A/N – thanks for reviews! This is the final chapter. I've decided that rather do one incredibly long chapter – its going to be split into two parts. (I have almost 15 mins left to the first part and second part will be done on Monday (its Friday afternoon here atm and I'm at work).

Julie let out a blood curling scream. Dean was down and he wasn't getting up.

His attacker, on the other hand, was attempting to seize the opportunity lunging at her with the knife in hand.

Julie had a split second to decide what she had to do to save herself.

………………………………………………………..

The Ducks were getting close to the Mall now, they only had to cross the busy road and they'd be there.

POP!

The Ducks froze. Connie immediately burst into tears before skating on harder and faster than she had ever done in her life.

Goldberg remained glued to the spot as did Russ, Averman, Dwayne, Ken, Charlie, Fulton and Guy.

"Was that a gunshot?" Ken whispered, his eyes wide with fear.

The others didn't respond. They didn't want to confirm the inevitable that it was possible one of their own had just been shot.

"Guys, COME ON!" Connie screamed from the median strip (the island that separates a lane going one way from the lane going the other way).

The Ducks snapped out of it and pushed on. Moving towards Connie.

BEEEEEP!

A horn blared as a car narrowly missed Goldberg and Averman who pushed out onto the road without looking for oncoming traffic.

"Goldberg! Averman! Come on, we don't need you two injured as well" Charlie scolded knowing that Coach Riley would have a fit if half of his team couldn't play cos they were in the hospital.

"Sorry Charlie" Averman and Goldberg chorused joining the group on the median strip, waiting for the traffic to clear long enough for them to get across to the other side.

POP!

The Ducks hurried as they heard another gunshot go off.

…………………………………………………..

Julie had a split second to act. Before the attacker could stab her with the knife she used her goalie reflexes to pick up the gun that lay before her feet.

SWISH!

The knife cut into her upper right arm as the grabbed the gun with her left hand.

"Ugh" Julie cried out in pain as she tried to maintain her composure. She had to get the gun up and aim it at the attacker before he killed her first.

He swung the knife at her again but this time Julie anticipated the move and jumped back using the chance she was given to aim and fire.

It hit the attacker in his left shoulder. He stumbled back a little but came at her again with the knife.

POP!

It was a shot a hitman would have been proud of. It landed squarely in between the attackers eyes. This time he went down. He was dead before he hit the floor.

Julie dropped the gun and kicked it as far away from him as possible.

"Dean!" she screamed running over to where Portman still lay slumped on the ground.

She crouched down next to him checking him all over for wounds. She cried out in horror when she found the entry wound in his abdomen.

"Dean, its okay, I'm here. I'm gonna help you" Julie cried desperately not sure if he could hear her or not. She lifted his head and cradled it in her lap.

She leant her head down and felt for breath. She could feel a faint breeze on her cheek and realised he was still alive.

"Dean! Dean! It's me Julie" she cried surprised to find Portman's eyes flutter open slightly.

"Julie?" he whispered.

"Yes its me" she responded the tears flowing down her cheeks.

"Jules, I'm so sorry" he started but Julie shushed him.

"Shhh, I know. It's okay. I'm here now" she said stroking his hair.

Portman smiled a little "Jules, I'm so cold" he stated feeling his body shivering.

"Dean, stay with me please. I need you" she pleaded ripping her overcoat off and laying it over his body trying to tuck him in to it to keep him warm.

"Please Dean, stay" she whispered kissing him on the forehead.

Portman was quiet for a moment and Julie held her breath. He can't die she thought.

Suddenly Portman opened his eyes and looked at her.

"Jules, I……..love………you" was all he got out before his eyes closed.

"I love you too!" Julie said before realising he was quiet.

"Dean? DEAN!" she said loudly nudging him a little.

"oh my god, DEAN! HELP ME! SOMEONE HELP!" she screamed into the empty parking lot.

Julie prayed someone would hear her but for now it was just her, Dean and the dead attacker in the parking lot.

Stay tuned for Part 2!