That hasn't changed in the least.
The yard and surrounding area was total chaos of lights and sounds as the police converged on the cabin. Lights flashed, radios crackled, voices shouted orders and sirens wailed. Brie had started after Maureen as she disappeared into the cabin, determined to get their child back. She heard the click as the gun behind her was cocked, but she was not about to let that crazy women win.
Pony rushed at him determined to protect her friend as Cy took off after Maureen. She was able to knock the gun away from where it was aimed just as it was fired. The shot went wild, but not before it grazed her arm leaving a deep crimson trail in it's wake. The pain from her wound took her to her knees. With her back to the gun, Brie felt rather that saw Pony as she threw herself at the man knocking his aim off. For those few seconds, time slowed as she turned to see Pony as the gun report filled her ears. She turned in time to see Pony start to fall and made a grab for her friend. They both anticipated another shot and braced for it to happen.
The sound of bullets flying around them fill the air. Brie put her body on top of the already wounded Pony.. As quickly as it started the noise stopped. They lifted their heads to see the area surrounded by police who had their guns drawn and aimed at the few kidnappers who remained standing. Several others entered the cabin. Within moments one escorted a pale and shaken Cy out as she carried the a crying Adriana away from the dangers, to her mother's waiting arms.
Brie cried as she held her child and hugged the older woman tightly. "Cy are you all right?"
"Sure, tired, hungry, and dirty but other than that I'm good."
"Get an ambulance in here." Came the shout from behind them.
"Hell no, I don't need any ambulance. Other that a little cut from the bullet I'..."
"Sorry Doc, but it's not for you. The bullet that grazed you ended up hitting Maureen Riker. Doesn't look good. Although you really should get checked out also."
Brie knelt down and took Pony's hand. "He's right, you really should go. You all should."
"Damn it, Brie, No. It's just a tiny scratch. A painful one but just a scratch. I ain't going to the hospital. Especially when Steph and I are both doctors. She can clean and stitch it for me if necessary."
"I thought you loved her?"
""What do you mean? Of course I love her."
"Then don't put her through that. Don't ask her to patch you up. She has been a wreck since this started. Don't ask that of her."
The chief was at Brie's side, assuring himself that they were all in good shape. He would have only good news to take back to Danni. He checked the man on the ground and waved the paramedics away. "He doesn't need you but she does."
Pony struggled to sit up as the paramedics walked her way. Brie pushed her back down. "Lay still Pony. You're hurt and you are going to let them treat you."
"Brie it's nothing but a graze, it might hurt like hell but it sure won't kill me. Besides I know more than those guys. No offense fellas."
"Look this is no time for this crap. I know doctors make the world worst patients and you are a very good example of that, but you are just going to lay still and let the nice paramedics take care of you or I'll... I'll tell Steph"
"Now Brie..." Pleaded a suddenly frightened Pony." There's absolutely no reason fordoing that."
Brie sent her asilent questioning look.
Pony wavered for several second before caving in. "Damn it Brie does Danni know about that mean streak you have?"
Her answer was a raised blond eyebrow and a half grin. "What do you think?"
Steph was hard pressed to keep Danni from getting dressed and going in search of her partner. Not because of her condition, but because she herself felt the strong pull to be at the state line. They could hear the crackle of their police guards radios through the closed door. They strained to hear what was happening, aware of the increase in the sound as Eb entered. She stood with her arms folded in front of the door. Her orders from the chief were clear. Neither of them were to leave the room as the events unfolded. And she was determined to keep both there. She was still there when the phone next to the bed rang. Danni reached over to pick it up mid ring.
"Hello" She waited through the silence at the other end. She could hear muffled sounds in the background. A smile slowly edge the corners of her mouth upwards and quickly filled her eyes with tears as she heard, "Mama?"
That was all the tiny voice on the other end needed to say. Danni cried as she listened to that one word over and over until Brie's voice took over. "Danni, it's finished. We're safe and relatively unharmed. Pony got hurt. It's a minor wound but she'll be okay. We'll be back as soon as they all get checked out at the hospital.
"Brie... Baby are you sure everyone is okay? "
Steph sat with her head close to the phone and was able to hear both sides. "Steph is right here." "Brie, would you tell Pony for me...Tell her I love her and I have something very important to discuss with her. Please youall hurry back here."
"I'll tell her. They are just about ready to take her so we'll see you soon. Danni, Adriana has something to tell you."
Danni could here the baby in the phone "Wuv mama" "I love you too, funny face.And I love mommy. You tell her that for me. Okay?"
"Kay"
When the connection was broken, both women cried as Eb left the room with tears in her eyes.
When they finally arrived with full police escort back to the clinic sever hours later, Steph allowed Pony only a moment with Danni and Brie before pulling her to their shared office. Cy took the sleeping Adriana to a room they would share for the night, giving her mothers a little quiet time. Brie lay next to Danni. Both exhausted from the events of the past couple days. Danni allowed the nurse to give her something to take the edge of the pain of her incision. With their arms around each other the slept with their love surrounding them.
EPILOGUE:
Their lives slowly returned to normal. The memories of the kidnapping faded into the background. Maureen Riker recovered from her injuries enough to find she would spent the rest of her life confined to a wheelchair. The bullet meant for Brie, found her spine instead. She was returned to the mental institution, that she had escaped from. The turncoat guard as well as the clinic informant escaped. There are warrants out for their arrest.
Danni stood quietly as she watched a very nervous Pony pace the room. A small smile creased her face as she remembered her nervousness when she was in Pony shoes. She handed her friend a glass of wine which she tossed back quickly. Danni raised one black eyebrow. Pony shrugged it off and reached for another. Danni stopped her as the door at the other end of the hall opened. She escorted Pony to her place, as they both watched.
Adriana was the first to enter, scattering rose petals as she headed to Danni. Next came Brie, whose eyes were only for her partner. Pony gulped audible when Steph entered and made her way slowly to where they were all gathered. They turned as one as their family and friends surrounded them as they committed their lives and love to each other.
THE END
For now anyway. You never know when these women will sneak back into the real world. Thanks for taking this ride with me. I hope you enjoyed the story. Claire