In a perfect world Wade would've let his officer get a few hours rest before springing bad news on him. This was unfortunately not a perfect world. Grey didn't want to risk Tim finding out about the video from anyone but him. So a half hour after seeing Lucy leave the station Grey was in Tim's hospital room. He'd almost brought a laptop but Wade had the video sent to his email account that he could pull up on a cell phone. Wade had a feeling that whatever device Tim watched it on would end up against a wall.

Tim was asleep when Grey arrived. He knocked on the door. It took a few seconds for Tim to wake. He glanced around groggily and spotted Wade. Tim started to straighten but Grey waved him off.

"Relax."Wade advised. "We don't want you aggravating those ribs."

"Lucy still here?"Tim asked.

"She came by the station and then I sent her home to get some rest."Grey replied as he sat in the visitor's chair. "Are you alert enough to hear some news?"

"Yes, Sir."Tim responded. "Did we get confirmation? Was it Acker?"

"Yes."Grey confirmed quietly.

Tim swore then ran a hand through his short dark hair.

"Acker sent a video."Grey began as he pulled out his smartphone and cued up the video.

"Lucy's already seen this."Tim surmised grimly as he took the phone.

"Yes."Grey acknowledged.


Tim braced himself mentally and hit play. He hadn't realized he'd gripped the phone so tightly until there was an audible crack. Tim's thoughts were spinning along with his emotions. Anger and fury were dominating but Tim knew he had to get things under control. It was the only way to help the woman he loved. Losing control right now would not. Tim was just starting to win the upper hand when the damaged cell phone in his hands came to life and began to ring. Grey reached over and gently took the device out of Tim's white knuckled hands.

As Grey listened to whoever was on the other end Tim fought to pull thoughts together. Acker was on the loose. He'd publicly targeted Lucy. That meant she was in danger not only from him but any other low life that hated cops that thought this was a good opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

"No one's been able to raise them?"Grey asked worriedly.

That got Tim's attention and he looked at his C.O.

"I'm on my way."Grey responded as he ended the call.

"What?"Tim demanded worriedly.

"I know you won't stay on the sidelines if I tell you, but I know the docs want you here for at least another night."Grey continued.

"Sarge."Tim prompted his voice brittle with emotion. "What happened to Lucy?"

"I don't know."Grey explained. "The officer who took her home radioed for backup. That call was interrupted by gunfire. They haven't been able to make contact."

Tim yanked off the sheets and blankets. He flew to his feet and nearly landed back on his ass. Grey caught his shoulders keeping Tim upright.

"Tim."Grey said with an exasperated shake of his head.

"Just got up too fast."Tim replied tightly. "I'll be alright by the time you get the doc to release me."

"Against my better judgement."Grey muttered as he released Tim. "I know you'll be more of a headache if you're not on the scene. I have a clean set of sweats in my car you can change into. Let's move; time isn't our friend right now."

Tim nodded gratefully to his commanding officer. Grateful that he was on his feet and the room wasn't spinning any longer. Grateful that Grey hadn't kept him off this. The not knowing was already killing him. Tim knew if he'd had to stay here he would've been climbing the walls. Grey left and Tim sent off a silent prayer. / Hang in there, babe. Help's coming./


Lucy Chen had never felt more exposed than she did at that moment. She was steps from her home, but couldn't reach the sanctuary. Lucy was crouched by the driver's side of the squad car. The door was open giving the bare amount of shielding it could. The gunfire had stopped a few minutes before. Lucy was now keeping pressure to Officer Mike Sanchez's left shoulder with one hand and had her off duty weapon in the other.

Their radio had been damaged during the shooting. Lucy wasn't sure how much information had gotten through. She'd attempted to call 911 from her cell phone the gunfire had forced her attention from the call. Lucy had to chose between finishing the call and returning fire. Her cell phone was now on the passenger seat. She'd heard it ring several times. Lucy was using the bottom of Mike's uniform shirt that she'd torn off as a makeshift bandage. It was saturated and the blood was coating her hand now. The middle aged Hispanic's face was ashen and he was in and out of consciousness. Lucy heard faint sirens and prayed they were coming her way.