"He's dead." came over Finch's ear piece
"What Mr. Reese?"
"He's dead."
"Who? Billy?"
"Yes."
"How? You didn't..."
"No... Shit... Finch no. He's been shot. I lost him..."
"Mr. Reese it happens."
"No but..."
"Mr. Reese, come back if he's gone it's over. Come to the library" silence answered him "John... Please come back" he almost pleaded feeling pathetic "John?"
"Yes Finch I'm coming. I'll call it in then I'll come back."
"Promise?"
"Yes promise. See you soon." and the line cut off.
Another number had come through but with a bad outcome, it clearly was taking its toll on John. The number of a young eighteen year old boy tangled up in a gang, but it turned out he was the leader and was killed. It hit John hard and that in turn affected Finch, who felt awful. John had tried to protect Billy and talk him out of his ways but nothing had worked.
Finch sat back down at the computer and scanned for John's location using his GPS, then through CCTV; he knew John would want to know who killed Billy. He found it; Billy walking into the alley, and then he's stunned by what is playing in front of him.
"No... Oh god no." he says putting his hands to his mouth. The last thing Finch ever wanted to see came on, "Oh god Billy".
Be re-winded the CCTV and paused it knowing John would want to see it. He didn't want to show him since he knew this would badly affect John. He hated seeing him in pain, but upset was probably worse.
Finch settled his head in his hands, elbows on the table, it wasn't comfortable but he had to work himself up to tell John about Billy. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder,
"You okay Finch?"
Finch moved back "John, sit down." is all he said.
John looked at him for a moment then sat on the table "What's wrong?" he asked.
"Mr. Reese..."
"What happened to John?"
"This is serious."
John moved and put his hand on Finch's shoulder. "I'm sorry. Carry on."
"Right" started Finch, realising John's hand remained on his shoulder; he liked it but it felt funny. He carried on, "I looked at the CCTV of Billy."
"You found who killed him?" John asked pulling his hand away.
"Yes, but you won't like it?"
"Who was it? Carter?" urged John.
Finch hurt and he didn't know what to do.
"Finch." John practically shouted.
"No not Carter. Shall I tell you or do you want to see? Either is just as bad."
"Show me."
Finch stood, "I can't see it again, just press that button."
He stepped back so he was in front of the screen looking away; He heard the noise of John kicking the chair. He turned and saw John had his elbows on his knees and hands covering his face, he went to him not sure what to do, "John" he whispered.
John looked up, tears running down his face.
"I'm sorry." said Finch wanting to hug him, but resisted.
"I can't believe it."
"Nor could I."
John moved and opened his arms nodding. Finch went into them wrapping his arms around John's shoulders.
"I failed him Finch." said John getting choked, and his voice wavering
"No you didn't. You tried to save him, but in the end it was his decision. He decided to end it himself. He did it before someone else did."
"But I failed."
He moved back a little and cupped John's cheek, "John listen to me, we do our best to save these people. We don't ignore the numbers, and we must expect and accept at times we will lose. But we must never ignore the numbers."
John nodded and smiled, then pulled Finch back into his arms. This surprised Finch, but he enjoyed the security of John's arms. Finch felt John move, and he felt his breath on his neck. It made his skin tingle; he'd locked away his feelings for John but this wasn't helping. He pulled back a little and slowly moved down till he felt John's breath on his lips. Finch knew he probably shouldn't but he did, he slowly moved in and pressed his lips on John's. He lingered then pulled back, he looked at John who didn't move. Finch panicked and pulled right away from John's grip and crashed against the table,
"I'm sorry Mr. Reese... I... I..."
John remained seated, just looking at him. Finch needed to get away; he turned to walk out of the room...