The Dangerous Storm

Eleven

( TW- Mention of Rape please skip if you don't want to read)

Antonio sat in the ambulance holding Erin's hand while the paramedic was providing medical treatment, ensuring the best care possible until reaching the hospital.

'We are almost at the hospital now,' the female paramedic informed him. The detective inquired about Erin's condition without diverting his gaze from her pale face. 'Will she be okay?' he asked.

'I cannot say for sure, but we will assess her condition once we arrive at the hospital. She has sustained significant injuries, and the extent of her ordeal remains unknown,' the paramedic responded while attending to her duties.

Antonio, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, reassured Erin and expressed his commitment to her well-being. 'We will help you overcome this,' he vowed, gently kissing Erin's hand. 'Once she regains consciousness, she will be fortunate to have you looking after her,' the paramedic remarked with a smile.

Upon reaching the hospital after a few more miles, the paramedic wheeled Erin into the emergency room with Antonio by her side.

"Detective, we will take it from here and make our way out as quickly as possible," said the doctor as he gently placed a hand on Antonio's chest to prevent him from following them. Antonio wanted to object, but he felt a pair of arms guiding him to the waiting room.

He glanced to see Jay pulling him away, reassuring him, "It's going to be okay, Tony," as he assisted him in sitting down. Antonio observed Benson and Voight sitting in the far corner, noting their closeness, as well as Rollins, Finn, and Amara nearby.

"I hope we receive an update soon," Antonio expressed with a sigh, taking out his phone to see Gabby calling.

He glanced at Jay, who met his gaze, and stated, "I informed her I would keep her informed." Antonio nodded, rising to answer his sister's call, distancing himself from his friend. "Hey, Gabby," he greeted once he was further away from the others.

Gabby inquired with concern through the phone, 'Hello, Tony. How are you doing? Jay has been keeping me and Kelly updated on the situation.' Antonio glanced at Jay, who was speaking to Al, but he gestured with his head before responding, 'I am doing well, just awaiting updates on Erin.' Running his fingers through his hair, he started to pace.

'How is she? I'm relieved that you managed to locate her,' Gabby conversed with Antonio. Letting out a sigh, he replied, 'We are still awaiting the doctor's update.'

'Erin is resilient, she will overcome this. Remember when she survived being held at knifepoint during the hospital bombing last year?' Gabby remarked, hoping to uplift her brother's spirits.

Antonio attentively listened to his sister, fully comprehending the significance of her words. He recalled the harrowing experience of the hospital bombing where they had faced one of the suspects, resulting in Erin being held at knifepoint. Despite the perilous situation, she miraculously emerged unscathed, thanks to the assistance of Mills and Cruz. With a nostalgic smile, Antonio affirmed, 'I remember.' Although Erin was romantically involved with Kelly at the time, he couldn't help but feel relieved that they had both survived the bombing unscathed.

Gabby, acknowledging Erin's resilience, remarked, 'If Erin was able to endure that, she is certainly strong enough to overcome this challenge as well.'

Antonio, responding to Gabby's comment after a moment of reflection, expressed his gratitude, 'Yes, I understand. Thank you, Gabby.' Determining that the doctor has yet to appear, he made the decision to conclude the call in order to await the doctor's update. 'I am going to end the call now so I can be present when the doctor arrives,' he informed the others.

Gabby then reassured Antonio, 'Alright, Tony, please keep me informed about the situation. The members of Station 51 are all standing by to support you and Erin.' 'I will,' Antonio assured her before ending the call, then resumed his place next to Jay, who looked up from his phone.

Antonio inquired if there were any updates. Jay shook his head, responding, 'No, I believe we will not receive any information for another hour or so,' causing Antonio to sigh.

Jay proposed, 'How about I procure some coffee and food for us?' as he stood up. Antonio agreed, stating, 'Just a coffee will suffice,' as his friend proceeded to the cafeteria with Al, who expressed a desire to also get something, leaving Antonio alone with his thoughts. After an hour elapsed, Jay returned with several cups of coffee and sandwiches for everyone.

Although Jay offered him a sandwich, Antonio declined, focusing only on the coffee. Jay insisted, 'Antonio, you need to eat,' pushing the sandwich back into Antonio's hand. 'You will not be of any help to Erin if you starve yourself,' he emphasized.

Antonio sighed and reluctantly began to eat the sandwich, but before he could take a bite, the Doctor approached them. Antonio stood up, setting his sandwich aside, and inquired about Erin's condition.

Antonio and Voight approached the doctor as he emerged from the emergency doors and joined the group. The doctor informed them, 'Detective Lindsay is expected to recover, but her healing process will be lengthy.'

Voight inquired about her injuries, to which the doctor responded, 'Her wounds were significant; a few stitches and fluids will be necessary. However, a rape kit will need to be performed once she regains consciousness.'

Aware of the challenges ahead, the doctor emphasized, 'Convincing her to undergo the examination may be difficult, but it is crucial that we do so.' Antonio and Voight, visibly concerned, acknowledged the importance of the procedure. Antonio then inquired about visiting Detective Lindsay, expressing their desire to see her. 

 The doctor proposed allowing only two visitors at a time, mentioning that the patient might be discharged within a day or two depending on her progress. He then guided Voight and Antonio to Erin's room, leaving the rest of the group in the waiting area.

Benson instructed Voight to keep them updated on Erin's condition, stating that they would return to headquarters to continue searching for Yates and his partner.

Voight confirmed his awareness and mentioned he would join them after finishing up. As they proceeded to Erin's room with the doctor, he advised them to inform him when she wakes up and if they manage to convince her to undergo the kit before closing the door behind them.

Antonio approached Erin's bedside and gently grasped her hand, disregarding the disapproving look from Voight. 'Hey, Erin, I want to assure you that we are all here to support you,' he whispered as he brushed a strand of hair away from her bruised face.

Voight then went to Erin's bed and kissed her forehead. 'You will overcome this, kiddo,' he said before turning to Antonio. 'I am going back to assist the others in locating Yates. I need you to stay here and ensure her safety,' he instructed.

Antonio affirmed his commitment, assuring Voight, 'Rest assured, I will remain here and keep you informed.' Voight then added, 'Also, please discuss with her about proceeding with the kit; she is likely to heed your advice.'

Antonio nodded, 'I will make an effort.' As Voight left the room, Antonio remained alone with the still-sleeping Erin, holding her hand.

Antonio reclined in his seat and placed his head on the bed while still grasping Erin's hand. Gradually succumbing to sleep, he patiently awaited Erin's awakening.