Author's Note: I really, really didn't want to do this, but my beta hasn't gotten back to me in several days. Normally I would just wait, but my kitty is really, really sick. It's been a rocky road with him, and only a year. So right now, I am a nervous wreck, and have to do all I can to get my mind off it. So I'm going ahead and posting chapter two, un-beta'ed. Please forgive all the errors and if the police dialogue sucks. You'd think after watching so many law shows I'd have a good idea of cop dialogue. Sadly, I don't think I do. Same for the medical stuff. Once I get this beta'ed I'll make the necessary changes. Though if anyone is willing to beta, I'd be eternally grateful and willing to do anything in return. Because I'm pretty sure that this is a crap chapter.
(I'm expecting everything in my life to be crap right now. Forgive a nervous wreck pet mommy.
)
Okay! Thank you, everyone. The feedback has brightened my days, and means the world to me. Seriously, I love you guys. I'm a feedback addict, so I really appreciate it. I'll respond to all of you later, I just do not have the brainpower to do so now.
Disclaimer: I don't own the title of this chapter, that belongs to Audioslave. The title is from
The Curse, a lovely song, that I don't own the rights to. I just like listening to it and wanted to use a lyric for this chapter.
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Chapter Two: Help Me, I Don't Know What I'm Doing...
"So, that whole gang has been practically missing since the day you got, um, since that day. And the sheriff is going so crazy, he hovers around the Crashdown and Kyle is unwittingly being used as his scout here, because Kyle hasn't left the hospital except to go have occasional showers and sleep a couple of hours when the nurses finally kicked him out. But then I'm on my way up today, and guess who I run right into when rounding a corner? Yep, that's who. Michael 'I'm right, you're wrong, end of story' Guerin. Ugh! So we argue, of course, and then I come up here, and it finally hits me - why is he here?! Where are the others, why was it him, not Max, and how has he not been caught?"
Liz's eyes fluttered slightly. She tried to force herself to wake up fully, but she seemed stuck in that state of limbo, where you're partly asleep and partly awake, yet you can't move or speak. She really wanted to wake up...to tell Maria to shut up, because her head was pounding already.
No, pounding wasn't the correct term. Liz actually didn't know what the correct term would be, really. It was almost like she could hear loud sounds inside her head, as if a sound memory kept replaying over and over. Like a song getting stuck, except worse because it almost hurt.
Maria's endless chatter that didn't make much sense to Liz right now wasn't helping matters. Maria was wonderful, but sometimes Liz just wished her best friend understood the beauty of silence. Especially during rest.
"And then I figured, maybe Max was with Valenti already, but since he so obviously digs you in that creepy but kinda sexy way, he sent Butthead over to, you know, make sure you're okay. Only, well, I'd think he would send Isabel over then, because she's way better for that job than Michael." Maria sighed, and gave Liz a brief, flickering hope of quiet. "Maybe," she started up again, and Liz groaned.
Now that finally got Maria to shut up for a minute, and then a tentative, "Liz?"
"Uhh..."
"Oh my God, Liz!"
"Mmph..." Crap. Why was "Maria, inside voice," so hard to pronounce?
"Hold on, let me go get your mom and dad and the doctor and the nurses, okay, just, don't go back to silent, 'kay?!"
Liz could hear Maria running out of the room. She was disturbed when she heard Maria run to whatever room her parents were in, the conversations at the nurse desk, the people walking outside her room, and still could make out Maria's loud announcement of Liz's impending consciousness.
Slipping back into darkness was tempting right now...maybe then she wouldn't hear Maria and could get rid of this strange pounding.
The loud thuds of people rushing to her room made Liz grimace. Her mom, dad, Kyle, and Maria would practically running into the room, and then Maria shouted for a nurse, and Liz whimpered.
Couldn't everyone just shut up? She hurt, she couldn't move, and she felt the strangest soreness and tingling somewhere in her abdomen. The strange pounding in her head wouldn't go away, and sounded like an animal's cry. It was making her antsy, and she just wanted peace and quiet and to get out of the hospital and away from its wretched smells!
Liz tried to block all the smells and sounds out as they began to grow stronger and overwhelm her. She was so confused. Why was she in the hospital again? What were the dreams plaguing the edges of her mind, lingering with the almost drug-like grogginess? What on earth had Maria been talking about?
Maybe being in a coma or unconscious or whatever was wrong with her wasn't so bad. Least then she wasn't confused and being suffocated by smells she shouldn't be able to smell and sounds she shouldn't be able to hear at all, much less make out perfectly.
"Liz! Liz, are you still awake?!" Maria asked in a hissed whisper that was more like a shriek. Well, this at least proved how much of a friend Maria was, even if it was a painful way for her ears.
Weakly, Liz stirred and tried nod. "Mmaria?" Liz instantly regretted that when her friend practically squealed - but in a way that Liz knew Maria was trying not to squeal or be loud. "Sshh..."
Everyone seemed to laugh softly at that, and when Maria huffed slightly at being told to shut up by her best friend even when her best friend was still half unconscious. That broke the tension Liz could feel in the room though, and the nurses and a doctor were entering. The others backed off, but not too far.
Her dad and Maria stayed the closest, while her mother told Kyle to call his father and let him know. Liz didn't realize she'd been able to judge how close her father and Maria were by the strength of their scents.
"Elizabeth? Liz? Can you hear me?"
That voice was strange and foreign. Had to be a doctor. Which would explain why he'd used her whole name, which she hated. The only time anyone used her full name was when something bad had happened or there was trouble. It didn't make her feel any better about what was going on now.
"Mm...Da..dad?"
"I'm here, Lizzie, I'm here," was her father's immediate response. He was hovering as close as he could, reaching over to squeeze her hand before the nurses got in the way. "I'm still here, Lizzie, everything's going to be okay."
Liz whimpered, and she struggled to reach for her dad. She wanted her daddy. Maybe that reduced her to an eleven year old, but she wanted her daddy. She could feel a hand near hers the body heat strong, and she reached out. She heard a sound of surprise, felt something in the hand, and realized it wasn't her dad's.
"Liz, Elizabeth? You need to let go. Elizabeth, you need to let go!" The strain in the doctor's voice was confusing, but then Liz's eyes finally opened for her.
She abruptly realized why the doctor had sounded like he was having a hard time speaking. Her nails were digging into his skin and blood was trailing over her fingers and his hand. Her grip looked like it was denting him.
"I...I'm so-sorry..." Liz stuttered after a moment of staring at the damage in a daze. Her hand dropped to the bed. She winced and closed her eyes, the pounding worse at the scent and sight of blood. She felt nauseated and hungry at the same time, and guilty for freaking out so badly.
The doctor shook his hand, wincing. "It's all right, Miss Parker. You've been through a terrible trauma, and waking up here most likely confused you. It isn't uncommon for patients to react badly upon regaining consciousness," he explained. He was also stepping away and letting the two nurses see about her.
"Daddy?" Liz asked in a meek voice, feeling guilty and scared. Her eyes quickly went to her dad, and he was by her side in an instant. She immediately relaxed a great deal once he was there and stroking her hair reassuringly.
"It's okay, Lizzie, it'll be okay," he promised her. Her mother came over and nodded, repeating his words.
Something inside Liz told her they couldn't promise anything anymore.
***
Kyle rushed to the nearest payphone while fumbling in his pockets for enough change. Relief was flooding him, and he had to take several deep breaths and repeat several calming mantras over and over again in his head. Too bad Buddhism For Dummies didn't have a chapter on 'How to keep from breaking down with utter relief and gratitude that your first crush who you still care for wakes up from being unconscious due to a bullet in the gut'.
Because right now, that was what Kyle needed. He didn't need a call to his dad right now although he knew he had to. Apart from conducting the investigation, his dad was also a friend of the Parkers', and concerned about Liz's wellbeing.
Letting out a heavy sigh, Kyle dialed the station's number with shaky fingers. It wasn't the call that had him on edge so much as the relief. He and Liz were no longer an item, but he still really cared about her. He knew she'd always be a good friend to him - even if she hadn't been the best girlfriend. That was actually how Kyle knew - he knew Liz was never dating him because of his position on the football or basketball teams. He knew she wasn't out to be popular, and wasn't using him.
Unlike his current girl, but hey, he was a guy, and guys have guy needs.
Still, he did miss the days of when they were a 'casual' couple. Yes, it had kind of bugged him how her mind would wander so often, or how she'd babble on and on about science and never realize he was completely lost through the entire ramble. It was also kind of cute. However, he respected her decision, and they probably were better off as friends.
Thank Buddha she survived.
Kyle went through the routine of being put through to the sheriff's office by memory. He was fidgeting where he stood as he waited. When he finally heard his dad's voice though, he realized this call actually would do him some good.
"Hello, Sheriff Valenti."
"Hey, Dad. Look, um, Liz, she just woke up. Mrs. Parker thought, well, I mean we all thought, that you'd like to know immediately. So, um, yeah. She's awake." It was so good to say that.
On the other end there was a sigh, then, "That's great news, Son. Tell Jeff and Nancy I'll be there as soon as possible." There was a pause, and Kyle almost hung up, since that was usually how their conversations went. For some reason this time neither of them did. "I love you, Kyle."
"Yeah, um...I love you too. Dad."
Kyle hung up the phone and swallowed the lump in his throat. He was not going to get emotional in front of those hot nurses only five feet away from him. He had a reputation to uphold, an image to protect. When he got home later that night,
then he could let his emotions out by crying like a baby.
"Kyle! What are you still doing here? Never mind, get away from the phone, okay? I gotta call my mom and Alex and let them know that Liz is awake, and I don't want to be gone from the room any longer than I have to be!"
Blinking a couple of times, Kyle just stared at Maria. "One day you must help me master the art of speaking for five minutes straight without breathing."
Maria narrowed her eyes at Kyle and pointed a threatening finger at him. "Look, Valenti, just because you're all that in school and have chicks hanging all over you, does not mean you have the right to insult me when my best friend in the world who almost died just woke up from what could have been a lifelong coma, and would have left me all alone with Agnes and Courtney at work and possibly around Michael Guerin!"
"You are such a drama queen, Deluca," Kyle responded sweetly, a grin on his face. Frankly, though, he was glad for it. Obviously it was her way of dealing with the huge incident that had just happened in their lives, and it helped him deal too. He handed her the phone. "By the way, Michael Guerin is standing about seven or eight feet away and is staring at your ass."
Kyle almost laughed as he walked off, hearing Maria whirl around with a shocked and alarmed gasp. He could almost imagine the glares she and that biker guy were giving each other.
Giving Michael the glare Kyle was almost imagining, Maria put the phone up and stalked over, her finger raising again and poking him with every word she spoke.
"Look. You need to get out of here. I know Max probably sent you here to make sure Liz survived or whatever, which she has, and she's awake, so now that you have your info, go away."
Michael just stared down at her blankly - which drove her mad. Then he smiled - which was arrogant and smug and sarcastic and drove Maria even more up the wall - and nodded. "Sure thing. Once Max himself shows up."
"And when is that?"
"Whenever he shows up."
"And when is he showing up?"
"Whenever he shows up."
"You, you...I...UGH!"
Maria stormed off and searched for another phone. There was no way in hell she was going to call her mother and her other best friend with that creep watching her. She had a feeling he would, no, that he was even now watching her every move. She just had that sensation on the back of her neck that most people would call paranoia. Maria, however, preferred the term 'being aware.' She was quite aware of her surroundings, most especially creepy guys who lived to annoy her.
As she kept on walking, she remembered what Kyle had said before leaving, and tried to subtly glance over her shoulder. Her eyes widened and then she glowered.
He was looking at her ass!
***
While Michael was occupying himself with the great view, the other three pack mates were occupied with their special 'guest'. Well, if someone they grabbed off the street, knocked out, brought back to a cave, tied up, and threatened them with the dreaded poison to their kind could be considered a guest.
Max and Isabel were the ones currently trying to get information out of Courtney, while Tess remained outside the cave to make sure nobody interrupted. Their chances that it had only recently been discovered that Courtney was missing - at least by anyone in Roswell - were good, but they had to take extra precaution. After all, they had no clue how far away her pack was, nor could they chance Sheriff Valenti stumbling onto something he shouldn't be aware of.
Courtney looked horrible. She was newly turned, her demeanor around them before the shooting gave that away. She was frustrated and trapped - hardly strong enough to fight them should she attempt to break free, and not old enough to change whenever she wanted to. There were a few cuts and bruises here and there - they'd looked much worse three days ago, when they'd grabbed her. Courtney had put up a nice struggle, but three against one had been too much for her.
Especially when those three were Max, Michael, and Isabel, who had no qualms causing her pain now.
It had been discussed since Courtney's first day at the Crashdown, and the four of them had caught her scent what they should do about her. None of them were crazy about letting a rogue werewolf who just happened to work where they always went for meals keep on working there. They knew that there was almost no chance that she was just a rogue, not a spy.
But the four of them were hesitant to get rid of her. They had to be careful not to get themselves into deep shit with Valenti for one thing, and they all could tell she had just recently been turned. It wasn't something they were jumping to do, kill a newly turned girl who might not even be a spy - no matter how slim those chances were. Then there were their own personal reasons that they never confessed to the others in the group.
Now however they didn't have any other options as they'd heard her side of a phone conversation, which proved that she was indeed a spy. It was much easier for them to take care of the threat she posed with anger and hatred fueling them and not just fear that could be considered paranoia.
"All right, Courtney. It's been three long days, and every one of us is tired. So do us all, especially yourself, a favor, and tell us what we want to know." Max crouched down holding a knife in front of the female as she glowered at the both of them. The discomfort the knife brought him was given away by the manner in which he held it; away from his body.
The scent of fear coming from Courtney made it clear she was far more uncomfortable having it held so close to her. Her chin rose slightly in defiance though. She was fighting hard to be loyal and not submit.
Max sighed. "This is for your own good, Courtney, because the longer you take, the more I get pissed, and I swear I will just jam this into your skull if you don't give me the information I want," he growled, eyes seeming to almost shift for a moment. He held the blade to her temple, letting her skin sizzle.
Courtney whimpered through clenched teeth. Her eyes were squeezed shut as she tried to ignore the searing pain the blade was causing her. She was tense and almost completely still except for the slight shaking and her deep breaths.
A loud snarl of annoyance came out of Max's mouth and he moved the blade away. He grabbed Courtney's throat. "Give me the fucking information, Courtney. You have ten seconds to start talking, and if it's bullshit, I'll kill you the moment I smell it!"
"You're bluffing! You always bluff!" Courtney spat back at him, her own eyes shifting. "You know what they call you? A pacifist Alpha. You're pathetic to them, and you're still-" Courtney's shouting turned into a scream as Max embedded the silver blade into her right shoulder. She yelped when he twisted it, and again when he yanked it out.
Eyes glowing with anger and the inner beast, all human quality to them lost, Max stood and kicked the ground with a loud growl. He closed his eyes and took deep breaths. Calm, he had to remain calm. He couldn't let his anger and fear get the better of him. He was Alpha, he had to prove he wasn't the pathetic leader they thought he was. Max tensed when Isabel touched his shoulder lightly, but after a moment welcomed to contact.
Isabel remained close to him until her brother had calmed, then stepped back to let him continue. Her eyes were dark and cold when she focused them back on Courtney.
The turned female was in pain and panting, obviously trying not to whimper. She swallowed and then flinched when Max started to near her again. "I'll talk. I...I don't know where they are. We have locations to meet up at, but they're random and always far away from their latest hiding place. I never know where that is. Look, they know about Liz, and they'll show up soon. But I don't know when exactly, and I don't know where they are. They don't tell me. Please, you have to understand, that's all I know, I swear." Courtney didn't try to hide her fear anymore.
Max stared at the girl long and hard, but finally nodded. He handed the blade over to Isabel. "All right. One more question, Courtney." He crouched back down and ignored her flinch. "Why did they wait until now to make their move?"
"They wanted you or one of your pack to be the ones to turn those close to you. He wanted you to feel them after he got them." Courtney watched Max fearfully, all attitude and bravado gone. "He's extremely patient. He told me I wasn't to get involved. He wanted one of you to be the one to turn his next victim."
Behind him Max heard Isabel let out a low growl, but he gave her a warning glance. It made him physically ill to hear Courtney say that, no matter how strongly Max suspected that to be the truth. He knew it had to be worse for Isabel, but they couldn't let the past cloud their minds. Not when they had so much at stake. They'd lost enough already.
The soft sound of his cell vibrating in his jacket interrupted Max's train of thought. He stood and answered. "Hello?"
"Hi, Maxwell."
"Has something happened?"
Isabel glanced over in concern at the tightness in Max's voice. She calmed when she heard Michael's reply.
"Yeah, she woke up. Before you ask, no, I haven't been to see her. As far as I'm aware she hasn't shown any signs yet, nor should she be doing so this early. I also don't know how much she remembers, or if she's said anything about what happened yet."
"I'll be there in ten minutes, stay near her until then. And Michael?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks."
There was a pause on the other end, and Max heard his Beta let out a longsuffering sigh. "Welcome, Maxwell. But I still say this could bite us in the ass. And I mean that in a really bad way."
Max smirked. "I know, Michael. But we've gotten all the information out of Courtney that's of any use. Not much, but it's better than nothing."
"So does that mean we kill her now?"
"Michael," Max growled softly. He didn't like the casual tone Michael had when talking about that subject. He heard his friend sigh again. "If she gives us a reason to, we kill her. But if she continues to cooperate, she gets to stay alive."
"And if they come for her?"
"We kill her." Max didn't like it, but he wouldn't hesitate...none of them should. While the thought of killing one of their kind even if she wasn't giving them a struggle made him physically ill, they didn't have much choice if the others showed up for her.
"Got it. You better hurry up and get down here, though, Maxwell. But watch out, cause Deluca's going to interrogate you if she sees you."
"I'll remember that. Thanks. See you in ten," Max replied and ended the call. He put the cell back in his pocket and met Isabel's gaze. "Keep an eye on her. I'll send Michael back here the moment I reach the hospital. Call if something happens, and don't be afraid to use that damn thing," he gestured to the silver knife, "if she tries anything, okay?"
Isabel nodded with a faint smile. "I'm a big girl, Max, I can take care of myself. Get out of here." She waved him on and looked back to Courtney. "She'll behave if she has any brains inside that thick skull of hers, because I'm less of a pacifist than you are."
Max's lips formed a slight smirk as he walked out of the cave. He had a feeling Isabel would indeed terrify Courtney into behaving. The truth was, he was the one who often became more violent. However, after Courtney's explanation of the lack of action from her pack, Isabel was definitely the one more likely to snap and make Courtney regret setting foot in Roswell.
"I'm heading to the hospital, Tess," Max stated as he stepped out of the cave. "Be on the lookout for Michael, okay?"
Tess nodded. She looked like she was going to say something, but then merely offered a smile. "See ya later, Max."
Max hesitated. He knew Tess was upset, but he honestly didn't know what to do about the situation. He had never given her any hope, never led her on at all. He had made it clear that despite the times she would sit next to him at the Crashdown, and all the times she'd tried to hunt with him, he wasn't interested. Max had tried to do so politely, though sometimes he had gotten to the point where he would snap at her.
She still wouldn't give up.
The moment passed, and Max walked on to his motorcycle. He was afraid that if he stopped and tried to make her feel better, it'd just make things worse; confuse her even more. Max settled on the bike's seat. He revved the engine to life and within minutes was speeding back towards town and the hospital.
Don't be afraid, Liz. I'll be there soon and make sure you're safe.
***
"There's no sign of Courtney anywhere in the town. We tried to follow her scent, but it only went a block away from her place before we caught traces of their scents, then nothing. They must have taken her out into the desert somewhere."
Silence lingered for about five minutes after that statement. Then a loud sigh finally broke it.
"Send a team of four out after her. Make it clear not to kill any of them, I want them alive a little longer." He paused, black eyes glancing over at his Beta. "Her life, however, isn't as valuable. Now get out, and find her before they learn too much." He turned away from the Beta male and walked towards his car.
He had a trip to the hospital to make.
***
Jim Valenti sat in one of the lounge rooms where a few family members and friends of other patients were sitting, reading or watching the news. He held his hat in his hand, just waiting for Jeff or Nancy to come out and tell him how Liz was. He'd seen Kyle briefly and given his son a hug, then told his boy to go let the Parkers know he was around whenever they could come out. Part of him wanted to go see Liz personally, but he got the feeling the last thing she wanted to see was the sheriff.
Hell, he didn't even know if she was aware that she'd been shot. He liked to think he was a friend of the family, but Liz usually saw him as the sheriff. Jim didn't want to give the poor girl a fright and make things worse.
"Hey, Jim," he heard Jeff greet him wearily. The man looked tired but relieved.
Jim stood up and walked over to Jeff, giving him a firm handshake. "Jeff. How's Liz?"
The grateful look on Jeff's face made Jim want to find those bastards from the Crashdown even more. It was also comforting to know that things were looking good.
"She's, she's really confused and tired, but she's awake and mostly aware. She doesn't remember what happened, but it seems like that's the only thing she doesn't remember." Jeff ran a hand through his hair and sighed. He then gestured to a couple of chairs. "Let's just sit down. Um, the doctor said that she's doing remarkably well," Jeff continued as they sat. "In fact, the doctor said that it was really amazing that despite remaining unconscious for three days, she's doing, her condition, it's improving quickly. Really quickly."
Jim nodded, but there was a slight change in his demeanor. While he was friends with the Parkers, and he certainly was glad that one of his son's few real friends was okay. However, Jim was first and foremost a cop, and the sheriff at that. When Jeff said something as peculiar as that, with all the weird stuff that had been happening as of late, his interest was piqued.
"What exactly did the doctor mean?"
Jeff shrugged. "He's asked a few questions that struck me as strange, but, he's saying that it's probably just one of those miracle cases where Liz is extremely lucky and has all the right factors in her favor." He paused then, swallowing and rubbed a hand over his face. "Sorry, Jim. It's just-"
"Trust me, Jeff, I understand. I would be even more of a wreck if it had been Kyle," Jim stated, giving his friend a pat on the shoulder. He decided to wait until later to delve into these odd questions, maybe even talk to the doctor about it. Now though, it just wasn't the time, especially with Liz's parents. "How about I come by tomorrow and see how she is? Maybe she'll even remember something by then."
Jeff nodded. "Did the doctor give you the bullet? Have you been able to get any leads? Were any of the witnesses able to give you any information?"
Jim sighed, and hated to ruin Jeff's hopes. "We've got a few leads, Jeff, but nothing conclusive yet."
"Jim, have you questioned Max Evans yet?"
Jim paused, then nodded. Yes, he had indeed.
***
Two days earlier...
James Valenti Jr., usually just referred to as Sheriff or Jim - or Dad - was a real hardass. He'd been a cop since he was old enough, and he was a damn good one. Jim had been sheriff for the past fifteen years, and was planning on remaining sheriff until he retired. Or died. His son often liked to point out that dying was also an option. Kyle had been pointing it out a lot since the Crashdown shooting the day before.
Across from him sat what had been the latest bane of his existence. Every so often someone would come into town, stir up trouble, and just be a menace. Recently, it had become Max Evans and his small but still rowdy and troublesome biker gang. Max was an intelligent man who looked to be in his late twenties, early thirties. Max had light brown eyes that always seemed to be hiding something - like the surprising intellect the biker concealed behind a badass attitude - and a habit of riding the fine line between trouble and crime. His dark brown hair - which looked more black at the moment due to dim lighting - was fairly long, nearly reaching his shoulders. His clothes matched his persona, all denim and dark colors with a bit of leather. It showed off muscle, skin, and tattoos. Completing his look was the barely more than stubble beard.
Jim knew the man was smart and cunning. Too many incidents had happened since they had arrived in town for it not to be the fault of Max and his gang. He just could never get the evidence to nail them. While part of him wished he could somehow pin the Crashdown shooting on Max, he just didn't think it would happen. He didn't think it was possible now, for several reasons.
First, the two men involved had apparently never been seen before in town, and they definitely had never gone to the Crashdown Cafe prior to the shooting. Plus, the shooter hadn't even been aiming at Liz directly; she'd just stepped into the crossfire of some argument. Perhaps it was a perfectly timed shooting, but the other waitress at the Crashdown had said that both men reeked of alcohol. At least one of them had been pouring the contents of a flask into their coffee. It could be a decoy, but there wasn’t any evidence of that. Yet anyway.
Second, while Max's efforts at keeping Liz Parker alive until her dad was near her could be a tiny, possible attempt at heroics and getting the police off his scent, running the moment her dad came over only made him look guilty...which meant that though there was possibly something Max had to hide, it most likely was not being behind the shooting somehow.
Third, Jim's gut instinct was telling him that though Max Evans had plenty of secrets, wanting Liz Parker dead or injured wasn't one of them. Sure, it wasn't proof, but Jim relied on his instinct. Maybe more than he should, but his gut was telling him Max didn't want Liz hurt. Jim was even getting the impression there was more than simple concern for Liz coming from Max. There was a distinct lack of attitude when they were on the actual subject of Liz and the shooting. Jim's instinct told him Max cared about Liz. While Jim didn't really like that idea, he had no real proof to accuse Max of anything.
There was also that part of him that wasn't sure he should accuse Max anyway, because Max was one of the reasons Liz wasn't already dead.
This wasn't to say Jim didn't still have plenty more questions to ask. He did. Not only to try and understand what made Max Evans waste his life and mind in holding up this bad boy lifestyle, but to also try to catch the sons of bitches responsible for Liz's injury. Hopefully before anyone else got hurt.
"I'd like to go over your account of events again real quick, Mr. Evans. Just to make sure we've gotten everything covered." Jim watched as Max nodded with a distant expression. "Now, you said that Miss Parker was walking over with your orders, and Miss Banks was the one serving the shooter and his companion, correct?"
"Yes, Sheriff. Miss Parker was about five feet from our table, I think. I've done a lot of measuring, for construction work and other things, and I've got a real eye for distances," Max responded. His tone was uncharacteristically blank. He then went on to add, "After she was shot, I could only focus on her. There was blood flowing everywhere almost instantly, and I just had this horrible feeling that if it wasn't seen to immediately it could cost her everything. She's a sweet girl, Sheriff. I just, I couldn't not do anything."
Jim nodded slowly in understanding. He truly believed Max. He just wished there was more he could get out of him, just, something to go on. Max had given their sketch artist good descriptions of the two men however...the best that anyone had been able to give so far.
"Well, Max," Jim started with a heavy sigh, "I guess there's nothing else I need from you at the moment. However, I would like to talk to your friends today or tomorrow, as soon as possible. I might also need to ask you a few things again, depending on what evidence turns up."
"Of course. I'll let them know you'd like them to come in, soon as possible. I'm sure Isabel and Tess will be able to by tomorrow. I can't speak for Michael." Max rose from his seat, as did Jim. The two shook hands. Max smirked slightly, and it annoyed Jim to no end. "Again, sorry for running off. As I said, you and I aren't on the best of terms, and I really didn't want to be questioned by you when you were all fired up. I did what I could do." Max paused then and sobered. "I just hope it'll be enough."
Jim watched Max leave the office, for some reason finding himself on edge more after those last few words. He didn’t like the way Max said them.
***
Jeff nodded after Jim recounted everything of value from the conversation with Max. He was silent for several minutes. His eyes were distant for a moment, then he sighed. "Thanks, Jim. I'm going to go back and see how Lizzie's doing," he stated and stood up again. "Um, Jim, if you see Max again..." There was a long pause where it looked like Jeff was struggling hard not to lose it. "Could you just tell him thank you?"
"I'll make sure I do. You get back to your girl, Jeff. I'll be back around tomorrow," Jim assured Jeff. He stood up and placed his hat back on. The two men shook hands again and said goodbye. Jim strode towards the elevator, nodding to a few familiar people as he passed them. However, it was while he stood waiting at the elevator that it happened. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end, and there was a tingling in his back...a shudder racing down his spine.
The sheriff looked around, eyes searching for a reason for the reason for such a sudden sensation of paranoia. His gaze swept over everyone, but he couldn't pinpoint the source. The ding of the elevator doors opening jerked Jim back to reality. He stepped inside, albeit reluctantly, and pressed the ground floor button.
***
"Jeff Parker, is it?"
As Jeff headed back towards his daughter's room, he felt someone lightly grab his arm. He stopped and turned around, nodding. "That's me." He glanced at the young man - well, early thirties at least - who'd stopped him.
The man was dressed sharply and neatly. Frankly, he looked like a lawyer and probably was one. Lawyers and insurances agents seemed to hover around waiting areas and hallways in hospitals like flies at a picnic. He had short, dirty blond hair that was brushed back and sharp, green eyes. There was something about him, though, that made his suit look odd on him. It was almost as if he didn't belong in it.
"I'm sorry if this seems very forward, Mr. Parker. My name is Denny Ridgley. Um, hold on a sec." He fumbled with the pockets on his suit jacket, and pulled out a business card. "I'm an attorney. Um, I'm actually a lawyer for victims injured during criminal activities. Look, I'm sure you're thinking I'm some creep, I would think I was a creep too," the young man said, and he chuckled almost nervously. "I usually work out of my car, this is the nicest suit I have. Look, Mr. Parker, I'm not here because I want the money. I'm here because you guys need the money. I heard some of the conversation back there, with the sheriff, and I read about it in the paper. If that son of a bitch that shot your daughter is found, I want to help you ring him out to dry."
Well, this explains why he looks like he should be in normal clothes and not dressed for the part, I suppose. Jeff hesitated, unsure if he really wanted to trust a lawyer. After a moment of thinking it over, he took the business card. "Look, I don't know if I'll be calling or anything, but, um, I'll keep it in mind. Thank you."
Denny nodded, smiling almost sadly. "I understand. I really hope she improves quickly, Mr. Parker. I know what it's like to lose someone special." The young lawyer turned and walked away, leaving Jeff with the business card.
The realization that this was far from over financially hit Jeff as he walked back to Liz's room. He found himself muttering about how unfair it was that she nearly died, and they, the family, had to pay out the ass for the services used to keep his baby girl alive. Maybe he really would give that guy a call.
***
Liz wanted to scream. Ever since she'd woken up, she'd been poked and prodded and asked strange questions and told she was shot and that everything would be explained once she was feeling better. Then she was hovered over, asked even more questions, had her answers always questioned, and nobody would shut up and let her alone!
The pounding in her head still hadn't gone away, and everything smelled so funny. Her body was aching, and that morphine wasn't working at all.
Her mother, Maria, and Kyle were all in the room, asking her if she needed anything, if she was okay, what channel she wanted to TV on, if she wanted to talk or anything to eat or drink. The fact that soon Amy Deluca would be there too wasn't comforting either. Alex wasn't a problem.
Alex and her dad were actually the only people she wanted around, if anyone had to be around. Alex and her dad would just stay near her, but not smother her. They'd probably ask her one or two things, but her first answer would be enough. If she told them she was fine and didn't need anything, they'd believe her and let her be. It was probably because they were guys.
Well, Kyle was a guy too. But he let Maria and her mother influence him way too much. Maybe it wasn't a good thing Amy and Jim were dating off and on.
"Mom?" Liz asked, her voice still a little hoarse. She could hear her mother hurrying to be right next to her, and Liz wanted to cry. "Mom, could I, um, could you guys just let me have a few minutes to myself, to try and let everything sink in?" Liz looked up at her mother pleadingly. "I could just really use a little bit to myself. To just deal and get all this processed." She prayed all three of them would do what she asked.
Nancy hesitated, but it was obvious her baby needed the time alone. She knew she was a nervous wreck and was probably driving Liz up the wall. She was Liz's mother though, that was her right. However at this particular moment it wasn't something her baby girl needed. "Okay, Sweetie. I'll come check on you in ten minutes, okay?" Nancy gingerly kissed Liz's forehead and brushed her hair back. "If you still want some time alone then, just tell me."
Liz smiled wanly. "Thanks, Mom."
"Of course, Sweetie." Nancy reluctantly stood up and shooed an even more unwilling Kyle out, while having to almost resort to dragging Maria out.
Liz smiled slightly, genuinely glad to have such a wonderful friend. Right now, however, she needed a little bit of time without Maria. She hoped her dad wouldn't be upset whenever he got back, and she didn't want anyone around for a while. Liz just needed to savor the time without the others. She had to figure out what on earth was causing this pounding.
It wasn't even really pounding! Pounding was just the best word she could think of, besides howling. And howling just made her sound insane or something. That was the word that best fit though. It was like there was a loud howling inside her head that almost made her skull rattle. It was driving Liz as insane as her description made it seem.
After a couple of minutes passed, with Liz still not any closer to figuring out what was going on inside her head, her nostrils picked up a strange scent. It was familiar, even if she didn't know why. Liz looked over at the door and blinked. She blinked a few more times. She lifted a hand to her eyes and wiped them, but that didn't change what she saw.
Standing right outside her doorway was Michael Guerin.
Liz grabbed the remote and turned off the muted television - though she still could hear it - and watched as Michael came in. She was really confused as she had always gotten the impression Michael didn't like her.
"Um, hi."
Michael nodded. He ran a hand through his hair before shoving both hands into the pockets on the front of his jeans. He was giving her the impression he had even less idea than she did on why he was here. After a few more moments of awkward silence, he just sighed. "Look, I'm just going to say this. You aren't going to understand this until you and Maxwell talk, but I just, I'm going to say it." He paused, and Liz just stared in confusion. "I'm sorry. I'm sure that confuses you even more, but, well, I'm sorry. It was nothing personal. You're a nice girl, I'm sorry it happened, and I'm going to do everything I can to help Maxwell keep you and your family safe."
Liz could only stare at Michael as if he'd come in wearing the full waitress ensemble from the Crashdown. Yeah, he'd been right, that only confused her more. She didn't understand what he'd done or why he and Maxwell had to keep her safe. She thought her parents said the shooting, whatever had happened, was all a mix-up, and that she wasn't even the intended target. So why would she and her family need to be kept safe? She couldn't identify the shooter or anything like that. She was confused. However, she also felt a little better with him around.
Why had the howling faded slightly right when Michael showed up?
"Try not to freak out, okay? Max will be here soon. I'm gonna just hover around until he's here, and then he'll keep you safe." Michael paused, then walked over and did something
really weird. He stroked her hair, his entire hand rubbing over her hair, then he ran his hand over her face and neck and shoulders. He smiled tightly. "Extra precaution until Maxwell shows up." He then turned and simply walked out of the room.
Liz could only stare at the door as if Michael, still dressed in the entire Crashdown waitress ensemble, had flirted with her and then walked out like a rejected drama queen. She got the feeling she'd be less weirded out if that had been what actually happened instead. There was something really strange going on, and Liz wanted to know what it was, and why the howling was starting back up again.
The need to sleep and go back to her bizarre dreams that only seemed so unusual once she woke up was overwhelming now. Liz frantically hit that little button thingy that the doctor said would give her a nice dose of morphine - or was it codeine? She couldn't remember anymore. It was if nothing was coming up. The stupid thing hadn't worked once since she'd regained consciousness. Her thumb was beating on the button, and Liz was close to tears.
"Don't be afraid, Liz."
Liz's head shot up, and she looked around her room. There was nobody around, but she could have sworn she heard someone telling her not to be afraid. She could have sworn it was Max's voice. Liz looked around, but suddenly her eyes were heavy again. Sighing in relief, Liz silently thanked the button for working. A calming, soothing grogginess fell over her, and she finally was able to fall back to sleep.
Thanks for the awesome feedback. Someday when I update I'll actually respond to each person, but I always wind up being in too much of a hurry to get the next part posted. But thank you guys so much for the feedback. It definitely cheers me up. 
Another family emergency came up (the later year holidays is when all the bad things happen in my family), and my dad wound up having to go into the hospital for almost two days. Now he's back at home and I have to take of him. With everything going on with him, my mom's dad, and Christmas, writing time is severely limited.