Title: Consequence
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: See part one
The next six weeks passed by in a busy tense blur for Jackson West. Lucy had returned to full duty. Jackson thought that Lucy returning would ease the tension with Bradford. Lucy was healthy, happy and back on the force. Tim still watched Jackson like a hawk. Nothing he did was right.
After shift on a thursday Jackson was in the station's gym. He'd been there for over an hour taking out his feelings on the free standing punching bag.
When he started to register the pain in his knuckles Jackson stopped and caught the bag stopping it's motion. Jackson wiped a towel over his face and hands and then picked up his small duffel bag. As he did a memory of a conversation with Lucy from a few days ago surfaced. They'd been in the hallway outside of the roll call/briefing room.
"You've been quiet lately."Lucy prompted as they stood to the right side of the hall.
"Sorry, just a lot on my mind."Jackson apologized. "Part of it...I've been thinking of putting in for a transfer. Somewhere else in the city."
"Why?"Lucy asked. "Because of your father?"
"No, because of you."Jackson began.
"Me?"Lucy echoed in surprise.
"You forgave me for what happened and I'm grateful for that."Jackson replied quietly. "Your friendship is one of the best parts of the academy."
"Jackson."Lucy said reaching to place a hand on his right arm.
"I've put you through a lot."Jackson continued avoiding her reach. "I don't want to cause you any more headaches. Things with Bradford are still tense and not looking to get any better..."
"I don't want you to leave."Lucy responded quietly. "Tim will come around."
"Before the next ice age?"Jackson joked weakly.
"I'll talk to him."Lucy said. "Just promise me you won't transfer. Three amigos till the end of training; remember?"
"I remember."Jackson commented with a smile.
"So you'll stay?"Lucy prompted.
"I'll stay."Jackson confirmed.
"Good."Lucy said as she hugged him. "I have to go. I'll see you later."
Now as Jackson headed to the locker room he was starting to have second thoughts on that promise. Maybe it would be better for everyone if he left.
Friday shifts were normally crazy busy, but throw in a heatwave and things intensified. Tim Bradford swore as he slammed on the breaks of his squad narrowly avoiding a collision with a jeep. The jeep had stopped to avoid hitting a motorcycle that had cut over two lanes at a high rate of speed.
"Can you read the plates?"Tim asked Lucy.
The rookie leaned forward squinting then nodded.
"Yes."Lucy affirmed.
"Run them."Tim ordered in a clipped tone.
As Lucy began plugging the information into the laptop computer traffic began to move once more. Tim didn't know why this particular biker was tripping his instincts. The bike wasn't flashy. A low end model with green and white paint. Maybe it was the fact the biker had on a leather jacket and gloves in this heat.
"Got him."Lucy said excitedly. "BOLO issued by San Diego PD yesterday afternoon. Home invasion. Wife of the homeowner is still in the hospital."
Tim hit the lights and sirens
"Call it in, Boot."Tim ordered.
Cars began to slowly move out of the way in response to the sirens and lights. As Tim suspected the biker hit the accelerator and began to weave in and out of traffic. Tim increased his speed.
"Ask for backup."Tim instructed grimly.
As Lucy relayed the request Tim saw the biker dodge into an alley a few blocks ahead. Tim gripped the wheel.
"Hang on."Tim said to his partner.
Out of the corner of his eye Tim saw Lucy grip the door handle. He made a hard left at the next available opportunity. Horns blared, tires screeched and the chase was on.
Jackson heard Lucy's call come over the radio. He glanced at his T.O who was driving.
"Go ahead and respond, Boot."Lopez ordered as she hit the sirens and lights. "We're nearby."
With a smile Jackson reached for the radio.
"Yes, ma'am."Jackson affirmed.
Jackson told dispatch they were enroute. Then he hung on to the overhead grip by the passenger door as Angela began to maneuver through traffic.
Tim was glad he hadn't bet money on the biker. They'd passed at least two interstate on ramps. Tim had been positive the guy would try to loose them on the freeway.
"Really going to enjoy arresting this guy."Tim muttered as he swerved to avoid a trash can the biker had hit.
There was an alley coming up and then a major intersection. Tim saw the biker dive into the alley. It was a large alley between a tattoo parlor and a bakery. Tim coaxed the squad into the alley. The biker was already nearly at the end of the alley. Tim heard Lucy gasp and knew what had caught her attention. The biker had spun around and was now coming back towards them.
"He's really not going to..."Lucy exclaimed her brown eyes wide.
Tim stopped the squad. He weighed their options as Lucy radioed in their location. Tim heard sirens in the distance. Tim grabbed his gun and rolled down the window. Just as he aimed the biker was on them inches from their front bumper and that was when Tim saw the gun.