Urban Knights - 2. Chapter 2 The waiting game...

He needed to think quickly. Which way did they go? Damnit. He ran to the right and just as he turned the corner. BANG….. The sound of the gun going off ripped through Tony’s ears. So loud, it was deafening causing the birds nestled in the trees to take flight. The ear-splitting blast echoing through the air carried on for a good thirty seconds but to Tony it seemed like a lifetime…Then silence.

Tony stood paralyzed. The vision playing out before him was more horrific than anything he had imagined... than any nightmare that had ever awakened him from his sleep ...taunting him. Everything played out in slow motion. He watched in shades of red as Drew’s revolver slipped from his grasp falling to the ground. His body violently shook with each bullet invading it. His lean frame went limp appearing lifeless as he fell against the cold, hard concrete. The would-be assassin’s smile of approval faded quickly as he heard Tony's voice cry out. His eyes darted upward, seeing the fury in the dark blue eyes glaring back at him.

"FREEZE!"

Tony positioned his body, planting his feet firmly in place. He held his wrist with his left hand using it to steady the one holding the gun. Rapid fire rang out as he squeezed the trigger releasing several rounds, hitting his target dead on. He watched the shooter's lifeless body fall, before turning his attention to his fallen partner.

"Drew...." His name floated faintly from his lip as he ran to him, dropping to his knees, he cradled Drew’s head in his lap. "Ohmygod.ohmygod...." He chanted trying to calm the fear that was evident in his eyes. Blood was everywhere. Tony heard the sounds of footsteps running past him, but he didn't bother looking up, all his attention was focused on his partner, his... lover. The faint sounds of sirens and screeching tires could be heard off in the distance as he willed Drew to live.

"Stay with me, Drew. Stay with me baby...Help is on the way. I need you. I need you to keep breathing.” Tony pleaded, placing two fingers to his neck feeling for a pulse. “That's it, keep breathing, baby." He whispered in his ear, combing his fingers through Drew’s hair, as he rocked his body back and forth, oblivious to the blood from Drew’s wounds soaking his shirt. He thought about the time he and Drew had chased a burglar through the alley.

Flash Back…

He was dressed like an old homeless man, but ran like Carl Lewis. Tony chased him for nearly four blocks before Drew ran through a hair salon coming out the back door cornering him at the end of the alley.

“Okay…” Drew said releasing Tony’s arm, he could tell Tony was serious. “Okay…” He sighed combing his fingers through his hair.

End of Flash back…

“You knew it was all an act, didn’t you?” Tony asked softly kissing Drew on the top of the head. I was into you the first time I laid eyes on you", he admitted more to himself. Drew’s pulse was faint and his breathing shallow. Tony wasn't sure when they arrived, but the firm hand on his shoulder drew him from his dazed state. He was surrounded by flashing red and blue lights, with officers and paramedics scurrying about.

"Sir...." The soft voice of the female paramedic spoke. "We need you to step out of the way so we can tend to your partner." She smiled sadly.

"Huh?"

"Your partner..." She repeated with a nod.

"Oh yeah..." Tony stood up releasing Drew to her care. "Be careful with him." He said combing a shaky hand though his hair. A loud voice calling out in the distance got his attention.

"Paris !" Officer Watson walked briskly over to the scene. "What the hell happened?" He questioned looking over Tony's shoulders at the two men lying on the ground.

"I don't know..." Tony shook his head, never taking his eyes off Drew. "One minute he was there and the next...." Tony's voice trailed off as he took a deep breath.

"That was some fucked up shit back there at the house." The officer said.

"What about the woman...is she okay?" Tony asked hesitantly.

"She didn't make it...gunshot wound to the abdomen at close range," he said shaking his head. "We can't figure it out...it seems random. She was a mother of four small children. The neighbors said she was quiet, kept to herself… didn't bother anyone."

"Damn...." Tony replied, his attention somewhat distracted as he watched the paramedics frantically working on Drew.

"He's dead." The medical examiner said of the perpetrator, as he walked toward Tony and the other officer.

"Any ID?" Tony asked.

"No..." He answered flatly causing Tony to furrow his brows together in thought.

"This is getting crazier by the minute." Tony sighed scratching his head in confusion. “Shit…” He sighed through a deep breath of air.

"Paris !" Daryl called, getting out of his car. He hurried over to where the three men were standing with a piece of paper held tightly in his hand. "Hey, I heard on the radio." He acknowledged, "He's gonna be alright." He said placing a reassuring hand on Tony's shoulder. Tony just nodded chewing on the inside of his cheek. "This message is for you, man." He said handing Tony the piece of paper.

"This is just the beginning Paris, more will die." Tony read the typed message. "Spade." He stated more than asked with an arched brow.

"Yeah...." Daryl nodded, "He's fucking with you man. It's time to pull out the heavy artillery." Daryl replied.

Tony nodded as he watched the paramedics carefully place Drew onto the stretcher. "I gotta go." He said folding the paper in half and shoving it into his pocket. He hurried over to the ambulance, his brisk walk turning into a trot. "Wait!" He yelled. The paramedic about to close the door stepped back allowing Tony room to climb inside vehicle.

Daryl watched as the ambulance turned on its lights and siren and sped out the parking lot. He averted his gaze to the medical examiner watching intently as they placed the body of the unidentified shooter in the black body bag, zipping it closed.

“Who the fuck are you?” He asked thoughtfully. He decided to head back to the house to look for clues. ’Drew could possibly die because of this bastard,’ he thought, and Tony could be next. He and Tony had worked on the force together for ten years, and he had worked with Drew for four. Drew and Tony were one of their own, and no one messed with their own, Spade had to be stopped.

~*~*~

“Clear the way!” The nurse yelled as they pushed the gurney quickly down the corridor heading for the operating room. “We have an officer down….MOVE IT!” She demanded.

The O.R. staff worked on Drew with a crash cart as they made their way to OR, with Tony running alongside holding Drew’s hand every step of the way; whispering…‘I love you,’ and ‘it’s going to be okay,’ in his ear. Without warning, a strong firm arm slapped Tony across the chest.

“This is as far as you go, sir.” The nurse informed him with haste in her voice.

“…But that’s my partner in there” Tony stood back in shock.

“Go… let me do my job and save this man’s life.” A deep voice ordered, holding his gloved hands in the air. He used his body to push Tony's out of the way.

Tony stood wide-eyed and his mouth agape feeling helpless. He clasped his fingers together on top of his head and sighed.

“Paris …” Rodriguez placed his hand on Tony’s shoulder, startling him. “Come on, man.” He said guiding Tony to the waiting room.

~*~*~

The waiting room was filled with on and off duty officers stopping by, all waiting to hear the news of their fallen comrade.

Tony sat in a chair in the corner of the room with his eyes closed and his head resting against the wall. He could hear the hushed whispers but couldn’t make out what they were saying, nor did he care.

"Paris ...." Captain Morgan stepped in through the double doors, causing Tony to jump to his feet, his heart beating spastically in his chest, fearing the worst as the captain motioned for him to come closer.

Trying to gain his composure, Tony took a deep breath giving his superior his full attention. "Yes...yes Sir." He said trying to steady is still blood stained hands.

"Paris ...." He said as he placed a reassuring hand on Tony's shoulder, bringing his voice down an octave. "They're about to take Drew into surgery. One of the bullets is lodged in a tricky place, but they are confident they can get to it." He paused allowing Tony to grasp what he was saying. Tony nodded slowly chewing on the inside of his cheek. "He's lost a lot of blood." He added. Tony swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat, thinking about the irony of it all as he looked down at the blood on his hands, and clothing. "They need a number of the nearest relative or emergency contact and I thought you could help them out."

"Um...nearest relative?" Tony repeated in somewhat of a daze.

"Yeah...you know, mom, dad, brother, sister, anyone that can make medical decisions for him."

Tony closed his eyes tightly taking a deep breath clutching his fist at his side, "I'm his nearest relative." He said faintly.

"I'm sorry..." The Captain shook his head as if he misunderstood him.

"I said I’m Drew’s nearest relative." He repeated the statement. Captain Morgan stood speechless for a moment.

"How is that possible, Paris ?" He questioned drawing his brows together in confusion.

"Um....Drew, Drew and I are married....He's my husband."

"What...You're gay?" The Captain asked completely taken aback.

"We’re married..." He repeated, though not offended. He hated titles. He often wondered why there were titles…Why you had to be either straight or “gay,” Why did a person’s sexual preference label you. It wasn’t that he was ashamed or in the closet, on the contrary. He was a man of pride and he wasn’t about to let society place a label on him as if he was different…weird.

"Okaay...” The captain said dragging his hand down his chin. “For how long?" He asked now scratching the back of his head. The room became silent, all the idle chatter and whispers ceased and a look of curiosity spanned the room.

"How long?" Tony repeated, bemused.

"I don’t mean how long you’ve been gay," The Captain sighed, correcting himself through an embarrassing laugh, "How long have you two been married?” He motioned with his hands hoping Tony understood.

“Well…Um.” Tony stammered trying to figure out a way to tell him, that he and Drew had just celebrated their three-year anniversary a week ago.

“Well that's not important right now." The Captain said as he ran his hand roughly down his face again.

"What do they need?" Tony asked, his voice laced with desperation and concern.

"Yeah, yeah, come with me, they need you to sign some papers." He said ushering Tony out the door. "You know we need to talk about this don't you?" He said eying him. Tony nodded as he followed him out. He heard someone say, “I knew something was up with those two,” as they walked out of the waiting room.

Tony glanced around the room still feeling dazed, watching the Nurses and orderlies scurrying about as if they were invisible. He and Drew had been here so many times before with other guys from their unit; there to offer encouragement and words of comfort to the families, but this was his first, and the world looked totally different from this side.

The bright lights, the white sterile walls along with the sounds of beeping monitors were so surreal. His husband was in the next room fighting for his life and the not knowing was the hardest. He heard one of them mention Drew by name, but couldn't make out what was being said.

"Hey?" Captain Morgan grabbed one of the nurses by the arm as she hurried by.

"Have a seat; someone will be right with you." She snapped with an elevated tone, pulling her arm from his grasp.

"But this is Detective Dattilo's-" Before he could finish his statement she had vanished into the operating room where Drew lay unconscious on the table.

Tony got a quick glimpse, but couldn't make out anything; all he saw was a swarm of surgeons surrounding the table. His first instinct was to follow her but, he was held back by his captain.

“He’s going to make it; he’s going to be fine.” Captain Morgan reassured him with a firm pat on the back. Tony forced a smile biting nervously on his finger as he peeked into the surgery room window.

“Excuse me…” A kind voice spoke behind Tony. “Detective Paris?”

“Yes…” Tony turned slowly to face the small petite woman.

“I’m Lori from registration sir, and I needed to get some information on Mr. Dattilo if I could.”

“Sure…” Tony nodded.

“Follow me.” She smiled.

“I’ll be in the waiting area with the others.” Capt. Morgan pointed behind him. “Do you need anything?”

“No I’m fine…thanks.” He called back over his shoulder as he followed the short brunette woman. Lori was very personable yet professional. She input all the necessary data into the computer, from demographic to insurance information. She asked if Drew had a living will or durable power of attorney, which he did; they both did, giving each other the right to make medical decisions, in the event they couldn’t speak for themselves. During the interview, Emily, Lori’s co-worker interrupted.

“Excuse me sir, but I thought you could use this.” She said handing him a scrub shirt and a steaming hot cup of coffee. “I didn’t know how you liked it so I brought everything.” She smiled as she sat the packets of sugar, equal and creamer on the desk. “And you can change if you want.” She stated referring to Tony’s blood stained shirt.

“Thank you.” He nodded with a sad smile.

“No problem.” She said placing her hand on his shoulder offering her support. “If it’s any consolation, Dr. Corey is the best.”

“He is…” Lori confirmed giving Emily an approving smile, before returning her attention back to Tony. “Well….”She said separating the paperwork. “ We’re all finished. Here is your husband’s insurance card, and ID and these are your copies.” She stated as she handed him copies of the signed documents.

“Thanks…” He smiled to both Lori and Emily. “I need to make a few calls. I need to call his parents.” He informed them as he picked up his belongings and coffee, tossing the shirt over his shoulder. “Is there a place close by where I can have some privacy, but not too far, in case they need me?” He gave a knowing nod.

“Sure down the hall is a family waiting area.” Lori pointed toward her left. “It’s small. It has a television, sofa, and coffee, Oh and a phone for public use if you don’t have your cell with you.” She smiled.

“Thanks…” Tony smiled patting his front pocket indicating he had his cell with him as he headed in the direction of the family room.

~*~*~

Tony cupped his hands under the cool running water splashing his face several times as if trying to wash away the horrific events of the day. He ran his hands roughly down his face, grabbing a few paper towels from the dispenser. He sighed heavily, staring blankly at the ghostly reflection in the mirror staring back at him.

After changing into the shirt the young woman from registration gave him and calling Drew's parents he made himself another cup of coffee. He sat down on the small sofa in the family waiting room feeling lost, broken and alone. "Why didn't you listen me...Why did you just take off like that... Damn it, Drew, I told you to wait for back up." He said softly to himself. He sat back, closed his eyes, and heaved a heavy sigh, wiping away the tears that spilled from his eyes. He tried to collect himself, glancing down at the coffee sitting on the table. A sad smile forced its way onto his lips; thinking back to their discussion of Drew's coffee habits the day before.

Flash Back...

"Here babe."

"Whatever..." Drew muttered a few choice words under his breath feeling defeated, before taking a careful sip of coffee. He waited until Tony's back was turned and smiled peeking over the rim of his mug. Tony smiled seeing Drew’s reflection behind him.

End of Flashback...

"Hey..." A faint voice whispered bringing Tony from his thoughts.

"Oh hey..." He glanced up with a small smile.

"Is it okay." She asked tipping carefully into the room.

"Sure, it's okay."

"How are holding up?" She asked, adjusting the revolver strapped on her hip so she could sit down beside him. Tony just nodded as she caressed his back. "He's gonna pull through this...you know."

"Yeah..." He sighed hopeful.

"And after he recovers I'm gonna kick his hard headed ass myself." She laughed, using the tip of her finger to catch the tear that slipped down her cheek.

"Thanks for coming Mona." Tony said as he rested his worried, head against her shoulder.

Mona Lafon was one of the officers at their precinct. She stood about five foot nothing with a petite frame but, she had the spirit the size of Mount Rushmore . She was as tough as any man on the force and could handle her on. She worked with Tony on a few cases and was very fond of him. She and Drew had developed a strong bond as well. He was with her when he received the news that her mother had died. She took the news very hard and Drew was there offering her his shoulder...comforting her. He'd even gone with her to the hospital's morgue to identify her mother’s body. After which he took her home, made her some soup and sat with her until her husband arrived home later that night from an out of town business trip.

"You know there is nowhere else I would be right now." She smiled kindly kissing the top of his head. "So...I hear congratulations are in order." She teased, nudging her shoulder against his.

"Yes, I guess so."

"I'm insulted." She laughed placing her hand to her chest fringing hurt feelings. "I could keep a secret." She laughed.

"No one knew."

"So I hear. I heard the look on the Captain's face was priceless." She continued to laugh pulling a light one from Tony as well.

"Yeah, you could have bought him for a penny." Tony managed to laugh.

"I should have seen it the first time you two met; it was love at first sight." Mona laughed teasingly shaking her finger at him.

"What...." Tony smiled shyly with a shrug of his shoulder. "It was anything but love...." Tony said thinking back to his and Drew's first encounter.

"I'm not so sure about that." Mona smiled fondly.

Flashback.....

He was running late and had arrived at the deli as he did every morning. He notices there are only three people ahead of him and thinks to himself, "Okay, this isn't too bad, just a few people. I'll get my breakfast head upstairs for the stupid meeting with Morgan to meet my new partner...hate my new partner and call it a day.

"Damn it!" He cursed hitting the steel doors with his fist, resting his forehead against them. He turned his head slightly noticing the 'Exit' sign with the symbol of the stairs above it.

End of Flash back...

"God, I remember it like it was yesterday." Mona laughed, "You should have seen the look on your face when you ran in there after taking five flights of stairs." She giggled softly.

"Yeah, well..." Tony shook his head, "Me and the captain had been going back and forth with that partner shit. I didn't want a new partner after Doug retired." Tony admitted through a heavy sigh. "And… he finally won."

"Of course." Mona laughed. "In the end… he always wins."

“Yeah…” Tony agreed.

Flash back…

Tony bust through the door and ran down the hall. He only had a few minutes until he was officially late again. He knew the captain would be riding his ass because of his tardiness, but more importantly today, he was to meet his new partner.

“Oh, good, so you have met each other.” Captain Morgan smiled in amusement as he looked at both of them. “Go ahead Paris show Dattilo around…introduce him to the rest of the officers.” He said ushering them both out the door. Drew stepped ahead of Tony with a smug look on his face and smiled.

End of Flash back…

“Drew turned out to be really cool.” Mona sighed through fond memories.

“Yeah he did.” Tony agreed, “What started out as the worst day of my life turned out to be by far the best.” He looked down at his clasped hands and sighed, “I can’t lose him.” Tony manages to say, word and tears getting caught in his throat, “He’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”

“I know.” Mona said caressing Tony’s shoulder. “You won’t.” She stated adamantly and with conviction. “He’s strong, he’s gonna pull through.” She smiled sadly, resting her chin on the top of Tony’s head as she held him close.

It seemed as if they had been there for hours, neither one saying a word, both getting lost in the silence. The door slowly opened revealing a very tired, much worn out looking nurse. She pulled her facemask down from around her mouth forcing a smile.

“Mr. Paris ?”

“Yes….” Tony and Mona stood quickly to their feet. Mona grabbed Tony’s hand, lacing their fingers together giving him a firm gentle squeeze.

“Mr. Dattilo is out of surgery.”

“How is he?” He asked worriedly taking hesitant steps toward her.

“Well, we ran into some complications in there.” She admitted. “He’s lost an awful amount of blood and we had to remove three bullets and repair the damages done.” She shook her head in disbelief. “He’s a strong young man, your partner.” She smiled, “We are all amazed he pulled through.”

Tony released the breath he didn’t realize he was holding, allowing the tears to stream down his face spilling over the hand he had cupped to his mouth. “So he’s gonna be okay….he’s gonna make it?” He asked nodding quickly to the nurse then to Mona, who took Tony into her arms hugging him. He smiled wiping his face. “He is going to be okay isn’t he?”

“Well, I mean at this point the first forty-eight hours are the most crucial and he is still in critical condition.”

“Can…can I see him?” Tony asked, his voice laced with desperation.

“He’s still in recovery, then they will move him to ICU, so after he’s settled in there…sure you can.” She smiled patting Tony on the shoulder, receiving a huge smile from both Tony and Mona. “Oh and Dr. Corey will be here in his office for another couple of hours. He has instructed the staff to bring you to him, if you have any questions or other concerns.”

Tony grabbed her hand gripping it tightly. “Thank you…so much.” He stated with sincerity. “You not only saved his life, but mine too.” He stated convincingly.

The nurse inhaled deeply and simply said. “I know.” She was one of the nurses there when they brought Drew into the hospital. She noticed Tony’s reaction and knew there was more to their story.