By the time the fire department and ambulance arrived and were well on their way to securing the area for a rescue, it had been over two hours since the explosion. Phil and Blaketon were beside themselves with worry as they watched the teams work, along with two construction workers from the village who had volunteered to help clear the heavier debris causing obstruction. Harry had remained at the car, but tears streamed heavily down his face, and he didn't care if anyone saw him. His little brother could possibly be dead, and Nick – the constable had been so kind to him; everything was a mess, and he blamed himself entirely!

"No sign yet, sir," a fire marshal called as he shifted through some wreckage. "What – what if they were on the top floor?"

The captain looked grimly. "Pray they wasn't."

"Sir! I think I hear something!"

Two marshals and their captain hastily shoved broken wood and brick aside. They heard a small cry for help and sighed in relief. "It's alright. We'll have you out soon! What's your name?"

"Derek….!"

They exchanged smiles and began clearing the way where the small voice was coming from, signalling to the smaller crane operator for assistance. "Derek, we're almost through! Is PC Rowan with you!"

There was a moment of silence, and they grew concerned.

"He's `ere, but he won't move at all!" The boy sounded extremely worried and terrified.

As they were clearing the last level of wreckage, chunks of ceiling from a distance began to fall. "We can't stay `ere much longer, sir! Happen the whole manor's unstable!"

The captain frowned. "We should just be grateful those bastards didn't set the damn explosives properly! Now, we're not leaving until these two are safe, so let's get on with it!"

When the marshals cleared the last of the wreckage, Derek coughed as the dust settled and squinted at the torch lights the men carried. "Alright, Derek, your safe now." Derek seemed fairly unharmed, and they realised that Nick had taken most of, if not all, the impact when the manor caved in, protecting the boy significantly. They carefully reached for the constable and rolled him away from the boy so that the first paramedic could scoop him up.

Oscar sighed in relief when he saw the paramedic emerge with little Derek alive and well, it seemed.

Harry spotted his brother and ran toward them before Phil or Oscar could stop him. "Derek!"

Derek glanced up as the paramedic placed him in the ambulance. "It's me brother! Harry!" Harry stopped before the paramedics, and once they were satisfied that the boy knew him, they allowed him in.

Harry embraced Derek with a sigh of relief and brushed back some of his hair. "Don't ever do that again, yer hear?" Harry's eyes glistened as he hugged Derek once more. "Was – was Mr Rowan wi` yer?"

Derek looked at him fearfully, and they both regarded the wreckage silently as the doors were closed and the ambulance pulled away.

The captain carefully removed Nick's helmet and looked hastily toward the second ambulance, where the paramedics were standing by. "What are yer waiting for! Get a stretcher over `ere!"

The paramedics rushed over and worked quickly, checking Nick's pulse and applying oxygen immediately when they heard the crackling in his breathing. There was a gash on the left side of his head and a few nasty grazes along his jaw, but the extent of his injuries was likely on his body. "Mr Rowan?" one of the paramedics called as they carefully wrapped a brace around his body from his torso to his waistline as a precaution and lifted him on the stretcher. "Nick? My name is Graham. I'm a paramedic. Can you hear me at all?" Graham looked at his colleague. "No response, let's get him to the hospital ASAP."

"Sarge," Phil called when they saw the two paramedics carry Nick from the manor on a stretcher. Both Phil and Blaketon ran toward them, sick with worry, when they saw Nick's condition. "Nick? Can yer hear us?"

Blaketon looked to the paramedics for information after they settled his constable on the bed inside the ambulance. "He's breathing, but it's weak. We found him unconscious and there's been no response at all. To protect the boy, it looked like Nick took most of the damage. We won't know how bad until we get him to hospital. The good news is that Nick's helmet probably protected him from any serious head injuries." Oscar could sense the severity in the man's tone. "Like I said, we won't know more until we get him in, and this is far past my expertise, but – given the heavy blows from the wreckage, my concerns are his spine and legs."

Phil and Blaketon gaped in shock. "Yer mean – Nick could be…." Phil couldn't say it. "This can't be `appening. He were only `ere to be a witness!"

Graham sighed solemnly. "Look, don't take me too seriously just yet. It's a far cry from being true. Nick's heavy greatcoat, along with his jacket could have provided just that small bit of protection needed to keep him from serious injury. Please, try not to worry too much – for Nick's sake. Is there anyone that should be called?"

Phil and Oscar regarded each other severely, and Blaketon was the first to snap out of his shock; he still had a job to do. "Bellamy! You go on with Nick to t`hospital. I'll radio Ventress and apprise him of the situation and follow yer there."

Phil nodded shakily. "Sarge, about earlier…."

Blaketon regarded him sternly. "Save it, lad. Nick needs yer now."

…..

Alf listened to his sergeant intently and was shocked when the news about Nick was conveyed. How did something so simple take such a drastic turn? "What about Kate Rowan, Sarge? D'you want me to telephone the police house?"

"Aye. She should be first to know. Happen she'll rush off in a state, so tell her I'm picking her up! Blaketon out!"

Alf immediately grabbed the phone, but before he could dial, a woman stormed into the station. "I wanna make a complaint!" Alf looked at the woman uninterestedly. "Did yer hear me? I said, I wanna make a complaint!"

Alf sighed. "Is it urgent, or can you come back tomorrow? I have pressing matters to attend to."

The woman glared at him. "It's about one of your lot! PC Nick Rowan. Me boy went missing today, and that constable made me look a right prat! Hiding me boy's previous disappearance from me. I think that's sick!"

Alf frowned and stepped forward. "Are you Miss Carson?"

Brenda suddenly stared blankly. "That's right."

Alf sighed, and his expression changed. "You best get yerself t`hospital."

Brenda became extremely concerned. "Why? What's happened? Have – have you found Derek? Is he alright?"

"Your boy is fine from what I hear. He's been taken in for a check over, but happen he's absolutely fine." Brenda sighed in relief and turned for the door. "Before you head off like, if yer still need that complaint, I should tell you that it's because of PC Rowan that your son is safe, Miss Carson."

….

Phil looked up and stood when his sergeant, along with a frantic Kate, walked into the waiting area. "They er – wouldn't let me go further wi` him like. Haven't heard anything yet. Been sat `ere fretting for twenty poxy minutes." Phil looked at Kate, who was trying her best to keep composed.

Kate chewed her lip; as a doctor, she felt helpless and only wished she could be in there with Nick to help. "What are his chances?"

Phil looked at Blaketon, who shook his head. "We don't know…."

Kate narrowed her eyes. "You're lying. You must have seen…..you were with him in the ambulance, weren't you?"

Oscar laid a gentle hand on Kate's shoulder when he saw Phil's anguish; the poor man was scared to death of upsetting her. "Doctor Rowan, it's not in your best interest to tell yer anything based on wild guesses from t`paramedics who brought him here."

Kate turned to Blaketon, and he could see the fear on her face. "Please. You've always been honest with me. I used to hate that, but now…."

Blaketon sighed in defeat and relayed the information from the paramedics carefully about Nick's condition and the risk he took to protect Derek. Kate collapsed onto the chair, and Phil quickly sat beside her and looked up at Blaketon with distress. "I'll go and see if I can find out anything," the sergeant said slowly and left them, hiding his own concerns.

Phil felt extremely awkward but refused to leave Kate's side. "Can I get yer a cup of tea or summat, might calm yer down like."

Kate looked at Phil with tearful eyes and smiled slightly. "No, thank you. I'm trying to run through in my head what could be wrong or go wrong. I keep thinking – what if Nick needs surgery? What if there's fluid around his spine or…." Kate swallowed the lump in her throat. "What if he never walks again, or what if I lose him altogether? I can't bare it, Phil…"

Phil rubbed her back soothingly. "Hey. That's a lot of what ifs. And paramedics, what do they know ay?" Kate tried to laugh because she knew Phil was trying to take her mind off worrying.

"I know the severity of what's happening, and based on what Blaketon told me, I don't think the paramedic's assessment is that improbable."

Phil nodded slowly. "Look, yer know, he woke up for a second in the ambulance. Not for long, but enough ter ask for you."

Kate smiled. "That's good to hear…."

Kate and Phil looked up when Blaketon returned, looking frustrated. "Too soon to tell, I'm afraid."

….

It had felt like hours, but when Kate looked at the clock on the wall of their waiting area, it had barely been two. Brenda had come and gone with her two boys, apologising profusely and retracting any previous comments, and asked to be kept informed of Nick's condition and, if possible, visit again to personally thank the man who saved her son's life.

At last, the doctor in charge of Nick's welfare appeared seemingly looking pleased. The waiting three stood up and prepared themselves. The doctor looked at the clipboard and regarded them with a smile. "I'm Doctor Parker. I've been treating Mr Rowan's injuries. Are you his wife?"

Kate nodded shakily. "Yes, I'm Doctor Kate Rowan. Is my husband…." She could barely finish her sentence. "Will he be alright?"

Blaketon and Phil held their breath.

"I'm pleased to say that your husband is a damn lucky man. His back is bruised, but there's no damage to his spine. Several bones are broken, however, consisting of four ribs, his left tibia and patella, and there's a small break on the right side of his clavicle and his pelvic girdle, that's the hipbone, or more specifically, the ilium. Now, I know that all sounds bleak, but the breaks were clean, and we were able to realign them without much trouble, and as for his ribs, they'll heal on their own with careful rest. He's out of the woods and woke up for a few minutes, but Mr Rowan is on pretty strong medication as he was in quite a bit of pain as you can imagine."

The three sighed loudly in relief. "Can we see him?" Kate asked almost immediately.

Doctor Parker nodded. "Not too long, and I can't stress enough the importance of his recovery. No overexertion." He looked toward Blaketon and Phil. "No excitement. Whatever happened up there on the estate that you need him to confirm can wait."

Blaketon nodded. "We understand. Thank you."

The doctor left them, and before Kate followed, she turned to the two officers and gave them each a small kiss on the cheek. "Thank you. Both of you."

Phil beamed, trying to hide his emotions, and Oscar nodded with a small smile. "Right glad he's alright, Doctor Rowan," Blaketon told her, "and when that husband of yours is up to it, I want a word wi` him about this heroic business of his."

Kate smiled mischievously. "I think I'll be joining you."

….

Kate sat beside Nick's bed, holding in her emotions as she drew a shaky breath and gently placed her hand in his. "What would I have done if anything happened to you." Kate looked down when she felt his hand squeeze hers, and her eyes snapped up to see his eyes open. She smiled through her tears.

"Hi," he said weakly, his voice muffled by the oxygen mask.

Kate scooted closer and tightened her hold on his hand as much as she could without hurting him. Nick's bruising was prominent and severe, but he didn't look nearly as awful as she first imagined when the doctor relayed the extent of his injuries. There was a gauze pad held in place on the left side of his head by bandages, and his right arm was in a sling to lessen the movement in his shoulder. "I was so worried, Nick." Tears began to fall, and Nick rubbed his thumb soothingly over her hand.

"Hey, come on…..I'm alright?"

Kate noticed his question and realised that he'd been too out of it for the doctor to inform him otherwise. "You're gonna be fine…." Nick smiled slightly before reaching up to remove his mask. Kate gently grasped his wrist to stop him. "Keep that on, Nick. You've got some broken ribs, so your breathing is a bit shallow at the moment."

Nick fought to keep his eyes open. "Just for a second…." Kate reluctantly allowed him to pull the mask away, and he looked at her wearily. She smiled and leaned forward to kiss him gently on the lips.

….

Nick's recovery had been long and treacherous, and after spending a tedious three weeks in hospital, he was glad to be home, but there was a further three to four weeks of recovery time before he was allowed back on full duty. Nick was laid out on the sofa, grimacing at the soup on his tray, when a knock on the door sounded, but before he moved to answer, Kate's voice called out, "Don't you dare!" Nick sighed with a wince and fell back into the cushions. Kate popped her head through the sitting room doorway. "Eat your soup," she said with a stern smile.

Kate opened the door to find Brenda there with her two boys. "Hello," she greeted and looked at Derek. "Glad to see you're doing well. Dare I ask if there's been anymore wandering?"

Derek shook his head. "No, miss. Learnt me lesson."

Kate smiled before returning her attention back to Brenda. "We heard about PC Rowan's recovery," Brenda began, "might it be too much trouble to see him right quick? Only, I want ter apologise and thank him for saving Derek's life."

Kate nodded. "I'll see if he's up to it." Of course, she knew the answer anyway, any excuse not to finish the soup he seemed to be avoiding. "Nick, Brenda is here with Derek and Harry. They want to see you." Nick carefully placed his tray on the floor, and Kate helped him to sit up. She looked at him with concern. "You look exhausted, Nick. Why don't I tell them to come back another time?"

Nick smiled and held her hand. "I'm alright, love. Moving around takes its toll a bit, that's all." He saw her stern gaze and shook his head. "I'm fine, honest."

Kate invited the Carsons in and left for the kitchen to make tea.

Brenda sat on the single armchair while her boys sat cross-legged on the floor. "Mr Rowan-"

"Nick," he corrected.

Brenda smiled and tried to relax. "Nick. I'm right sorry for what I said before. Harry tells me you did it to protect him from getting in trouble like you said."

Nick gave a short smile. "Does this mean you're dropping the complaint?"

Brenda gasped. "You saved my boy's life. Yer deserve a medal for that not a bloody complaint."

Nick huffed a laugh. "I appreciate that, but I was really only doing my job." Nick watched Derek stand up and walk toward him, fumbling with his hands as Kate came back with a tray of tea and set it down; Brenda took a mug gratefully. "And I'm glad to see you're alright."

Derek looked at him tearfully. "I'm sorry."

Nick managed to lean forward and lay a hand on Derek's shoulder. "You don't need to apologise, son."

"But you were hurt `cause a me."

Nick smiled ruefully. "It happens, but we're both alright, and that's what matters, ay?" Derek nodded. "Now, about this wandering off business."

Derek turned to sit with his brother, smiling sheepishly, and Nick looked to Harry for confirmation. "I've promised ter play wi` him more, yer know, when he gets an idea like."

Nick nodded. "Sounds like a good plan."

Brenda shook her head playfully. "Aye, but nowt as changed yet. He still wants ter be a copper."

Nick chuckled. "Well, guess I'll have to start calling you PC Carson from now on." Nick shared an amused smile with Kate.

Two weeks passed, and Nick was almost ready to return to work. His injuries were nearly healed aside from his leg, which he used crutches for, and the odd twinge he got from his ribs. Blaketon had been by during his recovery to keep him updated about Ian Wakefield, Hopkins and Watson. The two council members were looking at ten years for embezzling more than fifteen thousand in their short time at the office, along with suspected aiding of a criminal, though it wasn't guaranteed. Ian Wakefield and his cronies were each looking at a life sentence for the theft of dynamite, posing as a PSBD team, and attempted murder. When Nick questioned the latter, Blaketon informed him that Ian was not too pleased and inadvertently ran his mouth about the revenge on Nick, and since the constable could have died from their involvement with the dynamite, it was seen as their intent to kill him.

There was a knock at the door, but Kate was making a few house calls, so Nick reached for his crutches and made his way to the door as quick as he could. "Hallo, Phil," he greeted. "Expected a visit from you weeks ago," he joked, "we have a falling out that I don't remember?"

"Pull the other one," Phil commented and followed Nick into the kitchen.

Nick grabbed the pot and reached for the teabags before turning to his colleague. "Tea?"

Phil clicked his tongue and moved to snatch the tea from Nick's hand. "I'll do that yer daft beggar!" Nick chuckled and hobbled to sit on the chair at the table, resting his crutches against the counter.

"I wouldn't say no to a bacon sarnie," Nick mused with a grin.

Phil glared mockingly at him. "Cheeky git." He pointed a finger. "Kate's been spoiling you."

Nick leaned back with a grin. "Oh, yeah. Soup with bread and egg soldiers. Heaven." Phil chuckled and got to work in making his friend's requested lunch. Nick glanced down awkwardly for a moment, not wanting to get caught up in sentiments, but he was grateful for everyone's support. "Kate told me that you rode in the ambulance with me."

Phil clicked his tongue and flipped the bacon on the pan. "Well I weren't about ter let yer go alone, were I?"

Nick smiled. "Well, anyway. Thanks."

Phil shrugged. "What are friends for, ay?"

"If there's anything I can do…"

Phil huffed a laugh. "Well, I don't plan on goin` in ambulance anytime soon, but I'll settle for a pint at pub when yer properly back on yer feet like."

Nick grinned. "Deal." He could barely contain his excitement when Phil put the plate in front of him, and he doused the bacon with ketchup, causing Phil to shake his head.

The front door opened soon after, and Nick glanced at Phil nervously. Kate came into the kitchen and smiled at Phil. "Hallo, Phil. Nice to see you."

"Hi, Kate. Er – Nick wanted a bacon sarnie."

Nick rolled his eyes, but Kate laughed. "Oh don't worry. He's probably earned it after all the healthy meals I've cooked him lately." She stepped forward and kissed Nick on the lips before turning back to Phil. "There is something I wanted to say now that we know everything will be alright."

Phil looked awkward. "Yeah?"

Kate stepped forward with a playful grin. "About my husband's blackeye? Trouble in paradise was what you said, wasn't it? Surely there was no implications there."

Nick couldn't help but laugh as Phil fumbled over his words, said a quick goodbye, and rushed out the door. Kate turned to him with an amused smile and took a bite from his sandwich. "You're a harsh woman, Kate Rowan." Kate chuckled and leaned down to kiss him. "And I love you."

Kate wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you too."

"By the way," Nick mumbled through their kisses, "I was starting to think you were right about that house being cursed."

Kate pulled back slightly and they both laughed at the obvious yet not so ridiculous theory.