Chapter Three

It took hours before Alex had a real idea of what was going on. Shortly after she was admitted to the ER, she was transferred upstairs to a private recovery room. There was another bed in there, most likely for Casey once the younger ADA came out from surgery.

However, Alex had been in there for nearly seven hours. Her only company was Hammond (who refused to tell her anything regarding the case) and the television displaying reruns of Friends (which could not make Alex laugh no matter how much she used to enjoy the show). She was only focused on Casey. Seeing the empty bed to her left freaked her out.

Alex focused her attention on the door. It was not opening. With the heavy curtains placed in front of the window, she could not tell if anyone was approaching them. Hammond did not have to come out and say it. She knew what was happening. Once she and Casey were cleared to leave by the doctors, they were going into Federal Witness Protection. That had to be it. Otherwise, Hammond would not be so quiet.

The door finally opened. Several other agents escorted Casey into the room and transferred her over to the bed next to Alex.

Alex peered over at the other woman. Casey was already regaining consciousness, which Alex knew had to be a good sign. Casey's left shoulder appeared pretty damaged, but at least the woman was alive. "Casey?" Alex called softly. "Are you ok?"

Casey half-shrugged with her good shoulder. "I grew up playing baseball and football with four older brothers," she pointed out. "While I've never been shot before, I have had my share of injuries."

"I'm still sorry," Alex said sincerely. "If not for the shooting itself, then for its repercussions." She then turned around to face Hammond. "You're sending me back, aren't you?"

"Ms. Cabot, you know I don't have any other choice," Hammond stated. "I warned you that they would try to kill you again. This is what's best for you."

Alex could barely focus on what he was saying anymore. Her fears were confirmed. She was going back. What was she going to miss this time? Olivia and Elliot's inevitable wedding? Fin's turning Democrat? Munch's retirement? Something bigger? She did not care what it was. She wanted to be back with her friends. She knew going in to the city that she would have to get out. However, she had hoped that perhaps they could get Liam Connors to give them the resources to find and extradite Valez for her attempted murder. Branch was fond of her- he could try to orchestrate something like that.

Tears filled in her eyes. Her life in New York was really over. Hammond was right. Putting her back was the only way to guarantee her safety. It would be even harder to do that this time around. Valez knew she was in the program. Chances were high that she would go back.

"This is bull," Casey argued.

"Ms. Novak, I understand your anger," Hammond said slowly. "But there is a high probability that Valez could be after you, too. You are the prosecuting attorney on the case against Connors. Connors works for Valez."

"What?" Casey asked in a more serious tone. Her voice dropped. "You're not saying—"

"Ms. Novak, you know exactly what I'm saying," Hammond said. "I'm sorry." His expression was serious. This was real. Unless Casey or Alex could tell them exactly where Cesar Valez was, they would be going back to Witness Protection. Soon.