Andy tidied the files scattered over his desk. He wasn't any closer to being done with the paperwork because he hadn't done much the whole morning. He had been too nervous and fidgety and hadn't been able to focus on work. As he was ready to leave, Julio kindly wished them good luck. Flynn grabbed his coat and waved him goodbye. He was feeling less tense now that Sharon was here. He was always more reassured to know she was around so that he'd be able to look after her. He had become quite paranoid over the months, but he just couldn't help it.

A light smile drew on his face at the thought of this last meeting with Sharon's obstetrician. It meant they would soon finally meet their baby, their little miracle. He was so excited to become a father once again and even more so when he knew he'd have Sharon as a partner. Of course, challenge was still ahead but he was so looking forward to it. It would be unsettling and stressful, he wasn't particularly delighted at the prospect of the sleepless nights awaiting them but he was being given a second chance at fatherhood and this time he would do anything in his power to be more involved. He didn't want to miss out on any step of this new child's life, therefore he was determined to support Sharon as much as he could.

He hadn't been able to do much so far, at least not as much as he wanted. He knew how this pregnancy had been hard on Sharon's body but also on her mind. He secretly knew all this triggered major wounds that had never completely healed despite the years. They were now finally seeing the end of this marathon and now he would be able to do more than comfort her. He'd be able to take care of their little one, change the diapers to let his wife rest after months of sacrifices.

Andy crossed Tao and Sykes coming out of the elevator followed by Buzz holding his camera under his arm. They had probably been out for lunch. He didn't remember seeing them leave but, again, he hadn't been very attentive all morning.

He absentmindedly raised his hand to waive at them not quite paying attention. They seemed to be talking about something rather funny as their smiles were noticeable. Andy stopped by the restroom while he saw them 3 heading to the Murder Room out of the corner of his eye.

The lieutenant checked his watch. He hurried to wash his hands and was about to head out of the restroom when a loud bang resonated. It seemed close enough to make his stomach clench instantly. Sharon was in the building. His throat felt suddenly constricted. He partially opened the door and focused on the voices and noises he could decipher. There was something unusual. A woman whose voice didn't sound familiar. The team was ordering her to lower her gun. He could hear Julio, Buzz and Tao. Where was Amy? Taylor had been in his office the whole morning, maybe he didn't hear the gunshot. How had this woman been able to penetrate the building with a gun?

Suddenly, he heard the lady shout. She wanted to see the Captain. His heart skipped a beat. Was she referring to the person in charge? Or was she actually referring to Sharon? Who could she be? What did she want from Sharon? The woman angrily repeated her request but this time she left no room for doubts, she asked to see Sharon Raydor. Shit. Why would this happen now when he didn't even know for sure where Sharon actually was.

Nobody seemed injured from what he could hear. Had it been just a gunshot to steal the attention? But the team was tense, their voices kept steadily ordering for the woman to lower her gun although it didn't seem to change much. Everyone had been taken by surprise. Andy had to think fast. Sharon was probably still in the break room. He quickly mentally listed his options. His service weapon was locked in his drawer as he was heading out to his wife's appointment. The restroom's door was visible from the corridor and therefore he'd be too exposed. He felt his pockets. His phone.

/

This wasn't supposed to happen. Not like this. Not now of all times.

It could only be a nightmare. She almost asked for Provenza to pinch her.

Sharon was paralyzed with fear. She was thinking about everything at once. But the worst was that she just needed Andy. She wouldn't be able to do it without him. Not knowing where he was and if he had been hurt by the shooting they heard left her pretty shaken. Her breathing was noisy and irregular as if her lungs wouldn't take the air she was trying to breath in. She was suffocating.

- Okay, Sharon, listen… you have to calm down! Louie tried to reassure her and touched her shoulder.

- We have to find him, Louie! We need to find Andy… Sharon started sobbing desperately.

If her mind had been clearer she would never have allowed herself to be so vulnerable in front of the old Lieutenant although they had come to become friends over time. But now she couldn't care less and was too panicked to even bother filtering her emotions.

- I'm sure he's alright… Let's just… you should breathe, right? What do they say already? … Breathe in, breathe out!

He threw his hands heavenwards in desperate need for a divine intervention. If God ever existed, it was time to show its true powers because there was no way the grumpy old man would deliver his boss's baby on the floor of the Break Room in the Police Department's building during a shooting right next door.

Sharon tried her best to stay calm and did as she was told. It wouldn't help anybody if she freaked out now.

- Here, let's sit behind the counter, we'll be safer there, Louie whispered.

He delicately placed his arm around Sharon and took her free hand to help her walk to the counter. He kept checking the door, there was still no movement in the corridor and he truly hoped it would remain that way at least until they'd be able to figure something out.

- Okay, let me just go grab a chair for you… there we go, just sit down and breath, okay? Louie was trying to think fast.

He emptied his pockets on the counter and mumbled a curse word not happy with what he found. His phone was nowhere probably forgotten somewhere on his desk. He hated this thing so much he kept forgetting about it and Sharon hadn't brought hers as she had left her handbag in the car. The old man opened all the drawers and the cupboards to see what they could use. He was hoping to find anything close to an emergency kit. He suddenly heard a grunt. It couldn't be any good news. As he looked at Sharon, he noticed her eyes were tightly shut and her hands clenched around the edge of the counter. She was breathing through a contraction.

- Take it easy, Sharon. We're gonna get you some help… Louie was trying as hard as he could to sound convincing but he was struggling to be positive himself.

- I'm fine, Louie, she finally said once the contraction had faded. Those are the first contractions, we should have a little time ahead, she paused. We have to find out what is going on… her eyes gave away her worry.

Sharon was doing her best to stay focused. She had to pull herself together. She couldn't give in to panic. Louie was clearly not at ease with her going into labor. A knocking noise came from the door and caught their attention in a split second. It made them jump with fear of having been found by the enemy.

- Guys! Guys! There's a woman in the… oh my god, Captain you're here!

- Sykes! What are you doing here?! Don't stay close to the door! Provenza hurried the young woman to join them behind the counter.

- What is going… oh… Sharon started breathing in and out holding onto her belly while focusing inwards for a few seconds.

- Is everything alright, Captain? Amy looked at Sharon quite concerned and hurried to her side, kneeling right in front of her.

- She's… she's in labor… the old Provenza still couldn't believe it.

- What's going on out there? Sharon was able to mumble through the decreasing pain.

- She's what? Sykes was in shock.

- Amy, tell me what's going on out there! Have you seen Andy? Sharon needed an answer, she really didn't have time for this.

- I don't know what's going on exactly… Tao and Buzz went to the Murder Room a few minutes before the shooting. I saw Andy heading to the restroom but haven't seen him since. I'm sure he is alright, Ma'am.

- Who's the woman we can hear shouting? Provenza asked.

- I couldn't see her face - blond, probably in her forties, pretty thin, about 5'7 tall, that's all I noticed. But we have a problem… the young detective was clearly worried.

- You don't say! exclaimed Provenza, it's not like there's a pregnant lady about to give birth in the middle of a shooting! he couldn't help but roll his eyes heavenwards.

- Lieutenant, this is not helping… the older woman gave him a side-look.

- No, I mean, we have a worse problem. She wants to see you, Captain. She threatened to shoot someone if you don't show up in the next half hour. She sounds too irrational, she's probably under drugs or something… I'm afraid she could truly hurt someone…

- Does she know the Captain's here?

- I don't think so… I didn't even know she was here!

- Okay, then I have an idea.

Provenza hurried to explain to both ladies what he had in mind. They had to act fast because Sharon's water had broken a little while ago and there was a risk of infection. Every minute counted. They had to call the paramedics as soon as possible along with reinforcement to stop that crazy woman from threatening everyone to have a talk with the Captain.

/

Julio was the only one in that room aware that the Captain was actually there. Everyone else didn't seem too worried but he was. That woman couldn't find out that Sharon was right next door because she wasn't in the best condition to defend herself if things came to that. That face was familiar although he couldn't quite put his finger on it. She was sweating, and weirdly so. She was probably under drugs or in need of a dose. Her hands were shaky and her movements jerky, but she was clearly determined. She passed her free hand over her wet forehead. It seemed like she was improvising. The officers did their best to convince her to lower her gun, but she kept shouting not willing to hear them out. It was non-negotiable.

- Ma'am, please, once again I'm asking you to lower your gun. The Captain is not on duty, she's not here, Sanchez explained calmly.

- Then call her and bring her here! I wanna talk to Sharon Raydor! the woman shouted again and pointed her gun to the ceiling before shooting once.

They all jumped. She was not kidding. Julio was trying to think of something. He had to manage to lead her into accepting an alternative.

- Okay, you know what? Let's call her, proposed Tao totally unaware of what he had just done.

Sanchez gave him a serious look hoping to make him understand he shouldn't do that. The woman insisted that they'd do just that. Tao dialed and put the call on speaker. Julio could already hear the Captain's phone ringing right next door and therefore let everyone know she was indeed here and quite close to them. Only things didn't develop the way he expected them to and thank God! Nobody seemed to pick up the call and no phone rang in the area. Had Tao understood?

The situation was getting worse and out of hand. The three officers had their hands up in the air, each one close to their respective desk. The blond lady was too impatient now and would become unpredictable soon. That's when Provenza finally interrupted them holding his hands up.

- I come unarmed, he announced and walked slowly towards the lady doing his best to block the view.

- Who are you? she retorted with an angry frown and pointed her gun right at him.

- I'm the person in charge of the unit. I understood you wanted to talk to me? the old lieutenant kept walking towards the lady until he passed her and made her turn her back to the hallway.

- I only want to see the Captain Sharon Raydor! she emphasized; I've said it enough! You are not Sharon Raydor!

- I know, but I'm the one in charge when the Captain is not here. And she's not been working for several weeks now, therefore you won't find her in the building, he explained carefully. So, tell me what you need and I'm sure we can work this out together… he invited her to formulate a more specific request.

- I want my son back now! That stuck-up Captain Raydor took him away from me! If you say you're in charge here, then make her give him back to me! NOW! the lady ordered.

- Okay. Tell me more about your son: what's his name? What makes you think that she's responsible for that? Provenza was still clueless but Sanchez suddenly interrupted them.

- You are… you are Sharon Beck… Julio's eyes widened while he put everything together and voiced the conclusion he'd just reached.

/

Sharon was humming her pain away as she felt her muscles tense again. The contractions were becoming stronger and more painful. She was struggling to remain silent. Provenza was Andy's best friend and for sure a very skilled police officer. She trusted him. His plan had sounded a pretty good idea. She could only hope it would work out.

It was clearly unsettling for Amy to see her former Captain so vulnerable and in pain. Usually, the impassive Darth Raydor never let anyone read her mind and yet her face gave her away at this precise moment. She was doing her best to stay positive and reassuring but truth be told, she was terrified and who could blame her? The younger officer pressed her ear against the door. Nothing. They had no idea what was happening outside and that thought alone was frightening.

Sharon muffled a groan when her contraction reached its peak and focused on breathing in and out for the next couple of seconds. She didn't want to worry Amy any more than she already was. Once the pain had faded, she gave up the chair for the cold floor. She was getting sweaty and uncomfortable as she felt pressure downwards. She had been in labor before, the baby wasn't coming right next minute, but things were on their way. She was starting to believe that maybe she'd have to deliver her baby there and without Andy.

- Ma'am… are you sure you can stay alone? Amy hesitated.

- Yes, Amy. You have to go cover up for Provenza and Andy. I'll be fine, don't worry! She tried a smile that ended up looking rather fake. Plus, you're the only one with a gun, you have to go now. He only told you to wait a few minutes.

- But Captain…

- No, you have to, Detective Sykes. That's an order.

Once Amy was out, Sharon let out a shaky sigh along with a few tears. She could only pray for Andy to understand their plan and join her as soon as possible.

/

Andy peeked through a tiny opening trying to see anything that would help him out. He could hear Provenza trying to make the lady talk. She sounded like a broken record. Amy appeared in the corridor positioning herself right before the intersection between the corridor leading up to the elevators and the one to the Murder Room. Sykes had her gun in her right hand and was gesturing with her left one. She seemed to encourage him to leave the rest room and follow her. Andy reasoned quite fast understanding what Amy and Provenza were trying to accomplish. His partner had made the lady change position and kept distracting her while Sykes was covering them up. He'd have to act now. He hurriedly tiptoed hoping his shoes wouldn't squeak on the floor. He reached Amy and she whispered:

- Break room, Lieutenant, fast!

Flynn understood he had to hurry but there was no way he could have ever pictured how bad the situation truly was. He was miles away from thinking anything was going on with Sharon as well, too focused on understanding who that mysterious lady was. Sykes gestured for him to go first and so did he.

He slowly pushed the Break Room's door… no one was in sight. He frowned. Out of the corner of his eye he caught a puddle of a clear liquid on his left. Maybe water, he shrugged.

/

The room felt awkwardly empty. She could hear the clock ticking. The contractions were getting closer and stronger. She was alone. Sharon had always been that strong independent woman, up for any challenge coming her way. She would overcome this somehow, she hung onto this idea for dear life and didn't allow herself to lose hope. She knew her team and she knew her husband, he'd surely do anything he could to join her and he was probably on his way. She let a few tears fall down her cheeks again. It helped her release some of the tension accumulated in her throat and stomach. She was terribly scared, but she had to trust that everything would work out fine.

Still hidden behind the counter, Sharon felt quite vulnerable with her legs spread out, her knees up and the sweat shining on her forehead. This was not what she had envisioned for the birth of their child. But after all it wasn't so surprising as whenever Andy and her were involved, the Universe always seemed to throw more challenges their way. The last contraction had just faded and she tried to enjoy the few painless minutes ahead of her now.

Suddenly, she heard the door open. Her heart skipped a beat. She held her breath. Slow steps seemed to come her way. The steps stopped. Her heartbeating was accelerating by the second while she was tightly and firmly grabbing the knife Amy had put next to her earlier – just in case – had she said.

- Sharon? it sounded like a whisper.

She gasped, recognizing the voice.

- Sharon? Andy called for his wife again, his voice giving away his worry.

- Andy! Behind the counter! she breathlessly hurried him to join her.

She could hear his steps approaching. When she finally saw him coming around the counter, she held her arms out ready to ingulf him into her embrace. Their eyes finally met and the poor Andy couldn't help but smile, reassured to see her. His lips instinctively found her and they kissed several times as if they were catching up with the time they had been apart. He placed both hands on the side of her face and kissed her forehead. He had been so scared for her that he almost couldn't believe he had been able to join her at last. He suddenly pulled her away to fully be able to examine her. Something was different. Her forehead was sweaty and now that he was looking closely he noticed her hairline was wet as well. She seemed tired. After giving it some thought, she was in a funny position. He looked her in the eye and saw it – the fear. Something was off.

- Sweetheart… are you alright? Did you get hurt? he asked hurriedly.

She sighed through a fake smile. She didn't want to worry him... but she had to tell him.

- Don't worry okay? I'm just… in labor actually… she shrugged trying to remain as calm as possible.

- You are what?! Andy exclaimed in a panicky tone. Oh my god, Sharon!

He started looking around as to look for anything helpful.

- It's okay, Andy, she smiled reassuringly. You're here now, it's the only thing that matters to me right now! she couldn't help but let a little tear out.

- I almost missed that, Sharon, I'm so sorry! he squeezed his wife's hands to then place one of them over her prominent middle. We need to get you out of here now!

Andy felt her muscles tense under his hands. Sharon tightly held his other hand as the pain increased. The mama-to-be shut her eyes tightly and tried to muffle a groan. Her poor Andy was already so panicked that she didn't want to add to it and tried her best not to show how painful it truly felt.

- Okay Sweetheart, breath in, breath out… he kneeled in front of her.

- Andy… she breathed through the contraction and opened her eyes to look at him but remained silent uncapable of saying it out loud.

- I know, my love, it's scary and it's not the best conditions for our little one to finally meet us but we're gonna make the best out of it, we'll figure something out, he cupped her face and caressed her cheek.

- Okay… just… please, don't leave okay? When the gunshot resonated I got so scared that you… and then my water broke and… I don't want to do this without you… her voice was shaky.

- I know and you won't, I'm here now and I won't leave your side, I promise. I'm sorry you got so scared, he kissed her again meaning deeply how sorry he was that he hadn't been there before.

He'd have to figure something out and fast because they were clearly running out of time.