21 | ❝ WE CAN'T SAVE US... WE FALL... ❞

══════════════════════════════════════════

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

❝ WE CAN'T SAVE US... WE FALL... ❞

══════════════════════════════════════════

[ season 2, episode 18 + own storyline ]

ROSIE POV

ROSIE'S HEAD WAS FULL OF EMOTIONS, WHICH KEPT HER AWAKE. She didn't want to wake Marrie and Lissie — they were already worried enough about the situation between her and Chim, so she didn't want to add to their worries by telling them she was having trouble sleeping. There was already too much going on, anyway.

When she turned on the television in the evening, the news programme was full of reports about a bomb in a parcel. At first, she thought it was about their intervention, but as it turned out, it was another parcel. When the journalist mentioned the names of the victims, her thoughts returned to that call, specifically to the moment when something told her that she knew that woman — she was Miranda Filson, a criminal defense lawyer. The most recent victim, at least as far as the media knew, was retired insurance agent Kevin Dean.

Again, she felt that this was no coincidence — that she knew them from somewhere.

She started digging around on the internet because she knew that until she found out the truth, it would definitely not give her any peace.

Her hunch was correct, because both victims were connected to an insurance fraud case involving a fire at a restaurant. As it turned out, the owner had set fire to his own property. She had testified in the case because she had helped Bobby and Athena when him moved to Los Angeles. Besides, she herself had just returned from Chicago at the time.

Without hesitation, the girl called her former supervisor, hoping she hadn't gone to bed yet. Fortunately, she answered.

"Athena!" she exclaimed cheerfully, hiding her own fear with laughter. After all, if her suspicions were correct, the three of them could also be on the bomber's list. "How's the parcel bomb case going? Do you know anything?"

"You sound quite energetic for someone who's just gone through a break-up," Sergeant Grant said. "Bobby told me, and he heard it from Lissie. Don't be angry with them. They're just worried about you. Me too, for that matter. After all, you're like family to us."

"I'm not in the mood to laugh,' she muttered, unhappy that she had become the subject of gossip just because she couldn't stand being treated like trash. "I'm calling you about something more serious than my dying love life. I have a lead on the bomber..."

"As usual, sharp and ready," she commented. "So tell me what you've got. I'll pass it on to the right people."

Rosie explained to her the whole process of 'connecting the dots' that had gone through her mind. Athena listened to her so intently that she didn't even survive for a moment.

"Lawyers have thousands of cases... Listen, you may be right, but what if it's a false lead?"

"How about we focus on what if it's true?!" Buckley exclaimed angrily. "If I didn't have a hunch, I wouldn't bother you, you know that, right?"

She heard a loud sigh from the policewoman on the other end of the line. She knew exactly what it meant — she was fed up with her, but she knew she was right.

Rosie laughed.

"I know you love me, Thena," she said amusedly. "I just prefer to play it safe. You taught me myself that I have to trust my instincts."

"It's your gift and your curse at the same time," she replied resignedly. "I'll keep that in mind, but don't get carried away, okay? I know you're trying to take your mind off the break-up..."

"Good night. Take care of yourself and Bobby," Rosie said quickly, hanging up.

She was fed up with not being taken as seriously as she used to be. Still, she prayed that she was wrong this time and that none of her loved ones were in danger...

THE NEXT MORNING, THE ATMOSPHERE BETWEEN THE THREE ROOMMATES WAS RATHER QUIET. Marrie was deeply confused by the fact that her parents had broken up and everything had returned to the way it had been a few months ago, though she had a feeling it was much worse now.

"Is there any chance you and your dad are getting back together?" she asked, looking warily at her mom.

Buckley didn't say a word, just began poking at her portion of pancakes Lissie had saved for her from her daughter. Since Nash had been living with them again, her goddaughter had been eating them again as if she hadn't seen food in at least a year.

"Give them time," Lissie suggested to the girl. "Your parents haven't stopped loving each other, but your mom is hurt. She needs to learn to trust your dad again. Everything will work out, I'm sure of it." The girl wasn't entirely sure, but she clearly decided to trust her aunt's words. She had no other choice.

They didn't pursue the matter further, however, as they heard the sound of a video call on Lissie's laptop, which was sitting on the coffee table in the living room. The girl hurried over, slightly surprising her companions.

"What are you up to?" Rosie asked.

"I have a surprise," she said to them, starting everything up properly. "Welcome to the Friendship Emergency. It's me and Ian, but not only that..."

"Hey, boss!" Buckley heard a voice she hadn't heard in almost three years as Lissie turned the computer toward them. Tears welled in her eyes, only now realizing how much she missed him. "Apparently, some jerk broke your heart. Where should I bring the torches?"

"Chloe..." she felt her voice crack. When she saw her on the screen, right next to Ian... All their shared shifts in Chicago came rushing back to her. "It's so good to see you. I'm ashamed that so much time has passed since I left, and we've barely spoken..."

Chloe was her successor as head of the paramedics. Initially, Rosie wanted Lissie to take her place, but she didn't feel ready for such a responsible position. Together, they decided Fontaine would be the right candidate—thanks to that, Buckley knew she was leaving the team in good hands.

Despite Fontaine's experience, she trained her in what she knew, just like Lissie and Ian, which brought the four of them closer together.

"That jerk is my dad, but he's right, he's stupid," Marrie replied, disgruntled, also appearing on screen.

The sight of the girl made Chloe tear up.

"And I was right, our favorite little darling isn't so little anymore..." she said, smiling at her. "Slow down a bit, will you? Mom and Aunt Lissie are feeding you too well, but that's nothing new."

"Auntie..." the girls was embarrassed. "I may have grown, but I'm still the same."

"At this rate, when we finally see each other, you'll be looking down on me, honey..." she laughed. She looked at the girls. "If nothing goes wrong, I plan to visit you this summer during my vacation. I guess I won't be a problem, right?"

"You?" Rosie laughed. "Never in my life! You and the rest of the 33rd are always welcome in Los Angeles. I... I'll never be able to repay you for being there for Lissie while I was gone. Especially you..."

"Stop it," Fontaine tried to hold back tears. "It's human... Anyone would do the same."

"But I'm still eternally grateful," she said to her. "I'm glad she wasn't alone in all this." "You'd better tell me how you're feeling," Chloe replied, trying to change the subject. "Lissie said you were falling apart, and you're holding up perfectly..."

Rosie looked at her friend in surprise.

"I just arranged emotional support for you," Lissie said. "No one can provide it like our old team."

Only then did Buckley realize that Ian and Chloe were at the firehouse. She had completely ignored it before.

"Just like I told Melissa when she was leaving," an additional voice said from behind the computer. A moment later, Captain Cruz himself found a seat next to Ian. "The 33rd never abandons its own. Even if none of you are part of the team, you are part of the family."

The sight of their former boss made Rosie's tears burst. She felt Lissie hug her.

"Thank you, boss," she said. "You don't even know how much this means to me."

"It's really a small thing," he smiled at her. "I'll leave you. I have some paperwork waiting for me, but I couldn't resist saying hello. Marrie, keep an eye on Mom and Auntie, do you hear me?"

"Yes, Captain!" the girl saluted, which touched the hearts of the other adults.

The conversation itself ended a moment later, as their friends received a call to action. When Lissie closed her laptop, Rosie simply hugged her, tears streaming down her face.

"What was that for?" Nash asked, surprised.

"For being here," she said. "You prepared all this, and you didn't have to... I didn't even think I needed to see Ian, Chloe, and the captain..."

"The boss forced his way in, or maybe it's those two," she laughed. "I had a feeling you needed more friendly faces. Apparently, I wasn't wrong."

"That was a great idea," Marrie admitted. "And it's great that Aunt Chloe is visiting. Maybe we can convince her to stay with us? What do you think?"

Neither of the two friends commented on the nine-year-old's idea; they just laughed through their tears and hugged her, which she accepted with immense joy.

NEITHER OF THEM THOUGHT THAT THE FUTURE EVENTS WOULD MAKE THE LIVES OF THE BOTH FRIENDS NEVER THE SAME AGAIN. While cleaning up after dinner, for which they'd ordered three boxes of pizza, they heard an incoming call. As it turned out, it was May calling Lissie—the teenager was utterly terrified that another bomb from a serial killer had been found outside their house.

When Rosie heard this, she rolled her eyes. Apparently, her hunch, for which she had proof, meant nothing. She preferred that what she'd found was a false alarm, but apparently they weren't given the chance to have some peace of mind.

Lissie promised young Grant that they would arrive as soon as possible. Since they couldn't leave Marrie alone, let alone take her with them, as they both had shifts after the visit, the young woman ended up in Chim's care, who was supposed to take her to the Wilsons'. When they told him what had happened, since Rosie had warned him she was late for her shift, he asked them to let him know if they knew anything more.

"You're doing well," Lissie said as they headed to her car in the parking lot. "Yesterday you were both in a terrible state, and today you exchanged a few words. Good progress."

"He's important to me, that hasn't changed," her friend said. "He just... He needs to earn my trust again after what happened. You understand..."

"You're right," Nash said. "Let's get to the Grants'... I need to make sure everyone's safe and sound. May's words aren't enough."

"Me too," Rosa said. "My love problems aren't the priority right now. There will be a time for them... Someday."

THEY BOTH ARRIVED NOT LONG AFTER BOBBY'S ARRIVAL, AS IT TURNED OUT. Rosie was practically trembling with fear. Recent events had taken a heavy toll on her, but she couldn't give in now. She had to be strong and give it her all.

"Didn't I tell you?" she blurted out as Lissie and the sergeant joined her father. She glared sternly at her former mentor. "If I say I have a bad feeling, I'm not saying it on a whim, Athena!"

Grant sighed heavily and agreed with her former protégé.

"I'm sorry, I should have taken you completely seriously," the woman replied. "Thank goodness Michael happened to arrive with May and Harry..."

Buckley looked away, trying not to even imagine the worst-case scenarios. "Don't even say anything more," Lissie said. "Anything more known?"

She denied it, telling them they were waiting for new information from the investigators, who were still on the scene. Meanwhile, Athena had told them about the third package. When Rosie heard the name of the deceased judge, she was absolutely certain of what she had found so far in her research.

The case officer approached them to give them the same information they had just discussed.

"This is Captain Nash and Firefighter Buckley from the fire department," Athena said, introducing her and Bobby. "We worked on this case together."

"The only case we both testified on," the captain admitted. "The owner got six years. He should still be in prison..."

"He died three months ago of cancer," the officer said.

Rosie paled. The situation was becoming increasingly clear to her.

"He had a son, Freddie," she remembered. "A teenager. He threatened to make us pay for his father ending up behind bars. And that's exactly what's happening..."

She was grateful that Marrie was staying with the Wilsons and Chim was at the fire station. If a bomb had hit her apartment... She didn't even want to think about the consequences.

"You'll be fine. No one will let that happen..." Lissie said, seeing her friend's panic. She looked at her father. "We have to go to work... Will you call me when you find out anything more?"

Bobby assured his daughter that as soon as they knew anything, he'd call them both.

The girls said goodbye to the couple and left the Grant house, heading for the younger girl's car.

CHIM POV

WAITING FOR NEWS FROM THE GRANTS WAS DRIVING HAN CLOSE TO GOING CRAZY WITH ANXIETY. They might not be together anymore, but that didn't mean he wasn't concerned about what was happening with Rosie—quite the opposite. He wanted to show her that he was still himself, even if the soda had truly taken a toll on him. Lissie was right. He had to show her that he was still the same guy she'd fallen in love with years ago. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he wasn't about to give up—he knew he had to earn back her trust at all costs.

He finally spotted her as she climbed the stairs to the second floor.

"So?" he asked her gently. "Everyone okay? Nothing exploded?"

Buckley glanced at Han, then sighed.

"Michael arrived with the kids after school." Harry noticed the package, but luckily, his father stopped him from picking it up. I don't even want to think about what would have happened...

Chim was also relieved—ever since he met Rosa, he'd known how much the Grants meant to her. After all, they'd taken care of May more than once when she was little, and they'd even taken care of Harry before Rosie left town.

"Did the investigators say anything?" he asked her. "Do they have any suspicions?"

"Remember one of Bobby's first cases? Burning down a restaurant to try to rip off his insurance?"

Han nodded. He remembered how, on the day of the trial, he and Marrie had comforted Rosie, who was nervous about testifying in court. They'd deliberately waited in a nearby park so she'd somehow feel close.

"But they convicted the guy," he said. "You think someone's doing this on his behalf? After all, he threatened you..."

She shook her head.

"The investigator said he died of cancer in prison," the woman replied. "But he had a teenage son. He was the one who showed his fury the most. And every person who was injured or died was connected to this case."

"Died?" the terrified firefighter gasped. "Are you telling me...?"

"They found the third package," she replied. He could see the fear in her eyes. "The judge who presided over the trial. He died on the spot. Now it's Athena's turn, then he'll probably want to get to Bobby... What if I'm his target? I'm scared..."

Without hesitation, he hugged her. It was a reflex he couldn't stop, even though Rosie had broken up with him. He was surprised that she'd let him, but he didn't dwell on it. It was a sign that their relationship wasn't truly doomed. It gave him hope...

"Nothing will happen to you... I'll make sure of that," he said, stroking her hair. After a moment, he took a deep breath, wanting to gently bring up the situation between them from yesterday. "Rosey...?"

"Yes?"

"I know I messed up... It was all my fault, and I know it. You were right to go completely crazy. I wanted you to be proud of me..."

Buckley sighed.

"I'm proud of you," she looked into his eyes. "I always have been, and I always will be. But I can't just forgive you like nothing happened. You understand me, right?"

He nodded.

"I know I messed up," he said sadly. "It's only been a day, and I just feel like I can't cope without you... Is there any chance we can be together again?"

"You always have a chance," she said, smiling at him. "It's just up to you to use it properly. Show me I can truly trust you, like I did before."

The man looked at his ex-girlfriend, then smiled.

He hoped—he couldn't ruin it any further, because he'd never forgive himself.

AS IT TURNED OUT A FEW HOURS LATER, FATE HAD COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PLANS FOR THE TWO OF THEM. They received a call to action—Chim was riding with Hen and Eddie in one truck, while the Buckley siblings were in the other. They received an urgent tip-off from Bobby, but communication was poor...

Then there was an explosion, and one of the trucks rolled with all its force onto the street.

The one Rosie and Buck were in...

"No..." said their temporary commander.

He was ready to jump out of the vehicle, just to see if they were alive. If she was alive...

He felt completely paralyzed by fear—even Diaz and Wilson's attempts to calm him down were ineffective.

Rosie's words from the previous shift, after which she had broken up with him, still echoed in his mind. He... He couldn't bear the uncertainty. "I'm sure they're okay," Hen said, trying to reassure her friend. "They're two ulcers... You know that. Nothing can move them."

Chim knew he would only calm down if he saw Rosie alive... Nothing else could help him.

ROSIE POV

WHEN SHE WOKE UP AFTER THE EXPLOSION, HER HEAD FELT AS IF IT WAS ABOUT TO BREAK. She wanted to give up, but she couldn't—too many people were counting on her.

"Buck? Buck!" she cried out, struggling, yet terrified.

She wanted to hear her brother's voice, to know he was alive—he only let out a piercing groan of pain. Still, she was relieved to know he'd survived. At least for that moment, but she tried to think positively... If that was even possible.

She began to look around as best she could, which wasn't easy, as she could barely move. Finally, she saw a figure walking toward them.

"You're new," said the voice of the boy she'd spotted lying next to Buck. He also took a few glances at her. "There's our little liar... You said everything would be alright..."

"Freddie..." she began, then gently rose, but only to a level where she could kneel. She kept her hands up as much as possible so he knew she wasn't planning anything. She had to be careful, because she had too much to lose. Besides, the boy was wearing explosives and could easily blow them up at any moment. "None of us were to blame..."

"You destroyed my family!" he screamed at the top of his voice. He aimed his gun at the woman, but it didn't faze her at all. This wasn't her first rodeo in this regard. "Tell me where the captain is. WHERE IS HE?!"

Rosa closed her eyes in terror, tears streaming down her face. She had never been as terrified as she had been then.

"I'm the captain," she heard a familiar voice say, one that belonged to Chimney. She had a feeling that sooner or later he'd want to help her somehow, and yet he'd complained about her rushing into dangers like they were some kind of sale. And who was the risk-taker now? "Let me help them..."

"Back off..." she said to him. Tears still welled in her eyes. "Don't take any chances, please!"

If she was going to die that night, someone had to come back to Marrie. The little girl couldn't be left without both her parents...

"I don't even want him," the boy told her. "I want captain Nash."

Rosie stole a glance at the crowd. Among them, she managed to spot Bobby and Athena.

This couldn't end well...

She had a feeling their captain wouldn't abandon them like this—she wasn't even remotely wrong about that.

"I thought you'd be in the fire truck," he said to the man.

"Apparently, your information was outdated," Rosie muttered, so quietly that thankfully the boy didn't hear it, because she felt it would have been over for sure.

Bobby stood across from him, completely calm, or at least he looked calm to the firefighter.

"I'm here," he said. "What now? This is what you wanted..."

"I wanted you dead," the boy muttered.

"What about them?" He gestured to the injured firefighters, but his gaze lingered longest on the Buckley siblings. "Rosie may have been involved in your case, but she did her duty, just like the rest. And her brother? He wasn't even a firefighter then! They have family and friends who need them."

"He's a collateral damage," he commented. "She speaks again, and she'll get a bullet in the head. I should have blown up her apartment when I had the chance, but he stopped me..."

"Is that how you see yourself?" "Nash asked him, completely ignoring the end of the sentence he'd interrupted. "You feel wronged, and I understand that, but you stopped being a victim when you planted the first bomb."

"You two destroyed my family, so I want to destroy yours..." Freddie said.

"And your mom has to watch you die?" he asked him.

Athena and Detective Romero appeared nearby, escorting the boy's mother. Thanks to their provocation, they managed to distract the perpetrator and apprehend him.

"Austin's going to get her! He's going to finish what he started!"

When those words reached Rosie, her heart almost stopped. She was not only terrified by her brother's condition, but also by the fact that Lissie was in increasing danger, since her tormentor had an accomplice...

"Show yourself," she felt Chim shining a flashlight in her eyes, checking her condition. Buckley couldn't concentrate when two people very important to her were definitely in greater danger than she was. "I'm not doing this to spite you, Rosey... Don't struggle..."

"I'm fine, come on!" she called, then walked over to her brother, who needed her. "We'll be fine, Buck. Do you hear me? Hang in there..."

"It's tough..." he muttered.

She knew perfectly well that every available pair of hands was needed to get the fire truck off him, and they were short on manpower.

And Evan was running out of time...

When the first attempt failed, Chim tried to radio for backup, but the civilians around them quickly rushed to their aid. Thanks to them holding the truck, she and Hen were able to get Buck out, and the second rescue team took care of him.

"Bobby!" she called to him. "Freddie... He's working with Austin. He said earlier that he regretted not blowing up our apartment, but someone stopped him. This isn't a coincidence... We have to go get Lissie and take her as far away as possible..."

The girl was genuinely crying as she spoke to Nash and Grant. She was so terrified that her best friend's tormentor was closer than either of them could have imagined.

"She's not alone. She has Maddie and Josh..." Athena tried to calm her down.

"Neither of them will make it, and my sister is heavily pregnant. We can't risk it..." Bobby grabbed the girl's shoulders, helping her catch her breath.

"We'll go get them, calmly," he said. "Now you and Buck need to get medical attention."

"But..."

"That's an order," Chim joined them, taking her with him to their car.

Never in her life had Rosa been so terrified as she was then, and that was only the beginning...

LISSIE POV

SHE WAS IN THE FOURTH TEA DRINK OF TODAY'S SHIFT WHEN SHE NOTICED A COMMOVEMENT IN ONE OF THE CONFERENCE ROOMS. Normally, Sue used it for briefings or shift changes. There was also a large television in the room, around which an unusually large number of dispatchers were now gathered. This definitely piqued her interest, especially the stares of some of them as she walked toward it.

"What's going on?" she asked Josh when she finally managed to reach the front row. Maddie stood next to Josh, clutching her already sizable baby bump, tears welling in her eyes.

"That bomber..." Josh began, but Lissie finally looked at the television herself.

On the screen, she immediately spotted the familiar image of an overturned fire truck, number 118. Beneath him was Buck, his body bent at an unnatural angle, and next to him lay Rosie, unconscious.

Lissie was speechless. She knew the journalist covering the entire event was commenting on what was happening as it happened, but all she could think about was the fact that two people close to her were in danger. Not only because of the accident, but also because of the boy who had finally appeared on the street. The footage from the drone and cameras was blurry, but the explosives were definitely visible on his chest.

"Witnesses report that a fire truck belonging to Station 118 was blown up. One of the firefighters is trapped under the overturned truck. Other injured people are also visible..."

"It could be a crush injury," Maddie said, tears streaming down her face. Buckley wasn't sure whether to look at her brother or her younger sister. "Those can be difficult. Hypovolemic shock, hyperkalemia. And Rosie..."

"She's awake," Lissie said with quiet hope as she noticed movement where her friend had been lying moments before. "She might have a concussion and superficial injuries, but..."

She couldn't say she'd be alright, because she couldn't be sure. Rosie might have woken up, but the gunman was still threatening them. She didn't understand why he'd attacked them... And then I remembered that, according to what she'd heard, her father might have been the next target. His apartment was clean, but that was just the place he'd slept... His real home was the fire station, where he spent most of his time.

"They're alone there..." Maddie sniffed, and Lissie quickly grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently. As much as she feared for her family's safety, Maddie needed her support more than anything else.

"They're not alone... There are people there who want to help them."

"Then why isn't anyone doing anything?!"

They both understood the eldest Buckley's nervousness, knowing how important her younger siblings were to her.

"They can't," Josh answered cautiously for her. "You know that."

Meanwhile, something began to happen at the crime scene. Someone in a firefighter's uniform stepped forward, his hands raised. Lissie guessed it must be Chim, who had decided to take full responsibility for the team he'd recently led and simply check on Rosie. She could only imagine what he must be feeling. But part of her knew, because she felt a knot in her stomach and heart at the thought of something happening to Rosie and Buck...

"Something unusual," the journalist's voice said. "A civilian is heading toward the boy with the vest."

That was the moment she realized the person heading toward the bomber was her own father. Fear struck her with renewed intensity – she pressed a hand to her chest, feeling the pain spread through her. Her heart felt as if it had stopped the moment she spotted her father, and her legs gave out. She felt sick at the thought that he, too, might have been at risk.

Almost automatically, she reached for the bracelet he'd given her for her birthday. She didn't always wear it, but this morning she'd found herself needing to put it on. As if it were some kind of sign.

The cameras couldn't capture what her father had been talking about with this boy, but the fact that he was there at all was enough. In that instant, she felt as if her entire life was about to collapse. Because it wasn't just about the life of one person she loved being at risk anymore. It was about all three of them, and the rest of the 1118th, who were like family to her. Lissie had long since stopped praying, but this time she repeated the words to God in her head, hoping that at least this time he would listen and have mercy on her loved ones.

Meanwhile, her father caught the boy's attention, and when he turned to him, he began to struggle with him. She wanted to scream for him to get away, but her voice seemed to get stuck in her throat. All she could do was watch what was happening on the street, feeling helpless because she couldn't do anything. She had lost control of her life again, and all she could do was wait for the situation to resolve itself.

Soon, the police apprehended the armed boy, and the paramedics were able to rush to Buck without hesitation to administer first aid, as he was the most seriously injured. However, Lissie knew they would have difficulty lifting the truck. They needed either more men or something to use as leverage...

"That firefighter suffered the most," the reporter said as the cameras zoomed in on the wounded Buck. "We can only hope. Wait a minute, look."

Lissie saw it before the reporter could report it. All the people who had been watching the entire event gathered around the police barriers and helped lift the truck.

"It's truly an incredible scene. A wonderful display of gratitude and support."

Nash finally found the courage to express her emotions and sobbed with relief. Her father was fine, Rosie was alive, and Buck could finally receive the help he needed. Lissie pressed her hands to her mouth and felt Josh wrap his free arm around her, providing at least a modicum of support. She quickly rested her head against his chest, not caring if anyone noticed her moment of breakdown. She could finally breathe a sigh of relief, because although it wasn't ideal, it was slowly coming.

Buck quickly found himself on a stretcher, and they could see him being carried to the ambulance. The emotional journalist compared it to the aftermath of the earthquake, when residents also expressed gratitude to their heroes. Lissie and Maddie fell into each other's arms.

"Go," Nash ordered her colleague.

"What about you? You're coming with me."

"Your shift is almost over anyway, and I have a few hours left... Sue won't leave both of us because, after all, the others still need us. Go to him, and I'll join you after my shift."

"Are you sure about this? I don't want you to be alone..."

"She won't be alone," Josh assured her. "I'll keep an eye on her."

LISSIE CLOSED MADDIE'S AND COUNTED THE MINUTE UNTIL HER END. In the meantime, she managed to stay in touch with her father, alternately telling him he was completely crazy and asking about Rosie and Buck's health. Her friend was fine, just a few superficial wounds, but Buck was worse because when he arrived at the hospital, they rushed him straight to the operating room.

That was an hour ago. And since then, she hadn't been able to concentrate on anything.

"End your shift early," Sue told her, approaching her desk. "You won't be able to work in this condition."

"No," she shook her head. "I'm fine."

"You're shaking all over," the woman put a hand on her shoulder. "Go to the hospital. You'll be much more useful there than here."

Lissie looked at the redhead, and although she should have argued with her, she decided to let it go this time. She quickly rose from her seat, kissed her cheek, and thanked her for her understanding.

"Just have Josh walk you to your car," she informed her. "I promised your father and Sergeant Grant that you'd be safe with me, so I intend to keep my word."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Lissie gathered her things and briefly returned to the dispatch room to find Josh. She spotted him quickly, but noticed he was engaged in a conversation, and judging by his body language, she assumed it must have been something more serious. She had no idea how busy he would be, and she couldn't wait this time. She decided to let him know on the way to the parking lot that she was leaving, and that would be enough for now. She had a feeling Josh and Sue might be annoyed with her for acting so recklessly, but she couldn't wait. Nash bounced down the aisle, and when she exited the elevator on the ground floor, she said goodbye to security and texted Josh. She put her phone in her backpack and, without waiting, immediately headed to her car, fumbling for her keys to unlock it. She threw her belongings into the backseat, and then...

"Not a word," a voice she could recognize at any moment whispered ominously. She felt something metal touch her back and quickly realized it was a gun.

Her heart stopped, and fear and memories flooded back, paralyzing her completely. She hoped it was just a bad dream, but if it were, she would have woken up long ago.

"Austin..." Her voice trembled, and all she heard in response was an evil laugh.

"It's good you still remember me, pretty" He leaned over her and inhaled sharply. "You still smell just as lovely."

Lissie didn't answer. His fingers tightened around her hand, and she knew there was no way to escape him. What she'd feared so deeply had happened... She wanted to find some way to break away from him, but fear took over her body. All she could do was rip off the thin bracelet her father had given her and drop it to the floor unnoticed. She wanted to believe that was enough to somehow let the others know she was here.

"Get in the car," he growled in her ear, and with a shaking hand, she opened the driver's door wider and climbed in. But Austin pushed her further into the passenger seat, hard enough that her head hit the other door.

She groaned softly in pain, and then she saw him get behind the wheel and close the door behind him.

"You don't have to do this..." she said with a little more confidence, though her whole body was trembling inside. She couldn't escape him, but this time she was going to fight. Fight with all her might, even if it cost her her life. She wouldn't let him touch her again. "If you let go of me now, you can run away, somewhere the police won't be looking for you." Haywood laughed again, as if he'd just heard the best joke. Then he pulled his hood back, and she could see that there was a new scar on his face, one he hadn't had before.

"You're wrong, sweetie," he chuckled, turning to the backseat. He reached for her bag, and when he found her phone, he immediately threw it out the window. "The police are already looking for me, but as you can see, they're damned hopeless at catching me. I thought you meant a lot more to them, but as you can see, this is going to be a lot easier than I thought. Freddie, my cousin, preferred more drastic methods. He even wanted to bomb that apartment where you live with that bitch and her daughter, but I told him you belong to me and he has no right to touch you. I have to admit, though, he did a great job of diverting all the attention away from you."

Austin turned the key and hit the gas, and Lissie began to process what she'd heard. Everything slowly came together. The fire at the restaurant Bobby, Athena, and Rosie were working on years ago, then Austin's attack on her... It wasn't an accident.

"You knew I was his daughter." Understanding washed over her in an instant. "You did it out of revenge."

Haywood just smiled broadly at her, as if pleased from what she said.

"You didn't think I'd notice you for no reason, did you? Your father destroyed my family, so I'm going to do the same to his."

As he pulled out of the parking lot and away from the control room, she knew one thing.

Her nightmare was beginning all over again.

BOBBY POV

HE HAD A BAD FEELING. A damn bad feeling he couldn't shake the entire way to dispatch. He couldn't understand how this young boy could know about Lissie, let alone Austin and the fact that that bastard was looking for her. It felt like he was missing a piece to the puzzle, which would finally unfold before him.

But he wasn't worried about Freddie. The only person he could think about was Lissie, especially when Maddie herself showed up at the hospital. When he'd been talking to his own daughter moments earlier, he hadn't considered anything bad, but now that he'd called her again and she hadn't answered...

He could only imagine the worst.

"She's not answering," he muttered nervously, dialing his daughter's number again. But just like before, there was only a dull tone. "Mellie's not answering again. Normally, she would have called back by now."

"Bobby," Athena glanced at him, briefly taking her eyes off the road. "Lissie's definitely in dispatch. Tonight is crazy, and she told you herself she had to end her shift. I'm sure she's in the building, and now she's handling a call. Her job is just as demanding as yours."

"What if she's not?" Dark thoughts immediately flooded his mind. "What if she's not there?"

He wouldn't have survived then. The very fact that she had to suffer, and he wasn't there, refusing to even tell him... He was the worst father in the world. He had only one job in life—to protect his loved ones—and he failed every time. First with Evelyn, because he blamed himself for her car accident the entire time. If his shift hadn't been extended that day, she might not have come to visit him... Then Marcy, Brooke, and Bobby... They died because of him too. If the same fate were to befall Lissie, it would be the end for him.

Even Athena, she couldn't help him recover from that loss.

"We'll be there soon," she tried to reassure him, though she was starting to worry herself. The lack of any word from Lissie was a bad sign, because she always responded, even if she was a few minutes late. "We'll check dispatch. Sue definitely didn't let her out alone because she promised us she wouldn't. And if she's not there..."

She paused, because although she didn't want to consider that possibility, as a police officer, she had to.

"Then we'll do everything we can to find her. You can't let panic overwhelm you now, do you understand?"

Bobby nodded, but Athena was hardly convinced. She knew he was worried. And that was also the reason they hadn't told anyone else about their suspicions. They had to be sure something had actually happened... Rosie was already worried enough about her brother, and considering how hysterical she'd been before they'd convinced her to go to the hospital with Buck, they were right. When they reached the dispatch center, a security guard held them up for far too long than either of them had hoped. Eventually, they made it upstairs. The room was, as usual, a chaotic mess of incoming calls, but Lissie was nowhere to be seen.

"Sue!" Athena found the dispatch manager first. The woman turned to them and approached, surprised by their presence.

"Sergeant Grant, Captain Nash—"

"Where's Lissie?" Bobby interrupted immediately, not waiting for any words of greeting.

Sue frowned.

"I relieved her of her shift about half an hour ago because I saw she couldn't concentrate—"

"You let her go alone?!" Bobby quickly stood up, losing his patience.

Only Athena's touch on his arm kept him from lunging at the innocent woman.

"Of course not. I told her Josh was supposed to walk her to the car. I know what you asked me for and what's at stake for her... I care about my people, and Lissie is one of my best dispatchers. I wouldn't let anything happen to her."

"Then why isn't she answering?" Bobby was losing patience, and that was clear.

"Lissie disappeared?" Sue immediately became concerned.

"She last spoke to us about half an hour ago, and she hasn't answered our calls or texts since," Athena explained. "Could you call Josh? From what you're saying, he was the last one to contact her..."

Sue nodded, and a moment later, Josh appeared beside them. He was as surprised by their presence as his superior.

"Josh, did you walk Lissie to her car?" Sue asked immediately, and the man was clearly even more embarrassed than before.

"No, she's still working..."

Bobby felt his heart sink at the mere news that the last person supposed to see his daughter had no idea.

"I let her off shift and she was supposed to ask you to walk her back..."

"I don't know about that... I had a difficult call and maybe..." Josh suddenly pulled his phone out of his pocket and looked at the screen. "Oh no..."

Apparently, what he saw on it definitely alarmed him. Bobby didn't wait for Josh to show them what he saw, but immediately snatched the phone from his hands. There, on the screen, he noticed an open conversation with Lissie and her last message from less than half an hour ago, where she'd written that she was going to the hospital and knew she should ask him to walk her to the car, but she could see he was accepting the call, and she couldn't wait any longer.

"She left." Bobby looked at Athena with resignation and handed the phone back to its owner. "If she left and didn't make it to the hospital, where the hell is she?"

"Bobby..."

"No," he quickly interrupted Athena, pointing a finger at her. "Don't tell me to calm down. This is about my daughter... That kid mentioned that son of a bitch... What if all of that was just to distract me from what's most important?"

"We can't assume the worst... If she went to the parking lot, her car could still be here. Besides, there are cameras, so we can check them right away."

"I'll have Terry share those recordings with you," Josh suggested immediately, and then he disappeared.

Athena walked up to Bobby and placed a hand on his chest.

"Lissie's a fighter. We'll find out what happened to her, I promise you."

Bobby nodded, and for a brief moment, he decided to believe her.

Soon after, they were in the parking lot, searching for the familiar, navy blue car she'd been so damned happy with. She even thought it would be a great idea to give it a name, which Bobby couldn't quite remember now.

But they'd walked through the entire parking lot, and there was no sign of the car. Bobby felt powerless, and the knowledge that he had no idea what was happening to his daughter was killing him. He wanted to be strong, but he was slowly crumbling.

He'd failed her again. He'd made her suffer again.

He wanted to scream and hit something. He clenched his fists tightly and kicked a small pebble that happened to be at his feet. As his gaze followed it, something flashed. He didn't hesitate, just headed in the indicated direction, hoping to find the slightest clue that would lead him to where Lissie might be.

His heart was pounding, his ears buzzing as he picked up the familiar bracelet and phone from the ground, with that half-peeled Stitch sticker Lissie couldn't bear to part with.

"Bob..."

"He got her," he said quietly, his voice completely broken. He handed Lissie the phone to Athena, and his fingers tightened around the broken bracelet as if it were his last link to his daughter. "That bastard found her. She's out there alone with him somewhere... I'll find her, Athena. And if I do, I'll kill him."