A/N – Thanks for all the awesome reviews, as always! You guys are my inspiration and keep me writing.

Chapter 24:

Jack was sitting in the surveillance van, next to Bobby. They were on their way to get Sue, finally, in a few short hours everything would be over.

"Jack, Bobby – its Lucy." Her voice was contorted with emotion over the radio.

"What happened? Is she still there?" exclaimed Jack.

"Yeah. Cain and Pratner walked in. He put a gun to her head." Oh my God, he's going to kill her, was all that he could think. Jack willed the van to go faster, to go save her before Greg killed her but time was cruel and it felt like the ride would take an eternity. "She looked like she wasn't going to do it but I guess he convinced her because she started to sign." Bobby and Ted were listening in closely to the conversation.

"Lucy – what was she signing?" asked Ted.

"She signed – where is everything, then Cain signed back something about in a secure place in LA."

"So we know where the drugs are being held – probably in Pratners other warehouse in LA." responded Bobby in a hushed voice.

"Oh thank God. He put the gun down." They all heard a breath of relief from Lucy. Sue was just doing what they said and he would keep her alive until they got to her. "Okay, she said something about Pratner having the dough. I'm guessing the money. Cain asked where. Wait a second…"

The van lurched. They were a few blocks away from the warehouse and could go no further without the threat of being detected.

"Lucy – you need to stay on the line with Jack and Bobby and keep us aware if they notice our presence." Ted requested. "It'll take a while for us to get there, let us know if they are leaving so we can head them off. We've got to be careful so we need to know what's going on, on your end."

"Wait!" Lucy exclaimed. "Sue's backing down. She won't translate to Cain what Greg just asked. He's got a knife! You've got to get in there fast!" Jacks heart began to beat uncontrollably. Ted and the SWAT team were already out the door, rushing as fast as they could to surround the backdoor of the warehouse.

"Lucy – what's happening?" Bobby was dreading the silence, worried about the news it was going to bring. Lucy was still crying over the radio.

"She's still with us." She said quietly. Jack breathed a sigh of relief. They still had time.

"Lucy – you need to be strong. Keep watching the feed with Rick and let us know what's going on. Things could get messy when they go in after her." Jack said, hoping to calm both himself and Lucy.

"He stabbed her in the arm Jack. She's bleeding and I can't see her on the camera anymore. She crawled over – I thought she was going to where the camera lens was but then she disappeared out of sight. I think she's still in there but I can't see her." Lucy was starting to go hysteric. He heard footsteps and some background noise. Another voice came on the line.

"Hey - It's Rick. I'll take over for Lucy." He said in a strong voice that wavered slightly with fear and exhaustion.

"Thanks Rick," Bobby said quietly.

"Still no sign of Sue. I'll let you know when I see her. She still must be in there because the warehouse floor plans only show 2 rooms, a bigger storage room and an office. She must be in the office, which only has one door. A door we can see." Jack looked at Bobby. This was getting to be too much. They didn't know how much longer they could hold on like this, the worry, the anticipation, the dread. Myles's voice picked up on the radio.

"Almost there boys. Any sign that they know we're there?" Bobby answered.

"No, Sue's moved out of sight from the camera, but were sure she's in there alone. They haven't re-entered the room yet. So far we only have confirmation of 3 men there – Cain, Pratner and Crydle but there could be more so stay alert."

"We're nearly outside the back door. Keep us posted, " was Myles response.

"Still nothing," came another voice. Rick watched the camera with hope. "Wait – she's moving back into view. I have a visual – doesn't look like she knows anything is going on. Still no sign of the perpetrators. She has a wound on her arm, bleeding steadily. I'll call the paramedics to be on route and ready for you."

---

Sue had written a message in her own blood. It seemed surreal, like something from a corny horror movie but it was all she had left. She knew she was about to die. Every second that passed hastened her death. Sue wanted to end her life with her integrity still intact, and she wanted to die knowing that she did all she could. She wanted her family and friends to know that she loved them. Her last message was all she could give, all she could offer. She leaned back towards the wall, but wouldn't close her eyes. She was going to meet her death head on and she was going to be ready for it.