Chapter 14
"I'm going." Lucy insisted. "I'm going to make sure this is over."
"I don't want you to get hurt." Tim raked his hand over his hair. "I can't take it if you do, Lucy."
"Do you think I don't worry about you, Tim?" Lucy argued as she paced in front of Tim. "This is our job. I'm going to see this finished."
"She's right, Tim." Angela walked up. "We both would go if we were in her shoes. Speaking of going, we need to leave. Grey, Nolan, Lucy, and you will be on the helicopter with me. We have some patrol and SWAT headed that way. Quit arguing and let's go."
The ride to the old farm was in silence. Tim kept glancing at Lucy to see if she was okay. She would smile weakly at him in reassurance. She understood Tim being nervous about her going. He always felt responsible for others. It stemmed from his father's abuse. Tim was a protector just as Rosalind had said. Lucy knew why he worried about her. She had been buried alive in that place. The house held memories of being tattooed by Caleb. The place would be nothing but traumatic memories.
When she told Chris where she was going, he said be careful. He never begged her to stay behind. Tim was the opposite. He knew Lucy was strong, but he didn't want her to have to face those demons again. Chris wasn't exactly protective of Lucy about the incident. He had even sung the song around her. It was a slip up. Lucy was glad Tim never found out about that. She was sure he'd have made Chris never forget that slip up.
"It's okay, Tim." Lucy mouthed. "You're with me."
Tim felt his heartbeat quicken. Lucy put so much trust in him. He only hoped he could make sure to earn that loyalty.
Once they hopped off the helicopter, they made their way towards the house. It seemed so eerily quiet. Then Tim glanced up towards the roof. He swallowed as he saw the end of the rifle pointed at Lucy.
It all happened so quickly. He screamed Lucy's name. Everyone's eyes went to the roof of the house.
Although his weapon was drawn, Tim never fired. He had made a promise to the McGrady's to try and keep Ashley safe. Although he'd shoot before Lucy could get shot, Tim chose another route. He lunged towards Lucy knowing he'd protect her from the bullet. His body jerked as the bullet penetrated his chest.
Lucy reacted quickly and fired her gun towards the rooftop. The bullet hit its mark. The body rolled from the roof to make a loud sounding thud on the hard dirt. Angela pulled the dark mask from Ashley's face.
Although they knew it was Ashley, it still seemed surreal when her dead eyes stared back at the group. Lucy didn't bother to check on her. She was too busy pressing her hand tightly to Tim's wound. Blood seemed to be pouring so quickly. Tim was skin pallid. His lips had lost the pinkish red color as they changed to gray.
Lucy felt the tears sting her face. Her body shook uncontrollably as she pressed Tim's wound. "Help me, Nolan. I need you to press down on the wound. I'm not stopping the blood."
"Lucy." Tim whispered. His hand came up towards her face. His finger grazed her cheek to wipe a stray tear away. Tim whispered. "I'm so glad you're okay. I want you to know that I loo.."
Darkness overtook Tim. Lucy pulled Tim towards her. She didn't notice Tim's words were important. She was too busy trying to process that she was watching Tim's life seeping away. Nolan pressed down on the wound slowing the blood flow. He watched as Lucy cradled Tim's head in her lap. It felt eerily like the day Tim had saved Lucy. Nolan only hoped Tim could be saved as well.
The sounds of sirens echoed as Tim's life held on to a single thread of hope. Lucy was permitted in the helicopter with Tim. He would be life lifted in the helicopter due to his needing immediate attention and quick passage to the hospital. As far as Lucy being in the helicopter, it wasn't a choice as far as she was concerned. She'd refuse if they even tried to stop her.
Along with Nolan, Grey and Angela watched the helicopter speed away. Nolan exhaled before glancing around. The body of Ashley was loaded in an ambulance. He shook his head in sadness before speaking the obvious.
"Rosalind is right, you know." Nolan watched Angela and Grey look at him questioningly. "Tim does love Lucy. However, Lucy loves him too."
"That is going to be a lot of paperwork to fill out if they ever realize that." Grey tried to joke. It was an appreciated break from the reality of the situation.
They all loaded up to head to the hospital. All prayed that Tim would be okay.
Angela frantically called Wesley. "I need you.".
After she explained, she knew Wesley would meet her at the hospital. She also knew her husband would call James so Nyla would know. There would be a supportive group waiting at the hospital soon for Tim and Lucy.
Back at the Mid-Wilshire Station, Rosalind had been put in high security cell. The events happened too quickly to arrange her pick up. Therefore, she was awaiting transport. She didn't mind the wait. The thought of someone dying today had her excited.
"Is it done?" Rosalind couldn't help but smile at the fact she had a phone available to her.
The guards had searched her cell thoroughly. However, she had a few tricks still up her sleeve. She had the phone hidden inside her bed railing. Such an easy task for her.
"It is." The voice on the other end responded.
"Tell me. Leave out no details." Rosalind smiled as she spoke.
"Ashley was killed by Lucy Chen. Perfect kill. Her body hit the ground with a thud. It echoed through the area." The voice said. "It was thrilling."
"You love the kill but not getting your hands dirty. I'm much more of a hands-on person. However, I can see the attraction to this type of satisfaction." Rosalind slid down pressing her back against the wall. She continued wanting more information. "The pretty officer is fine, but the fierce protector may die."
"He threw himself in front of Lucy." The voice stated. "Of course, he did."
"Of course. Let me know if he dies." Rosalind sighed slightly. "I just wish we could be there to watch their suffering."
"I understand." The voice at the other end of the phone agreed before hanging up.
