CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Lucy moved her head and felt a deep dull ache roll through her skull, waking her up even more. Opening her eyes, she peered around the hospital room and spotted Flynn's sleeping form in a recliner by her bed. His head was resting against the back of the chair, slightly turned toward her, and love filled her heart. She watched him breathing deeply and looked at the sling on his arm. The feeling of wanting to go to him and hug him close was strong, but she figured that would have to wait. She hoped not for too long. Lucy let out a sigh and closed her eyes again, but minutes later, the door to her room opened and she glanced over as a nurse walked in.

"Oh," she softly exclaimed, crossing to her bed and setting her tablet on the little over-bed hospital table. Flynn was on one side and the nurse approached on the other. "I see I don't have to wake you, you're already up." The tall fifty-something African American woman sweetly said, smiling as she began checking her monitors and IV. She raised the back of Lucy's bed a little more to help her sit up as she asked, "How're you feeling, baby?"

Lucy smiled weakly. "I feel-." She stopped, surprised at how scratchy and raw her throat sounded and felt. The woman patted her arm as Lucy carefully swallowed and continued, "I have aches and pains. The biggest one is my head. And throat. And chest. And finger." She glanced down at the brace on her left pinky.

"Um hm, that is typical for the trauma your body went through." She took out a thermometer. "Let's put this under your tongue." Lucy obediently opened her mouth and the nurse slipped the electronic device in and informed her, "The doctor is ordering a CT scan for you. An orderly will be here shortly, in about an hour."

Lucy was concerned. "Is there something wrong?"

The thermometer beeped and the nurse slipped it out of Lucy's mouth. "It's procedural. We want to be sure you're healing properly."

Lucy nodded. "Alright."

"Also," the nurse said retrieving her tablet, "We can give you some information about speaking with a certified psychologist, should you desire."

Lucy looked at the injuries on her hands, wrist and pinky as she thought about all the lives that were lost during this whole ordeal and how she almost lost hers. "I think I would like some information on that. Thank you."

"I'll let the doctor know." She smiled and then glanced over at Flynn. "Is he your husband?"

Lucy glanced over at him and decided to try out the new title. Swallowing, she rasped, "My boyfriend." She grinned and liked the sound of it.

"Heard he was the one that saved you." The nurse smiled. "Now that's a boyfriend worth having." She laughed softly, making Lucy smile.

"Yes... he is."

"Make him put a ring on it though," she added, and Lucy chuckled which made her start coughing, painfully raising the awareness of her injuries. The nurse poured a little iced water for her in a cup with a straw. "Sorry, didn't mean to make you laugh." She patted her shoulder. "I'll be back in an hour with the orderly who will take you down to the lab, okay?"

"Lab?" Both women looked over at Flynn who slowly sat up in the chair.

"Good morning, boyfriend," the nurse greeted with a smile. "I was just telling your pretty girl here that we'll be taking her down to the lab for a routine CT scan."

"Alright. Thank you." Flynn winced at the sharp pain, shooting through his arm as he slid forward in the chair.

Concerned, the nurse asked, "How's your arm feeling?"

"It'll be fine." He rose to his feet.

The nurse raised an eyebrow at him, knowing he was in pain, but she said to Lucy, "I'll bring you some Jell-O, okay?"

Lucy smiled. "Thank you." The nurse left the room.

Flynn bent and kissed the side of her head. He moved her hair off her forehead, smiling at her. "How're you feeling?"

"I'm okay." Lucy touched his hand and he gently took it as she added, "But tell me, what happened? Where is he?"

"In the morgue." Deep relief spread through Lucy as she shut her eyes and Flynn went on, "I shot him… But not soon enough."

"Oh, Flynn. It was soon enough." Lucy lightly squeezed his hand. They were quiet for a few moments, feeling the immense stress relief for the madman finally being stopped and the warm closeness of each other. "What did he do to your arm?"

"He shot me with a gun he had in his ankle holster."

"Thank God you're okay."

"No, thank God you're okay."

They softly rubbed each other's fingers. She now had minimal bandages on her hands, but new ones on her wrist. "What did the doctor say about me?"

"They found a drug, normally used as a tranquilizing agent in your blood."

Lucy frowned. "What?"

"We believe that he shot you with a tranq in the parking structure and you hit your head on the pavement when you fell to the ground."

"Oh no! What about Deidra?!"

"She's fine." He softly brushed his thumb over the back of her hand. "But he knocked her out by hitting her head against the car."

"Ugh!" Lucy closed her eyes.

"She'll be okay. Gabe already spoke with her and she was the one who made it known that you had been taken."

"Dear Deidra," Lucy said softly. "I want to see her as soon as possible."

"I'll try to make that happen." He shifted to his other leg.

"Here." Lucy carefully scooted over. "There's room for you to sit on the side of the bed." Flynn maneuvered himself around and sat.

He lightly traced his finger over her injured pinky. "Do you remember anything?"

"I remember waking up in the back of that SUV and trying different ways to get out. The next thing I recall after that, is being in the front seat, feeling the cold water on me and seeing your face on the other side of the window, telling me to get down. I felt so relieved to see you and so scared to death, all at the same time." She shook her head. "The next thing I remember is us on the beach."

Tears stung Flynn's eyes. "I got you out, but you weren't breathing." She reached over and touched his arm as Flynn felt the latent terror that had gone through him when he had seen her lying motionless. "Rufus had already jumped in and he helped me get you to the shore. I did CPR… after a while…I thought…" Lucy heard him struggling and rubbed his hand when what she really wanted to do was kiss his face and hold him. He raised up and softly lingered a kiss on her lips. "I'm glad you're here with me, Lucy," he whispered. "Because I love you."

Flynn's declaration to her pressed into her heart, wrapping itself around it like a warm, healing bandage. She saw tears escape down his cheek and she gently brushed them away. "Once again, I'm here because of you." She softly smiled at him. "You're my hero, amazing man." Lucy swallowed as her tears started flowing, too. Pressing her lips to his, she whispered, "I love you, Garcia Flynn." The pain Flynn had felt for so long absorbed the sweet words she had just spoken directly into his heart.

And they gave each other kisses as their hearts began making plans of being in each other's arms for as much as possible.

ONE WEEK LATER

CENTURY CITY

Rufus glanced over at Flynn who was adjusting his arm sling. They, along with Wyatt, Bam Bam, Karl and two uniform officers rode the Century City office building's elevator up to the 19th floor. "You ready for this?" Rufus asked.

"This is the day I've waited for," Flynn answered, glancing at him. "I'm ready."

The doors opened and they all stepped out and walked together up to the receptionist desk where Flynn immediately said to the receptionist, "LAPD. We're going in, please stay here." The wide-eyed receptionist nodded as they all moved in and walked down the hall to the double doors of the corner office. Flynn turned to the guys, giving them a quick nod as he flung the door open.

"LAPD!" Flynn yelled, moving forward to the man sitting down at a desk. Rufus and Wyatt circled behind Rittenhouse's chair as Flynn continued, "Benjamin Rittenhouse, you are under arrest for the conspiracy crimes of murder against, Stephen Tate, Kevin Downing, Isaac and Deborah Steinberg, Daniel Franklin, Lorena and Iris Flynn!"

"Det. Flynn, you know this is pointless," Rittenhouse replied. Wyatt yanked him to his feet and Rufus cuffed him and read him his rights. Once Rufus was done, he and Wyatt grabbed Rittenhouse and personally escorted him through the hall with Flynn and the team behind him.

"Lindsey! Call my lawyer!"

"Yes, Mr. Rittenhouse!" The receptionist promptly picked up the phone.

"A team of lawyers can't help you," Flynn sneered.

"And I'm sure you'll make plenty of new friends in prison," Rufus quipped.

They all boarded the elevator and the doors shut.

THREE WEEKS LATER

"Mr. Carlin, your ride is here," the nurse at the clinic announced.

From the wheelchair, Rufus looked up as Flynn came into the waiting room. "Hey, Buddy! How're you feeling?" Flynn asked, laying his hand on his shoulder.

"A little groggy, but not too bad. The doctor said everything was good, so I'm cleared for the next five years before I need to undergo another procedure."

Flynn squeezed his shoulder as one of the clinic's staff members began to wheel Rufus out to the corridor. "Good to hear," Flynn replied, walking alongside them.

"But I am hungry," Rufus added. "Haven't eaten since four o'clock yesterday and I had to drink that awful laxative stuff."

Exiting into the parking lot, Flynn grinned. "Lucky for you, Lucy sent some of her lasagna for you and made me promise not to eat it."

"That was nice of her, did you eat my lasagna?" Rufus asked in one breath.

"Wise woman that she is, she made me some, too."

"A woman that thinks ahead. Sounds like a keeper." Rufus smiled.

Flynn opened the car door for him and agreed, "That she is." The staff member helped Rufus up. He slipped into the passenger seat and Flynn shut the door. "Thank you," Flynn said to the staff member who nodded and headed back to the clinic.

Flynn drove them down the boulevard and Rufus glanced over at him. "How's the upper arm?"

"Stiff but feeling much better. The physical therapy is actually working." They were silent as Flynn maneuvered his car onto the 405 freeway.

"Hey, thanks for picking me up. I could have hired someone."

Flynn glanced over at him. "You still wouldn't ask a family member?"

"No way!" Rufus shook his head as Flynn laughed. "I keep telling you they cannot keep a secret. Before long, not only would my mom know, but all our family here, in Texas, and in Louisiana, would know, too! No siree!"

"What about Jiya?"

"Good idea! Hi Jiya! I know we just started dating, but would you mind picking me up from the clinic after my colonoscopy? Me and my colon would sure appreciate it!"

Flynn laughed out loud. "You're both adults."

"Nooo." Rufus shook his head. "Too, soon, brah." He chuckled, "But she is something."

Flynn heard the awe in his voice and glanced at him. "You two getting serious?"

"Man, if I have anything to say about it, YES!" Flynn grinned as Rufus went on, "She knows all the Star Wars movies and books inside out and Star Trek, too. Can speak fluent Klingon and is a gamer!" Rufus rattled off but wasn't finished. "On top of that." He fell silent for a bit, making Flynn glanced at him, but he finally added more quietly, "She's super smart, sweet, funny and gorgeous."

Flynn smiled as he exited the freeway. "I see."

"Maybe we can go on a double date."

Flynn thought about it. "That doesn't sound like a bad idea. We can all get together and have a historical trivia night."

Rufus stared at him. "Are you for real?"

"Don't like history?"

"Well, that does sounds like an amazing amount of fun. A rousing game of historical trivia probably should be outlawed because of all the joy that it brings."

"You may like it."

Rufus looked at him, marveling. "Never realized what a nerd you are."

"Coming from the guy who's all over Star Wars, Star Trek and Transformers?"

"Dude, there's a difference between nerds and geeks. Get it straight!" They both laughed heartily. "Maybe I'll think of something for us to do, nerd." They chuckled some more. "So, anyway. Have you thought about when you want to do the snot-nosed rookie uniform day?"

Flynn scoffed, "So, now you're asking me what day we have to suffer because of your lousy bet with Gross?"

Rufus fumed. "That boxing match was fixed."

"Yeah, and we're screwed to a full day on the beat!" Flynn changed lanes, made a right and headed down Rufus's street, as he added, "Lucky enough for you, it's Career Week at Fairfield for 3rd through 6th grade."

"It is? What's your plan?"

"It was Lucy's idea. She suggested that it would be great for the kids to meet their local crime fighters and ask us questions."

Rufus thought about it. "I think Jiya mentioned something about Career Week. We could make it count for our time with the community hours, too."

"Right." Flynn pulled up to Rufus's house and cut the engine. "And at least for part of the day we won't have to actually be out driving the streets."

"Sounds like a plan," Rufus agreed, smiling as he opened the door.

"Here." Flynn quickly got out of the car and went around to assist him.

"Thanks."

"Don't forget your lasagna." Flynn opened the back door and picked up a bag with a sealed container in it.

Flynn carried it for him as they walked to the front door. Rufus unlocked it and took the container from him. "Seriously Flynn, I really appreciate all of this."

Flynn nodded with a serious look of sincerity. "It's the least I can do for a true partner and friend that was there for me and Lucy." He laid a hand on Rufus's shoulder and his voice warbled, "You helped me save her… and I will never forget that." Rufus was deeply touched by his friend's words and stepped forward, throwing his free arm around Flynn, who embraced him back and added, "I consider you my brother, Rufus." Rufus squeezed him harder and they hugged tightly. Finally patting each other's backs, they stepped out of the embrace, both blinking back tears.

Rufus smiled, holding up the lasagna. "I'm going to eat some of this right now. Tell Lucy thank you."

"I will." Flynn smiled. "See you tomorrow night."

"You got it, brother." They slapped each other's shoulder. Rufus went into his house and Flynn got back into his car and drove off.

LATER THAT DAY

"Sounds like you're doing well, Flynn."

He smiled softly to himself as he sat in Noah's office. "My team and I were able to stop the serial killer and arrest two very bad men."

"That is outstanding," Noah remarked with sincerity. "Congratulations Detective, I commend you and your team on your hard work. Well done."

Flynn was humbled. "Thanks doc."

"Were you able to do your homework?" Noah raised his eyebrows.

Flynn smiled lightheartedly. "What was the assignment again?" Noah grinned as Flynn ran his hand through his hair. "Aside from reasons why it's okay to be attracted to someone, I've found that I'm not only attracted to Lucy Preston... I love her." Flynn was thoughtful for a moment. "And for some reason, she loves me."

"Perhaps you both recognize goodness in each other."

Flynn chuckled, "Not sure about me, but in her, she's filled with it. She's intelligent, beautiful, a great cook, incredibly strong, brave fighter and calls me on my crap."

Noah chuckled, shaking his head. "That's very good to hear." Noah slid forward in his chair. "As you know, today is our final session. I want you to know that you've come a long way in our time together, Detective. The progress you've made has been astounding and the peace I see in you is rewarding to me and humbles me. Thank you for allowing me to be the one to counsel you."

"You've helped me, very much, through my darkest time and I appreciate your professionalism and your great, great, patience," Flynn replied as they both chuckled and stood. "Thank you, Dr. Manago."

"Please," Noah added, "if you ever need to speak or work something out, you know where I am. And, you're welcome."

They shook hands.

AWARD PRESENTATION

"Because of the outstanding teamwork of our men and women of the LAPD, Miracle Mile Division, the serial killer of all the victims has been brought down. And another man, Benjamin Rittenhouse, who was the leader behind a number of horrid cold case murders has also been brought to justice along with ex-chief Jacob Neville. Both were involved in conspiracy crimes and both will be tried in court to the fullest extent of the law."

People in the large conference hall of the precinct clapped loudly as cameras flashed and recorded the Mayor of Los Angeles.

"I'm thrilled," he went on, "overjoyed and proud of our stellar team of detectives and officers for their relentless tenacity of locating and stopping these evil men, and our team was led..." People began clapping again and whistling as the mayor held up his hands and talked over their excited chatter, "Our team was led..." the people quieted, "by our outstanding, perceptive and well-seasoned detective, Garcia Flynn!"

The mayor clapped his hands as everyone else in the conference hall stood up and applauded, cheered, whooped and whistled. Rufus smiled at Flynn, patting his shoulder along with Wyatt, Karl and Bam Bam with Captain Christopher peering at them proudly.

The mayor looked over at Flynn. "Det. Garcia Flynn, we want to honor you today with this award for your hard work and skill in leading the investigation with this wonderful team and for your raw bravery of stopping the man who ruthlessly took precious lives and terrorized Los Angeles." Everyone cheered again as a young woman brought out a glass trophy in the shape of a shield and handed it to the mayor. He turned to Flynn. "The City of Los Angeles appreciates you using your talents and abilities to keep it protected and safe. Please accept this award as an official thank you, from the city and myself, to you. Thank you, Det. Flynn." He extended the glass shield to Flynn who took it in one hand and the mayor vigorously shook his other as the hall went up with applause, cheers and flashes from cameras.

"Please, say a few words," the mayor encouraged.

Hating giving publicly speeches, Flynn thought of what his mom and dad would have thought of all this. And his wife and daughter. Filled with emotion Flynn stepped to the podium and peered out at the audience. He saw his brother smiling at him and then his eyes landed on one particular brunette woman in the front row who stood next to his brother, applauding, cheering and wiping her lovely brown eyes. But she did something different, that no one else did. She mouthed the words, "I love you."

Suddenly more infused by her love, he began. "None of this would have been possible without every person of our police department." Flynn paused and looked over at his team. "We are called to help our fellow citizens in time of need, for protection and justice and if it weren't for the fine men and women that were with me on this case, we wouldn't be here. This," he held up the award, "belongs to Katherine Billings, James Smith, Leila Wang, Alden Fraser, Ricardo Lopez, Captain Denise Christopher, David Baumgarden, Karl Gross, Wyatt Logan and my partner, Rufus Carlin." Everyone cheered and clapped as Flynn added, "And a number of equally top performing officers and detectives of the Miracle Mile Division and the LAPD throughout." More clapping went up and cheering.

Flynn peered out in the audience as the applause eventually subsided. "And to the families and friends who have lost their loved ones because of these horrible men. As one who lost his wife and daughter to this same, serial killing madman..." he blinked back tears, "I want to encourage you to keep going. I know, it hurts like hell... but, thank God, justice still prevails, and know," he locked gazes with his beautiful love and softly said, "you will smile again."

Moved by Flynn's words, the loudest cheers, applause and whistles yet, lit up the hall. The men on stage were wiping their eyes as Flynn gently smiled at Lucy and mouthed, "I love you," back to her.

LATER THAT NIGHT

They were all seated at tables that had been pushed together, talking and laughing after having had an award celebration meal together at a dinner and dance club. Rufus was with Jiya, Wyatt with Jessica, Karl with Allie. Bam Bam's girlfriend was working, but he was talking with Lopez and his wife. And there was Lucy.

Jiya leaned over, throwing her arm around her. Lucy smiled as they touched the side of their heads together. "Told you everything would turn out good!" Jiya declared.

Lucy grinned, pulling back and looking at her. "Yes. And it's wonderful that you and Rufus hit it off."

Jiya laughed as they glanced over at Rufus who saw them peering over at him. Jiya blew him a kiss and he looked bashful. "He's sweet, funny and I think I'm falling for him, Luce."

Lucy smiled at her lovely friend. "I'm excited for you. You two belong together."

"You think so?"

"From hearing Flynn talking about him, Rufus is worth it."

"I know someone else who's worth it." Jiya wagged her eyebrows.

"And who would that be?" Lucy asked, giggling when a hand suddenly appeared between them. She turned around as her eyes traveled up the arm to Flynn.

"Would you like to dance?" he asked, smiling down at her.

"Yes, I would." She smiled as she slipped her hand into his. He helped her to her feet and gently pulled her to the dance floor. Andy Gibb's I Just Want to Be Your Everything, started to play which made Lucy break out into a huge smile as Flynn guided her to the middle of the floor and slowly lifted her hand, sending her into a smooth twirl, before taking her into his arms.

Flynn gazed at her beautiful face as she asked, "Is it a coincidence that they're playing this song?"

He gently sent her into another spin and brought her back into his arms. "I don't believe in coincidences."

"Hey!" Jiya grinned at Rufus, grabbing his hand. "Let's get in on this." They got out on the dance floor along with Wyatt and Jessica, Karl and Allie, Lopez and his wife.

"You're really light on your feet, Detective." Flynn spun her twice and smoothly dipped her, making her whoop at the unexpected move as he brought her back up. She grabbed on to him as they both laughed. Lucy's laughs tapered off into soft giggles as Flynn gazed down at her. She saw the brave man that had stopped Stiv from killing them or anyone else. He'd gone through so, so much, held it together through the pain and heartache and stopped all three bad men, including her father.

"What are you thinking?" he softly asked.

"That I'm proud of you." Flynn hadn't expected her to say that and it really touched him. Knowing that she was proud of him, made him feel so many different things. Lucy laid her hand on his cheek. "You've done exactly what you've said you'd do, and you didn't stop. Even when it hurt so much." He broke eye contact with her, and she softly said, "Look at me." Flynn brought his gaze back to hers and she added, "Your co-workers are proud of you. I know Gabriel is. Your mother and father would have been, very much so. If you'd have met my family, they would have been proud." She kissed his cheek. "And I know Lorena and Iris would be, because you stayed with it and got justice for them and for all the other victims. And," a tear ran from her eye and dripped off her chin as her words ran together, "my heart fills just thinking about it. I'm proud of you and I love you, Garcia. And I'm proud to be with you and to call you mine."

With his heart overflowing from her loving words, he asked, "What have I done to deserve you?"

She smiled up at her love and he sweetly kissed her.

Her hands went around his neck and he hugged her tight as they continued to kiss and sway to the rhythm of the music.

**SEE PART 2 FOR THE CONCLUSION and WRITER'S COMMENTARY FOR THE DETECTIVE AND THE SCHOOLTEACHER**