Friends and Lovers
Chapter 6
Disclaimers: Wish they were mine, but they aren't.
A/N: I'm enjoying reading the reviews and want to thank each and every one of you. It's nice to know that the time and thought that went into story is appreiated. This story is far from over.
----------
Four hours later
The police and FBI members were milling about, taking turns seeking shelter from the cold December air. No additional information was coming from inside the bank despite the periodic calls. Jack had resorted to using the bullhorn to try and get the robbers to listen but there was still no response. Despite all the discussion, there was little they could do without endangering the hostages. Food and drinks were brought to the door but they went unacknowledged.
Little was said as Bobby and Sue leaned against one of the cars drinking coffee but she took comfort in his presence. If he was with her, that meant he was out of harm's way—for now.
"You really should go in and get warm," Bobby suggested to her. "Levi's the smart one." She had left Levi with Tara in the surveillance van.
She shook her head. "I will—in a little while. I'd just rather be here right now."
He wanted to smooth the worry lines away from her forehead but knew such a public display would not be acceptable. Instead, he smiled and edged a little closer to her, grateful for her presence.
-----
Inside the Bank
"Jason, I want to go home," pleaded Danny, the slightly older man. "You said we'd be in here only a little while then we could go home. I want to go home." While he physically appeared to be an adult, the thoughts and emotions of a four year old were housed in his body.
Jason was fond of Danny. Despite the age difference, Danny reminded him of his kid brother. He'd taken Danny under his wing when they met at the construction site five years ago. Five years ago, he thought bitterly, he had a girlfriend, an apartment, a good job. Then the accident happened. Unable to work and with mounting medical bills, he'd been unable to get a loan to tide them over the rough spot. The girlfriend eventually left and he lost the apartment. All that remained from the good times was his friendship with Danny.
He hated to leave Danny alone but he couldn't see his way out of his present situation. If he died, Danny would come into some money and he could live off that.
"We're going home soon, Danny," Jason promised. "Tell you what--we'll let all these people go home. Then we can go home. Would you like that?"
Danny's face lit up. "That's good, Jason. I think they're tired, too. They want to go home. Can I tell them? Can I tell them?" he said eagerly.
"Sure, you let them know."
Excitedly, Danny went around telling the people they could leave. Expecting them to be happy, he was disappointed when no one smiled and clapped. Fearful expressions dotted their faces.
"Go home," he encouraged. "You can go home." He went to the door and opened it.
----------
"Heads up!" shouted Jack when the door swung open. "Something's happening." Immediately, people fell into position waiting to see what would happen next. Myles joined Bobby and Sue as they stood poised for the robbers' next move. All eyes were riveted on the bank's doors.
One by one, the hostages stumbled outside, taking hesitant initial steps then running as they realized they were free. Officers ran to escort them to safety.
"That's everyone," announced Murphy. "Only the two suspects are left."
Using the bullhorn, Jack contacted the men inside, "Come out with your hands up. Nobody will get hurt if you come out with your hands up."
-----
Inside
"C'mon, Jason," begged Danny, "the man said we can come out. They won't hurt us. They promised. Maybe they'll let us go home now."
"You go first, Danny," urged Jason. "I'm gonna stay here for a little bit to clean up, okay?"
"Sure," said Danny happily. "Don't take too long, okay?"
----------
Outside
The tension was palpable as one of the suspects emerged from the bank. They were prepared for anything—except Danny, a very happy Danny.
"Put your weapon on the ground and your hands on your head," ordered Jack after exchanging a perplexed glance with D. "Put your weapon on the ground and your hands on your head," he repeated when the man appeared to be confused. Slowly, the gun was lowered to the ground.
"Good. Now put your hands on your head." Danny complied hesitantly. "Walk towards us slowly."
The officers and agents were poised to take action when there was an explosion that sent them crouching in alarm. Bobby yanked Sue down covering her with his body. Whirling around, the man screamed, "Jason!" and ran towards the burning building.
Bobby immediately jumpedup and sprinted after the suspect.
Sue grabbed Myles' arm. Her heart was in her throat as she watched Bobby rush into the burning bank. Unconsciously, Myles covered her hand with his. The seconds seemed to drag by as the firefighters scrambled to find the two men in the blaze. Finally, figures emerged from the smoke and flames—two firefighters supporting two men.
"He's out, Bobby's out," Myles said, relief evident in his voice.
She breathed a ragged sigh of relief which changed into a gasp when the two civilians collapsed to their knees the moment the firefighters removed their arms. Relief workers were instantly upon them dragging them to a safe distance away from the burning wreckage.
Sue quickly made her way to the EMT vehicle. Oxygen masks were placed over the two as they lay propped on gurneys while paramedics checked their vitals. Bobby lifted off his mask as a spasm of coughing hit him but it was promptly replaced when he started to gasp for air. Sue edged closer until she was within his field of vision. Spotting her, his hand reached out for hers, apology evident in his eyes at her distress.
"How is he?" Sue asked the paramedic as Myles, D and Jack joined them—all noting the clasped hands. While D and Myles took it in stride, Jack's eyebrows raised at the sight. Swiftly glancing at Sue's face, he could see concern, worry—and something else—written all over it.
"We're taking him to the hospital. He's being treated for smoke inhalation and he suffered first and second degree burns, mainly on his hands," said the emergency technician. "You riding in with him?"
Sue's eyes met Jack's--a question asked and answered with regret. "Go on," he finally said. "We'll meet you there and bring Levi." She entered the ambulance with Bobby after a fleeting smile of acknowledgment.
"Myles, D, one of you needs to go with the suspect," directed Jack. Myles nodded and followed the other man into the waiting ambulance.
D and Jack stood watching the ambulances leave. "And when did this happen?" Jack asked conversationally.
D didn't pretend to misunderstand him. "This morning about 9:20," he answered recalling the moment Bobby and Sue met under the mistletoe.
Jack looked at D in surprise. "I guess maybe I shouldn't have gone to that meeting," he said matter-of-factly.
"Maybe not," agreed D.
----------