Title: Turmoil

author: Cindy Ryan

notes and summary: See part one

The LAFD put the fire out without further incident. Lucy and Lydell left once things had calmed down and people dispersed back to their lives. Lucy had gotten in the passenger seat of the shop and Paula had slid into the driver's seat. She put the key in the ignition and turned the engine but didn't put the vehicle in drive. Lucy looked at her T.O and she knew from her months with Tim that she had a lecture coming.

"If this is going to work, boot you can't do what you did today."Lydell stated sternly as she took off her sun glasses. "I know why you did it and it was brave of you to do so. However, there are procedures and protocols in place for a reason. Understood?"

"Yes, Ma'am."Lucy acknowledged quietly.

"In addition you can't disobey an order from me again."Lydell cautioned as she put the SUV in drive. "I don't want to be chasing you instead of the bad guys."

"Understood."Lucy replied.

"Good."Lydell commented. "I think we'll get along just fine."

Back at the station later that day Lucy went into the locker room. She had an hour left of her shift but she had paperwork to fill out before she could leave. Lucy wanted to take a quick shower and get the soot and dirt from the fire off. Opening her locker Lucy found an unwelcome surprise. She was not in the mood for childish co-workers. On the inside of her locker door someone had cut letters that had been printed on a computer printer. They were about three inches high and were taped one letter at a time descending to spell SLUT.

Furious Lucy looked around to see if anyone was watching of course no one was. Her instinct was to rip the offending word down. Instead Lucy took out her phone and took a picture. She wanted evidence in case it was needed later. Then she ripped it down tore it up and threw it in the nearest trash can. Then Lucy grabbed a towel and a spare uniform and headed for the showers.


"I heard you saved a life."Tim commented with a smile.

They were meeting for breakfast before shift the next morning at a small coffee shop. Lucy took a sip of coffee as they sat at a table by the window.

"Some rubble was falling towards one of the firefighters. I just pushed him out of the way."Lucy explained.

"Pushed?"Tim repeated with a grin. "I heard flying tackle."

"I was the closest and able to help."Lucy said with a shrug. "Lydell lectured me for it."

"Would've been surprised if she didn't."Tim commented as he ate a bagel. "There are procedures for a re...'

"Reason."Lucy finished with a sigh. "Yeah, I know. What was I supposed to do let him get crushed?"

"No, she just wants you to use your head and think of all the possibilities before jumping in head first."Tim stated

Lucy nodded and looked out the window. Her blueberry muffin was untouched. She hadn't slept much the night before thinking of what her co-workers had done to her locker and the other events of the day.

"What's the LAFD saying?"Tim asked after a few minutes of silence. "Serial arsonist?"

"That's what I heard at the scene."Lucy replied as she pushed her plate away. "I don't think they have enough evidence yet to link the fires except the pattern and direction of the fires."

"Cases have been built on less."Tim responded with a grim shake of his head. "You alright, babe? You barely ate anything."

Lucy had been debating about telling Tim about the incident the day before. Their new relationship was stressful enough trying to find their footing. She finally decided that secrets killed a relationship. She knew that from experience and didn't want it to happen this time. With a sigh Lucy took out her phone pulled up the picture and slid it across to Tim.

"Found that in my locker yesterday."Lucy said softly.

Tim swore.

"Did you tell Grey?"Tim asked.

"No."Lucy replied as she took the phone back.

"Lucy..."Tim began.

"There wasn't any point since I couldn't tell him who did it."Lucy said as she reached across and took Tim's right hand in hers. "I don't care what anyone else thinks. I'm happy with what we have."

"I just don't want you to be miserable at work because of their games."Tim said softly.

"I won't be. I'm not letting their jealousy interfere with my life. We knew their would be fall out just have to ride it out."Lucy stated as she squeezed Tim's hand.

"I know I just hate that it's upsetting you."Tim said as he lifted his free hand to caress Lucy's right cheek. "Promise me that if anything else happens you'll tell Grey."

Lucy nodded reluctantly.

"I will."Lucy promised. "Can we enjoy the rest of our coffee date and not talk about work or drama?"

"Deal."Tim said as he kissed her.

Lucy smiled as they broke the kiss knowing whatever she endured from the fall out what she and Tim had was worth it.