Disclaimer: I like these. I don't know why. ER is owned by WB and all those other corporate bodies-until of course we storm the building and steal it and the actors and the sets and make the show we want to see. Of course that would mostly involve various characters getting it on, but hey that's what the people want! Vive La Revolution!
A/N: Many thanks to my reviewers-special shout to Rainbow345uk for keeping the British end up as it were. Welcome to all newcomers. May you continue to return for some high drama and emotional pummelling.
This chapter is from Roberts POV then the next will be from Elizabeth's covering the same conversation from her end. So pay attention.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Robert, did you hear me?'
Robert was staring hard at a coffee stain on the desk. Yes, he had heard her. He was just wishing he hadn't. She had been shot. Elizabeth was shot. He ran the words around his head, trying to make them both disappear and become more real at the same time. She was injured, she was in pain and there was nothing he could do. His eyes felt hot and he drew a hand over them quickly. He wanted to throw the phone down, shout 'to hell with it all' and rush into that room to carry her away from...everything.
It was a miracle he didn't. Something pink flashed in front of his eyes. He blinked and looked up. Yvonne Brown was waving a hand in front of him and staring in confusion. Where he was came back to him in a rush.
'How...I mean...where?' he asked, struggling to keep calm.
Elizabeth explained in bland, medical terms and he could tell she was doing so for her own sake as well as his.
'...it's not that bad,' she finished, 'Well not as bad as the dead man here anyway.'
He smiled. Now she was making jokes? Ever the optimist. He tried to think of something he could say, something perfect to re-assure her.
'Don't worry Lizzie, I'll get you through this I promise. I'll get you out of there.'
It was weak and stupid and not altogether true, but it was all he could think of to say.
'I know,' she breathed, 'but...take care of Ella, won't you?'
The words came out in a rush and a flash of emotion choked her voice.
'Oh...of course,' he said, shocked, 'of course I will. But I won't have to. You'll be here.'
He heard nothing but her breathing for a moment, then another screech of tortured plastic and Martin's hissing voice was back.
'So you heard, you wept-are you and the cops satisfied?' he said.
'Yeah I think we got what we needed,' said Robert, quietly.
'Hey what's wrong with you doc? You all cut up about the little girl in peril? Or is it our beautiful doctor here?'
His voice suddenly became panicked.
'I didn't mean to shoot her you know? I just went for Jack. Sarah tried to play hero and knocked my hand. Your doctor just got in the way. It wasn't me, you understand? I never would have...'
He trailed off and Robert looked at Yvonne for a sign of what to do next. She raised a finger to her lips. Just listen.
'But that doesn't mean I won't,' said Martin, realising he was losing his edge, 'if anyone comes anywhere near, someone dies and seeing as your docs already on the way out I might start with her.'
Robert clenched his fist and murmured,
'Martin if she dies, no gun, no cop, no prison...will save you from me.'
Yvonne's eyes widened.
'Keep neutral!' she hissed.
Robert closed his eyes briefly and looked away. That had been a misjudgement, but he couldn't help it. Just the thought of Elizabeth in pain and needing help had made him angry beyond words. And he had meant it. Every word.
'Tut, tut doc,' said Martin, 'you need to be detached in this business. Don't get emotional.'
'Well like I said, I'm a novice at this. I'm entitled to make a few mistakes,' answered Robert.
'One mistake,' said Martin, 'I'll let that one go, but as I have to keep reminding people, I am the one with the gun.'
Robert kept silent.
'No comeback? Good. We're back on track. Now then, what's next? Oh yes, the 'what do I want' question. Well I suppose the answer is what can I have? Can I get the police off my back? Have them drop the charges?'
Robert looked at Yvonne. She nodded.
'Sure, why not. A few fraud charges aren't exactly major crimes,' Robert answered, 'anything else?'
'A new car, a new house...lets live the American dream. Of course I'll need a way away from here. A ticket out. Me and Sarah. Together.'
'I think those are all things we can take care of-'
'But you know what? I want money first. Like a goodwill present. I want, say, fifty thousand in un-marked notes. In here in one hour.'
Robert again looked at Yvonne.
'Tell him we'll do it, but we need something in return. One of the hostages,' she said.
'I'm getting a thumbs up this end Martin,' said Robert, trying to sound relaxed, 'but they have this idea, to have a hostage come out in return. I say it sounds fair.'
'You would. One hostage yeah? And as soon as I open those doors, ten ton of SWAT comes barrelling in and takes me out? I'm not loving that idea,' chuckled Martin.
Suddenly Robert heard a muffled voice in the background and Martin shouted away from the phone.
'Hey get back! I didn't ask you're opinion! I said sit down!'
The muffled voice continued and then another voice cut in as well. Robert was almost sure one of them was Elizabeth.
'Scuse me doc,' grunted Martin.
And he hung up.
'Martin? Wait! Martin!'
But he was gone. In frustration, Robert slammed down the phone.
'What the hell is going on?' he growled.
Yvonne removed her headphones and sighed.
'I hope no-ones trying to be a hero,' she said.
Everyone fell silent and as one turned to look at the corridor. The SWAT team was standing ready. Robert gripped his arm as it suddenly spasmed with pain. They waited for the phone to ring.
Bwahahahaha! I am the queen of cliffhangers! Sorry sparky015 but the cliffhangers continue-just don't have a heart attack 'kay?