Title: Buried
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: See part one
As Lucy slept Tim started thinking about the cold case and current situation. After an hour Tim texted Grey. His C.O responded he'd be there within thirty minutes. Tim acknowledged the text and as he put away the phone Lucy stirred in her sleep.
"Lucy?"Tim called softly.
Tim could tell by the pinched expression on her face that the rookie was having a nightmare. No wonder after what she went through. Lucy thrashed about the sheets and pillows becoming unseen enemies. Tim was afraid she'd pull her stitches he stood and reached out pinning her arms as gently as he could.
"Lucy, it's me you're safe."Tim said quietly. "Just a dream; no one can hurt you."
Footsteps by the door and the nurses poured in alerted by the monitors. Tim held up a hand stopping them.
"She's alright; just a dream."Tim stated.
The medical staff dispersed but one nurse moved forward to double check Lucy's vitals. The young Asian man frowned at the monitors.
"What?"Tim demanded.
"She's running a slight fever."The nurse explained. "I'll inform the doctor and he'll increase the antibiotics. She'll feel better soon."
Tim nodded and the nurse left.
"Boot."Tim soothed. "You're okay. You're safe."
A few minutes later Lucy stopped struggling and her breathing eased. Tim relaxed and let go of Lucy. He remained on the edge of the bed for a moment making sure she was back in a restful sleep. That was where Grey found him.
"She alright?"Grey inquired quietly.
Tim nodded and motioned to the hall. They stepped outside and Tim gently closed the door behind them.
"Chen had a nightmare thought she'd pull her stitches."Tim reported. "Nurse discovered she has a fever; small one."
"They'll take good care of her."Grey commented. "You mentioned you had a plan?"
"Yeah,"Tim replied keeping his voice low. "We know there's more than one person who were in on the kidnapping. Once they're released we should keep them separated; draw the perps out."
"Good idea. Their place will take awhile to put back together anyway."Grey said grimly.
"Any prints from that?"Tim asked.
"No, but their was a lot for the techs to sift through."Grey reported.
Tim nodded wearily.
"I'm going to send a relief for you."Grey ordered as he started to walk away. "You need to heal and rest too."
"I'm good."Tim protested.
"I'll send Lopez."Grey replied. "I'll make it a direct order if I have too."
Tim sighed and went back into Lucy's room. She was still sleeping peacefully. Tim walked to the bed and placed a hand on Lucy's forehead; she was warm. He absently brushed her bangs away from her face. Tim's fingers lingered a beat longer than they should. Grey was right he was tired. His emotions were heightened and his thoughts were spinning.
'Chen's your partner, even if she's still a boot.'
Mark's words from earlier echoed through Tim's thoughts as he sank into the chair. His old friend had been dead on. Lucy had become Tim's partner when he wasn't looking. She'd seen the good and the bad and still accepted his friendship. That took courage. Tim glanced at the bandage on Lucy's right shoulder. He felt responsible for her being hurt on his watch. If the bastard got past him here when he wasn't officially her 'bodyguard' how could he protect her when she was released? Tim would find a way. They wouldn't get to her a second time.