Be Careful, Burger Interrupted, Plans & Special Like a Mogwai

Hospital – Surgery Recovery Room

Jeremy saw Ron waiting just outside the surgery recovery room. He quickened his pace and looked around nervously. He had no idea where the fake cop was.

Ron smiled "Hey Jeremy how ya doing? I hear you have been pretty busy the past few days."

"Yeah we have. Um can we go in the recovery room?" Jeremy asked.

Ron noticed that Jeremy was jumpy. He opened the door saying "Maisie said they were just finishing up with Ethan. He is going to be okay."

When the recovery room door closed Jeremy scanned the small room. He leaned close to Ron as he pulled the name tag out of his pocket. He opened his hand showing the tag "I found this covered in blood in the officer's pants. The uniform belongs to Alex Roman. I think they killed Alex. I don't think Barton is a real cop."

Ron looked at Alex's name tag. His heart dropped. He had gone hunting with Alex only three months ago. They were planning a fishing trip for the summer. Ron reached out for the tag. He closed his hand around it as he thought god rest your soul my friend.

Sadly Ron said "I should have noticed something was off. The uniform was too big for him."

Jeremy nervously asked "What are we going to do?"

The door to the surgery opened and Vanessa and Maisie pushed Ethan's bed into the recovery room. Doc Landry slowly followed behind. He sat on a chair near a sink and pulled off his gloves and then began washing his hands.

Vanessa looked at Jeremy "I can always count on you to have good timing Jeremy. In a few hours I'm going to need you to carry Ethan upstairs since the elevators are out. That way we can get him situated and comfortable and his parents can stay in the room with him."

Maisie looked at Ron and Jeremy and noticed the tension "Ron my boy whatever is the problem? You look like your best friend died."

Ron's voice was a little hoarse as he said "Not my best friend but my friend nonetheless. We have a serious problem here."

That got Maisie's, Vanessa's and Landry's attention.

Landry said "What is the problem my boy?"

Ron opened his hand and showed the name tag "This belonged to Alex Roman. Jeremy found it in Officer Barton's pants. It was bloody. We think that Barton is not a real cop and that he killed Alex."

Maisie's hand flew to her mouth and she immediately went to Landry. Landry wrapped his arms around Maisie and pulled her into his lap.

Vanessa paled "Oh my!"

Ron's mind had been spinning. He whispered "Don't worry, we have help. Spike and Sam are police officers with the SRU in Toronto and Scott is in the military."

Vanessa said "But two of the three are in no shape to help."

Landry looked at the group and said calmly "Vanessa and Jeremy why don't you two stay here to care for Ethan. Ron can escort me and Maisie back to the ER. I need to look at Sam's leg anyhow. For now we act like he is a police officer. We do not let on that we suspect anything. Ron can inform Spike and we can see how they want to handle this. They are the ones with that type of training."

Ron nodded "That sounds good. Jeremy, I need you to relax and try to be yourself. Stay close to Vanessa and Ethan. Bring Ethan's parents in here for now and lock the door. I think that would be best for right now."

Jeremy's voice cracked a bit as he replied "Okay Ron. I met him upstairs, he kind of freaked me out. He was looking in all the rooms. He is wearing scrubs and is also wearing his gun. Be careful I don't want to lose another friend."

Ron patted Jeremy's shoulder "I'll be careful."

Greg's Home

Greg had just turned on the TV and sat down to eat his take out dinner. He didn't feel like cooking tonight and had stopped at the new burger joint Ed suggested. Clark had raved about the burgers. As he took a big bite and began to chew his phone began to ring.

He thought, great timing, not. Greg hurriedly chewed as the phone continued to ring. Finally swallowing after the fifth ring he answered "Hello."

[Laura was wondering if Greg would answer, one more ring and she would leave a voice mail. When he answered she said "Good evening Sergeant Parker this is Laura Braddock."]

Greg grinned. He liked Laura Braddock. She had done a very nice thing for Sam when she asked her father to ensure Sam's cousins were around to help Sam recover after he was shot in the chest. He said "Good Evening Laura. To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?"

["I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time" Laura said.]

"Nope I was just relaxing on the couch doing nothing in particular" Greg answered looking longingly at his hot, juicy burger. It was as good as Clark claimed. But it would be rude to chew while on the phone so he let it sit on the table.

[Laura sat back in the chair and said "Scott wanted me to contact you. He, Sam and Spike are snowed in. Sam and Spike will not be making it back in time for their shift on Thursday. There is still two more days of expected snow fall. Scott said he would call again when he could but they were using a borrowed sat phone with very little battery so he had to make it quick in case they need to use it for an emergency."

She then relayed to Greg "They are not at the cabin which is good. Apparently one of the ski patrol guys had a sno-cat and offered to give them a ride to the small hospital to get Sam checked out. I think the name was Craig Hospital. Just a small local hospital."]

All thoughts of his burger flew out of Greg's head "Why would Sam need to be check out?"

[A short laugh emitted from Laura "It seems that the guys were targeted by some very aggressive snow-bunnies. One of them ran into Sam on the slope and he hit his head on a tree. Scott said Sam insisted he was alright and so did the first aid folks but we all know Sam. Better safe than sorry. Scott said the cabin was too remote and did not want to be stuck there if Sam needed help."

"Scott said something about hitting his leg with a ski pole too. I swear those two are so accident prone." Then she laughed and said "They really should not be allowed to do winter trips together. Scott's and Sam's moms shared a funny incident with me." Laura went on to relate the oil pan sled incident.]

Greg was laughing by the time Laura was done. He said "Good thing Spike is with them. Wait scratch that. Spike would think that was a grand idea too. Good thing they are in a hospital but I feel bad for Sam. He surely hates them. To be snowed in one and not be able to leave would drive him nuts."

[Laura agreed "Yeah but if he did knock his head too hard at least he's in the right place for help. It would be bad if they were stuck at the cabin. There would be no way for them to get help."]

Greg agreed and then he heard crying in the background. He smiled "I should let you go. I hear the babies in the background. Thank you for calling and letting me know."

[Standing and heading for Jerrell's bassinet Laura said "My pleasure. Oh and thank you again for the monogrammed pink and blue baby blankets. I use them often. They are so soft. If I hear from them again I'll give you an update."]

"Thank you Laura. Have a nice evening" Greg said then hung up.

He picked up his cold burger and took a bite. Still good. He kicked back on the couch and put his feet up on the table.

Greg chuckled. Leave it to Sam and Spike to attract killer snow-bunnies and Sam to get a concussion on a ski trip. Perhaps he should instill a rule that no one is allowed to go on vacation with Sam.

Wait scratch that. He should insist that someone always go on vacation with Sam. That way the can watch out for him. Sam seemed to attract trouble no matter where he went.

His last thought before tuning into the TV program was that at least he knew where to contact them if the Officer Roman and the Barton's were located and they were needed to transport the Barton's to Toronto.

Hospital – ER Treatment Area

Spike put a comforting arm around Minna "It will be okay Minna. Barton is not aware we know. We plan to keep it that way until we have a plan that keeps everyone safe."

Sam's mind was not firing on all cylinders that was for damned sure but he was good enough right now to discuss tactics. He hoped he did not begin hallucinating again. That could be bad for all involved.

Looking at Spike, Sam said "Spike you checked out the area. Is there any way we can secure the patients and the nurses in one section?"

Shaking his head Spike answered "They have two wings upstairs but no doors separate them. The nurses' station is in the middle of the two wings. Also the nurses have to go up and down to get food and medications."

"Crap" Sam said not liking not having an area they could effectively secure the patients and hospital staff in to keep them safe.

Scott asked "Tactically is it better to have them all grouped in one wing or separated as they are now if we cannot lock them into one area?"

Sam considered that "Depends. All closer together might be easier for one man to defend them." Sam looked pointedly at Spike. Both knew who the one man would be.

Then Sam said "But should something go wrong and that one man is down. Then it makes it easier for the subject to take out more at one time; like fish in a barrel. Separated they might have a better chance."

Directing his comment to Spike, Sam suggested "I think we need to think more about how we go about taking him into custody. Perhaps we could bring him in here under the pretense of checking on his prisoner. With both you and Scott armed we should be able to disarm him fairly easily."

Spike nodded "Yeah but he is ruthless. He and his brother simply mowed down anyone unlucky enough to be in those banks they robbed. I seriously doubt he will just give up. I'm pretty sure he would try to shoot his way out. We need to be prepared for that."

"Agreed. That means that no one but the three of us should be in here. Minna and everyone else needs to be out of here and secured upstairs. We also need to restrain the brother. He may have a gunshot wound and be weakened right now but let's reduce the risk by putting him in restraints" Sam stated.

Scott nodded "Sounds like a workable plan. Although I think you should be out of here too Sam. Especially since you are unarmed."

Sam shook his head "No that might alert him to the something being up."

Spike said "I don't see how. We could move you to the surgery room."

Minna interjected "That might set him off. He might get upset because Doc Landry is treating Sam before his brother."

Sam looked at Spike "She has a point."

Spike ran his hand through his hair "It's too risky for you to be in here. If things go sideways you cannot move."

"With that logic, Scott should not be in here either" Sam pointed out.

Scott declared "But I'm not prone to have a hallucination in the middle of it. Besides Spike needs someone to cover his back and it is just too risky for you to be his backup. It is also too risky for you to be in here. It's two against one Sam. You are out of here."

At that moment Ron, Maisie and Doc Landry entered the room. Ron pushed the wheelchair right to Sam's bed.

Spike, Scott and Sam shared a look that said they would continue their discussion in a moment. It would not be good to spook the others until they had a firm plan.

Maisie went to Sam's bed and nervously took his hand "I've been so worried about you since your cousin showed up at the store. I don't know if you remember me but I surely remember you."

Sam smiled in spite of the situation "I remember you Maisie. You made the best chicken soup I've ever had. I'm glad to see you again."

Maisie smiled "Funny you should say that. I brought some with me."

Sam stomach growled softly.

Minna looked at Sam and then to the doctor "Doc I know Sam cannot eat at the moment, at least until you determine what is needed. But he is thirsty. Can he have some water?"

Sam turned to Landry and said "Hi Doc. Long time no see."

Landry stood up and said "Testing my skills again I see young man. I need to have a look at that leg before I say one way or the other on water. I'm glad to see you are coherent. You look to be doing better than Scott described with some meds on board."

Then Landry lifted the sheet off of Sam's leg and uncovered the wound to begin his examination.

Sam turned his head unable to look. He winced and hissed as Doc Landry probed his leg. Maisie started up a conversation to distract Sam asking if he had seen Wilson lately.

Minna went to get some items the doctor needed. She was nervous about what she knew but she did not want to say anything to the Doc and Maisie. No need to worry them. Besides Doc Landry needed to focus on Sam's injury.

Scott sat back and watched closely as the doctor examined Sam's wound. He was praying that the doctor could save his leg. Scott knew how much the SRU meant to Sam and he wanted Sam to be able to continue working there. If Sam lost his leg it would devastate him. Scott held his breath waiting for the doctor's assessment.

When Doc Landry stood up Ron pulled Spike away from Sam's bed to talk to him. Doc Landry need some space to check out Sam and he needed to tell Spike what they suspected. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the name tag.

Ron glanced at the prisoner. Good he was out. But he spoke quietly "I think we have a big problem."

He showed Spike the name tag then Ron explained "We don't think the officer is real. We think he killed Officer Alex Roman and stole his uniform. Alex was my friend. Don't know who that guy is but it's a problem. I needed to tell you because you and Sam are cops and Scott is in the military. You guys will know what to do."

Spike nodded "We know. When Sam woke coherent he thought the prisoner looked familiar. I had my suspicions too and got our off duty weapons from our gear. We know who they are and yes it is a problem."

He shifted his glance to the prisoner, checking to see if he had roused. Then he continued a little lower unsure if he could be faking sleep "We were just working on a plan. At this point it might depend on Doc Landry's assessment of Sam. So hold on a bit and we will get it worked out. You said we? Who else knows?"

Ron answered in the same lower voice "Vanessa, Jeremy, the Doc and Maisie. Vanessa and Jeremy are with Ethan in recovery. They plan to move Ethan upstairs when he is stable. Until then they plan to keep the parents with them in recovery. I had them lock the door to be safe."

"Good thinking Ron" Spike responded with a smile.

Spike was pulled away from his conversation when he heard Sam say in a heated voice "I will not go under general anesthesia. That is final! I cannot afford to be out of it right now. And absolutely no needles for a local; I can handle the pain. I handled it at the cabin and I can handle it here."

Scott's voice was just as heated when he returned "Sam quit being stupid and stubborn. What the doctor has to do is painful, more so than me just washing it out. He has to cut into you. He has to go deep to debride the wound and explore for whatever it is that is causing this damned infection. It will be way worse than what we did at the cabin. Take the damned general anesthesia. Spike and I have the other covered."

Spike said to Ron "Excuse me I have to stop world war three before it really gets started."

Ron grinned as Spike stepped back to Sam's bed.

Approaching the bed Spike saw the glare of wills going on between two stubborn Braddocks. Damn they looked so alike. Landry, Maisie and Minna looked very concerned. Spike needed to defuse the situation.

Spike first looked at Scott and said calmly "Scott, no general anesthesia. According to the Proper Care and Feeding of Samtastic manual general anesthesia is to be avoided whenever possible. Sam does not come out of anesthesia well."

Turning to Sam, Spike added firmly "Sam you will take the local. According to the same manual the doctor can give you nitrous oxide to get you zoned out so you don't give a shit about the needles and within five minutes of stopping it you will be your old, stubborn self again."

Spike looked between both of them as they processed his words. When he saw resistance forming in Sam's eyes he stated firmly "Capisci?"

Sam looked at Spike with defiance. They had a bad situation here. He could not afford to be out of it.

A retort was forming on Sam's lips when Spike held up the sat phone "I could always call the Boss or Ed to order you to do it that way or perhaps you would rather I call Jim and have him talk to Doc Landry. I'm sure Jim would be calling you Blondie in no time. Your choice, comply or I take drastic action."

"Okay, nitrous oxide and a local" Sam grumbled.

Scott relaxed and smiled.

Spike nodded "Glad you see it my way."

Doc Landry laughed "Spike I like you. Great solution. Minna darling get Sam prepped to move to surgery. From what I've seen, Sam's leg is a higher priority than the gunshot wound. The prisoner is stable but if I don't get moving on Sam's leg bad things can happen."

Landry sat back down in the wheelchair. He was getting too old for long hours on his feet. But he would do what was necessary. Ethan was going to be just fine. He had gotten the appendix out just in time. Another hour or so it would have burst.

He did not like the look of Sam's wound. If he were a betting man he would lay odds that the urgent care facility that checked out Sam's leg missed something. Something must be embedded deeply for it to be this infected. If he could find and remove it Sam would recover just fine.

The antibiotics seemed to be doing their job at the moment but he needed to get whatever might be in there out. It was also possible that the course of antibiotics Sam had been initially prescribed were ineffective on the strain of bacteria that was introduced to the wound.

After he got Sam sorted out he would then deal with the gunshot wound. Landry decided he would focus on his area of expertise and leave the other matter to Spike and Scott and perhaps Ron to deal with. Landry trusted them to keep them all safe.

Sam looked up at Spike as Doc Landry sat down and grinned "I still can't believe you wrote a damned manual Spike."

Spike shrugged "Wouldn't be necessary if you took better care of yourself."

Scott chuckled.

Sam gave Scott an evil eye "Shut it. You have no room to talk Mr. Ski Pole through the thigh and I can ski through a damned blizzard."

"But at least I don't have a damned manual written about me. I mean who needs a whole manual describing how to care for them? Oh wait … you do Doppelganger" Scott retorted with a laugh.

Sam slowly shook his head as he rolled his eyes. His stomach growled softly. Damn he was hungry he hadn't eaten since yesterday and then not so much.

Spike heard Sam's stomach growl and an image popped into his head. A grin split Spike's face as his eyes danced with merriment "Sam's special like a mogwai. All cute and cuddly but we gotta take proper care of him or else he'll turn into a gremlin."

Scott laughed "Does that mean that we should not expose Mogwai here to bright light, water or to feed him after midnight?"

Snickering Spike added "That and morphine. Definitely not morphine. Mogwai is funny on morphine but scary too. Morphine, rabid raccoons, rooftops and broomstick rifles are not a good combination."

Doc Landry smiled at Maisie and whispered to her "There must be a story behind those words."

Maisie whispered back "When all is settled we'll ask about it. Sounds interesting."

At the same time as the Craig's were whispering to each other Sam groaned. They looked up as Sam spoke.

"Great! Just great! One more damned nickname to add to the list. Before long people are gonna get the impression that I have multiple personalities" Sam said in mock disgust.

Everyone chuckled.

Sam laid back and closed his eyes. Secretly he approved of the no morphine rule. Hallucinating rabid raccoons, plaid pythons, persnickety parrots and purple people eaters was no fun.

He also liked the not expose to water too; especially if it were deep, open water. Drowning once was more than enough. But his fear of water would stay his secret; he did not want that documented in some damned manual.

Jonas was glad he pretended to be asleep. He had heard voices speaking quietly before but he could not hear what they were saying. Then the doctor and his wife came in. He heard all of that clearly.

But then he had overheard that sno-cat driver and the guy they called Spike talking. God damn, they knew. They had guns. Somehow he needed to warn Noah.