Title: Something worthwhile
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary:see part one

After roll call Lucy learned she'd be helping at the front desk since no other training officer was readily available. Sgt. Grey assured her that it wouldn't be more than a few days before someone became available. Just before she left the empty roll call room Grey's question halted her.

"Are you alright?"Grey asked as he stopped a few paces behind. "You've had an intense few weeks."

Lucy nearly rolled her eyes at the understatement. Getting stuck with a needle, waiting for the test results, being accused of stealing, waiting to be cleared, then being run off the road by the real thieves. That was only a sampling. Lucy felt a sense of pride that she'd weathered the storms and came out the other end with her head held high and stronger for it. Other people might have crumbled. So with that confidence Lucy turned and faced her commanding officer.

"I'm fine, Sir."Lucy replied quietly.

Grey studied her for a long moment before nodding.

"Alright."Grey said motioning for Lucy to continue out of the room. "As soon as the next T.O is available we'll rotate you off front desk."

"Yes, Sir."Lucy acknowledged and made her way to the front of the station.

Lucy was grateful the morning flew by. She was busy from the moment she stepped behind the front desk. It helped clear her head. That was until lunch time when a familiar face walked into the reception area; John Nolan. One thing about John was that if you spent any time at all around him you knew how good a person he was. Lucy treasured his friendship and knew she wouldn't have survived the last few months without his support.

Lucy knew everyone would find out about her relationship with Tim. Especially an abrupt severing of the training team would cause speculation. Lucy could tell from one look at John that he was worried. She knew he was wondering why she wasn't riding with Tim. More importantly he was wondering what was wrong and how he could fix it. That was just who John Nolan was. Lucy owed it to him to tell him before he heard the rumor mill.

"Okay if I take my break?"Lucy asked.

"Sure, go ahead."Officer Mark Martinez replied.

"Let's go for a walk."Lucy suggested.

"Sure."John acknowledged.

Lucy turned and walked out the main front door. As they left Lucy hoped their friendship would survive the day.

They bought two coffees from a nearby food truck before walking another block and finding a place to sit down.

"It's true then that Bradford's stepping back as your T.O?"John inquired.

"Yes."Lucy replied her gaze fixed on the coffee cup in her hands.

"Lucy, what happened?"John demanded urgently. "Did he..."

"We're involved."Lucy responded as she raised her head.

John's eyes widened in surprise and he opened his mouth to respond and then closed it. Lucy saw the set of his jaw and the brief flashes of anger and disappointment that crossed his face.

"So all the reasons we couldn't work you tossed out the window for Bradford?"John asked his voice rising slightly.

"I'm sorry."Lucy responded gently. "Recent events made me rethink things..."

"Alright, forget us for the moment."John said taking a deep breath. "You've worked so hard to get to this point, Lucy. You figured out what you wanted as a career that made you happy and not what your parents decided. All that...everything to this point could be tainted..."

"Sgt. Grey explained that the new T.O might make me start over."Lucy explained.

"Did you think about that this could just be rebound for Bradford?"John asked.

"It's not."Lucy stated.

Lucy had thought about that as she'd gotten dressed and while Tim was in the shower that morning. His relationship with Isabelle had been so complicated and the ending intense. Was he recovered enough to start something new?

"Lucy..."John began.

"I appreciate your concern."Lucy commented. "And your friendship."

A shadow of pain crossed John's face and Lucy bit back a sigh. She hadn't wanted to hurt him.

"I thought we had a chance to work things out."John stated quietly as he absently turned the untouched coffee to go cup in his hands. "Obviously that's gone now."

"John."Lucy started as she reached over to place a hand on his left arm.

"I should get back."John responded as he stood.

Lucy could only watch as John walked away quickly leaving the coffee behind on the small park bench. Lucy rested her head back against the bench and closed her eyes. She'd been wrestling with the notion of telling Tim about her past relationship with John. Lucy knew that if she told Tim there was a chance a good chance that it would expose her being at John's when the shooting took place. That would open up a whole new can of worms.

With a sigh Lucy opened her eyes and stood. She walked back to the station with a headache increasing with every minute that passed. It was going to be a long day.