2
Masood practically ran into the hospital waiting area as Calum got to his feet. He knew Erin's Mum was on her way too but had hoped to talk to her before Tariq's father had arrived. The older man looked almost ashen as he approached them.
"My boy?"
"In theatre." Will explained. "He made it to A&E alert but had some nasty wounds to his legs. So, they are looking at them in the theatre. He also had a head injury so he needs to be watched."
"He's alive."
"Yes, Tariq is alive."
"Praise Aleah." Masood sat down on the hard plastic chair. "Not normally religious, but."
"In times like this." Calum sat next to him. "I get it."
"Your friend?"
"Erin?" Calum swallowed hard. "She's not been as lucky." He ran a hand over his face as Will closed his eyes.
"She's alive. Massive trauma to her abdomen and chest. Its touch and go but they are getting her ready to go to the ICU. She's ventilated and they've put her in an induced coma. I know Catherine is trying to contact her partner."
"He should be here." Masood stated.
"Richard works in America a lot."
"He should come as soon as he is told. If it were my Zainab."
"I know." Calum sighed, hoping that the American would move Heaven or Earth to be at her side. He swallowed hard as he heard his name called.
"Rosie. Hi, Mrs Watts." Wil stood up as the older woman walked over to Calum before hugging him.
"We heard everything." Rosie stated. The teenager looked on the verge of tears. "Mum will be ok. I know she will." She looked Calum in the eye, reminding him so much of her mother. "Uncle Calum, do not give up on my Mum. You know here. She'll fight this."
"Yeah." He hugged her. "She will."
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ros marched into the Briefing Room just as Zaf and Adam took their seats. Ruth chewed the end of a pencil as Malcolm stared at the spot where Tariq's tablet usually sat. The mood was more subdued than anything Ros could remember, catching Lucas' eye she nodded once before taking her customary position leaning against the wall. Harry waited a second before starting.
"News from the hospital isn't positive."
"They are alive." Ros stated firmly.
"Just." Zoe mumbled as Ros sent her a death glare.
"Priority now is to find out who is behind the explosion and support our colleagues." Harry stated firmly. "Anything?"
"The explosive device was old fashioned." Beth stated. "It was on a timer, not the more modern type we've seen in recent years. Someone spent time making this. Either old school or someone who isn't great with technology."
"I've gone through the list of usual suspects." Ruth stated. "No new groups or lone wolves on our radar. No chatter from GCHQ. I have been through the intel twice. I checked the Risk Review reports for the last three months. Nothing. I must have missed something. I."
"You didn't." Catherine stated. "You know you didn't."
Ruth sighed, hoping that her step daughter was right.