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Meet Nevada Cintrone	By : Melissa92863 Category: CSI > General Views: 2758 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own CSI, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 10
- 11
Chapter 11-The Waiting Game

As Jim and Warrick walked down the hall Jim�s cell phone rang. He looked a Warrick who smiled and walked on. He saw the number and the name. Dallas Murrieta. He quickly answered it. He made a b line for the outside.

�Jim Brass.� he answered.

�Hola Jim, where is my sister?� She asked. �I can not get her on her cell or at the apartment.�

�Well, I was about to call you Dallas, there has been a situation here. But I bet you already feel that.� Said Jim.

�Si, now spill Amigo. Porfavor.� Said Dallas almost with an urgency in her voice.

�Felix shot Nevada outside the back of a grocery store. She was getting boxes to move. She�s critical they just took her into surgery.� He said almost not believing it himself.

�Oh Dios Mio Jim! Why did you not��..forget I asked the question Amigo. I know my sister well enough but why was she��..forget I asked that too. She was moving in with you and had not had a chance to get in touch with me. But Felix? The one who��.�

�Yes. Dallas, I wanted to go with her but she insisted on going by herself.� Said Jim. �I couldn�t have stopped her if I wanted too.�

�I know that Amigo. Would you like for me to tell our Aunt and Uncle since you have never spoken to them?� She asked.

�Thanks, Dallas but I�d rather do that myself. Some way to meet your girl�s family. It�s my fault.� Said Jim.

�Oh, Jim I know that you could not have stopped her. Uncle Patrick will too. Just be mindful of our Aunt. She�s hard to handle.� Said Dallas. �You let me know if there is anything I can do for you since I know everything is being done for my sister. I know with you calling the show up there, there is nothing that you would not do for her. I know she will not die Jim, I knew something was wrong I just did not know what. But you know we have a special relationship.�

�Not unlike my own with her Dallas. I just love her so much.� Said Jim.

�Believe me Jim I know you love her. She loves you too. The way she talks about you��..she has never talked like she does about a man. Not that there have been many mind you. No one ever as special as you.� Said Dallas sweetly. �I will be on the next plane I can get up there. I know Uncle Patrick will be too. Do yoed med me to give an ok for treatment? Oh where was she shot?�

�There is a bullet lodged in her spleen.� Said Jim. �No, they took mine for emergencies sake. She is in good hands doctor wise here.�

�Somehow I already knew that. She can live without her spleen. I am just sorry it happened now when you both were so happy. If this is anyone�s fault it is mine for reopening our case. So do not beat yourself up on this. I know you are doing everything you can for her.� Said Dallas.

�I am Dallas. Could you give me your Aunt and Uncle�s p num number?� He asked.

�I would be glad too. Speak only to Uncle Patrick. He is a good man. He will understand. She has been so lucky never being shot before. I have twice in the line of duty. My husband died in the line of duty. But I believe you know this.� Said Dallas.

�Yes. I�m sorry about that too.� Said Jim.

�Gracias, Jim. But you need not worry about her dying. I would feel that believe me.� Said Dallas.

Dallas gave Jim, Patrick Bailey�s phone number. He took it down.

�Good Luck and I will go over to my Uncle�s home now. I�m in the car and on the way there. I want to help as much as I can Amigo.� Said Dallas.

�I�m glad your willing to help me here. I�m kind of lost right now.� Said Jim.

�I know you are. You have many emotions going on right now. You will be fine Jim. She will too. Go on and call. I will be there in about 10 minutes. I will do what I can from here to help defuse the situation with my aunt.� She said.

�Thank You Dallas. I owe you several now.� Said Jim. He was relieved that she would be there soon.

�Da Nada Jim. Hey, we both love Nevada very much and in different ways. I am so glad she was able to find someone to love and to love her. Everyone should experience that at least once in life.� Said Dallas.

�Thanks again for your help Dallas. I�ll talk to you soon.� Said Jim.

�You can bet on that Amigo.� Said Dallas and with that they hung up. He quickly dialed Patrick Bailey number. He knew it was already 10 o�clock there.

Maeve and Patrick Bailey were up watching the local news in Dallas. The phone rang there and Maeve answered it.

�Bailey residence.� Came a Irish accented female voice.

�Mrs. Bailey this is Captain Jim Brass LVPD I need to talk to your husband please.� Said Jim.
�Very well.� Said Maeve and handed the phone to Patrick. �It�s Las Vegas Police.�

Patrick looked at her and hurriedly took the phone. �This is Patrick Bailey.� Came another Irish laced voice.

�I�m Captain Jim Brass sir. There has been a situation here with Nevada.� He began.

�Ok son, what is the matter?� Asked Patrick. He looked into Maeve�s eyes and they were both a little scared.

�Well sir, she�s been shot. She is in surgery as we speak. She�s critical. I�m her supervisor��.and I happen to have a relationship going with her. I know Nevada has said nothing about that but it�s true. Anyway, with the kidnapping case opened again��..�

�Hers and Dallas� yes I know and I do know about you too. Dallas, told us. Was it Estrada that shot her?� Asked Patrick.

�No it was Felix.� Said Jim.

�The bastard still lives. I was hoping opening all this wouldn�t bring misfortune on these girls. But it looks like��Son, did you catch him? Did you catch Felix at least?� Asked Patrick.

�Yes, he is in custody as we speak. Other officers took him in. A colleague and good friend of mine shot him. Stopping him. I must confess I wasn�t with her when she was shot.� Said Jim slowly.

�Well, Nevada is her own woman. She is a hand full sometimes two, and then some to say the least. You know that already I�m sure. Nothing would stop her from doing what she wanted. So don�t beat yourself up son. I know you tried to protect her as I did for years. But, we all have to let her do what she wills. She�s not a child anymore. I had to learn that the hard way.� Said Patrick gently.

�I�m glad you feel that way sir. Dallas is on her way over. I have no more information as of now. She�s been in surgery about an hour.� Said Jim. �Oh and by the way I should have called and talked to you sooner. But��..� Patrick cut him off but nicely.

�You know about the situation here. It�s ok with me. I�m not picking a husband or boyfriend for her. I have to let her do that. But you know what I am referring too.� Said Patrick as he got up and walked a bit leaving Maeve sitting. �What can I do?� He asked.

�Yes I have been forewarned.� Said Jim. �You are coming here aren�t you?�

�You can bet on that. Listen, Son I�m not mad at you. This was bound to happen after all these years. She�s been very lucky. Not a scratch in about 16 years. I�m worried yes. Because I love her and her sister too. But I know you love Nevada or you wouldn�t have that pain in your voice.� Patrick said.

Jim thought for a moment. Patrick was a nice man and did the best he could for the girls. As for him not wanting Jim in Nevada�s life it wasn�t so either. He heard Dallas come in. Maeve and Dallas were talking. It was getting loud and heated too.

�Excuse me for a moment Son.� Said Patrick irritated.

�Sure.� Said Jim.

�Yes Maeve, she�s been shot but she will be ok. Dallas knows these things.� Said Patrick.

�She should have stayed here with her family. An unmarried woman stays with her family if she doesn�t marry. If she looses a husband��..�

�Tia Maeve we have been over that.� Said Dallas.

�Ok you two stop it! Now!� Said Patrick forcefully. �I�m talking to her man right now. I might get some infoion ion on her as we are speaking but I can�t hear him to get it. Now both of you sit down and shut up!�

The women looked at him and Maeve was going to say something else. He looked at her sternly. She sat down quietly on the couch with Dallas. Jim had heard them. Patrick wasn�t unlike himself he though. Just older.

�I�m sorry Son.� Patrick said. �We will come just as soon as we can get a flight out. I�ll call you back. You call me at this number it�s my cell if anything happens before then.� Jim took the number and put it in his cell phone. Jim gave him his cell number.

�That�s ok . I have it sir.� Said Jim.

�As for calling me sir and Mr. Bailey, I�m Patrick ok?� He asked.

�I�m Jim.�

�Good, now that we have those formalities out of the way, what exactly happened Jim?� He asked.

�She went to get boxes��ah, she was moving in with me��..Felix had been following her but, for how long I don�t know. She was shot in the back of the grocery store getting the boxes.� Said Jim.

�Well, looks asyou you love her very much. You want to care for her so, any of that is ok with me. She�s a grown woman.� Said Patrick still with a gently accepting voice.

�I know I should have talked to you sooner Patrick but the way Nevada described the situation down there it would have been difficult at best. Now that I have heard a taste of it. Living with her is going to change too. I didn�t ask her to move in with me just because��.well you know��..I have other plans once all this is over.� Said Jim still a bit gun shy but that was fading.

�That would be up to both of you Jim. But at least you have a plan of action. I�m glad that she has finally found someone to love and to love her back as I prayed she would. I was beginning to wonder if it would ever happen. But you understand with all that happened to her as a teen. I would have n myn my life for that to have never happened.� Said Patrick his voice hadn�t changed. Jim was taking this as a good sign.

�I would too but, rest assured Felix will go down and he will go to prison. We will see to that. It�s not going to be very comfortable for him in the slammer either if I have my way. He will be feeling like Nevada did all those years ago. Information is going to be leaked about his thing for little girls. The other prisoners are not going to like him.� Said Jim. �My gift to him for being a rat bastard.�

�Justice will be served I�m sure. Do you have children Jim?� Patrick asked.

�Yes I do. I have a daughter, her name is Ellie, she�s 22. I would give my life for my daughter and do anything to protect her. Might I add I would do the same for Nevada.� Said Jim with conviction in his voice.

�Then you know the responsibility I have faced and I am not her father.� Said Patrick.

�Yes, I do know. I even understand the circumstances. Which tells me you�re a stand up guy. Especially taking on teenagers.� Said Jim.

�Well, there was no one to take them. Molly Marie, was her mother. She was my baby sister��our sister Rose had a house full. We, Maeve and I didn�t. Juan Diego was my best friend for so many years. Nevada is so much like him��she should have gone into the diplomatic service but she wanted to protect the innocent instead. So the Texas Rangers got her for almost 16 years and she saved a lot of people in that time as did Dallas. We are very proud of our nieces. They do this world a service protecting it. They have good hearts. But I guess you know about Nevada. She looks like her mother but she is her father�s daughter right down the line.�

�She has mentioned the fact on occasion.� Said Jim.

�Will you call us if there is a change in her condition?� Asked Patrick.

�I will Patrick. I promise.� Said Jim.

�Thank you and as soon as we are on our way I will let you know.� Said Patrick. �Very niclkinlking with you Son, I�m sorry it had to be a crisis though.�

�I am too Patrick. I�ll contact you as soon as I know something.� Said Jim.

�Good Bye for now and God Bless you.� Said Patrick.

�Good Bye Patrick and God Bless you too.� Said Jim as they hung up the phone.

Jim let out a ragged but relieved breath. Patrick was a nice guy. That Aunt though��.whew! He thought lea least Patrick could keep her in check. Jim figured he would get an Irish earful from her. He would brace for that later. Nevada was the main concern right now. He walked back into the surgery waiting area. Catherine, Warrick and Heather were still there talking. Catherine got up andt tot to Jim she hugged him.

�How are you holding up?� Asked Catherine.<

�Like I just walked though hell. But I talked to her family. Dallas is helping with the aunt. I talked to her uncle Patrick Bailey. He�s a nice guy and they are coming. I suppose they haven�t called about her condition.� he asked patting Catherine�s back while hugging her.

�No they haven�t called it�s been over an hour since she went into surgery.� Said Catherine.

�Dallas told me not to worry. But she knows I�m going too. She told me Nevada isn�t going to die. Those two have sort of a lif yof you want to call it that. If you want to know the truth I know she�s going to make it too. I can feel her. Does that make sense?� He asked Catherine as they let go the hug.

�Yes it does Jim. I know what you are talking about.� Said Catherine. They sat down with the rest of the group waiting for Nevada.

Heather hadn�t left yet either. She was sitting and waiting. Jim sat down next to her.

�Lady H. Why don�t you just go on a wil will call as soon as we hear anything. I�m sure you have business to attend too at the Dominion.� Said Jim.

�I called Pauline not long ago. I�m good for a little while. I would very much like to stay and find out when you do if it�s ok?.� She asked.

�Your welcome to stay but I know you are a busy woman.� Said Jim.

�Thank you Captain.� Said Heather. �I am busy but I feel this is important enough to stay and find out the outcome on.�

�Your very gracious Lady H. You did help save her life. If you hadn�t been there while Gil was after Felix��.she might��

�I had to do what I could Captain.� Said Heather.

The phone rang in the surgery waiting room. A man waiting on his mother in surgery answered it.

�Captain Brass.� He said as Jim went over to answer the phone. He didn�t hesitate he wanted to know.

�Thank you.� Said Jim as the man handed him the phone. It was Nurse Filbin.

�Captain Brass, Claudia Filbin here. The bullet and the spleen have been removed. It was touch and go for a little while but she is doing fine. She is in critical but stable condition. We are about to close. She will be in recovery for about an hour then to the Surgery Intensive Care Unit.� She said.

�So��she�s going to make it.� Said Jim a worried but happy smile crossing his face.

�Seems so Sir. She�s got will I have to say. After we take her to SICU you can come in for a few minutes to see her. I have to warn you she has been placed on a respirator for precautionary purs ons only. She should be off of that by morning.� Said Nurse Filbin.

�Thank you Nurse Filbin.� Said Jim.

�You are very welcome Sir.� She said and with that they hung up. Jim still had the worried smile on his face but he went over to where Catherine, Heather and Warrick were standing. He didn�t let the fact he didn�t know Heather well dissuade him. He first hugged Catherine then Heather then, Warrick. Relieved tears just came running out of his eyes at that point.

�I take it she is going to make it?� Asked Catherine.

�Yes. She�s critical but stable right now they are closing on her. She will be in recovery about an hour and then to the SICU for a while. They have her on a respirator but they said she would be off that by the morning.� Said Jim as he wiped some of the tears off his face with his hands. He was just as happy as you would have given him a Mercedes Benz.

�I�m glad Captain. I�m glad she is going to alright.� Said Heather almost letting a tear escape. Her eyes were moist. Heather was very relieved too that she was going to pull though.

Catherine did let a few tears escape as did Jim let a few more though. Catherine hugged him again and Warrick too.

�I�ll go and call the station and Grissom. They will want to know.� Said Warrick.

�Thanks Rick. Without all of you here I wouldn�t have��..I wouldn�t have made it. Thanks to all of you for standing with me for her.� Said Jim in a grateful voice looking very humble.

�That�s what friends do Brass. Sometimes you don�t know who they are until the chips are down and the cards are on the table.� Said Warrick smiling at Jim.

�That�s for certain Rick. I need to call her family excuse me a moment.� Said Jim as he went oue foe followed by Warrick. He said his goodbye�s first and turned and left out after Jim.

�Thank God.� Said Catherine breathing a sigh of relief.

�Yes. Thank God Ms. Willows.� Said Heather. �I reamustmust go but I will be back to see her tomorrow or at least call.�

�Thanks for everything. Thanks for helping Jim too.� Said Catherine.

Jim called Patrick Bailey.

�Patrick, this is Jim Brass.� He began.

�Hello son how is she?� Asked Patrick.

�She�s going into recovery soon she critical but stable. They are going to take her to SICU after recovery. She is going to make it.� Said Jim relief resounding in his voice.

�Oh thank God!� Declared Patrick. �We will be there in the morning. We have weather here. No flights out until morning.�

�Ok. Will you let me know when you are coming in I�ll��..�

�We can get there just fine son. You need to stay with our girl.� Said Patrick.

�I see your point but I was going to have someone pick you up. I�m not leaving here.� Said Jim.

�Somehow I knew that. Jim did they fix the problem?� He asked.

�Yes. They were closing when they called me.� Said Jim.

�You hold tight Son. We will be there as soon as the weather clears. They are very careful of the weather here. Wind shear took down two planes at DFW almost twenty years ago. Since then they are almost paranoid about letting flights take off and land here in rainy weather.� Said Patrick.

�Yeah, I remember it was really bad from what I do remember. You just take care and I will see you tomorrow. There is nothing to do now but wait. Oh and they are putting her on a respirator for precautionary purposes. She should be off that by the time you get here.� Said Jim.

�Ok Jim. We are packing now. See you tomorrow. I�ll call you when we leave and when we get in.� Said Patrick.

�Ok. Take care Patrick.� Said Jim.

�You too Jim.� Said Patrick and they hung up.

Patrick Bailey breathed a sigh of relief.

�Well?� Asked Maeve.

�She�s going to make it Maeve. That was Jim Brass. He said she was going into recovery soon and then to SICU.� Said Patrick.

�She wouldn�t have needed to have done any of this had she just stayed here with her family. Who is this Jim Brass anyway? Her Captain or her lover?� Asked Maeve in a testy tone.

�Both it seems. But that�s not for us to stick our noses into. He has done everything necessary to help her. He loves her Maeve. Just like I still love you after almost 50 years of marriage. I think he intends to marry her.� Said Patrick.

�Oh yes��why buy the cow when the milk is flowing freely?� Asked Maeve she said that sarcastically almost in a humors tone. She held her head another migraine was coming on. �I didn�t raise her to act the part of a whore. Neither would her mother she would��.� Patrick cut her off.

�Maeve, how many men has she been out with or with that way? Has she ever lived with one before? This is another day and age. Even her mother or her father wouldn�t have kept her locked up like a prisoner to keep her virtue. Besides we know why she didn�t keep it to begin with. She is as close as she can get virtue wise.� said Patrick a little angry this was starting again.

�Paddy, that man is after one thing. He has had it and now��.�

�Oh Bloody Hell!� Said Patrick angrily. �Maeve Elizabeth Bailey! I want you to be good especially with her man. He is a decent fellow. He loves her, he is there right now and doesn�t have to be and wouldn�t be unless he did. You say anything derogatory to that boy and I�ll give you a tongue lashing you wont forget. Do we understand each other?� he said irritated with his wife.

�Ok Paddy. But I will have my say with him.� Said Maeve as she sat down pain enveloping her.

�Luv, is it that bad this time?� Patrick said changing his tune at seeing her almost collapse.

�Yes Paddy.� Said Maeve.

�Perhaps you should stay here.� Said Patrick getting down on one knee and holding her hands in his.

�No, I�ll take some medication.� Said Maeve trying to get up. She fell against Patrick who steadied her.

�Luv, go and lye down for a while. I will let you know when we are to leave.� Said Patrick>

�I�ll not fight you on that Patrick Stewart Bailey.� Said Maeve as she allowed him to take her into their bedroom. She laid down. He got her a cold wash cloth.

�Maeve I love you. Whether you care or not anymore I do.� Said Patrick. �Right now Jim is doing the same for Nevada. Which says he loves her. I know how he feels, my Darlin�. I have loved you since the day I saw you. My guess is he feels the same about Nevada. Oh it�s young love. Passion laced and innocent all in the same breath or don�t you remember? The tangle of arms. The getting lost in each other? I remember all of that and more Maeve. Besides��..we did a little rolling in the hay before marriage. Why are you so against all that with the girls? They are women now.� Said Patrick sitting on the bed next to her as she rolled to face him.

�It�s not how royalty acts.� Said Maeve.

�Oh no? Ok what was all that with the British royal family. Besides the girls gave up the dukedom when they had to leave Spain.� Said Patrick. �Please get off that high horse you are on.�

�They can go back to Spain and get it back. I was hoping that they would. I was hoping that Nevada would marry and forget that damned police business. That she and her husband would enjoy running a town.� Said Maeve.

�You know that title is just for show now a days Maeve.� Said Patrick.

�Yes, but still��.�

�Ok, Lady Mc Shane. I guess I can�t complain too much since you made me Lord Bailey. I was just a commoner too. Now my Darlin� get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow. Nevada is going to make it and she has someone up there that loves her very much taking care of her. I�m worried too my dear but Jim Brass seems a good young man. He will take care of her.� Said Patrick as he covered his wife with a blanket. He handed her, her medication and some water. She took it.

�Sleep well my love.� Said Patrick gently.

�Thank you Patrick. I-I love you too. Good night.� She said though her pain.

Patrick went out to the living room where Dallas was still sitting watching TV.

�Tia Maeve�s headaches are getting more frequent.� Said Dallas a little worried.

�Yes and intense. I�m beginning to worry about her emotions too. She was never��like this until about 28 years ago. Do you remember her the way she used to be?� Asked Patrick.

�Tio Patrick, I do. She was a lovely, sweet, gracious woman.� Said Dallas.

�She was my dear. I miss her deeply. Something is wrong with her. But with Nevada�s condition we have to go. This will have to wait a little while longer.� said Patrick.

Meanwhile back in Las Vegas Jim sat waiting for Nevada to be transferred to the SICU. Everyone had to leave pending working on the case. Grissom had made it up to see Jim and told him that the evidence was all gathered and although he didn�t see the shooting Nevada had managed to ID Felix as the shooter. They also found out Felix�s last name. It was O�Rourke. He was wanted by INTERPOL. Also by the FBI. So he was in a world of trouble having tried to tie a loose end up. Not only would he be going down for attempted Murder, Spain wanted him for the murders of the Cintrone�s. There was evidence still viable to connect Felix to the weapon found. A finger print on one of the cartridges found at the scene. So Felix was in for it.

Jim felt justified. He felt like he had done what he set out to do in a round about way. Now that Felix was in jail and might not make it out if he had his way��.Estrada was next on the list. Jim figured he would lay low or disappear. But he had other worries at the moment. Most of all he was doing everything in his power to give Nevada strength to fight. If willing it made it so then they would see by morning.

Nurse Filbin came out motioning Jim to come with her. They had moved her and she was going to let Jim see her for a little while. She had even brought a chair for him to sit next to the bed.

�Now Captain I have to warn you she is on a respirator and looks far worse than she actually is. Talk to her, she will hear you just like before.� Said Nurse Filbin. She and Jim were walking down to her room on the unit. It was really quiet, save for the machines going and some soft talking. They stood at the door. He looked at her laying there. The respirator doing the breathing for her. His heart skipped a beat. Remembrances of his mother hooked to one were coming back to him. But, this wasn�t for long he had to tell himself.

Jim turned to Nurse Filbin. He smiled. �Thanks Nurse Filbin.�

�Oh just call me Claudia. I�m her nurse until she goes to a floor in the morning. Youry wey welcome Captain.�

�I�m Jim.�

�Ok, just know that everyting is going well and she will be fine. All indications are going that way.� She said patting his arm and giving him a really big white smile. �Now go on and talk with her a little, let her know you are here. I will give you 20 minutes. No more for a couple of hours then we shall see.� She said.

�Ok.� Said Jim. �Thanks again.�

�Your very welcome.�

Jim walked into the small SICU room. The humm of the machines and the steady beat of her heart on the monitor could be heard. Jim first looked at the monitors then at her. She did look bad but she was pink which was good. He sat down and took her hand.

�Hello Duchess, I know your in there. I know you can hear me. So listen up. I love you. You love me too you just are afraid to admit it. Oh and by the way you try to get my attention again this way and you have had it. We c?� H?� He asked softly but sternly.

Nevada responded by grasping his hand. It was stronger than before.

�That�s good you understand. You know you just put about 20 years on me? God if I ever lost you��I�d be lost myself. Baby, when you get out of here there are many things we have to do. The first one is the I love you�s. I feel like it�s all one sided right now. Second, I have a house full of furniture and boxes now. Your apartment is cleaned and empty. We need to talk about compromises there. Now as to tomorrow, your aunt uncle and sister are coming. I talked to Patrick myself. He�s a good man, but I heard the squabbling with your aunt and sister. I�m in for it but hey I�m fine with it. Your uncle is very much like myself. He can handle her. By the way I can too, I think. I�m not worried what she thinks on things.� He said grasping her hand a little tighter. �Nevada, there are a lot of things we are going to have to discuss after your well. I know you will be well because I feel that now.�

Emotions were running high on Jim though. He never thought he would cry again after Ellie left. But, Nevada almost leaving him the hard way brought it out again. Jim Brass had a heart. He wasn�t the tin man after all. But after you get your heart broken and kicked around so much you begin to feel like you don�t have one at all. This was a reality check. Jim liked the man he was with Nevada by his side. She tended to bring out the old softy in him. Not that this was a bad thing. Jim did manage a smile though his tears he caressed her forehead and hair with his other hand. He hadn�t let go of the other one holding hers. He began a small thankful prayer.

�Thank you God for allowing Nevada to live. I know she will now. Thank you for putting up with my tantrum. For putting up with me period.� Said Jim. �We have a long hard road in front of us but we can do it with you pulling the strings. I know all this is a test. With you with us God, I know the road will be less bumpy. As Nevada would say, Muchos Gracias.� Jim softly kissed her cheek she moved a little.

Claudia Filbin came in after 20 minutes.

�Jim, it�s time now. You talked to her. She knows you�re here.� She said.

�Yes she does, she just moved a little.� Said Jim.

�That�s a good sign.� Claudia said smiling again that big white smile. �Now, come with me and I will get you some coffee and you must get someting to eat. You have to keep your strength up.�

�Ok.� Said Jim. He looked at Nevada. �Baby I�m right outside. Don�t be afraid, I�m with you. By morning all this will be over and they will move you to a room. Don�t worry about Esmerelda. Catherine and Lindsey will feed her and make sure she is taken care of. Seems like you taught that girl something about birds. She wants one of her own now. You be good and I�ll see you in a little while. I love you Duchess.� He said as he kissed her forehead, then her hand. She responded to that with a little more of a grasp. Then he let go and walked to the door and looked back. �I�ll be back soon Nevada. I�m here.�

With that he walked down the hall with Claudia. She put her hand on his shoulder while walking.

�To watch you with her is a wondrous ting Jim. I have seen a lot of people that love each other over the years but to watch you with her is refreshing.� Said Claudia.

�Are you married Claudia?� He asked.

�Yes, I have 5 children and three grandchildren.� She said proudly.

�So you know what I�m going to do next with Nevada.� Said Jim.

�Oh yes, I see that look. You are going to marry her. I knew that before the surgery.� She said.

�I�m going to marry her then we have at least one child. I hope. She�s almost 41, I�m already 51. I have a daughter that�s grown. But I wanted more children. It just has happened late.� He said.

�No matter, I am 57 I got mine early. I was blessed with them in my youth. I wish you luck Jim.� She said as she handed him a black cup of coffee.

�Thanks, not only for the pep talk but the coffee. I promise you I will get something to eat and come back to the waiting area.� He said.

�Oh I know wild horses couldn�t drag you away. But you must keep your strength. People often don�t keep theirs with a loved one so seriously ill.� She said.

�I have too she�s counting on me.� Said Jim turning to leave.

�I will come for you in an hour or so. Try and manage some sleep if you can. Oh Jim��.�

�Yes?�

�Take this.� Said Claudia giving him a blanket and pillow. �You will sleep better.�

�Thanks again.� Said Jim smiling at her and taking the items.

�Sleep well Jim. I shall come for you in a little while.� She said.

He walked on out the SICU doors and down the hall to the waiting area. So many people sat and reclined in there waiting on word. Then he saw Sam Vega.

�Hi Jim. How is she?� Asked Vega. �By the way how are you?�

�Actually she is doing pretty good for being shot. She has will I�ll give her that. I�m ok. What about Felix?� Asked Jim as they sat down.

�Felix is a caged cat right now. No bail for him. Cordoba tried to get him out with out much luck.� Said Vega. �I personally met the man. He�s dangerous himself. Or so I felt.�

�Yeah, I know that feeling. He�s next on the hit parade. But how we are going to get him is another story and one I�m not prepared to think on at the moment.� Said Jim.

�I brought you something.� Said Vega handing his a take out sack. �I went by In and Out and got you a burger.�

�Thanks, that is appreciated right now.� Said Jim. He took the sack and litterly ripped it open. He then set about devouring the burger.

�I also wanted to know how she was doing. But I guess with you eating like it�s going to be taken from you it�s a waiting game until dawn.� Said Vega.

Jim shook his head. �Yeah, but she is going to make it. She�s responded to me. Her family is coming in the morning. They had delays because of weather over DFW.� Said Jim over the burger in his mouth.

�I�m glad too that she is going to be alright. She is one hellava cop. She just takes charge and gets things done. I�m proud to serve with her.� Said Vega.

�Can I ask you something Sam?� Said Jim as he swallowed the last of the burger.

�Sure Jim.�

�How do you say I love you in Spanish?� Asked Jim. Vega smiled.

�Ti Ammo. I think is what you want. It�s from the heart, the sweetest.� Said Sam.

�Ti Ammo. Ok thanks Sam. I�ll just lay that on her and surprise her a little.� Said Jim smiling at Vega. �She wouldn�t allow me to say it but not anymore. I almost lost her. She almost left me the hard way without that being said to her.�

�I know you love her. It�s surprising in just a few months so much has changed for you. I�m happy for you man. You have one beautiful lady and she is a good one.� He said.

�Yeah, I not only love her I�m going to marry her if she will have me.� Said Jim. �I had already thought on that before all this happened. I�ve never lived with a woman that wasn�t my wife or daughter before. I didn�t want her thinking that��.�

�Oh Jim she wouldn�t have. But hey, that�s great!� Said Vega smiling.

Then men talked for a little while and Jim got some rest. Claudia looked in on him and just let him sleep for a while. Nothing would happen until dawn. �Best to let him sleep and her recover. They know each other is here. God bless them both.� Said Claudia smiling broadly as she walked on down the hall to SICU.
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