Consequences Ignored

By Kushie and Dolphinrain

We do not own Numb3rs or Colby Granger

Alternate Ending to Episode Devil Girl. (6x13)

Warning Spoiler Alert

Please understand that some English spellings and types of dialogue differ from the

American ones. Some of us put the letter 'U' in a lot more word endings.

I'm sorry if you find this awkward It's second nature to me.

As is putting certain words, in front of the verb, instead of after.

Chapter Seven

The Chief surgeon gave an almighty sigh of relief As the heart monitor began to beep.

Granger's heartbeat grew faster, stronger. He was out of danger.

Nikki was dozing. They all were. Four long hours had elapsed. When a sudden sound

woke her. It was the swish of the double doors. David's acute senses had heard it too

He was on his feet in a second. The same female doctor came out. Don noted she was

smiling. He hoped that meant, she was the bearer of good news. The rose to their feet,

as she got close. Their faces anxious hopeful. Her smile widened.

"I'm happy to inform you Agent Granger has come safely through the operation and is already

in recovery.

"Can we see him?"

"Not straight away. He's still very weak. "Why don't you all go home and get some sleep.

Agent Granger isn't going to be able to see anyone today. Come back tomorrow!

He should be awake and stronger by then." David wanted to protest but Alan held his arm.

Don led them all out to the parking lot. They were smiling. Relieved! Colby had made it!

Colby heard a voice from far away.

"Mr Granger! Mr Granger I need you to wake up now." He felt as if he was being smothered.

Every where was so dark and cold. He heard the voice again. It seemed closer now.

If he could just reach it.

"Mr Granger Come on Open you eyes!" Colby did so then he began to struggle

He couldn't breathe. It felt as if something was sitting on his chest. He tried to inhale

But his chest wouldn't! Couldn't expand! Terrified! He began to fight!

His arms flailed in the air. Trying to reach out and grab something Force away

the tightness. If he could sit up? Maybe he'd be able to breathe?

"Mr Granger Calm down! You're all right. You're in recovery!" He heard her

But his mind didn't register the words. All he knew was he was suffocating.

His heart pounded in his chest. The sound thudded in his ears.

"I can't breathe!" he gasped

"Yes you can! Just relax. You had a reaction against the anaesthetic. But you're

going to be fine. Just let the machine breathe for you."

"No! No! I..I.." The doctor in the recovery room laid a hand on Colby's arm

The sudden gesture caused him to look round.

"I'm going to take you off the respirator now and remove the tube from your throat.

Please try and be calm." His words began to penetrate. Colby tried to focus and

control his panic.

"Where's my dad? Chris? Mum? I want to go home! I want to go home!"

"Sssh now!" a nurse stroked his brow. "Everything's going to be fine."

Colby felt the tube sliding out.

"Dad! Please! Where's my dad?" The nurse looked puzzled at the doctor. He made,

a placating movement with his hand. Granger's strange behaviour was rare but not unheard of.

Gradually Colby found his body responding. He sucked in a lung full of air. It hurt.

But it also felt good. But the calmer he became. The sadder he became. His dad was gone.

His brother was gone. His beautiful mother, Rickie. They were all gone. He was alone.

He felt them lay an oxygen mask over his nose and face. It helped. Then he was moving.

He was being wheeled somewhere. The scene above changed. Colby knew he'd just

come out of some double doors. He glanced to his left. The corridor had glass sides.

Beyond he saw a garden. People were moving in it. Most wore pyjamas and dressing

gowns. Some were sitting in wheelchairs. Others wandered about trailed by metal hat

stands. Somewhere in the back of his mind Colby knew they weren't really hat stands.

More holders for drip bags. He was swung right and through a second set of doors.

He was pushed into a pleasant room. A man leaned over him

"Hello Mr Granger. Welcome to the ICU Short Stay Recovery Ward."

Colby wanted to speak. But didn't know what to say. He didn't want to recover.

He wanted to go back to his dad's farm and be with his family.

The doctor was still talking But it was as if, he was suddenly in the background.

Colby was staring wall at the foot of his bed It was blurring, thinning.

Then he saw them again. His dad had an arm around his mother. He waved!

She blew Colby a kiss. His brother , Chris gave a thumbs up and grinned. Colby

heard Rickie bark once and then his pet sat up on his hind legs one of his front

paws moved up and down. As if reaching out to him. Colby felt tears prick his eyes

"It won't be forever son. One day you will come home to stay. I promise!"

"Be brave My little Colby," His mother soothed. "I love you!"

"We all love you son and we're proud. So very proud. You've grown into a fine man."

Chris laughing said

"And when you come I'll race you to Cascade Falls just like we always used to."

Colby stretched out a hand. The veil was falling

"I love you!" he whispered. The last thing he heard was Rickie barking.

Then the wall reappeared.

"There you are. All safely wired up!" The voice beside him made Colby

jump. The ward consultant was smiling down at him. Colby smiled back

His heart lightened. His family were all there. he'd see them again. He'd walk in

the meadow and play with Rickie and yes! Race his brother to the old waterfall

Beyond the forest. Colby sighed softly. He was going to be okay! The years might

go slowly. But he could wait. Just knowing, what he had to look forward too

Was enough!

Fin