Title: Turmoil

author: Cindy Ryan

notes and summary: See part one

Eddie moved quickly knowing Buc was behind him. Even though he'd known Lucy Chen only a short time she'd become important. Eddie didn't want to imagine failing. They were getting Lucy out alive, end of story.

"Man, it's bad in here."Buc commented over the com.

"Yeah."Eddie agreed.

"Lucy!"Eddie shouted as they rounded a corner.

"There!"Buc exclaimed pointing.

Eddie shoved the fear aside as he saw Lucy's still form curled on the ground next to the dumpster. The wall of the store groaned and something fell inward. No time to check Lucy's vitals Eddie scooped her up in his arms and ran.


Tim was fighting the urge to pace. He felt like a wire pulled taught. The not knowing was like a vice making it difficult to breathe. He couldn't look away from the flames. The thought of Lucy suffering in the fire. Of being scared tore at Tim like nothing he'd ever known. Tim's fists clenched at his sides. He hadn't realized he'd moved until Grey places a restraining hand on his left shoulder.

"Easy."Grey ordered gently."Getting hurt won't help her."

Just then the alley seemed to collapse on itself. The alley's entrance coughed with smoke and flames causing the group to back up.

"No!"Tim shouted breaking Grey's grip.

He had taken four steps when two figures burst out of the fire. The taller had a small all too still figure in his arms. Tim rushed forward dropping to his knees after Eddie gently laid Lucy on the ground.

"She's not breathing!"Buc shouted to the nearest medic as he knelt by Lucy.

"Lucy."Tim whispered.

"We've got a pulse."Eddie announced in relief.

Tim got to his feet and moved out of the way of the paramedics. Numbly he watched their lifesaving efforts. Lucy's face was pale under the soot, her hair disheveled, her uniform dirty and torn. Tim leaned over resting his hands on his thighs. Memories assaulted him. First meeting, first kiss, first date, last time he'd told her he loved her. /Don't leave me./Tim pleaded silently.

"Come on, Lucy."Eddie urged. "I know you're a fighter."

A few tense minutes later Lucy's cough was the most amazing sound Tim had heard in a long time.


Lucy slowly awoke to find herself in a dimly lit hospital room. As her senses orientated she realized it was still daylight; the blinds were drawn. Lucy's throat was raw and dry and her whole body ached from the day's events. Still as they said the pain meant you were alive; and for that she was grateful.

"Welcome back."A familiar voice said from Lucy's right.

Turning Lucy smiled seeing Tim seated in the visitor's chair. He'd changed to civilian clothes of jeans and a dark green short sleeved t-shirt. Tim leaned forward taking Lucy's right hand in his and squeezing it. She heard him release a long shaky breath and saw him close his eyes briefly. Lucy wondered how close she had been to death. Her memories of the last moments were foggy. Her rescue even hazier.

"Thought I'd lost you."Tim said his voice barely above a whisper. "Alley collapsed in on itself."

"How..."Lucy began but broke off with a cough.

Tim released her hand stood and poured a glass of water from a nearby pitcher. Lucy eased herself into a sitting position. Tim pressed the plastic glass into her hands and Lucy took a sip.

"Take a few sips then a break."Tim instructed. "Your throat's been through a lot."

Lucy nodded and did as Tim suggested. After a moment she looked at her boyfriend.

"How did I get out of the alley?"Lucy asked her voice weak.

"Diaz"Tim replied. "He and Buckley found you and carried you out just as the alley imploded."

Lucy shivered.

"Everyone else okay?"Lucy inquired. "The manager?"

"Everybody's okay."Tim said. "Lopez and Nolan got the manager off the roof. Was that your idea?"

Lucy nodded then took a few more sips of water before setting the cup down on the small table.

"Good."Lucy said softly. "Yes, I tried to follow but the smoke was too bad.I passed out."

Tim reached forward and lightly caressed Lucy's right cheek; she leaned into the touch.

"I thought I wasn't going to see you again."Lucy stated in a choked voice. "More than anything I just wanted another chance to see you; tell you I love you."

Tim rose from his chair and sat on the edge of the bed. Lucy felt tears start as he pulled her into an embrace.

"You're okay; it's over."Tim soothed in a gentle voice. "I love you."

As quickly as they started the tears stopped but Lucy remained in her boyfriend's embrace. She drew on his strength and just enjoyed the simple pleasure of being in the arms of a man who loved her.