Epilogue

The hospital corridors seemed endless as Cal marched along them looking for the treatment room where Gillian was being cared for. He knew she hadn't been in any fit state to talk back at the rail line but he needed to know she was ok. That the experience hadn't changed her. He knew she was strong, probably the strongest person he had ever known. But everyone had a breaking point. The human mind could only take so much.

"Dr Lightman?" A young male nurse approached him.

"Yeah?"

"Your wife is with the doctor right now. If you could take a seat in the waiting room."

"Doctor? She's ok? That's what the ER doc said. No life threatening injuries." Panic gripped him once more. It had been too close this time. He cursed himself for not being the one to take Laura to nursery that day, for not being the one shot by the bullet that hit Eli. An eight year long vendetta had ripped his team - his family apart and he knew it was his fault. He just knew.

"It's routine, prior to discharge." The nurse ushered him to the waiting room. "I promise." Cal nodded, he couldn't read any lies or uncertainty in the young man's body language.

"Ok." Cal sighed, knowing he had to take the nurse's word for it.

Cxxxxxxxx

"Eli?" Torres was on her feet as the dark haired man walked towards her. His arm heavily bandaged and in a sling as he approached her. "You ok?"

"Yeah, apart from having a hole in my arm." He smiled as she rolled her eyes. "Hey, I'm ok."

"Good." She looked at her feet for a moment.

"Antibiotics, pain killers and dressing changes every two days. Then physical therapy if needed. Lightman has a good health insurance plan." He watched Rhia shake her head slightly before pulling her to him with his good arm.

"You could have been killed."

"True. But I wasn't."

"You drive me nuts! Do you know that?"

"Yeah. It's why you love me." He kissed her dark hair as she laughed slightly. "Let's go home." Rhia nodded ; hoping that her bosses would be as lucky.

Xxxxx

Gillian ached everywhere, her head throbbed despite the painkillers and kind words from the counsellor in front of her she just wanted to be with Cal and her girls.

"Is Cal here?"

"Your husband?"

"Yes. Professor Lightman." Gillian bit her lip; she never used Cal's title but she was desperate to see him. She had to know what happened to the man that had abducted her, that Emily and Laura were safe.

"I believe so. Your colleague has also been discharged. Mrs Foster."

"Doctor."

"Yes?"

"My name. It's Doctor Gillian Rose Foster PhD. I'm a clinical psychotherapist, I have written papers on post traumatic stress, conflict resolution and criminal psychology so I think I'm well placed to know what my own mental state is."

"Indeed. How do you feel?"

"Tired. Exhausted, in need of a shower."

"Physically."

"I'll heal." She smiled slightly. "Can I go?"

"Yes." The young doctor smiled as he got to his feet. "But please, think about what I said. PTSD is very possible after what you've been through."

"I will." She shook his hand before quickly leaving the room. Closing her eyes she fought the tears, the men who had been responsible for her abduction, as well as the abduction and murder of other women were dead. It was over, she was safe. Taking a steadying breath she opened her eyes to see Cal staring at her.

"Cal."

"I know luv." He blinked as tears filled his eyes. Gillian smiled weakly as he closed the small space between them. She fell into his arms hugging him tightly.

"It's ok." She whispered. "Cal, it's ok."' He held her tightly, whispering her name like a prayer. He kissed her hair before resting his cheek against her head.

"Gill, I'm sorry. Im so sorry." Gillian stepped back. Taking his hand in hers she looked him in the eye.

"It's over. It's finished. Don't do this. Don't blame yourself." She smiled slightly, ignoring the hustle and bustle of the hospital.

"I." He paused as he watched her. "I was so scared. I." She nodded, kissing him lightly on the lips.

"Take me home." She watched as his eyes lit up. Cal nodded before ushering her out into the main hospital car park, knowing that he'd make sure she at least got some rest before they had to begin again.

Xxxxxxx

A/N thank you for reading X