Title: Buried
author: Cindy Ryan
Notes and summary: See part one
As the day wore on the hope that Tim had earlier talking to West faded. They were running down names West gave them but so far nothing. Lucy's attacker had disappeared into the night which left a knot of anger and fear in Tim's stomach. Lucy had been in and out of sleep most of the morning. He'd told her briefly what had happened. Now early afternoon Tim stood next to Lucy's bed as Grey stood at the front and Jackson sat in a wheelchair near Grey. Between Jackson and Grey was Percy West. The door was closed and two uniformed officers stood guard in the hall.
Earlier Tim had briefly left Lucy's room to change and shower. On the way back he'd seen Percy and Grey in a heated whispered conversation at the end of the hall. Tim hadn't wanted to be in his C.O's shoes at that moment. Now that tension seemed to have carried into the room.
"As much as this off the books investigation put your lives and others in danger,"Grey began quietly. "I have to admit you did good work. You've given us a foundation to start with; names to search for. However, that doesn't exclude you from a lecture."
Grey paused and glanced at Percy before continuing. Tim noted that Jackson's father looked like he'd aged ten years in the last few hours.
"I know neither of you expected this to skyrocket into a spider's web,but it has."Grey continued grimly. "The most damning thing was telling a soul of what you were doing. When the wolves came out of the shadows and pounced you were alone and paid the price. Both of you were injured, captured and if your captored hadn't made mistakes you'd be dead."
Tim saw Jackson cringe and Lucy paled another shade if that was possible.
"Sir."Lucy began quietly. "We thought..."
"Did I give permission to speak, Chen?"Grey asked.
"No, Sir."Lucy replied.
"While I wish you had come to me what's done is done. Any further off duty investigations if brought to light will have an affect on your moving forward in training and your future with the LAPD. This isn't the old west we can't have officers going off on their own. Even if something is history it always has ties to the present. Which as you've learned the hard way that the people who were involved in that old case don't want it to see daylight. That leaves us in the situation we are now."
"I do remember the case in question."Percy West stated quietly. "There was an IA investigation at the time and all investigating officers were cleared. The family that was robbed had a lot of influence in the city government so their was pressure on the department. We are tracking down the principals involved but it will take time."
"Because this is fluid investigation,"Grey continued. "West and Chen will remain under guard while you're in the hospital and after you're released. Lopez and Nolan will alternate protection detail for West and Bradford will be Chen's guard."
Tim nodded at Grey in acknowledgment. His rookie, his responsibility to keep her safe.
"That's it for now."Grey concluded. "If you remember anything else about the people who captured you please let me know as soon as possible."
The room emptied except for Tim and Lucy sank back onto the pillows exhausted. Lucy wasn't sure if she could handle her partner twenty-four/seven. Close quarters and tempers could certainly flare. Add guilt to that and things could be combustible. He'd already been injured protecting her and Lucy was struggling with that guilt. If anything else happened to Tim Lucy wasn't sure how she'd handle it.
Not to mention Lopez and Nolan they were in danger now too...Lucy sighed and pulled the blanket up farther. She heard the visitor's chair scrape against the tile floor as Tim sat down and moved forward.
"Get some rest, boot."Tim suggested. "You're safe."
Lucy closed her eyes and tried to do as advised. Her mind was spinning trying to deal with recent events. It was a long time before Lucy did fall asleep.