Chapter 7:

December 21st

The road to the station was quiet. Megan didn't utter a sound. Bobby looked at her with worry in his eyes. He tried to talk several times but received no reply. The fact that she allowed him to drive the ambulance was even more disturbing to him then her silence. He drove slowly, taking turns slowly; the heavy snow only adding to the heaviness he felt in his heart.

When he pulled her away from the dead firefighter she didn't resist. He pulled her to the ambulance and made her seat down. He felt like he was leading a puppet to do as he wished. She sat quietly and waited while he brought some gauze and antiseptic. He cleaned her face as quickly as he could, not believing the amount of blood that sprayed on her. He moved his hands to clean her neck, his face inches away from hers. He felt the heat that radiated from her body. Her brown eyes were wide, their pupils large and unfocused. His heart missed a beat when he realized how close she stood next to the firefighter.

Megan knew she had to snap out of it. She had to get up and get over it. She saw lots of blood, lots of death and it made no difference to her. But a small part inside knew this one was different, she stood so close to him…that shot might have been for her, but she survived…again.

The sudden tiredness that spread in her body was the result of the cold and the too many graveyards shifts and extra hours she took. It was unusual for her, but she welcomed it, her eyes closing slowly, wishing for several moments of peace. Her body shook; her mind suddenly feeling something different then numbness. She felt someone wrapping her in what seemed like a blanket. She opened her eyes to see Bobby's face close to hers, his features etched with worry.

Her body wouldn't stop shaking.

He moved closer to her, intent on wrapping his arms around her. She shook her head, the hand on his shoulder stopping him from coming closer. She saw the sudden flash of hurt in his eyes before he blinked and it was gone. Opening her mouth to speak, she stopped when he reached for her hand, a silent offering of understanding. She took the hand and closed her eyes again, using him as her anchor while her mind and body slowly returned to themselves.

And now, they were on their way back to the station. He finally stopped talking to her, but she caught him glancing towards her several times. She couldn't respond to him, not yet. The only thing she could wrap her mind around was the horribly strong desire to take a shower and sleep off the rest of the day.

She felt relieved when they finally arrived. The morning shift took over and Megan reached for her bag. She will take her shower at home, alone with her thoughts. Bobby stopped her when she was about to leave. He opened his mouth to speak but she talked before he managed.

"You did well, Bobby. I'm…sorry for all the trouble I caused last night."

Bobby nodded his head, surprise in his eyes. "You weren't wearing a vest." He stated.

She shook her head. "Yes?"

"I thought your supervisor ordered you to wear one." He said quietly.

"What are you going to do? Tell on me?" The challenge in her eyes angered him and he gritted his teeth. Jack moved forward, reaching out for his friend's shoulder, recognizing the clenched set of his jaw and the piercing look he gave her.

"Now, Crash we don't want another scene like yest…"

He pointed an accusing finger at her. "You could have been killed!"

"So could you!" She shot back at him.

They stared at each other for a moment before Megan spoke again. "It doesn't matter anyway. No vest can protect my head."

"It does matter, Sheila. You have to put on a vest."

She groaned loudly and opened the door. "I'm going home; it's been a long night." Bobby considered continuing the argument, but his friend's glare stopped him. "By the way, Jack, I'm meeting Brian tonight at nine. Both James and I have the night off."

Jack nodded his head. "Where?"

"A place down town called 'Mackey's frying pan'." Jack frowned with disgust. "Why are you making a face?"

"Nothing." Jack smiled. "Have you ever been there?"

"No." She said, a small smile forming on her lips. "Is it bad?"

"You'll see. We'll contact you in the afternoon to finalize the plans."

Megan nodded her head and waved goodbye, walking out of the door.

Bobby unclenched his jaw slowly before sighing. "I don't get her." He hissed.

"Actually, if you have given her some time to explain you might have acted differently." James said calmly, his arms folded in his lap.

Bobby took a seat in front of him. "What?"

"You see, you have to understand something. Yes, the district manager ordered us all to wear bullet proof vests, but he failed to mention that we have serious budget problems. There isn't enough manpower, vehicles and uniforms. Naturally, there aren't enough vests as well." He removed his coat to reveal the vest he was wearing. "We argued about that for an hour before you came to the station. There is only one vest. There used to be another one, but it's long gone." James lowered his head. "She convinced me that I have much more to lose." He said quietly.

Bobby closed his eyes with frustration. He had done it again. He rushed forward without even bothering to ask any questions. It wasn't even like him! He always had a temper, but he never failed to control it before like he failed in the past few days. "Spark, I'm going home to take a shower and then to the office, I'll see you there."

Jack nodded. "Don't you wanna sleep some?" Bobby shook his head. "Alright then, I'll do the same, see you soon."

Jack grinned when the door slammed shut and James started laughing. "You seem to enjoy yourself." He said.

"I was merely enjoying the show." James shrugged. "Is he always like that?"

"Bobby?" Jack felt the need to protect his best friend. "I believe Megan is acting the same if not worse."

James' smile broadened and tilted his head to the right. "We all know the reason for that? Don't we?" his voice was etched with laughter and Jack looked at him quizzically.

"What do you mean?"

"I think only married men can really see that." James smiled wistfully and then lowered his voice. "Can you spell sexual frustration?"

Jack burst out laughing. "What? They'll reap each other's throat."

"Maybe…but they'll have fun doing it."

"Not gonna happen." Jack shook his head.

James offered him his hand. "Why won't we bet on it?" Jack pursed his lips before grinning widely and shaking his hand. "The looser will arrange a romantic dinner for two for the winner and his fair lady."

Jack shook his head. "I don't have any fair lady." He smiled. "But I'll take it."

"You don't have a fair lady?" James wondered. "You seemed pretty friendly with that blond agent."

"Sue is my partner." He said, trying not to flush under James' direct look. "She's a very dear friend."

James shrugged his shoulder. "Friend or partner, she's in your dreams, Jack. I heard you saying her name several times last night." Jack's voice died in his throat and he coughed loudly. "Oh well…I'm off to the lovely wife. I'll see you tomorrow night, Jack."

Jack remained in his place for a few moments before shaking his head and heading outside, hoping that something will distract him from the embarrassment he now felt. He had to work, it will distract his mind and he'll be able to see Sue again. He missed her company. Shaking his head again against the train of thoughts that kept on leading him to the same person, he gritted his teeth.

"Get a grip, Hudson." He muttered.