0 comments/ 5673 views/ 0 favorites The Uprising: The Complete Story By: KayVamp Chapter 1 Death. Broken bodies litter the city streets. What is the meaning of all this killing? Freedom, stupidity? Maybe both, but only time will tell. I scanned my surroundings from my secure spot in the corner. My breath hitched when I caught site of a person trying to crawl out of the carnage that made up the street. I pulled the laces tighter on my thick leather combat boots and pushed up my sleeves, I needed the utmost comfort while still being protected from the harsh elements. My mind was focused on saving the person desperately crawling for safety, and I knew I was going to put myself in danger yet again for someone I didn't know. I held my standard issue gun at my side, ready to fire if necessary and crept from my secure position to peer around the corner of the building. It was clear, the fighting having moved further into the city. I checked the clip on my gun prepared myself mentally for the task at hand. I made another quick sweep of the area for danger, as pleased as I was going to be, I made my way to the injured person stopping dead in my tracks. "Jared, oh my god! Shhh, don't try to speak; I'm going to help you to safety." I glanced at his injuries. His face was bloody, his arm looked limp and his leg was clearly broken from the knee down. Shit! I exclaimed internally, I needed to move him and fast before the fighting broke out again. "Is it just the one leg that's broken, or is it both?" He held up one finger and I could see the fear in his eyes, it was going unspoken but words didn't really need to speak the common fear between us. We were both wondering how the hell I was going to carry his massive body to the shelter. "Can you lean on me and walk on the good leg?" A nod eased my mind and I made to help him up. "It's just a few yards away Jared, don't worry, they will fix your leg and arm." I was mostly talking to assure myself now, his face was too swollen and bruised up to be able to speak but his nods were reassuring me somehow. We made our way towards the underground shelter that housed the medical supplies and personnel. "I've got Thompson! Check his face, arm, leg and torso he was out in the carnage." "Yes, Captain!" A larger orderly relieved me of Jared Thompson and placed the injured man on a gurney to be checked out. I looked around, taking in what used to be my squad and what is now a bunch of torn up bodies just back from war. My heart stopped dead in my chest when I saw just who was occupying the bed furthest from me. I grabbed the nearest doctor that wasn't working on an injured and softly asked, "Is he...?" My voice trailed off unable to voice my greatest fear. "No, he's barely hanging in there. Go and let him know you are here, maybe it will help him pull through." My body didn't want to move, I was on edge from fighting off the escapees but I knew his safety was more important than my comfort level. I loved this man, whether he knew it/accepted it or not, I had to see his face before I could soothe my nerves even a fraction. He was roughed up, hell, roughed up didn't even begin to explain it. His left arm was wrapped in a black cast; his left leg looked to be in the same condition. There was a tube giving him fluids in each arm and I mentally counted all of the stitches that covered his face and chest. "Oh Edward, what in the hell did they do to you?" I ran my thumb across his bottom lip gently and sighed to myself. Edward Joseph Jones has been the only one I get up for in the morning for the last six years. We've known each other and worked together for years and I fell in love with him the moment my eyes met his. I was doomed from hello. His blue eyes made my brown/green ones shine brighter and my heart skipped a beat when he did that goofy grin of his. "Maria, we've got more wounded over here. You better come take a look." I closed my eyes and whispered softly into Edward's ear, "Don't worry, I'll be right back to you hun. I won't leave you alone for long." "What have we got here?" I took in the sight of the well dressed military officer before me and straightened my stance. "Are you Maria Romano? I'm Lieutenant Colonel John Daniels; I've been told that a few of my men are being treated here. How may I be of service to you Captain?" "Wow, this is a switch Lt. Colonel, shouldn't I be offering to help you, Sir?" He laughed and replied, "It does seem odd doesn't it? But I suppose you help those in need, especially if they know what the hell they are doing." "That's exactly how I see it sir. Please, follow me this way and I'll lead you to your men while we discuss supplies and whatnot." *********** I paced the floors of the makeshift hospital revising a plan of action. I need some way to search for survivors of this horrendous uprising and I also need to send a team to investigate why the hell this is happening. The past few weeks had been filled with convicts escaping from prisons all over the state, with no idea how they were achieving this goal, we were at a loss. Security was upped at prisons but somehow they kept escaping. I was worried, hell we all were, but I had an inkling of what was going to happen. Lately, I was having visions of a major atrocity occurring in the city causing thousands of deaths and even more captives used as bargaining chips. I hadn't slept well in two months, visions haunting my dreams and making my life a living hell and now, this was my living hell. My friends that worked in the prisons started disappearing one by one, but they weren't running away however. No, the employees at the prisons were being killed and no damn clues were left behind to lead to who was doing all of this. As a police Captain, I feared for the men on my force. I've known many of them since police academy and a few since high school, so my fears ran deep and my doubts in the judicial system ran even deeper. The one man that has stood by my side from the beginning, meaning high school when I was a cast out, was Edward. My first day of freshman year was going fine until I had gotten a nosebleed from fighting off my visions. I was still learning to control the new ability and had failed miserably in keeping the blood from my shirt. I walked around humiliated by other students because the entire front of my shirt was stained red with blood. My only solace coming from a large dark haired boy on the football team. I was pulled into the football locker room almost roughly by the most gorgeous guy I had ever seen. "Please tell me this is just a bad nosebleed, and that I don't have to kick someone's ass for hurting you." I looked up at him shocked, almost too shocked to speak. His blue eyes chilled me to my core, but then heated up my body instantly. "NnnNo, it's just a nosebleed, it's from a headache I had earlier." I stammered to speak and almost stopped breathing when the giant teenager pulled his shirt off revealing a tight six pack stomach and a chest with thick curly brown hair on it. I was in heaven, I decided that I had indeed died from blood loss and gone to heaven right there. "Here, I'll wear my football jersey and you obviously need something else to wear. I hope it doesn't smell too much like a guy for you. Come here." He pulled me into a big bear hug as I blushed immensely. "I'm Edward Jones, I know this may seem weird but I used to get nosebleeds all the time and I saw how everyone was making fun of you so I just had to help. What's your name kid?" "Maria Romano, and thanks for the shirt, it smells really nice." *********** I remember that day as if it were yesterday, and that was over five years ago. That damn man has had my heart clenched in his big strong hands for six years now, and I really hoped he wouldn't give it back. Looking back it seems so obvious that we were perfect for each other. I mean, he loves to eat and with my Italian heritage, I sure can cook! Sitting at his bedside now is draining; it takes a lot of energy to not cry. I pulled the privacy curtain and curled up beside him in his hospital bed, the only way I would sleep would be with my head on his chest and his heartbeat lulling me off to bliss. I awoke a few hours later feeling warm and protected. It was still dark out, but the moon gave off enough light to see clearly in the small cubicle like area. I felt Edward's hand move and a finger trace my jaw line. "This place gives great service Ria, hell; they even give you a beautiful woman to wake up holding!" He chuckled softly and squeezed me to him. I sighed, breathing in his masculine scent. "How ya feeling old man? You holdin' up?" "I'm better now that you're here with me. You know I hate hospitals, or hospital-like places, so waking up with you here was a big relief. Thanks Ria." He kissed my forehead and squeezed me in a hug again, god I could just die right here and be happy. That thought made my heart stop then speed up as if bursting out of my chest. I had to do something, and now. I tilted my head up, gazed into Edward's deep blue eyes taking a deep breath and softly pressed my lips to his. The electric feeling coursing through my body begged me to deepen the kiss, and when he didn't fight me I did just that. I gently ran my fingers through his shaggy brown hair and moved to straddle him while continuing our kiss. Our tongues danced together as his good hand grabbed a handful of my round backside, causing me to moan into his kiss even more. His bad hand, cast and all, was knotted in my hair keeping me close and somewhat controlling our unexpected kiss. I gasped as he groped my breast through my uniform making my nipples harden almost painfully. I ground my hips against his lap, delightfully finding his erection freely poking me through his hospital gown and blanket. After what seemed like hours of just sitting there kissing, we finally broke away from each other. Tears flowed freely from my eyes as I collapsed into his shoulder, the fear of possibly losing him finally catching up with me enough to cause a break down. I didn't have to say a word; he rubbed my back and soothed me quietly. "Shhh... Ria, it's ok, I've got you. I'm right here and I'm fine baby, don't cry." My tears finally subsided and I felt Edward's chest rising in a chuckle. "That was some kiss Ria, you sure you don't love me?" "Of course I do you fool, I always have! I've loved you since you gave me that damn shirt in high school, which I still have by the way." I nuzzled his neck, I didn't care what I said anymore, and he needed to know the truth and all of it. He chuckled again and ran his good hand through my hair. "I know, I've loved you since then too but I thought you wouldn't want to risk our friendship so I didn't push it. I had seen you come in the cafeteria that day and when you suddenly ran out, I followed you to make sure you were ok. Then, when I saw your shirt all bloody, I knew just what I had to do." He pulled me closer and kissed my forehead and cheek. "I've loved you all along Ria, you're my Ria and you always have been. You think I went to that damn prom for fun? I hate dancing, you know that, but I went for you and god Ria, you were the most beautiful girl there. It took everything I had not to kiss you like I wanted to that night. Nothing's stopping me now though, so come here woman." Our lips locked again and the gunfire heard a few blocks away didn't even register until the door burst open with soldiers bringing in more wounded. "I guess I better get back to work. I'll be back as soon as I can Edward; don't go dying on me you bastard." I smiled and leaned in for a brief kiss before climbing down from his bed and making my way to the newly wounded to assess the damage and draw out a new plan. I could tell I had a long night ahead of me, and a new reason to end this fighting for good. Chapter 2 Thanks to Lt. Colonel John Daniels, my team was now equipped with military grade weapons. I crouched on the rooftop of the BB&T bank building, having moved some of my men there as a new post. The men and women trapped here when the fighting broke out were glad to see our arrival, bringing with us some sense of comfort and safety. I stood in front of a semi-circle of my best men and prepared to hand out orders. "Stephens, you and Andrews are to head to the rooftop. You will guard the building from intruders that intend to do harm to the civilians throughout this building. Trent, you and Collins are to go with them. Make sure at least two of you have the communicators in case you need to get in touch with base. Stephens, you'll be in charge." I looked to see if they had any questions before continuing. "Jacobs, take Brock, Fisher, and Johnston to ground level. Any civilians found are to be brought to the fourth floor where any medical needs they have can be met. Jacobs, you're in charge so take the communicator and stay together. I don't want to lose my men today." The only ones remaining were my best on the team. The only girls on my squad, but for a damn good reason, these three were the best. "Michaels, Sharp, Hardins, you three are to take the basement and bring in any survivors you find from the streets. I trust you with the most difficult job naturally. Be careful and watch each others back like always, there are innocent people that need our help. Each of you need a communicator, stay on channel 4 because everyone will be keeping in touch via the communicators. Stay within two blocks radius until cleared by me, unless you see a survivor within sensible reach. Stick to the shadows like we discussed and you should be fine." "Captain, where can we find you if we need you?" "I'll be on the third floor. One of the windows has been broken just enough to fire my rifle at possible intruders. Remember, stay low and keep your wits about you." With that we all went our separate ways. I quickly made my way down the flight of stairs to the third floor and positioned myself in the window. I set up the Robar SR-60 allowing just the barrel to barely peer out of the broken spot. Using the scope, I located a group of escapees in the clock tower across the courtyard. Silently lining up my shot, I took out the biggest that appeared to be giving out orders to the others. The other four barely had time to register what had happened when I had finished taking out the last one. My mission was clear. Remove those who pose a threat to civilians and intend to cause harm to my men. I scanned the area for others on rooftops or near the surrounding area and came up clear. I decided to check in on my crew and grabbed my communicator. "Stephens, come in. Do you read me?" "Loud and clear boss, what's your twenty?" "Third floor, how's your position looking?" "All's quiet at the moment boss, those boys on the clock tower seem to have been alone. I'll keep an eye out and alert you to any activity." "Ten-four Stephens, I'm heading to ground level to help Jacobs' team with civilian round up. Keep me posted." I made my way down the staircase slowly but with determination. Nearing the ground level entranceway, I peered out the glass reinforced doors and made note that all seemed clear at the moment. Pulling out my communicator, I located Jacobs and his team to be in the bank section of the floor. "Jacobs, do any need medical attention? Serious cases first mind you." "No ma'am, the gunshots inside the bank area seem to have missed all patrons except for minor injuries such as cuts and bruises. All doors and windows have been secured and the entire floor has been cleared for intruders. Ma'am, maybe we should leave Johnston and Fisher down here to maintain the floor after we move all civilians to the fourth floor?" I quickly sorted out the details of leaving two of my men on their own and decided the pros outweighed the cons tremendously. "Johnston and Fisher, make sure you both have communicators and go to separate ends of the building. I want this building completely secure, the back entrance has been boarded up with no way of possible entry but I still want an eye kept on it. Report back to each other often and stay in contact with the rest of the group. Understood?" Their quick nods and movement to their posts told me that it was the right decision to assign the two men to the task. "Good work Stephens, we'll discuss a promotion when this is all over. The rest of you start getting the civilians upstairs to level four. No loud voices, we don't want to draw attention to ourselves anymore than necessary. Keep voices at a whisper and make sure everyone follows that order." I heard static coming from my communicator and quickly grabbed it to check the line. "Code 30! Officer Hardins down, request backup immediately." My heart rate raced as I made my way to the lower level basement and silently into the streets. Diana Hardins was one of my best officers and also a dear friend, I knew I was risking my ass to save her but there's nothing more important than your team and friends. I pulled my 9 mm out of my ankle holster and prepared myself for seek and retrieve. Scanning my surroundings, I took in the scene. I could clearly see Hardins on the ground, but still firing at the incoming shots. Next to Hardins was Sharp, using a car hood to shield herself and Hardins from the incoming fire and yet Michaels was nowhere to be found. I braced myself and checked to see if anyone else was around to take shots at. I crouched low and ran for the car hood being held up by Sharp, who was beginning to look pale. Bullets flew past me as I made my way behind the shield and grabbed one end to take some of the weight off of a slowly fading Tara Sharp. "What the hell is going on!?! Where's Michaels?" "They have her boss, the first line of fire went out and she took a hit in the leg. From what I could tell, it didn't hit the artery but it hindered her escape. They swooped in and drug her back to the main post office building. Hardins and I tried shooting out their knee caps but we were unsuccessful in retrieving Michaels. Hardins took a hit in her thigh, still missing any major veins but its deep; someone's going to have to dig it out and soon." "Shit, Sharp! You're bleeding too. Looks like you caught one in the shoulder, how you feeling besides the obvious? Can you help me with Hardins here? Let's use the shield to make it back to the building. Hardins, can you walk at all?" "I can limp boss, that's how I made it over here. Don't worry boss, I'm stronger than I look." "Alright, on three we'll lift you up on your good leg and you'll lean on me. Got it? Sharp, drag that shield along since we can't fight the shots and hall Hardins too. Can you handle that with your shoulder, or do we need to switch positions?" "Not a problem boss, I barely feel it right now. Let's get Hardins to safety so we can kill those bastards and get Michaels back." We rushed back to the bank using Sharp's shield and I ended up slinging Hardins over my shoulders firemen style to get her back to the bank quickly. Daniel Brock and Todd Jacobs were waiting to help us when we returned. "Where's Michaels, is she hurt too?" Todd Jacobs' face showed his fears; if they weren't already dating I would swear he was crushing on her. "A group of the escapees got her; she was shot in the leg which led to her capture." I looked at his face as it fell, "Don't worry; I'm already concocting a plan to get her back." He nodded then grabbed Hardins as she collapsed from blood loss. "Get her upstairs! I'll alert the medical team and make sure they are ready when you get up there." I grabbed my communicator and warned the medical staff of incoming wounded. I grabbed my cell phone and called the Lt. Colonel first. The Uprising: The Complete Story "Daniels." "Lt. Colonel, I need your assistance. Two of my team are injured; another one is captured as well as injured. I need the floor plans for the entire block ASAP. Is this attainable sir?" I held my breath, I knew that if I was going to get Michaels back that Lt. Colonel Daniels was the only option I had. "Absolutely Captain Romano. I'll have my men gather the documents and send a helicopter your way. Send your wounded back here, I'm sending you ten of my best men and women on the helicopter. Stay safe, I'll have my men out there in no more than twenty minutes." The line went dead and I let out the breath I had been holding. Thank god, I'm going to need all the help I can get. Chapter 3 My head was spinning with everything that had happened in the last twenty minutes. One of my best team members was captured after being shot by escapees and a second team member of mine was also shot requiring hospitalization. This alone was enough to send me reeling into a downward spiral, but throw in the fact that my, recently acquired, boyfriend was sitting in a hospital bed in an underground shelter and my head was threatening to explode right off of my shoulders. Good news came that lifted a small amount of worry off my shoulders, Edward was in fact doing better and was up and starting to move around. After fearing I might lose him before he were ever mine almost killed me and that was only a few days ago. I don't even want to think about what it feels like to lose the only person in the world who knows of and trusts in my visions and doesn't criticize me for them. He's also the only person I have ever cared about enough to let inside my crazy world. It just so happened that I fell in love with the beast of a teenager the day he saved me from wearing a blood soaked shirt all day in high school, my heart was forever his after that day and continues to be so. My mind wandered back to the day Edward made me confess what was causing my nose bleeds and headaches. Finally having been fed up with my constant cover ups for the nose bleeds and headaches, Edward pushed me into his bedroom and locked the door, further preventing my escape since he stood between it and me. Flashback "Damn it Ria, no more lies! What's wrong with you that makes you get these headaches and shit? Is it something I should worry about because as of right now I'm scared shitless because you won't tell me a fucking thing and I can't take it anymore!" My body shook slightly with excitement at the thought of being pinned to the wall by Edward but shook more so with the fear of losing his friendship over my visions. I sighed in defeat, there was no way out of telling him without pushing him away and I most definitely did not want to push him anywhere but to his bed, which isn't happening because I'm frozen to this spot with anticipation damn it. "Fine, I'll tell you but I don't want one word muttered of insanity or lies because I'm telling the truth and I refuse to be treated any different than you treat me now. Got it?" Edward nodded his agreement and eased off of me a bit almost bringing a moan of disappointment along with his movement. "God, you're going to think I'm insane but I guess this was going to happen eventually. Alright, so I have visions. Visions that allow me to see what will most likely happen in the near future. They can happen during the day or during my sleep, which is where they are strongest because nothing interferes with them in my sleep. They can be overwhelming sometimes but are usually controllable. Close your mouth before you're eating bugs Edward, it's really not attractive on your handsome face." He snapped his mouth shut and stuttered with his words before forming a complete sentence that actually made sense. "Let me get this straight, you have visions that allow you to see into the future and they cause you to have nose bleeds?" He shook his head, "I'm a little confused but I know you better than to think you're lying. Care to explain a little more, I mean can you choose what you see or is it random?" "First of all, the visions themselves don't cause my nose bleeds, ignoring the visions for long periods of time cause the nose bleeds which also causes the headaches. Second, no I can't choose what I see, but its not completely random either. I mean, I only see people I actually know somehow, whether they be directly linked to me or through a friend of a friend." I trailed off as his eyes grew as big around as teacups. "Holy shit, that's how you knew for me not to get on that damn bus for the away game last week! The bus wrecked just outside of town while the driver had a seizure, my god Ria you saved my life!" "That was the general idea there Einstein." I said with a grin and his smile matched mine. End Flashback My communicator vibrating sky rocketed me out of the conversation with Edward, and thoughts of how he had immediately accepted my visions, and brought me back to the real world "Romano." "Captain, its Stephens I just wanted to let you know that we have the blue prints for the entire block. They are available back at the shelter as you requested." "Thank you Stephens, I'm on my way now." I ended the call and made my way towards the underground shelter that not only held my team but also all wounded, including Edward. My heart skipped as I thought of seeing him again, hopefully without the tubes, I hated seeing him look so vulnerable. I slid through the shadows of the street noticing movement on my way towards the shelter. What the hell is that, a limo?!? Why is there a limo out in the middle of town while there are escapees holding the city hostage? I made my way slowly towards where the limo was parked, noticing the building it was currently stationed in front of as well as a few inmate uniforms scattered about the area. Cliché much, for the love of god they are hiding in the damn sun sphere! I pulled out my communicator and made a quick dash for an alley not too far away. "Stephens, I think I've caught a break in the case. I'm not coming straight there, in fact I want you to grab the team and gather in my office immediately. Say nothing to anyone that's not part of our team. I'm calling the Lt. Colonel and then I'm heading to my office." "Yes Ma'am, I'll gather everyone now and we will be waiting in your office per your arrival." I dialed the Lt. Colonel and asked him to join my team in my office immediately and was eternally grateful he was able on such short notice. Silently, I slide my communicator into its holster on my belt and slid into a doorway in the alley. The escapees scattered around the sun sphere and limo all stopped talking when the passenger of the limo appeared causing me to choke down a gasp at the sight of the muscular man emerging from the limo. Son of a bitch it's that rat bastard Hutchinson! Why didn't anyone think to link this to him? He's been slowly getting rid of every officer at the jail that doesn't agree with his ideas, of course I have no solid proof of this which is exactly why he isn't behind bars himself but damn it I should have known! Grabbing my communicator, I switched on the video feature and recorded Hutchinson shaking hands with the escapees and making his way into the sun sphere with them voluntarily. I've got proof now you bastard, you're not getting away from me again I'll make damn sure of it. When I was sure Hutchinson was in one of the suites of the sun sphere, I scanned the remaining escapees and noticed something that made my heart flutter in excitement. Standing idly off to the side of the street was someone I knew very well from putting his ass in jail quite a few times. Oh yes, my day just got extremely better because now, I've got the perfect way to get the inside scoop on this scandalous operation. And my in is currently looking for a way out. The look in Tony Sterling's eyes made it clear that he wanted out from under Hutchinson's rule quickly. Being a well-known rat probably didn't bode well for Sterling's popularity with Hutchinson after all. Knowing what I had to do next made my body relax slightly knowing that I would succeed without any problem. I had to lure in Tony "the rat" Sterling and I had the perfect bait in mind. Thank god for small favors. Tony Sterling noticed me from the corner of his eye when I allowed myself to be seen a mere twenty feet from his current post. See, even though I had been the one to put Sterling in jail, we had no hard feelings since it was to protect his boney ass and he practically begged me to bury him under the jail so that none of his old 'business partners' could reach him. *** I finally reached my under ground office a short twenty minutes later, a trip that should have taken less than ten but with an extra passenger so to speak, it took a bit longer. "You know the drill, keep your eyes down and your mouth shut until I say otherwise." That's all that needed to be said and I knew he wouldn't mutter a word until then because his safety was on the line. We entered my office and all eyes grew wider with the realization of who exactly I had with me. Stephens fought to contain a knowing smile as I made my way to my desk, locking the door behind me. "We obviously have a quest and I'm sure a few of you have already met. I want to start with something else first, everyone take out their communicators and watch the video I've sent you." The quiet of the room was broken by sudden gasps of realization and a few groans of disgust. Once all eyes were back on me, I continued addressing my team and Lt. Colonel Daniels. "And now you see where our guest comes in at. Where are the blue prints, we need to devise a plan of rescue immediately, especially since we know who is behind the situation." I was interrupted by Tony Sterling, which surprised me because he doesn't usually speak until I've formally addressed him. "You better hurry, he knows who she is and who she's working for and he plans to torture her then kill her just to spite you. She's not where you think she is, she's in the building you were running your outfit from the day she was captured. Top floor, suite three. She's guarded but not heavily, since he didn't think you'd check there. He's one sick bastard." He paused to let his information sink in, "Last I saw, she had lost a lot of blood from her gunshot wound and he had tried to beat information out of her. I'm sure you know how well that went over, you should be proud, she never even whimpered." He hung his head ashamed. His sudden outburst said and done with, he stared at the floor silently while I issued my orders. I assigned Stephens, Johnston, Fisher, Trent and Collins to finding an alternate route into the BB&T building as well as preparing everyone for the swoop. Lt. Colonel Daniels pulled me aside to ensure his men would be ready in less than fifteen minutes and were being informed of the situation as we spoke. I thanked him and made my way over to Andrews, Brock and Jacobs. "Andrews and Brock, you two head over to the conference room and pull all the information you can on James Hutchinson and prepare to present what you've found as well as what I've shown you in the video to the rest of the squad." The two men bound from the room leaving only Jacobs to my left. He was silent, knowing what was coming. I sighed and pulled myself together. "I know boss, I'm pulled from this mission because of my emotional ties. I understand completely." I couldn't help but feel like an asshole for pulling him from the swoop even though it would be dangerous for him to be involved. "I'm honestly sorry I can't allow you to go Jacobs, I would be a wreck if it were..." "The Deputy Chief? Yes, I know ma'am, you got that look when you saw him laid out with all the tubing the other day. I had a feeling before then, but that day solidified my thoughts. I hope you aren't upset that I said anything; you know there's no reason to hide it though don't you? I mean, everyone in the entire squad has been wondering when it would finally happen to be completely honest with you ma'am." I stared at him shocked for a moment, then busted out laughing at the idea of everyone seeing it but Edward and me. Hell, I wonder if Edward knew and just didn't push me into it knowing how big of a mistake that would be! "No worries Jacobs, I've loved that damn fool since high school but you keep that bit to yourself, hear me?" "Ma'am, yes, ma'am! You've got my word on that, you know too many things on me for me to do something that stupid!" He laughed out the last bit which relieved me slightly. I knew he had been a mess and hadn't slept a wink since the last mission which led to his fiancée being captured. "You know I'll bring her back to you don't you? I'll do everything I can to ensure it Jacobs, I mean that." "Yes ma'am, she speaks highly of you from your college days together you know? If I didn't already work for you, she pretty much would have sold me on switching jobs by the way she talks about your leadership. Damn it, now I sound like a kiss ass but I swear its all true Captain." "It's Ria, Jacobs, I'm only Captain or ma'am in front of the suits so cut it out. Go catch some sleep in one of the empty beds. There are a lot to choose from thank god. We have a while before the swoop; you know where to find me." He laughed as I made my way to Edward's cubicle, happy to find him resting peacefully minus any tubing but a small I.V. I curled up beside him, opposite the I.V. of course, and snuggled into his strong wide chest. I suddenly realized just how tired I was and was soon lulled off into sleep by the beating of Edward's strong sturdy heart beat. *** At twenty-four, James Hutchinson was a handsome officer on his way to the promotion of his dreams. He worked hard everyday to cover what a true monster he really was; his wife wore the brunt of his anger and aggression hidden under her long sleeves and jeans. Even with his credible job title and the badges of honor that decorated his dress blues, I could tell something was off about him. None of the females on the force dared to be alone in a room with Hutchinson, married or not he was handsy and demanding. Growing up in a relatively small town made knowing a majority of the population a bit easier. When twenty-one year old James Hutchinson married my then best friend, seventeen year old Jennifer Buckner, I was excited and hopeful for my best friend. Of course, being sixteen at the time made me a little dense to the situation at hand. I had noticed the way James would look at the girls at mine and Jennifer's work, the local grocery store Bates' Grocery, and I would also notice the heated glances between a few of them. At the time, I thought nothing of it because James Hutchinson was in fact a handsome man. Standing just barely over six feet tall, his buzzed hair cut made his green eyes pop and his muscular arms and shoulders made every girl stop and stare and damn it if James Hutchinson used every bit of it to his advantage. At twenty, Jennifer announced that she was expecting their first child and beamed a happy glow of excitement. Two months later, I was working one of my first shifts on the force as a rookie answering domestic calls when I was sent to the Hutchinson family home. The sight that met me there still haunts me to this day, Jennifer lie motionless in a pool of blood in her living room floor. James was being stitched up from a blow to the head by one of the 'attackers' that had invaded his home. That was the day I changed forever. Changed into the harsh, hidden person I am today. Jennifer's murderers were never found, but I knew it hadn't been just anyone, no, it was Hutchinson but I wasn't sure why at the time. I watched as my best friend and her unborn child were laid to rest in the cemetery a few blocks from my home and silently swore to be strong for her. James Hutchinson was twenty-six when he was released from the police force for disorderly conduct. No one really knows what he does now, but at thirty-two years old I know he's a cold-hearted killer that's about to be brought down. And when he goes down, I'll be the one he's looking up at. *** Dream sequence: present day "Ria, my god you look good girl! Come here, let me get a good look at you, I haven't seen you in years." I knew it was a dream before I even saw her, but my eyes threatened to spill the tears forming when she brought me in for a hug. She was warm and life-like and just as happy as the day she announced her pregnancy. "J-Jennifer, is that you? You look good too, how are you?" I looked her over and noticed there was no slightly rounded bump to her belly anymore but there was still the glow to her warm sun-kissed skin. "I think we both know I'm great, Ria. Do you want to see her? She's beautiful Ria; I wish you could have really met her." Jennifer turned and walked to a pink bassinet that I hadn't noticed before and walked over holding her beautiful baby girl. She smiled and handed the small bundle to me excitedly. I gazed down on the beautiful little creature that was a perfect blend of Jennifer and James. Jennifer's blonde hair was in ringlet curls while James' green eyes shined brightly up at me from the pink blanket. I smiled and whispered down to the bundle softly, "Hi there little Angel, I'm your aunt Maria." A soft chuckle brought my eyes from the beautiful green ones smiling at me up to meet Jennifer's blue ones. "I knew you'd remember. I've had that name picked out since I was twelve. I've missed you so much Maria, but we've been watching over you. I'm so proud of what you've become little Ria, but you've got to open up a little more with Edward. He's loved you since high school, just as you have him so let him in and stop worrying that he won't want the real you. He knows you better than you do if you want the truth." My eyes burned with unshed tears again as I listened to her voice and noticed a sing-song quality to it that I found fitting. I handed back the small bundle known as Angel and waited for what I knew was coming. Her body kept up the relaxed happy emotions as our conversation switched to what was for sure the last thing I wanted to currently think of. "Be safe Maria, he's pure evil and he's not afraid to hurt you to get what he wants. He knows you suspect him of my death and knows you'll reveal the truth eventually. I have faith in you Ria; I know you can handle bringing him down for everything he's done and currently doing. Don't be sad for me Maria, we're safe now and we love you. Your parents and I are with you in your heart forever, please don't forget that." "Please don't go just yet, I've missed you so much and I'm not ready to let you go yet." She smiled sadly at me and cupped my cheek in her hand. "I'm not ready either Ria, but we'll never really be ready. Just remember that we all love and miss you, don't you dare forget that." A tear streamed down my face as the scene disappeared before me and I awoke to Edward's arms wrapped around me soothingly. I buried my face in his chest as the tears finally broke free. Edward never said a word, knowing that words wouldn't help me, but placed soft kisses on my head and rubbed small soothing circles on my back while I finally grieved for my best friend and niece. *** Chapter 4 I gathered my team and went to work on finalizing a plan on how to successfully breach back into the BB&T bank without being detected by the escapees that are keeping Michaels hostage. We quickly determined that going in through the basement parking garage and sneaking up the stairs was the best tactic since they were not heavily armed, nor expecting our attack. A team of 10 followed behind me as we snuck into the parking garage of the bank and covertly climbed the stairs to the top floor. Peaking through the glass of the stairwell door allowed us to assess that there were two guards armed only with police grade berretta M9 pistols. Armed in our Kevlar vests and padding, we rushed the guards, disarming them before any shots were fired. Thankfully, since our attack was unexpected, the two guardsmen were the only ones watching over Michaels. We made a quick recovery and I sent the crew back to headquarters so the emergency crew could check over Michaels, who had been unconscious since we retrieved her. I watched as my crew moved lithely through the shadows back to the safety of the stadium. The Uprising: The Complete Story As soon as my crew was out of sight, I made my way towards the sun sphere. I knew I could find James there in his new hideout and I knew I could probably find a way to get some damn headway in this case. I'm sick and tired of that dirty bastard always getting what he wants and I plan on doing something about it starting now. I stopped myself when I had a clear view of the sun sphere from a parking garage a few yards away, calming my anger so that I could take on this mission with a clear head. My personal ties to this case couldn't get in the way of the law, I'll be damned if my actions get James out of trouble just because I didn't do things the conventional way! I scanned the perimeter, taking in the new men guarding the entrances to the elevators used to reach the floors of the sun sphere. Four men, one set on the upper level facing my position and the other on the lower level facing the water. I could take out the two at the lower level by sneaking in from the alleyway between the bridge and the Holiday Inn; use the level of surprise to my advantage. I did a quick inventory of weapons I held on my person and decided to use the flexi cuffs to restrain the men and my police issue handgun for protection, hoping I wouldn't need to use it since this wasn't a "kill and go" type mission. I checked my clip and froze. Nausea rippled over me as my vision went blurry and I fell back into the concrete wall. Vision Two bodies lie motionless on the ground, both with their own small pool of blood. I stepped around the blood, careful not to leave noticeable footprints as I secured the flexi cuffs around the men's wrists behind their back and made my way toward back toward the alleyway I had come in through. I held my position as I checked to make sure the commotion didn't alert the other two guards and breathed a quiet sigh of relief when it appeared that I was in the clear. I breezed through the alleyway, finding a maintenance door unlocked of the hotel using it to slowly enter the building. I silently made my way through the hallways, steering clear of the main room's large glass windows, finding my way to the opposite end of the hotel that faced the side of the sun sphere. From my vantage point, I could clearly see the other two guards without being seen. I palmed my handgun and made sure the butt of the gun was clear of any blood it had acquired when I smashed it into the guards nose effectively knocking them unconscious. End Vision I gasped as my vision cleared and my surroundings came back clearly, displaying the exact place my vision had left me in last. I leaned against the wall for support. Not once had my visions controlled my body at any time since I've been having them. No, this was definitely a first and honestly quite freaky. I noticed my hands were shaking so I calmed myself by taking deep breaths and slowly taking in my surroundings. Just like in my vision, I could clearly see the remaining two guards at the upper level elevators only now one was talking on a cell phone. Something black and shiny caught my attention from the corner of my eye. A black SUV driving on the pathway had me fall back into the shadows of the hallway of the hotel as I watched James Hutchinson appear from the backseat and walk towards the guards followed by three more of his men. Although the guards themselves were intimidating, they sunk back in fear of James and I couldn't help but agree with them that he was pure evil but I definitely wasn't going to let that stop me. I watched as James taunted the guards for a few minutes before taking the elevator up to the top of the sun sphere. I knew my time would be limited, I needed to get to the guards before James reached the top and would be able to see my incoming attack. Taking a deep breath, I eased open the hotel door and ran towards the unsuspecting guards. Someone must have been watching over me because the guards didn't notice my assent until it was too late, earning them the same fate as the other guards. I watched the lights on the elevator, telling me which floor James had stopped on and once it stopped, I pushed the call button and waited for the doors to open and take me up. I took a small sigh of relief when I recalled that the floor James had exited on was the office building floor and was set up with a waiting room at the entrance. I knew I'd have to fight off more guards, but at least I wouldn't be faced with guards and James at the same time, I'd still have slight surprise attack abilities. I checked my handgun again for good measure and took steady deep breaths as the elevator climbed. The doors opened slowly and allowed the cool air to pour into the elevator, two guards peered in the elevator confused as to another arrival. Using their stupidity against them, I quickly roundhouse kicked one in the face, then forced the second guard's nose back into his face using the palm of my hand, a quick but gruesome way of disabling an attacker. A quick assessment of the room proved that the two idiots behind me were the only ones standing watch of the room. I made quick work of cuffing their hands and feet with the flexi cuffs and made makeshift gags out of their own shirts that I ripped off of them. I definitely didn't need their screaming to alert the others of my presence. Grabbing their handguns and the extra clip of each gun, I made my way toward the solid oak door that stood behind the reception-like desk in the room. Muffled voices could be heard from just behind it and I listened to see what I could gather about how many were in the room and what exactly was going on. "We haven't seen any signs of them boss. They are either hiding out like pansies or sticking to the shadows like frickin ninjas or sumthin' because we ain't seen nor heard from em' sir." I rolled my eyes at the stereotypical southern hick drawl, I've lived here my entire damn life and I don't sound like that. Just goes to show you that some people really fit the pathetic stereotype. "I assure you they are out there, Boyd. Its only a matter of you getting your head out of your ass long enough to find them! Where the fuck did they find you anyway, out in the holler for fucks sake?" I listened to an angry James and winced as I heard the man referred to as Boyd being beaten by, I assumed, James and his guards. Footsteps towards the door alerted me to fall back and allow the men to leave the room. This would work well for me, give me time to take on a few at once instead of all of them which would hinder my abilities slightly but enough for trouble. The heavy door opened and allowed two guards dragging a bloody and unconscious Boyd to exit the room before slamming shut behind them. Acting quickly, I charged the guards from behind and used the butt of my gun to smack into the backs of their heads to knock them out cold. Not only did I want to save my ammo, but I didn't want to alert the rest of them to my presence with the sound of gunshots. Once the guards were out cold, I cuffed their hands and feet and drug them in front of the desk taking them out of view of the office should anyone else exit the room. I checked Boyd for pulse and breathing sounds and found a steady beat and only slightly weakened breath sounds, meaning he was only unconscious and would wake eventually. For safe measure, I drug him in front of the desk along with the others and cuffed him before making my way back to the main office door. The muffled voices faded away and were replaced by footsteps once again. The remaining guard from the SUV appeared but stopped in the doorway. It was then I noticed the bloodstains on the carpet clearly visible from his position. The guard made to reach for his weapon, but I disarmed him and ran into the office slamming the door shut behind me, effectively locking myself in the office with the bastard that killed my best friend. A look of surprise flitted across James' face as he looked up from his desk to see me standing before him, but quickly changed into an evil smile as he realized who I was. "My, my. If it isn't little Ria Romano. He laughs in an intimidating way, or so he thinks. I was wondering when we'd come across one another, and now here we are. Kudos on taking on my men single handedly, as I'm sure you've come alone knowing you." Standing from his chair, he slowly walks toward the glass behind him overlooking the city skyline and makes himself a drink from the bar set up on a small table. "I'd offer you a drink but it appears you're on duty, and we both know that's not allowed." He smirks at me from behind his glass and finishes his drink. He'd be damn sexy if he weren't pure evil. His dark hair was still buzzed short like I remembered it and his green eyes still bore into you as if he were seeing your soul. Yes he looked exactly the same, only now his eyes were cold and filled with hate. His lean muscular body wore black slacks and a dark blue button up with the sleeves rolled up. He looked exactly the same as he did all those years ago, save a few gray hairs at his temple which only aided his appeal. I noticed the smirk on his face. "See something you like Ria? Oh dear, just what would Jennifer say to you looking at me like that? Why, I think she'd be heartbroken that her best friend was checking me out. Don't you agree?" I wanted to punch that smirk off his smug face. How dare he mention her! He had no right to even think of her, let alone taunt me with her memory. "Are you finished being a smug bastard, or should I continue to appear like I give a damn what you have to say James?" His laugh filled the room once again as he walked around the desk and leaned against the front of it, facing me with his arms crossed over his chest. "Why don't we just get down to business hmm? You always were a 'cut to the chase' type of girl, I think that's one of the reasons you got under my damn skin. If you'd have been a good girl and learned your place in the world, I might have gone after you instead of Jenny, but alas you had to be stubborn. Look what your stubbornness did for poor Jennifer, got her killed in a home invasion." His air quotes pissed me off more than his speaking of her like he had a right to. "You know, you don't talk much do ya? Huh, maybe I should have chosen you instead." His laugh filled the room once again but was cut short when the heel of my combat boot came in contact with his gut followed quickly by my fist to his nose. "Shut your fucking mouth! You don't speak until I say so you smug bastard." He moved to attack me back but was met with another kick, only this time to the side of his head. "Now see what you've done? I came here to talk, but now you've pissed me off." I kicked him again because I felt like it and that bastard deserved it. I hauled his ass back to his chair and cuffed him to it, using every possible place his body could be attached to the chair to my advantage. I wheeled him around to the other side of the room and placed his back to the door before perching myself on top of his desk with my handgun drawn. I readied my weapon before I spoke. "Now listen asshole, we're going to do this my way since you had to go and fuck up my original plan like the douche you are. So this is how its going to work, listen up because I'm not in the mood to fucking repeat myself. You're going to answer my questions and give me the information I want, then I'm going to call for backup and have your ass hauled off. Those are the rules of the game, don't like them, don't play but I promise you, you won't like the alternative." I pulled the switchblade from my boot and took a moment to gather my thoughts, as well as let dumbass soak up the wonderfulness that is getting your ass kicked by a girl. I watched as he spit blood on the carpet in front of himself and glared at me. "First question. Why did you try to take over the city?" Simple enough question, and definitely straight to the point. I clearly wasn't in the mood to beat around the bush. I watched James sit back in the chair as much as he could and rolled my eyes at the smirk that crossed his face. "Because I can Ria. What other reason is there? I'm better than all the fucking losers appointed to take care of this city, so I decided to take over." I laughed, "Apparently not dumbass, considering you're the one cuffed to the chair and bleeding. Next question. Why did you kill Jennifer, and don't give me your usual bullshit story either." James rolled his eyes at me. "I killed her because she just wouldn't fucking listen. She thought she could knew everything and she claimed she would leave me if I didn't stop sleeping around on her. Then when she announced she was pregnant, I knew it was time to get rid of her. She whined enough as it was, I didn't want to deal with her ass getting hormonal during her pregnancy. Besides, she had fulfilled her purpose as far as I was concerned. She got me my promotions by being the good little wife that cooked dinners for my boss and his wife. Her job was complete as far as I was concerned, so I got rid of her. End of story." I kicked him hard in the face. "You son of a bitch! You could have left her! You didn't have to fucking kill her and her baby!" "It was my baby too, bitch!" I kicked him again, not caring if he died or what the consequences would be for me. "You gave up your right to call her that when you killed her mother, so don't you dare call that baby yours again or I'll kill you myself you twisted son of a bitch." I seethed. My body ached with the force I was using to kick the bastard. I wanted to walk out of there with his blood and brains on my boot, but I knew I needed to reel it in a bit and calm down. I couldn't rightfully bring him to justice if he were a fucking corpse, so I needed to chill out before I went too far. I watched as he spit out a mouthful of blood again and smiled at the tooth that landed in the floor with it. I grabbed my communicator and called for backup. I gave my location and floor number and requested a full unit for the removal of the main suspect and perp. I also informed headquarters of the detained men involved before cutting off my communicator and walking behind James to open the door. I stopped in the doorway and spoke over my shoulder, "I told you I'd get your ass. Doesn't it feel good to know that 'little Ria Romano' kicked your sorry ass and took you down? Have fun in the big house, you've gotten quite a few angry men in even more trouble so I expect you to have a lovely and warm welcoming waiting for you." *** The city slowly went back to normal with the capture of James and the escapees. James' trial lasted seven months and had to have a jury brought in from Nashville for fairness. He was sentenced to life with no chance of parole for the attempt at taking over the city of Knoxville. He was also sentence with several counts of murder for the civilians killed during the uprising, which only stacked on more years to his life sentence. He confessed to having Jennifer killed and was sentenced with her murder as well as her baby's. Jennifer's parents and I visited the grave together, leaving her favorite daisies on her grave with a metal angel as decoration. My entire crew all received promotions for their work in bringing down the uprising. Most went on to continue serving the city of Knoxville while a few went on to even bigger things. Allyson Michaels fully recovered and went on to marry Todd Jacobs right after her release from physical therapy. They've been happily married for twelve years and have three adorable little girls. They currently live on the outskirts of town in the more rural part of town with a decent sized lot of land. Tara Sharp recovered nicely from her gunshot wound and was promoted to my position when I retired seven years ago. I knew it was time to let someone else take over and let me live a semi normal life. She went on to marry Lt. Colonel John Daniels and now resides in Germany with their two children. Diana Hardins had to have three transfusions after being shot that day and fought a hard battle but didn't make it in the end. The bullet had nicked her femoral artery and the surgeons couldn't repair the tear in time to save her. Her picture and plague still hang on the hero wall along with all the others lost during the uprising in remembrance of her great service and sacrifice. Edward returned to his usual self after suffering two gunshot wounds, a broken arm and two broken ribs. We moved in together shortly after James' capture and got married ten years ago, two years after my "retirement" from the force. We now live in a small county a few hours outside of Knoxville where Edward is the sheriff. We live with our twin boys, Issac and Austin, and our daughter Elizabeth Renee named after her aunt Jennifer. The End **A/N** I know some of you will be sad or angry to see this story come to an end, but I simply didn't see it going anywhere else. I wrote the update with NO intentions of ending the story, but it felt right once I read it. I wanted to let the reader's imagination take control of what happened to the characters but also have something to close with. I hope you all have enjoyed this story because I certainly enjoyed using my hometown as a setting and may do so in the future with upcoming stories. Thank you for reading.