The paramedics and LAPD arrived just as the sky opened up and a heavy rain started. Jack waited by the car his binoculars trained on the house while Tony gave instructions to the paramedics and the lead LAPD officer.

"If we have a clear shot when he opens the door do you want us to take it?"The LAPD officer asked.

Tony shook his head. "No, we don't know where the hostage is in the house. I don't want to risk anything. Keep the bomb squad on alert I don't want any surprises tonight."

"Okay."

Tony retraced his steps to the car and leaned back against the driver's side door next to Jack. His cellular phone clutched tightly in his right hand.

"Anything?"Tony asked his gaze trained on the two paramedics who were waiting entry into the house.

Jack shook his head as he lowered the binoculars. "No, he must have her in one of the back rooms. I should go around to the beach and see if I can get closer."

"Hold off on that a minute."Tony replied ignoring the pelting rain as he saw the front door open slowly.

Auda stood in the doorway glancing from the two paramedics to the swarm of officers on the street. Yusuf stepped aside and allowed the paramedics to step into the house before he shut the door behind them.

*********

Michelle looked up as Yusuf led two paramedics into the living room. She knew this was part of Auda's deal with Tony. Michelle wondered if Tony was nearby. Maybe she could get a message to him through the paramedics. Let him know she was okay.

"Have you lost conscienceness at all?"The male paramedic asked as he knelt down next to Michelle and opened his bag of supplies.

Michelle shook her head. "No."

"Follow the pen light."The female paramedic ordered gently as she held up the small flashlight in front of Michelle's eyes.

Michelle obeyed looking back at Yusuf who was still holding the gun.

"Doesn't seem to be any sign of a concussion."The male paramedic reported to his partner. He gently rolled up the sleeve of Michelle's shirt as he saw the makeshift bandage on her left arm. "Let me take a look at that shoulder."

"You've seen that she's fine, now get out."Yusuf ordered as he gestured toward the door with the gun.

The male paramedic turned his hand still on Michelle's shoulder. "This wound could get infected. It needs to be treated."

Yusuf met Michelle's gaze for a moment before he shook his head. "Leave the antiseptic and then get out."

The two paramedics looked at each other before they stood. The female paramedic reluctantly took out the can of antiseptic and set it on the floor.

"Go!"Yusuf ordered as he raised the gun at the paramedics.

The paramedics quickly walked to the front door and left the beach house.

In frustration Yusuf aimed the gun at the far wall and fired.

********

The sound of a gun shot cut through the night and caused every officer gathered outside to freeze.

Tony's heart leapt into his throat as he took a step forward. He watched as the paramedics raced down the front walk.

Jack placed a restraining hand on Tony's shoulder. "Easy."

"Did I make a mistake sending them in, Jack?"Tony wondered his voice near the breaking point. "Did I make him flip out? If she's....."

Jack motioned the lead LAPD detective forward just as the paramedics reached them. "Let's find out where that shot went before we do anything."

Tony nodded struggling to calm his emotions as he looked at the LAPD officer. "Take one man and go around back. I want a visual on the hostage."

The officer nodded and quickly moved back to the other police officers.

Tony looked over at the two paramedics who were catching their breath bags of supplies resting at their feet. "You guys okay?"

The female paramedic nodded. "Yeah, we're fine."

Tony took a hand held radio from a nearby officer. "Do you have a visual on the hostage?"

Tension filled the air as they waited for the officer's response.

"Copy that. We have a visual, she's alive."

Tony breathed a sigh of relief as he leaned back against the car closing his eyes. "Leave one man there out of sight and then come back around. If we get a clear shot at Auda I want it taken but only as a last resort."

"Roger."