890 Words

Chapter Nine

Jess paced in the waiting lounge outside the ARC medical section. Soon she heard a bustle of noise. Becker burst through the doors. She ran to him and he hugged her tightly.

"He flat lined in the ambulance," he said.

Jess gasped.

"He's alright, for now. They restarted his heart."

"Oh…God," whispered Jess, holding Becker tighter.

"Regina?" he asked.

"Lester said they're about three minutes away."

Becker shook slightly in her arms. "Fred's the best man I've ever had."

She nodded.

"If he doesn't make it…"

"He will," she said. "We must believe that he will."

Becker nodded. He pulled out of her embrace and wiped his eyes. "I need to pull myself together before Regina gets here."

"Let's sit," she said. She took Becker's hand and held it tight.

He sat beside her, trying to calm his breathing and slow his racing heartbeat. "I can't stop thinking about his daughter. She's so small. He has to be there for her, as she grows."

Jess blinked back the tears. She put her arms around him. "We have to be positive."

Becker nodded. "Thank you for being here."

"Of course," she said. She wanted to say something else, but nothing would help. They sat nervously for a couple minutes.

Lester burst in with Regina Flowers. She was taller than Jess with mocha skin and brown eyes that were normally bright and happy, but not today.

She saw Jess and Becker and ran to them. Jess held her and Becker took her hand.

"I'll check on his condition," said Lester, excusing himself to get an update.

Regina sat between Jess and Becker, who put his arm around his Lt's wife. "He's going to be fine."

"You don't know that," said Regina, sobbing.

"I do, Reggie," said Becker, "because he said something to me that makes it clear he's going to fight to stay here with us."

"What?"

"Your name and Ladonna's."

Reggie sobbed.

"Fred's going to do everything he can to stay with you two."

Regina sobbed but nodded. "I know he will."

The door opened again, and the rest of team, Bilson and Vale appeared.

"Any news?" asked Abby.

"Not yet," said Jess.

Vale and Bilson sat beside their commander. "Carly is in temporary command," said Vale. "I'll go back in a minute, and then Bilson and I will trade off."

Becker nodded. "You did well, both of you."

"Thank you," said Bilson. "So did you."

Jess smiled. "He did."

"I hate this waiting," said Regina.

Lester came in. "He's in surgery."

Regina jumped up. "Do they think….

"I'm sorry, but it's just too soon to tell," said Lester. "He's still alive."

Regina nodded. "He's still alive," she whispered. "Still alive."

Jess took her in her arms and they sat back down on the couch, next to Becker.

The time passed. Bilson left to brief the men on Flower's condition, and to make sure everything was fine in Security. An hour later, Vale relieved her. "Still no news?" she asked.

Everyone shook their head no.

Finally, the doctor appeared.

"He's lost a lot of blood, and he has numerous bite and claw marks. Thankfully, most were too shallow to do any real damage. He did sustain a puncture to one lung, but we've repaired the damage."

"So…" asked Regina.

The doctor turned to her and smiled. He said, "Barring any other developments, he should make a full recovery."

Regina nearly collapsed with relief. She chuckled, and hugged Becker.

"It will be slow," said the doctor, "and he'll need lots of support from you and the others," he said to Becker, "but, we believe he'll be fine."

The room cheered, and Jess hugged Lester, than traded with Regina as Lester hugged her and Jess went back into Becker's arms.

"Thank God," she whispered.

Becker chuckled.

"Mrs. Flowers can see him now, for a bit. He's too weak for other visitors but maybe tomorrow," said the doctor.

"Very well, thank you," said Lester.

"Oh, yes," said Regina, sniffling and wiping her eyes, "Thank you so much."

The doctor smiled. "Come on with me then."

Regina nodded and went with him to see her husband.

There were relieved sighs and chuckles in the room.

"I'm going to tell Vale and the men," said Bilson.

"Right, well, we should all get some rest," said Matt.

"I'm staying," said Becker.

Matt nodded.

Abby hugged Becker. "He's going to be OK."

Becker smiled. "I know. I'm still not leaving."

The others laughed, nodded and left.

"Jess?"

"I'm staying."

He looked at her, but nodded.

"Everyone in this whole place is worried," she said. "I should start making rounds."

"No need, Parker," said Lester. "I'm going to my office for a drink. I'll simply make an announcement from Ops."

"Good idea."

"I am the boss."

Becker and Jess chuckled as they watched their leader leave. Becker sighed again, collapsing into the couch. "I was really scared."

Jess sat beside him. "So was I."

He looked at her and smiled. "Thank you. I needed you here."

She kissed his cheek. "I know. I'm glad you asked. I would have been here anyway."

He chuckled. "Yeah. I know, but I needed to ask you."

"Thanks." She sighed. "I'm going to get some tea. Maybe chocolate. Can I get you anything?"

"No."

"Ok," she said. "I'll be right back."

End of Chapter Nine