Title: Buried

author: Cindy Ryan

notes and summary: See part one

Lucy was never so thankful for the friendships of John Nolan and Jackson West as she was that day. Lopez had guard duty on Jackson but with recent events Grey had ordered everyone back to the station. So now she, Jackson and Nolan sat in one of the conference rooms on the other side of the break room. Lucy clutched a to-go cup of coffee as if it were a lifeline. Nolan sat in a blue chair to her right while Jackson sat on the corner of the table on her left. The three amigos Lucy thought as memories of the academy came rushing back. Together through thick and thin.

"This is such a mess."Jackson stated glumly as he ran a hand through his hair. "I'm so sorry, Lucy."

"I'm just glad Bradford got there when he did. Too bad your attacker got away."John stated as he gently reached to touch the bruised skin on Lucy's neck. "You sure you don't want an ice pack?"

Lucy shook her head as she huddled back in the chair.

"I've never seen Tim that angry."Lucy said hoarsely.

"Despite his protests to the contrary,"John began quietly. "He cares about you, Lucy. Tim doesn't let many people in, I think."

"Agree."Jackson added. "Thought he was going to rip my head off at the hospital, but he kept it in check.

"He can certainly be a contrast."Lucy commented as she drew her knees to her chest.

Memories of how gentle Tim had been in the SUV after the near kidnapping and in the safehouse penetrated her thoughts. Lucy shook them away with an effort. There'd been an under current between her and Tim the last few months. Lucy had tried her best to ignore the attraction. He did after all hold her future at the LAPD in his hands. Besides she doubted he felt the tug between them anyway.

"Has there been any word on Thompson?"Lucy asked changing the subject.

The LAPD had found her wayward escort unconscious in a supply closet. He had put up a fight with his attacker. Broken right wrist and stabbed in the left thigh.

"Suspected concussion."Nolan responded as he stood. "They're keeping him overnight for observation."

Lucy nodded and took a sip of her over sugared coffee.

"I was hoping he wasn't the leak."Lucy replied sadly.

"Might still be; the fight could've been a cover."Jackson theorized. "Grey's madder than a hornet that you were attacked somewhere that was a need to know."

"So whatever Pandora's box you guys opened has deep ties into the LAPD."John surmised grimly.

"Or enough money to get the intel they need."Jackson said with a sigh.

"We need to come up with a plan to flush them out."Lucy suggested as she put the coffee on the table and stood. "We can't keep going like this forever. They've been a step ahead of us."

"Let's brainstorm."John commented as he found a legal pad and a pen and put it on the table in front of them.

Lucy smiled.

"I have IA working overtime to find out who this leak is and how many are involved."Percy West stated grimly as he ran a hand along the back of his neck. "However, intel is scarce. We can't plug a leak if we don't know where to start."

"That's the second time they've come after Chen!"Tim thundered as he West and Grey met in Grey's office. "If he'd gotten her to that stairway before I got there..."

"Bradford!"Grey admonished with a warning look.

Tim snapped his jaw shut with an effort. Even with the corruption rumors West was still an IA commander a rank that demanded respect. Tim's fists clenched at his sides as he fought to keep the tirade of words at bay. All he could see were the bruises on Lucy's neck and the fear in her eyes.

"It's alright."Jackson's father relented. "My theory is they think Chen saw or heard something that would identify the players. They've come after my son but not as intensely."

Tim swore and pounded a fist into the wall nearest him.

"Can you give us a few minutes?"Grey asked West.

"I have a few phone calls to return."West said with a nod as he left.

"Let's go for a walk."Grey suggested firmly as he walked around his desk and headed to the door.

Tim sighed and followed his C.O out into the bullpen. They crossed the wide space and exited the building. Grey waited until they were a block away before stopping

"Do I need to pull you off of this?"Grey inquired quietly his arms folded across his chest.

"No, Sir."Tim responded instantly.

"We've known each other a long time, Tim."Grey began as he unfolded his arms and sat down on a nearby bench. "Last time I saw you this wound up was with Isabel going undercover. I know you care about Chen..."

"She's my rookie."Tim interrupted firmly. "My responsibility."

"Off the record."Grey prompted.

Tim ran a hand through his hair as he paced the area in front of the bench. Even though it'd been awhile Tim knew the symptoms of falling in love. He was feeling every one of them and it was the worst possible timing. He sank down onto the bench next to his C.O.

"Off the record."Tim began softly. "Chen's more than my rookie. We haven't crossed that line. But the thought of her being in danger of someone gunning for her...makes me want to tear the city apart to take out every threat."

"For now I'll leave the protection detail how it is."Grey stated after a few minutes of silence. "If you want off of this at any time let me know."

"Thanks."Tim acknowledged with a nod. "I want to keep my promise to her; see this through."

Grey stood offering Tim a hand up.

"Let's head back and see if there's been any leads."Grey suggested.

Tim accepted the hand up. His thoughts and emotions were spinning as they walked back. Had he really just admitted to himself that he was falling for Chen?