Miracles Do Happen
Author's Note; I haven't gone to sleep after 1 a.m since June. So I'm just a wee bit tired. But I had a great idea for the story now I just hope I can remember it. Here's Chapter 14.
Chapter 14: The Take Down
" Okay, we've pinpointed the location of the arsonist Shane Carlyle at
what
seems to be his center of operations. An abandoned business complex
in Manhattan. Kennedy, you and Jackson have your warrant and we'll
provide you with more than enough cover. This is your chance. Let's go
bust this guy." Those were Commander Boyd's last words as he left the
briefing room. Leon and his partner Dwayne Jackson went to the lockers
to
suit up.
" Eh, Kennedy, I'm guessing you finally popped the question to that
fine
girlfriend of yours. You've got incriminating evidence." Jackson joked
as he
nodded to Leon's engagement ring. Leon chuckled as he slid on the
bulletproof vest.
" Yeah, I'm guilty of giving up on my bachelorhood. It's going on
11:30.
I'm supposed to be home right now." Leon sighed. Jackson placed a clip
into his Berretta and put on his jacket.
" Why don't you just call Claire and let her know that we're going in
for a
bust?" Jackson asked. Leon shook his head.
" Now Dwayne, you know that we can't inform anyone of an impending
operation. Even family." Jackson smiled.
" Damn Kennedy, you know the book in and out don't you. Then again,
after
all you've been through I guess you love this job. God, I want to be
like
you."
Leon laughed once again before getting up and heading to the car.
Jackson
followed him and the two made jokes while on their way to the garage.
Leon
couldn't think of a better partner to have beside him other than
Dywane.
Since his first day in New York, they had been the best of friends.
Claire had
met him a few times on occasion and she too liked him. They would even
each other over for dinner sometimes. Not to mention play cards.
" All right Kennedy. Let's go get em." Jackson bumped his fist with
Leon's
fist and Leon did it in return. He was disappointed in not being able
to
go home but he knew Claire understood. Besides it was his duty to
serve and
protect."
At Leon and Claire's Apartment
Sherry was watching cartoon network but also comforting Claire. She
had
been on the phone for about almost 20 minutes calling up to see if
Leon was
or if he had left. It was going on 11:45 and Leon was supposed to get
off at
nine. She knew he would get off late and if he got held up he would
always
call. But tonight, there was no call. Jackson didn' t call for him
either. That
worried her. Sherry turned as Claire slammed the phone in disgust.
" What's wrong Claire?" Sherry asked as she turned the t.v. down.
Courage
the Cowardly Dog was one of her favorite shows but Claire's obvious
distress was more important right now.
" Those damn people won't tell let me speak to Leon. They keep on
saying
he's unavailable, he's unavailable. And when I asked when he would be
available, all they said was I'm not sure." Claire sighed before
closing her
eyes.
" That is sort of odd, isn't it. Why wouldn't they let you speak to
him?"
Sherry agreed. Claire shook her head absently.
" This doesn't seem right. But all I can do is wait. Atleast I have
you here
with me though." Claire said still feeling weary but appreciating her
comfort. Sherry walked over and gave Claire a sisterly hug.
" I'm sure he's okay, Claire." Sherry told her as she sat back and
turned the
t.v back up.
" Stupid dog." Was Eustace's insult to Courage on the t.v. Claire
chuckled a
bit. Sherry smiled.
" This is funny." Claire noted with a smile creeping to her face.
Sherry
nodded.
" Yep. My cousins watch cartoon network 24/7 and it sort of grew on
me."
" Now I see why Leon watches this show. But Ed, Edd n Eddy I don't
get."
Claire questioned outloud. Sherry laughed.
" Okay, Claire this is why the Eds are funny." From there Sherry tried
to
calm Claire's nerves by entertaining her with all of her knowledge of
cartoons. It was the least she could do. Besides, it eased the
weariness inside
her too.
Back to Leon
Jackson and Leon were advancing to the upper floor of the complex
while
the backup units would secure the lower levels. Two members of the
N. Y.P.D bomb squad had accompanied Leon and Dwayne for they knew
Shane had the place rigged with explosives. As they made their way up
the
aging corridor, Jackson rose up his hand signaling them to stop.
" What is it?" Leon asked. The bomb squad members Sean Paulsen and
Michael Briggs looked at him with questioning stares. Jackson
pointed to the door at the end of the hall.
" We need to secure the room before we let them in." Jackson told Leon
as
he pointed to Paulsen and Briggs. Leon nodded.
" All right, I'll make contact and attempt to arrest him with force.
If that fails, send them in and I'll secure." Jackson nodded.
" Go Kennedy." Jackson commanded. Leon nodded and proceeded
down the corridor. As he approached the room, he took a deep breath.
" Shane, I'm Detective Kennedy with the N.Y.P.D. You know why we're here don't you?"
Leon waited for a response. " Because I'm the one who blew up those buildings and you've come to bust me." Shane told him mockingly through the door. He cocked his glock. Leon heard this and proceeded with caution.
" Shane, listen. You know as well as I know that you're going to serve time. That's inevitable. But trust me, Shane. I've seen guys worse than you. Guys more evil than you. Guys that make your crime look like shit in comparasion. You ever heard of Umbrella Shane. My friends and I took them down. I know how the system works. I can talk to people. But if you dig any deeper I'm not going to be able to pull you out. I don't want to forcefully arrest you, I want to do this with your cooperation. Do you accept?" Leon asked. He looked at Jackson and the others as they waited.
Five minutes later Shane responded.
" Detective. I made me decision. You're right. I'm not going to see freedom any time soon after I get convicted. And you probrably can talk to people. But frankly I don't give a fuck. I'm already gonna burn. You might as well too."
Leon's eyes widened with fear as he heard the clicking of a timer. His adrenaline kicked in.
" Jackson! He's going to detonate!" Leon yelled. Jackson, Paulsen, and Briggs ran down the hall to meet up with him. Leon kicked the door hard. Jackson then kicked it hard. They continued to kick it until it swung open.
" Fuck!" Shane yelled as he took a couple of shots at Leon. He had good aim and one shot hit Leon in the torso. Leon flinched. Jackson ran to him.
" Kennedy! You all right?" Jackson asked with worry increasing. Paulsen and Briggs were attempting to disarm the explosive mechanisms. The whole building complex was wired.
" I'm good. I can walk." Leon told him as he pursued Shane around into the next room. Jackson used his radio to inform the back up units that the building was rigged and to evacuate immediately. After that he ran to Paulsen to see if they made any progress.
" Paulsen, how much time do we have?" Jackson asked worriedly. Paulsen looked up to him with a hint of fear in his eyes.
" We have 2 minutes and we can't stop the detonation of all the bombs. Just the ones on the lower levels. I don't know how the hell he did it but this floor and up is through." Paulsen and Briggs got up and ran out the door and back down to the lower levels. There were 3 floors and the triggering mechanism was on the second. Jackson ran after Leon.
Running as fast as he could Jackson and met up with Leon. Leon was limping. The wound in his abdomen was bleeding profusely.
" Leon! Forget him. We gotta go now! Come on." Jackson said as he and helped Leon up and helped him to the other room where they had entered. Leon sighed.
" I thought I could help him Dwayne." Leon said sadly. Dwayne nodded. " I know you tried. But we really gotta go."
As the approached the door to the stairway, Leon turned to the trigger and glanced at the clock. He eyes widened. 12 seconds.
" Run." Leon said as he let go of Dwayne and started to run. Dwayne ran with him.
" We're gonna make it Leon." Jackson told him as he heard the beeping sound of the trigger.
" I know. Dive!" And after the beeping stopped Leon and Jackson dove into the stairwell hoping the blast wouldn't catch them.
1: 32 a.m
Rinnnnngggggg!
Claire jumped up at the sound of the phone ringing. She had fallen asleep about and hour ago and she looked to see Sherry next to her sleeping as well. Claire quickly picked up the phone.
" Hello. Leon?" Claire asked hopefully. She had been worried to death about him and couldn't shake off the feeling.
" May I speak to the spouse or a family member of Mr. Kennedy mam." Claire narrowed her eyes.
" This is Claire Redfield. I am his fiance. Who is this?' Claire demanded.
" My name is Dr. Levy and I'm afraid I have some rather unfortunate news about your fiance Leon Kennedy." Claire shook her head as she felt a tear roll down her cheek.
" What do you mean?" Claire asked.
' Mr. Kennedy has a bullet wound that has pierced his abdomen and is suffering from 2nd and 3rd degree burns. He has lost much blood and may have broken some ribs. He as also I'm sorry to say unconscious. He may fall into a coma. It is not for certain."
Claire couldn't believe what she had just heard. And this time she didn't attempt to stop the flood of tears that rolled down her face.
" Are any of the wounds fatal doctor?" She asked dreading the worst. Dr. Levy sighed.
" We do not know yet. If he has lost too much blood and the transfusion fails then yes, it is fatal." At this point, Claire broke down and started crying. This woke Sherry up.
" I'm so sorry. Miss Redfield. I really am. Why don't you come down here and see him. Technically only family is allowed in this unit but I will make an exception in your case. Just ask for me when you get here. I'm here at St. John's Hospital. See you when you get here."
" Thank you Dr. Levy." Claire choked out through tears. She hung up the phone. Sherry was looking right at Claire with a sad face. She was no longer joking around. She knew something was seriously wrong.
" It's Leon. Isn't it Claire?" Sherry asked knowing she was treading thin ice. Claire nodded.
" He's in the hospital. He was shot and badly burned. The doctor's said if the blood transfusion fails or if he falls into a coma... He may die." Sherry started to cry a bit.
" Oh Claire." She told her softly as she leant over and gave her a comforting hug. She just let Claire cry into her shoulder. Sherry was hurting too. Leon was like her brother. And at one time, like her father. But like Claire had to be strong for her so many years ago, Sherry knew she had to be strong for Claire now.
Author's Note: Hey, was that a good way to bring some drama into the story? Since this is a romance/drama. I hope it came out okay. To some, it may seem a bit rushed since this is only a day after Leon proposed but believe me. Life can go from high to low in a blink of an eye. I've seen it happen. So could you please review and let me know how you liked the chapter and keep reading. I feel inspired and that means more feedback from you gives me more inspiration to keep writing. Alrighty Then.
Author's Note; I haven't gone to sleep after 1 a.m since June. So I'm just a wee bit tired. But I had a great idea for the story now I just hope I can remember it. Here's Chapter 14.
Chapter 14: The Take Down
" Okay, we've pinpointed the location of the arsonist Shane Carlyle at
what
seems to be his center of operations. An abandoned business complex
in Manhattan. Kennedy, you and Jackson have your warrant and we'll
provide you with more than enough cover. This is your chance. Let's go
bust this guy." Those were Commander Boyd's last words as he left the
briefing room. Leon and his partner Dwayne Jackson went to the lockers
to
suit up.
" Eh, Kennedy, I'm guessing you finally popped the question to that
fine
girlfriend of yours. You've got incriminating evidence." Jackson joked
as he
nodded to Leon's engagement ring. Leon chuckled as he slid on the
bulletproof vest.
" Yeah, I'm guilty of giving up on my bachelorhood. It's going on
11:30.
I'm supposed to be home right now." Leon sighed. Jackson placed a clip
into his Berretta and put on his jacket.
" Why don't you just call Claire and let her know that we're going in
for a
bust?" Jackson asked. Leon shook his head.
" Now Dwayne, you know that we can't inform anyone of an impending
operation. Even family." Jackson smiled.
" Damn Kennedy, you know the book in and out don't you. Then again,
after
all you've been through I guess you love this job. God, I want to be
like
you."
Leon laughed once again before getting up and heading to the car.
Jackson
followed him and the two made jokes while on their way to the garage.
Leon
couldn't think of a better partner to have beside him other than
Dywane.
Since his first day in New York, they had been the best of friends.
Claire had
met him a few times on occasion and she too liked him. They would even
each other over for dinner sometimes. Not to mention play cards.
" All right Kennedy. Let's go get em." Jackson bumped his fist with
Leon's
fist and Leon did it in return. He was disappointed in not being able
to
go home but he knew Claire understood. Besides it was his duty to
serve and
protect."
At Leon and Claire's Apartment
Sherry was watching cartoon network but also comforting Claire. She
had
been on the phone for about almost 20 minutes calling up to see if
Leon was
or if he had left. It was going on 11:45 and Leon was supposed to get
off at
nine. She knew he would get off late and if he got held up he would
always
call. But tonight, there was no call. Jackson didn' t call for him
either. That
worried her. Sherry turned as Claire slammed the phone in disgust.
" What's wrong Claire?" Sherry asked as she turned the t.v. down.
Courage
the Cowardly Dog was one of her favorite shows but Claire's obvious
distress was more important right now.
" Those damn people won't tell let me speak to Leon. They keep on
saying
he's unavailable, he's unavailable. And when I asked when he would be
available, all they said was I'm not sure." Claire sighed before
closing her
eyes.
" That is sort of odd, isn't it. Why wouldn't they let you speak to
him?"
Sherry agreed. Claire shook her head absently.
" This doesn't seem right. But all I can do is wait. Atleast I have
you here
with me though." Claire said still feeling weary but appreciating her
comfort. Sherry walked over and gave Claire a sisterly hug.
" I'm sure he's okay, Claire." Sherry told her as she sat back and
turned the
t.v back up.
" Stupid dog." Was Eustace's insult to Courage on the t.v. Claire
chuckled a
bit. Sherry smiled.
" This is funny." Claire noted with a smile creeping to her face.
Sherry
nodded.
" Yep. My cousins watch cartoon network 24/7 and it sort of grew on
me."
" Now I see why Leon watches this show. But Ed, Edd n Eddy I don't
get."
Claire questioned outloud. Sherry laughed.
" Okay, Claire this is why the Eds are funny." From there Sherry tried
to
calm Claire's nerves by entertaining her with all of her knowledge of
cartoons. It was the least she could do. Besides, it eased the
weariness inside
her too.
Back to Leon
Jackson and Leon were advancing to the upper floor of the complex
while
the backup units would secure the lower levels. Two members of the
N. Y.P.D bomb squad had accompanied Leon and Dwayne for they knew
Shane had the place rigged with explosives. As they made their way up
the
aging corridor, Jackson rose up his hand signaling them to stop.
" What is it?" Leon asked. The bomb squad members Sean Paulsen and
Michael Briggs looked at him with questioning stares. Jackson
pointed to the door at the end of the hall.
" We need to secure the room before we let them in." Jackson told Leon
as
he pointed to Paulsen and Briggs. Leon nodded.
" All right, I'll make contact and attempt to arrest him with force.
If that fails, send them in and I'll secure." Jackson nodded.
" Go Kennedy." Jackson commanded. Leon nodded and proceeded
down the corridor. As he approached the room, he took a deep breath.
" Shane, I'm Detective Kennedy with the N.Y.P.D. You know why we're here don't you?"
Leon waited for a response. " Because I'm the one who blew up those buildings and you've come to bust me." Shane told him mockingly through the door. He cocked his glock. Leon heard this and proceeded with caution.
" Shane, listen. You know as well as I know that you're going to serve time. That's inevitable. But trust me, Shane. I've seen guys worse than you. Guys more evil than you. Guys that make your crime look like shit in comparasion. You ever heard of Umbrella Shane. My friends and I took them down. I know how the system works. I can talk to people. But if you dig any deeper I'm not going to be able to pull you out. I don't want to forcefully arrest you, I want to do this with your cooperation. Do you accept?" Leon asked. He looked at Jackson and the others as they waited.
Five minutes later Shane responded.
" Detective. I made me decision. You're right. I'm not going to see freedom any time soon after I get convicted. And you probrably can talk to people. But frankly I don't give a fuck. I'm already gonna burn. You might as well too."
Leon's eyes widened with fear as he heard the clicking of a timer. His adrenaline kicked in.
" Jackson! He's going to detonate!" Leon yelled. Jackson, Paulsen, and Briggs ran down the hall to meet up with him. Leon kicked the door hard. Jackson then kicked it hard. They continued to kick it until it swung open.
" Fuck!" Shane yelled as he took a couple of shots at Leon. He had good aim and one shot hit Leon in the torso. Leon flinched. Jackson ran to him.
" Kennedy! You all right?" Jackson asked with worry increasing. Paulsen and Briggs were attempting to disarm the explosive mechanisms. The whole building complex was wired.
" I'm good. I can walk." Leon told him as he pursued Shane around into the next room. Jackson used his radio to inform the back up units that the building was rigged and to evacuate immediately. After that he ran to Paulsen to see if they made any progress.
" Paulsen, how much time do we have?" Jackson asked worriedly. Paulsen looked up to him with a hint of fear in his eyes.
" We have 2 minutes and we can't stop the detonation of all the bombs. Just the ones on the lower levels. I don't know how the hell he did it but this floor and up is through." Paulsen and Briggs got up and ran out the door and back down to the lower levels. There were 3 floors and the triggering mechanism was on the second. Jackson ran after Leon.
Running as fast as he could Jackson and met up with Leon. Leon was limping. The wound in his abdomen was bleeding profusely.
" Leon! Forget him. We gotta go now! Come on." Jackson said as he and helped Leon up and helped him to the other room where they had entered. Leon sighed.
" I thought I could help him Dwayne." Leon said sadly. Dwayne nodded. " I know you tried. But we really gotta go."
As the approached the door to the stairway, Leon turned to the trigger and glanced at the clock. He eyes widened. 12 seconds.
" Run." Leon said as he let go of Dwayne and started to run. Dwayne ran with him.
" We're gonna make it Leon." Jackson told him as he heard the beeping sound of the trigger.
" I know. Dive!" And after the beeping stopped Leon and Jackson dove into the stairwell hoping the blast wouldn't catch them.
1: 32 a.m
Rinnnnngggggg!
Claire jumped up at the sound of the phone ringing. She had fallen asleep about and hour ago and she looked to see Sherry next to her sleeping as well. Claire quickly picked up the phone.
" Hello. Leon?" Claire asked hopefully. She had been worried to death about him and couldn't shake off the feeling.
" May I speak to the spouse or a family member of Mr. Kennedy mam." Claire narrowed her eyes.
" This is Claire Redfield. I am his fiance. Who is this?' Claire demanded.
" My name is Dr. Levy and I'm afraid I have some rather unfortunate news about your fiance Leon Kennedy." Claire shook her head as she felt a tear roll down her cheek.
" What do you mean?" Claire asked.
' Mr. Kennedy has a bullet wound that has pierced his abdomen and is suffering from 2nd and 3rd degree burns. He has lost much blood and may have broken some ribs. He as also I'm sorry to say unconscious. He may fall into a coma. It is not for certain."
Claire couldn't believe what she had just heard. And this time she didn't attempt to stop the flood of tears that rolled down her face.
" Are any of the wounds fatal doctor?" She asked dreading the worst. Dr. Levy sighed.
" We do not know yet. If he has lost too much blood and the transfusion fails then yes, it is fatal." At this point, Claire broke down and started crying. This woke Sherry up.
" I'm so sorry. Miss Redfield. I really am. Why don't you come down here and see him. Technically only family is allowed in this unit but I will make an exception in your case. Just ask for me when you get here. I'm here at St. John's Hospital. See you when you get here."
" Thank you Dr. Levy." Claire choked out through tears. She hung up the phone. Sherry was looking right at Claire with a sad face. She was no longer joking around. She knew something was seriously wrong.
" It's Leon. Isn't it Claire?" Sherry asked knowing she was treading thin ice. Claire nodded.
" He's in the hospital. He was shot and badly burned. The doctor's said if the blood transfusion fails or if he falls into a coma... He may die." Sherry started to cry a bit.
" Oh Claire." She told her softly as she leant over and gave her a comforting hug. She just let Claire cry into her shoulder. Sherry was hurting too. Leon was like her brother. And at one time, like her father. But like Claire had to be strong for her so many years ago, Sherry knew she had to be strong for Claire now.
Author's Note: Hey, was that a good way to bring some drama into the story? Since this is a romance/drama. I hope it came out okay. To some, it may seem a bit rushed since this is only a day after Leon proposed but believe me. Life can go from high to low in a blink of an eye. I've seen it happen. So could you please review and let me know how you liked the chapter and keep reading. I feel inspired and that means more feedback from you gives me more inspiration to keep writing. Alrighty Then.