by E Molgaard
I hang up the phone hoping she didn’t ignore my call. “She’s probably just busy. She’ll call you back.”
I look at him and give him a half smile. “I hope…”
I’m interrupted by our car radio going off. “Shooter reported at Wake County Hospital. All SWAT and available officers please report.”
My heart sinks as Caleb looks at me. “Liz.” I dial her number again as Caleb puts the car into drive and takes off towards the hospital. Her phone goes to voicemail again. “Shit.”
I call Drew and he answers on the second ring. “I can’t talk right now.”
“Liz.”
“I know and Mack.” Not Mack too. I know Drew is freaking out just as much as I am. “We’re going in. Find John when you get here. He’ll fill you in.” Before I get to say anything, he hangs up.
“Caleb drive faster.” Caleb pushes the accelerator to the floor with the sirens blaring. When we get to the hospital, we show our badges to the officers trafficking who is trying to get to the hospital. Caleb pulls right up to the SWAT trucks and we both head to the first one where we know John, their Chief, will be listening to the radios. As we walk into the truck, Drew’s voice rings out “Emergency unit is clear. No injuries all locked down.”
John turns to us and motions for us to sit but I shake my head no. “Sit down Camden. You’re not going anywhere. Thomas you can help the officers outside escort people out of the hospital.” Caleb nods, giving my shoulder a comforting pat before leaving the truck to follow orders. John nods towards the chair again and I take it quietly. “The shooter is on the fourth floor in the executive suite.”
I go to stand up but John stops me. “You’ll only make things worse. You know you can’t be involved in situations that are personal.”
“But Drew.”
“Drew is clearing the hospital. He’s not involved with his sister.” I open my mouth to say Mack but John continues. “I’m aware of Mack but we cannot be a man down right now. Drew is focused. He’s already seen Mack and she’s safe. He’s doing his job.”
The radio kicks in and this time it’s not Drew’s voice. “Chief, we have reached the executive suite. There is one man down. Shot twice. Watts and Null are carrying him downstairs. He’s still alive. Going into the suite now.” John reaches for the microphone. “Sims, go ahead with caution. Keep the radios on.”
I hear a click as all the guys radios ring through the speaker and Sims gives out orders. After the orders are given out, everything goes quiet and I think they’ve turned off the radios but when they reach the first people hiding in an office, Sims voice rings out, “Ford, take these people out.” The team clears out another room getting more people out and I silently pray that Liz is one of them. I actually start to get up to wait for her outside when a voice comes through the radio. We have two female hostages and one female gunman. Permission to apprehend?”
Sims voice gives the go ahead and everything happens so loudly. “Put down the gun. Now.”
“No. They are going to do what I asked.” A shot rings out followed by another shot and then there’s silence. Who shot who? Did she shoot one of the hostages?
Sims voice comes through the radio. “Shooter has been shot and apprehended. Hostages are on their way down. We’re all clear.”
I take off out of the truck heading to the hospital but I’m stopped by Caleb. “You can’t go in there.” I look at him like he has two heads. Why is he stopping me? How does he know about Liz? The radio rings out that’s attached to his belt. He heard everything I did. “I haven’t seen her yet so that means she’s one of the hostages or she was in another part of the hospital.” I know he’s hoping for the second as much as I am but everything in me is telling me I almost lost her today.
The door the hospital opens and two SWAT officers walk out and I try to see around them. When they finally separate, I see Liz walking with an older woman and they both look dazed from shock. “Liz… Liz.” Caleb steps away from me as Liz snaps out of her daze and looks around. When she finally sees me, she stops and tears start forming in her eyes. I start walking towards her and she takes off running towards me and I catch her in my arms.
I hold her tight against me as she cries. “I was so scared I’d never see you again.” Liz looks up at me with tears still running down her cheeks. “I love you Liam.” Liz runs her fingers through my short hair, pulling me down to her as she goes up on her toes and kisses me. I tangle my fingers in her hair kissing her back. When she pulls back, she says, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you last night. I’m sorry I left.”
I give her a quick kiss. “I love you Liz. I’m sorry about last night. I never wanted to say I love you for the first time during a fight.”
Liz rests her head on my shoulder wrapping her arms around me waist. “I know.”
An EMT walk over to us. “Ma’am, can you please come with me. I’d like to look you over to make sure you are alright.”
Liz nods and steps away from me but she grabs my hand before following her. “I’m okay. Amber never touched me. I'm just a little shaken up.”
“I’ll be quick. I promise. You just need to be cleared before you can go.”
Liz sits down on the back of the ambulance allowing the EMT to check her. The EMT is checking her eyes with a flashlight when Drew and his crew walk out of hospital. I see him looking around and I know he’s looking for Liz. I wave my hand getting his attention. He gives me a nod when he sees me and when he sees Liz sitting on the back of the ambulance, he runs over. When Liz sees him, she pushes past the EMT to hug him. “Are you okay?”
“I’m okay. Just a little shaken up. Have you seen Mack? Did Amber shoot anyone else?”
“From what I know Amber entered through the Outpatient entrance and took the elevator straight up. She pulled the gun out when she was stepping into the elevator and the front desk person saw it. Mack is fine. She’s being strong for her nurses.” Liz hugs her brother one more time before he goes to report to John. Liz takes her seat again and the EMT continues to check her over.
As the EMT finishes up clearing Liz, John walks over to us. “Hello. You must be Liz. It’s nice to meet you. You had a couple great officers worried about you today.” Liz smiles up at him and nods. “Based on the video feed we have from our SWAT officers you’re very brave. We would like to know what happened today but it doesn’t have to be now. If you could come by the station sometime in the next couple of days, I’d really appreciate it.”
Liz nods. “Of course.” John turns to leave but Liz reaches out stopping him. “How are Julia and Frank?”
“Frank is in surgery at North Raleigh Hospital. He should make it. Julia has a concussion. Her husband is coming to pick her up to take her home.”
“Thank you.” He nods and walks away.
Liz wraps her arms around me. “Can you get the rest of the day off?”
“Yeah. My boss has already told me to go home after this.”
“Let's go back to my apartment. I want us all together tonight.”
“Whatever you want.”
“I want to see Mack really fast then let’s go.”
I nod and we walk into the emergency room entrance that is completely open since they shut down the ER for the rest of the day. Mack is at the nursing station as we walk through to where the beds are and when she sees Liz, she runs over to us and hugs her. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
“Me too. I was worried she came through here first. How are you holding up?”
“Okay. It was hard staying strong for everyone. Some of the nurses panicked but we got the unit locked down. They’ve called in the next shift early. I’ll be able to leave in an hour.”
“Okay. Do you want us to stay?”
“No. Go home and relax. This was way more traumatic for you. I’m sure you're exhausted.”
“We’re going back to our apartment. I want us all together tonight.”
“Sounds perfect.”
Liz hugs Mack again before we leave a
nd head to Liz’s car. On the drive back to Liz’s place, I can tell the adrenaline is leaving her because her eyes start to droop close.
Liz heads straight to her room when we get to the apartment and I follow right behind her. We both climb into bed without removing our clothes and I wrap my arm around her, pulling her closer to me as we tangle our legs together and she rests her forehead against my chest. Within minutes Liz’s breathing changes and I know she has fallen asleep. I close my eyes allowing sleep to come knowing Liz is safe and in my arms.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Liz
Amber holds the gun to my face and I try with everything in me to keep my focus on her face and not the gun. Amber’s eyes are black and I know she’s high on something. “Where’s my brother? I’m done with him controlling me. Take me to him.”
“Amber he’s not…”
“No… Shut up. Take me to him.” She points to the back and I slowly turn around with my hands up and walk to the back of the suite. Amber keeps the gun at my back and I walk slowly not wanting to make any sudden movements. As we walk, I can hear Amber whispering to herself like she’s talking to someone that isn’t there. When we reach Mr. Barnes office, I look to my left to make sure Julia isn’t there. When I can’t see her, I let out a breath thankful she has gotten somewhere to hide. Amber pushes me to the ground in the middle of the room so she can get into Mr. Barnes office but the door doesn’t open. She shakes the handle trying to get the door to open but it doesn’t budge. She then starts banging on it, yelling. Fear overcomes me as I wonder what she’s going to do if she can’t get into the office.
After a few seconds, something just clicks in her. She stops banging on the door, drops her hands to her sides, and she just stands there silent. What’s going on in her head? I watch her closely as she steps back a few feet and aims the gun at the door that is mostly fogged glass. I really hope no one’s behind that door. Bang! The glass shatters and Amber walks into the room, out of view. I lean forward to start crawling away but stop when I hear Julia scream, “No. Amber, please.”
“Where is he?” Julia comes to view and when she sees me on the floor, fear washes over her for not only her, but me as well. “Liz” escapes her lips and Amber pushes her through the door and she trips falling on the floor next to me. I move to help her but Amber points the gun at my head. “Don’t move.” A tear escapes down my cheek and I quickly wipe it away. Julia gets on her knees next to me as Amber yells again, “Where is he?”
“He’s not here.” Julia squeaks out.
“What?!” Amber then starts pacing as she talks to herself. “What do I do now? I need my meds.” She’s quiet for a second. “You’re right.” She stops and points the gun at Julia. “Get up.”
Julia follows her orders and when she’s on her feet, Amber pushes her towards her desk. “Get me my drugs.”
Panic washes over Julia’s face because she doesn’t have access to drugs. “I can’t Amber. We don’t have drugs up here.”
“Then get some here.” Julia shakes her head no as she starts crying. Julia and I both know we cannot bring anyone else up here. “Don’t tell me no.” Amber raises the gun and hits Julia against the head with it. Julia falls onto the ground unconscious and I crawl over to her shielding her with my body while holding my arm out hoping to stop Amber. “The hospital is on lock down we can’t get drugs up here.”
“If you want to live you better try.”
“Please Amber there has to be something else I can do. I can clear your chart so you can get drugs in the ER.”
Amber seems to consider that as she lowers the gun. Maybe that will satisfy her. Amber starts pacing again and Julia starts to wake up. I lean down and shush her wanting to act like she’s still out. After a couple of minutes everything seems to reset with Amber as she aims the gun at me again, yelling, “Where is he?”
“He’s not here. He’s on vacation this week.” I shield myself thinking she’s going to hit me but she doesn’t.
“Get me my drugs now.”
“I can’t.”
“Don’t lie to me.”
“I’m not.”
“Then you are no use to me.” I look away from her lying over top Julia while closing my eyes. I don’t hear anything around me as I wait for the sound of the gun. Bang! Bang!
I shoot up in my bed breathing hard. Liam sits up with me rubbing my back. “You’re okay. You’re safe.” I fall into his arms and he lays us back down. I’m safe. I made it out. Julia and Frank are going to be okay. I’m going to be okay.
I pull Liam tighter to me as he rubs his hand up and down my back. “It was awful. I was so scared. I thought...I thought I was going to die.”
“You’re safe.” Liam is quiet for a while. “Were you dreaming about it?” I nod into his chest. “Will you tell me about it?” I’m quiet for a few seconds as I try to figure out where to start. “If you’re not ready. You don’t have to.”
I look up at him. “I want to tell you. I don’t want to keep this in.” I sit up and lean against the headboard and Liam does the same pulling me against him and holding my hand. Liam waits quietly as I prepare myself and when I’m ready I take a deep breath and tell him everything.
When I finish, I’m crying and Liam is holding me, kissing the top of my head. We sit there in silence for a while because I have no idea what else to say. Liam is the first to speak. “You were so brave, protecting Julia like that. I love you. You’re an amazing woman.”
“I didn’t feel brave at the time or even now. It was so scary.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through that.”
I look at him and give him a quick kiss. “I’m going to go take a shower.”
“Do you want me to join you?”
I shake my head no. “I need to be alone for a few minutes.”
I can see the concern in Liam’s eyes as he tries to decide if he should leave me alone. He eventually gives in, kissing my forehead before climbing out of bed. “Okay. I’m going to go order all of us pizza. I heard Mack and Drew come in about an hour ago.”
I give him a smile and watch him walk out of my room. When I’m alone, I grab my pillow and hold it up to my mouth as I scream into it. I scream until my throat hurts and then I place the pillow down, wipe the tears from my cheeks, and climb out of bed.
After my shower, I put on some yoga pants and a t-shirt and walk out to the living room to find Mack, Drew, and Liam lounging on our one couch. They’re laughing at something on the tv and as I walk up to them, I notice it’s an old home movie we did. Liam pulls me onto his lap, kissing my cheek. “You okay?”
I nod and kiss him. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” I rest my head on his shoulder and see Mack and Drew smiling at us. I smile back at them feeling happy that I have all of them. But mostly I’m happy that I have Liam because he’s my heart and soul. I have no idea how I lived without him for six years but now that I have him back, I’m never letting him go. He is my past, present and future.
Epilogue
Liz
Two months later
Today is Liam’s birthday and since he’s working today, we have a huge party planned for him this weekend. Everyone we know is going to be there. But tonight, I have something planned for just him and I think he’s going to really love it. If you know what I mean.
I have all the lights off and candles setup all over the apartment setting the mood. I’m perfectly wrapped for Liam while also not really covering anything in a blush color lace baby doll top with a matching thong.
I hear the front door open as I fluff my hair for the last time and go to meet him. Liam throws his jacket and keys on the counter while looking around at all the candles as I lean against the door frame watching him. “Happy Birthday.”
Liam looks me over top to bottom and based on his smile, he likes what he sees. I run my fingers down the deep V of my top between my breasts. “Do you like your gift?”
Liam nods and he closes the distance be
tween us. When he reaches me, he runs his fingers up my bare arms and down my sides. I arch into him wanting all of him. “I love my gift.” He runs his fingers over my hips and underneath my top hooking his fingers in my thong and pulling it down my legs. “But I don’t think you will need these.”
He kneels in front of me, running his hand up my leg and when he gets to my knee, he lifts my leg over his shoulder. “I’m going to taste my gift.”
He lifts my top up and sticks his head underneath it. A moan escapes my mouth as Liam runs his tongue over my clit. I grab onto the door frame with one hand and his hair with the other as he continues to nip and suck on my clit. My legs go weak when Liam pushes a finger inside me. Without him holding me up, I’d be on the floor with him. The desire in me builds quickly and before I can hold it back, I come moaning Liam’s name.
After I stop shaking, Liam kisses up my body and when he gets to my mouth, he kisses me with so much passion I never want it to stop. Liam’s hands find my breasts and I arch into his touch as he palms them. “I hope you don’t need this anymore.”
Before I even get to respond or figure out what he’s talking about, he rips my top down the front and pushes it off my shoulders. I let my arms drop so the top falls to the floor and then I run my hands up Liam’s covered chest and hook them behind his neck. “Liam, take me to bed.” He doesn’t wait a second as he picks me up and carries me the few feet to the bed. He sets me down and I lay back, running my hands across the comforter as he unbuttons his shirt. “Are you going to show me your birthday suit now?”
“Oh babe, I’m going to show you a whole lot more.” He pulls his button-down shirt off his arms and pulls his under shirt over his head as I run my hands up my body to my breasts. A groan comes out of Liam as I roll my nipples in between my fingers. “Take one of your hands and touch yourself.”
Liam undoes his pants as I lower my right hand down my stomach to my clit where I spread my legs and start to circle it. I moan his name as I arch my back from my touch. Liam pushes his pants and boxer briefs down his legs as I get myself closer to the edge. He now stands naked in front of me, stroking himself. I pick up my speed circling my clit and Liam pumps himself faster, matching me.