Disclaimer: Own nothing but my God-given talent (if you think I have one)

Rigsby pov.

Chapter 7

One week has passed since Lisbon had talked to Grace.

I wasn't pushing her into anything and our relationship was still very professional.

Jane called us 'painful to watch'.

Why was that?

Was it because neither Grace nor I made any moves?

Was it because he knew I was madly in love with her and yet I said nothing?

Or was it both?

You could see that something was going on between Jane and Lisbon.

They would stare absently when the other was elsewhere. Small smiles would cross Jane's face when Lisbon was near and she seemed less irritated by him.

But there was no progress between them either.

Jane was still mourning his daughter and wife's deaths. And, Lisbon didn't seem like she would be the first to say anything.

I heard a muffled cough and looked over to Grace's desk.

She had been coughing for a few days and I told her to go to a doctor.

She said she was fine and that she was sick of doctors.

But I knew something was off.

I rose silently and stood behind her chair.

"Are you okay?" I asked anxiously.

I should've told her to stay home and rest.

"I'm fine."

Grace's voice was thick, as if she had just woken.

My hand moved to her forehead.

"Damn!"

She was warm, deathly warm.

"Grace, you have a fever." I told her sternly.

She looked up to me with tired eyes and a sweat-sheathed face.

"Come on. I'll take you home."

Grace nodded and stood slowly.

My arms reached out and kept her from falling.

With my keys in pocket, I took Grace out into the parking lot and let her in the passenger seat.

I knew where she lived and I headed toward there

Her parents would want to try to take care of her. Their last resort would be to take her to the hospital.

The coughing continued as I drove.

I was worried about Grace; could she have an infection from the surgery?

One of my hands left the steering wheel and I put it on Grace's cheek.

Her whole face was burning.

"Grace you should've told me." I said.

Even though it seemed like I was treating her like a child, I loved her.

The car slid into a parking space close to the apartment building.

I unbuckled, opened the door and made my way around the car to the passenger side where Grace was.

"Come on." I said quietly as I guided her into the building.

A light wind blew and the air smelled of sand as I opened the lobby door.

"What room are you in?" I asked.

"204."

Grace's voice was no higher than a whisper.

204 was on the first floor; good.

"Got your keys?"

Grace dug into her pocket and pulled out a set of keys.

"The medium key." She muttered.

I stuck the key in the keyhole and turned it.

The door opened slowly and I walked in with one of my arms wrapped around Grace.

I heard feet pad into the hallway and a gasp was heard.

"Rick, come here!"

It was Grace's mother's voice who beckoned her father.

He rushed to her side and wrapped his arms around her.

"Come on Grace."

I kept my arm around her even as she sat; I couldn't let go.

It felt like if I did, something terrible would happen and Grace would be out of my reach forever.

Grace's father laid her down on the couch and ran to get water.

"Sweetie, should we take you to the hospital?"

Grace's mother was anxiously stroking her daughters face.

"N---no I think I-I'm f-fine."

"Drink this Grace. Then we are going to the hospital." Her father's voice left no room for negotiation.

Water droplets slipped down her fingers as she drank the cold water thirstily.

I watched Grace's eye lids fall closed and her chest rise with a deep breath.

"I'm so tired…."

Grace's voice was low and thick.

Grace's mother looked at her husband then to me in worry.

"Grace, we're going to take you to the hospital." I said.

I didn't want anything to happen to her and, this could possibly prevent anything.

Grace groaned, not wanting to go back.

I leaned down and wrapped my arm around her waist and the other her shoulder.

Her head lay against my shoulder as I carried her out.

Grace's mother and father followed quickly behind me.

I walked to my car and once again buckled Grace into the passenger seat.

I had never been one to pray, I grew up with an abusive father and a dying mother. She always told me that no matter what God would watch over me.

Now, I was praying.

I wanted Grace...my Grace to be fine, for everything to go without a hitch.

But somehow I knew something would go wrong, the question was,

How bad?

Ooooooh, a sort of cliffy!!!! Well, review and tell moi what you think and I shall love you lots!!!!

I have a few things up my sleeve to hit Grace with so, don't expect things to get easier for her or Rigsby!!!

I feel evil…………..

-Vous Amouir Pasts-Hormony2