Hope was blossoming inside of Walsh. If the cops were already here, they would get out here soon and Alex could get treatment. He looked at her, worried. She was trying to control the bleeding by pressing onto her shoulder, but blood was pressing through her fingers. Her face was pale; sweat forming on her forehead.

"Just hold on Alex," Billy told her. He wanted to help her, get her out of there, but he didn't dare to move.

Alex looked up to him, seeing the fear in his eyes. She wanted to tell him it wasn't that bad, that she was okay. But she knew it would be a lie. And he would see right through it. So she just nodded weakly and tried not to move.

Billy turned towards the two men.

"Let me help her, please!" he almost begged.

The taller man looked at his partner, who was stepping away from the door a little.

"You wanna help?" he asked in a voice that wasn't promising anything good.

Walsh nodded slightly.

"Come here," the shorter man ordered.
"Billy don't…" Alex whispered when she saw him moving.

"It's okay Alex," he returned although he wasn't too sure about that himself.

Slowly, he motioned towards the smaller guy. As soon as he was close enough, the man grabbed him, turned him around and held his gun to Billy's temple.

"You tell them to leave us alone! Now!" the man whispered into Walsh's ear.

The taller man was looking in awe, not sure what to do, while his partner ordered him to open the door. As soon as the door was open, the smaller guy pushed Walsh forward, the gun still at his temple.

Police cars were surrounding the shop. Billy could see the ambulance from his house stand by on the left and he recognised the fire engine to the right. All vehicles had their lights on, giving the scene a surreal touch, painting the surrounding area blue and red.

From afar, Lieutenant Johnson and his men were observing the scene. He saw the door open and his heart missed several beats when he recognised the man being pushed outside.

"Billy…," he whispered. Next to him, the others made that same discovery. Their friend and colleague was in there. And that meant, Alex Taylor was in there as well…