A/N: I do not own the characters in Murder, She Wrote, nor do I make any money from my fanfic.

Chapter 1

Jessica wakes early one Monday morning to the incessant ringing of the phone by the bed. It was still dark outside. Who could be calling?

Fumbling for it on her bedside table, she lifts the receiver, mumbling into the mouthpiece.

"Hello?"

"Hello, is this Jessica Fletcher?"

"Yes, who is this?" she asks, not bothering to disguise her annoyance.

"Sorry, to bother you so early. This is Dr. Peterson In Montpelier, Vermont at the memorial hospital here. Do you know a man by the name of Dr. Seth Hazlitt?"

Realizing her heart is beginning to pound, a sinking feeling forms in the pit of her stomach. Seth is in Montpelier this week for a medical conference. Why would a doctor from a hospital be calling her about him if it wasn't bad news?

Clearing her throat, she wills herself to become fully alert so she can understand what this doctor is saying.

"Yes, is Seth alright?"

"He is, Mrs. Fletcher. But, he was in a serious car accident this morning and he is my patient in the emergency room."

"What? I just saw him yesterday afternoon before he left town," she says, even as she realizes how stupid that sounds. She, of all people, knows that life can change at any moment.

"Yes, well as I said, the car accident happened a short time ago. Anyway, I wondered if you would be able to come to Montpelier this morning. You see, he is not injured enough to admit, but not well enough to discharge on his own either, and you were listed as his emergency contact."

"I was?" she asks in confusion.

"Yes, he has a very official looking card in his wallet, listing his blood type, medical history, and demographics, along with your contact information."

"That sounds like Seth," she whispered.

"Yes, well, are you able to come and get him?"

"Oh, yes, of course. I do live in Maine, so it will take me a few hours, but I'll leave as soon as I can."

"That'll be fine, Mrs. Fletcher. In the meantime, I have some more tests to run to make sure he will be free to leave when you arrive."

He gave her the address and phone number for the hospital, and she wrote it all carefully down.

Just as the doctor was about to hang up, she asked one more time for reassurance, "Wait! Is Seth really okay?"

"He is okay, Mrs. Fletcher. He has a few broken ribs and a lot of cuts and bruises. As of right now, there is nothing life threatening. I will keep running more tests, and hopefully by the time you arrive, he can be discharged. Those ribs will cause him a lot of pain though, and he will need to be careful while they heal so that they don't shift and puncture a lung."

"Thank you, doctor. I'll be there as soon as possible."

Hanging up, Jessica immediately calls Mort.

"Hello?"

"Mort, it's Jessica."

"Mrs. F? It's not even seven o'clock yet. Are you alright?"

"Seth was in a car accident in Montpelier. The doctor says he will be okay, but I need to go to him. Are you working today? Could you possibly drive me?"

"No problem, Mrs. F. I'm on my way."

Hanging up for the second time, she hurriedly gets up to pack a bag and get dressed. There is no time for a shower, as she knows Mort will be here in less than ten minutes no matter what part of town he was in when she called and she wants to be ready to leave the moment he arrives.

Half an hour later, Mort had put gas in his convertible while she went inside to get them both coffee for the road. She has a hunch that Mort was supposed to be at work today, but like her, Mort cares about Seth, more than he would ever admit and she knew he would want to see that he is alright with his own eyes. Mort drives swiftly towards Montpelier. After telling him what little she knew about Seth in the first five minutes, they lapsed into a companable silence, both more worried than they would admit about Seth.

Jessica tried to relax and enjoy the scenery. But she couldn't. Despite the doctor saying that Seth will be fine, she continues to worry about him. He was in a car accident! Broken ribs, cuts and scrapes, but nothing life threatening. 'As of right now,' she noticed the doctor was careful to say.

Contemplating when she saw Seth last, she turned introspective. They had lunch yesterday, which was still less than twenty-four hours ago. Since he had planned to leave that afternoon for a medical conference in Montpelier, he wanted to spend time with her before he left for the week and she was glad he did. It always made her feel special when he prioritized their time together like that. He was driving and was already packed, ready to travel the three plus hours as soon as he left her house. He was in a good mood all afternoon, as he always looks forward to learning and seeing his colleagues, many of whom have been friends for decades. For being a small town doctor, Seth always keeps up to date on current treatments and medications, priding himself on his knowledge and skill, as well as willingness to learn.

Jessica played the afternoon over in her mind.

He made a chowder as the weather is turning colder and she made the salad and blueberry pie as usual. Since it was a Sunday, they waited to eat until just past one and then set up the chess set and played a few times before he got up to leave. He won the match, two to one.

She wrapped up the remainder of the blueberry pie for him to take to his hotel. Standing with her back to him at the counter as she wrapped it, she felt a sudden sense of loss that he would be gone all week. She wondered briefly if he felt similarly whenever she leaves town, and felt a bit guilty, knowing when she goes on tour, she is usually gone much longer than five days. If she is so sad to see him leave for five days, what must he feel when she leaves for months at a time?

"Seth, I'll miss you this week," she said quietly, as she turned around to hand him the pie.

"I will miss you, too, woman, but I figure you will have a lot of time to work. I will return late on Friday night and I already have Caleb booked to take us out on the boat all day Saturday. We will catch up on all our gossip while we fish and I expect to hear how you finished this latest book this week without any distraction from me."

She smiled, nodding her head, even though she didn't feel any happier at the prospect of him being gone.

He turned to leave out the back door, and she followed him.

"Have a good week, Jess. I'll call you tomorrow after the conference and let you know how the first day was."

"I'd like that," she said and she leaned in to kiss him on his cheek, even as she pulled him into a tight hug.

She thought she had embarrassed him a little. He is usually the one to kiss her cheek and she just turns her face to receive it, and they rarely put their arms around each other, but she needed to touch him for some reason. The older she gets, the less she tries to understand those urges, instead just listening to her subconscious, trusting that her mind knows what it wants and needs.

Now, Monday morning, sitting in the passenger seat of Mort's convertible, sipping on lukewarm gas station coffee, she wonders if her mind had a sense of foreboding about today that she didn't even recognize until now.

Mort looks over at her and says, "Don't worry, Mrs. F. Doc will be alright."

She nodded. She hopes so. But knowing Seth, he will be irritable if he is in pain. She can handle his irascibility, but she doesn't relish having to fight to take care of him. She knows him too well.

Mort chatted more the closer they got. She knew he was trying to distract her, which she was grateful to him for.

Pulling up to the hospital later, he let her out at the emergency room entrance, telling her that he would park and join her soon.

Hurrying inside, she walked up to the counter. A young woman was on the phone, but hung up right as she arrived.

"May I help you?"

"Yes, my name is Jessica Fletcher. Dr. Peterson called me this morning and said that Dr. Seth Hazlitt was brought in after a car accident."

"Have a seat and I'll go find out," she said. She was not rude, but she was not overly friendly either. Jessica wondered how long she had been at work already. An emergency room had to be a stressful work environment.

Just as Mort walked in and sat beside her, the woman came out and told her that she could follow her. Mort said he would let Jessica have some time alone with Seth first.

Following the woman, she walked into a large room, with smaller rooms divided off it. About half the rooms were occupied, but they continued until they arrived at the last one. The overhead lights were off, but she could see the lights beeping on and off from the equipment that must be inside. Jessica took a deep breath, as she turned the corner to see him.

Seth looked awful. Jessica wasn't prepared, as she felt her own chest tighten in response. He was asleep and his poor face was already multi-colored. He was connected to an IV, heart monitor, and blood pressure cuff. There was a large gash on his temple that had been sutured. His whole body appeared swollen.

Standing in the doorway, she started to weep uncontrollably. The woman had already turned to go, but awkwardly turned back and patted her arm, saying, "I'm sure your husband will be fine. The doctor will come talk to you soon."

She did not correct her. She was far too upset.

Jessica thought her tears would have woken him up, as she was not quiet, but he continued to sleep. Walking to his bedside, she moved the one chair in the room right next to him, grabbing a few tissues off the hospital table.

Reaching for his hand that did not have the IV in it, she held it gently.

As there was no one to see and Seth continued to sleep, she allowed herself to continue to cry, wiping her eyes every so often, as she stared at Seth's bruised face, willing him to wake up and give her grief for crying.

Instead, he continued to sleep, despite her sobs, which began to worry her even more. Was he more injured than the doctor let on? If not, why wasn't he waking up? She tried to remind herself that he had not been admitted into the hospital and was not likely to be as of her phone conversation with the doctor. If he had been seriously injured not only would he be admitted, but likely he would be in the ICU. So, despite his appearance, she knew logically, he was alright.

After some time, she heard someone come to the door and turned to see a middle aged man in scrubs and a lab coat, which said Dr. Peterson on his badge. As she stood up, he walked towards her, extending his hand to shake.

"Mrs. Fletcher? I am Dr. Peterson. Thank you for coming all this way."

"It's no trouble. How is he? Why hasn't he woken up?"

"I gave him a pretty strong sedative a few hours ago. He was in quite a lot of pain. But we finished all of our testing and he is a very lucky man, Mrs. Fletcher. He has three broken ribs on the left side, but managed to keep his lungs free from puncture. Head and spinal scans all were normal. He should wake up soon and whenever he does, he can be discharged. He just needs to follow up with his own doctor within the next three days."

The relief she felt was tremendous, even as she realized that she had not completely stopped crying yet, as she reached for another tissue on the hospital table.

"Thank you, Dr. Peterson."

"If you will be driving back to Maine today, please make sure you stop a couple of times for him to stand and walk. He won't feel like it, but we don't want him to develop any clots from being too sedentary."

"I think we will stay locally at first. I don't think he will feel up to the drive yet."

Dr. Peterson nodded his understanding.

"Dr. Peterson, is there anything I need to be aware of or make sure he does or does not do?"

"He needs to rest, but he also needs to get up regularly to move around. Just encourage him to take the painkillers I will prescribe for the first few days to be able to relax well, and then follow up with his doctor."

Jessica nodded and the doctor left the room.

Settling back down in the chair beside Seth's bed, she wipes her eyes again and finally stops crying. Holding his hand, she waits for him to wake up.

Mort checks in with her briefly, his face showing his concern for Seth, and tells her that he will be in the waiting room if she needs anything. She does ask for his assistance to get a phone number for a hotel, so she can make a reservation. He returns with several options and she makes the call on the hospital phone while he returns to the lobby.

Half an hour later, Seth begins to stir, moaning a bit, causing her heart to hurt.

"Seth, my dear? Can you hear me?"

"Jess? What happened?" he asks, as his eyes try to open, but close immediately, likely due to his facial swelling and pain.

"Seth, you were in a car accident this morning here in Vermont. You are in the emergency room. Do you remember anything?"

He tries to shake his head no and immediately winces.

Jessica squeezes his hand, telling him not to worry.

Keeping his eyes closed, he whispers, "But Jess, if I'm in Vermont, why are you here?"

"The emergency room doctor called me and asked me to come get you. You aren't injured enough to be admitted, but you are too injured to be discharged on your own."

"How did the doctor know to call you?"

"Apparently, you have a card in your wallet listing me as your emergency contact?" she said uncertainly. If he had the card, he must have known that someone would find it, but she feels shy admitting it.

He starts to smile, but then winces again in pain, before saying, "Yes, I forgot about that. Glad they actually took the time to look."

"Me too."

"So, when are they discharging me?"

"I think as soon as you are awake. I'll go tell the nurse and see."

He nods and she squeezes his hand, before letting go.

Within half an hour, Seth is more alert and has signed his discharge paperwork. He refused Jessica's help with getting dressed, but she refused to leave him alone. Instead, she stood at the foot of the bed with her back to him, waiting until he was done.

Jessica told Mort her plan when Seth went to the bathroom, and he agreed to drive them.

The orderly came with a wheelchair for Seth to ride in to get to Mort's car, and true to form, Seth grumbled about having to ride in it.

"Oh Seth, if it was me who was injured, I know you would make me sit in the wheelchair."

"Now woman, don't start on me."

Jessica shook her head, even as she smiled. If Seth was already starting to complain, he would be alright.

Once Seth was in the passenger seat and Jessica had climbed into the back of the convertible, Mort started to drive. Seth asked if they could stop and get his suitcase from his hotel before they drove home. Mort looked at Jessica in the rearview mirror, waiting for her to respond.

"Seth, we aren't going home today. Or at least, Mort is, but you and I aren't."

He begins to sputter, but she continues.

"I made a hotel reservation downtown. I don't think you need to be in the car for several hours today. And I'm assuming that once you do feel better, we will need to figure out where your car is and take care of that. But perhaps, after Mort drops us off at the hotel I booked, he can stop by and get your suitcase and check you out?"

Mort says he would be happy to. Seth is sitting in stony silence, but isn't arguing at least, nor is he asking more questions.

Within a few minutes, Mort pulls up outside a downtown hotel chain that she often uses, when she wants a guarantee of being comfortable. Seth gives Mort his hotel information and room key, before Mort pulls away.

Seth is walking slowly, but he can walk, as Jessica wraps his arm through hers to lead him inside, wheeling her suitcase with her other hand. She has him sit in one of the chairs in the lobby, while she checks in. Returning quickly, she leads him to the elevators.

When they arrive at the suite on the third floor, it is at the end of the hall. They have said little since getting out of Mort's car and Jessica is nervous, as she knows Seth is about to realize they are sharing a room. And a bed. But, she simply could not bear the thought of not being near him right now. Squaring her shoulders, she opens the door, holding it for Seth to enter.

It's a junior suite, with a small living area with a mini-fridge and sink. The one door leads to a bathroom with a tub and separate shower. The living area has a half wall that acts as a divider to the bedroom area with a spot to push the couch up against, while a king-size bed and a wall of windows overlooks downtown.

Jessica wheels her luggage over to the side near the bed, placing her purse down on the coffee table on the way, before walking back to Seth, who is standing in the middle of the space. He has not said anything in some time, but seems to understand what is happening.

"Seth? Would you like to go straight to bed? Or do you want to take a bath first?"

"Jess, are we sharing a room?" he asks quietly, as he waits for her to reply.

Making eye contact, she whispers, "Yes, Seth, we are." Reaching for his hand, she holds it in both of her own, and continues, "I need to be near you right now. To take care of you and make sure you are alright." Looking behind her at the bed and the room, she says, "It's comfortable, right? We have enough space."

"Ayuh, woman, it's fine, as hotel rooms go. But we have never shared before."

"I know. But maybe it's time we do."

Looking at her incredulously, he does not say anything further. Taking that to mean he will not argue, she pulls his hand carefully towards the bed and having him sit on the edge, she bends down to take his shoes and socks off. Moving to undo his trousers, he moves to stop her, but wincing in pain again at the sudden movement, motions to her that she can continue. Unzipping them after undoing the belt, she helps him to stand, lowering them as he steps out. Pulling back the comforter and sheets, he climbs into the bed, still wearing his shirt and boxers.

"When Mort brings your suitcase, I can help you change into your pajamas."

He doesn't say anything, but groans as he tries to get comfortable.

She reaches for the bedding, pulling them up to tuck around his body, as he leans back against the pillows.

"Seth, you have another couple of hours before I can give you another painkiller. Do you want any water or anything else right now?"

"Ayuh, my mouth is a bit dry from everything I have already taken."

Nodding, she turns to the mini-fridge, opening a bottle of water that was left by the hotel. Finding a glass, she pours it and takes it over to him. Seth drank it all and thanked her as he handed her back the glass, their hands touching in the exchange.

Jessica paused, looking down at his bruised face. Seth. Her Seth. Startled by that thought, but not denying it, she leaned down and kissed his cheek, telling him to rest. Closing his eyes, he does not argue, his snores filling the room within minutes.

She boils some water for tea and unpacks her suitcase. After that chore is done, she takes her cup of tea and a book to the couch and tries to relax, but a knock on the door alerts her to Mort's arrival.

Mort comes in with Seth's suitcase, garment bag, also handing her paperwork from the police department that includes the police report of Seth's accident, as well as the towing company receipt. There is also a message from the hotel. Apparently, someone called this morning looking for him. It sounds as though Seth was supposed to meet a colleague for breakfast before the conference at the time of the accident.

Telling him that Seth is sleeping, she thanks him for thinking to stop by the police department.

"Of course. It's what I know. I figured you and Doc would need all of that at some point."

Glancing at the documents, Jessica felt a knot form in her throat. It appeared that Seth was T-boned at an intersection. Another driver ran the light at full speed and hit him, leaving the scene without stopping. A witness stopped though, called 911, and waited for the police and ambulance to arrive, giving a statement before leaving.

She could feel Mort staring at her as she looked everything over.

He said in a whisper, "Mrs. F, how he lived through that with only a few broken ribs is a miracle. I called the towing company though. His car is totaled. Once he is a little more alert, you will need to find his insurance information and call and notify them."

"Thank you, Mort. I will do that and also call this colleague to let them know that he won't make it to the conference this week. Would you like a cup of coffee?"

"No, thank you. I don't want to disturb the doc. I assume that you will be here for a few days?"

"Yes, I thought it would be best. I want to take care of him away from prying eyes watching to see if I leave at night."

Mort chuckled, saying, "I understand. I won't say anything to anyone."

"I know you won't."

"I better head back. But if you want me to come and pick the both of you up later in the week, give me a call. I'd be happy to."

"Thank you again, Mort."

"My pleasure. Will you call later and let me know how he is?"

She nodded, saying goodbye, as he walked out the hotel door.