Title: Buried
author: Cindy Ryan
John was getting a headache trying to sift through the real information from the phony. Just as he was about to go find some caffeine one of the other officers working the tipline caught his attention. He looked at the middle aged brunette woman anxiously.
"What is it?"John asked coming towards her.
"I think this is legit."The woman replied holding up a piece of paper.
"Thanks."John said as he took the piece of paper and read it.
John felt his face pale as he read the tip. Booker had been spotted. However, the address given was too close to Lucy's new safehouse. John took off at a run for Grey's office hoping they weren't too late.
Pain seared through Tim's left shin from the bullet. He couldn't put any weight on that leg. He had managed to hold onto his weapon and now brought it to bear on Booker. The older man had reached for Lucy pulling her back to him.
"You're coming with me."Booker said gleefully. "You'll be my insurance."
"No way in hell."Tim replied through gritted teeth. "Let her go, now!"
"I can shoot another limb."Booker said with a smile. "You have three left. Have a preference?"
In one motion Lucy drove an elbow hard into Booker's stomach. Then she pivoted and disarmed him sending the gun sliding across the tile floor. It discharged before coming to rest against the far wall near the front door. Tim struggled to his feet; limping as blood dripped behind him.
Lucy was never more gratified when she heard Booker's gun hit the floor. She kneed the man in the groin and was going to punch him when he grabbed her in a choke hold slamming her against the wall. A gunshot roared and Lucy found herself free and able to breathe. Blood spatter hit her face before she had a chance to duck. Through blurry vision she watched Booker collapse to the living room floor a gunshot wound to the head. It was over. Lucy watched as Tim checked Booker for a pulse and then turn back to her.
"He's dead."Tim pronounced as he put his weapon aside and came forwards.
It was then that Lucy realized she'd slid to the floor; her legs not able to support her. Her throat was bruised and it was painful to swallow. Tim's gentle hands grasped Lucy's shoulders.
"Are you alright?"Tim asked worriedly.
Lucy nodded.
"What about you?"Lucy asked anxiously. "Your leg?"
"Just grazed me."Tim responded in a voice tight with pain. "Can you get my phone?"
Lucy scrambled to her feet and found the cell phone. Just as she began to dial Grey's number she heard sirens getting closer.
"Looks like somebody already did."Lucy replied as she returned to Tim.
Tim nodded and then the phone in Lucy's hand rang and seeing Grey's name on the screen she answered. Ten minutes later the safe house was full of paramedics, police and the M.E. Lucy kept close to Tim as he was taken in the ambulance. As they left for the hospital Lucy took Tim's right hand in hers; holding it tightly.
"It's over, boot."Tim said softly meeting Lucy's gaze. "It's over; you're safe."
"We can go back to our normal lives."Lucy replied with a smile.
"Normal's over rated."Tim quipped.
Lucy squeezed his hand.
"I love you."Lucy said softly.
"Love you too."Tim replied quietly.