Awake

Mark stared at the ceiling, not quite sure what was going on. His leg hurt, his head ached and his throat was sore. He smiled as he felt a warm hand on his own.

"Betty."

"Hello you. How are you feeling?"

"Like I was hit by a truck."

"You were." Betty sighed. "Sort of. Don't you remember?" She watched as Mark stared at her blankly for a moment. Then his eyes screwed closed.

"Tell me Bono is ok. He wasn't with me, was he?"

"No." Betty sighed. "He's fine. He wasn't in the accident. He's grand so he is. Deano is minding him."

"Thank God."

"Trevor has." Betty smiled as Mark raised an eyebrow.

"Cathy?"

"She's ok. Shaken up but she's ok." Mark seemed to visibly relax. "You've always looked after Cathy and your brothers. I think this has just made them all realise how much you do watch for them."

"I'm the oldest." Mark yawned. "Are you going to tell me?"

"What caused that bruise on your neck?"

"Aye. But not now. Michael Dowd is in custody. Mick and another coppa arrested him. It's over." She kissed his knuckles as he closed his eyes.

"Betty."

"Go to sleep." Betty stood, kissing his forehead. "I'll tell your Ma you're gonna be ok."

"Ma?"

"She's here. Like Dermot said. Take on one Brown you take us all on." She smiled as he nodded before falling asleep.

Xxxxxx

Maria walked the length of the hospital corridor as she headed to the ITU ward.

"Maria!" She turned to see Buster running towards her. "He woke up and Dermo arrested him."

"Slow down Buster." Maria pulled a face, relieved that Rory and Dermot appeared when they did. Rory nodded.

"Oh Maria. Buster is right." He stared at his sister in law.

"Dermo was a hero." Dermot blushed at the praise from his best friend. "He really was."

"He's always been my hero." Maria hugged her husband tightly as her mother-in law appeared behind them with Betty.

"He's with Cathy." Agnes stated. "I think it's over."

"Good." Maria smiled.

"Cmon then. Let Maria get on with her work." Agnes ushered the boys away as Betty hugged Maria. Both women knew that Agnes was wrong. It was far from over.

Xxxxx

A/n not much left