I thought I'd bring the ER crew in a bit to add, or maybe ease, a bit of tension and see how this affected them. I imagine this story like a really focused episode. And I like Susan and want her to be in this too.

Twenty minutes had past...

Rumours and half-truths were buzzing around the ER like determined flies. Kerry Weaver had disappeared upstairs as soon as the police had arrived, intent on finding out what the hell was going on. Susan Lewis, desperate for coffee and peace, scooted into the doctors' lounge-which was unexpectedly both quiet and full of people.

Some of the ER staff-nurses, doctors, porters, even Jerry-had gathered around the television. It showed an excited look young woman, standing it what appeared to be the ambulance bay.

'I wondered where everyone had got to,' said Susan, stopping abruptly in the doorway, 'what's this?'

Jerry, standing at the back, leaned over to her and whispered.

'The press have arrived. They've got a camera at the window.'

'The window?' asked Susan, 'how?'

'Climbed on top of a building next door.'

'Well can they see anything?'

'Nothing. Just a bed, it's pretty dark.'

'Weaver said their was a shooter and hostages-do they know anymore?'

'There are five hostages and one of them may be a doctor,' said Jerry, animatedly.

Susan's eyes widened and she let the door close behind her, moving closer to the TV.

'Oh my God,' she whispered, 'I wonder who it is?'

'In our own hospital and we're watching it on the damn TV,' said Haleh, from somewhere near the front.

Just then the door opened and Abby, Chen and Carter shuffled in to the already crowded space, looked confused.

Susan was about to ask who was actually dealing with the patients, when Kerry Weaver appeared, having obviously herded them in.

'Turn that off,' she ordered.

Malik flicked the switch and everyone went quiet.

'Before I chuck you lot back out there, this is as good a time as any to explain what I know. All I know. I don't want any random gossip or scaremongering. And no questions either, after I've finished you leave, you work as normal and you diffuse any patient questions by telling them the situation is under control.'

The hushed group leaned in, eager for news.

'Firstly, Jerry get out there and clear those news crews outta the ambulance bay, they're blocking emergencies.'

Jerry looked downcast.

'But Chief-'

Kerry fixed him with a steely eye and Jerry thought better of arguing. He pushed his way back outside.

'Now. This goes no further,' Weaver continued, 'I have just come from upstairs where a policeman told me this. About twenty-five minutes ago, a man walked into one of the pre-op rooms with a gun and began to shoot. We don't as yet know why. We don't who has been shot, and who hasn't, the police are trying to talk to the shooter now.'

She stopped suddenly and looked down.

'Dr Weaver?' said Carter, reaching out.

Weaver brushed him off.

'I'm fine. Five people were in that room, one of them was a doctor. Dr Corday.'

There was a universal gasp. Abby leant closer to Carter and Susan covered her mouth with her hand.

'That is all I know. I will try and keep you updated people, but I can only say what they tell me. Now, back to work.'

She pushed back through the throng and into the chaos of ER. The group was silent for a moment; each lost in their own thoughts. Abby gave Carter a quick hug.

'You okay?' she asked.

He nodded, blankly, then said,

'You heard her everyone,' said Carter, 'lets go back out there and do our jobs.'

He opened the door and Abby walked out followed by Chen. Carter left and one by one the staff members melted back outside, subdued, worried, scared.