Sam and Andy are together, but haven't told one another they love each other. Will being in a life and death situation change that?

I combined an idea I got from Flashpoint with a request for a certain concept to come up with this story. It ended up more emotional than I planned, but I hope everyone enjoys it. :) This will be a multi-chapter story, but not nearly as long as my last ones. Please leave a review and let me know what you think. :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Rookie Blue.

Chapter 1

The day started out like any other. After parade, Andy grabbed two cups of coffee before meeting Sam at their cruiser. It was a beautiful day, spring was in the air and Andy was in a fantastic mood.

"Morning," she said cheerily as she handed Sam one of the coffees she held.

Sam smiled. His fingers laying over hers lightly as the cup transferred between their hands. "I missed you last night."

Andy walked around the car and slid into the passenger seat. "I know, but I promised Traci a girl's night. Come over tonight. I'll cook dinner." When they were stopped at a red light down the street, Sam leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on her lips.

"I talked to Sarah last night. She's excited about us visiting this weekend. I think she's more excited to see you than me," Sam said, shaking his head in amusement.

"You know she loves her little brother," Andy said, pointing a bony finger into Sam's arm. "But she likes having someone to talk girl talk with." She knew Sarah didn't have many friends, but when they met there was an immediate friendship between the two women. Of course, it probably helped that the first time Sam had brought her to his sister's house, Sarah had pulled out Sam's childhood photo albums and the women bonded over some laughs.

"Yeah, well, next time she'll end up inviting only you and forget about me," he replied, feigning annoyance. Truthfully, he loved that his sister and Andy got along so well.

"Um, well, actually she and I have plans in a few weeks. Told her I'd take her to the outlets for some shopping," Andy said, not able to hold back a giggle when Sam threw her a look. She loved teasing him.

Their conversation was interrupted when the radio crackled to life with an incident downtown.

"All available units respond to 857 Holliston Street. Reports of a disturbance at an office building. Possibly a man with a gun. There's a conference for 300 people taking place on the third floor today."

Andy glanced over at Sam as she flicked on the lights and siren, and he sped toward the scene.

An hour earlier Ray Woody was staring at a photo on his mantle of his wife and daughter. He picked up the photo, rubbing their faces with his thumb before setting it back down. It was six months earlier that he lost them, but it felt like yesterday. His wife was running errands with his 8-year-old daughter and they got caught up in a hostage situation at a bank. He remembered speeding through the city and standing outside the barricades as the police told him everything would be alright. But they lied, it didn't end alright for his family. Of the 20 people held hostage only half came out alive. Sitting in a cold, dreary room an officer had told him his wife and daughter were caught in the crossfire when police had stormed the bank.

He blamed the police. Cops were supposed to keep the city safe, keep his family safe. But they didn't. Their actions caused his family to die. And now it was their turn to pay.

He placed a note on a small table near the front door. It would explain to his parents, his brother, his friends, why he did what he did. He picked up a duffel bag he packed carefully that morning and walked out of his house. He was calm as he drove to an office building in the city. The building was chosen at random, simply because he knew a large conference was taking place there and any disturbance would result in a large police response. He wanted to hurt as many cops as possible.

He pulled his car into the building's parking garage and was glad no one was around. He adjusted the stolen telephone company uniform he wore, making sure no one would give him a second glance as he walked around the building. He took his time checking his watch and setting timers as he pulled small packages out of his duffle bag and placed them in discreet locations throughout the six-story building. Taking one last glance at his watch, he took the elevator to the third floor and began waving a gun around.

Oliver and Traci, and Chris and Dov pulled up to the office building at the same time and as they walked into the building, Oliver made sure everyone heard the details of the situation. "Reports are of a gunman on the third floor, which is where the conference is being held. We need to subdue the gunman and keep the crowd safe and calm," he said.

"Has he made any demands?" Chris asked.

"No. Right now, we don't know what he wants or why he is here," Oliver responded. "Epstein, Diaz. Begin clearing the building, start with the first floor. Nash and I will head to the third floor to assess the situation. Additional units responding will assist with clearing the building."

When Oliver and Traci reached the third floor, they saw the suspect immediately. Hearing movement, Ray quickly turned toward the officers. He quietly watched them as they inched toward him with guns drawn. Once they were about 10 feet away, he pointed his gun straight at them, forcing them to stop.

Outside, Sam and Andy pulled up to the building. "1505 on scene," Sam said into his radio as they exited their cruiser. Oliver's voice came through the radio: "We need to clear the building, start on second floor."

Oliver slowly released the button on his radio as he continued watching the suspect in front of him. "Sir, my name is Officer Shaw. This is Officer Nash. We are here to help. What can we do to help you put down that gun?" he asked.

"Stay there!" Ray yelled, waving his gun at them.

"We're not moving, staying right here," Oliver replied. "What's your name?"

"Cops kill. You killed my family. You'll all pay," he spit out. A blank look took over his face, as he mumbled to himself before raising his voice again. "People will remember the day Ray Woody took his revenge."

As Sam and Andy climbed the stairs to the second floor, they heard Oliver updating the situation after making contact with the suspect. "Suspect is Ray Woody. In possession of gun, but has not fired. Seems to have vendetta against cops. Proceed with caution when clearing the building."

Oliver knew it was important to keep the guy talking, find out what his end game was, why he was here. "Ray, your family is dead? Can you tell me what happened?"

Ray looked at Oliver and then to a window down the hall when he heard more sirens. This was what he wanted. More and more cops responding meant more would die when the bombs went off. As he shifted back toward Oliver, Traci's eye caught a wire hanging out of his jacket.

"Sir," she whispered, getting Oliver's attention. "There's a wire hanging out of his clothes. He may have a bomb strapped to him."

Oliver saw what Traci was talking about and realized this situation just became even more dangerous. "Ray, what can we do for you? How can we help? We can get you out of this," he said.

"No! No one can help me! It will all be over soon! The explosions will end everything."

Oliver and Traci looked over at each other. They started to slowly back away from Ray, but he noticed and fired his gun into the ceiling. "Do not move! You can't leave!" he shouted. Traci shielded her face from the falling glass of the light fixture Roy hit, but otherwise remained still. She saw Roy's free hand, the one not holding a gun, clench something in his pocket and Oliver followed her gaze. They both knew they no longer had the option of shooting this guy because his hand could be holding a detonator in his pocket. Oliver slowly raised his hand to his radio to warn his fellow officers.

When Sam and Andy stepped out of the stairwell onto the second floor they heard Oliver's voice. "We have reason to believe there are bombs in the building. Notify ETF." His voice was quieter than before and solemn. Andy knew things were not going well on the floor above them.

Sam and Andy looked at each other, knowing protocol was for them to leave the building until the bomb squad could assess the situation. Andy heard voices and pointed to a room near the stairwell. "We can't leave them here," she whispered.

Sam looked at his surroundings. If there were bombs, they could be planted anywhere. "Okay, we clear this hallway and then we're out of here," he said.

They had taken two steps into a large office when the first explosions rocked the building. Sam and Andy were sent flying forward into the room as the wall behind them caved in. Books and papers flew around the room as furniture was tossed about as if it had the weight of a feather. The windowless room went dark until a small emergency light in the corner of the room began flickering.

Sam sat up rubbing the back of his neck as he looked around. He was seeing stars from hitting his head when thrown to the ground, but it only took seconds for him to see Andy lying on the ground and not moving several feet from him. "McNally!" he screamed as he raced over to her. Kneeling next to her, he immediately saw blood spilling out of a large gash below her vest. He noticed a sweater lying on an overturned chair and grabbed it, pressing it over her wound. Holding it in place, Sam cupped Andy's cheek with his free hand. "McNally. Andy. Wake up," he said, caressing her cheek. He saw her eyes flutter open and she grimaced in pain.

"Sam," she sighed and tried to sit up, but Sam gently moved his hand to her shoulder to keep her down.

"You need to lie down." It was only then that Andy felt his hand pressing on her stomach and she realized she'd been injured. "I need you to apply pressure," he said, placing her hand over his. He needed to assess the situation they were in, which meant leaving her.

Andy understood. Hurt or not, they were police offers and she was pretty sure one of the bombs Oliver had warned about had just gone off. Not to mention there were likely many innocent civilians in the building. Sam had a job to do. She nodded her head up and down. "I'll be fine Sam. Just get us out of here."

Sam hesitated. He didn't want to leave Andy, but he was a cop and had a job to do. He kissed Andy quickly on the lips before standing up and looking around the room. Part of the wall against the hallway collapsed, as did parts of the ceiling, leaving no exit. Light fixtures were dangling and Sam could see sparks coming from one of them. Bookcases were toppled over and furniture was thrown about the room.

He saw movement from behind one of the overturned desks and walked over, finding a woman and a young girl about 10 years old. "Ma'am, I'm Officer Swarek, are you injured?" he asked, crouching down in front of her.

"I brought my daughter to work today," the woman said, dazed at what had just happened. She glanced at the young girl. "Oh my god, why today? Why did I have to bring her here today?"

"Ma'am, it's okay. We're going to get out of here. Are either of you hurt?" he asked again, trying to get the woman to focus.

"Uh, yeah, I, um – my leg. It hurts to move my leg. I think it's broken," she replied.

"Okay, I don't want either of you to move. Just stay calm and we'll get out of here soon," Sam said, trying to calm the woman and her daughter as he stood up. "What are your names?"

"My name is Julie. This is April," she replied. "Where's Mark? My co-worker, Mark. He was in here with us. Oh my god, Mark!"

Sam looked around and saw an arm peaking out of some debris across the room. He walked over and after lifting ceiling tiles and a chair off the man, Sam noticed a large gash on his head and blood on the carpet. After failing to find a pulse, he knew the man was dead. As he stood up, he knew Julie had been watching him as he heard her begin to cry.

It was only then he heard his name being called through his radio. "Swarek. McNally. Report in. Swarek. McNally. Do you copy?" Everyone else had checked in but them.

"Swarek here. We're trapped in a room on the second floor, near the west stairwell. Appears a bomb went off. We have an officer down. Repeat, McNally is injured. Three civilians. One injured. One DOA. One child. We have no way out of this room."

"Copy that. Help is on the way."

A moment later, his cell phone rang. "Swarek, it's Frank. Look, ETF have arrived and they're trying to find a way to get to you and check on the location of other bombs. How's McNally?" Frank asked.

Sam looked over at Andy. "We need to get out ASAP. We can't wait."

"Got it. We've got the best out here. They'll get you guys out," Frank replied.

Hanging up, Sam walked back to Andy and kneeled down next to her so he could loosen her vest. He didn't want to remove it, as it still offered her some protection against any possible falling debris. Noticing the sweater she held on her wound was soaking up the blood quickly, he removed his vest and uniform shirt and pulled his black t-shirt over his head, before redressing. He pulled Andy's hand, which was holding the sweater, away from her wound. She was losing so much blood. He kept his face expressionless, trying not to show his concern as he knew Andy was looking at him. He placed his folded t-shirt over her wound, feeling bad when he saw her grimace in pain at the touch. He pulled masking tape he had found out of his pocket and taped the makeshift bandage in place. He hadn't thought to put gloves on and as he looked down at his hands they were covered in blood, in Andy's blood.

Andy watched Sam as he replaced the sweater with his own t-shirt. She knew she was losing a lot of blood, too much. She knew Sam was trying to hide how bad the situation was, but she could see past his expression and read the worry in his eyes. She saw him looking at her blood on his hands and reached out, grabbing one of his hands in her own. Sam brought her hand to his lips.

"As soon as they find a way, I'm getting you out of here," Sam said, holding her hand against his cheek.

"You can't. You have to get the others out first," Andy said, feeling as if it took all her energy to say the few words.

Sam swallowed, worried his voice would crack if he spoke too soon. "No," he stated simply.

Andy closed her eyes, not having the energy to fight with him. "Sam," she sighed.

"I don't care about the rules. I can't lose you, Andy," he said, placing another kiss on the back of her hand. He didn't want to let go, like doing so meant he would lose her. He didn't know when it happened – the day she tackled him in that alley, the day he knew she always had his back, the night she came back to him at the Alpine Inn, he wasn't sure – but somewhere along the way he fell in love with Andy McNally. She made him feel like the happiest man in the world. She was his other half. She had caused him to worry many times since they met, but today was different. This was different, more serious than ever before.

He waited until she opened her eyes again before speaking. "You complete me Andy. I cannot lose you. I – I love you," he said.

Andy blinked back the tears in her eyes. Sam was everything to her, he was her world. She was pretty sure that by the second day on the job, Sam had stolen her heart. She may not have wanted to admit it at times, but ever since that day he was a part of her and nothing could separate their bond. "Sam, I love you too. I think I always have," she said, lips curving into a small smile. The energy it took to speak made her tired and she closed her eyes for a few moments.

When she opened her eyes, Sam had a somber look on his face and Andy knew what he was thinking. "You are not going to lose me. But you can't put me before others." She could tell he wasn't convinced, so she pulled out the last thing she could think of. "Sam, if you take me out and something happens to one of them, I'll live with the guilt forever. You can't do that to me. I can't live with that. So, do this for me. Follow Priority of Life," she said.

He looked down at Andy with sad eyes, and still holding her hand he let his lips linger over her soft fingers as he thought back to a conversation they had months earlier.

It was the night before their suspension was over and they had met with Frank earlier in the day. Frank was allowing them to remain as partners, because they were such a good team, but warned them that it couldn't affect how they did their job. "You have to be able to maintain Priority of Life. The moment I think you can't, I have to split you up," Frank said.

Priority of Life, the code all police lived by. In any dangerous situation they were to protect and save the victims first, followed by innocent by-standers. Only then could they protect and save fellow officers and first responders. Suspects were the last to be saved, with reason since they caused the situation. It was a code they all lived by.

Sam and Andy agreed with Frank and insisted he didn't have to worry. But that night as they lie in bed, Andy worried.

"Can we do it? Can we put 'us' aside and save others first?"

"Yes," Sam said confidently.

"How can you be so sure? I mean, if I see you shot along with strangers, how can I choose them over you?"

"Because it's your job. It's our job. We're cops, we promised to protect and serve others," Sam responded.

"Just promise me you'll never get into a situation where I have to make a decision between you and some stranger, okay? Cause I don't want to make that choice," Andy said.

"Okay," Sam agreed, knowing he really couldn't commit to that promise, but it was what Andy needed to hear.

He could tell Andy wasn't going to let this go. "Andy, look at me," he said, using his knuckles to nudge her chin so she was looking up at him. "We're rarely, if ever, in situations where you're going to need to think about this, so don't over think it, okay? Just trust your gut if and when the time comes."

Maybe he jinxed them, saying they would never be in this type of situation. He needed to take his own advice to trust his gut, but doing that went against everything. Sam looked down at Andy, who was becoming paler by the minute. Screw Priority of Life he thought. Andy was injured the worst, she should be the first one out.

Sam's cell phone rang and he found a member of the ETF on the other end. "Officer Swarek, right?"

"Yeah, just call me Sam."

"Okay, Sam. My name is Bill and I'm in a room down the hall from you. We're cutting a hole in the wall, which will open up to a large conference room that is adjacent to the room you are in. The room was also damaged in the blast, but this is our only safe way to reach you, and I'm going to need your help," he said.

"Just tell me what to do." Sam was impatient and just wanted to know how to get Andy out of the room.

"It's going to take us a while to cut through this wall because it's reinforced and we have to be careful to not hit gas pipes and wires. While we do that, you can help us create an opening between your room and the conference room," Bill explained. "Do you see a closet and can you access it?"

"I see it," Sam said as he walked over to it. After a couple of yanks on the door, he got it open. "It's open. Got a bunch of supplies in it."

"Okay, great. The back wall of the closet is just drywall. No pipes or wires. What I need you to do is find something to break through that wall," Bill instructed. "Once you do, sit tight for further instructions. I'll call you when we've cut through."

Sam told him he understood and hung up before starting to toss the office supplies out of the closet. Once he could reach the back wall of the closet, Sam looked around the room for something he could use to break through the wall. He saw a chair with metal legs and decided that would have to do. He picked it up and slammed it against the wall. He pulled back and saw a small dent. This was going to take a while.

By the time Sam had made a good sized hole in the wall, he had worked up a sweat. He put the chair down and used his foot to kick at the wall making a larger opening, and was satisfied when it was large enough for someone to squeeze though. When he was done, Sam checked on Julie and April. With the exception of being scared, they were doing okay, so he made his way back to Andy.

Just as he crouched next to her on the floor, his phone rang. "Swarek."

"Sam, it's Bill. We're just about through the wall. How are you doing?" he asked.

"I cut through the closet. All set on this end," Sam replied.

"Okay, great. Here's what I need you to do. Get everyone through the closet and make your way to the far end of the conference room where we'll have an opening for you to get through," Bill instructed.

"We can't all get there at once. Two people are injured. I'll have to help them one at a time," Sam explained.

"Okay. We have medics on this side to assist with the injured. We'll get you all out of there," Bill said, trying to reassure Sam.

Sam hung up and looked down at Andy, noticing her breathing had become shallow. She closed her eyes briefly as she gathered the energy to speak. "Sam." He voice came out as a whisper. "Go. Get us all out of here."

"I won't leave you, Andy. I don't care," Sam said, gripping her hand in his.

"Sam, you have to. That child can't carry her mother out of here. They can't get out without your help –"

"So, I'll come back for them. We need to get you out of here first," he said.

"You can't. Priority of life. It's our job," she said.

Sam knew she was right. He hated that she was right. He leaned down and kissed her softly. "I love you." He was secretly afraid those would be the last words he would ever say to her.

"I love you too," she said, wincing in pain.

He caressed her cheek before releasing her hand and standing up. He walked over to Julie and April and explained what was going to happen.

Sam gently picked up Julie and walked toward the closet. April followed behind him with her small hands gripping his utility belt as he instructed her to do. He took one last glance back at Andy before entering the closet and squeezing through the hole in the wall. The conference room was only slightly brighter than the office they had come out of, a yellow emergency light shining across the room. The wall against the hallway had collapsed similar to the one in the office, but there was less debris thrown around the room. Sam kicked a couple chairs out of the way as they made their way across the room and suddenly a bright light shined out of the wall. Temporarily blinded, it took Sam a moment to see two men poke their head through the opening in the wall that was the size of a doorway.

"Sam, I presume?" Bill asked.

"Yeah. This is Julie, might have a broken leg," he said, handing the woman off to a paramedic that appeared before him. When his hands were free, he nudged the child from behind him so she stood in front of him. "And this here is April. Doesn't appear to be injured," he said, looking up at Bill.

"Great. I understand we have one more?" Bill asked.

"Yeah. My partner, Officer McNally," Sam replied and immediately turned and began making his way back across the conference room. Bill followed closely behind. They had only made it a few feet when the building shook again. The shaking caused debris to fall from the ceiling and a large bookcase in the conference room tumbled over. Sam tripped over a chair and when Bill helped him up, he could see the concern in his eyes. Following Bill's gaze, Sam realized the bookcase and other debris had blocked the opening to the closet.

He cursed as he ran over to the wall and yelled out to Andy, but he heard no response. Thinking the worst, he started pulling and pushing at the ceiling tiles and other debris blocking his path to the woman he loved. When he got most of it cleared, Bill helped him try to lift the bookcase. His muscles screamed at him as they pulled with all their strength. Finally, there was enough of an opening that he could climb around the bookcase and squeeze through the opening to the other room. Bill remained back, trying to enlarge the opening to make it easier for Sam to get back through.

Exiting the closet into the office, Sam raced over to Andy and realized she was unconscious. As he felt the building shake again, he threw himself over Andy to protect her from falling debris. He grimaced as a heavier piece hit him square on the back. "We have to get out of here," he whispered to himself. He carefully picked Andy up, her body limp in his arms, and made his way back to the closet. Squeezing through the opening again, he crossed the conference room and through the makeshift doorway Bill and his friends created.

He was never happier to see paramedics waiting for him in his life.

"We can't use the elevators to get a stretcher up, but we'll carry her down the north stairwell. There's an ambulance waiting right outside," one medic said.

"I'll carry her," Sam replied and headed toward the stairway, not waiting for permission. He walked down the stairs as quickly as he could while trying not to jostle Andy too much. When he got outside, he saw cops everywhere and his eyes searched for the ambulance. One of the medics that followed him down the stairs placed a hand on his back and pointed to the left where the ambulance stood. He raced over, placing Andy on the stretcher. The medics pushed the stretcher in the ambulance and immediately began to work on Andy.

Sam climbed in the ambulance and gripped Andy's hand. "Stay with me. You can't leave me. I don't know what I'd do without you in my life," he whispered.