Eddie froze. The panic she had just had fought back threatened to return, black and cold. And this time Jamie couldn't save her.
Jamie, held at gunpoint right before her eyes. She searched for his eyes, begging for a hint what to do next. So far Ed didn't look at her, but if she just jumped at him the chances were far too high he would fire – out of reflex, maybe. And there was no way she could snatch the gun out of his hands, even if he had surprise on her side, she didn't have the strength.
Only… where was her own gun? She could threaten to kill him if he hurt Jamie… any remorse or doubts about hurting a colleague was gone suddenly.

"No!" Fear flickered up in Jamie's voice as he finally looked at Eddie. She moved closer as quiet as she could but still couldn't read his eyes. No plan, she realized, no way to get out of this, just fear.

"What?" Ed bellowed nastily, "so after all you're afraid to die? What kind of cop are you, uh? What do you think we carry those things for?" One step closer. Jamie retreated, and Ed followed him, directing him into a corner.
Eddie trembled but found she couldn't move. Jamie was trapped. There was no way out. He would die, she would die – and it was her fault.
The realization made her gasp, and the world whirled around. Helplessness, just like before. Just worse. Tears gushed out of her eyes almost violently, a belated reaction to what had happened, an anticipation to the fact that Jamie would die because of her.

Ed turned around, the sadistic smile on his face getting even eviler. "Hey, princess! I almost forgot about you. I have to say I would have expected more from you."
The hatred was even stronger than her desperation. Blindly, Eddie lunged forwards. "You bastard! You fucking, brain-amputated idiot!"
She had never been good in swearing, not even in the academy. Too much injustice or evil made her mute. That was why she had wanted to become a cop in the first place – to find a voice to stand up against what was wrong.

Ed was surprised, but he reacted well – taking a step to the side, causing Eddie to stumble past him and helplessly into Jamie's arms.
It was too ironical to be true. Not that this wasn't about the best way to die she could imagine, but why did Jamie have to die with her?
The tears ran less violently as the shock was gone, but so was her energy.

"If you could see yourselves now" Ed said almost gently, "you don't look as happy together as you told me you'd be, Eddie."

Eddie looked down. Jamie's arms were still wrapped protectively around her waist, holding her upright. "I'm so sorry" she whispered, unable to feel anger anymore. Who'd have thought being close to death would tire her out that much? She had had so many plans. So many plans…
"You should have run" Jamie murmured back, his lips very close at her ear as he gently shoved her behind him.

Eddie stared at the back of his head for a second. Run? When exactly? Where to? And how, if Jamie was still in danger?
She mumbled the questions into his hair, not expecting him to answer, or understand at all. She was a cop, he was a cop. They would never let each other down.
Jamie shook his head sadly. "You should've done it. We're more than cops."

"Oh you really make me enjoy this!" Ed laughed. The hand with the gun didn't waver for a second, despite the blood trickling down the back of his head. "Tell her, Jamie. Tell your perfect little rookie, no, excuse me, your officer, why you don't want her to be a cop now. Tell her what you feel, go on!" He moved closer. The gun lay on Jamie's chest now, and Eddie felt it like a heavy weight on hers.

The young officer took a deep breath. His voice was remarkably calm now. "Let her go, Rickers."
"I don't think I will."
"You're still NYPD." Without seeing his face Eddie knew how much these words must hurt Jamie. His brother had been killed by a corrupt cop… telling another of them now that it was fine must be terrible.
She had to do something! But something better than exploding into nothing and only worsening the situation. Just that there was nothing to be made worse now.

Ed laughed. "I know I am. And unfortunately I'm also the only surviving of the three of us as we were attacked by the Jokers." He winked conspiratorially. "They live nearby, you know. And Higgins said there were some police weapons stolen a couple of days ago."

Both Eddie and Jamie inhaled sharply as they realized the whole plan. Jamie reached behind, grabbing for Eddie's hand. She squeezed it tightly.
"So you always planned on killing me?" She didn't think it would help playing for time now… but she had to know.
Ed shook his head almost sadly. "I wanted to be prepared for everything." He turned to Jamie,a dn the sadness turned into cold joy. "Your partner Vinny was, you know. Ready for everything except for his partner to let him down. But even then, he was ready to die."

Jamie tensed, and Eddie realized she had never hated Ed more than right now. And she had never loved Jamie more than in those last seconds.
"Jamie…" What did it matter anymore?

Jamie tensed but didn't let go of her hand. "I love you, Eddie."
And then, barely audible: "Run."
And he leapt forwards.