Save by a Miracle

Chapter 17

Aria awoke the following morning and proceeded to don the attire hanging above. As she dressed, a gentle flutter from within her womb startled her. Astonished by the sensation, she sought out Mac in the kitchen, where he was busy preparing breakfast. Catching sight of Aria, Mac greeted her with a warm "hey babe, good morning." Aria reciprocated the greeting, sharing her excitement about the baby's tiny kick.

"Isn't it amazing, babe?" she exclaimed. Mac, wearing a smile in response, replied, "Perhaps I'll get to experience it too." Aria settled at the table, her hands resting on her growing belly. Observing her tiredness, Mac remarked, "You look exhausted." Aria, acknowledging her weariness, confessed, "I am. The baby kept kicking last night, and I barely got four hours of sleep. It wasn't much, but it was something, so I'll take it."

Mac sympathized, warning her, "You're going to be tired." Aria sighed, agreeing with her husband's assessment. "Well, let's eat then. We have to head to work," Mac suggested. Aria nodded, her gaze fixed on him. Together, they arrived at the Phoenix Foundation, where they were greeted by Maddie. "Good morning, Miss Aria. How are you feeling, honey?" Thornton inquired, concern evident in her eyes.

"I'm alright, but I'm ready to take on the world," Aria responded, determination in her voice. Thornton proceeded to brief them on the day's mission, emphasizing the importance of vigilance due to a dangerous killer on the loose.

"Any clue as to the mastermind behind this, Jack inquires?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but his last known location was somewhere between the streets of 3rd and 9th," Thornton reveals.

"Why are we the ones tasked with this mission?" Aria questions, her gaze fixed on Thornton.

"Because a dear friend of mine lost her son to this monster. I implore you all to track him down, and put an end to his reign of terror before he claims any more lives," Thornton pleads with the group.

"Remember, maintain your distance and stay hidden. I cannot bear the thought of any of you getting hurt," Thornton warns the team.

"Don't worry about a thing, Thornton. We'll hunt down this fiend," Aria assures the team, prompting nods of agreement from Riley, Jack, Mac, and Bozer.

"Then go and do not disappoint me," Thornton commands as she walks away, demanding updates as she exits the room.

"Let's get to work, team," Aria rallies, leading the group out in pursuit of justice for the fallen victim.

The team arrives at the intersection of 3rd and 9th Street, their senses heightened and alert. "Stay on your guard, everyone," Ari declares, a sense of urgency in her voice. Jack, ever the protective one, warns Aria to be cautious. "Take care of yourself, Roger," he advises, his concern evident. Aria expresses her gratitude, acknowledging Jack's concern as the gang disembarks from the vehicle.

The team begins their search, scanning the surroundings for any signs of trouble. "I don't see anything," Riley remarks, her disappointment evident. Bozer chimes in, echoing her sentiment.

Suddenly, Aria crumples to the ground, wracked with pain. "Ari!" Mac exclaims, rushing to her side. Aria clutches her belly, her face contorted in agony. "Are you alright?" Mac inquires, worry etched on his face. Aria, struggling to speak through the pain, confesses, "No, my leg is hurting." Mac places one hand on her leg and the other on her belly, trying to ease her discomfort.

"Could you all give us some space?" Mac requests, his voice filled with urgency. Jack nods, leading the team away from Mac and Aria. Mac examines Aria, reassuring her that it's just a leg cramp and the aches of her growing belly. Aria nods, her distress evident. Tears welled up in her eyes as she gazes at Mac, seeking solace.

"Take deep breaths and try to relax," Mac advises, his voice soothing. "I'll leave you here, but promise me you won't wander off," he says, concern his words were. Aria nods, her trust in Mac unwavering. As Mac rejoins the team, Riley can't help but inquire about Aria's condition. Mac reassures them, explaining that it's just a leg cramp and the discomfort of her expanding belly.

"Did you guys uncover any leads, Mac inquires of the team? Nope, this mysterious individual is a master at covering his tracks," Bozer remarks to the team. "So, what's our next move?" Jack asks, glancing at Mac. "I don't know," Mac replies uncertainly. Suddenly, a plea for help interrupts their conversation. "Someone, please help!" a man exclaims. Mac and the team rush over to assist. "Please, help me! My daughter has been stabbed," the man pleads with Mac. Without hesitation, Mac removes his jacket and gently places it on the injured girl.

"Did you get a good look at the attacker, Jack?" the man asks. "No, but all I want is for my daughter to be safe," the man replies. "Bozer, call 911," Mac instructs. "On it," Bozer responds. Turning to Riley, Mac suggests, "Riley, see if you can access the security footage." "You got it," Riley says as she walks away, with Jack following to assist. Meanwhile, Aria remains in agony, clutching her belly and leg. The sound of sirens grows louder as the ambulance arrives to aid the girl. The medics swiftly take her to the hospital.

As the medics hand Mac some paper towels to wipe the blood from his hands, the grateful man expresses his gratitude. "Thank you," he says. "You're welcome. I hope your daughter will be alright," Mac replies. "I hope so too. Go catch that murderer," the man urges Mac. "We will," Mac assures him, walking away with Bozer and heading towards Aria. Observing Aria's pain, Bozer remarks, "Aria doesn't look good." "No, she's in pain," Mac concurs.

Aria's leg is too swollen for her to straighten, and the pain is so intense that tears stream down her face. Mac and Bozer approach her, offering comfort. "Hey," Mac says softly as he and Bozer kneel beside her. Aria gazes at Mac and whispers,

With a gentle gaze, Aria locked eyes with Mac, concern etched upon her face, and softly uttered, "Are you alright?"

Their story unfolded, weaving through the pages. The tale carried on into the realm of Chapter 18.