Disclaimer: I do not own Person of Interest or its characters.
A/N: This is an AU. This will diverge after The Crossing. I'm glossing over seasons 4 and 5. Samaritan existed and was defeated. Some of the characters from those seasons will make appearances but this story will not comply with those seasons.
Harold Finch startled awake when his phone began buzzing. He scanned the Library realizing he had dozed off again as rays of light peeped through the heavy curtains. Glancing down, he noticed Bear raise his head in an unasked question.
A few months ago Samaritan was defeated and things had gone back to normal for Team Machine, at least what was considered normal for them. The Machine was back up and running. John, while still masquerading part of the time as Detective Riley, had returned to saving irrelevant numbers with an occasional assist from Sameen Shaw. Unfortunately, Root had not survived their collision course with Samaritan but Finch was certain she'd be happy to know The Machine prevailed and the fight continued on.
"Yes, Mr. Reese," Finch responded as he perused the data on his computer screen.
"Good news, Finch. Emily Jenkins is safe and Patrick Kingston is in custody."
Harold lifted his teacup and winced when he took a sip of the now cold liquid. "Excellent, Mr. Reese. And how is Dr. Campbell? I see you took a detour after delivering Mr. Patrick into police custody. "
"She's fine, Harold. It's just coffee. Stop smirking." Harold looked around as if expecting John to be in the Library observing him. He almost didn't hear John's next question. "Where's Lionel? He hasn't answered his phone all day," John questioned.
"Mr. Reese, did you forget what was happening this week?" Harold waited as realization dawned on John. The line went silent.
Lionel Fusco felt a bead of sweat drip down his brow as he paced outside of the federal courtroom. He tugged at his collar and stared at the closed door waiting for his name to be called. He had prepped his testimony numerous times with the AUSA but today was the day. After three years of waiting, numerous starts and stops, Alonzo Quinn was on trial.
Fortunately, thanks to Finch, no one ever discovered how deeply Lionel was involved with HR or his movements the night Carter took Quinn into custody. He was only expected to testify to an exceedingly sanitized version of events. Primarily, he was there to establish chain of custody on the safe deposit box key Carter entrusted to him.
Carter. She was someone he tried not to think about. This should have been her shining moment and yet she sacrificed everything, including her life. She had been gone for three years, dead and buried. For months on end, his focus had been on the Samaritan disaster and staying alive. It had left little time to reflect on the past, but over the last few weeks, flashes came. He was back three years ago on that empty street corner outside of Carter's brownstone. With all the abilities of Finch's damned machine, how could they not have known in time to save her life?
Fusco continued to stare at the closed door, expectantly. He had kept this vigil, waiting for his testimony, for the last three days. Apparently, the witness before him had remained on the stand much longer than anticipated. Some mystery witness that was the key to the entire case against Quinn.
Lost in thought, Fusco hardly noticed Captain Moreno studying him worriedly. Lionel liked Moreno. She was a good cop—not unlike Carter. She cared about her people and he knew Moreno was there to lend moral support, even if he didn't want to talk. Lionel froze as the door opened and a marshal called his name. "Detective Lionel Fusco."
Taking a deep breath, Lionel steeled himself for the upcoming onslaught of questions. He closed his eyes for a moment to compose himself and propelled his feet forward. Two marshals exited the courtroom with a woman trailing behind them. Chocolate brown eyes met his. Her pink lips formed a silent "O" as she stared back. Fusco stumbled, tripping over his own feet as his eyes continued to follow the woman. Was he hallucinating? His voice caught in his throat and before he could make a sound, she was ushered around the corner.
Captain Moreno placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and pushed Fusco towards the door where the entire courtroom waited in silence. Lionel shook his head, as if the physical movement would dispel the confusion coursing through his mind. He had to focus. He was about to testify. The explanation of what he just saw would have to come later.
