CHAPTER 11 – Aftermath

They rushed Elizabeth to the hospital. She was barely alive. The elevators doors slid open as they pushed her through the room.

Epiphany held her breath and then sprang into action. "Take her into exam room 2." She pointed.

They continued to work on her until they got her breathing steadily.

Felix ran up to Epiphany.

"How is she?"

"She's in bad shape. I don't know what she was injected with but we can't do much until we find out."

"Who would do something like this?"

"I don't know Felix. But, I sure hope they find out soon. Maybe you should call Michael."

Michael had already received a call and was racing towards the hospital. He couldn't imagine life without her.

Back at the station, John was talking over the details with Anna.

"I don't think Carly did all of this."

"I don't either but all the evidence points to her."

"There are reporters waiting for a statement Anna, what should we do?"

"I don't want to upset Elizabeth's family, but whoever did this obviously thinks she's dead. If he finds out that she's alive, he could return to finish the job."

"So, we pretend she's dead to buy time?"

"Yes." Anna surveyed the room.

"What about Carly?"

"We have to hold her here until we trap this guy."

"Alright, let's do it." John looked over at all the press and they slowly walked towards the press.

Michael ran into the waiting room of the hospital. He saw Felix first and ran up to him.

"Where is she man?"

"They are working on her." Felix said in tears.

"Will she make it?"

"I don't know, she was almost dead when they got her here."

Michael stumbled back. Felix reached out and steadied him.

"I have to see her to tell her to fight this."

"I'll see what I can do. Wait here."

About 15 minutes later, he saw Felix motion him over. He walked over to the room and she was just laying there. She looked so peaceful. There were tubes and machines and Michael almost lost it. But, he knew he had to be strong for her.

"Elizabeth, it's Michael. I need you to wake up and look at me. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again. I'm so sorry." He started crying. "I'm so sorry they did this to you."

Liz didn't move at all. Michael looked her and got closer to her. "I love you. Come back to me"

The nurse came into the room to do some tests so Michael had to leave. He kissed her on the forehead and went back to the waiting room. This is going to be a long night.

John McBain cleared his throat and spoke out.

"At approximately 6:30 pm., Elizabeth Webber was found in a remote cabin. She had been drugged and was unconscious. Emergency personnel did everything to save her, but they are taking her off life support as we speak. "

"Lieutenant, do you have someone in custody?" A reporter yelled out.

"Yes, we do."

"Is it Carly Jacks?"

"I have no comment regarding the suspect at this time."

"Do you have any motive for this crime?"

"Look, I've told you all I'm going to tell you for now. We'll keep you updated."

"Is it true that Carly Jacks was seeing revenge because Ms. Webber was dating her son?"

AJ stared at the tv screen. Elizabeth is dead? He felt the tears go down his face. Michael, he thought, I must get to him. AJ rushed to the hospital. When he got there and saw Michael crying in the waiting room, his heart broke into a million pieces.

"Michael."

"Dad."

AJ went over to him and hugged him.

"Son, I'm so sorry."

"I know this is horrible seeing Liz laying there on all those machines."

AJ looked at him puzzled.

"What do you mean? I thought they turned them off."

Michael looked at him like he was crazy.

"I was just in there. What are you talking about?"

"It was just on the news."

Michael looked at him confused.

"Maybe they are lying to flush out the killer."

At that moment Epiphany walked over.

"They've pumped out her stomach and we're hoping she'll wake up soon."

Michael saw Epiphany smile.

"I think she's going to make it."

Michael hugged her with relief and for once Epiphany gave in and hugged him back. Liz was one of her best nurses. She was glad that she was alive.

Over at the Floating Rib, Lulu and Maxie watched the television in disbelief. Michael & Elizabeth?

Maxie was the first to talk. "Oh my God, I really didn't see this coming. I can't believe those two hooked up."

Lulu looked up in fear. "The kids."

Maxie hated Liz but she never wanted her dead. "Let's go over to the hospital."

Lulu nodded and they ran to the car.

Liz woke up slowly. Her eyes began to focus and she realized she was in the hospital. She looked down and saw Michael asleep in the chair. She tried to call out to him but it was like her mouth was stuck. She shut her eyes to rest so she could gather up the strength. That is when she heard his voice.

"Elizabeth, I need you to wake up. I want to see those beautiful eyes. I love you baby."

She wished she could jump up and hug him but she couldn't move. She managed to open her eyes again, and willed him to look at her. He finally did.

"Elizabeth. Oh my God. Nurse…..Nurse." He yelled.

Epiphany came running in. She saw those big blue eyes staring at her. She checked Liz's vitals and spoke to her.

"You gave us quite a scare! You're going to be alright. You were drugged, but we've gotten most of them out of your system. Just relax. They will wear off." Elizabeth blinked to let Epiphany know that she heard her. Epiphany went to get the doctor. Patrick came in and looked at her.

"Heah beautiful. Nice to see that you are awake."

Elizabeth stared at him wishing she could say something. He saw the fear in her eyes.

"It's okay. I know it's scary but we're just going to have to let it wear off."

She blinked again and he smiled and touched her hand.

"You're going to be okay. Trust me."

She felt the tear slide down her face as Patrick brushed it aside.

"Don't cry Liz. You're okay."