Trina sat on the couch, leaning against Ezra. It had been three days since Drew had gone missing. She had not heard from her friend, and she missed her terribly. She was surprised that Drew had not even stayed for Brandon' s funeral. She sniffed and brushed a tear away thinking about the tiny casket that had been buried, along with Drew and Buck's hope of a new family.

Ezra pulled her closer. She looked up to him.

"I love you, Trina."

"I love you too, Ezra," she whispered.

Ezra leaned down and kissed her. She could taste hunger and need in his kiss, and she realized that she needed him too. Ezra looked to her and ran a finger through her hair, staring into her eyes. Trina leaned forward and kissed him again, before standing up and taking his hand. Ezra stood and looked at her.

She pulled his hand and led him to the stairs. Trina was nervous. What if he didn't want this? What if she did something wrong?

Ezra stopped and looked at her, asking her unspoken questions with his eyes. She just smiled at him. He lifted her off of her feet and kissed her passionately. Ezra carried her up the stairs to his room.

This time, when he lay her on the bed, Trina was not afraid. She hungered for his touch and needed him.

The next morning, Trina woke wrapped in Ezra's arms. She liked the feeling and relished the idea of waking with him nearby every morning. She could not wait for their wedding, and that thought made her frown.

Trina hadn't noticed that Ezra had woken up.

"What is wrong, my love?" he asked, brushing his fingers through her hair before kissing her temple.

"Drew."

Ezra nodded. "Buck will find her soon, and if he doesn't, I am sure I can locate Mother."

Trina flinched at the thought of Maude Standish.

"She'll be fine, I promise," Ezra said.

"But-"

"I know. I'm worried about her too."

"I want her to be here for our wedding."

"Kitten, she wouldn't miss it." Ezra smiled to her.

Trina nodded, and Ezra kissed her again. She laughed as he nuzzled her neck and then kissed her passionately. Trina soon discovered that waking up in Ezra's arms wasn't the only thing she enjoyed about being with him in the morning.

Ezra went off to work, dropping Trina at home on his way. "See you this afternoon?" Trina asked.

Ezra smiled. "I would not miss it, Kitten."

"Kitten?"

"You purr, precious," he said as he kissed the tip of her nose and Trina blushed deeply. She waved to him as he walked back to his car.

Her own vehicle had been totaled in the car accident which stole Brandon's life, but if Trina could only have one of the two back, she'd choose Brandon without hesitation. Karol was going to take her to Laura's around lunchtime.

Ezra had bought Trina a horse, which she had named Mairi, for Christmas, and they had gone riding together several times. Their horses were stabled at Laura's, and Trina thought that the stables were very nice. They were warm and large and the horses were very well cared for, much better than Trina could care for such an animal.

Mairi was a lovely little chestnut mare with white socked feet and a white blaze on the forehead. She had a nice temperament and was a good horse to learn on. Ezra had been patient in teaching her. He had bought a nice tack and saddle engraved with Celtic markings for Trina. She smiled thinking about how nervous he had been when he first drove her to Laura's stable on Christmas morning for their first ride. Since then, they'd gone nearly every day until the accident. Ezra had needed it to give him a respite from the pressure and the guilt. Since the accident, they'd gone out to groom the horses. Today, she and Ezra were going to go riding again. They had not been able to before, because of their injuries.

Trina hated how guilty he felt over the accident. It wasn't his fault. Not even Buck truly blamed him. But Ezra believed that he should have been able to prevent it.

She wrapped her arms around herself for a moment, then headed to the kitchen. Ezra would meet her for lunch at Laura's and they'd go on a ride. She wanted to prepare a nice picnic for him. She sighed thinking about him. Trina had often wondered what it would feel like, how she would feel afterwards. She only loved Ezra more now that she had made love with him. She missed the feel of his arms around her, and knew only that she felt complete when he was holding her.

She prepared some meat pies and waited for them to bake. While they were in the oven, she prepared some cookies. Ezra, she had discovered, liked oatmeal cookies the best.

Trina watched the oven, and thought more about Ezra. She remembered the way he had smiled when he pulled out the gold Rolex she'd bought him for Christmas. He'd immediately put it on his wrist and hugged her. This had been her best Christmas in a couple of years. She had family surrounding her, instead of agents protecting her.

She looked out the window towards Drew and Buck's apartment. Buck had to find Drew; he just had to. She knew it had probably been hard on him, coming back from the hospital without Drew or Brandon. That apartment must feel so empty.

Finally, Karol came home and Trina picked up the basket.

"You ready?" Karol asked with a smile.

Trina grinned.

"Out late last night, weren't you?" Karol said casually.

Trina blushed.

"So, did you have a good time?"

"Oh aye!" Trina said and Karol started laughing.

"Let's get going. I have a cat coming in at 12:20, so I can't stick around."

"Thank you for the ride, Karol."

"I don't mind," Karol said. "The least I could do for a friend, particularly one who gave me a home."

"I like having a roommate."

"So do I. Come on."

Trina nodded and followed Karol out to the car.

Karol dropped Trina off, and Trina walked up the driveway to the stables. She went inside and saddled Mairi. Trina looked at her watch. Ezra should have been here by now, but she knew he'd come soon. He must have been delayed at the station. No matter. She smiled and tied the basket to the saddle. He would know where to find her.

Trina led Mairi out of the stables after telling one of the hired hands that she was here. Then she mounted and rode along the path.

Ezra called Trina's apartment. He had forgotten that he was covering for Buck today. They each were taking turns covering for Buck so that he could go search for Drew. No one really blamed the young woman for running. Between what she believed she had seen, and her losing her baby, Ezra knew that Drew's emotions were running out of control and that his sister was just scared. She didn't know what to believe or where to turn.

But when Buck found her, Ezra knew he could set her straight, and the two would be all right. He wanted Drew to be happy and willingly covered for Buck.

There was no answer. Ezra frowned and called Karol. Maybe he could catch her at Karol's office and keep Trina from believing he had stood her up. After last night, that was the last thing he wanted to do.

Karol was not yet at the office, so he left a message on her machine. Then he called Trina's again and left her a message there. Finally, he called the stables. No one answered the phone. Ezra decided he'd drive by the place a little later. Just in case.

JD walked in. "Any word from Buck yet?"

"He called last night. Still no sign of Drew."

"He'll find her," JD said. "I just hope he ain't mad at me. I didn't know."

Ezra shook his head. He hadn't realized how JD might feel about this. The young sheriff had driven Drew to the hotel. Ezra himself had half a mind to arrest Lacey, if only he could figure out what to charge her with.

Trina smiled, enjoying the ride. She was sure that Ezra would catch up with her soon. She heard the music of approaching hooves and slowed down before looking behind her. It wasn't Ezra. She didn't know who it was.

When she looked back, she froze, staring straight at the man, but hardly seeing him. She felt ill, physically and tried to shake her vision. This was danger. Trina cried out and kneed Mairi, trying to urge the horse to run faster than she knew how to control. All that she cared about was getting away.

He, however, knew how to ride. Trina screamed as he pulled up beside her and grabbed her around the waist, pulling her from her own horse. Trina kicked at him.

"Let me go!" she screamed.

He just laughed and rode off with his prize.

Laura walked into the stable just as one of the men came in, leading a horse.

"Isn't that Trina MacKinnon's mare?" Laura asked.

"Yeah. She went out about an hour ago. Mairi here just wandered in by herself."

Laura frowned and looked outside, then to the horse. There was a picnic basket attached to the saddle and the horse did not look like it had been run hard. She frowned deeper. Trina could easily have kept up with the horse, even on foot. Unless the woman had been injured.

Laura took Mairi's reins and mounted the horse. She looked to the man. "Call the station and tell whoever is there that Ezra needs to get out here now. Then call an ambulance. Trina's probably hurt. May not be bad, but best err on the side of caution."

He nodded and Laura took off on Mairi. She knew the path that Trina and Ezra usually took. Hopefully, she'd find Trina quickly.

Trina curled up on her side, not making a sound. She just lay there, staring straight ahead. She was barely aware of her surroundings. All she knew was that she hurt, and she didn't want to hurt anymore. Her face hurt. Her head hurt. Her entire body hurt.

She didn't want to see anyone. She didn't want anyone to see her. Trina just wanted to disappear.

This morning, her life had been almost perfect. Now, everything was ruined.

She could hear the man still laughing in the background and she could feel him turning her back onto her back. But she couldn't fight him anymore. She didn't even know if it was worth trying. Nothing mattered anymore.

She felt him slap her, trying to get her attention. He cuffed her again.

Trina heard a gunshot and felt the weight leave her body. She curled up on her side again, not questioning what had happened. Maybe the next shot would end her misery.

Laura watched as the man ran off. She knew him. Mike Simpson. The gunshot had just been to scare him away, but the more she thought about it, the more she wished she had killed him outright.

She ran over to Trina. Trina didn't even acknowledge her presence. She merely stared off blankly.

"Trina?"

There was no response. She could tell that the woman was alive and conscious, but she seemed completely unaware of her surrounding.

Laura took her coat off and sat Trina up. Trina did not fight her. Laura stood her up and draped the coat around her shoulders. Trina simply leaned on her, not resisting, but not helping.

"Come on, let's get you back. All right?" Laura frowned as Trina just stared blankly at her. She didn't know how to help her. It was obvious the girl had been beaten pretty badly and was in pain; it was also obvious that she'd been raped. And that made Laura angry. Even more she wished she 'd shot Mike, instead of simply warning him away.

But she was going to make certain that Ezra knew exactly who was responsible for this.

Laura tried to get Trina to walk, but she just collapsed to the ground instead. Laura sat beside her and pulled Trina to her. She knew she was strong, but she didn't feel like she could carry Trina. She turned to the girl beside her. "I'm going to fire this off. Let them know where we are. Okay?"

Trina just stared ahead.

Laura frowned again. She fired the rifle twice more. Then she held onto Trina and waited.

Ezra answered the phone and listened. Then he looked to JD. "Keep an eye on things. I'll be back as soon as I can, all right?"

"Sure Ez, what's up?"

"I was supposed to meet Trina for lunch, but I couldn't make it. Seems she went without me, and now her horse came back without her."

"I hope she's all right."

"Thanks JD," Ezra said as he grabbed his coat and rushed out to his car.

Beside Laura, Trina started to softly cry. Laura rubbed her arms. "It will be all right. Ezra will be here soon, I promise," Laura said.

At the mention of Ezra's name, Trina started to cry more.

"Trina, this was not your fault." Laura hugged her and held her as she cried.

Trina heard the sound of approaching horses and cringed.

"It's all right. Just some of my employees," Laura said softly to her.

Trina stopped paying attention to anything. Laura was still talking, but Trina just couldn't listen anymore. She laid her head against Laura's shoulder and closed her eyes.

"Ambulance is on the way, ma'am," one of the men said.

"Good. When it gets here, show them where to come. And one of you bring Ezra out as soon as he gets here. Might want to warn him that she's been attacked. Don't think Ezra should find out when he sees her."

They nodded and rode off. Laura looked to Trina and saw she was sleeping. At least that was what she was hoping. Laura hummed softly to her, hoping to soothe her, but not knowing what else to do. She certainly could not leave Trina alone.

Ezra pulled up to the stable, only to be met with rather grim expressions. He got out of the car and walked up to one of the men.

"Got Ace saddled, sir."

"What happened?" Ezra demanded.

The man looked down, obviously not wanting to tell him something.

"Is Trina all right?" Ezra asked.

He looked up. "No sir, I wouldn't say that. She's...."

"Where is she?!"

"This way."

Ezra followed the man silently, worrying. Something had happened to Trina, because he had not shown up. She'd trusted him to join her, and now she was hurt. He got onto Ace and followed the man out onto the trail.

Ezra noticed that the other man stayed behind.

"For the ambulance, sir," the hand said as he followed.

Ezra's heart sank. She was hurt badly enough that an ambulance was needed. He nodded to the other man. Soon they were both running their horses to where Laura sat. Ezra saw Laura before he saw Trina. That was when he noticed that Laura was holding her.

He almost didn't recognize her. If it had not been for her hair, he might not have. Trina had obviously been beaten. And when he took in the state of her clothes, he knew it was much more than that.

Ezra dismounted quickly and ran to her side. He lifted Trina from the ground and held her. He frowned when she woke up and started shaking.

Laura looked to him. "It was Mike Simpson."

Ezra looked at Laura, questioningly as he tried to soothe his fiancée.

"I saw him. Scared him off with a gunshot. Wish I'd have shot him instead," Laura said.

Ezra nodded and looked to Trina.

"Ambulance is on the way here. I'll go call the station, let them know you won't be back."

"Thank you, Miss Fitzpatrick," Ezra whispered harshly. He placed a kiss on Trina's forehead, and his heart broke when she winced.

Laura nodded and got on Mairi, riding the horse back to the stable.

Ezra looked to her. "I'm so sorry, Kitten. So sorry." He held her close to him. Trina simply buried her face against his shoulder and cried.

A few minutes later the ambulance came up to them. The paramedics approached, and Ezra was not surprised to feel Trina clinging desperately to him.

"Ssssh. Kitten they are here to help you. It's all right Trina, I'm not going to leave you. I promise," Ezra said soothingly as one of the men tried to get to Trina. Trina held onto Ezra as tightly as she could.

"Ma'am. My name is Joe. I'm here to help. Okay?" The paramedic looked to Trina. Then he looked to Ezra. "Why don't you carry her over to the ambulance?"

Ezra nodded and carried Trina over and tried to lay her on the stretcher. Trina whimpered when he laid her down. Ezra leaned over her and smiled. "I'm right here."

She nodded and curled up on her side, clinging to his hand.

The paramedic looked her over. "I'm just going to clean up a couple of these injuries, see how bad they are," he said softly. He spoke to Trina the entire time he was treating her. Ezra held onto her hand.

Ezra leaned down as he heard Trina muttering something. She had not said anything since he had arrived, so he leaned down to hear what she was saying. He couldn't understand a word of it.

Ezra ran his fingers through her hair and tried to smile at her. "Rest, Kitten. I'll be here."

Trina nodded. He could tell she was still afraid. He wished he could take that fear away. Ezra pressed his lips to her forehead. "I love you Kitten." He brushed away a couple tears from her face and looked to the paramedic.

Ezra tried to force his way back to the examination area. But the hospital staff was adamant. He would only be in the way. His heart broke as Trina screamed when he was separated from her. He paced in the waiting area, looking to the door and anxiously awaiting word that he could go back.

Before he had too much time alone, Karol and Josiah rushed into the hospital and up to Ezra.

"How is she?" Karol asked, worriedly.

Ezra shrugged. "She was hurt pretty badly. I just-"

Josiah looked to him. "Any word?"

"They took her back there. Wouldn't let me-"

"I'll go scare some news out of someone," Josiah said softly and then looked to Karol. "Angel, I'll be right back."

Karol nodded.

Ezra jumped and ran to the door as he heard Trina screaming loudly. He could hear the panic in her voice and wanted to go to her. Karol tried to hold him back, but Ezra would have none of it. He burst through the doors and ran to the examining room where Trina was. She was sobbing hysterically as someone plunged a needle into her arm. Ezra glared at the doctor and rushed in to hold Trina.

"What did you do to her?" he demanded.

"Tried to conduct an examination. I told her what we were doing. She just doesn't seem to understand."

Ezra pulled Trina close to him and she clung to him for a moment, still shaking. Ezra held onto her.

"Sir, you need to leave."

"I don't think so. She needs me here," Ezra insisted.

Ezra held Trina and tried to soothe her as she slowly drifted off. He held her hand while they finished checking her over, and detailing the injuries. She had two cracked ribs and a concussion. She had a lot of bruises and lacerations all over her body. Ezra listened as the doctor told him everything.

Finally the doctor asked him a question. "Is there any possibility that she could have been pregnant before this?"

Ezra started to say no. But then he realized that if this attack could have made her pregnant, then their love from the night before, and that morning, could also. He looked at the man. "I don't know. It-"

The doctor frowned. "She should take this. It will ensure she doesn't conceive. But-"

"But if the baby is mine, will she want to terminate it?"

The doctor nodded. "You don't have to decide right now. But you will need to by tomorrow."

Ezra nodded. "I'll talk to her about it, when she wakes up." How could he ask her to wait nine months to see if it was his, or not? They could conceive again, but this might just break Trina. And would they want to raise a child from this?

"We want her to stay over night, for observation. Her room is ready. But we do need to get her settled." The doctor was treading gently with Ezra and he realized that he was nearly as much on edge as Trina was. "Why don' t you go and wait with your friends? I'll come and get you within half an hour. All right?"

Ezra nodded and raised Trina's hand to his lips, kissing it gently. He hated leaving her, but he knew that the doctor did needed to have a little time without him.

He walked down the hall, back to the waiting area.

Josiah and Karol looked up questioningly.

"They are keeping her overnight."

Karol nodded. "How is she?"

Ezra shrugged. Trina was terrified. Karol hugged Ezra. "She'll get through this. You both will."

Ezra nodded. That was all well for her to say. But Karol had not seen Trina.

"I'll be right back," Ezra said softly as he noticed that Karol and Josiah had a flower arrangement. He walked down to the hospital gift shop and bought Trina a stuffed kitten and a bouquet of red roses.

A half hour later, true to his word, the doctor came out. "She's settled in Room 143. You can go on back."

"We'll give you a few minutes, Ezra," Josiah said.

Ezra nodded and started to walk off. He noticed that Laura and Nathan were entering the hospital just as he was leaving the lobby, but he didn't stop to greet them.

He walked in the room and set the flowers down on the bedstand. Then he sat next to Trina. She was sleeping, and he was glad for that. He didn't know what to say to her. He should have been there.

Ezra leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. "I love you, Trina. I' m so sorry I wasn't there."

Trina opened her eyes and said something to Ezra. He frowned. He still couldn't understand her.

"Kitten, I don't understand you." He tried to smile at her. He knew she was speaking Scottish, but she had to try English.

"Ezra?"

He nodded.

"I should have waited," Trina looked down and away from him.

Ezra took her hand and kissed it. "Kitten, this was not your fault. Do you understand me?" He could tell by her expression that she didn't believe him.

"I need to talk to you about something. But you need to get some rest." He looked over his shoulder as he heard their friends approaching. "You have company." Ezra smiled to Trina.

She started to shake her head. "Kitten, if you get tired, you go right ahead and sleep. Okay? I won't leave you."

"I...don't look."

"You're beautiful. Always. I love you."

Trina started to cry again. Ezra took her hand and brushed the tears away. "It's all right, my love." He handed her the kitten. Trina clutched it like her life depended on it.

Laura walked into the room and straight to Trina. She smiled to her, then looked to Ezra. "Nathan wanted to talk to you." Laura looked to Trina. "Mind if I sit with you while he talks to Nathan? It won't be for long."

Trina looked to Ezra then back to Laura. She felt safe with Laura too, and nodded slowly. Laura took her hand and held onto it for a second then sat down.

Ezra reluctantly stood. "I'll be right back, Kitten."

Trina nodded. She was tired.

"You go on and rest Trina. I don't mind," Laura said softly.

Trina closed her eyes and went to sleep.

"Sorry it took so long. I wanted to arrest that man before coming out. Laura identified him. He's at the jail and JD's watching him. Kid is pissed."

Ezra nodded. "I should call Mr. Wilmington."

"Chris already did. And the schedule's been redone. You ain't on duty again till next week."

Ezra smiled grimly. "I thank you for that."

"Buck said to give her a hug for him and he'll be here tomorrow to kick Simpson's ass."

"Any sign of Drew?"

"No. None. It's like she just disappeared."

"Mother probably whisked her off to Switzerland or something. I should call her." Ezra turned back to the room where Trina was. The words were forgotten almost as quickly as he said them.

Karol and Josiah stood outside. Karol walked up to Ezra. "Can we go in and see her?"

"She may be asleep," Ezra said. "I should warn you, she looks a bit rough," he added.

"How is she?" Josiah asked.

Ezra shook his head. He was not sure. Karol walked into the room and gasped at the sight of her friend. She quickly looked away and composed herself, then went over to Trina. She sat next to Trina and looked to Laura.

"She's sleeping. For now," Laura said.

Ezra walked in and stood at the foot of the bed. He bent his head down. Josiah squeezed his shoulder.

Nathan walked over to Laura and rested his hand on her shoulder. She reached up and grasped it. Nathan bent down and whispered something. Laura nodded and stood up. "Ezra, we'll be back in the morning and bring you some breakfast. Do you need anything from home?"

Ezra shrugged and took a seat next to Trina.

Trina woke with a start. She hurt and she moaned softly. Ezra was immediately by her side. "Hey Kitten," Ezra said softly, smiling at her.

She looked around. It was dark. It must be late.

"Kitten?"

Trina looked to Ezra.

"Do you need anything?"

Trina vaguely thought that she wanted to not exist. Ezra must have seen that in her eyes. He turned her face towards him. "Kitten, Trina. I love you. I need you. Please, you have to believe that."

She nodded.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Ezra asked.

Trina shook her head. She didn't want to think about it. She wanted to pretend it didn't happen.

Ezra bit his lip and looked to her. "Kitten, I need to ask - there - we have a decision to make. I can't tell you what to do. It has to be your decision."

Trina frowned and looked to him.

"There is something they can give you. To ensure you don't conceive from this." Ezra bit his lip and looked at her. "But-"

Trina looked at him. "But what?" she asked softly.

"You may have conceived from me."

Trina looked down. "I-"

"Trina, I can't ask you to wait nine months to find out. It isn't fair. And we were careful, so the chances of conception are low. But-"

Trina whispered, "there is a chance, if I take it, that I could be killing our child."

Ezra shrugged. "Trina, I-"

Trina looked away. How could she take it? And how could she not? She needed Drew. Drew could help her decide. She couldn't ask Ezra, and she was afraid to ask anyone else. But Drew wasn't here. She broke off a sob. She needed Drew desperately.

"Trina, I love you."

"What would you do, Ezra?" Trina asked softly.

"I-I don't know, Kitten. I think I'd take it. You and I, we'll be together forever. There will be more children. When we decide we're ready." He took her hand. "I want to see our babies, I want to raise our children. But, I don't want you to wonder for nine months if it is a child of love, or one borne of fear. Kitten, I don't know if I could go through with that type of uncertainty." He looked to her. "But there is no certainty that you have conceived. This is, well it is just a precaution."

"I-I should take it," Trina said softly.

Ezra nodded. "It is the best thing for you. But I didn't want to make that decision for you."

Trina just shrugged. She looked away from Ezra and stared at the wall. Trina knew he tried to get her attention, and she felt bad about shutting him out. But she just didn't know what to say. She felt awful. Thinking about asking Drew's opinion about aborting a baby before she knew if she had conceived, when Drew had just lost her own child. How insensitive could she possibly be? Trina buried her face in the pillow and cried softly.

Ezra rubbed her back, telling her that everything would be all right.

Morning came quickly. Several times through the night, Trina had awakened crying. Ezra had always been there. Finally, though, he'd asked the nurses for something to help her sleep. She was still sleeping soundly when Karol and Josiah came back, this time with JD.

Karol had brought a few of Trina's things, some of her nightgowns and a couple of books. Josiah brought Ezra a change of clothing.

"How is she doing?" Josiah asked.

"About as you'd expect," Ezra replied. "The doctor gave her a sedative a couple hours ago."

"Then you have time to go and get some food," Josiah said immediately.

Ezra shook his head.

"We'll be with her, Ezra," Karol said softly. "You need to take care of yourself too."

"I don't want to leave her."

"Ezra, Karol and I will be here. No harm will come to her. Now, go eat. Then get cleaned up." Josiah handed Ezra the bag. "You need a shave."

Ezra nodded and stood up.

"I don't recommend the cafeteria," Karol said. "There is a bagel shop just around the corner."

Ezra reluctantly took his coat. He leaned over Trina and kissed her cheek. "I love you, Kitten."

Then he walked out of the room. Truthfully, he did need a break, Ezra realized as he walked outside. He wondered what would happen next. First Drew lost Brandon, then Buck lost Drew. It had not even been a week since the accident, and Trina was in the hospital again, this time for injuries far more serious.

And both times it had been his fault. If only he had been paying more attention to the road. If only he had not forgotten that he had to cover for Buck. Ezra walked into the bagel shop and slumped into a table. A few moments later, a waitress came over and took his order. She looked to him.

"You have someone at the hospital?"

Ezra nodded.

"This will take a few moments. Why don't you go in the back and freshen up a bit?" The woman smiled sympathetically at him. "You tell Billy that Rachel sent you back there. He'll get you set up."

"Thank you," Ezra said softly and stood.

He had meant to clean up before leaving, but it had slipped his mind. He must really look awful if a waitress was commenting on it. Ezra moved to the back and before he found Billy, a large black man came up to him and smiled. "Another one of Rachel's strays, eh? Come on back."

Billy draped an arm around Ezra and steered him to a washroom. It was a nice sized one, larger than he expected.

"You take your time. And if you need anything, you let me know." Billy looked seriously at him. "The one in the hospital, she gonna be all right?"

Ezra shrugged. "She'll live. I just-

Billy nodded at him. "She'll be fine, if she has a nice guy like you lookin' after her. And you get that guilt outta your eyes. She'll see that faster than you can say jackrabbit and blame herself." The man looked to Ezra seriously. "I'm sure you ain't as much to blame as you think."

"I was supposed to meet her," Ezra said softly.

"And you couldn't. Not cuz ya didn't want to, but cuz ya couldn't."

Ezra nodded. He was surprised that he was talking as much to Billy as he was. But it was because he didn't know the man.

"Mister, you get cleaned up. Then I'll fix you a nice breakfast, and one to take back to your lady friend. Hospital food will keep you alive, but it ain't much good for the soul."

Ezra nodded. "Thank you sir. You and Miss Rachel are most kind."

"Nah, Rachel, she just knows sometimes folks need an ear. And a man likes to be needed. I like to listen. Don't get much chance as a cook. Shoulda been a bar tender, they get to bend their ears a lot. But my Rachel, she's not the kind that wants to serve alcohol and peanuts."

Ezra nodded.

"What's your lady's name?"

"Trina. We were to be married."

"Don't you worry. That gal ain't gonna let you go. She needs you I bet. Almos as much as you need her. Now you get in there and clean up." Billy gave Ezra a light shove into the wash room and shut the door behind him.

Ezra smiled and took out the razor that Josiah had packed for him.

Twenty minutes later, Rachel sat a breakfast that Ezra had not ordered in front of him. He distinctly remembered ordering a plain bagel and a coffee. But Rachel and Billy had apparently decided that he was going to eat a real meal. She set a plate of bacon, eggs, hash browns and a bagel down in front of him, along with a large glass of orange juice and a cup of coffee. Before he could protest, she shushed him and told him he was to eat every bit of that.

Ezra smiled and set to the meal in front of him. As he finished, Rachel set a bag in front of him.

"For Trina," she said.

"I thank you."

"You bring your Trina over to meet us before you take her home, you hear?" Rachel said with a smile.

"Yes, ma'am. I certainly will."

Ezra went to the cash register to pay and got turned down. He didn't know how these people stayed in business, but he was glad that they were there. He felt better going back to see Trina than he had in a while.

Ezra walked into the room and waved to Josiah and Karol. "Has she awakened?"

"No, not yet. Doctor came by and said she should in a few minutes though, so your timing was good," Karol said.

"Hey, what smells good?" Josiah asked.

"Rachel and Billy prepared a breakfast for Trina."

"Who?" Josiah asked.

"They own the bagel shop. Charming couple." Ezra sat next to Trina and kissed her forehead. "Wake up, Kitten. It's time for breakfast."

Ezra smiled as Trina slowly opened her eyes. She winced, but Ezra helped her to sit up as Josiah adjusted the bed. As soon as she noticed that she had company, she tried to cover her face, but Ezra took the blanket and looked to her.

"Mr. Sanchez has been standing guard over you, as has Miss Mason."

Trina frowned but nodded.

"How are you doin' today, Trina?" Josiah asked.

Trina just shrugged.

"Fili missed you last night," Karol said. "I would have brought him, but you know how he is with cars."

Trina smiled.

"Besides, you'll see him soon. Right?"

Trina looked to Ezra on that question.

"I believe she'll be released tomorrow, Karol. Maybe this afternoon, if we 're lucky. Right, Kitten?" Ezra kissed her lightly. "Now, you need to eat."

"I'm not hungry."

"Well, Rachel and Billy will be most displeased to hear that, as they made this special for you. Would you at least try it?"

Her brow furrowed at the mention of the names she didn't know.

"They are two very kind individuals who I shall introduce you to later," Ezra said as he pulled the food out of the bag.

Trina watched him without protest and he smiled. He set the food out just as the nurse came in.

"I see you have contraband," the woman said with a smile. "I brought some medication for you to take. How are you doing today?"

Trina shrugged.

"I bet you hurt a bit, right?"

Trina nodded.

"Well, this will take care of that, and the doctor will be around soon to check on you. You eat that breakfast."

Trina took her medication and then started eating. Ezra smiled and picked up one of the books Karol had brought. He was glad for the two. They weren 't talking too much, but it was a comfortable silence.

Trina soon went back to sleep from the drugs.

Buck popped his head in the door around noon. Trina was still sleeping, and Ezra was actually napping too. Josiah waved him in.

Buck took one look at Trina and frowned deeply. "She didn't deserve that."

"No one does, Buck," Josiah said softly.

Buck sat heavily down in one of the chairs, waking Ezra.

"I'm sorry I cut your trip short, Buck," Ezra said quietly.

"She ain't in California. One more day or one more month. Wouldn't have mattered. I just don't understand why she wouldn't see me. Why she didn't give me a chance to explain." He looked to Ezra. "How's Trina doin?"

"She's in a lot of pain, but about as good as can be expected," Ezra replied.

Trina stirred and cried out softly in her sleep. Ezra leaned over her and whispered something to her, running his fingers through her hair until she calmed down. It didn't take long.

"You get much rest last night, Ezra?"

"Not really. I-I want to kill that bastard for hurting her," Ezra said quietly.

"Yeah, I don't blame you. I wanted to take out Eddie too. Still do and I would have too, if he'd been in town. I don't care that he's been through a lot, gave him no reason-" Buck shook it off, Ezra didn't need to hear this and the man had been there for him he was determined to return the favor. "Chris will probably have Simpson moved out of town by this afternoon. When I saw him, looked like he'd tripped a couple times and hit his face against the wall."

Ezra raised an eyebrow and Josiah continued. "Is it Brother Dunne's fault that the man is clumsy? Trina has been like a sister to him too, you know."

Ezra nodded. It was probably for the best that Mike Simpson be moved to another jurisdiction. All of the officers knew Trina. She was his fiancée. And officers protected their family.

Later that afternoon, the doctor told Ezra that he wanted to keep Trina for that evening, but she would be released in the morning. If they had lived in Ajo, the doctor would have released her that day. However, he didn't think she was up to the ride home yet.

Ezra was handed the prescriptions Trina would need and went to fill them as Ridley sat with Trina. Buck would come by first thing in the morning to pick them up, but he'd gone home, just in case Drew tried to call.

Ezra didn't think that likely right now, but maybe she would.

Buck walked slowly towards his apartment. He had just come from the cemetery and had been touched that while he'd been away the past few days that others had stopped by Brandon's grave. There had been fresh flowers placed upon the site.

He had stopped to collect his mail and hadn't paid much attention to it until he was seated at the kitchen table. It still hurt him to look around the place. Ezra and JD had packed up a lot of the baby stuff and placed it in storage while Trina had gone though and packed up Drew's maternity clothes. He would not allow them to pack up any of Drew's other things insisting that they all stayed where Drew had put them, clothes included.

A letter mixed up with his bills caught his eye and he quickly lifted it up realizing it was Drew's handwriting and addressed to him. Postmark was Phoenix just a few days ago.

He opened it up and began to read it:

Dear Buck,

Love, Drew

Buck fought to catch his breath. She still loved him and blamed herself. He was going to kill Maude; the woman was going pay. He would find Drew and he would explain. As soon as Trina recovered, with Ezra's assistance, they would track down Maude and he would be reunited with his wife. He would not quit looking until he found her again.

He was still shaking as he stood up. Unable to control his anger he lifted a chair and threw it across the room. "Maude you bitch!" He screamed out and lifted another slamming it to the floor and shattering it to pieces. Destroying the chair only made him feel better for just a moment and he realized he was letting Maude win by breaking down. He wasn't going to allow that to happen. He was going to get himself a bit of rest then get cleaned up and head back to the hospital to be with his family, Trina and Ezra. Then he would explain to them and everyone the reason why his Sunshine left.

Trina looked over at Ridley and smiled slightly. "Thank you for coming out," she said softly.

"Yeah, well, next time you want to go to Ajo-" Ridley started trying to joke. Then she turned serious. "Are you okay? I mean really?"

Trina shrugged.

"If you want to talk, I'll listen."

"Thanks," Trina said. But she didn't want to talk. Talking meant remembering, and that was the last thing she wanted to do. She wanted to go home so that she didn't have to be reminded that something awful happened every time she opened her eyes. She didn't want to see the worry in everyone's eyes.

"Have you heard from Drew?" Ridley asked.

Trina shook her head and shrugged. "No."

Ridley took her hand and squeezed it. "I know you miss her."

"Aye. How are you doing?"

"I'm all right," Ridley replied. "When are you getting out of here?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"Well, good. I'll come by your apartment tomorrow for a visit," Ridley said as she stood up. "You get some rest."

"That's all I've been doing."

"That's because you need it. Healing up takes a lot of energy." Ridley leaned forward and gave Trina a slight hug. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Thanks for coming."

Ridley walked out of the room.

For the first time since the attack, Trina was alone. She clutched her stuffed kitten and anxiously waited for Ezra to return.

The next morning, Trina patiently waited as all of the discharge papers were filled out. Buck held her hand as Ezra turned in the papers and got final instructions.

"Now then," Ezra said as he walked up to them, "we just have one additional place to go. You, my dear Trina, need a decent breakfast. And I promised Rachel and Billy that I would introduce you to them."

Trina was uncertain, then Ezra bent down and smiled to her a second before kissing her cheek. "Trust me," he whispered.

She nodded.

Ezra pushed Trina's wheelchair out of the hospital while Buck carried her bag. Buck put it behind his seat in the truck, while Ezra helped Trina climb in. Then they drove the half-block to Rachel and Billy's Bagel Shop.

Rachel and Billy greeted them warmly, and Trina was a little overwhelmed. Rachel immediately fussed over all three of them, and sent Buck back to talk with her Billy.

By the time Buck came back, Trina's medicine had taken effect and she was nodding off. Ezra gently lifted her and carried her out to the truck, and soon they were on their way home.

While Trina slept, Buck looked at Ezra. "Got a letter from Drew yesterday."

"What did my sister have to say?" Ezra asked. He'd noticed that Buck had been fairly quiet this morning.

"Lots of things. Your ma lied to her. Said I brought Lacey to the hospital, and that you didn't try to see her. The woman even told her that they wouldn't have a service for Brandon, that they threw our son out like garbage." Buck's voice was harsh.

Ezra glanced at him in shock. "Surely you mis-"

"Kinda hard to misunderstand it when that's exactly what she said. They didn't even let her hold our boy. I ain't never hated any woman before, Ezra, but I hate your ma. And I'm gonna find Drew. She still loves me. She just thinks I don't love her."

Ezra nodded. He knew Maude was calculating, but to destroy Drew and Buck's relationship in such a manner was beyond cruel. Maude played on Drew's worst fear-that everyone she loved would leave her.

"We will find her Buck."

Buck just nodded and they rode quietly the rest of the way to town.

Ezra gently settled Trina into her bed and Fili jumped up beside her. He smiled at the little ball of fur. "You take care of her for a moment. I' ll be downstairs."

Fili purred at Ezra and then settled down near Trina's shoulder. Ezra looked at the kitten for a moment and then walked out of the room. He worried about her. He was afraid to leave her alone. He wanted her to move in with him now so he could take care of her.

But Ezra had no way to know how she would react if he asked her to right now. He leaned against the wall and slid down until he was sitting on the floor. Ezra covered his face with his hands and took a deep breath.

Drew was gone to who knew where. Trina seemed so fragile and shattered. And Ezra didn't know how to fix any of it.

.