A/N: Inspired by Episodes 6 and 7 – 'Nickel and Dimed' – Martin takes action when Samantha is found.

Taking Action

Martin fired at Burns, knowing that Samantha had already hit him at least twice, but seeing the gun trained at Samantha he knew he had to finish the man off. Burns fell to the ground and every muscle in Martin's body urged him to race over to Samantha, to find out if she were okay. But training took over, he knew that he had to watch the threat, make sure it was safe. He glanced over at Samantha and saw her collapsed against the car, eyes shut as if every ounce of energy she had within her was spent. Then he saw Jack, saw Jack rush to her and support her in his arms, touch her with tenderness and concern. Martin seethed inside, he felt like an outsider, he watched helplessly as Jack fulfilled the role of Samantha's protector while he looked on. Turning his attention back to Burns, he kicked the gun away and cuffed the lifeless man and, as soon as he could, he rushed over to Samantha.

The paramedics had arrived and were about to load Samantha into the ambulance, Martin wanted so much to ride with her, to make sure she was okay, and to let her know that he was there for her. With a glance in Jack's direction, Martin made up his mind, "I'm going to ride with her." He didn't wait for acknowledgement from Jack he simply went to the ambulance and helped the EMTs load Samantha's stretcher and climbed in behind it.

Jack watched as Martin acted. He had known for a long time that Martin cared about Samantha, but suspected that something had actually happened given Martin's bold action. He felt wistful, thinking about how he was finally out of his relationship with Maria, free to be with Samantha, and finding out that she was no longer waiting for him. With regret, he watched the ambulance pull away and then slowly he climbed into his own vehicle and drove, not the hospital, but back to the office.

Samantha tried to open her right eye, it was swelling quickly and was threatening to close completely like her left one. Through the slit she managed to create she saw Martin sitting next to her in the ambulance and then realized that he was holding onto her hand. She studied his face without him being aware that she could see him and she read the concern plainly written all over it. She squeeze his hand and he blinked quickly, trying to shake the fear he was feeling so he could be strong for Samantha. He smiled at her, "You're going to be alright, I'm so glad we found you. I was worried ... we were all worried about you. But you did good, I guess you didn't even need us."

Through the pain she whispered just loud enough for him to hear, "I need you."

The nurses and doctors at the hospital patched Samantha up. They told her that she was lucky her injuries weren't worse and she thought about how bad they could have been and agreed. In the end they discharged her with only a few bruises and no broken bones.

Martin drove her to the motel to pick up the few items that she had taken with her. He carried the bags to the car as she greeted a small girl in the parking lot. He watched her fight back tears as she hugged the girl and her eyes followed her as she ran toward her mother. Martin was about to get into the car when he saw Samantha pull her phone from her pocket. He didn't know who she was talking to, but knew enough to give her space. He wondered how long she would remain in that crouched position and he hoped that someday she would tell him why this case had affected her so greatly. But, for now, he took solace in the knowledge that she was going to be okay.

A/N: As long as I get one MS scene an episode I'm a happy camper. Keep the MS fiction flowing.