Here is Chapter 15 of this very long trilogy. For me it has been an absolute pleasure reading everyones brilliant stories which has kept this show alive. You all seem to write with such ease and grace which I found I lacked. Writing for me, although I truly loved it, was tortuous. I never liked anything I posted and was amazed and overwhelmed by your graciousness. These last two chapters have been on my computer for six months maybe longer. I just didn't think they were good enough to post, and still don't. But this story needed to end and for those wonderful people who stayed with this story throughout giving me guidance and encouragement, you deserved to know how it all ended. I am sorry these chapters turned out a lot longer that I wanted but I didn't want it to feel rushed. You all deserve better but this is all I have. I will say goodbye to all of you at fanfiction. Keep writing , you are all amazingly talented and I will definitely keep reading but this writing journey has come to an end for me and this is definitely the end of When the Heart Stops Beating. (I promise!)

Chapter 15 - It All Ends Here

Ed struggled to get his racing heart under control. His mind full of questions he did not have the answers to. How the hell was the Toronto Sniper back in Toronto and in the back of his car and how was he going to let his team know?

"Are you surprised to see me Ed Lane? You look a little shocked to see your old friend. We can have a proper catch up later but right now you should not do anything foolish and just drive where I tell you." Mikel Popov sat back in the back seat and pointed the gun at Ed's back. "Just drive straight for now I will let you know where and when to turn. Popov shuffled in his seat making himself comfortable.

"So tell me Ed, how's my old friend Sam. My sources tell me he survived - we must catch up later."

Ed feeling his anger rise at the Russian sitting in the back seat of his car and wishing with all his might he had finished the job when he had the chance.

"My team is expecting me. If I don't show, they'll know something is wrong." Ed said as he looked at his kidnapper through his rear view mirror.

Mikel chuckled "They will know all about what is going to happen to you Ed Lane, all in good time. But for now you need to take the next left turn."

Ed did not like the tone in Popov's voice . If this was an SRU situation he would gauge Popov as already at Red. He wasn't about to be talked out of anything he had planned for Ed and that did not bode well for the TL.

Ed had no choice but to follow his captor's instructions and after driving for one hour, Mikel told Ed to stop the car.

Ed looked around. There was nothing except wasteland and one derelict building. Ed surmised it had been an old factory or warehouse but had been abandoned for years. It was too far away for anyone to be around, no cars, and no one for Ed to enlist help. Popov had researched his plan well and Ed was well and truly on his own and totally screwed.

Popov pushed Ed through the large broken wooden doors "I want you to climb the stairs and no funny tricks. I do not want to kill you, just yet, but I will if I have too." Popov threatened as he pushed Ed towards the metal staircase leading to a gangway . The metal scraped and moaned as the two men climbed the stairs. Popov pushed Ed to the end of the gangway to a further set of stairs leading to the roof. . Ed was trying not to lose his footing in the dark warehouse. Only a small amount of sunlight forcing its way through the cracked and broken windows following years of neglect.

As Ed stepped onto the roof he felt the sting of 50,000 volts rip through his body. He knew he had been tazered, but knowing it and being able to do something about it were two completely different things. His body went into spasm he was immediately immobilised and there was nothing he could do.

Ed came to several minutes later to find his hands had been tied behind his back and a rope had been placed around his neck and his phone in Popov's hand.

Greg was relieved to see Ed's name appear on his cell phone screen. Ed's lateness was completely out of character and the rest of the team had already finished their workouts.

"Eddie where are you? The team's raring to go. You know how they like nothing more than to issue warrants". Greg's laughter was cut sharply off and the team saw the colour drain from their Sergeant's face.

"Greg Parker, its Mikel here. I am sure you remember me. Mikel Popov. We met last year. I am sorry Ed cannot come to the phone; he is a little tied up. But he would be happy if you and your team would join us. I must stress the party is for Team One only. Bring anyone else along and Mikel will not be happy, neither, I am afraid, will Ed. I am sure you have the technology to trace our position using Ed's phone."

The call was disconnected before Greg could take a breath.

"Is everything okay boss?" Spike asked noticing Greg's face had suddenly tensed up.

Greg stayed silent for a few moment, trying to ascertain how this could have happened.

"Sarge?" Jules asked who now along with Spike was growing increasingly concerned.

Greg rubbed his head while still staring at the phone.

"Boss, what's up?" Wordy asked. Something was very wrong.

Greg walked over and pressed the button which brought the metal shutters down.

The team members looked at each other nervously. What the hell had happened to make Greg act this way?

"We have a serious situation team. Mikel Popov is back in Toronto and he's got Ed."

"How's that even possible. Isn't he supposed to be in Russia?" Spike said not wanting Greg's words to be true, but knowing absolutely that they were.

"Why has he taken Ed, wasn't it Sam he was after?" Wordy said and looked at Jules apologetically.

What are we going to do? Jules asked

We locate Ed's position and take the command truck - Jules are you okay to drive. I'll need Spike on technical?" Greg paused and added "this is going to be dangerous and if you don't want to a part of this then you can withdraw - mo questions asked."

"I'm in" replied Jules without a moment's hesitation.

"We're all in" Spike added knowing that he spoke or himself and Wordy "but we need a plan boss."

"We will need to formulate a plan as we go. Time is of the essence. I'll inform Holleran. Meanwhile, everyone, this is now rescue mission equipment as necessary. I will meet you at the truck in 15 minutes." With the last word barely leaving Greg's mouth the shutters were raised and Greg and disappeared to inform Holleran of the situation. The rest of the team looked at each other, no one knew exactly how the day would end but each hoped it would not be a repeat of last year.

Jules made her way to the command truck. She had driven the truck maybe a dozen times since joining Team One, She always had to move the seat as far forward as it would go so her feet could reach the pedals. Spike had sat himself at the computers already trying to locate Ed's position and formulating a route for Jules to follow. Everything was ready when Greg arrived at the truck. As Jules maneuvered the truck she noticed two black SUVs following.

"Team Three are joining in backup; they will follow until we are half mile out then they will fall back to a safe distance." Greg answered Jules' unspoken question.

As Jules followed the route she looked at Greg who was travelling in the front passenger seat. "Boss. What about Sam? Should we not tell him Popov's back?"

"I think he should know, but its difficult Jules, he sot SRU anymore.

"He wants Sam dead Boss, you have to tell him" Jules said pleading with her sergeant. She was aware of the rules but knew those rules should be broken in this instance.

Greg knew Jules was right. Of course Sam had to know but how much or how little he should know at this stage was troubling Greg. His loyalties divided between a former SRU member and the rules governing the SRU.

Greg made the call to Sam and decided to tell him that not only was Mikel Popov in Toronto but that he had also kidnapped Ed.

"How'd he take it?" Jules asked her sergeant.

"You know Sam better than anyone - what do you think he said?

"That he's on his way. If I know Sam wild horses would not keep him away from this - and that worries me."

"Don't worry Jules he doesn't know where we are headed. But I have promised to keep him informed.

"Jesus" Jules exclaimed as they turned left onto an unmarked road which would lead them to the abandoned factory. Boss I think we need to halt and reevaluate, this is obviously a trap.

Tale it slow Jules. I understand what you're saying, but what choice do we have; just take it easy, nice and slow" .Jules brought the truck to a halt outside the abandoned factory and approximately 300 yards away from the entrance.

ED's back was still stringing from the electricity that had ripped through his body. He thought about Sophie,, Clarke and Izzy and hoped he would get to see his family again. He had heard the truck arrive. He wasn't relieved that his team had come to save him. He was worried. He knew Popov and he felt they were walking into a trap.

"Why me Popov - I wasn't on your list? Ed asked his kidnapper while at the same time trying to loosen the ropes that bound his hands.

Popov laughed a sinister laugh "You know very well Ed Lane. Remember the police station. Remember you attacked me whilst I was incapacitated." Popov still clearly agitated remembering the time Ed nearly lost control and tried to strangle him. "You will watch as I kill every single member of your team. They are here to save you but they will all die today and you will not be able to do a single thing to help them and then I will kill Sam Braddock but not until he pleads for your life. "

"You're going to kill my team because I got a little pissed at you. I thought snipers were supposed to be calm -you're not calm are you Popov?" Ed said deliberately trying to atagonise his kidnapper.

"Oh Ed you underestimate me, you have all underestimated me and I will show you all how much you have underestimated me." Popov said becoming increasingly agitated.

This was what Ed was aiming for. A calm and collected Popov could wreak havoc but an antagonised and agitated Popov would make mistakes.

"Like we underestimated you at the square - you were captured don't forget and we got your girlfriend too. Apparently, shes not having a real good time in prison".

"I will be calm when you are all deal" Popov said as he took out his VKS sniper rifle and briefly checked the barrel. Your team is here now the party can commence."

Team One was in the Command Truck and safe for now but they needed to formulate a plan, one which did not result in anyone dying.

Jules cell started to buzz. It was Sam. "Sam, I'm fine. It's the job it's what we are trained for.

"Jules, listen. Is it deserted there?

"Yeah, with the exception of an old abandoned factory which is obviously where Popov is holding Ed."

"What's opposite the factory?" Sam asked

"Nothing" Jules replied "It's completely empty here, which is why, I'm guessing, the mad Russian chose the location.

"There's nothing - no buildings opposite?"

"Well, yeah but there a good mile maybe two away - what are you saying Sam?

"You know Popov Jules, he never works alone. You mark my words Popov's got a sniper in one of those buildings ready to take team one out."

Jules took out her binoculars and scanned the buildings in the distance. They would need to be high enough to get the trajectory needed for a sniper to shoot from that distance. There were three buildings that were high enough. "I think you're right Sam I'll get back to you."

"Boss, that was Sam he believes Popov has a second sniper in one of those building" Jules explained pointing to the buildings opposite.

"What do you think?

"I think Sam is right Boss - Popov doesn't work alone.

.

Greg immediately diverted Team Three to search the buildings. Team Five was also called in and deployed to help Team Three in the search for the second sniper. What that meant, however, was that Team One was left without backup and on their own.

Greg's cell started to buzz and Ed's name appeared on the screen. Popov was calling.

"Popov" Greg said his tone tense.

"You sound stressed Sergeant Parker. I can see all your team huddled together in your truck. Don't worry I am not going to hurt any of you - just yet - but if you want Ed Lane here to remain in one piece then you need to get Sam here so we can really get the party started.

Overhearing Popov's demands, Jules looked at Greg.

"Sam is not SRU anymore, why do you want him here?" Greg replied

"Poor Sam could not do his job with a bullet in his brain. Never mind. I still need him here. I'll give you one hour to get Sam here or Ed Lane dies."

"You can't do that boss, you can't bring Sam here" Jules said pleading with her sergeant.

"I don't want to Jules, but Sam has the right to know what's going on and it will be his decision to come or not."

"So Sam's not good enough to be in the SRU but a sitting duck is fine? Jules replied sarcastically.

Spike looked at Greg. "She's right Sarge, you can't ask this of Sam, especially how we've treated him."

It was a decision Greg wished he didn't have to make but he had no choice and Sam had the right to know what was going to happen to Ed.

Sam was trying to stay calm but all he could think of was the trap his former teammates including his wife were heading into when his cell buzzed and saw it was Greg calling. His first thought was that something had happened to Jules.

"Greg"

Greg proceeded to tell Sam the situation and that Popov had demanded Sam be there.

"Have you heard anything from Team Three yet?" Sam asked

"Not yet, they're still searching, Five has joined the search .

"I'm on my way. Send me the directions. " Sam said and ended the call. He quickly picked up the keys to the jeep and started to drive. His phone resting on the passenger seat waiting for the directions to come through.

Sam arrived at the truck in 25 minutes. "Any news from Team Three?" Sam asked as he entered the truck.

Not yet, but they are making progress two of the three buildings have been searched and cleared.

"Do we know how Ed is?" Sam asked worried about his former TL.

"As far as we know Ed is still alive." Greg confirmed and hoped it was true.

Team Three called. They had apprehended the sniper.

"That's good the odds are a little more even now - Tell Popov I'm here" Sam said.

Jules looked at Sam "You're not seriously going into the factory? Popov's going to kill you."

"He's not going to kill me Jules, but this ends today".

Sam placed a 9mm berretta hand gun into the back of his jeans which was hidden under his tanned suede jacket.

"At least wear a vest" Jules pleaded.

"No time, I'm going in." Sam said

Jules heart started to beat excessively. "Sarge you're going to let him do this - risk his life for a team he can't even be a part of?"

Sam spoke for Greg. "It's my decision, not Greg's. I'm doing this for Ed. I will not allow Popov to kill anyone else." He kissed her gently "Don't worry I will be fine". And then Sam left the safety of the command truck and made his way over to the factory.

Sam found Popov holding a gun to Ed's head.

"Sam, I am so very pleased you decided to join the party." Popov said noticing Sam's definite limp. He also noticed he wasn't using his left arm. Obviously the bullet had left him disabled and unable to be a part of the SRU.

This should be very easy he thought to himself. Two birds with one stone. Popov smiled relishing the thought of both men being killed by his hands today and the rest of team one dying.

"So, Ed, how are you doing?" Sam asked his former TL.

"About the same, thanks Sam. Woke up got dressed got kidnapped - the usual." Ed quipped back.

"Come to think of it Ed, this reminds me of a scene from Jules' favourite film. You kow the one Ed, she made you watch it a million times also."

Jules was looking more and more perplexed as she listened to Sam through her com link.

"She maintains" Sam continued "that she only watches it to see all the errors but we both know she watches it because of Keanu Reeves, I don't suppose you've seen it have you Mikel. It was a big hit here and in the US in the 90s. Speed."

"What is this film you are talking about Speed? Popov said becoming more agitated. This man, Sam Braddock, was not scared of him and he could not understand why.

"There's a scene in it much like this where Dennis Hopper - you Mikel - is holding Jeff Daniels - Ed - hostage. You know what happens then, don't you Ed?"

Ed looked at Sam and knew exactly what Sam was talking about. Sam was right he had watched the film a dozen times and knew instantly he was about to be shot by Sam. He closed his eyes and braced himself.

In an instant three shots rang out. The first hitting Ed's leg and as his body fell, it momentarily distracted Popov. Before Popov could grasp the situation he was already on the floor reeling around in agony with a bullet in his leg and his arm.

Sam stepped forward and kicked Popov's rifle out of his reach. He then checked on his former TL's condition. It was a minor flesh wound. He then loosend the ropes around his hands. Sam took some zip ties from his pocket and bound Mikel Popov hand and feet. As he did he spoke to the Russian assassin. "We've arrested your partner - you're on your own."

"You were limping and you couldn't move your arm. Popov said looking more and more confused.

"Just goes to prove you can't always believe what you see." Sam snapped back.

"Popov secured, but we need paramedics Greg for both Popov and Ed."

"There on route. Sam? Did you shoot my TL?"

"It's only a flesh wound Greg. Tell Jules I'm a better shot than Jack Travern."

Paramedics were on the scene within minutes. Greg had them on standby just half a mile away.

Everyone disembarked from the command truck. As Ed was placed in the ambulance he took hold of Sam's hand. "Thanks Sam."

"Couldn't let anything happen to my former TL but I am sorry I had to shoot you."

"It's all good. I could use a few days off, Clark is coming back. Shit" Ed said suddenly remembering he had to pick Clarke up from the airport.

Greg overhearing told Ed not to worry he would send some unis to pick Clark up and make sure Sophie didn't add to his wounds.

Uniformed officers accompanied Popov to the hospital.

"What happens now Greg. Do I need to make a statement?" Sam asked his former Sergeant.

"Probably, but I'm sure it can wait until we get back to base"

Jules rushed over to Sam "Are you sure you're okay. "I'm fine" Sam replied. "That film of yours came in very handy."

"You know I only watch it because I like to pick holes in it she said smiling.

"Sure you do Jules." Sam said as he put his arms around his wife as they made their way back to the command truck.

"I wll see you back at the barn Sam said as he got into the jeep and drove away.

Sam was right the wound to Ed's leg needed only ten stitches requiring a week's sick leave. Mikel Popov's injuries were serious but not life threatening and the Russian embassy officials had already visited Popov to tell him he would be facing a long sentence in a Canadian prison. Popov had been warned that he was not to leave Russian soil and in doing so had rendered any agreement with the Russian government void.

Things returned to normal very quickly and everyone was seated around the briefing table when Greg entered.

Greg turned to Ed "Light duties for you for the rest of the week The rest of you pair up we will be issuing warrants today. Ed you'll ride with me."

"Not so fast Sarge. Can we talk about Sam, What's happening?"

"Sam made a statement and no further action will be made against Sam".

"I should say not, the guy risked his life to save me. " Ed stood up and took out an envelope from his pocket and walked with only a slight limp to Greg and handed over the letter.

"What is this?" Greg asked.

"My resignation" Ed stated calmly "If Sam cannot be a member of the SRU and back on Team One after what he's done, then I don't want to be a part of it either." Ed turned and went to sit back down as he did Spike rose and walked to Greg and placed a letter on the table. "This is my resignation for the same reason. Wordy then walked over the Greg placing his resignation letter with the others. Jules rose last and placed her letter on the table. "I know I kinda do this a lot but this is also my letter of resignation.

Greg stared at the pile of letter before him and rubbed his head.

"My entire team is resigning?"

"I'm sorry Greg but I just don't feel I can be on a team that won't allow Sam to rejoin.

"Is that how you all feel?"

The whole team nodded in unison.

"Well" Greg said as he reached into his pocket "That makes all of us" and placed his own resignation letter with the others.

Needless to say the mass resignation sent reverberations through the entire SRU. Urgent meetings were held with the top commanders of the SRU and within three days Sam was offered a full reinstatement along with a letter expressing the Unit's profound apologies.

Sam rejoined the team one month later and as Ed looked around the briefing table he breathed a satisfied sigh of relief. Finally, Team One was back.

Chris had become a fixture in the Braddock household and much to the protestations of Sam Jules had set Chris up on a blind date with one of her friends, Stella, who worked in communications. She and Chris had hit it off immediately. They had been seeing each other for over a month and things looked decidedly rosy for the young couple.

Jules and Sam were adding the finishing touches to the meal and preparing drinks in the kitchen. Jules turned to her husband. "See I told you they would get on".

"And I told you not to interfere but I guess I can accept you did good Callaghan" and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

Sam knew Jules was right he saw a relaxation on Chris' face he had not seen before. He loved his new role at the SRU academy teaching the complicated strategy of bomb disposal and he was clearly very happy with Stella.

The door bell rang and Jules immediately went to answer it. "That'll be the rest of the guys". Greg and Marylin, Spohoie and Ed, Sike and Winnie and Shelly and Wordy all entered at the same time. Sam had prepared a feast for all his favourite people as a way of saying a special thank you for sticking by him and everyone he loved and held dear was in that room. Sam leant against the door frame watching all his friends mingle, laughing and joking and he considered himself a very lucky man.

Greg reached into his pocket and pulled out a letter. "This seems, the perfect time to tell you Sam that you have been awarded the Canadian Medal of Honour for you role in the capture of the Toronto Sniper.

Same stood speechless not quite believing what he had heard.

"Are you serious? Sam finally said.

"It's here in black and white" Greg replied

"Well, that would have been embarrassing for the SRU if they hadn't taken you back Decorated officer banned from the unit" Ed said sarcastically.

"Did you have a hand in this?" Sam addressed Ed.

Greg snswered "If by 'a hand' you mean about fifty or so emails and numerous phone calls, then I guess you can say Ed had something to do with it.

"You earned it my friend" Ed slapped his friend on the back and raised his glass.

"To Sam".

"Sam" everyone said in unison.

Speech, speech everyone asked Sam

A little embarrassed Sam spoke "I feel very honoured, but this was a team effort. This team of ours is the best and I would not want it any other way. This is the best family I have ever known and I feel blessed everyday that I am a part of it.

Sam's small speech was greeted with cheers from everyone.

As Jules made her way to the kitchen to finish the dinner preparations, Winnie followed.

"Can I help? Winnie asked.

"No I don't think so, Sam's got it all covered. How's Spike?"

He's good. How's the pregnancy?"

Jules turned to Winnie shocked

"How?.."

"You're positively glowing" and taking a sip from Jules' wine glass added "and that's blackcurrant juice, so when's it due?"

"I'm two months we are going to tell the team on Monday so keep it under wraps - from Spike too"

"I promise, couldn't trust Spike, he's such a blab".

Winnie hugged Jules. "Congratulations Jules, you and Sam deserve this after what you have both been through.

"You told her, didn't you?"

Both women turned to see Sam in the doorway.

"No" Jules whispered "she guessed".

"Winnie don't tell Spike " Sam warned

"Tell me what? Spike said overhearing Sam's words.

"Oh shit" Jules exclaimed

"It's okay we were going to tell everyone on Monday anyway, so why not now?"

"Everyone, before we eat" Sam said as he addressed his friends. "Jules and I would like to make an announcement." Sam looked at his wife for her to continue.

"We are having a baby. We were going to tell you all on Monday. but it seems some people have already guessed so the cat is out of the bag.

Everyone congratulated the couple. And then all sat down to eat. It was a truly a wonderfully warm happy day with laughter and love filling the room. It was gone eleven before everyone had finally left. Jules started to clear the plates but Sam stopped her "Lets leave it and go to bed you must be exhausted. I'll do it tomorrow."

Jules gave in as she tried unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn.

"And then we will have a lazy afternoon and maybe watch a movie" Sam said as he accompanied his wife up the stairs.

"Sounds good, what shall we watch?"

"How about Speed?"

THE ABSOLUTE END

I apologise for the sugary sweet ending and I truly hope I have not disappointed those wonderful loyal beings that stayed with this. I looked back at the first story - it has been four years! What a wonderful four years it has been my fanfiction friends. I bow out now with love and a million thanks for all your generosity and advice over those four long years. You know who you are, those kind wonderful people that helped me when I had a crisis of confidence and when I lost my dad. I shall truly miss you all.