Greys Anatomy AU: Active Shooter - Fallout Pt 1
Lillian Luthor is in the middle of surgery when the SWAT team finds her daughter on the catwalk. When she emerges from the OR, her patient alive with a strong prognosis, the entire hospital buzzes. Others stare at her, but it's not until the Mercy West chief of surgery approaches that she learns why.
"Two hours ago, dispatch began rerouting patients to us from Seattle Grace," he says, eyes and voice solemn.
"Overflow?" Lillian asks, not yet alarmed. Its not common that Seattle Grace would relinquish their coveted patients, but not unheard of. Bed space is limited, even at a hospital as vaunted as Seattle Grace.
But the chief's features are heavy. "Lockdown. The news is reporting an active shooter."
"We don't have many details, but fatalities have been confirmed. The identities of the victims have not been released to the public."
A lump rises to Lillian's throat, nearly strangling her. She doesn't speak as dread swiftly pools in her stomach.
"I've personally cleared the rest of your schedule," the chief continues. "I understand the nature of your connection to--"
"If you'll excuse me," Lillian chokes out. She pushes past her boss and walks briskly towards the locker room. That walk turns to a run as the need to act overwhelms her.
Fumbling to unlock her cubby, Lillian retrieves her phone with trembling hands, desperately scrolling through her contacts until she finds her daughters number.
Her vision warps as her eyes fill with tears, pounding in time with her racing heart, the line ringing at a seemingly glacial pace. With each unanswered ring, her dread grows and grows, until finally a voice answers her.
It's not her daughter's voice. Lillian's legs quake, nearly giving out from beneath her.
"Lena is safe," Lexie Gray assures her.
A sob bursts from Lillian's chest, sharp and unfamiliar. She collapses onto the nearest bench, head bowed between her knees. Relief and anguish mingle as the voice on the other line continues.
