By five am Tim was out of surgery and moved into a private room. Lucy sat in the visitor's chair on the right side of the bed. Most of her friends and colleagues had gone home after Tim had been released from surgery and given a good report. Grey was still here consulting with hospital security. Two uniformed officers from a nearby prescient had already arrived and were now outside Tim's door. Lucy shuddered at the thought. Logically she knew risk was part of police work. It was part of the career they'd both chosen. Still the reality of two men outside the door for extra protection was a wake up call.

Grey stopped by a few minutes later. He told Lucy that her shift that day was covered and not to worry about that. Lucy was grateful since she had the next two days off. She could concentrate on Tim and his recovery and trying to figure out what their new normal was. Her commanding officer left and twenty minutes later Lucy fell into an uneasy sleep.

Tim awoke in a haze of pain. Slowly memories broke the fog. He looked around the hospital room and saw Lucy asleep in a visitor's chair. Sunlight streamed in through the window. The wall clock told Tim it was just before noon.

"Babe?"Tim called his voice hoarse.

Lucy remained asleep. Tim hated to wake her knowing she'd had a long night. However, the need for answers won and Tim cleared his throat and called again.

"Lucy?"Tim said louder.

Lucy started awake and then smiled. She reached forward and took Tim's right hand in hers. She squeezed it and interlaced their fingers.

"Hi."Lucy greeted quietly. "It's so good to see you awake. Do you remember what happened?"

"Yeah."Tim said bitterly. "Got jumped. Did they get away?"

"All but one; he's in custody. He was unconscious when they found you."Lucy explained.

"Great."Tim said sarcastically.

Lucy reached up and gently brushed her free hand along his right cheek. Tim leaned into her touch and closed his eyes.

"The important thing is that you're alright."Lucy said softly. "I was so worried when Grey called..."

"Did they take anything?"Tim asked after a few minutes of silence.

"No, wasn't a robbery."Lucy replied.

Tim swore silently as he rested his head back against the pillow. Lucy placed a gentle kiss on his right cheek before pulling back.

"I'm going to let the doctor know you're awake."Lucy stated as she straightened and stepped away from the bed. "I'll be right back."

Tim watched his fiance leave. He tried to piece together his memories of the attack and his tired brain refused to cooperate. The one thing he was able to process before the medical staff entered was that something didn't add up and he didn't like that one bit.

After alerting the doctor Lucy called Grey to give him an update. She paced the hall outside Tim's room as she talked.

"Do you want me to be there when you tell him what's going on?"Grey offered.

Lucy almost accepted. She appreciated Grey's offer knowing the sergeant had a million other things demanding his time. Still Lucy knew this was something she and Tim had to discuss on their own.

"Thank you, Sir."Lucy responded. "But I'll be alright telling him myself."

"If you're sure."Grey said quietly. "You know how to reach me if you change your mind."

Lucy sad goodbye and put away her phone. After talking briefly with Tim's doctor Lucy walked back into the room. She took a deep calming breath and closed the door behind her. When Lucy glanced at Tim she knew she hadn't been quick enough. He'd seen the guards. Tim's eyes narrowed and he started to move into a sitting position.

"Lucy, what the hell is going on?"Tim demanded.

"Rodney Acker escaped."Lucy explained grimly as she approached the bed. "There's a possibility he's behind your attack."