A Single Shot

5

Jay gripped is hands together to try and make them stop shaking, watching the ambulance pull away from the scene, each wail of the siren sending a painful pulse throughout him. He looked down at his hands, scratching at the dried blood smeared on them and his shirt and sleeves. His partners blood. Erin's blood. He felt his stomach turn and quickly ducked around a corner and behind a dumpster before leaning over and loosing his lunch on the ground. He felt a strong hand on his back and glanced behind him to see Antonio standing there, worry and understanding written all over his face. 

"You okay?" Jay started to nod when he felt his stomach revolt again, forcing him to lean over once more. When he was finished, the hand squeezed his shoulder and a handkerchief was pushed into his own hands. Jay nodded thankfully and wiped it across his mouth before standing up, trying to regain the dignity he had just thrown away. The look Antonio was giving him was not one of judgement,however, but rather of complete understanding and patience. 

"You all good man?" He asked, placing a hand on Jay's shoulder. Jay nodded in his direction, swallowing the disgusting taste in his mouth. 

"I've got a bottle of water in my car. We'll head out in 5" Antonio said, phrasing the statement more as a question to make sure the suggestion was alright with Jay. He nodded again, wiping his hand across his mouth again before turning the corner to face reality again. The reality in which is partner and his best friend was fighting for her life.