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

Two hours into his shift Tim stopped at a food truck the officers frequented to get coffee. He wasn't surprised to see a few squads there. The food truck was in the station's patrol area and with decent food and reasonable prices it was popular. Tim parked the shop and got out. He nodded at Talia and Nolan who were seated at a small blue plastic table.

With over half his career spent on the streets Tim was used to being on his own. Still with being a T.O he'd also grown accustomed to having a partner. That morning he'd found he missed Lucy. Not just on a personal level but he had grown to enjoy working with her. She was smart, quick thinking and could kick-ass when needed.

Tim had purchased and received his coffee and was walking back to the squad. He'd gotten half way before a familiar figure stepped in his path. Nolan looked like he wasn't having a good day. Tim knew the three rookies were tight. So if Nolan wanted to get the big brother bit off his chest; so be it.

"Nolan."Tim greeted.

"Lucy is an important person in my life."John began his voice even. "She's also one of the most intelligent caring women I've ever met."

Tim waited and he could feel Talia watching the exchange.

"You don't deserve her."John continued in a strained tone.

"Not your call."Tim responded tersely.

"No, it's not."John agreed. "As much as I don't agree with the career risk she took as a friend I will respect her decision."

"Is this where you tell me you'll hang me off a bridge if I break her heart?"Tim taunted.

"I was thinking skyscraper, but same concept."Nolan responded as he took a step forward.

Tim heard the scrape of a chair on asphalt and knew Talia was on her feet.

"This is where I tell you, Nolan, that my relationship with Lucy is none of your business."Tim began.

John opened his mouth to speak then closed it with a sigh. Tim smirked there was really nothing the older man could say to that. Tim stepped around the rookie and walked to his squad. He got in placed the coffee in a secure spot and turned the ignition. He watched Nolan walk back to Talia. Tim met her concerned gaze for a long moment before he put the SUV in reverse and backed out. He merged into traffic and continued with his day.

With half the shift done Tim returned to the station to process an arrest. After that was done he stopped by the main reception area to check on Lucy. He found Officer Martinez alone at the front desk as he approached.

"Is Officer Chen on break?"Tim inquired.

Martinez shook her head as she reached for a ringing phone, She gestured towards a small corridor to the right and behind the main desk.

"Officer Chen is in room four."Martinez explained before answering the call.

Tim frowned as he followed the directions and found Lucy in one of the small processing rooms. The room had a couple of gym locker room style benches and a desk with a chair that had to be from the seventies. The sound hit him first when Tim entered the room. It took him a full second to recognize it as a baby wail. Lucy was pacing the room trying to get an infant to quiet. The baby couldn't be more than six months old. A baby carrier sat on the floor near the desk. Tim raised an eyebrow as he approached.

"It was crowded when the shift started."Lucy explained over the crying baby. "But we're positive she wasn't there. Half hour ago she started crying. I found the baby carrier tucked between a couple seats towards the back of the reception area. Would've been easy for the mother to drop her and leave without anyone noticing. Well not easy...at least I hope not easy...ssssshhhh."

"Security feed?"Tim asked.

"I watched it and Sgt. Grey is reviewing it."Lucy replied as she stopped and rocked the baby girl. "I saw the woman enter but she was doing everything to avoid the camera."

Tim nodded as he watched Lucy with the child. It wasn't the first time he'd observed her with a baby. She'd delivered one in the middle of a gunfight. These however were entirely different circumstances and he found himself smiling. Their relationship was in the beginning stages and it may get to the point of family and children but they were a long way from that. Still the image before him caused Tim to pause.

"What?"Lucy asked with a wary smile.

"Nothing; you're a natural."Tim said with a grin.

"Yeah that's why she's still crying."Lucy muttered."Social worker is on the way."

"I should get back."Tim responded as he leaned in and kissed Lucy quickly. "Dinner?"

"Yes."Lucy said raising her voice to be heard over the unhappy baby.

"Good."Tim replied with a smile.

Tim started to leave then stopped. He backtracked and kissed Lucy once more before turning and leaving. He had forgotten how nice the beginning of the relationship was. Tim found himself looking forward to seeing how their relationship evolved.