Rated PG-13 (some violent parts)
Series: Third Watch
Author: Andorian Ice Princess
Contact: jazzy_888

Summary: A new Fire Fighter joins Ladder 55 with an agenda for both Jimmy and Kim. Who is he? And why is he after them?

This is a piece of fan fiction. It is written for pleasure and not for profit. The characters of Bosco, Faith, Davis, Sully, Doc, Kim, Jimmy, Alex, Carlos and Sgt. Christopher are all property of John Wells, Third Watch and NBC. All other characters are my own.

NOTE: This story line follows after my first Jimmy story "Arson is a Deadly Obsession"…

"Doherty huh?" The gruff voice said in disdain as he flung the newspaper across the room. "The hero. Yeah right."

"Know him Clint?" Another male voice asked.

"I will soon," he said, but in reality he already knew Jimmy Doherty very well. "Do you?" He asked in curiosity.

"A little," the calmer voice said. "What do you want to know?"

"Everything you know," Clint said as an evil smile started to spread cross his face. "Especially about his personal life."

"Jimmy watch your back!" Sam yelled as the fire grabbed hold of a beam above Jimmy's head and was about to rain down fire and timbers.

Jimmy saw the beam slowly dissolving before his eyes and jumped out of the way as it sent red-hot embers into the air. He shielded his face and then turned back to the doorway before him. "Wait here!" Jimmy yelled to Sam. Jimmy pushed himself into the wave of flames and into the child's bedroom. He spied a boy about Joey's age huddled in the corner holding a small teddy bear.

"Hey big guy," Jimmy said with a smile as he bent down to him. "Want to go and see mommy and daddy?" The child pressed himself deeper into Jimmy's jacket and covered his eyes as Jimmy once again pushed himself back through the flames towards Sam. Boy he looks pissed, Jimmy said inside.

"Not again Jimmy!" Sam started in protest as Jimmy disappeared into the smoke. Sam cursed heavily until Jimmy returned with the young child firmly in his embrace. "Why the hell must you always take those damn risks?" Sam said angrily.

"Don't curse in front of the child," Jimmy smiled as he rushed past him to take the child to the EMS team waiting outside.

"Don't curse?…" Sam shook his head and went back to his job of hosing down the small house. In no time the fire was finally out and Ladder 55 was able to take a breather and get some patching up until their next job. Sam looked over at Jimmy who was now being attended to by Kim and sighed. Sometimes Jimmy I think you do it to impress her, he said shaking his head with a smile.

"Hold still," Kim said impatiently as she dabbed some blood off of Jimmy's forehead. "Had to bring out the child alone again huh," Kim said with a sigh.

"I was the closest one," Jimmy said in defense. "Besides…"

"Do you really want to go there?" Kim asked, arching an not so amused brow.

"I guess not," Jimmy said sheepishly as he flashed that killer grin of his. "See you tonight?" He asked with some uncertainty.

"Uh yeah," Kim said, slapping him on the shoulder. "Are you having doubts now?"

"Well I thought you might want to wait until our official wedding night," he teased.

"Okay by me," she said seriously, trying to hide her smile.

"Uh what?" Jimmy asked in surprise. "I was kidding Kim," he said quickly as he moved in close. "Like I could wait."

Kim felt his warm breath on her neck and felt herself starting to blush. She looked up and sighed. "Like I could say no." She saw him move in close and felt her heart start to slightly rise in anticipation of the kiss.

"Jimmy got another call," Sam called before Jimmy could kiss Kim.

"Damn," she heard him mutter.

"And it starts once again," she smiled.

"I don't think it ended yet," he smiled. "See you tonight."

"It's a date." She watched him rush back to the slowly moving truck and smiled. There was as time not so long ago when she would have doubted him when he said he would be with her every night. But in the last few months he had more then proven his love and devotion for her. Maybe second chances really are possible.

"Penny for your thoughts," Alex aid tapping her on the shoulder as Kim stood staring after fire truck 55.

"They are worth at least a quarter," she smiled turning back to Alex. "Sometimes it's still so hard to believe," she said as she helped Alex pack up the bus.

"What is?" Alex asked as they closed the doors.

"Us. Jimmy. Me getting married to Jimmy again," she smiled as she looked down at the ring on her finger. "I keep thinking it's all a dream and one day I'll wake up to find it's not real."

Alex smiled and gently punched Kim on the shoulder. "It is real Kim. That's the best part."

Kim smiled back as she walked around to the passenger side and got in. She was about to say something more to Alex when they got their next call.

"Boyd 55-3, 10-4 Maple and 1st," Kim sighed as Alex started up the bus and turned on the sirens.

"And it starts," Alex mumbled.

"It never stopped," Kim giggled as she remembered Jimmy said the same thing. "Sorry something Jimmy said."

"When are you getting married again?" Alex teased.

"Damn it Jimmy this fire's too hot," Sam sighed as they worked to put out the small warehouse fire that was still raging.

"Where's the extra heat coming from?" Jimmy shouted as he frantically looked around for the second heat source. He frowned when he was unable to locate the source.

"Don't know but the rest of the team has pulled back. I think we should also!" Sam yelled out.

"We need to keep it from blowing up!" Jimmy yelled back. "Where the hell is the second hose team!" Jimmy yelled into his 2-way.

"Coming," the Chief said with a heavy sigh, that Jimmy could feel inside the inferno. "Where Ladder 45?"

"Damn that heat," Sam cursed loudly as he steadied the hose.

"This is nothing," Jimmy shouted. "Some chemical fires can be twice this!"

"Yeah well good thing tha…"

"Sam look out!" Jimmy yelled as he noticed two steel pipes break away from the charred ceiling and fall towards them. Jimmy pushed Sam only to have one of the beams fall on his back. He cried out as he stumbled to the ground, losing the hose and not seeing where Sam fell. He felt the beam hit his back and for a few seconds lay winded on the scorched ground. He felt the intense heat starting to crawl his way and he knew if he didn't get up and out he'd be cooked in a matter of minutes. Jimmy slowly twisted his weight underneath the beam and managed to push it off of him.

"Sam…" Jimmy called out weakly as he pushed himself to his knees, breathing hard. He rubbed his face and noticed Sam's unmoving body lying a few feet away. "Sam!" Jimmy yelled out as he slowly ambled to him.

"We need backup in here!" Jimmy yelled into his 2-way as he bent to check on Sam. "Sam can you hear me?" Jimmy asked frantically as he searched for a pulse. He found one; it was weak but steady. He finally noticed the large gash on the top of Sam's head, mostly covered by his dark hair.

"Damn it," he cursed as he frantically pulled Sam towards him. He looked around and noticed the fire had all but consumed their exit. He searched for another opening and finally spied a small door tucked away in the corner of the warehouse. "Chief if you can hear me I'm trying for another exit! The main one is blocked. Repeat looking for another way out!" Jimmy yelled into the 2-way. He picked up the hose and doused their new path before picking up Sam and slinging him over his shoulder. His bruised shoulder and knee from the beam hitting him were starting to feel the strain of Sam's weight but Jimmy knew if he gave in even a little, they would both be dead.

"This is bad," Jimmy said under his breath as he started through the small fire covered path towards the small door. "Really bad."

"Who else is in there?" Kim asked anxiously as the second hose team finally arrived and started to hose the entrance.

"Just Jimmy and Sam are trapped in there," he said not taking his eyes off the exit he prayed his top fire-fighter and his partner would emerge from. "The rest came out. They were at the front."

"Just them?" Kim asked in shock. "I don't believe this," she said in a panic.

"They have to find another way out. Damn it Jimmy," the Chief cursed looking at the blaze. "Why did you have to go in so far?"

"Why the hell must he always take chances!" Kim said in anger.

Bruce looked at her. "Because he knows he can."

"Almost there Sam, stay with me buddy," Jimmy yelled out as he slowly made his way to the door. He had to stop a few times and dodge stray fire trails but he finally made it. He pushed at the door but it would not open.

"AHHH!" Jimmy yelled out as he tried slamming the door open with his weight. He noticed an empty chemical barrel close by and picked it up and threw it at the door with all his weight. After a few more tries, sweat was starting to make trails down his soot covered face. He felt the heat growing at his back and knew time was running short. A few more tries and the door finally started to groan. Two more and it finally creaked open.

"Yes!" Jimmy said tossing the barrel aside as the flames started to surround them. He heard distant calls but knew he couldn't risk turning back. He picked up Sam and proceeded through the doorway, not knowing where it would lead.

Kim slowly paced back and forth in front of the bus while they all waited for Jimmy and Sam to emerge. "What the hell is taking them so long!" Kim moaned as she looked from Alex to the burning warehouse.

"Jimmy is the best Kim, he'll get Sam out of there," Alex said trying to calm her best friend.

"I know Alex," Kim said with a weak smile. "I just wish I could really believe that now."

Jimmy pushed the door closed with his boot and squinted in the darkness to see what kind of room he was in. Smoke started to fill seep under the cracks and soon he was feeling the pressure on his already thick lungs. He finally saw a narrow hallway starting to appear and made his way towards it. He carefully moved himself and Sam along the rotting timbers until the ground below them gave way and he felt himself falling with Sam right after him.

Jimmy yelled out but it was short lived as the fall wasn't very long. He landed on his chest with a thud but was thankful nothing was broken. But his head connected oddly with a wooden plank and he knew he would pay for that. Sam landed on top of him but rolled off and Jimmy quickly checked to make sure he was still alive.

"Hold on Sam," Jimmy said softly as he looked up and scanned his new surroundings. He saw a dim sliver of light in the distance and knew it had to be a way out. He felt a soft trickle starting to run down his forehead and wiped some fresh blood away. He hauled Sam up again and slowly started to make his way toward the glimmer of hope. He felt the heavy strain of fatigue finally starting to take over but pushed himself towards the light. He finally reached it and found it to be an old airshaft that was loosely boarded up. In no time he had pried the boards away and was down the tunnel towards the outside. As he got closer to his destination he finally was able to breathe in fresh air.

"Almost there Sam, just hang on," Jimmy said in a firm but raspy voice. "Just hang on."

"This one is going to take a special fire-stopper to put it out Sir," one of the fire-fighters said to the Chief. "I think there were some stray chemicals in here that might be adding to the heat intensity. There is no way we can send the second team in. Water along will not put it out."

"I have two men still trapped in there!" Bruce yelled to the man before him. "You don't stop until they come out. Is that clear?"

"Perfectly," the man said before turning and rushing back to his own men. "Keep going."

Bruce turned to Kim with a nervous look. "He'll make it."

Kim looked at him with a blank stare. "How many times have I heard that before?" She muttered as she turned back to the building before her. "You better not die on me now Jimmy."

Jimmy squinted into the faint sunlight and drank in the fresh air. Sam's weight was starting to take its toll on his tired and bruised body but he knew he had to get him to Kim to get help. He felt himself stagger and as he took another step the building behind him exploded and he and Sam where thrown forwards towards the cement.

"Jimmy!" Kim yelled out in horror as she looked to the Chief. She watched in horrible slow motion as the second hose team scrambled to get their men from the burning wreckage. She heard Alex calling her name in the distance but all she could see was that Jimmy was no where in sight. She felt her eyes well up as she yelled NO into the heavy air.

"Kim we have wounded to attend to," Alex said finally breaking her from her stupor.

"Jimmy no…" she said weakly.

"AHH!" Jimmy cried out as he slammed into the ground face first and Sam landed on his back and then rolled off. He lay on the hard ground dazed a bit before he slowly turned over onto his back and looked up into the sky. He felt blood running from his nose and wiped it away with his gloved hand, smearing trails through the soot and sweat already covering his face. The heavy smoke had made his eyes start to water and his lungs constrict. He tried to get up but cried out and lay back down. "Have to help Sam…" he said in an anguished voice, as he pushed himself up again and went for Sam. In no time Sam was back in his arms and he was slowly making his way to the EMS units.

He rounded the corner and saw the frantic group trying to help the other team pull itself from the burning wreckage.

"He…" Jimmy's dry voice cracked. "Help me…" he tried in a bit more firmer voice. I can't say it louder, he said inside. Kim help me, his mind called out. "Help…"

"Just breathe into this John," Kim said as she placed the oxygen mask over his face and then let Carlos take him to the bus. What? Kim looked up and back towards the burning building at the thought that she heard Jimmy's faint voice. She frantically scanned the surrounding area and then finally out of the corner of her eye she caught movement at the far side of the alleyway. She turned to see Jimmy slowly walking towards them carrying Sam in his arms.

"Jimmy!" Kim yelled out. She dropped what she was doing and rushed towards Jimmy with Doc closely following. She reached Jimmy and tried to calm the rising panic in her system as she quickly scanned to make sure he was indeed in front of her.

"Help Sam," he voice cracked out as he carefully laid Sam on the ground and collapsed beside him.

"We need two boards and lots of hands!" Doc yelled to Alex and Carlos as a bunch of the other fire-fighters rushed to help them.

Doc worked on Sam while Kim attended to Jimmy.

"How did you get out?" She asked quickly opening his jacket and checking for other wounds. She found a small gash in his side and started to fix it when the others arrived with the board. She managed to wipe most of the blood off his face as he was lifted into the air.

"Other exit," Jimmy said in a soft tone. "Is Sam okay?"

"We'll know in a few hours," Doc said looking up at Carlos. "Let's go." With that they hoisted Sam into the air, put him on a stretcher and started for the bus.

"I'm going with him," Jimmy said trying to get up.

"Uh no you're not," Kim said pushing him back down. Due to the pain and fatigue in his body Jimmy just lay back down and closed his eyes while he felt himself being lifted onto a stretcher and strapped down.

"I'll drive," Alex called out as they finally had him strapped into the back of the bus.

Kim smiled down at Jimmy and gently stroked his forehead. "Just rest okay," she said in a soft tone as she brushed some blood stained hair off his forehead.

"I…" Jimmy started but stopped due to some raspy coughing.

"Sounds kinda bad Jimmy," Kim said reaching for the oxygen mask to put on him. Jimmy stopped her hand just before it put the mask on.

"I was careful this time Kimmy," he said with a frown. "The fire just got around us. I swear I didn't see the chemicals there. If I had of known…"

"It's okay Jimmy," Kim said in a soft tone as she finally put the mask over his mouth and nose to let him breathe some fresh oxygen. "I'll just make you pay tonight."

Jimmy pulled the mask away long enough to say, "promise?" Then he laughed and put it back on while he received a friendly slap from her.

They finally reached mercy and in no time Kim and Alex were mildly pacing the ER waiting for news on Jimmy and Sam. Kim looked up as Dr. Miles finally exited the ER with a firm smile.

"Well this doesn't look good," she said to Alex as the doctor approached. "What?" Kim asked in a panic.

"Jimmy is going to be fine. X-rays show some bruising of his shoulder, knee and a bit of a strained back but no major injuries. He has a mild concussion but nothing serious. Sam on the other hand as sustained a large blow to the back of the head and there is swelling on the left side of the brain. He also has a puncture in his right lower lung. He's in a mild coma right now but responding well to treatment. However I don't know when he'll be out. Could be a few hours, could be a few days."

"Can we see him?" Jimmy asked from behind as he slowly walked up to them. He had just his white T-shirt and overalls on and Kim couldn't help but blush a bit as she watched how his body flexed under the material. That and his rugged appearance always made her go weak. No wonder I can't say no, she said inside.

"For a bit," Dr. Miles said bringing her back to reality. "But he really needs his rest. The next 24 hours will be critical. And you," he said looking at Jimmy with a frown. "I thought you were going to rest for a few hours before you decided to get up."

"He doesn't even do that at home," Kim said with a sigh while Jimmy just smiled at both of them.

"Thanks Dr. Miles," Jimmy said as he gently took Kim by the hand and they went to see Sam. Jimmy let go of her hand as they neared the bed and heaved a large sigh.

"Sam…" Jimmy said softly. "If you can hear me then I'm sorry. I didn't know there were chemicals in that warehouse. I should have listened to you," he said as he hung his head closer to Sam. "Don't die okay? I'm sorry."

"He'll be fine," Kim said gently rubbing his back. Jimmy stood up and looked at her with a mournful expression. "He just needs to rest."

"I hope so," Jimmy said stretching a bit. "Time to go. I'll come back tomorrow," Jimmy said as they watched Dr. Miles walk up to them. "Can we come back tomorrow?"

"Of course you can Jimmy," Dr. Miles said with a smile. "Just go home and get some rest okay?"

"Yes Sir," Jimmy said firmly before both he and Kim turned and left. They went back into the waiting area only to be greeted by the Chief and few others.

"Well?" The Chief asked Jimmy.

"He's in a mild coma right now. But Dr. Miles says he should be fine in a few days."

"And you?"

"I'm just very tired and sore," Jimmy said with a frown.

"Well you've earned your rest," the Chief said with a faint smile. "Like you always do."

"Yeah yeah I'm going home to rest," he said quickly. "Meet you there," he said to Kim as he went back for his jacket and the rest of his clothes.

Kim and Alex finished up their paperwork and finally took a few minutes to just sit and rest. "You look tired," Alex said frankly.

"I am," Kim said placing the last file on the table. "With work, wedding plans and Joey it's three full time jobs," she said taking her ponytail out.

"Has Jimmy helped with the wedding at all?" Alex asked with a smile.

"Believe it or not he has," Kim said with fake enthusiasm. "He has chosen the wine list."

Both girls laughed and Kim sat back and sighed. "I'm glad it's going to be small."

"Me too," Alex said. "Ty is still upset I'm paired with Sam."

"Thought he would be," Kim said getting up. "Well I think tomorrow will come fast and I know Jimmy will want to get to see Sam as soon as he can. See you tomorrow."

"Bye," Alex called out as Kim disappeared around the corner. "Hey have they filled the new spot since Matthews transferred to the second watch."

"Not sure why?" Kim called back. "Thinking of leaving me again?" She teased.

"Just wondering," Alex called back with a smile. "Nothing more."

"How was your day?" Kim smiled as Jimmy walked in the door later that night.

"Long and yours?" He asked hugging her close.

"Ah you know the usual, worried about my fiancé because he takes lots of risks," she said poking him in the side.

Jimmy just smiled and rolled his eyes. "Joey asleep?"

"Yeah," Kim said with a shy smile. "Want to join him?"

"I don't think there's enough room," Jimmy teased back.

"Funny," she said not laughing. "That's not what I meant."

"How about we shower," he said kissing her lightly on the lips. "And then we have some fun," he said kissing her on the cheek. He stepped back and pulled his T-shirt to expose his naked muscular chest. "And then sleep."

"I know what you have," Kim smiled as she devoured his wonderful body. "But that does sound good…"

"Good. Race you there," Jimmy said smacking her with the T-shirt before turning and rushing for the shower.

"Hey!" Kim called out as she quickly followed after him. "So much for rest," she sighed.

In no time they were both under the warm water, laughing, washing and kissing.

"I think you get more beautiful every day," Jimmy smiled as he held her close to his warm soapy body.

"Really?" Kim asked in happy surprise.

"I do," he said firmly.

"You're not so bad yourself," she teased.

"Hey!" Jimmy said with a mock frown. "Time for real fun," Jimmy said turning off the water and reaching for a towel.

"You want to dry off?" Kim asked in surprise.

"Nope it's for the bed," he laughed. He stopped his hand in mid air. "Forget the towel," he laughed turning back to Kim. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bed.

"How's the shoulder?" Kim asked softly as Jimmy lowered her to the bed.

"Fine," he winced, making her smile. "I love you Kim," he said in a low husky tone as he pushed some hair back and kissed her lips. "Forever," he whispered in his ear.

"I love you too Jimmy," Kim said kissing him back. "Forever."

Sometime later they were both starting to fall asleep in each other's arms; Jimmy on his back and Kim spooned up beside him. He kissed the top of her head and smiled to himself as she snuggled closer. I finally have everything I could possibly want, he said inside. Nothing will ever take that from me. Nothing.

"So you made the news again huh Doherty!" Clint spat as he flipped off the switch to the radio in his truck. "Saved a fellow fire fighters life. A hero again! Well soon you'll be second best and I'll be the one in the spotlight, like it should be. Like it should have been in the past!" He said angrily as he stopped his truck in front of Fire House 55. "Time to show you what it's like to be number two. And when you're life starts to slide into hell there will be no one around to pull you back out. And when I'm done no one will want to. Think of it as a debt long overdue Jimmy," he said slamming the cover closed on a small scrapbook that had a picture of Jimmy on the front page. "Long overdue."

"Can I help you?" Bruce asked as a strange man walked into his office.

"Yeah Clint Ryan," the man said firmly. "I just moved here from Texas," he said extending his hand, "and I'm looking for a job as a fire-fighter. Have any openings?"

Bruce studied the man before him and knew he would be able to do the job. "Got a resume?" Bruce asked with a tire sigh.

Clint pulled out his resume and slowly looked around the Chief's office while the Chief scanned the paper. Doherty again, his mind said in disdain as looked at the various clippings the Chief had up on his walls. It's about time another took the spotlight away from you Doherty and put you in your place. And that one is me! This is one job I will finally enjoy doing.

"You're credentials look impressive," the Chief muttered as his eyes scanned the page. Almost as good as Jimmy's he smiled to himself. He read the reference letters and looked back up at the man before him.

"So do I have a job?" Clint asked quickly.

Bruce sighed and slowly shook his head yes. "As a matter of fact we just had a guy transfer to the second watch. Welcome to Ladder 55 Clint Ryan. You can start tomorrow."

"Thanks Chief," Clint said shaking his hand. "I'm sure I'm going to really like my job here," he said with an evil smile as his gaze drifted from the Chief to one of Jimmy's smiling pictures behind him. "Really like it."

**Dear readers. Well I finally have started my second Jimmy story. Please review if you liked this chapter and want me to write more! Thanks**