This chapter makes references to DM episode Retribution, and Sue Thomas FBEye episodes Prodigal Father (Jack's heart attack), The Gambler (Bobby's misspent youth), Simon Says, and Diplomatic Immunity.
"How bad?" Ted Garret asked Dimitrius through his long distance line.
"He's...he's in critical condition." Dimitrius said seriously. Ted grew quiet, then sighed heavily.
"Thank you. Thank you for letting me know."
"Yeah." Dimitrius grunted, then hung up.
Bobby didn't try to abate the tears in his eyes and slowly approached his friend. Lucy remained right beside him. Jessie stepped back into the shadows and stood near the door. Bobby reached out his hand and slightly ruffled Jack's hair. "You did good, mate." He whispered. "You found Sue. Heh, you should've seen Steve and me give the old one-two on that scurvy drongo! We whammed the tar out of him, and we're not through yet. But, you...you've got to better, okay?" Bobby sniffled. "The team isn't the same without you, and...remember what you told Sue? You've got at least twenty years before you're allowed to even think of taking that kind of time off." Lucy sadly grinned up at her pal. "So, you get better, okay? Don't cool down your embers yet, okay, Spark?" Lucy patted his arm. Bobby bit his lip and stepped back. Jessie glanced up at him as Bobby wiped his misty eyes.
"You gonna be all right?" Jessie asked kindly.
"Yeah, sure." Bobby gulped. "Just...you know, it's a tough sight to take in." Jessie stared sympathetically and patted his shoulder.
"Hey, I understand." He said softly. He wasn't just trying to console Bobby, he meant it. He'd been down this road many times in the past when the closest people to him had been in such terrible circumstances. He remembered all too well when Steve had been gunned down by Gordon Gonzalez, and he'd had to tend his best friend, all the time living in cruel dread that he might lose him. And seeing Mark's deep anguish had been equally painful for him and Amanda. Bobby slightly smiled.
Lucy gripped Jack's wrist. "Thanks, Jack." She said quietly. "Thanks for coming for us, and getting us out of that rat's hole! I was starting to go insane! You don't know the half of what those roaches conspired. They made me sick! And I still feel nauseous at the thought of it." The she spoke in a softer tone. "You're a great guy, Jack. You're one of my good friends, and...Sue needs you! You rescued her, and you were so gallant. But, now you need to take care of her! She needs you. How many times do I have to say it or beat around the bush? You and Sue belong together!" She grimaced with salty tears. She nudged his chin. "You silly guy. The FBI can't function without a love-sick blockhead like you!" But then, she couldn't force down a sob. She raised her hand to her mouth, and rushed out of the room. "Excuse me!" She brushed passed Bobby and Jessie, and headed for the ladies' restroom.
Jessie took a look back at his patient, then walked with Bobby down the hall to the elevators. "Hey, if it's any consolation, I understand what you're going through." Jessie spoke once they entered and the doors shut.
"Really?" Bobby asked quietly.
"Yes." Jessie sighed. "A couple years ago, Steve was brought in here, critically shot. We lost him and had to bring him back. He was on life support and in a coma for days. We didn't think he was gonna make it."
"You'd never know that to look at him now!" Bobby slightly chuckled. "I never would have guessed."
"Yeah." Jessie smiled gratefully. "But it was rough. I thought my friend was gonna die. Hey, Steve's like a big brother to me. He's the best friend I've ever had. I couldn't bear to lose him."
"That must have been a living torture for Dr. Sloan." Bobby commented.
"You have no idea." Jessie agreed. "It almost destroyed Mark! Then the guy who shot Steve was murdered, and Mark was framed for it. He was tried and convicted, and ended up on Death Row!" Bobby stared at the young doctor, wide-eyed.
"I can't imagine." He shook his head.
"Steve finally came back to us and helped prove his dad's innocence." Jessie continued. "We were all so happy to have them both back in our lives."
"Definitely." Bobby nodded. "So...as...as sick as Jack is...you're saying, you've seen things this bad, and the patient survived?" He asked hopefully.
"Sometimes." Jessie nodded with a small smile. "It's possible."
"Well, that's something good to think about." Bobby smiled. "Thanks for telling me that."
"Sure."
"So, uh...how long have you known Dr. Sloan?"
"Mmm, let's see. About five years." Jessie answered. "And it's been so worth it."
"He's a real diamond in the rough, isn't he?"
"Hey, now you're getting it." Jessie chuckled.
Steve found Mark in Sue's room. "Dad, I need to get down to the station and have them go over these bullets." He said.
"All right, Steve." Mark replied.
"How's she doing, Dad?" Steve pointed to Sue.
"She's resting, and that's what she needs most right now."
"She's going to be really upset about Jack." Steve stated cautiously.
"Oh, I know." Mark groaned, shaking his head. "After everything she's already been put through, a bad report like this could cause significant damage."
"And not just physical."
"No." Mark said.
"Well, I gotta go." Steve stated and headed for the door. "Dad, please let me know if there's any change...if...you know."
"I will."
"Hey, hang in there, bud." Steve said to Levi then walked back to the waiting area where Dimitrius, Myles, and Tara were sitting. "D, Myles, feel like going for a ride?"
"Count me in." Myles stood up.
"I'll stay here." Dimitrius declined. "Someone has to."
"Go where?" Bobby asked as he and Jessie approached.
"Down to the precinct." Steve answered, turning toward them. "You wanna come, Bobby?"
"You bet I do!" Bobby glared. "I just came from Jack's room, and I wanna see up close and personal when the mug that did this to him gets the third degree!"
Steve nodded. "How is he, Jess?"
"No change." Jessie sighed.
"Right, well let's...where's Lucy?"
"Uh, I think she's a bit detained." Bobby remarked. Tara headed down the hall to find her.
"When Tara comes back, tell her we'll be waiting downstairs, okay?" Steve asked.
"Right." Dimitrius said.
"All right. Let's go." Steve said and Myles and Bobby accompanied him to the elevators.
"You doing okay?" Jessie asked Dimitrius.
"Sure." D whispered. He blew out a breath. "You know, this is the second time Jack's been in the hospital with a heart condition?" Jessie's ears perked up at that.
"The second?" Jessie gaped incredulously. "He seems healthy to me."
"About four years ago, he had a heart attack." Dimitrius explained.
"A heart attack?!" Jessie exclaimed. "Are you serious?"
"He had an irregular heartbeat, with neck pain, and..."
"A mild arrhythmia." Jessie finished for him.
"Exactly."
"I didn't know that." Jessie stated. "Thanks for telling me. Excuse me." Dimitrius went up to ICU to be with Jack. Jessie found Mark in Sue's hospital room. "Mark." He spoke up.
"Hi, Jess." Mark turned to face him. "Sue's sleeping."
"Good." Jessie responded. "Mark, I have to tell you something." His tone was very solemn and Mark stared at him thoughtfully, afraid of the answer.
"What is it, Jess?"
"I just found out from Agent Ganz that Jack had a mild arrhythmia about four years ago." Jessie explained.
"A heart attack?" Mark gaped.
"Yes. He said that Jack had had neck pain, and..."
"Ohhh." Mark grimaced. If the irregular heartbeat attack Jack had been inflicted with had caused only minimal damage, that was one thing. But with the punctured lung that he had now, this serious injury could expand the minor damage he'd already had! Jessie looked up sadly at his mentor, fully aware of the efficient complications this could cause in Jack's condition. Mark patted his shoulder. "Thank you, Jessie. Thanks for letting me know."
Tara walked to the nurses' station. "Excuse me, have you seen Lucy?" She asked Susan.
"No, sorry." Susan shook her head.
"Thanks." Tara grunted and walked to the ladies' room. She was just about to enter when Lucy came out. "Hey, you all right?" Tara asked, putting her arm around her friend.
"Sure I am." Lucy smiled.
"Well, come on." Tara tilted her head and they walked to the elevators too.
When the group arrived at the station, Cheryl told Steve that White was still unconscious, but was cuffed to a chair in a cell, with security watching his every move. "Oh, and the captain wants you in his office. You guys too."
"All right." Steve said. They followed him into Captain Newman's office. They noticed Chief Masters inside as they entered. "You wanted to see us, sir?"
"Yes, Lt." Captain Newman answered. "As you know, Jeffrey White is in our custody. And Chief Masters informed me that one of the special agents was seriously injured?"
"That's right, Captain." Myles spoke up.
"How is Agent Hudson?"
"He's in bad shape." Bobby said. "In critical condition."
"I'm very sorry. We put in a call to your unit supervisor back in DC."
"Well, thanks but Agent Ganz already did that too." Myles stated.
"It's our responsibility, Agent Leland. Miss Dotson, you were one of Jeffrey White's hostages?"
"Can we just dispense with the formalities, Captain?" Lucy snapped. "You know I was! The chief already told you, and I just really want to give my statement and get out of here." She huffed. They all stared at her. Bobby touched her shoulder.
"Sir, Lucy's been through a lot and has hardly had a chance to catch her breath." Bobby interjected. "Could we just get this over with? She needs rest." He felt Lucy's shoulders sag in relaxation.
"Of course, I'm sorry." Newman said. Lucy gave her statement. She was frustrated, and she needed nourishment.
"And then...and...then..." Lucy tried to continue, but was having a hard time focusing. "The..."
"Luce, I think..." Myles spoke up.
"I..." Lucy began but she swayed and started to collapse. Steve, Bobby, and Myles each rushed to her side and held her up on her feet.
"You all right?" Steve asked as they helped her sit down on a chair.
"I-I don't know, I...just got really dizzy." Lucy shook her head, trying to compose herself. "I'm sorry."
"Did you get anything to eat at the hospital?" Steve asked.
"I can't remember." Lucy moaned, rubbing her temples.
"Sir, she's starving. Can she go now?" Bobby requested.
"Yes, of course." Chief Masters nodded.
"Come on, Luce." Myles helped her out of the chair. "We'll find you something decent to eat in this one horse-town."
"Thanks, that's...real chivalrous of you." Lucy feebly retorted. Masters and Newman furrowed their brows. Steve shook his head and grinned.
"Sir, Dr. Bentley at Community General pulled these bullets out of Howard Lance." Steve said, holding them up in an evidence bag. The other one that didn't match the others was in a separate bag. "But, as you can see, one in this bag does not match the others."
"Your theory, Sloan?" Newman asked, glancing up from under his glasses with his eyebrows raised.
"We believe the snipers gunned him down, but Dr. Bentley said that this lone ranger was the one that killed him. It was directly fired into his chest." Steve explained.
"That lines up with what our snipers reported." Chief Masters added. "They told us that Lance stumbled backwards out the door before they fired. We'll get these to the lab."
"Agent Manning, I realize you're concerned about your partner," Newman started, "and that you've already had a very trying day, but as you probably know, we need your eye-witness account as to the events of the stakeout."
Bobby frowned. "Right, oh." He muttered.
"Yours too, Lt." Newman said firmly. Steve and Bobby both shared their testimonies, as did Myles when he was ushered back into the office. "Thank you. We will need Agent Thomas's testimony too."
"Well, right now she's being hospitalized." Bobby said. "She needs rest and I'm not gonna disturb her after what she was put through."
"No, of course not." Chief Masters agreed. "But we do need her account as soon as possible."
"You'll get it." Bobby said with an edge in his voice.
"Can we go now?" Myles asked. "I for one am also starving."
"Yes, you're dismissed." Newman sighed. "Close the door on your way out." The guys found Lucy in the waiting room, snacking on a bag of Nachos.
"That's no nourishment." Steve commented. "Anyone else hungry? What do you say we go somewhere that we can get some real food?"
"If you're talking about your mouth-watering restaurant BBQ Bob's, I'm all for it!" Lucy smiled. "That actually sounds pretty good."
"I'm not gonna argue with that." Bobby smirked.
"All right then." Steve agreed. "Cheryl, you wanna come with us?"
"I'll meet you at the hospital." Cheryl declined. "But, if a certain gentleman would be considerate enough to bring me some with him, I'd appreciate it."
"You got it." Steve smiled.
Steve gave Lucy a hearty plate of a full rib combo, on the house. Bobby ordered a full burger combo, while Myles helped himself to a salad and a sub sandwich. "Jack doesn't know what he's missing." Bobby chuckled.
"Well, just think, we can really rub it in the next time he comes here." Myles said sarcastically.
"You come to our neck of the woods, Steve and we'll treat ya to Slappy Joe's. Best French fries and milkshakes on the East coast." Bobby chuckled.
"Sounds tempting." Steve grinned back.
"Wow, Luce. That's the most I've ever seen you pack in." Myles said smugly.
"Hey, I was just pulled out of a hostage situation." Lucy retorted. "I've had nothing for days. I'm so hungry I'm strongly tempted to eat this whole thing, including the plate!"
"You'll owe me for the plate." Steve chimed in.
"You can't treat a kidnap victim that unfairly, Lt." Lucy interjected. "You do, I'll give this place a bad review."
"Take my advice, don't press your luck in believing she won't do it!" Myles exclaimed. "In case you haven't noticed, Lucy doesn't make idle threats."
"I'm beginning to see that." Steve said flatly. Lucy smirked and bit into her lunch again.
"I'm so glad Sue's gonna be all right." Bobby remarked.
"Here, here." Steve agreed. "Jack's gonna be okay, guys. You know that, don't you?"
"That's what I'm hoping for." Bobby sighed.
"I'm trying to be as sure as you, Lt." Lucy said sadly. "How do you know?"
"One thing I've learned about Jack from working with him," Steve cleared his throat, "he's not a quitter. And I don't think we should quit on him. I know that my dad has never quit on me, no matter what the circumstance." Bobby, Myles, and Lucy gazed at him thoughtfully.
"You know, you're getting to be as insightful as your father." Lucy smiled sadly.
"Thanks, Steve." Bobby bit his lip. "Appreciate that, mate."
"Dr. Sloan!" Norman Briggs called from behind Mark at the nurses' station. Mark finished up a patient's chart, handing it to Judy, one of the nurses and removed his glasses as he turned to face the administrator.
"Norman," Mark replied. "What's up?"
"Good news." Norman smiled. "I spoke to the board about the theme for our children's fundraiser project, and they totally went for it!"
"Oh, Norman, that's good news." Mark smiled. "Uh, they went for what?"
"The theme." Norman frowned. "It was a suggestion from a respectable member of society. The board members ate it right up!"
"Oh," Mark raised his eyebrows, still in the dark though. "Well, that must be a relief to you, Norman. But, what is the theme?"
Norman only smiled wider. "You won't believe it. But right now I have other things to do. I have to set the wheels in motion."
"Norman, that's all you're gonna tell me?"
"For now. By the way, Mark, how is the Rose Man Murder case coming along?"
"You didn't hear?" Mark asked.
"No."
"Well, you'll be happy to know that the FBI caught him...this morning!"
"Oh, thank God! That is a blessing." Norman grinned.
"Yes, it is." Mark sighed. "But, Agent Hudson was hurt badly in the take-down. He's in the ICU right now."
"Oh, gracious me. That's terrible!" Norman gasped. "How is he doing?"
"Oh, not good, Norman." Mark shook his head. "His condition is critical and he's on life support."
"This is dreadful." Norman stated. "How about the lady hostages?"
"Oh, they got them out, Norman. They're both alive and going to be all right."
"That's something to be thankful for." Norman suggested.
"You're right about that."
"Well, I'll let you get back to your patients." Norman said and walked away. Mark sighed and rubbed his temples.
"Headache?" Delores asked as she approached him.
"Eh, not really." Mark shook his head. "Just..."
"A lot on your mind." Delores finished for him. "You're worried about those two sweet young people, aren't you?"
"Oh, Delores." Mark grimaced. "It's just...they're both so bright, so promising, so..."
"Decent. They're wonderful kids." Delores said. "And strong too. They'll be all right, I'm sure of it."
"I wish I was as sure as you." Mark exhaled heavily.
"You're a big softie, and softies melt to butter when things get discouraging. You need to be put back in the fridge to regain some of that solid condiment!" Delores crossed her arms. Mark couldn't help snickering. "Now if you'll excuse me, doc, I've got patients...and paperwork. So do you." She scolded and walked away. Mark certainly hoped her instincts were telling the truth.
It was happening again! Sue was on the floor again, hurting all through her entire body and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get up. She couldn't even raise herself with her elbows. She felt as if she was being tied down with an anvil. Then she saw him! He was hovering over her with a scarf in his hands. Simon's eyes widened in ghastly triumph as he forced the scarf against her throat. Sue tried to fight him off, she tried to struggled against him but something was keeping her from even lifting her arms to defend herself. Sue screamed as loud as she could, but no sounds came out as Simon choked her. She couldn't breathe! Then...then Simon froze, looking stunned, and tumbled onto the floor beside Sue, out cold. Sue gazed at her killer, wondering what had happened, then looked back up. There he was! It was Jack! He stood there, his eyes wide with fear and concern, then he holstered his gun and started toward her to help her up when…
Some green-clothed blur appeared out of nowhere and socked Jack hard in the stomach. Jack winced tightly in pain and nearly collapsed to the floor. The guy in green kicked him in the chest. Sue was horrified. She tried to cry out to protect her true love, but her voice was choked up. Jack was kicked again, and again, and again, every defiant blow shooting a hot sear into Sue's own body. She tried extra hard to sit up, but she couldn't. Finally, Jack couldn't take anymore and fell straight down to the floor. Sue's heart stopped when she saw the thug pull out a gun, aiming straight down at JACK! "J...J...Ja...J..." Sue choked to yell his name, but it was futile. "N-n-NO! NO! J-Jack..." And with that, the gun went off...
Sue bolted upright in the hospital bed, wide-eyed and shivering, but she immediately collapsed back onto the pillows as the sudden, heavy pain flashed through her body. Levi placed his front paws on her bed and nudged her arm with his head. Sue glanced at him in relief. She frantically looked around the room. Where was she? Oh, that's right, she was in a hospital room and it was the brink of evening. She drew in deep breaths and shivered with chills, while anxiously stroking Levi's head. His warm, soft fur was an incredible soothing therapy. "Jack!" She gasped with tears in her eyes. "Jack..." Her lips trembled. Where was Jack? Was he...alive? Why wasn't he here with her? Levi nudged the nurses' on call button as Sue lay in the bed, very frightened.
Mark stepped into the room and she met him with anxious eyes. "Sue, are you all right?" He asked, coming close to her.
"Mark, is Jack okay?" She cried. "Have you heard anything yet? Where is he?" Mark's face fell and he sighed heavily. Sue braced herself.
"He's alive, Sue." Mark said. Sue immediately relaxed, for a moment. "But, I'm afraid he's very sick." Sue studied his face keenly.
"How bad?" She gulped, preparing for the worst. Mark's manner and body language spoke dismal consequences. He touched her shoulder.
"Very." He said solemnly. "He's in the ICU." Sue pursed her lips.
"Why?" She asked in a small voice.
"He took a severe beating. The bullet went right through him, but he lost a lot of blood. And, one of the broken ribs punctured his lung. He has a fever, and we have him on a ventilator." Mark sadly explained. Sue grimaced and shook her head.
"Can I see him?" She asked. It was more of a plea.
"Yes, but I have to warn you..." Mark began, trying to prepare her for the awful scene she would see.
"Take me to him, Mark. Please." Sue begged.
"All right." He nodded and gingerly assisted her out of bed into a wheelchair. Levi faithfully walked at their side as Mark rolled Sue through the hallways. When they reached the ICU, Mark halted and stood in front of her. "Sue, I have to warn you," He said seriously, "he may look disturbing to you." Sue signed thank you, but gazed at him persistently. He sighed and wheeled her into Jack's room. Mark was right: Sue was dismayed at how sickly Jack looked. She'd seen people in the hospital before, she'd seen Jack hospitalized before when he'd had his heart attack, and with other job-related injuries, but this was different. Jack was in critical condition, and his every breath was precious. Sue glanced back up at Mark longingly and he pushed her toward the hospital bed.
Levi placed his head on the bed. Tears filled Sue's eyes. Mark touched her shoulder and turned her face toward himself. "I'll let you two have some time alone."
"Thank you," Sue responded feebly.
"If you need anything, I'll be out in the hall." He said. She nodded, he patted her shoulder, and slowly walked out.
Sue gazed painfully at the man who had become so much a part of her life. It was more than that. He was part of her. He'd taught her so much on the job, and a lot about life. They'd been there for each other through joys, laughs, tears, and heartache. All this time, she wouldn't admit it, but Lucy had been right all along: they were meant to be together. But now? It seemed that they'd never have the chance! Jack might have been just a very good friend, but Sue decided then and there, she was going to tell him what was in her heart, no matter what. She'd wasted too much time already trying to hide it, and every time they put it off, something bad always happened which made them only realize their desire even stronger. Well, no more of that! If Jack ended up saying that he'd always only be her friend, well-as much as that thought brought a lump to her throat-she had to be honest with him.
She warmly gripped his limp hand, the same way she had when he was in the hospital because of his heart attack, and the same way he'd done for her so many times she'd lost count. Now she wanted to pour into him, at his lowest moment, the love and care he'd poured into her numerous times. Now it was her turn to take care of him! The sight of his handsome face ran together as the tears blurred her vision. She longed to see him open those beautiful dark eyes that had helped win her heart. She stared endlessly at the regular but seemingly fragile rising and falling of his heartbeat, each one ricocheting an equal pounding in her own. "Th..." Sue gulped, trying to whisper. "Thank you, Jack." She said, barely audible. "Thank you for coming for me! Tha...thank you...for everything."
Steve returned with Bobby, Myles, and Lucy at the hospital. White had regained consciousness while they had been at BBQ Bob's, so they'd rushed back to the station. Bobby and Steve had gladly been inside when White had gotten the third degree, and he'd been violent and easily provoked. They'd stayed for his incarceration processing, making sure it went through, and when they were satisfied had headed back to Community General.
Lucy decided to go sit with Sue but panicked when she went into the room and didn't find her. Normally, Lucy was a very level-headed woman, but after all that had happened in the past week, the past few days alone, her heart raced with fear. Levi wasn't in here either. Lucy came out into the hall and frantically glanced around for someone familiar to talk to. She spotted Amanda and ran to her. "Amanda!" Lucy gasped. "Do...do you know where Sue is? She's not in her room and neither is Levi!"
Amanda touched her arm. "Calm down, Lucy." She said softly. "I'm sure they're fine."
"B-but she's gone!" Lucy panted.
"Shh. It's all right." Amanda said, and paged Mark. He took the phone at the ICU nurses' station. "Mark? Do you know where Sue is? She's not in her...oh! Ohh. Okay. All right. Good. No, no, that's okay. We just wanted to know where she was. Yeah, thanks." She smiled. "It's all right, Lucy. Sue was worried about Jack, so Mark brought her up to the ICU to visit him."
Lucy sighed heavily in relief. "Ohhh!" She gasped. "Okay. Okay. I don't know what got into me. I'm not usually that panicky. I guess..."
"You haven't had any rest since you were rescued this morning." Amanda said. "You need time to let your mind and body recover from that frightening experience. Now come with me and I'll see that you get some rest."
"No, thanks. I'm fine." Lucy protested. "I'll just wait in Sue's room for her to come back."
"Lucy," Amanda argued firmly. "She's safe now. You're safe now. But you haven't fully processed that yet. Now just do as I say, okay?"
"But Sue's my friend. And she needs me." Lucy moaned. "I...Amanda, please, I...I need to be close to her."
"We can easily fix that." Amanda smiled. "We can issue you a hospital cot in her room."
"Oh, thanks!" Lucy finally smiled. "That'll work. But, I'm not gonna rest till she's back in there."
"Humph." Amanda grinned as she left the room then shortly returned. "Here, you must still be hungry. How about a brownie?" She offered.
"Thanks." Lucy accepted and devoured it. Within two minutes she started feeling very, very lousy. "H-hey, can you h-help me?" Lucy asked, feeling drugged. "I don't feel right."
"Of course you don't." Amanda said. "Not with the sleeping tablets I smuggled into your treat!"
Lucy glared at her. "You whhatt?" She huffed groggily. "You didn't!"
"Oh, yes." Amanda said triumphantly with her arms crossed. "As sharp and stubborn as you are, I didn't think you'd accept a drink from me so I decided to choose something much more subtle."
"No! I'm gonna fight this thing, you devious doctor." Lucy argued as she struggled against the heavy slumber that was quickly overpowering her. Her head started to roll to the side. Amanda smiled and helped settle her onto the cot. "You...won't...get away...with this." Lucy continued to protest, now with her eyes closed.
"I'm afraid I have." Amanda smirked. "Dorothy, you lay down and rest. We'll get you back to Kansas as soon as possible."
"Kansas...is on...the other...side." Lucy whispered as she lost consciousness. Amanda covered her with a blanket and patted her arm.
"That's right, Miss Hot Stuff. Just sleep."
Mark tried to give Sue as much time as possible with Jack and Bobby came in to sit with her for a while. Even when Mark finally decided she needed to go back to her room, Sue begged him to let her stay. Bobby assured her that he'd stay with Jack through the night, and she reluctantly agreed, as long as they promised to bring her back as soon as possible in the morning or wake up if there was any change in Jack's condition. Mark wheeled Sue back to her room where Lucy was sleeping and gently helped her get settled back in her bed. Sue sadly gazed straight ahead as Mark gently lay her down comfortably on the pillows. He glanced down at Levi who cocked his head and met his gaze. He touched Sue's shoulder, trying to direct her eyes on his lips but it was a few seconds before she slowly did. The helpless sadness and anxiety in her eyes tore at Mark's heart and he wished so badly that he had something happier to tell her. "Jack has lots of people who care about him," Mark offered, "and he has you to live for. I don't think he would just roll over and throw all of that away." Being a keen observer, he saw the faintest sliver of a sad, tired smile on Sue's face. "I know it's very hard, honey, wanting him to be all right and wishing you could do more to help him. I've been there before, and it's horrible to go through."
"I can pray for him." Sue whispered.
"Yes!" Mark nodded emphatically. "Yes, you can, and you can count on mine too."
"I know I can." Sue said. "Mark, do...as a doctor, in your professional opinion, do...do you think Jack can hear us when we speak to him?"
"That's a controversial theory that has been debated over and over again," Mark responded, but then he smiled. "But I can tell you personally that I firmly believe in it!" Sue smiled.
"Thanks."
"You get some rest, dear. If I know Jack as well as I think I do, he'd want you to recuperate all you can so you can be there to greet him with a bright smile when he wakes up." Mark said.
"You're right. I'll try. I promise." Sue sighed in resignation. It was the farthest thing from her mind and she had no desire to sleep, but Mark was right: it was what Jack would insist on, and she certainly didn't want to encumbered in drowsiness when he came to!
"That's a good girl." Mark said. "Rest well." He leaned over, patting Levi. "And you see to it that she does, buddy." Levi grunted in response and panted then Mark left the room.
Levi climbed up onto the bed with his beloved mistress whom he'd missed miserably, relishing in her familiar, delicate stroke and trying to offer what comfort he could as he sensed her deep unhappiness. "Thanks, boy." Sue smiled down at him. "Yeah, I missed you too." Her heart prayed every moment for Jack's life to be spared.
"Dad, we should go home and get some sleep. It's been a long day." Steve said.
"I know I really should," Mark agreed, "but..."
"Don't worry about a thing, Dr. Sloan." Susan spoke up. "We'll keep an eye on them."
"Thanks, Susan. I know you will." Mark grinned. "I suppose you're right." He said to Steve.
"Should I tell Tara?" Steve asked.
"Yeah, but I don't think she'll want to leave."
"Right." Steve sighed and made his way to the visitor's lounge where he found Tara, Dimitrius, and Myles. "Tara, uh, Dad and I are ready to go home for the night."
"Thanks, but I think I'll stick around here for tonight." Tara grinned, sipping her coffee. "You know, in case Sue or Lucy need something."
"Right." Steve smiled, but secretly disappointed that he wouldn't get to enjoy her company.
"Besides, I have a ton of computer work to keep me busy."
"Oh, by the way, Cheryl called and said that the bullet that Amanda pulled out of Lance, the on that killed him, was from a 38., not a sniper's rifle." Steve said.
"So our psychopathic woman killer eliminated his partner." Myles remarked. "Not the kind of warm, welcoming boss people in crime would like to get to know better."
Steve shook his head with a smirk. "Hey, you'll let us know if there's any change?"
"You got it." Dimitrius looked up at him. "Hey, Steve. Thanks for all you've done."
"No problem." Steve smiled and shook his head. He headed to ICU and found Bobby in Jack's room. The dejected Aussie was slouching in a chair, staring at his bed-ridden pal. There were tears in his eyes. "Uh, I'll be back later." Steve spoke up, aching for Bobby's obvious hurt and wishing he could cheer him up. Bobby looked just as lost as Jack had only this morning when they all thought they'd lost Sue. "You call us if you need anything, okay?"
"Yeah." Bobby said quickly, not even looking at the detective. Steve looked at him sympathetically and came closer to him, standing beside the chair.
"I'm sorry this is so hard for all of you, Bobby." He said earnestly. "I wish I could make it better. Jack's a good guy," he purposely refrained from saying, "only the good die young". "I'm glad I've had the chance to work with him."
"He is a good guy, and not just on the job." Bobby said, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees and rubbed his hands together. "Ya know, there was a time I was accused of misconduct when I slugged a diplomat who was bashing up a woman. She almost died. I was at risk of losing my job. Jack agreed to go with me in a restricted area to find the concrete evidence we needed to nail the guy. He stepped right in to help me, even though he knew he could get into just as much trouble as me if we got caught. But he still did it! When I said that I was going to give myself up for that, he insisted on not letting me go down alone in taking the heat.
'When I decided to go undercover on a case that was too close to one of my personal misspent, youthful vices, Jack knew my past secret and warned me over and over not to do it. He was really worried about me. And he kept me accountable, even when I wouldn't listen. Then he tried to help me get out of it.'" Bobby hung his head. "Just...I still need him. The team still needs him. I mean, look at the hole he'd be leaving in the bullpen if...if..." Bobby bit his lip as tears streamed down his face. "There's...there are just some things in life that not all the money in the world can buy."
"Yeah." Steve nodded. "I know that for a fact." His thoughts went to his best friends Amanda, Jessie, and Jack Stewart, but most of all to his dad Mark. He realized it had been God's timing that he came in here when he did because Bobby had needed a friend to talk to."Hey, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask, you read me?" Bobby smiled and nodded with a sniffle. Steve gripped his shoulder and patted his back then started to walk out.
"Hey, Steve." Bobby looked up.
"Hmm?" Steve turned to face him.
"Th...thanks."
"Sure." Steve smiled and slowly walked out.
Bobby couldn't help feeling deep admiration for Steve and his dad. They'd gone way out of their way to help himself and the team, extending their hospitality to complete strangers, working selflessly with them to capture White, and making sure that any injuries received only the best and very care. Bobby would always remember these two devoted men, and hoped that someday he could return the favor. Amanda and Jessie had been great too. Amanda was like Lucy's twin in so many ways. And Jessie? The little yobbo sure had a way with him where you couldn't keep a smile off your face for very long. They'd all been great.
"Bobby's with him." Steve said. "I doubt you could pry him out with a crowbar if you tried."
"No indeed." Mark said. "But I can totally understand how he feels."
"Yeah, me too." Steve said wistfully before they walked out together.
Lucy tossed and turned restlessly. She wasn't in a hospital room with Sue. She was back at the funeral home, tied to a chair. White and Lance were in the room, and worst of all, Sue was helplessly pinned on her back on the floor only a foot away from where Lucy was restrained. Sue's eyes were wide with hurt and intense fear as White beat her and beat her, and beat her, and beat her again! "STOP! STOP IT!" Lucy screeched in an ear-splitting tone. But White just sneered back at her then, looking down on Sue with a sickening, cruel grin, he kicked her again. Sue flailed but couldn't move away. Her terrified eyes fell on Lucy.
"Lucy! Help!" Sue pleaded horribly. "Stop him! Make him stop! PLEASE! Just make him stop! Why don't you do anything? He's hurting me. LUCY, HELP ME! Help me...help me..."
Lucy gasped loudly as she rolled over and landed with a thud on the cold floor. The impact o her head hitting the tile jolted her wide awake. She shivered in horror and at first was confused of where she was. She tried to breathe deeply to calm herself and knelt next to the cot, resting her face on it. Then she felt a cold, wet, welcoming nose on her face and a soothing tongue giving her kisses. She smiled sadly and clung to Levi. "Am I ever glad to see you, boy!" She exclaimed. She looked up at the hospital bed, and there was Sue peacefully sleeping! She was alive, she was here! She was...safe. They weren't at the funeral home, a place of darkness and turmoil, they were here at Community General, a place of care and reassurance, and safety. Lucy slowly breathed in relief with hot tears in her eyes.
Sue was dreaming again the same horrible dream that she had earlier in the day, of Simon trying to strangle her to death, Jack shooting him and trying to reach her, then...then White battering Jack and killing him! Sue moaned and cried out in her sleep and Lucy quickly rushed to the hospital bed. She gently shook her shoulders. "Sue? Sue!" She tried to get her attention, then-yeah, duh! Sue couldn't hear her, darn it!-and shook her a little harder. Sue finally opened her eyes. She stared in confusion up at her friend.
"L-Luce? Lucy, is that you?" Sue asked anxiously.
"Yes! Yes, dear. It's me." Lucy bit her lip.
"W-where are we?"
"We're in the hospital. Do you remember?" Lucy asked. Sue glanced around then slightly relaxed, but only slightly.
"Ohhh," she rubbed her head. "I...I was having a nightmare."
"What was it?" Lucy inquired slowly. Sue gulped and wrapped her arms around herself as Lucy affectionately rubbed her shoulder.
"It was...flashbacks of Simon," Sue began sadly. "When he tried to kill me. Jack shot him and was coming to me, when...when White just appeared out of nowhere. He...he hurt Jack really bad, then...then he killed him. He shot him!" Sue shuddered at the tormenting memory.
"Oh, Sue. I'm so sorry." Lucy said tenderly and wrapped her arms around her friend. They remained that way for a few minutes, till Sue gently broke away. "You gonna be all right?"
"I'll get there." Sue weakly smiled. Lucy sagged down on her cot, looking worried. Sue noticed her anxious expression. "Luce, what's wrong? Are you all right?" She asked, concerned.
"Sure. I'm fine." Lucy whispered. But Sue could clearly see that she was not!
"Something's bothering you. What is it?" Sue insisted. Lucy grimaced and tried to wipe away tears.
"I just...I had a nightmare too." She sniffed.
"Ohh." Sue furrowed her brows in sympathy, and slowly shifted her legs to dangle over the edge of the bed. "What happened?" She asked.
Lucy bit her lip and winced. The salty tears made her eyes glimmer in the dim light. She looked at Sue, pain etched in every line of her beautiful, usually bright, cheery face. "We were kidnapped again." She croaked. "White had me tied to a chair. They brought you in the room."
"They?" Sue raised her eyebrows.
"White and Lance." Lucy said. "Oh, that's right. You didn't know that they'd kidnapped us, did you?"
"No!" Sue gasped, shaking her head.
"Well, they had you on the floor and...and...White kept beating you!" Lucy cringed and felt nauseous. "I yelled at him over and over again, but he just...that slime-ball just laughed. And he didn't stop hurting you. You...you begged me to make him stop, but...he wouldn't listen...I...I couldn't do anything to stop it!" Lucy wailed and buried her face in her hands. Levi rested his head in her lap. Sue leaned forward, but her ribs forbade her to stretch out very far. She signed to Levi to get Lucy's attention, and he obeyed by placing a paw on her knee. She looked up and rubbed his ears, then looked up at Sue.
"Come here, Luce." Sue said with outstretched arms. Lucy cried more and fell into her friend's warm, loving embrace. She placed her arms around Sue and the two girls cried together on each other's shoulders. Levi stood up and placed his paws on Lucy's back. Lucy and Sue just held onto each other, comforting each other like the truly adopted sisters that they were, their fear, exhaustion, pain, and need for comfort all pouring out. Sue breathed deeply from the true sisterly love she felt from her bosom friend. Lucy clung to Sue, thankful for the contact, its mere essence wiping away the gut-wrenching pain of feeling guilty and fearful for Sue's safety. For the moment, in that darkened hospital room, they were close. They were...safe!
