ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON THIRTEEN

Episode 4

Ethan's throat felt raw and sore as he first woke up in the triage room at St. Paul's ER.

The first thing he saw was the concerned face of Richard Norland as the man was practically hovering over him with an uncertain looking Nigel right behind him. To his dismay he noticed them holding hands.

The next thing he saw was the face of a Black detective who was flashing her badge at him and saying her name was Nita Browne from homicide and that she had a few questions to ask him if he was up to it.

And , then his phone in his pants pocket began to ring.

It was Zipp , he saw as he pulled it out.

" Hello," he choked out roughly as he answered the phone.

" Ethan ! Are you okay? They're up here talking about an escape from the mental health ward. They say there was a hostage. What's going on? "

Ethan slowly closed his eyes. How could he tell his best friend that the man's former domestic partner was now on the run with an insane killer? He couldn't. He didn't. Instead he just handed the phone silently to Detective Browne who took it and began to talk to Zipp.

Richard said cautiously," Ethan, are you alright? They said she tried to strangle you? " With his other hand Richard touched his friend and former partner on his shoulder which sent an intense warmth racing through Ethan.

Ethan coughed behind his hand and wearily whispered," I.... fine..... She let me go..... before I.... before..... Look.... she said she was going after her.... enemies..... " He paused briefly as Nita hung up the phone and handed it back to him. " She said... She said she's going to kill DuBuis Lane , Lyle Peters , Gerald HighTower and Faith Lane. And , your brother. She wants to kill your brother Spencer. "  His eyes drifted to the detective who was watching and listening to him carefully. " I'm worried about Flower. She's not well right now. I don't think she's safe with that woman."