This is set AU early season three no references to any particular episode.
Title: Blessing in disguise
author: Cindy Ryan
summary: When tragedy strikes Lonnie can his friends save him from a downward spiral of revenge and grief?
The Sparta police squad car was barely at a stop by the time Officer Lonnie Jamison was out of the passenger side. He heard Dee call after him but didn't respond. Lonnie ducked under the yellow crime scene tape and pounded up the steps of the simple one story blue house he knew so well. Familiar faces and hands tried to stop his progress but Lonnie ducked and continued on through the screen door. It was a muggy summer night typical for July. However Lonnie felt nothing but cold and numb. Ever since the call had come over the radio. Burglary homicide. Lonnie hadn't wanted to believe it then and he knew he wouldn't until he saw for himself. He didn't want to see the woman he loved as a murder victim but Lonnie knew it was the only thing that would make him believe this wasn'ta horrible nightmare.
Skidding down the hall from the living room Lonnie found his path to the bedroom blocked by the one person physically able to stop him. The six foot plus frame of Bubba Skinner stood in the bedroom doorway a sad look crossing his handsome features.
"Let me through, Bubba."Jamison demanded trying to ignore the shaking of his voice.
"As your friend, I can't. You don't want to see Colleen that way."Bubba responded grimly.
Lonnie winced at his girlfriend of over a year's name. She'd been a waitress at the local diner when they'd met last spring. Lonnie had never fallen so hard and so fast as he did for the pretty brunette. Colleen was a single Mom to a equally beautiful year old daughter Melissa. At the thought of the little girl Lonnie felt his face pale more and found it hard to breath. Even without seeing Colleen it was all starting to sink in. Good Lord...please not both...
"Lonnie?"Bubba asked with worry.
Lonnie blinked up at his friend not remembering backing against the closest wall. "Melissa?"
To Lonnie his voice sounded weak, scared and horrified. A perfect match to how he felt. His legs were starting to feel rubbery and he knew they wouldn't hold him for long. Bubba gripped Lonnie's left shoulder and Lonnie couldn't bring himself to meet the other man's gaze. If that little girl was killed too Lonnie didn't know what he'd do to the person responsible.
"She's alright, Lonnie."Bubba replied quietly. "Virgil took her home so Althea could watch her."
At that news Lonnie's legs did give out on him and he collapsed to the floor. Instantly Bubba placed a supportive arm around his friend's waist hoisting him gently back to his feet.
"Come on, let's get you out of here...I'll take you home."Skinner offered.
A figure stepped out of the bedroom and around Bubba Lonnie looked at Chief Bill Gillespie. The older man took off his hat and met Lonnie's grief filled angry gaze.
"I know what she meant to you and I know everything in you wants to find the person responsible."Gillespie stated quietly. "You think it'll help but it won't. You'll still miss her and have an image of her dead body that'll never leave you. Listen to Bubba, go home, get some rest let us handle this. I promise we'll get the killer."
Lonnie glanced around at his fellow officers. They'd all been over to Colleen's for a much happier occasion an anniversary party, weekend barbeque. Lonnie's brain was having a very hard time meshing the two realities. Finally he looked back at the Chief and then reluctantly nodded consent to Bubba. Without another word said by anyone Bubba and Lonnie left.
With fumbling hands Lonnie unlocked the door to his apartment shoving off Bubba's offers of help. As he flipped on the light the one bedroom apartment had never felt more empty. He'd been planning on moving in with Colleen once his lease was up in a few months. He'd barely kept anything here any more just a few pieces of furniture they didn't have room for in her house. Not knowing what else to do Lonnie wandered into the kitchen. He wasn't even aware of Bubba using his phone until the receiver was placed back down with a clank that seemed unusually loud.
"I cleared it with the Chief."Bubba stated joining Lonnie in the small kitchen. "I'm off duty and stayin' with you awhile."
"I don't need a baby-sitter!"Lonne shouted stalking to the far side of the kitchen.
"You need a friend, Lonnie."Bubba replied patiently.
Lonnie shook his head. "They need you on the...investigation."
"Chief made this clear, Lonnie. I'm to stick to you like glue. Sparta p.d is family and we take care of our own."Bubba commented.
"Colleen and Melissa were my family."Lonnie stated as he stalked past a startled Bubba through the living room and to the front door. "I can't sit and do nothing."
"Lonnie..."Skinner began as he hurried to catch up.
"Chief's gonna have to understand or lock me in a cell."Lonnie said as he stopped and turned to face his friend. "Somebody took Colleen from me...from her daughter...I have to be a part of this."
With a resigned sigh Bubba motioned for Lonnie to get in the squad car. Once they were both in Bubba started the engine and backed out of the driveway. As they drove to the station Lonnie knew he'd have an uphill battle with the Chief...but he had to try. He owed that much to Colleen. He wasn't there when she needed him so Lonnie was going to do the only thing he could do; find her killer.