Hello Father

Barbara Knight picked up the phone and finally dialed the

number. After a few seconds of ringing it was picked up.

"Hello-"

"Robert?"

"Yes. Who is this?" Romano asked.

"It's Barbara." She replied.

"Barbara..."

"Knight."

"Ah hello Barbara. How are you?"

"I'm well. I need to talk to you, privately." She informed

him.

"What about?" He asked.

"I have to tell you to your face." She insisted.

"Fine. Where shall we meet?"

"My place." Barbara then carried on giving him her address.

***

An hour later Romano entered the house and sat on the sofa.

"What do you want to talk about Babs?" He asked the nervous

woman.

She sat down opposite him and took a deep breath.

"There's something I've put off telling you."

"What's that?" Romano asked.

"You have a daughter."

Romano sat shocked at this new. "What!"

"The new medical student in the school is your daughter."

"Lucy." Romano said, in a trance.

Barbara nodded. "Yes, the reason why I never told you was

because I didn't want her to become a burden."

"Lucy Knight. My daughter."

I'm sorry I didn't tell you."

"Does she know?"

"No, and I don't want you to tell her, not yet."

"When." He asked.

"After she graduates. I don't want to have any pressure on

her at this moment."

Romano nodded. Silently he vowed to look after her.

***

Carter smiled down at Lucy, he really did like her. She was

comforting a little girl who had broken her arm. He was no

longer her teacher but was now supervising her with this

patient. As a student she needed someone to make sure that

she didn't make any mistakes.

They walked out the room on their break, to get a coffee.

When they entered the lounge they found it was empty.

Lucy handed Carter a coffee and the two sat down. Carter

turned to Lucy.

"Luce, I was wondering if after work you'd like to come to my

apartment and have a pizza.

"Sure." Lucy said, inside she was calming herself down - it

was only pizza.

Meanwhile Carter could feel his insides jumping for joy.

***

Romano had spent the time since he found out that Lucy was

his daughter looking out for her, but keeping the same

arrogant attitude that everyone knew and hated him for. Deep

inside he could be caring, but he felt that if he cared less

he would be able to do his job well.

"Nice job Lizzie." He said after an operation was a success.

She murmured a thanks before leaving the room in search of

Mark.

Kerry walked into the room were Romano threw away his gloves.

"Romano I need to talk to you."

"What about?"

"Lucy Knight is going to be assigned to you, I want to know

if you have any problems with it?"

Romano looked at her. He tried to think of a way out. It

would be unproffesional to look after her as she was his

daughter.

"Sorry I can't."

"Why not?" Kerry asked confused.

"It's personal." Romano replied.

"What? Romano if this is something that's going to interfere

with your job I need to know."

Romano looked around the room to check that it was empty.

"Fine. I'll tell you. But you cannot tell anyone else.

Especially Lucy."

Kerry nodded.

"I found out a few days ago that I am her father." Romano

told her.

"What! How did you find out?"

"Her mother told me when she found out that I worked here."

Kerry nodded. "All right, I'll get Benton to take her."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dave stood outside the OR. He hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but

he couldn't help it. He listened as Romano told Kerry that

Lucy was his daughter, only she didn't know.

He had to admit that it made sense, he had wondered what the

relationship between Romano and Lucy was. First off was the

way Romano looked at her, Dave seemed to be the only one who

noticed. Then there was the time he overheard Romano telling

Dale to stay away from Lucy. Originally Dave just thought

that Romano had a thing for Lucy, but this was far more

interesting.

Dave turned around and made his way downstairs. He wondered

what he could use his new found information for.

***

Lucy and Carter sat in the lounge, sipping cups of coffee.

Both thinking about the pizza that they would have, and time

suddenly seemed to go slower.

"We could watch a movie as well as pizza." Carter suggested.

"Yeah." Lucy agreed nodding.

"Do you want to see any films in particular?" Carter asked.

"No, whatever you choose will be fine." Lucy told him.

"Great." Carter said with a smile.

The two then looked at each other in the eyes. They couldn't

tear away, slowly they edged closer, then the door opened.

They tore away to see Dave walk in with a grin on his face.

"Hey Dave." Lucy greeted.

"Hey Lucy." Dave said back.

Dave studied Lucy closely as she spoke with Carter, he

couldn't see any resemblance to Romano, but he figured that

was a good thing. He then shuddered imaging Romano in a mini

skirt.

That was when Romano walked in. The first thing he noticed

was that Carter and Lucy were sitting quite close. Then he

noted Dave's huge grin.

"And how are we all." He asked, seemingly to all but

underneath directed to Lucy.

"Good." Carter replied, not caring to have a conversation

with Romano.

"Yeah, good." Lucy agreed.

"I'm feeling great." Dave said cheerfully, still grinning.

"What's so funny Malucci?" Romano asked.

"Well, I just overheard some interesting information."

"What was that?" Carter asked.

"Don't worry about it Carter." Dave said.

Carter shook his head as he looked at his watch.

"Come on Luce, there's a patient with our name on them."

"Yay." Lucy replied sarcastically as she followed him out of

the room.

When they were gone Dave turned to Romano.

"So Romano, how are you?" Dave asked.

"I'm fine Malucci."

Dave nodded. "Really, how interesting. Almost as interesting

as my information."

"Malucci, I'm not in the mood for games, if you want to tell

me something just tell me." Romano said sternly.

"Well, I just overheard the fact that you're Lucy Knights

father." Dave said.

Romano looked Dave in the eyes.

"Where did you hear that?"

"Overheard you talking to Weaver, so why don't you want her

to know?" Dave asked.

"It's not the right time." Romano said tensely.

"Well Romano, if you don't want people to find out I think

that you better treat me real good. What do you think?" Dave

asked.

"I think that this is blackmail."

Dave shook his head, "I'm only trying to get some respect

around here, and when you treat me with respect others will

follow. Then by the time it all comes out people will respect

me for myself."

Romano stared at Dave coldly.

"Is that it?"

Dave nodded, "That's all."

"Good." Romano said darkly before leaving the room.

Dave leaned against the counter and smiled, life was good.

***

Carter and Lucy sat on the sofa. Carter put in the video then

sat down next to Lucy. He opened the cardboard box and gave a

slice to Lucy.

"Thanks." She said with a small smile.

Carter put on the video, and settled back to watch the video.

After the film Carter and Lucy didn't want to move. During

the course of the film Carters arm had moved around Lucy and

pulled her close. Her head had then began to rest on his

shoulder.

Carter turned on the light and the two slowly parted.

"That was a good film." Lucy said, almost shyly.

Carter nodded, "Yeah."

They both stood up.

"I guess I should be going now, I'm on early tomorrow."

Carter nodded, he was working three hours later than Lucy was.

Carter walked closer to Lucy, "Let me drive you home."

Lucy smiled, "Thanks."

Carter took a deep breath, then moved closer.

"It was great tonight."

Lucy nodded.

Carter leant his head down and softly caught her lips in a

kiss. After a few moments he broke away.

"How about we go out tomorrow?" Carter said nervously.

Lucy nodded, "I would like that."

Carter smiled as he leaned down and kissed her again.

"We better get you home." Carter said, still kissing her.

Carter drove Lucy home. He walked to the door of her

apartment.

"So tomorrow at say eight. We go out for dinner."

"Looking forward to it." Lucy said as Carter kissed her again.

Carter then whispered in her ear, "See you tomorrow."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Romano stood at the counter looking over some charts.

"Who's looking after the man who was shot in the arm, exam

8?" He called out.

Nobody answered, Romano gave out a sigh.

"A man has a bullet wound in his arm and people forget about

it, Malucci you're break is now over get to work." Romano

ordered.

"I've been working for four hours Romano. Don't you think I

deserve a break, get someone else to do it." Dave replied.

"Dave!" Mark said looking up from his work.

"No it's all right Dr. Greene, Malucci is right. Is anyone

able to take this?"

"I can." Luka said taking the sheet.

"Thank you Dr. Kovac." Romano muttered before walking away.

"There's something I never thought I'd see." Lucy commented.

"Yeah, if that was me I'd be outta here." Luka said before

going upstairs.

Dave just smirked.

A man walked through the doors, he had his arm carefully

wrapped up in a shirt. When he entered only Lucy was left at

the counter, so the man walked over to her.

"Excuse me." The man said.

Lucy turned and smiled at him. "Hi, what's the problem?"

"I sliced my arm open, it's not too deep but I wanna get it

checked out, just in case." The man explained.

"Sure, can I take down your name." Lucy asked.

"Yeah, Steven Howard." Steven told her.

"Right." Lucy said writing down the information. "Okay, I'll

take you to a room."

Steven followed Lucy. While she showed him the room.

"Just sit here. I'll be right back." Lucy said as she went

off to write the information on the board.

Lucy had returned to the room and began cleaning up the blood

around the arm.

"The wound isn't deep and hasn't done any damage. All I have

to do is put on a bandage, the wound will heal itself in a

short amount of time." Lucy told Steve.

"How long should I keep the bandage on?" Steve asked.

"Two weeks at the most, just clean and change the dressing

often."

Steve nodded his head.

Carol walked in the room. "Here's the bandages."

"Thanks." Lucy said taking them from her.

"By the way, a couple of cops have been going to all the

hospitals checking out all the patients." Carol told her.

"Why?"

"Apparently there's a murderer on the lose or something.

Anyway they found some blood of his and thinks that he's

harmed himself so they are checking all the patients."

"No way." Lucy said stunned.

"Yeah, oh I've got to go and help Abby." Carol said before

leaving the room.

"See ya." Lucy said.

When Lucy turned back to Steve she noticed he was looking

quite pale.

"Steve, are you okay?"

Steve reached into his pocket and pulled out a gun.

"Lock that door."

Lucy looked at him with wide eyes.

"Oh God."

"Do it!" Steve said forcefully.

Shaking Lucy did as she was told. She then turned back.

"Sit on the chair."

Once again Lucy did as she was told.

"Good."

Steve then picked up another chair and put it against the

door, then he sat down.

"We are gonna just sit here. Do anything wrong and I blow

your brains out."

Lucy sat on the chair, facing him.

"What happened Steve."

"What do you think? I walked in the room and blew five guys

away. Now the police are on my arse." Steve explained.

"What are you gonna go now Steve?" Lucy asked.

"I don't know. But as long as I've got you in here they can't

do nothing." Steve said, his eyes cold.

Lucy sat in silence.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carter walked into the ER and saw a few police officers

around the room.

"What's going on?" He asked Dave.

"They're making sure that a murderer hasn't come to the

hospital." Dave explained.

Carter nodded. "You seen Lucy?"

"Earlier, I think she's with a patient. Carol's the last

person who saw her." Dave told him.

"Thanks." Carter said as he went in search for Carol.

***

Officer Seller was checking all the rooms. He opened them and

looked around to see if Steven Howard was inside. So far he

hadn't found anything.

While inside the room Steve stood and grabbed Lucy, sitting

her on the bed. He pulled out a long knife and held it close.

Leaning down he whispered in her ear

"One noise and I'll slice your tongue out."

Lucy sat shaking. In one hand a knife was at her throat, in

the other hand was a gun aiming towards her head.

The door handle turned, however the lock in the door

prevented it from being opened. After a few seconds there was

the sound of fading footsteps. Steve sighed in relief then

sat back on the chair.

Outside Sellar frowned at the closed door, he better check up

on it. He was told that all the doors were open. He made his

way to the front desk, hopefully someone there could help him.

***

Carol and Abby were looking at the action going on. The

officers were checking each room looking around, this was the

last hospital they had to check in the area.

Carter approached Carol. "Hey Carol, Abby."

"Hey Carter." They both replied to him.

"Have you seen Lucy?" He asked them.

"I saw her earlier, she was with a patient. She has probably

finished by now, you'll see her come by in a minute." Carol

told him.

Carter nodded as he looked at the officers. At that point

Kerry came over to them.

"I've been told that the search is nearly over." She said,

noticing that most people weren't working.

"Yeah, but for once we have an excuse to do nothing." Carter

injected.

Kerry nodded as Carol and Abby grinned.

Sellar walked up to the four.

"Doctor Weaver?" He asked Kerry.

"Yes?"

"I was looking at the rooms and I noticed one was locked, is

there ever any reason why you lock the doors?" He asked.

"No. All doors are to be kept open so they have easy access."

Kerry said with a frown. "I have a key that can be used for

all rooms." Kerry said as she limped over to the main desk

and began talking to Randi.

"So what did this guy do?" Carol asked.

"I really shouldn't discuss too much, but we want him for

mass murder." Sellar told the three.

Sellar looked up at the white board.

"Is that the name of all the patients?"

"Yeah, but wouldn't the guy say a different name?" Abby asked.

"No, he wasn't very smart in that way, he easily got away but

he doesn't think about aliases." Sellar explained.

"And let he hasn't been caught." Carol said.

Sellars eyes suddenly widened as he looked at the board, and

read the name Steven Howard. He recognised the room number.

That was when Kerry handed him the keys.

"What's wrong?" Kerry asked as she took in his expression.

"He's here." Sellar murmured. He picked up the radio and told

the station of the new found information.

"What's going to happen?" Carter asked.

"I'm going to check it out. Stay behind, if it is him I don't

want any injuries caused." Sellar said before turning around

and walking in the direction of the room.

Sellar approached the room quietly. Dave walked towards him,

with a question in his eyes. Sellar motioned him to be quiet,

Dave nodded in understanding but did not move.

Sellar entered the key and turned it.

"Stay out." A voice commanded.

"Howard. I'm officer Sellar, I think that it will save a lot

of time if you just give up." Sellar said through the door.

"I've got a hostage. I'll kill them if you try to come in."

Sellar silently cursed. "How can I be sure, open the door and

let me see."

Inside Steve thought through his options.

"Fine. But slide the keys inside as you look." Steve

instructed.

"I can't do that." Sellar replied.

"Damn it." Steve thought. He moved closer to Lucy and pulled

out the knife.

"Fine." He called out. But because of that I'm going to have

to show you what I can do." Steve said menacingly.

Steve suddenly slid the knife into Lucys stomach causing her

to scream out in pain. Steve then slowly opened the door and

slid the bloody knife out.

"Give me the keys." Sellar did as he was told.

Meanwhile in the main area everything went quiet as a loud

scream echoed around the room.

"I think they found the man." Luka said, breaking the silence.

Back outside the room Sellar had contacted the station again.

Dave was staring at the bloody knife that still laid on the

ground.

"Who's in there Howard?" Sellar asked. "What's their name."

"Lucy. Lucy Knight." Was the reply.

"Lucy!" Dave said alarmed.

"Is she still alive, let her answer." Sellar said.

"I'm alive." Came Lucys soft voice.

A few seconds later Mark walked up to Sellar.

"What's going on. What was that scream." He asked.

"Steven Howard is in the building, and he's taken a hostage.

I will need you to evacuate the building apart from a few

doctors, the hostage has been injured." Sellar told Mark.

"Hostage?" Mark asked.

"Yeah, he's got Lucy in there. She's been stabbed." Dave told

him motioning to the bloody knife on the floor.

"Jesus." Mark murmured before leaving in order to inform

people of the situation.

In the main area Mark put down the phone after talking to a

nearby hospital.

"People, if I could have your attention we are moving you all

to the closest hospital, this is for your own safety." Mark

announced.

"Mark is this about that scream?" Kerry asked quietly.

Mark nodded. "I'll tell the staff when we get the patients

out of here."

Kerry nodded and began to help get the patients out.

***

A few hours later more police had arrived and Dave had just

joined the rest of the staff. Mark was getting ready to tell

everyone what was going on.

Carter looked around the room, trying to see if Lucy was

anywhere, but he couldn't see her.

"Hey Mark, what's going on around here?" Carol asked.

"We have a situation. The man the police are after is in this

hospital." There were collective gasps, Mark carried on "Not

only that but he's taken Lucy hostage. And the reason why we

need doctors and nurses here is because she's been stabbed."

Carter sat stunned by this information. Mark continued.

"At the moment the police are dong all they can. They said

that the best thing we can do is to wait in the lounge or Doc

Magoos."

Everyone walked to the lounge, speaking rapidly to one

another about wht was happening. Carter walked over to Mark.

"Carter." Mark said looking at him.

"Do you know how Lucy is? Is she going to be alright?" Carter

said, worry evident in his voice.

"Sorry Carter, all I know is that she's alive. Is something

going on between you two?" Mark said sensing Carters worry.

Carter looked at him, then gave in. "We had a date for

tonight."

Mark nodded. "Carter why don't you go home, there's nothing

you can do."

"I'd prefer to wait." Carter said before leaving towards the

lounge with everyone else.

Kerry was on her way to the lounge when she heard Dave.

"Chief."

Kerry turned to see Dave walking towards her with a serious

look on his face.

"What is it?"

Dave looked around to make sure no one was listening.

"Should we contact Romano?"

"What?" Kerry said sharply.

"Right, I overheard you and him talking and I heard his

secret." Dave confessed.

"I don't think we should worry him until this situation is

over, we don't need him worrying. Let's wait to tell her

mother."

Dave nodded agreeing with her.

"Sure thing chief."

"Oh and Malucci another thing."

"What's that?"

"Next time don't eavesdrop."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Lucy laid on the bed. The cut on her stomach was causing her to use a lot of blood. She was using a pillow in order the apply pressure to her wound. Steve was restless. He would wonder around the room, then he would sit down and stare at her. Then he would put his ear to the door and listen outside. He was currently listening to the door.

Sighing Steve turned round and looked at Lucy. They had been there for an hour now, and she seemed to be getting pale. He walked over and kneeled next to her bed. He began stroking her hair back. Lucy looked at him, frightened.

"You're pretty." He murmured to her.

Steve kissed her forehead. His hand brushed her cheek, then travelled his hand down. He began massaging her side. Suddenly there was a knock on the door causing Steve to brutally slam his hand into her side, at a strength that would leave a bruise. Lucy squeaked out her pain.

"What?" Steve yelled through the door.

"Steven. I'm Officer Roberts. If you give up now it will be easier. You don't want to be charged with another murder."

"Go away." Steve yelled through the door.

"Steve..." Roberts began.

"Shut up!" Steve yelled.

Steve waited for a few seconds, when nothing was said he rifled through his pockets and pulled out a flick knife. He walked over to the bed and laid next to Lucy, he pulled her back close to him and whispered in her ear.

"Do you know the pleasure pain theory? I get pleasure from watching others in pain."

Steve moved up her shirt and began slowly slicing her. And then playing with the cut, filling Lucy's world with pain.

***

In the lounge everyone waited nervously. Many had left as it was decided that only a small number had needed. The people left were Carter who wanted to find out about how Lucy was coping. Dave who was working at the time anyway, he was mainly there to find out about Lucy's health, in order to know when he should contact Romano and Lucy's mother. Mark, who was mainly dealing with the police along with Kerry. The others left were Carol, Lydia and Elizabeth.

Small conversation was made through the room, but it never lasted. Generally the room was in silence. Every so often Carter would glance at the door, praying for more information.

Dave noted that Elizabeth, Carol and Lydia were immersed in their own conversation. Kerry and Mark were still with the police. Carter was alone in the corner staring at the door. He had realised along with everyone else that something deeper was in the relationship between Lucy and Carter. He wanted to say something reassuring, but he didn't know what to say. Sighing he sat on the couch.

***

Romano walked into the ER, noting the chaos that was going on. Seeing Mark and Kerry talking to a police officer he marched over to them.

"What's going on around here?"

Kerry looked up at him, unsure of what to say, "Robert..."

Mark looked up. "The hospitals been shut down."

"Why?" Romano asked.

"Lucy's been taken hostage." Mark said, before leaving to see if there was a change in the situation.

"Lucy..." Romano started, with a far away look in his eyes.

"Lucy Knight, Romano." Kerry said softly.

"Why wasn't I informed?" He asked.

"There's nothing you could've done for her." She told him.

"What's her condition?"

"She's been stabbed. That's all we know. The man won't let us see her." Kerry informed.

Romano nodded. "So what do we do?"

"We can't do anything." Kerry told him.

"Should I call her mother?"

Kerry shook her head. "We shouldn't worry her. Wait until we get Lucy out."

Romano looked in the direction of the police, his face looked like that of a man defeated.

***

Sellar knocked on the door to the room.

"What do you want?" Steve growled through the door.

"You can't just wait in there forever Howard. Why don't you give up now?" Sellar said, trying to reason with the man.

"Don't worry about me Officer. I'll get away, I always do." Steve sniggered through the door.

"If the young lady dies, you'll never get away." Sellar said.

After a couple of minutes of silence Sellar walked away from the door.

While inside the room Lucy had several slices on her body, the places that were not sliced were her face, hands and legs. The slices were slight so they wouldn't scar, however it hurt like hell when she moved. There was blood all over the sheets, Lucy felt that she would never get out.

Steve was pacing the room. Holding his gun, rubbing it with his hand. He murmured to himself, quietly so it wouldn't be heard outside the room. Lucy could hear one or two words, she was weak from the pain and blood loss.

Steve looked at the door, silently cursing himself for getting into such a position. There was only one door and no windows. The police were waiting for him. He looked down at Lucy on the bed and noticed that she had her eyes closed. Walking over to her Steve slightly tapped her on the cheek.

"Wake up." He whispered.

When she didn't move he checked her pulse, noticing how weak it was.

"Damn." He muttered.

Now he had nowhere left to go.

***

In the lounge Dave poured himself a cup of coffee.

"I wonder how she is?" Carter said quietly.

Dave looked up at him, he hadn't spoken a word since the news got out.

"I'm sure she's fine." Dave said to him.

Carter nodded. Just then the door opened and Romano walked into the lounge. From a casual glance it would seem as though Romano was untouched by the events going on. However when you looked closer you could see his overwhelming fear for the events going on.

Romano looked around the room and knew that the majority held no love for him, frankly he didn't care. His job was to help people, not make friends. He spent most of his life alone, only having his dog for company. He knew Barbara through friends, they would occasionally talk and they knew each others name. Often he'd hear news of her through his own friends who would say something in passing. With the two of them it was one night at a drunken party, he thought nothing more of it.

He had heard that she had a daughter a few years later, but he never imagined it to be his. He was actually beginning to believe that he'd live life loveless and die without ever becoming a father. He did want a child though, someone he could be proud of. So when he was told that he had a daughter he felt something come over him. It was his chance to prove himself as a caring person, make up for lost time. But he agreed that he wouldn't tell her, so instead he watched from a distance.

He looked around and saw Elizabeth and two nurses quietly talking, they gave him a brief glance but then went back to their conversation. He then saw Carter and Dave drinking coffee. Carter looked up hoping for information, but then looked down a his hands and coffee again. Dave looked at him with sympathy.

Romano walked over to them and made himself a coffee.

"Do you have any news?" Carter asked desperately.

"I'm afraid not." Romano told him, out of the corner of his eye he saw Carters shoulder slunk down.

Then the three drunk their coffee in silence.

***

Steve held his gun, he wouldn't get arrested, they wouldn't win.

"It has to be this way." He murmured to Lucy, who had slightly regained consciousness.

He held up his gun.

"See, I told them if I got away you'd survive but they didn't listen." Steve murmured, his eyes glittering madly.

He raised the gun and shot her twice, once in the shoulder and again in the stomach, near the knife wound. The door began to open as Steve put the gun to his head and pulled the trigger.

Sellar and Roberts ran into the room seeing the result. Sellar ran to Lucy and checked her pulse, while Roberts reported that Steven Howard had shot himself in the head, killing himself.

"She's still alive." Sellar yelled out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The gunshots rang through the lounge. Everyone looked towards

the door stunned. Carter dropped his coffee, but took no

notice. Dave reacted first, rushing outside the lounge

joining Kerry and Mark as they got the gurney. Everyone else

then sprang into action. Carter, Carol and Lydia ran out and

joined them.

When Elizabeth and Romano walked outside the room Mark walked

up to them.

"We're going to need the OR. She's been stabbed in the

stomach, slight cuts on the body and shot twice. The shoulder

and stomach." He informed them before hurrying over to join

in with the others.

"She's losing a lot of blood, get her type." Kerry said to

Lydia, who went off to collect the blood, returning a few

seconds later.

***

Lucy was to be arriving in the OR any second. Romano and

Elizabeth washed their hands in silence. They walked over to

get Lucy as she came in. Rushing into action they began

operating on her.

"She's stable." Elizabeth finally said after they finished.

"Good." Romano said softly.

The two stood, quietly reflecting.

"I guess we should tell everyone." Elizabeth said, looking at

Romano.

"We should." He agreed.

Suddenly the heart moniter went flat.

"What the hell?" Elizabeth yelled.

"Quick, shock her." Romano suddenly yelled.

Elizabeth grabbed the pads, she began charging them.

"Clear."

Elizabeth shocked her, no response.

"Clear."

Once again no response.

"Clear."

This time it worked, the moniters began to show a steady

heartbeat.

"What was that?" Elizabeth said, still shocked.

"Must have been an aftershock, all the moniters are fine and

she's not losing any blood." Romano said, softly stroking

Lucys hair.

Elizabeth noticed the affection that Romano was giving Lucy.

"That was one hell of a close one." Romano murmured.

Elizabeth nodded. "She'll be fine. I think that she'll be

kept in hospital for a bit, then have to relax at home."

Romano carried on stroking her hair. "That's good."

Slightly puzzled Elizabeth left the room to tell everyone the

news.

Romano had decided that when Lucy awakes he would tell her

everything.

***

Everyone looked up as they saw Elizabeth walk into the room.

"She's stable. Hopefully she'll regain consciousness soon."

Elizabeth said.

Everyone sighed from relief.

Elizabeth walked over to Mark and sat down.

***

The next day Carter went to visit Lucy, she was still

unconscious. He walked into her room and sat on the chair

next to her bed. He gently stroked her cheek.

"Hey Luce." He murmured, looking for any signs of response.

There was none.

Carter sat in silence. He heard the door open as Romano

walked into the room. Romano began checking her vitals.

"Any changes?" Romano asked.

Carter shook his head. Romano sighed as he looked at Lucys

sleeping form. Carter looked up at him and stared at Romano.

"You come in here a lot." Carter said suspiciously.

Romano did not respond, instead he walked closer to Carter.

"You two are dating?" Romano asked.

Carter nodded. "Yes. Why?"

"Just wondering." Romano murmured.

"What's going on Romano. I always see you here. More than the

doctors need to be. I also know that you two aren't friends."

Romano looked at the young man, sighing he realised that the

truth would come out soon anyway.

"I don't want you to tell her. Leave that to me." Romano

ordered.

"Sure." Carter said curiously.

Romano took a deep breath.

"I'm her father."

"What!" Carter said shocked.

"I'm her father." Romano repeated.

Carter looked at him wide-eyed.

"I did not expect that."

"She doesn't know yet. I'm going to tell her when she regains

consciousness. I only found out quite recently." Romano

admitted.

The two stood in silence and looked at Lucys still body. The

room was silent. Suddenly Carter saw Lucys fingers move.

"She moved." Carter simply stated.

"I saw." Romano replied. Neither moved.

Lucys eyes slowly opened. She looked at Carter.

"C-Carter." She stuttered out.

"Hey Luce." Carter said smiling.

Neither of them took any notice as Romano left the room.

Lucy slightly moved.

"Ow." She moaned as she gritted her teeth.

"Careful. You got quite a few cuts." Carter warned gently.

"Yeah." Lucy said quietly.

"How are you feeling?" He asked softly.

"Sore." Lucy said truthfully.

Carter began stroking her cheek. She gently leaned into his

touch.

"I guess I missed our date."

Carter smiled at that, "Don't worry, I forgive you."

Carter leaned over and kissed her forehead.

Carter looked around and noticed Romano was gone.

"Must have gone to tell someone." Carter murmured to himself.

"Who?" Lucy asked.

"Romano, he was in here checking up." Carter said.

Remembering the conversation he had with Romano, he surveyed

Lucy. He decided that she must take after her mother.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Romano took a seat in the lounge. It was empty apart from him and Barbara Knight.

"She's awake. When shall we tell her?" Romano asked.

"Tomorrow." Barbara said.

Romano nodded. "I want to be there when she's told."

"You will." Barbara promised.

"Good." Romano said simply.

"Is it okay to see her?" Barbara asked.

"Yes. I'll show you to her room." Romano said as he stood up.

Barbara smiled slightly as she stood up.

***

Carter placed a soft kiss on Lucys forehead.

"I've gotta go now, I should be working." Carter said softly in her ear.

"Okay, bye." Lucy said smiling.

"Bye." Carter said as he placed a soft kiss on her lips.

Carter rose and began to leave the room. On his way out he passed Barbara.

Barbara rushed over to her child's hospital bed.

"Lucy, honey." She exclaimed as she sat in the seat Carter had vacated.

"Hey mum." She said.

"How are you feeling?" Barbara asked concerned.

"Good."

"Are you in any pain?"

"No, I'm filled with painkilling drugs at the moment. I can't even feel my toes." Lucy said with a slight smile.

"Are you tired?"

"No, I only wake up. Stop worrying, I'll be fine." Lucy told her mother.

Her mother sighed slightly.

"I think that after what happened I have the right to worry about you."

"Mum..." Lucy sighed.

"Okay, fine." Her mother said. "So who was that doctor in here before?"

Lucy slightly blushed.

"That was Carter."

"You seemed pretty close." Barbara remarked.

"We're kinda together." Lucy said.

"Will I meet him soon?" Barbara inquired.

"I suppose so."

"Carter, is that his first name?"

"No, his name is John Carter."

Meanwhile this conversation was going on Carter walked into Romano.

"How is she?" Romano asked point blank.

"She's fine. I left her talking to her mother."

"Good."

"Tomorrow I'm going to see if I can get her to tell me what happened when she was alone. Before she has to tell the police." Carter murmured.

"That would be best."

"When are you going to tell her your secret?"

"Tomorrow at the earliest." Romano told him.

"Good." Carter said, before he walked down the hall.

Romano peered into Lucys hospital room, and saw her talking to her mother. He turned and walked down the hall in order to start work.

***

Lucy felt the bullet tear through her stomach, pain coursed through her. She looked up and saw as Steve blew his brains out.

Lucy gasped and opened her eyes. She was in her hospital room, she was alone as her mother had gone to rest earlier.

The pain was coming back at a strong force, the drugs had completely gone and she was in excruciating pain. She grit her teeth as a sharp jolt hit her. Her body began to slightly shake, unable to move, or even make a sound. She squeezed her eyes shut , a tear escaping and sliding down her face. Then she blacked out.

***

Carter had finished work, he decided to see Lucy before he left. Walking into her room he saw her sleeping. He smiled at how sweet she looked. Leaning down he kissed her on the forehead. His eyebrows knotted as he realised that she was shaking. He began to stroke her cheek.

"Luce," he murmured. "Luce open your eyes."

He saw her struggling. Then she finally opened them. Looking in her eyes he saw pain being reflected.

"Does it hurt?" He asked, knowing the answer.

She slightly nodded. Not wanting to move too much.

Carter moved and got some of the painkillers. Injecting her with it.

"There you go." He said as he put the painkillers away.

When he sat back down he took her hand in his.

"Feeling better?" He asked.

Lucy smiled and nodded.

Carter sat by her side, stroking her hand while she fell asleep. He kissed her on the head again and left. Realising that she would probably sleep through the night.

When he left the room he didn't see that Lucys bandages were soaking through. Nor did he notice that she was losing a lot of blood.

***

A few hours later a nurse walked into Lucys room to check on her vitals. The first thing she noticed was that Lucy had gotten more pale. She looked at the bandages and saw that they had soaked through.

The nurse rushed out of the room to collect the doctor. As she did so, that was when Lucys heart stopped.

The doctor and nurse ran in.

"She needs more blood." The doctor ordered.

The nurse ran off to collect the blood while the doctor began work on Lucy.

***

Carter went into work. He came earlier in order to check up on Lucy. When he entered the room he noticed Lucys mother sitting by the bed.

"Hello Mrs Knight." Carter said politely.

"Call me Barbara. Dr Carter." She said.

"Well call me John." He replied.

Carter looked down at Lucy, she seemed quite pale.

"How is she?" He asked.

"Doing well, especially after last night." Barbara murmured.

"What happened last night?" He asked confused.

"No one told you?"

Carter shook his head.

"She had an attack, it was caused by major blood loss. She hasn't woken yet." Barbara informed him.

"Oh God, is she okay?" Carter asked as the information sunk in.

Barbara nodded. "The doctors said that she'd be fine."

"Good." Carter said, relieved.

Lucy slowly woke up. She looked at Carter and her mother.

"Hey." She murmured drowsily to them.

"Hi honey." Barbara said softly.

"Hey Luce." Carter said. "How are you feeling."

"Sore." Lucy replied wincing.

Carters bleeper suddenly went off. He checked it and saw that a trauma was coming in.

"Sorry, but I gotta go." Carter explained.

Carter leaned down and kissed Lucy on the head before leaving the room.

"Is there anything I can do?" Barbara asked.

"No mum." Lucy sighed, knowing that this question will be repeated a lot.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day, Lucy was making a speedy recovery. Barbara and Romano were both in her hospital room, ready to tell Lucy about who her father was.

Lucy slowly awoke. The first person she saw was her mother. Romano was standing in the back of the room.

"Hey mum." Lucy said.

"Hi honey." Barbara said nervously. Wondering how to tell her daughter this news.

Lucy noticed her mothers nervousness.

"What's going on?"

Barbara took a deep breath.

"It's about your father. He's here."

"What?" Lucy asked, shocked.

"You actually know him." Barbara said.

"Who?"

Barbara signalled for Romano to walk over.

"Hello Lucy." Romano said.

Lucy looked at Romano for a few seconds - then passed out.

When Lucy came too she saw Romano and her mother looking at her in concern.

"Are you..." Lucy asked in a daze.

"I am." Romano said.

Lucy nodded her head.

"Does anyone else know?"

Romano nodded.

"Dr Weaver, Dr Malucci and Dr Carter."

Lucy nodded.

"Right."

Romano looked down as his bleeper went off.

"I have to go, I'll be back up later." He promised as he left the room.

Lucy laid on the bed in shock.

"How long have you known?" Lucy asked her mother.

When there was no answer Lucy looked at her mother.

"You've known all along haven't you?"

Her mother nodded.

"What about him?"

"He hasn't known for very long."

Barbara told him.

"Oh God." Lucy murmured. "Romano."

***

Romano had finished downstairs and was drinking a coffee. Dave walked in.

"Romano." Dave said formally.

"Malucci." Romano replied. "She knows."

"What?" Dave asked absent-mindedly.

"Lucy." Romano said simply.

Dave looked up. "How is she taking it?"

"Shocked. I'm just telling you that there is no more special treatment."

Dave nodded, understanding.

***

Carter walked into Lucys room. He saw Lucy with a far off look in her eyes. He also saw Barbara looking like she wanted to be anywhere else.

"Hey." Carter said.

"Hello." Barbara said quietly.

Lucy was still lost in thought. She didn't notice Carter.

"What's going on?" Carter asked.

Barbara still spoke quietly. "I've just told Lucy who her father is."

"Oh." Carter said.

"I'm going to get a drink." Barbara said as she left the room.

Carter sat down and began stroking Lucys cheek.

"Luce, honey." He murmured softly.

Lucy looked up into the eyes of Carter.

"John, when did you come in." She asked as she snapped back into the real world.

Carter slightly smiled.

"Just now, your mother has gone to get a drink. How are you?" He asked gently.

"Confused." She said truthfully.

"You just have to get used to the idea." Carter told her.

Lucy nodded. "I know. I just never expected Romano to be my father."

"I doubt that he would have thought that he was your father, until he found out." Carter reasoned.

"Who told you?" Lucy asked.

"Romano told me while you were unconscious." Carter told her.

"Oh." Lucy said quietly.

Romano walked into the room, Carter looked at him, he decided to give Romano and Lucy some alone time.

"I'll be back later." Carter told Lucy.

Carter stood walked out of the room.

"Bye." Lucy said quietly.

Romano sat in the seat next to the bed.

"Well. Are you feeling alright?" He asked, unsure of what to do.

"Yeah, I am. Thanks." She replied

"This wasn't the way I imagined telling you." Romano admitted.

"When were you going to tell me?" Lucy asked.

"I'm not sure. Perhaps after you finished med school." Romano told her.

"What changed your mind?"

"I almost saw you die. Made me realise that anything bad could happen. I wanted you to know."

Lucy nodded.

"So you never knew that I existed?" Lucy asked.

Romano nodded. "Not a clue."

"Right."

"Anyone who found out about you being my daughter now know that you know." Romano informed her.

Lucy just nodded.

"You don't have to tell anyone that I'm your father. But I have a feeling that they'd find something out. Especially since Malucci knows."

"I doubt Dave would blurt this out for gossip."

"Yes. I was thinking that when I have time we could just talk about your childhood. On all I missed." Romano said nervously.

Lucy smiled. "I'd like that."

Romano smiled back. "Well I better be going. I should be working."

Romano walked out of the room.

Lucy laid back on the bed and closed her eyes. After what had happened that day she really needed some rest.