Brian's POV
Penny was rushed to the hospital, Gwyn was arrested and Adam was taken in for questioning. I was taken by ambulance to the hospital. The police took a statement from me there.
I was going insane trying to find out about Penny. They had me stuck in the Emergency Room and I couldn't seem to get them to understand that my leg was fine and I needed to know what was happening with my wife. Allen came and told me they had rushed Penny into surgery. I gave him a brief account of what happened. He managed to get the Emergency Room staff to finally treat me. I was very lucky that the bullet had only grazed my leg enough that I needed stitches. I was released went to the waiting room with everyone else. Of course, they all wanted to know what happened, they hadn't heard from Penny for weeks and then she ends up getting shot. Allen ran interference with them and I talked to Chloe privately.

Chloe's POV
I love Brian, but I was upset that he slept with my Mom’s friend and somehow my Mom ended up getting shot. We sat in a corner of the waiting room and he told me the story.

“This is just crazy; how could she do that? She could have killed her with the poison.” I said, dumbfounded.
“She is obviously sick. She did a lot of planning and a lot of research.”
“What about the Doctor? Why did he follow along?”
“He had feelings for your Mom, I really don't know the whole story yet.” I could tell by Brian’s voice, that he didn't want to talk about that.
“At least, he saved you both in the end.”
“Yes, that's true. I hope she's going to be okay.”
I felt so bad for Brian, you could see the toll this had taken on him and he was worried about Mom.
“She's going to be okay.” I tried to reassure him, even though I was probably just as worried as he was.
“What if she's not? I know I've probably lost her forever, but I can't bear it if she…”
“Don’t say it, she's going to make it. She almost drank poison for you, I wouldn't give up on your relationship.”
“I'm not going to, but I still screwed up.”
Just then we were called to meet with the surgeon. He said Mom was going to be fine. They removed the bullet, luckily it was a small caliber and hadn't hit any organs. He said Mom was being taken to recovery and two of us could be with her there.
“Do you think she’ll want me there when she wakes up?” Brian said nervously. I really didn't know the answer.
“I'm sure she’ll want to see you. You saved her life.”
Just then, the nurse came and took us to Mom. She looked pale, there was a large bandage on her forehead.
Brian sat beside the bed holding her hand. He kissed it, “I love you Penz, I'm so sorry.”
Mom’s eyes opened. “Whose baby is crying?”
“What baby?”
Mom looked around confused. “It must have been a dream. Where am I?”
“You're in the hospital, you just got out of surgery. Do you remember what happened?”
“Gwyn shot me?” It was first a question, then her expression changed. “Yes, I remember.” She looked at Brian angrily.
“Where's Chloe?”
“I'm right here, Mom. Brian and I have been here waiting for you to wake up.”
“Brian, you can go. Thank you for your concern and for saving me.” Mom said, dismissively.
You could see the hurt and shock on Brian's face.
“I want to be here with you, I love you. I want to take…”
Mom cut him off.
“I love you, but I don't think I can forgive you.” Tears were now in Mom’s eyes. “Too much has happened.”
“But I didn't know it was Gwyn, I thought she was you.”
“She had been coming on to you ever since she was in California, you should have told me. I really don't want to talk about it right now. Please leave, I don't want you here.” Brian looked so sad and shocked, I felt so bad for him.
“Mom, he made a bad choice but he did it trying to protect you. He was doing what he thought was best.” I tried to reason with her.
“Chloe, either he leaves or I call the nurse and have you both kicked out.” The tears were now flowing down her cheeks.
“You don't have to do that.” Brian said. “I'm leaving. I love you Penny.”
“Thank you, I'll get in contact with you or have my lawyer do so.” Mom’s tears had ceased and her voice was now very flat.
Brian turned and walked out of the room, I followed him out to the hall.
“Give her some time, she's still half out of it from the anesthesia.”
“She seems pretty certain. Will you let me know how she's doing and if she needs anything?” I saw the tears welling up in his eyes.
I hugged him. “Of course, I will.”
Brian walked away, looking defeated.
I walked back into the room and Mom was crying uncontrollably. I hugged her as she cried on my shoulder. I had to wonder if this was the end.

Notes