Title: Best of intentions

author: Cindy Ryan

Timeline: AU

Mid-afternoon Tim Bradford was at the Three Palm community center. He was going over equipment for the softball team. Suddenly his cell phone started to go off like an old school arcade. Beeps, chirps and rings. Tim felt cold fear hit in the pit of his stomach. He knew without looking that Lucy was in trouble. Trying to put the dread at bay Tim pulled out his smart phone. He had just started to clear away text messages when he heard footsteps. The community center wasn't that crowded today. Sgt. Wade Grey stepped through the door in uniform. Tim felt his heart shatter.

"Is she hurt?"Tim demanded worriedly without preamble.

Without answering Grey gestured to the wood bench that sat in front of the small row of lockers.

"Let's sit."Grey suggested grimly.

Phone still clutched in his hand Tim remained standing. His phone kept chirping with messages. Suddenly cold realization hit Tim like a proverbial ton of bricks. Suddenly he found it hard to breath. Tim knew he had to ask, but he was praying what he was about to ask wasn't true.

"He has her; doesn't he?"Tim asked each word a harsh clip.

"Yes."Grey said as he sat down. "Chen was taken from an accident scene on the ten. West was injured."

At that Tim's legs weren't supporting him any longer and he did take a seat next to Grey.

His thoughts and emotions were spinning. Fear and panic surged through him with such force it left him light headed.

"This is my worst nightmare coming true."Tim said his voice thick with emotion.

"I promise you we will find her."Grey vowed quietly.

Tim's scattered thoughts went back to that exam room where they heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time. Suddenly feeling like he was going to throw up Tim put his face in his hands and rested his arms on his knees. He took deep calming breaths. He had to get it together; Lucy needed him. All he could think about was that heartbeat. His child. Acker would use that against her; against him. Tim heard his C.O rise to his feet and felt the older man move. When Tim raised his head Grey was in front of him crouching so he was eye level.

"I know you went through a lot with Isabel."Grey began grimly. "I understand what it took for you to open yourself to a life with Lucy. We look after our own; and we will bring her home."

"No."Tim said as he rose to his feet. "I'm going to find her. No one goes after my family."

"You can't do it officially; you know that."Grey warned.

Tim paused in his walk to the door and turned fists clenched at his sides.

"Are we really going to waste time with this?"Tim demanded his voice a dangerous low anger.

Grey held up his hands in a peace gesture.

"Anderson and I both called the Chief after Lucy was abducted."Grey began as he stepped forward. "He consulted with the commissioner and they both agreed that with the circumstances we need everyone in the search. He said we can't let someone like Acker loose on the city. They felt if we didn't find Chen it'd give Acker more confidence to go with something city wide. Due to special circumstances your suspension has been postponed."

Relief washed over Tim. He'd been prepared to find Lucy with his badge or not. It'd be much easier to do it back in uniform.

"Thank you."Tim commented quietly.

"You're our best chance at finding her; let's go."Grey ordered grimly.

Tim nodded and both men left the community center.