One Hundred and Five

CHAPTER 105

"Nicholas collapsed because he lost a lot of blood, but we have treated him. The bullet that was fired into his leg has also been removed, there are a few stitches in his skin but he will wake up soon." Doctor Harris explained in great detail to both Alicia and Noel, the man closed the small board he was using to record all the conditions and continued, "I think we'll move him from the ICU to an in-patient room soon. Can one of you take care of the paperwork?"

Noel spoke first, he took a step. "Let me take care of that."

"Alright," Doctor Harris said. The doctor then looked at Alicia, "You can wait for him while the hospital prepares a room for him."

"Thank you, Doctor."

Doctor Harris walked away first, while Noel followed behind. Alicia sat next to Nicholas. The man still had his eyes closed with a bandage covering his entire right thigh. Alicia looked at Nicholas even though he didn't know it.

Alicia could not take her eyes off Nicholas who was lying there, fragile in the middle of the sterile hospital sheets. She had known him for a long time, but a wave of emotions surged through her at this moment.

Nicholas had an incredible way of making her feel understood and loved.As she sat by his side, she recalled their shared laughter and how his eyes lit up as he spoke of his passion. She reached out hesitantly, her fingers rubbing his hand gently, silently praying for his speedy recovery.

Without Alicia's knowing, Noel hurriedly finished his paperwork, his mind racing with images of Nicholas and Alicia together. He had observed their growing relationship, a bond that seemed more than just close friends.

Alicia's heart ached with worry and a strange sense of longing as she gazed at Nicholas. The beeping of the monitor provided a rhythmic backdrop to her muddled thoughts. She longed to tell him about the emotions swirling inside her, but feared the vulnerability that came with it.

A few moments passed in silence until Nicholas stirred slightly, his eyelids fluttering open. Alicia's breath caught in her throat as their eyes met. A soft smile curved her lips, though the pain was evident in her expression. "Hey," she murmured weakly.

Relief flooded Alicia, her worries momentarily forgotten in the warmth of that simple greeting. "You scared me," she admitted softly, her eyes welling up with unbearable tears.

Noel returned just then, catching the tender moment between them. He hesitated in the doorway, unsure whether to interrupt or give them space. But Alicia noticed movement at the door.

Alicia noticed Noel's presence and invited him in with a weak smile, despite the chaos of emotions raging inside her. "Noel, come here," she said softly, her voice both relieved and distressed.

Noel stepped forward hesitantly, an unspoken weight of tension hanging in the air. "How is he?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady despite the turmoil within him. He was quite anxious because of Nicholas' condition and almost had a heart attack when he knew Nicholas was dying of blood loss.

"He's awake," Alicia replied, her eyes flickering between Noel and Nicholas, doubt clouding her face.

Nicholas mumbled under his breath, his voice sounding like a mixture of groans and moans of real pain. Noel winced at the sound of Nicholas' voice. He was concerned to see his partner hurt like that. He then pointed at Nicholas' leg. "Your leg is badly injured, you should take some time off until you can walk again, Nic."

"Is that your advice?"

"Of course." Noel looked at Alicia, then back at Nicholas. "The case we're dealing with is not just a premeditated murder, it's a serial killer. And right now, both of your lives are in danger. Get another team involved, this is a serious case, Nic."

Nicholas let out a humorless chuckle, though it turned into a painful cough. "Noel, you know I can't just walk away from this case. We've been working on this case for years, I'm pretty sure all of these cases still have something to do with Ace and we're getting closer to catching this perpetrator."

Noel set her jaw, frustration and worry building up inside him. "Nic, you're in no fit condition to go after a serial killer. We can't afford any mistakes. Let someone else take the lead for the time being."

Alicia stepped closer, her gaze moving from Noel to Nicholas, her expression stern. "Noel's right, Nic. You need time to heal. We have enough evidence and clues to hand over to another team in the meantime. Your health comes first."

Nicholas gritted his teeth, his fingers tightening on the edge of the hospital bed. "This killer is getting better. We can't risk him taking more lives while waiting for me to recover. Alicia is also in danger as long as the killer is still on the loose."

Noel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "In that case, let me handle this. I'll keep you updated, and once you're better, we'll handle this together."

"But, Noel-"

"Nic!" Alicia interrupted. Her voice was enough to attract the attention of everyone in the room. Her face looked serious as she looked at Nicholas who was lying on the bed. "Don't push yourself like this."

There was an eerie silence in the room as Nicholas considered his options, his mind torn between duty and his physical condition. Finally, with a reluctant nod, he relented, knowing that his partner was right.

"Alright, but keep me updated, Noel. And promise me that you'll be careful. Get information on Ace and Amanda, that's it."

Noel nodded firmly. "Alright, I promise. I'll organize a temporary replacement team to take over. We will focus on the information as you requested and you two focus on recovering Nicholas."

As Alicia left to make the necessary arrangements, Noel pulled up a chair beside Nicholas. "We'll get this guy, Nic. But right now, you need to rest and recover. I won't let anything happen to you."

Nicholas managed a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Noel. Just... don't let this guy get away."

With a steady nod, Noel remained by Nicholas' side, already formulating a plan to continue the investigation without endangering his partner's health.