Title: Turmoil

author: Cindy Ryan

notes and summary: See part one

"So when's the big date?"

Eddie looked up at Buc who was hanging upside down from the top of the ladder truck. Eddie was sitting on the step of the truck taking off his boots. They'd come back from a call ten minutes before.

"It's not a date."Eddie corrected with practiced patience.

"Dinner, hot woman normally equals date."Buc pointed out as he turned himself rightside up and dropped to his feet.

"She's involved with someone."Eddie said as he stood picking up his boots and walking over to his locker where he set them down on the floor.

"So?"Buc countered as he followed. "She's not married to the guy."

"Might as well be."Eddie said as he finished taking off his uniform and put it away. "I've met his type in the military. Complete hard ass. They make good commanders in the field but you don't want to cross them."

"So show her the lighter side of life."Buc said with a grin as he began to remove his own uniform.

Eddie laughed and clasped Buc on the right shoulder as he walked away.

"Lighter side of life."Eddie commented with a shake of his head. "You're something else, Buckley."


With their busy schedules it was three days before Lucy met Eddie for dinner. It was a cozy little cafe style place just outside of downtown. The decor was modern but not too modern. Eddie was waiting at the bar dressed in black pants, matching suit jacket and a simple white shirt. Lucy did not know how the man was single. Lucy herself had chosen a simple navy blue sundress with spaghetti straps and matching sandals.

"You clean up nice."Lucy complimented as Eddie stood.

"You too."Eddie replied with a smile. "Want a drink?"

"Sure."Lucy said and told him what she wanted.

Eddie gave the order to the bartender. Within minutes Lucy had her drink and they were seated at a small table by the window.

"Have you been here before?"Lucy asked as she looked over the menu.

"No, fairly new in town. Most of my family's in Texas."Eddie replied. "I've heard good things about the food here."

Texas. Lucy filed that tidbit away in her facts about Eddie Diaz file.

"Never been there."Lucy commented as she chose her dinner selection and shut the menu. "Came close once. Senior year of high school bunch of friends had a trip to Padre Island planned; invited me to go."

"Can get wild there during spring break."Eddie responded with a grin. "What happened? Why didn't you go?"

"My parents wanted me in summer college prep classes."Lucy said with a sigh. "Probably the best thing in the long run."

"But you weren't thinking long run at that time."Eddie pointed out as he took a sip of his drink.

"No."Lucy agreed with a laugh."We had fake Ids all set; thought we were really cool and slick."

"How many got caught?"Eddie asked as the waitress arrived.

"Three that I heard."Lucy replied with a smile. "Probably more that didn't want their too cool for school reps to be harmed. None spent any time in jail."

"Good."Eddie commented.

"What can I get you folks?"The young red haired waitress asked with a smile.

They gave their orders and after the waitress left they fell into easy conversation. Lucy felt like she'd known Eddie her whole life. Some friendships were like that. They exchanged information about childhoods and what had brought them to their chosen careers. When the entrees arrived Lucy complimented Eddie on the choice of restaurant. The food was delicious.


After dinner was cleared away Eddie was pleased he was able to talk Lucy into dessert. Most women passed on it. He was happy he'd also gotten her to laugh often during the meal. Eddie knew with the careers they had laughter and kindness didn't often come into their days.

As they split the decadent cheesecake Lucy filled Eddie in on her last few weeks. To say it'd been rough would be an understatement.

"I'm sorry you went through that."Eddie stated emphatically.

"Tim's had his share of razing too."Lucy said with a sad shake of her head. "He's one of the best the department has and people are doubting that ability."

"Well I can tell what he's trained you well even if you broke the rules to save me."Eddie stated with a brief smile. "Thank you again."

"Couldn't let a handsome guy like you get squashed by a building."Lucy responded returning his smile. "But you're welcome and thank you for dinner it's been lovely."

"Glad you could come and it has been a nice evening."Eddie said and then looked at his watch. "I should get home and relieve Christopher's babysitter."

"Of course."Lucy replied as she finished the last bite of cheesecake and set the fork down. "I'd like to meet your son sometime. He sounds amazing."

"He is. I'm sure you two would hit it off."Eddie said as he got the check from the waitress and signed. "Come on, I'll drive you home."

"You really don't have to."Lucy protested as they reached the door. "I took a cab here, can take one home too."

"Humor me."Eddie replied with a grin as they left. "I know you can handle yourself but I'll feel better if I see you home."

"Okay."Lucy said with a smile. "Thank you."

They stepped outside and got into Eddie's truck. As he drove away Eddie wondered if this would be a one time thing. He wasn't one to take chances any more with his heart. Damn Buc for making him think of taking that chance. Eddie sighed and concentrated on the late night traffic. Twenty minutes later Lucy got out of the truck they said goodnight and Eddie waited until she was safely inside. He drove home and it was a long time before he fell asleep. His thoughts spinning.