Episode Four

Med Center
10:45 AM

By the time the police arrived, the media was swarming the hospital. Hannah was filiming Rhonda Corbin, the anchorwoman, with the main entrance in the background.

"This is Rhonda Corbin for KTVN News, stay tuned for updates as things develop," Rhonda said into the camera, a smile on her face.

"You're clear," Hannah said as she took the camera off her shoulder and glanced around. She spotted Richard talking to Mike Bowen, and wondered if he was arranging interviews. If anyone could pull it off, Richard could.

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"Come on, Mike, it's not such a big deal. All you have to do is say that there's a hostage situation and that you plan on getting everyone out safe and sound," Richard said.

"Sorry, Richie, it's not happening," Mike replied.

Richard grimaced at the nickname. "I'm not a kid anymore, Mike. I'm 28, that's all grown up."

"You'll always be little Richie to me," Mike replied with a smile.

"And don't ever call me 'Little Richie' again," Richard added.

Mike laughed. "All right, nix the Little Richie," he said. "But I can't do the interview. We don't know if anyone's been hurt. We don't know if anyone's been killed. I can't go on the air and say we'll get everyone out okay, not without making us look bad if someone is hurt or dead."

Richard sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "All right. How about this. A brief video clip of you saying the situation is being handled, and you intend to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible."

Mike hesitated, then nodded. "Alright, I'll do that."

Richard smiled. "Thanks, Mike. I owe you."

"Remember that," Mike replied with a smile.

Julian ran up to Mike then. "Mike, is Sarah all right?" he asked, a note of panic in his voice.

Mike rested a hand on his friend's shoulder. "We don't know yet, Julian." he glanced at Richard. "Richie, can you leave? I trust you, but I don't want what I say plastered on the news yet."

Richard nodded. "All right, Mike. Remember our deal about the clip," he said. "And Officer Roberts, I hope your wife's all right."

Julian nodded. As Richard walked away, he turned back to Mike. "What is it?"

"A nurse entered the room the hostages are in, and the gunman shot at her. She got out, but then the gunman fired again and the nurse said she heard Sarah scream. But she thinks it might have been Lily Jackson who was shot," Mike explained.

Julian nodded. "I don't wanna say it, but I hope it was Lily."

"I know, Julian. I don't want it to be Sarah, either."

Virginia's Diner
11:20 AM

Even though he was fairly sure his dad wouldn't be there, Jamie still went to Virginia's for lunch. When he walked in, the tv over the counter was on, playing the news. Jamie looked up as he heard his dad's name.

"We're still live at Heaven Falls Medical Center, and here to talk to us is Captain Mike Bowen of the HFPD. What is going on inside, Captain?" Rhonda asked.

"As of right now, we don't have many details," Mike replied. "What we do know is this. Two men wanted for the shooting death of a police officer this morning have taken two doctors and a nurse hostage inside Heaven Falls Medical Center. We don't currently know the condition of the hostages, but shots were fired. We are doing our best to resolve the situation and get the hostages out safe. I'm afraid that's all I can say for the moment."

"Thank you, Captain Bowen."

Jamie sighed as the station returned to the news desk. "I guess Dad won't be coming for lunch," he muttered to himself, half relieved.

"Hell of a thing," Laurence Randall, Jamie's uncle, said as he approached. "Doesn't your dad's friend Sarah work there? And Maria's uncle?"

Jamie nodded. "And I know they were both working today," he said. "Laura got home all right last night, didn't she?" he asked.

Laurence nodded. "Yeah, she did. Why?"

"She and David ditched me, that's why. They took off. I walked home and ended up getting mugged," Jamie replied, angry. "It'll teach her to ditch me, the money I'd saved to buy her birthday present was in my wallet," he added.

"You okay?" Laurence asked.

"Yeah, just really tired and a little sore from getting smacked around." Jamie found it slightly amazing how easily the lie was coming now.

"Well, lunch is completely on the house," Laurence said. "Instead of the usual half price you get as the owner's nephew."

Jamie smiled slightly. "Thanks Uncle Laurence."

"And I'll read Laura the riot act for ditching you," Laurence added. "She should know better."

"You don't have to, I'll guilt her about it at school tomorrow," Jamie replied.

"Whatever you say," Laurence said. "Now, what do you want for lunch?"

Brady Residence
11:45 AM

Summer Brady stood in front of her family's fridge, bouncing along to a song on the radio.

"Do you always have to be so damn hyper?" Matt, Summer's older brother, said as he came downstairs, yawning.

"Do you always have to sleep until almost noon?" Summer replied with a smile. "And have you forgotten what tomorrow is? First day of school!"

"Yay, school starts," Matt said, rolling his eyes. "And that is good why?"

"Two words Matt. The two words I've heard you utter all summer. Maria Montoya," Summer teased. "Are you going to make your move?"

"Not as long as she's dating that ass, Aaron Grant," Matt replied. "And why are you so happy, Sum? It's your first day at a new school where you don't know anyone."

"But you told me you asked Diego to get Maria to show me around and introduce me!" Summer replied. "And it's a school with boys!" she added happily.

"What? I thought you loved the all girl's school dad put you in!" Matt said with a laugh.

Summer stuck her tongue out. "Oh yeah, I loved the nun's lecturing us about the viles of the opposite sex and dating!" she said.

Matt laughed. "I guess I should be happy that the first guy you'll meet is probably gonna be Jamie Bowen. He's not a slime ball like some guys at HFHS."

"He's Maria's friend, right? The one who's dad is a cop?"

"That's Jamie. And please, if you're gonna fall for a guy at school, fall for Jamie. I won't have to worry about him making a move on you."

Summer laughed. "Maybe I want a move made on me," she said.

Matt groaned. "Don't tell me that, Sums!"

The Montoya Bodega
12:08 PM

Diego, Maria, and Theresa were watching the news, having finally heard about the hostage situation. "I can't believe this," Diego said.

"I'm sure Uncle Drew is fine," Maria said, giving Theresa's shoulders a squeeze. "He won't do anything stupid like get shot."

"You sure?" Theresa asked, her lower lip trembling.

"I'm sure, Meja," Maria said, kissing the top of her sister's head. "I'm sure."

End Of Episode Four