Chapter 7. Realization

I didn't know how long I was out but they definitely gave me a lot of painkillers. I never thought that getting shot at would be this painful, even if the vest took most of the damage. In my slumber I could hear a huge commotion outside in the ER.

"Davis, was the hell happened? Someone idiot working the scene told me there was a robbery, but what were you doing at the liquor store in the first place? It's almost outside of our patrol area!" Sully blazed into the ER.

"We got a bogus domestic call and ended up nearby. Finney had to get some wine for his mom and everything just happened so fast." Davis sounded distressed.

"What? There was a bogus call and you ended up there because of Finney? That son of a bitch, where is he?" Sully yelled. I heard sounds of struggle, but Davis must have held him back. "What are you doing, Davis. Don't you see that it's just too much of a coincidence?"

"No, I don't, Sully. I know what you're thinking, but Finney took three bullets for me. One of them went through his shoulder and he was lucky it only touched muscle . So you can cut him some slack."

There was a brief silence after that. So that's why it hurts so much. I thought, but deep down I knew that what hurt more were the things I wish I didn't know. I saw the car. It was a black van, and there was a dent below the left taillight.

The door cracked open and Grace came in. She sat down next to me and took my hand in hers.

"Hi Brendan." Her eyes were red. "Don't you ever dare do this again."

"Do what?" I squeezed her hand.

"Get shot. I don't think I can handle it a second time. I think after today I'll always be afraid when I answer another call. I can't take it if I have to work on you again." Her voice is breaking up and it hurts me so much to see her like this, but I have no energy left to comfort her, not tonight.

"I promise I won't do it again, but I need your help." I asked her. "Did you call my family yet?"

"No. I don't think so. Do you want me to?"

"No, Grace. I don't want my mom any my sister to worry. I really have to get out of here right now. Came you help me get dressed and call a taxi?" I begged her.

"Brendan, are you crazy? You lost a lot of blood, at least stay for the night. I'll get your family here and explain to them that you're fine." She wasn't going to let this one go.

I sighed. "Please Grace, this is not me being stupid or macho. I really have to be somewhere right now. Help me get out of here, it's important. And Grace, I need an hour of head start and then I want you to tell Davis and Sully I went to my father's office."

Grace looked into my eyes, she must have saw something there, because for once, she didn't argue with me. She helped me get pass the other cops to another exit. It took more work to convince her that she couldn't come with me, but finally she gave in. "Be careful Brendan, and come back right way after you've seen him." She whispered in my ear. That was the moment I realized I loved her, but what would she think of me when the truth came out? I shuddered at the thought.