Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Summary:
Tim is worried. Where is Lucy?
Notes:
Here is the next chapter. Hope you enjoy.
I did not have the ability to double edit this chapter so I apologize in advance for any and all mistakes.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 10
Tim stood there about to fall apart. Gone, who was gone? He hoped that it wasn't Lucy, but then why wouldn't Angela let him walk inside if Ashley was dead. So, it had to be Lucy, that his Lucy, the love of his life, was dead. They had just started getting to a better place and now she was gone. Tim felt like he was going to pass out, he so badly wanted to ignore Angela and push his way past her into the building when he noticed the paramedics come out and walk towards the ambulances, place their equipment in the back before leaving the scene. He was now past breaking point, if they came out and left without Lucy then where the hell was Lucy? He now believed that Lucy was dead and they were waiting for the ME, that could be the only logical and yet insane explanation as to why the paramedics didn't help whoever was shot. Tim was about to run inside when the door to the building opened one more time.
Tim had not been focusing on the person exiting the building and was therefore shocked when he saw Lucy walk out of the building. She ran over to him as fast as she could. Tim was so grateful and happy that she was okay, that she wasn't dead so he scooped her up and spun her around as he placed his lips on hers and kissed her like she had never been kissed before. Tim refused to let go of her, he held her tight, kissing her over and over when she pulled back ever so slightly just so she could breathe again.
Tim: I thought I lost you baby. I thought you were dead.
Lucy: I am still very much alive; I am really okay.
Tim: What happened in there? You two were talking and she was going to put down the gun, next thing we know we heard gun shots.
Lucy: Gun shots? What gun shots? There were no gun shots inside.
Tim: What do you mean there were no gun shots?
Lucy: Ashley gave me her gun and then we heard a commotion outside so I turned my head towards the door to see what was happening. When I turned back around Ashley was gone and half the LAPD was breaking down the door.
Tim: Son of a Bitch
Lucy: Tim, talk to me.
Tim: I wish I even knew what to say right now. I am so confused. Ashley said she wanted to talk to you but then the gun shots and now she's disappeared. This whole mess has gone from complicated to crazy.
Lucy: Baby, I know you and I have both said and done some things this past year that we both wish we could take back. So right here right now I want to do that. Clean slate, you and me everything we've said and done we are now both taking back. What happened in the past we leave there. I want to just finally move forward with our future, you and me the two of us forever.
Tim: There is nothing in the world that would make me happier right now than for you and me to start working towards getting back to where we were in our relationship before Ashley ruined it all.
Lucy: That sounds perfect Tim.
Tim: Can I take you on a really romantic date tonight to celebrate?
Lucy: I would absolutely love that.
Tim: Great, then it's a date.
Tim bent down and passionately kissed Lucy again when they were interrupted by Angela.
Angela: Detective Chen.
Lucy: Yes, what can I do for you?
Angela: Now that this scene has been cleared and you are safe and okay, I would like to head back to the station to continue working on some of my open cases, if that would be okay.
Lucy: Actually, I want to assign you this case to work on.
Angela: What do you need me to do?
Lucy: Locate Ashely and find out exactly what happened here today. I want everything you find out written down in a detailed report on my desk at the end of shift.
Angela: And if I don't find her, or get all the details today?
Lucy: Then you continue working on this case until we find her.
Angela: I know you out rank me so no disrespect here Lucy, but that is not the usual protocol on a case like this.
Lucy: I know, but until she is found both Tim and I are in great personal danger, therefore we need her found sooner rather than later. Understood?
Angela: Yes mam.
Lucy: Thank you detective.
Angela walked away and Lucy turned back towards Tim and smiled lovingly at him.
Lucy: Where were we?
Tim: You were kissing me
Lucy: Excuse me? I believe you were the one who kissed me Sargent Bradford.
Tim: Does it really matter who started the kiss?
Lucy: I guess not.
Tim: You were amazing just now, with Angela. It's amazing watching you boss around detectives who were on the job for years before you ever started at the academy.
Lucy: You know, it was weird at first, but eventually we all just got used to it.
Tim: I hate to ask this question just as you and I are working on putting everything behind us, but I really do want to know what this special assignment is that brought you back to Mid-Wilshire.
Lucy: Tim. I would love to tell you, really, I would. But it is highly classified and for right now I just can't say anything, but I really want to. I hate keeping secrets from you, especially since secrets and lies are what got us in trouble in the first place.
Tim: No hard feelings Luce, but please can we promise that we will never lie to each other again.
Lucy: Never Tim, never again. Promise me that if we have a problem or are confused about something; our first priority will be to talk it over with the other person before jumping to conclusions.
Tim: Always, Lucy. And I also promise to never go to bed angry at you ever again.
Lucy: I love that Tim. Thank you.
Tim once again kissed her deeply and then only pulled away when his Metro team was called to another scene.
Tim: I'll see you later for our date?
Lucy: I wouldn't miss it for the world.
Lucy gathered up her things and for the first time in a long time felt genuinely happy as she walked back towards her car to drive back to the station. Lucy knew that as simple as it sounded to put it all behind them it wouldn't be that easy but for the amount of love she felt towards Tim, she was willing to try. She had just lived through a year without Tim and it was the worst year of her life so she knew that she was going to do whatever it took to make sure she never had to live without him, ever again.
Lucy got back to the station and started working on finishing up paperwork for some of her cases. She was so engrossed in what she was doing that she didn't notice Angela walk over to her desk attempting to talk to her.
Angela: Detective Chen
Angela: Detective Chen
Angela: Detective Chen
Angela: LUCY!
Lucy: Angela, sorry. Didn't see you there
Angela: Clearly. I've been trying to get your attention for the last five minutes and you have completely ignored me. What's going on?
Lucy: It's nothing. You have a case related question for me?
Angela: I do but I first want to know what has you so happy and lost in thought
Lucy: Really, it's not important
Angela: Come on Lucy, I saw that kiss earlier between you and Tim and now you are glowing and smiling, please just tell me what happened? I'm dying to know.
Lucy: Fine, Tim asked if he could take me on a date tonight
Angela: Oh my gosh, oh my gosh! That's amazing. Wait you said yes, right? You better have said yes.
Lucy: Of course, I said yes.
Angela: So, what's the problem?
Lucy: No problem, I'm really happy about this
Angela: But a part of you is still nervous
Lucy: Yeah
Angela: Look Lucy, Tim is my best friend but he is also one of the best men I have ever met. He made a huge mistake and he owned up to it and recognized where he went wrong. He will never do anything like that to you again.
Lucy: I know. But
Angela: But you are still worried
Lucy: Yeah. I love Tim so much. And it was pure torture when we weren't together I just somehow it feels like there is so much pressure being put on this date that it has to be just perfect, but I really want it too just be us. To hang out and relax without fighting or defending ourselves.
Angela: Then that's what you do Lucy. Just go and enjoy and forget everything that happened this past year.
Lucy: You make it sound simple.
Angela: If it's what you want the date to be Lucy, then it is simple.
Lucy: I hope so. Anyway, you had a case question for me.
Angela: Yeah, it's about Ashley.
Lucy: You find her yet?
Angela: No, but I'm starting to believe that she had an accomplice working with her today.
Lucy: Okay, you have my full attention now. What makes you think that someone was working with her?
Angela: Well, everyone who was outside near the command center heard gun shots.
Lucy: Which didn't come from inside of the building
Angela: Exactly, but they had to come from somewhere.
Lucy: So, you think she had a partner who set of a gun? Why would she have them do that?
Angela: To give her time to run away. Because by the time we got inside she was gone Lucy. That couldn't not have been spur of the moment. All of this, whatever this was, it was clearly thoroughly planned out.
Lucy: Do you have any leads yet on who this accomplice might be?
Angela: Not yet, but Harper is looking through all the footage from today to see if we could figure out where the gun shot came from maybe then we could know who she was working with.
Lucy: You think that the accomplice shot a gun at the perfect moment to let her escape from there unnoticed?
Angela: That is the current theory we are working with.
Lucy: Okay so what's the question?
Angela: What do you want us to do when we find Ashley? Who should question her? Also, what should we do with her accomplice?
Lucy: I know Tim wants to talk to her, but that's against procedure so I guess the next best option is you and Harper.
Angela: Not you?
Lucy: As I was the intended hostage in all of this, I am considered a victim so I am not allowed to question her but believe me, I have plenty of questions to ask her when I get the chance.
Angela: I bet you do.
Angela walked away and Lucy continued working until 5 pm when it was time for her to clock out. Lucy nervously put her files away, gathered up her stuff and walked to Tims office. They hadn't had a chance earlier to discuss the details for their date tonight so Lucy wasn't sure what to do once she clocked out. Lucy noticed the blinds were closed and the door was locked so she knocked waiting for Tim to answer. When there was no answer Lucy decided to call Tim on his phone to see what was going on. Tim picked up his phone just as Lucy was about to hang up.
Tim: Lucy, what's wrong? Everything okay?
Lucy: Yeah, I'm fine. I just came to your office to talk to you about tonight.
Tim: I'm not at the station we have gotten back-to-back calls today I have not come back since the incident this morning.
Lucy: Oy, I'm sorry. I was busy also I didn't realize you hadn't come back yet. Look if you're tired or busy we can reschedule.
Tim: Lucy, are you having second thoughts?
Lucy: About us? No way. I have been waiting so long for this date.
Tim: Me too and I don't want to make you wait any longer than you have to.
Sargent Bradford
Lucy: I hear you're being paged. Tim really, I don't want to pressure you to go out with me tonight.
Tim: No pressure Luce. Believe me, I really want this date tonight. I do need to go now though.
Lucy: So, what's your plan then?
Tim: I made reservations at the same place we went to for our first date and I'm not missing the reservations. I will pick you up from your place at around 7. Does that work?
Lucy: Sounds perfect.
Lucy hung up the phone with a huge smile on her face. The thought of going out tonight, just the two of them, was making her so happy. She drove home quickly and was a little relieved when she noticed that Tamara wasn't home when she got there. So, Lucy hopped into the shower to start getting ready for her date that evening with Tim. When she finished her shower and stepped into the main room, she noticed that Tamara was home sitting on the couch watching TV.
Tamara: Going somewhere?
Lucy: Excuse me?
Tamara: You took a shower before I even got home and now you walk out all smiley and happy. What's going on?
Lucy: Going on a date now with Tim.
Tamara: Are you sure that's a good idea?
Lucy: Why wouldn't it be?
Tamara: I know you love Tim, and I know he loves you and I remember how happy you were when the two of you were together
Lucy: So why aren't you more excited that he asked me out again?
Tamara: Did you forget what it felt like when he ghosted you for a year. When he wouldn't talk to you.
Lucy: Of course, I haven't forgotten that
Tamara: So, what makes you think that it won't happen again?
Lucy: We promised each other that this time would be different.
Tamara: But what if it's not? What if deep down he still blames you for losing the baby?
Lucy: Then we will work through it together. We will talk about its Tamara. He promised me.
Tamara: And if he breaks that promise?
Lucy: I hope he doesn't.
Tamara: I wish I was that confident.
Lucy: And I had hoped you would be happy for me that Tim and I were trying to work through our issues and get back together.
Tamara: How can I support you being in a relationship with someone who was so disgusting and rude to you. Nope, I am so not okay with this.
Lucy: Tamara, please? I really need you to be on board with this.
Tamara: Well, I'm not.
Lucy: Tamara
Tamara: I need some air.
And with that Tamara got off of the couch and walked out of the apartment leaving Lucy staring at the door in disbelief. She understood where Tamara was coming from but that didn't make the disappointment any easier to deal with. Lucy did her make-up and got dressed. Unlike last time, Lucy knew exactly which dress she wanted to wear. Lucy was ready for Tim by 6:45 so she decided to call Tamara to make sure she was okay.
Tamara wasn't sure she should answer Lucy's call. How could Lucy forgive Tim so easily. It made no sense to her, but then again this was Lucy and she was the most amazing person that Tamara knew. So, against her better judgement Tamara picked up her phone.
Tamara: Hi
Lucy: Hi, I know you were upset when you left earlier, I just wanted to check in and make sure you were okay.
Tamara: This is what makes me so angry.
Lucy: I'm not following.
Tamara: How Tim could do something like this to someone as genuine and caring and loving as you. It just makes no sense.
Lucy: Tamara
Tamara: Of course, you can forgive him, that's just the type of amazing person you are. It just feels like you deserve better than him.
Lucy: Maybe I do, and maybe you are right but don't you also think that i deserve to be happy.
Tamara: Of course, I do
Lucy: Well Tim makes me happy. It might not make sense but he does Tamara. He makes me really happy.
Tamara: I guess if you're happy then, that is really all that matters.
Lucy: Thank you.
Tamara: That doesn't mean I forgive him for hurting you like that. But I will be okay with this date if he promises me to never hurt you again.
Lucy: I'll let him know you said that. And thank you Tamara
Tamara: For what?
Lucy: Accepting this, it really means a lot to me.
Lucy heard her phone ding with an incoming text message.
Lucy: One minute, I got a text from Tim.
Text From Tim: So sorry to do this to you but I am running late. Can you drive yourself to the restaurant and I will meet you there as soon as I can.
Text from Lucy: Are you sure you don't want to cancel?
Text From Tim: Do you want to cancel
Text from Lucy: No
Text From Tim: Good neither do I
Text From Tim: I will see you soon.
Text from Lucy: See you soon.
Text From Tim: Text me when you leave so I know you are on your way.
Text from Lucy: Will do.
Text from Lucy: I'm really excited
Text From Tim: Me too.
Tamara: Lucy, Lucy, you still there?
Lucy: Tamara, I'm so sorry. Forgot I was still on the phone.
Tamara: What just happened?
Lucy: Tim texted that he's going to be late. Asked me to drive myself.
Tamara: That was fast
Lucy: What was fast?
Tamara: Tim being the worst boyfriend ever
Lucy: Tamara!
Tamara: No Lucy. Can't you see you haven't been on good terms for over a year and he already flakes on you before date number one. No way am I okay with you dating a jerk.
Lucy: He is not a jerk
Tamara: Really cuz not driving your girlfriend to a date sounds like a crappy move to me.
Lucy: It's fine. He had a crazy day at work and this would just be faster.
Tamara: If you say so.
Lucy: I do. I'm going to go now. I'll see you later.
Tamara: Bye.
Lucy quickly got her keys and left the apartment. As requested right before she pulled out, she sent a text to Tim.
Text from Lucy: Leaving now.
Text From Tim: Still at work. I'll see you soon.
Text from Lucy: See you soon.
Lucy put her phone down and drove to the restaurant. Tim was exhausted when he was finally able to leave for the day. He looked at his watch and was horrified to see that it was already 10 pm. 3 hours after he was supposed to pick Lucy up for their date. He took out his phone and was surprised to see that Lucy hadn't called or texted him once in the 3 hours since he was supposed to meet her for their date. He was nervous as he tried calling her and was surprised when it went straight to voicemail.
Tim drove to the restaurant and pulled in as they were closing down for the night. He noticed that Lucy's car was not in the parking lot so he figured she must have gotten tired of waiting for him and gone home. Tim walked inside and asked to talk to the manager of the restaurant.
Manager: You asked to talk to me?
Tim: Yes, I know it's late so I'm sorry to bother you.
Manager: No problem, how can I help you.
Tim: I was wondering if my girlfriend came in here tonight.
Manager: What is your girlfriend's name?
Tim: Lucy Chen
Manager: I don't see any reservations under her name for tonight.
Tim: The reservation was under the name Bradford.
Manager: I'm sorry. You said Bradford?
Tim: Yes, that's me Tim Bradford
Manager: You have proof of ID?
Tim: Excuse me?
Manager: A couple came in here tonight under the reservation for Bradford, but you're saying your Bradford and you missed your reservations?
Tim: Yes, but is it possible that my girlfriend was here?
Manager: There was a couple, a young man and woman who took your reservations tonight sir.
Tim: I'm sorry. That wasn't me. So, you didn't see my girlfriend here tonight?
Manager: I'm afraid not
Tim: Thank you for your time.
Tim walked out of the restaurant extremely worried. He was panicking it was almost midnight and no matter how many times he called Lucy's phone it kept going straight to voicemail. Tim was about to call Tamara when he saw that Angela was calling. He declined Angela's call and was about to his send on his call to Tamara when a text came in from Angela.
Text from Angela: Lucy just woke up and is asking for you. WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?!
Notes:
Any ideas who Ashley is working with?
Who went on Tim and Lucy's date instead of them?
What happened to Lucy?
