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

Once at the hospital Tim was escorted to a waiting room near the surgical ward. One of the medics had wrapped a blanket around him as he'd left the ambulance. Tim pulled it tighter around his bare torso as he sank onto the gray sofa.

They'd almost lost her once in the ambulance.

Lucy had flat lined and Tim had stopped breathing watching as the medics scrambled to save her. He'd felt powerless which was worse than helpless. Tim couldn't do a damn thing to help the woman he loved.

The medics had fought like hell and so had Lucy they'd got her back and stabilized by the time they pulled into the ER lot. Tim knew once this was settled and things calmed down he was going to track down that team of paramedics and thank them.

"Thought you could use this."Angela Lopez said breaking the silence.

Tim glanced to the doorway to find his friend standing there holding a clean dry uniform shirt. He flashed her a grateful smile and stood.

"Thanks."Tim acknowledged as he walked to her and took the shirt.

"Who knows what you were swimming in."Lopez said with a brief smile. "Go change."

Tim nodded and left. He found a bathroom a short ways down the hall and stepped in. As he passed by a mirror Tim realized for the first time he had Lucy's blood on him. There was a small streak on his stomach near his right hip. Tim stared at it for a full minute before he grabbed some paper towels and wiped it away. He angrily tossed them in the waste bin before discarding the blanket and pulling on the clean dry shirt. As he buttoned it Tim found his hands were shaking. He knew it was from the adrenaline wearing off. He'd been through it many times before; it'd take some time for his body to calm a sigh Tim finished buttoning the shirt and tucked it in. He washed his hands and then splashed some cold water on his face. As he turned off the water Tim heard the door open and footsteps he glanced up to see a familiar face; Sgt. Grey. Tim instantly came to attention.

"Sir."Tim greeted.

"At ease."Grey replied. "Lopez told me where you were. We got an update on Lucy."

Tim tried to brace himself but with the adrenaline wearing off it was tough. He felt like he was sliding backwards with nothing to stop him. Lucy had been brought in almost a half hour ago now. News could be anything; but Tim sent off a silent prayer anyway. He wasn't sure he was strong enough to go through this again.

"She's going to be fine."Grey stated quietly with a smile. "No internal injuries, couple bruised ribs and a few stitches to close the cut on her leg."

Tim closed his eyes and let his head drop. Lucy was going to be okay; she was still with him. A large hand clamped down on Tim's right shoulder and he opened his eyes.

"You okay?"Grey inquired with concern.

Tim nodded as he ran a hand through his wet hair. Grey stepped away.

"Yeah, just that she flat lined in the ambulance."Tim responded softly. "Scared the hell out of me."

"She's tough."Grey commented.

Tim nodded not trusting his voice.

"Doc said you could see her in a little while; they're getting her settled."Grey continued as they walked to the door.

"Okay."Tim replied. "What about the robber?"

"He's in surgery; your shot hit him in the left shoulder."Grey responded as they stepped into the hall.

"He's lucky my aim was off."Tim muttered.

"Report can wait until tomorrow."Grey stated. "You're going to be on leave anyway until the shooting's investigated. I know it was a clean shoot but there's still a process."

"I know."Tim acknowledged wearily.

"I'll check in later today."Grey said as he turned to leave.

"Thanks, Sgt."Tim commented before walking back to the waiting room.

Forty minutes later Tim was sitting in an uncomfortable chair by the right side of Lucy's hospital bed. She was still unconscious. He was holding her small right hand in both of his. Her skin was still too pale for his liking though it was better than the last time he'd seen her. So damn close...Tim knew he'd have nightmares for weeks of her hitting the water.

"I love you."Tim said in a strained voice as he placed a light kiss to her hand.

Tim rested his chin on top of their entwined hands