Title: Buried

author: Cindy Ryan

notes and summary: See part one

"I don't know."Percy West said quietly from his spot by Grey's office window.

"Forgive me if I find that hard to believe."Grey countered as he paced the area in front of his desk. "We've had multiple attacks on these two since they started this off the books investigation."

"It was twenty years ago!"West snapped. "I know you don't remember every person in every case you've had in that span of time."

"No, but ones with an IA investigation stick in my head!"Grey responded sharply.

It was barely nine am two days after the attack at the hospital upon Chen's release. The weather outside was cloudy and almost chilly for L.A matching Grey's mood. He had a rapidly growing headache which wasn't helping by the lack of sleep or more caffeine than food.

"It was a random robbery."West insisted as he sank down onto the right corner of Grey's desk. "The son was killed he was the only one home."

"By the robbers or us?"Grey inquired as he leaned against the left glass wall.

"He was dead when first units showed on the scene."West replied."But..."

"What?"Grey asked.

"I'm going to look into something."Percy stated as he stood and walked to the door. "I want updates at the end of every shift."

Grey sighed walked around to his chair and sank into it. He pulled out a bottle of aspirin opened it took out a couple and dry swallowed them.

It was only the end of the second day but Lucy was going stir crazy. They'd been brought more clothes, food, books and dvds. It helped that Lucy had slept nearly all of the first day. She was feeling much better despite the slight pain in her shoulder. They had also been moved to another safe house. West's safe house had been attacked the day before by a fire bomb. Thankfully it hadn't done much damage and West and Lopez had gotten out safely.

Lucy was worried about her T.O. Correct that, still worried. Lucy could tell the stab wound was bothering him. Tim was in more pain than he was letting on. She also knew he hadn't gotten much sleep since they'd gotten word of the attack on Jackson and then having to move. If he was going to heal he needed sleep and decent food. The last thought gave her an idea. Lucy began to search through the contents of food stuff they'd received as well as pull out pans and pots.

"Boot."Tim said as he came into the small kitchen. "You're supposed to be resting."

"So are you."Lucy countered not pausing as she put pans on the stove. "But we need to eat. So shoo."

"Shoo?"Tim repeated with a raised eyebrow.

"Unless you want to help."Lucy replied with a smile."There isn't room for both of us in here."

Tim raised his hands in mock surrender and backed out of the kitchen. He didn't go any farther than the breakfast bar. Lucy didn't miss the wince that crossed Tim's face as he sat down. As stir crazy as she was Lucy hoped they'd be able to stay in one spot for awhile so Tim could rest and heal.

Daniel Booker was tired. He thought he'd escaped this mess and made a good life. Now he was having to revist a past he didn't want to. All because an IA's kid couldn't keep his nose out of it. Daniel pulled out his cell phone and called up the contact list. As he scrolled through he knew he'd have to rely on people he could trust. That list was getting smaller, but it would do.

This ghost was staying buried; no matter how many lives he took down to do it.

"This is good."Tim complimented an hour later as they sat at the small table.

"Don't sound so surprised."Lucy said with a laugh.

"I'm not."Tim said with a shake of his head as he took a bite of rice. "Our line of work home cooked meals are scarce."

"True."Lucy agreed as she took a sip of water. "Jackson and I try to alternate cooking duties; doesn't always work."

Throughout the meal Tim was glad to see Lucy smile. He was also happy to see his rookie's appetite was returning and so was the color to her face. She'd been far too pale since they'd left the hospital. Towards the end of the meal Tim felt the mood shift and he saw Lucy push her plate aside and look out the living room window.

"What is it?"Tim asked softly.

"I'm sorry."Lucy apologized as she met Tim's gaze. "For you being stuck here; for getting hurt."

"Lucy..."Tim began as he reached to put a hand on her right arm.

"When Jackson asked for my help he just wanted to believe the good in his father. He just wanted the doubts to stop."Lucy continued. "I..."

"Stop, boot."Tim ordered his voice rising a notch. "Jackson should've found another way instead of dragging you down with him..."

"Tim!"Lucy protested her dark eyes flashing angrily.

"I already told him as much."Tim finished. "Point is; you thought you were helping a friend. Neither of you thought it'd get this bad..."

Angry, Lucy took her plate and glass and shoved away from the table. She went back to the kitchen ignoring Tim as he called after her. Yes she and Jackson shouldn't have dug into the cold case on their free time. Lucy didn't have a time machine she couldn't go back. Lucy was so deep in thought that she hadn't heard Tim come up behind her. Not until she felt his strong hands on her shoulders.

"Hey,"Tim began gently. "I'm sorry...I just...you have a good heart Lucy."

"And it got me into trouble."Lucy finished as she tried to step away.

"Yes, but if you'd let me finish I don't think either of you suspected the box of snakes you'd opened."Tim stated quietly.

"No, we thought it was dead."Lucy agreed softly.

Tim reached up and brushed a stray hair away from Lucy's face. She was surprised by the motion. Even more surprised when Tim drew her into an embrace. Lucy allowed herself to bury her head against his chest.

"This is a twenty year old case, Tim."Lucy stated worriedly. "People have moved leads are gone. How are we going to close this?"

"Grey's almost certain there's a leak in the department."Tim replied grimly. "He's trying to find that leak and trace it."

Lucy felt a shiver of fear go through her.

"You're safe with me."Tim promised gently. "Nothing will get past me again. I promise you that."

Lucy wanted to believe that; more than anything.