Okay this was a long wait again... Just couldn't get myself to post a new chapter, but here it is: Chapter 22. Can't believe how many chapter I already wrote and how many there are still coming... this is going to be the longest story I've written so far and all because of YOU! And it's the most reviewed story. I can't tell you how happy I am that you all like this story and take the time to read it and review. All those lovely reviews and kind words, telling me you love this story, it sometimes feels too good to be true and I wonder if this is really me, but thanks to all of you it seems that I found my destination and the one thing I am really good at. THANK YOU! I LOVE YOU GUYS! :)

A/N 1: I am going to introduce the character Millie Taylor (Mac's mother). I know in my "Family Taylor Series" I called her Marian Taylor but after reading AiP's stories and her saying she was casted as Millie Taylor I went and checked it and decided to call her Millie, too. My "Family Taylor Series" will keep her as Marian. (Hope that wasn't confusing, but I know some of you read the stories that belong to that series).

Just needed to tell you so now... ENJOY!

Chapter twenty two: Ups and Downs

"Unknown" the display of my cell phone told me. Who could that be?

"Bonasera?" I answered my phone.

"Hello… is this Stella Bonasera in New York City?" I heard a female voice asking me.

"Yes. Who's there?"

"Sorry… Here's Millie… Millie Taylor, Mac's mother from Chicago."

"Hello, Mrs. Taylor."

"Sorry, this might be surprising and confusing, but… my son gave me this number, just in case I couldn't reach him. Well, I tried to call him yesterday. I tried his cell and his office phone and also his land line, but he wouldn't answer or call back… I thought you might know where he is?"

"Yes, that I do…" I said my voice trailing off. How do I tell Mac's mother that her son was shot and in hospital fighting for his life? And that he couldn't answer his phone, because he was unconscious?

"What is it? Is he okay? You sound worried?" Mrs. Taylor said, her voice concerned.

"Well, he… he's in hospital. He couldn't call you back, because he didn't wake up, yet." I said as calm as I could. I didn't want to worry her too much and I wanted to assure myself that I can do it and that Mac was going to be okay. Quickly I sneaked out of the room into the hallway and into a quiet corner, where I could talk to Mac's mother.

"He's what? Is he okay? What happened? Is he the one who was shot?"

"You know that a detective has been shot?"

"It's all over the news. Even down here in Chicago. That's the reason I called him… Yesterday I thought he was busy, but when he didn't call back I started to worry… Is he the detective that has been shot?" she asked me directly.

"Yes, ma'am. I was with him when it happened and still am with him… but he didn't wake up yet."

"Thanks for being honest with me, Ms. Bonasera. I really know why Mac likes you so much… I'm taking the next flight to New York… Which hospital is he in?"

I told her which hospital she needed to find and she told me she's going to be there around midday.

"Take good care of my son, will you? I know he's got a good friend in you, Ms. Bonasera." She said.

"I'll take care of him. I'm not going anywhere." I told her and then she said goodbye and hung up. I went back into Mac's room and sat down in the chair again finishing my cup of coffee and watching Mac. His face was still pale and the sweat on his forehead worried me.

After a soft knock the door opened again and Dr. Jesse Hendricks walked into the room a slight, but warm smile on his face.

"So, the patient didn't wake up, yet?" he asked.

"No. Sadly." I answered in truth.

"Hm… he's still pale, but his heart rate steady, but…" Dr. Hendricks said and placed his hand on Mac's forehead and cheeks, before he turns around to me with a worried expression.

"What is it?" I asked him.

"I fear he's got a traumatic fever… his face is warm, but pale and he had small pearls of sweat on his forehead. I guess he caught a light infection with that bullet." Dr. Hendricks confirmed my worry.

"Is that bad?" I dare to ask, knowing that traumatic fever can be a cause of death.

"Well, depends on how high his temperature is." He said and turned back to Mac, obviously checking his temperature. "102.2 F. That's not too bad, but it'll extend the time he needs to wake up. I'll get a nurse to administer antibiotics via the IV. That'll help him to get over the infection and the fever."

I knew that the antibiotics would help Mac to get over this infection and the traumatic fever, but still it worried me, that he got this fever. It would weaken him more that the gun shot already did. That would mean spending more time at his bedside, worrying, hoping and being strong for him. With that news I was a bit afraid of the meeting with his mom.

You gotta be strong Mac… I thought and watched Dr. Hendricks leave the room. A few minutes later a nurse came and injected the antibiotics via the IV. Hopefully that'll help him. I watched the nurse leave the room, too and then I was all alone with Mac and my thoughts and fears.

I stood up from my chair and walked up to his bedside. I looked at his pale face, which looked somehow relaxed and peaceful. The nasal oxygen tube supported Mac with the needed oxygen. I took his hand and sat down on the edge of his bed, watching him, praying he would wake up soon.

I sat nearly half an hour like that when my phone started ringing once again. The ID told me it was Don. Again I left the room quietly.

"Hey Don." I answer my phone.

"Hi, Stella. Bad news… Patos wasn't home, but we're looking for him. His girlfriend let us look around in Patos' office… we found a lot of pictures of you, the three victims. Indicates he's definitely our guy." Don said. I couldn't believe what he told me. They knew it was the right guy but they couldn't get him? Well, life wasn't easy…

"Thanks, Don…"

"How's Mac? Did he wake up yet?"

"No… and it'll probably take longer than expected. He's running a traumatic fever…"

"He's going to be fine Stella… you know that, right?"

"Keep telling myself he will. His mother called earlier."

"Did you tell her what happened?"

"Not the details… it's all over the news that Mac has been shot. Seems as if they only said a cop was shot, down where she lives."

"Yeah, only New York City knows who it is. How'd she knew your number?"

"Mac gave it to her in case she couldn't reach him… cases like this… she's coming down from Chicago. Probably arrives here around midday."

"How're you holding up, Stella?"

"I dunno. Keep telling myself everything's going to be okay."

"You wanna go home, take a shower and change?" he asked me.

"As much as I love to go home… I fear I can't leave Mac's side."

"Should I get Jess get you some clothes or anything else?"

"Some clothes will be nice… thanks Don."

"You're welcome. I send Jess over to the hospital and you tell her what you need, okay?"

"Mac…" I ran into my misery. Well, it wasn't exactly a misery, because Don already knew how much I cared about Mac.

"I know, Stell. I'll let you know when we have Patos."

"Thanks." I said and hung up.

I get back into Mac's room and sat down on the edge of his bed again, taking his hand into mine.

"I need you, Mac…" I whispered with tears in my eyes.

So... still interested? Curious? Liked it? Gee, too many questions and always the same. Sometimes I feel like I should be called "Mac Taylor" :D

THANKS for reading and PLEASE (although I know most of you will do it anyways) leave a review, tell me what you're thinking. :) (I'm curious, you know...)

A/N 2: I put the poll about the Mac/Lucy story back on my profile, now that I deleted "Tragedy And Joy". If you'd like (and I'd be very happy if you would) go and vote for which kind of story you want. Oneshot or multi chapter. :)

blackrose538