This catches you guys up so you know what's going on....

Working on a new one now that is half finished....should be ready in a day or so....

Robin

Author's Text

The characters in this story are not mine (well...OK...a couple of them are) and no money is made by me for the use of them in this story.

Robin

"ER"
"In The Line Of Duty"
Opening Act

Scene opens at County Hospital...interior...late evening. Show Mark Greene going down the hall towards the elevator. His attention is caught by a light on in an office. He rolls his eyes and goes over to the door, opening it slightly and peeking in. He sees Doug Ross working over files at his desk and he sighs.

Mark (pushes door open):
Go home! It's getting late and your kids are in bed! Go home!

Doug (looks up, chuckles):
They aren't going to school right now so I'm sure they'll still be awake when I get there...what about yours?

Mark (grins):
Same...

Doug:
So, how did Jennifer take losing that custody battle to you, anyway?

Mark:
She's filed an appeal...it's not over yet!

Doug (sighs):
I guess you should have figured on that, huh?

Mark (nods):
I guess...go home, Doug...there's nothing on that desk that you can't do tomorrow.

Doug (nods):
Yeah, you're right. As soon as I finish this one, I'll lock up and go home...I promise.

Mark (heads back for the door):
OK...I'll see you later.

Doug (as Mark goes back out the door):
Good night, Mark.
(reaches over and picks up the phone, punches in a number)

Cut to show Carol Ross picking up the ringing phone at the Ross home.

Carol (on the other end of the phone):
Hello?

Doug (grins):
Is this the Ross Residence?

Carol (grins):
Yes, it is, Dr. Ross...can I help you?

Doug:
I'm getting ready to leave here...how about if I pick up a pizza and you and me have a party in the deck chair out on the patio?

Carol (snickers):
What will the neighbors think? Doug:
Probably that they had their own deck chair!
(chuckles)
I'm on my way home, Hon...

Carol:
I'll be waiting!

Doug smiles as he hangs up the phone and pushes back his chair. He picks up his keys and walks out of his office, locking the door behind him. He gets into the elevator and gets off on the main floor. He walks through the ER, making last minute checks on things down there. He pops into the lounge to find John Carter, Kerry Weaver, and Max Rocher all taking a break.

Radio DJ (over speaker):
Chicago police have called in Federal Marshals to aid their search for Willie and Ben Derango...two escaped convicts from Joliet...the brothers escaped early this morning and could be in the Chicago/Winnetka area...they are considered to be armed and dangerous and citizens should alert police at sighting. It is not yet known if either man was injured in the shootout escape...

Doug:
Max...John...I'm leaving for the evening...page me if you need me.

Rocher (looks up):
I'm sure we can handle things, Doug...have a good evening.

Doug goes on out of the ER and into the ambulance entrance way. He walks swiftly across the lot to the parking garage across from the hospital. He goes in the door and starts up the steps. He refrains from looking behind him as he goes up, his mind vividly recalling another incident in the garage a few years before. He gets to his level and opens the door, going into the parking area. He starts walking across to where his jeep is parked, the heels of his boots clicking against the concrete floor. He passes one of the stone pillars of the garage just before he gets to his car and is startled by a man stepping out quickly and holding a gun in his face. He is Willie Derango...one of the hunted Doug heard about on the lounge radio.

Willie (holding gun nervously):
That's far enough, Dr. Ross...you're coming with me now!

Doug (confused):
Do I know you?

Willie (shakes his head):
Probably not...but I remember seeing you all over the news when you pulled that little boy all out of that storm drain...

Doug (chuckles):
You must have a good memory...that was ages ago...

Willie:
The main thing I remember is that you're a doctor...and that's what I need right now...so, you're coming with me. My brother is hurt and I need help for him and you're it...
(waves the gun at him)
Let's go, Doc...

Doug (cautiously):
Well, I have to get my medical kit from the car...is that OK?

Willie (carefully):
Just don't try anything heroic, Doc...

Doug (hands out to the side):
Don't worry...you need a doctor and you'll get one...I'll go with you...

Willie follows along behind him as Doug goes over to the jeep and opens the door. He reaches into the back and pulls out a first aid kit. Just before he closes the door, he reaches to his arms and unclasps his medical alert bracelet. He closes the door and lets the bracelet fall to the ground beside the jeep. He puts the first aid kit under his arm and Willie moves closer to him, putting the gun in his back and leading him to a car parked close by.

Willie (demanding):
Get in! And don't try anything!

Doug (opens the door):
I told you if you needed a doctor you'd get one...
(slides into the passenger's seat)
...I'm a man of my word.

Willie slams the door and runs around to jump into the driver's seat. He roars the car out of the garage as Doug looks out the window with a wondering look.

Cut to the Ross home. Show Carol Ross pacing the floor of the living room and looking out the window. She sighs and folds her arms across her chest, going over to the phone. Cut to show Mark Greene picking up the ringing phone in his home.

Mark (into receiver):
Hello?

Carol:
Hi, Mark, would you please send my husband home?

Mark (confused):
I would...if he was here...

Carol:
He called me and told me he was coming home and bringing pizza...I just assumed he got sidetracked there...

Mark (sighs):
No...my guess is that he's still in his office working and hasn't even left yet...

Carol:
He didn't answer the phone...I already called there...

Mark:
Sometimes when he's working late he turns the phone off. Tell you what, Carol, I'll go back over there and herd him home, OK?

Carol (smiles):
Thanks, Mark...

Carol hangs up the phone on her end. Show Mark hang up the phone on his and shake his head.

Mark (calling out):
Nina! I have to go out for a few minutes...I'll be right back...

Mark takes his jacket from the hall tree and heads out the door as the Opening Act fades into the Opening Credits of the show.

"ER"

"In The Line Of Duty"

Act One

Scene opens at the Ross home. Show Tatiana coming into the living room where Carol is sitting on the sofa. Tatiana folds her arms as she glares at Carol, who finally looks up at her with a chuckle.

Carol (chuckles):
What?

Tatiana:
Papa's late again!

Carol (pulls her onto her lap):
Yeah, he is, but remember we talked about that...there will be nights Papa will get home LONG after you should be asleep!

Tatiana (giggles):
I can't sleep until Papa tucks me in!

Carol:
That's just an excuse...
(tickles her...Tatiana squeals with delight)
I think you're gonna have to let me tuck you in tonight and then when Papa comes home he can tuck you after you're already sleeping.

Tatiana:
I suppose...

Carol takes her daughter by the hand and leads her back to bed.

Cut to show Mark getting off the elevator at the hospital and going down the hall. He stops at Doug's office and is surprised to find it locked and dark. He goes back to the elevator and gets off on the main floor. He goes through the ER and stops at the desk where everybody is working busily.

Kerry (as Mark stops at the desk):
What are you doing here? I thought you went home a long time ago?

Mark:
I'm looking for Doug...is he still here someplace?

Kerry:
No, he left a while ago, too.

Mark (surprised):
He did? Did he say if he was stopping anyplace?

Kerry (nonchalant):
No...just that he was leaving and if anyone needed him we should page him.

Mark (nods):
OK...thanks.

Mark goes out of the ER and starts back for his car but his attention is caught by the parking garage across the lot. He goes over and in the door, walking quickly up the steps to the level he knows Doug usually parks on. He walks through the parking port looking for Doug's jeep and when he sees it parked in it's parking spot he gets confused. He moves closer to it and his eye is caught by a glint in the dim light. He walks over and leans down to see Doug's medic alert bracelet lying on the concrete floor. He starts to pick it up, but, then thinks better of it. Just as he turns to leave, he sees John Carter coming to get into his car and flags him down by waving his arms.

Mark (calling):
John! Wait! I need you to go back into the hospital and call 911!

Carter (coming up to Mark curiously):
Something wrong?

Mark (nods):
Yeah...I think it just might be...
(points to the ground)
...that's Doug's medic alert bracelet and he never goes anywhere without it...I think the police better take a look at this...

Carter (nods):
Sure thing, Dr. Greene! I'll go call them right away...

Mark nods as Carter starts away. Then he turns his attention to the bracelet with a concerned look on his face.

Cut to show Doug being led up a flight of steps by Willie, who stays close behind him. Doug is carrying the first aid kit and Willie keeps a gun poking into Doug's back. They get to the top of the steps and start down a dimly lit hallway. They reach a room at the end of the steps and Willie directs Doug into it.

Willie (motions):
In here!

Doug looks around before he goes into the room. The building is obviously abandoned as it is filled with trash and has broken windows. When Doug hesitates with his looking, Willie shoves him quickly through the door.

Willie (motions):
There's your patient, Doc...get to it!

Doug:
Can I at least know his name?

Willie:
He's my brother, Ben...I'm Willie...

Doug looks across the room and sees Ben Derango lying on the floor, supported by the wall behind him. He is bleeding badly from a wound on his right side, just below the ribcage line. His breathing is labored and he is sweating. Doug goes over to him and kneels down beside him.

Doug (smiles weakly at Ben):
Hey, Ben...I'm Dr. Ross...I'm gonna take care of you, OK?
(looks up at Willie):
I need more sanitary conditions than this to work on him...

Willie:
Well you're just gonna have to do the best you can do, Doc...

Doug:
Working on him here could run a risk of infection...

Willie:
We'll take our chances!

Doug:
At least build a fire so I can sterilize the equipment...

Willie (gets in Doug's face with the gun):
What do you take me for, Doc? A fool? You build a fire, it alerts everybody outside that someone is in here and the next thing you know this place is crawling with cops! No way! You're just gonna have to do the best you can with what you've got...now get busy!

Doug (sighs, places his hands on Ben's side):
This hurt?
(Ben's eyes gaze at him but he doesn't say anything. Doug moves his hands to another position)
What about this?
(when Doug pushes down, Ben lurches upward and cries out quickly in pain, bringing Willie and his gun to attention quickly)

Willie (pointing gun at Doug):
What did you do?

Doug:
I HAVE to examine him before I can do anything else! Now, that kind of reaction tells me there's probably still a bullet inside him...

Willie:
Then take it out!

Doug (shakes his head):
I can't do it...not with the tools I have...I need a surgical kit to do that...
(sighs)

I'm also not a surgeon...

Willie:
Well, we ain't going back after one...you're gonna have to do it...

Doug (nods):
Fine...I can take a bullet out, but, not without a surgical kit...

Willie (shakes his head):
Ain't going back to the hospital...too many people there...

Doug (thinking):
OK, how about this? There's a free clinic just a few blocks from here...I used to work there so I know how to get in the back way where nobody will see me. I can get a surgical kit there.

Willie (looks at his brother, bleeding, groaning, and sweating):
How do I know I can trust you?

Doug:
What other choice do you have?

Willie:
All right...but I'm going with you.
(Leans close to Ben)
Don't worry, Bro...it'll be all right...
(turns up radio...music plays softly)
You just listen to that and relax...we'll be on the road soon, I promise.
(points gun at Doug)
Let's go, Doc...

Doug reluctantly starts away with Willie and they leave Ben there alone.

Cut back to the parking garage. Mark is there with two uniformed police officers. One is inspecting Doug's jeep, the other is talking with Mark. The one talking with Mark is holding a plastic bag with Doug's medic alert bracelet in it.

Officer:
You're sure it couldn't just come off?

Mark:
Those clasps are very strong...you have to make them loose to get the bracelet off...Doug never goes anywhere without this bracelet...I'm positive he dropped it on purpose.

Officer:
As a cry for help?

Mark:
I can't be sure, but, his jeep is still here but he's not at the hospital...his office is locked and someone saw him leave about an hour ago...and he's not at home because his wife called me looking for him...

Officer (nods):
OK...we'll check things out...we can't assume he's missing until he's been gone for 24 hours...

Mark (stunned):
Why not?

Officer (shrugs):
Because he's an adult...

Mark (perturbed):
Well, what's that got to do with anything?

Officer:
That's just the law...an adult has to be missing 24 hours before they are considered a missing person.

Mark:
Well, I think that's crazy, but, OK...what do we do now?

Officer:
We wait...and see if he turns up or calls someone...

Cut to show Willie in a phone booth outside the back entrance of the clinic. Doug is standing close outside. Willie points the gun at him and nods towards the door.

Willie:
OK...two minutes...that's all you said you needed.

Doug (nods):
Right, but, you better go in with me so you can dub as a patient if somebody gets suspicious...and know before we go that I HAVE to sign that kit out...I can't just take it.

Willie:
Sign your name...and that's ALL...

Doug (nods):
I told you I'd help your brother, Willie...and I will...I promise...

Willie (nods):
OK...but just remember my friend here...
(shows him the gun)

Doug:
I gave you my word, Willie...

Doug and Willie head across the lot and into clinic through the back door.

Cut to show Carol opening the door at the Ross home to find Mark standing on the other side.

Carol (concerned look):
Oh my God...something's wrong...

Show Mark coming into the house and Carol closing the door behind him as Act One Fades to Black.

"ER"

"In The Line Of Duty"

Act Two

Scene opens at the Clinic. Show Doug opening the back staff entrance door carefully and looking around to be sure no one sees him as he slips in. Willie is moving right with him, holding the gun in his back. Doug slips to the supply cabinet along the back wall and opens it carefully, so as not to make any noise. He reaches in and takes a small kit and a bottle of medicine. He also take gauze bandages.

Willie (whispers):
Hurry it up, Doc...let's GO!

Doug (nods):
I just want to make sure we get everything I'll need while we're here...

Willie (nervous):
Well, hurry it up!

While Doug is pulling everything he needs, cut to show Chuny looking out the crack in the door of the lounge. She sees Willie looking nervously around and sees how close he is standing to Doug. Willie turns his body just slightly and Chuny sees that he is holding a gun. She turns her attention to the TV on in the lounge behind her and sees a police bulletin on the screen. They are showing photos of the 2 escapees and she looks carefully at the photo of Willie on the screen and then looks back at the man with Doug. Realizing she could put Doug in danger if she says or does anything, she stays where she is. She watches as Doug goes over to the sign sheet on the wall and scribbles a signature. Then, he and Willie disappear out the back door. As soon as they are gone, Chuny reaches for the phone on the wall of the lounge and punches a number.

Chuny (nervously into receiver):
Hello, Chicago Police? I think I might have a where about on that escaped convict from Joliet...

Cut to the Ross home. Show Mark and Carol sitting at the kitchen table together. Mark looks nervous...Carol looks worried.

Carol:
What could have happened?

Mark (shakes his head):
I don't know...but the car is still there...I knew then something was wrong...so I had Carter call the police...

Carol:
He never goes anywhere without that bracelet...

Mark (nods):
I know..that's why I think he dropped it on purpose...
(Mark's beeper goes off and he looks down at the number on it)
That's the Clinic...can I use your phone?

Carol (nods):
Sure.

Mark goes over to the phone and punches in a number.

Mark:
Yeah, Chuny...it's me...what do you need?
(surprised look comes over his face)
When? OK...no...you did the right thing...I'll be right there!
(hangs up the phone and looks at Carol)
Chuny says Doug was just in the clinic a few minutes ago...she said a man with a gun was with him and she's sure it was Willie Derango...

Carol (frightened look):
The escaped convict?

Mark (nods):
Yeah...Chuny says Doug took some supplies and signed the 'out' sheet...but she says she doesn't understand the signature message...

Carol:
Let's go have a look at it!

Mark (nods):
Yeah...Chuny called the police...let's get on over there...

Carol goes through the house and into the nursery where their new housekeeper, Mrs. Lincoln, is rocking one of the girls.

Carol:
Emily, I have to go out for a few minutes with Dr. Greene, keep an eye on the kids, OK?

Emily (nods):
Of course, Mrs. Ross.

Show Carol going quickly out the door behind Mark and they head for Mark's car. Show the car pulling out of the driveway and speeding down the street towards town.

Cut to show Doug and Willie coming back into the room where Ben is hiding in the abandoned building. Doug goes over to Ben and starts quickly to work.

Doug (looks at Willie):
I'm going to need some light in here, Willie...these are very crude conditions and I don't want to make a mistake...

Willie:
Where am I gonna get light?

Doug:
Pull some of those boards off that window over there...the street light and the moonlight will help me out...we can move him closer to the window if we have to...

Willie (gun in Doug's face):
I pull boards off that window, cops will know we're in here!

Doug (shakes his head):
No, they won't. This is a haven for the homeless...cops don't pay any attention to pulled off boards. Listen, Willie, you have to trust me...I'm not going to run and I'm not going to get the cops here...I'm going to help your brother but you have to help me, too, OK? I need light...and I need water...and you're going to have to help me get it or your brother is going to die, do you understand that? (Willie gives him a careful look, but nods his head)

OK, now, there is running water in this building but it's down on the main floor. You'll have to get it up here in whatever you can carry it in and I'll make the best of it, OK? (Willie nods)

Willie (hand on Ben's shoulder):
We're gonna take care of you, Benny...we're gonna make it out of this...

Willie goes off to get water and Doug starts setting up his supplies to start working on his patient.

Cut to the Clinic, which is now crawling with police. Show Mark and Carol come in the back staff entrance and Chuny comes quickly to meet them. She is holding the clipboard and hands it to Mark.

Chuny:
Here...do these letters make any sense to you?

Mark looks at the sign sheet. He sees Doug's signature and right beside it are the letters CHR-MG-IMOK. Carol looks over his shoulder and studies the letters as well.

Carol:
He's telling us he's OK...
(she points out the letters)
CHR...that's me...Carol Hathaway Ross...MG...that's you...Mark Greene...IMOK...I Am OK.
(looks at Mark)
But he's not OK! He's a dialysis patient, Mark, and he needs daily treatment...

Officer (standing nearby):
Dr. Ross is your husband, Ma'am?

Carol (turns to him):
Yes, that's right.

Officer:
We're treating this as abduction right now...if it's not...your husband may be charged with aiding and abetting a criminal...

Carol (defensively):
Doug is not 'aiding and abetting' anybody...he is a doctor...he came here for supplies...obviously someone needs his help...

Officer:
Still, if he's not being held against his will, he'll be expected to cooperate with the law. If he doesn't, he'll be held in contempt...

Carol (turns away, looks at Mark):
Are they kidding?

Mark (sighs):
Doesn't sound like it...

Carol:
Doug has been abducted by an escaped criminal and he could go to jail for it?

Mark (takes her shoulders to calm her down):
I'm sure it won't come to that, Carol...Chuny said she saw a gun...that's pretty much proof enough that Doug isn't doing this by his own right.

Carol (to police officer):
Listen, you have to announce to these people that are holding my husband that he is a kidney dialysis patient and needs daily medical treatments...if he's away from his treatments for very long, it could be very dangerous for him.

Officer (nods):
We'll get the bulletin out, Ma'am. And don't worry...we'll get your husband back...I don't think these guys want murder added to their problems right now...

The officer turns away and Carol turns to Mark with a concerned air.

Carol:
Murder? You don't think they'll try to kill him once they're done with him, do you?

Mark shakes his head with a concerned and unsure look. Carol puts her arms around Mark and buries her face on his chest.

Carol:
Why does everything always happen to Doug?

Cut to the abandoned building where Doug is preparing to work on Ben. A battery operated radio is on in the room and Doug is getting things just about ready to begin.

Doug (hands a flashlight to Willie):
You'll have to hold this...I have to have enough light to see what I'm doing.
(Willie takes the flashlight with a suspicious look)

Radio DJ (over speaker):
Police now believe that escapees Willie and Ben Derango are holding a local doctor hostage, adding to the speculation that one of them was wounded in the morning shootout. Dr. Douglas Ross has been reported missing after his shift at County General ended this evening. Family members are asking for his immediate release for emergency reasons. Dr. Ross has a medical disorder that requires daily treatment and the family fears if he is without this treatment for very long the consequences could be very tragic...

Willie (looks carefully at Doug):
Medical disorder? What's wrong with you?

Doug (nonchalantly, still working):
It's a kidney disorder...I'm on dialysis...nothing to worry about, Willie.

Willie:
Are you gonna die?

Doug (shrugs):
Not anytime soon...and not if I get a transplant.

Willie:
If we have to stay here a few days...will you die?

Doug:
No...I'll just get very sick.

Willie:
Why didn't you get your medicine when we got the stuff for Benny?

Doug (grins):
It's a lot of equipment, Willie...and the major thing I need I can't get at a clinic...I have a machine that I have to hook into every night...and those are special ordered...you can't just go into a hospital and pick one up.

Willie (sincerely):
Sorry, Doc...I didn't know...

Doug (grins at him):
It's OK...most people don't...and that's the way I want it to be. Come on and give me a hand with this and let's get Ben patched up, OK?

Willie (comes over to where Doug is set up):
Just hang on a little longer, Benny...you're gonna be OK...

Focus on Ben's eyes fixed on Doug and Doug smiling lightly down at him as Act Two Fades to Black.

"ER"

"In The Line Of Duty"

Act Three

Scene opens at the abandoned building. Show Doug filling up a syringe with medicine and Ben and Willie looking on nervously.

Willie:
What's that?

Doug:
It's a painkiller...I don't have proper tools to take all the pain away and remove this bullet, but, this will help.
(positions the flashlight where he needs it)
Hold that right there...and don't move it, OK?
(soft voice, to Ben)
This is gonna hurt, OK? There's not much I can do about that so you just squeeze this...
(places a rolled up gauze pad in his hand)
...and hang in there. The most important thing for you to remember is NOT to move, OK?

Ben nods nervously. Doug pushes up the sleeve of his patient and injects the needle into it as Ben bites his lip and Willie looks on painfully. Doug opens Ben's shirt and takes alcohol preps and begin to clean the wounded area. Ben winces quickly.

Ben:
Take it easy, Doc...

Doug (doesn't stop his work):
I told you this was going to hurt! I'm working under crude conditions here, guys...just hang in there with me.

Once he has the skin clean enough, Doug takes Willie's hand and repositions the flashlight closer to the working area. He takes a small scalpel from the first aid kit and makes a cut on Ben's side. His patient groans and rolls his head away but doesn't move.

Doug (takes a small probe from his kit):
Now comes the hard part...I have to find the bullet...just hang in there with me, OK, Ben?
(Ben nods nervously)

Doug sticks the probe into the incision and begins to move it around carefully. When he hits the bullet, Ben lurches and grasps Doug's arm tightly, a wild look in his eyes.

Willie (angry):
What the hell did you do, Doc?

Doug (calmly):
It's OK...I found the bullet...and it's not in very deep...I should be able to get it out pretty easily...

Willie (suspicious look):
SHOULD be?

Doug:
Just take it easy, Willie...I know what I'm doing.
(leans close to see what he's doing in the dim light, mumbles under his breath)
Mark, where are you when I need you?

Cut back to the clinic. Show Mark, Carol, and Chuny sitting together in the lounge, thinking, and talking.

Chuny:
You know, I didn't hear any cars pull up out back or leave when they were gone...they almost had to be on foot.

Mark:
That means they have to be close by someplace...

Carol:
But where?

Mark:
I can't think of anyplace that would be a good hiding place if I were a criminal...

Carol (sighs):
The way the police are talking, Doug may be a criminal before this is all over...
(looks at Mark)
...and what about taking those drugs...does he have to answer to you for that?

Mark (grins):
Under the circumstances, I think I understand...no discipline from me but I can't speak for the board...they may have a few things to say to him about it.
(chuckles)
I guess the board wouldn't know what to think if we didn't have a meeting with Doug about something at least once or twice a month!

Carol (sighs):
I just hope they don't get tired of dealing with him and dismiss him completely.

Mark (shakes his head, pats Carol's hand):
Not going to happen, Carol...
(chuckles)
Without Doug around, the board of directors wouldn't have anything to do!

Chuny (lost in thought):
Isn't the old MacIntyre building close to here?

Mark:
Yeah, but, it's been vacant for years...

Carol (nods):
Yeah, and it's really run down, too...

Chuny:
Sounds like a perfect place for a criminal on the run to hide out?

Mark:
You just might have something there...
(stands up)
Come on, Carol...let's go see if we can see anything.

Carol (alarmed):
Shouldn't we let the police do that?

Mark:
I don't think we should send them over there unless we're sure...we'll just go check it out...

Carol (following along with Mark):
I don't think we should try anything heroic, Mark...we might put Doug in danger...

Mark (as they go out the door):
We're just gonna check things out...

Chuny (as they go):
You guys be careful...

Cut back to Doug, who is now finishing his work and bandaging the wound. He has it as clean as possible but there is still a trace of blood on the bandage. He takes a blanket out of the emergency kit and spreads it over Ben and then leans against the wall to watch him.

Willie:
Now what?

Doug:
Now, we wait...and hope he hasn't lost too much blood.

Willie (leans against the wall with Doug):
He should be in a hospital, huh?

Doug:
He should be, yeah, but, I think it's a little late for that now.

Willie (quietly):
Will he be OK?

Doug (shrugs):
We'll just have to see...I can't tell anything yet.
(looks over at Willie, who looks very pensive)
Both of you guys in prison?

Willie (nods):
It was a partnership deal...we held up an armored car...
(Doug whistles)
But we'd been there long enough...

Doug:
Be longer when you go back...

Willie (shakes his head):
We're not going back...

Doug (ticks his head):
There's only two options, Willie...you've gone through an awful lot of trouble to save Ben's life to let the police kill you.

Willie:
They won't...if I can just get us to Canada we'll be fine.

Doug:
Are you taking me to Canada with you?

Willie:
No, Doc...you'd be excess baggage...when we leave, you stay here...
(pause)
So, how long you been a doctor?

Doug (chuckles):
Too long, sometimes...

Willie:
You married?

Doug (nods):
Yeah...I've got an anniversary coming up...three years...

Willie:
Got any kids?

Doug (chuckles):
Six...four of them we had and two others we got by proxy.

Willie:
I got a kid...never seen him though...don't even know where him and the old lady are now...

Doug:
You oughta try to find him, Willie...I had a kid I never saw, too...for ten years...and I finally found him...now he lives with me.

Willie:
Well, I think your situation is a little different than mine. I don't think on the run is anyplace for a kid.

Doug:
Then stop running...you have to stop sooner or later, Willie...why not stop now...and try to find your son? How old is he now anyway?

Willie:
He's seven now...I ain't seen him since he was two...his Mom would never bring him to see me in prison...

Doug:
How do you know? You don't know until you try...have you tried?

Willie:
I know what you're trying to do, Doc...and it's too late for that, too. As soon as Ben is able, we'll be on our way...

Cut to show Mark and Carol coming up to the outside of the building. They look up at the dark structure nervously and Carol rubs her arms with her hands.

Carol:
Looks creepy...

Mark (as he opens the door):
It's just an old building...

Carol (pulls his arm):
We can't go in there!

Mark:
We're just gonna go in and look around...

Carol:
But, what if they're in there?

Mark:
We go back out quietly and alert the police...no way I'm taking on these guys on my own...

Carol:
But, what about Doug? Mark, I'm scared! If they see us, or hear us, they might hurt Doug!

Mark:
Look, Carol, if they are holding Doug then one of them is obviously wounded...we're really only dealing with one person...

Carol:
Yeah, with a gun!

Mark (turns to her, rubs her shoulders):
We're just going to go in and have a look around and see what we can see, OK? And then we'll leave...I promise...

Carol:
I'm scared...

Mark (opens the door):
Yeah...I know...me too...

Show Mark and Carol going into the building carefully and slowly as Act Three Fades to Black.

"ER"

"In The Line Of Duty"

Act Four

Scene opens with Mark and Carol slipping carefully and quietly through the abandoned building together, staying very close together.

Carol (whispers):
Mark, this place is HUGE...where would we start?

Mark:
We'll just go the base of each floor and listen to see if we hear anything.

Carol:
I don't like this.

Mark:
Neither do I.

Carol:
Then what are we DOING here...

Mark:
We're trying to help Doug...

Cut to Doug and Willie still leaning against the wall. Doug is beside his patient and reaches over to check on him. Ben is sweating and resting uncomfortably, tossing about and groaning. Doug tends to him and covers him back up.

Willie:
How is he?

Doug (looks at Willie with pensive eyes):
Truth?
(Willie nods)
He needs to be in a hospital. He needs constant care that I can't give him outside of a hospital.

Willie (suspicious look):
Like what?

Doug:
He needs an IV to pump medicine into him constantly...he's also still bleeding inside and I don't have anyway to stop that..he needs attention for that...

Willie (growing angry):
You said you could fix him!

Doug (calmly):
I said I could get the bullet out! I never said I could fix everything!

Willie (draws the gun on Doug):
You LIED to me!

Doug (puts his hands up to try and calm Willie):
I didn't lie to you, Willie! I never said I could fix everything! Your brother is seriously wounded and he needs more medical attention than I can give him under these kind of conditions...

Willie:
You DONE something! Man! You DONE something to try and make me turn us in...

Doug:
No, Willie...I didn't! I'm just telling you how things are...

Focus on Willie holding the gun on Doug and pan back to show Mark and Carol in the hallway looking through a crack in the door.

Carol (quiet voice):
Oh my God! He's going to shoot Doug!

Mark (shakes his head):
I don't think so...but let's go get the police...

Mark steps away quickly but Carol stays fixed on what she sees. Mark reaches out and grabs her, pulling her with him. As they rush down the hall, a board creaks and alerts Willie, who turns his attention quickly to the door and fires his gun.

Doug:
RELAX, Willie! It's probably just a cat!

Willie (puts the gun in Doug's face):
You done something back at that clinic, didn't you? You DONE something to alert somebody...

Doug:
You were right beside me the whole time, Willie...you saw every move I made...what could I have done? We didn't even see anybody!

Willie (cocks gun):
I find out you done something and I'll waste you right here in this dump...you hear me?

Doug gives Willie a careful look but before either one of them can react, Willie looks down at Ben.

Willie:
Why is he shakin' like that?

Doug:
Because he's cold...he has a fever...and I don't have enough blankets for him...that's the only one that comes with the emergency kit.

Willie:
Where can you get more?

Doug:
Back at the clinic...

Willie (shakes his head):
Probably crawling with cops by now...can't go there...

Doug:
Willie, I've been reported missing...and they are pretty sure I'm with you...there's no place in this city we can go to now that someone won't recognize one or the other of us. It's over, Willie...you might as well give it up...

Willie (angry):
It ain't over 'til I say it is!

Doug (getting angry also):
Your brother is going to DIE, Willie! Is that what you want? He's going to DIE and he doesn't have to!

Willie:
He might as well die as to go back to jail!

Doug:
Shouldn't that be HIS decision, Willie?

Focus on Doug and Willie in a face off, both of them standing firm.

Cut to the clinic. Show Mark and Carol coming back in the staff entrance and going directly to a police officer.

Mark:
I know where they are...

Officer (confused):
Excuse me?

Mark:
The Derango brothers and Dr. Ross...they're holed up in the MacIntyre Building about 4 blocks from here...it's an old abandoned building...they're in a room at the end of the hall on the second floor...

Officer:
And how do you know this?

Mark:
On a hunch we checked it out...it's about the only place I could think of close to here that they might go...

Officer:
You shouldn't have gone over there by yourselves....it's a very dangerous situation...

Carol (nodding, frightened):
He has a gun on my husband...

Officer:
You're sure about that?

Carol (nods):
I saw the gun...

Officer (nods):
We'll check it out...
(picks up radio)
All units alert...suspects and hostage may be taking cover in the MacIntyre Building on Wattworth...proceed with caution...
(turns back to Mark and Carol)
You two, stay here, please...and let us handle this.

Carol:
What about my husband?

Officer:
Don't worry, Ma'am...we'll do the best we can to get the hostage out alive...

Officers go out the door and Carol starts to follow them but Mark and Chuny pull her back and hold onto her to keep her there. She covers her mouth with her hand and her eyes reflect fear as she watches the door close.

Carol (stunned):
Do their best to get the hostage out alive?

Mark (rubs her shoulders, soothing voice):
He'll be all right, Carol...Doug is smart and pretty street wise himself...he probably has a few tricks up his own sleeve...

Cut back to the abandoned building. Show Doug hovering over Ben now and his patient is in bad shape, shaking and chilling, moaning and groaning. Doug checks the wound and shakes his head with a concerned look.

Doug:
He's still bleeding, Willie...and he's going into shock...we really have to get him to a hospital...

Willie (pacing the room, shakes his head):
Can't do that...they'll take him back to jail...

Doug:
Well, at least he'll be alive!

Willie:
Living in jail ain't living! You ever been in prison...

Doug:
Not personally, no...

Willie:
Then you got NO RIGHT to tell me what to do...

Doug:
I'm not telling you what to do, Willie...you can make that decision yourself...but I'm telling you flat out that if you don't get your brother to a hospital in the next couple of hours, he's going to be dead by morning...

Ben (crying out):
Don't let me die, Willie! I don't wanna die!

Willie (drops to his brothers' side):
He's just playing mind games with us, Bro...you're gonna be fine...just fine...I promise...

Focus on Doug as he closes his eyes and shakes his head watching Willie hover over Ben with his promises.

Cut to show police moving into the building on the first floor. The move in units and go as quietly as possible. Focus on a commander standing beside a police car parked under the window of the room where Willie, Doug, and Ben are hiding. The commander takes a bullhorn and puts it to his mouth.

Commander:
Willie Derango! This is the police! We know you're in there! Let the hostage go!

Cut to show Willie's eyes wide with surprise and fear. He jumps up and goes to look out the broken window to see the street lined with police cars. He turns around angrily and grabs Doug by the shirt.

Willie:
I KNEW you done something!

Doug:
I didn't do anything, Willie! You know that!

Willie:
Then where did they come from?

Doug:
They figured it out, Willie! The hospital is close...the clinic is close...there's only just so far you can get around here without a car or the El train!

Willie (puts the gun in Doug's face):
I knew I couldn't trust you, Man...

Doug:
Then why did you bring me here? I took care of your brother as best I could, didn't I? I didn't try to run? What more did you want from me, Willie?

Willie:
You got the cops here, Man!

Doug:
Did you think you could take a hostage and no one would come after me?

Willie (reaches down and grabs Ben around the waist):
Come on, Doc...
(motions Doug with the gun in his hand)
We're getting out of here...

Doug:
Are you crazy, Willie? There's no way out of here...

Willie:
Yeah there is! There has to be! And you know where it is...so get us out of here, Doc...

Willie carries Ben and holds Doug with the gun as the three of them step into the hallway to head out of the building. They get about three steps when they are surprised from behind.

Officer (gun drawn):
Let the hostage go, Willie!

Doug freezes in his walking as Willie whirls around with his gun drawn and Act Four Fades to Black.

"ER"

"In The Line Of Duty"

Closing Act

Scene opens at the clinic. Show Carol pacing nervously with Mark and Chuny looking on.

Carol:
We can't just SIT here and do NOTHING!

Mark:
Carol, there's nothing we can do...

Carol:
We can at least go over there...

Mark:
We'd just be in the way...

Carol:
Well at least I can be there when Doug comes out!

Mark:
What if something happens? Do you think you can handle that?

Carol:
Doug was shot right here in this clinic while I stood out on the parking lot! I think I can handle the tension...I'd just feel better if we were over there...

Mark (sighs):
OK...
(to Chuny)
Cover for us, OK?

Chuny (nods):
You got it...good luck!

Show Mark and Carol slipping quietly out the back door of the clinic.

Cut back to the abandoned building. Willie has his gun drawn on the officer and the officer has his gun drawn on Willie. Doug is eyeing the situation carefully, still slipping down the hallway. The officer is watching him but keeping an eye on Willie as well.

Officer:
Put the gun down, Willie...it's all over...

Willie:
Ain't never gonna be over!

Officer:
It's OVER, Willie...
(looks down the hall to see that Doug is getting close to the stair way)
Your hostage is gone, Willie...

Willie turns quickly to see Doug is starting down the stair way. He fires his gun and Doug dives forward to avoid being hit with a bullet. The officer fires his gun and Willie falls to the floor, dragging Ben with him. Officers appear from all angles to hold guns on the convicts while other officers handcuff them to take them out.

Cut to the ground floor. Show Mark and Carol coming up behind the police line outside.

Mark (to commander):
We're medical personnel...thought you could use our help.

Carol:
Did I just hear gunshots?

Commander (nods):
Yeah, the suspects have been apprehended...

Carol:
What about the hostage...

Commander:
The hostage may have been shot...we're not sure yet...

Officer (from the doorway):
Hey, I need a gurney in here...the doc is hurt...

Carol starts for the building, but Mark holds her back. She watches the door in anticipation and a worried look on her face.

Cut to inside the building. Show several officers gathered around Doug, who is laying at the bottom of the steps close to the door of the building.

Doug (chuckles):
I missed the first step...fell all the way down them...

Officer (kneeling beside him):
You're going to be all right, Dr. Ross...we're going to take care of you...

Doug (reaches to feel his back):
I don't think anything is broken...
(pained look on his face)
...but it sure hurts...

Paramedics come into the building and lift Doug up onto a gurney and start wheeling him out. As soon as he is out of the building, Carol breaks loose and crosses the police line, rushing to him.

Commander:
Hey! You can't go in there!

Mark:
It's OK...the hostage is her husband...

The Commander grins and watches as Carol gets to Doug and starts walking with the gurney towards the ambulance with him.

Carol (touches his face):
Doug! Doug, are you all right?

Doug (grins at her):
Carol! What are you doing here?

Carol (trying to be cheerful):
I was just in the neighborhood...

Doug (smiles weakly):
Yeah...

Carol:
Have you been shot?

Doug (chuckles):
No, I was diving to avoid that and fell all the way down the steps...my feet never touched ground at any point until the bottom!

Carol:
We'll get you taken care of, OK?
(Looks across the police line and waves to Mark)
Mark! Meet us at County, OK?
(cut to show Mark nod and wave)

Doug (as they hoist him into the ambulance):
Mark's here too?

Carol:
Yeah...he'll meet us at County...
(climbs into the ambulance with him, to paramedic)
It's OK...he's my husband...

The doors of the ambulance are closed and the siren screams into the night as the Closing Act Fades into the Closing Credits of the show.

June 23, 1998