Title: Turmoil
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: See part one
The news feed the next day was full of another fire; suspected arson following the track of the previous fires. Lucy munched on a cream cheese covered bagel as she watched the morning news. This fire had been at a souvenir shop just north of the bar fire she'd been had already texted Eddie as she'd toasted the bagel. Again she'd been hit with the instant easygoing nature of their new friendship. Eddie had responded that he didn't know anything yet. He had the later shift that day. Just as Lucy was leaving her apartment her phone chirped. She pulled it out of her purse and saw a text from Eddie.
"Coffee later?"
"Sure."Lucy replied back.
Then she got into her car and headed to work. Quickly changing into her uniform Lucy hurried to roll call. She literally slammed into Tim as she turned the corner from the locker room. Lucy smiled once she saw who it was.
"Sorry."Lucy apologized.
"We've got a few minutes."Tim said as he tugged her towards a darker section of hallway.
"Good."Lucy responded with a smile.
"Missed you this morning."Tim said huskily as he kissed Lucy pushing her back against the wall.
"Missed you too."Lucy replied breathlessly once they finally broke apart. "We should have dinner tonight."
"Hmmm."Tim said as he kissed Lucy once more and then again. "My place or yours?"
"Is that the only way you score a grade, Chen?"A female voice taunted. "On your back?"
Lucy paled and then flushed with embarrassment as she looked towards the voice. Two young female patrol officers both barely out of training themselves stood at the hallway intersection. One brunette one blonde. It'd been the blonde who'd spoke. She and Lucy hadn't been friendly before the news hit of Tim stepping away as her T.O. Lucy heard Tim curse and tense. The women's laughter drifted back.
"No comment, Chen?"The brunette asked with a smirk. "Or is Bradford's tongue still..."
"You will not disrespect her!"Tim thundered as he emerged from the shadows advancing on the officers.
Lucy scrambled after him catching Tim by the left arm stopping him. Lucy let go and placed a hand on Tim's chest as she stepped in front of him.
"I can handle this."Lucy said quietly.
Tim glared over Lucy's head at the women.
"Lucy."Tim began quietly.
"It's okay."Lucy commented. "Go to roll call I'll be there soon."
For a long beat Lucy didn't think Tim was going to budge. Finally with a last glare Tim did turn and walk to the room where roll call was held. Lucy whirled to face her colleagues she wasn't sure what she was going to say but knew she had to handle it and not Tim.
"Your artwork was very creative by the way."Lucy began.
She did an inward victory dance when both women did a double take. They would never make it under cover.
"I don't know what..."The blonde began but Lucy cut her off by taking a step forward.
"Save it."Lucy snapped. "My private life and my career are my business and no one elses!"
Before the situation could get further out of hand Lucy turned and stormed back to roll call. She slid into her seat with seconds to spare. She felt Tim's eyes on her but didn't turn. Lucy had to calm herself down and concentrate on the briefing.
"Good morning."Grey began as he took the podium. "Lots to talk about today so let's get started."
Try as she might Lucy couldn't shake the women's hurtful comments. She did her best to concentrate on the briefing. From the information being given it was going to be a long day. At least Lucy consoled herself she had dinner with Tim to look forward to. As roll call broke up Lucy's phone chimed indicating a text. She glanced at the screen and when she saw the message Lucy smiled.
"Coffee at Blueflower at two?"
"Will try."Lucy responded back to Eddie. "If things don't get too crazy."
Lucy caught up to the other rookies and everyone fell into the routine of starting another day.
