" he kisses the baby's head "and you Elliana"
TBC