The babysitter

Peace

The door slammed open with a deafening crash. Tim's heart raced, the sound of his pulse thundering in his ears as he moved swiftly through the dark warehouse. His fingers gripped his weapon, but his eyes were only focused on one thing: Lucy.

Lucy, bound to a chair, her face bruised and battered, but alive.

Tim's breath caught in his throat as he rushed toward her, his legs feeling like they were moving in slow motion, each step feeling like an eternity. The sight of her in such a condition made his blood boil. He was too late—far too late—and yet, he had to remind himself that she was still here, still breathing, still fighting.

"Lucy," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion as he reached her side. His hands trembled as he fumbled with the ropes, cutting through them with a knife, finally freeing her from her restraints.

She didn't respond immediately, her body still slack with exhaustion, her face pale and drawn. But when her arms were free, she slumped into his chest, unable to support herself any longer. Tim's heart ached at the sight of her, broken and vulnerable.

He held her close, never wanting to let go. "I've got you," he said softly, the words meant to reassure both of them. His hands cradled her face gently, wiping away the tears that streaked down her bruised skin. "You're safe now."

Lucy's breath was shallow, but she managed to whisper, "Tim... I knew you'd come."

Tim's eyes stung as he held her tighter, as if trying to shield her from the horrors she'd been through. His fingers traced the lines of her jaw, the delicate skin of her neck, feeling the tremors of her body. "I'm so sorry. I should've been here sooner."

"No... no, you did everything you could," Lucy murmured weakly, her voice cracking. "It wasn't your fault."

But Tim couldn't shake the feeling of guilt. He should've known, should've anticipated that Louis would come after her again. He should've been there, right by her side. He promised he'd always protect her, and yet, he hadn't been able to.

He helped her stand, though she swayed, her legs giving way. Tim caught her just in time, his arms strong as he supported her. "Let's get you out of here," he said, his voice firm, despite the storm of emotions inside him. "We're going home."

Tim pulled her close, holding her tight as they moved toward the exit. He didn't care about the wreckage that lay behind them, about the chaos or the danger. All that mattered was getting her to safety.

As they stepped outside, the cool night air hit Lucy's face. She winced slightly at the sensation, but it seemed to revive her in some way. Tim could feel her drawing strength from the fact that they were leaving the nightmare behind.

As they made their way to the car, Tim spoke to his team on his earpiece, barking orders with a sense of urgency. "Get to the perimeter. Louis isn't getting away."

His team was already on the move. They had successfully surrounded the warehouse, and with every minute, they were closing in on Louis. He couldn't be allowed to slip through their fingers again.

But for now, Tim's only priority was Lucy. He placed her gently in the car, making sure she was comfortable, before climbing into the driver's seat. The drive to the hospital felt like it took forever. The streets were eerily quiet, the world outside a stark contrast to the storm raging inside him.

Lucy leaned back against the seat, her eyes closed as she fought to stay awake. She had been through hell, and the exhaustion was catching up with her. But she was strong—she had always been strong. Tim knew she wasn't one to crumble easily.

"Just hold on, Lucy," Tim said softly, his voice full of tenderness. "We're almost there."

She managed a faint smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm just glad it's over. I'm... I'm so tired, Tim."

Tim's heart twisted at the sound of her voice, so broken, so worn out. "You're going to be okay, Lucy," he said, his tone unwavering. "I promise you, everything's going to be alright."

They arrived at the hospital within what felt like mere minutes. Tim was out of the car before it had even fully stopped, rushing around to her side. He didn't care about the doctors or the procedures; all that mattered was getting her the care she needed.

Lucy was admitted to the emergency room immediately. Tim paced the waiting area, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. He had never felt so helpless in his life. He could protect her from anything, but he couldn't erase the scars Louis had left on her—physically or emotionally.

Time seemed to stretch endlessly, each minute dragging on as Tim waited for any news, any sign that Lucy was going to be okay. He sat in the sterile, white hospital waiting room, his legs restless, his hands running through his hair in frustration.

The door to the ER opened, and a doctor stepped out, his expression serious. Tim stood immediately, his heart racing.

"How is she?" Tim asked, his voice tight.

The doctor gave him a small nod. "She's stable now. We've cleaned up the cuts and bruises, but she's going to need some rest. She was dehydrated, exhausted, but she's a fighter."

Tim let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Can I see her?"

The doctor nodded. "She's in recovery. You can visit her now."

Tim made his way down the sterile hospital hallways, each step echoing in the empty space. When he reached Lucy's room, he paused for a moment, the door halfway open. He peered inside, seeing her lying on the bed, her eyes closed, her face bruised but serene for the first time in what felt like forever.

He stepped inside, careful not to disturb her, his heart swelling with a mixture of relief and sadness. Lucy had been through so much, and yet, here she was—alive.

Her eyes fluttered open as she heard him move closer, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.

"Hey," Tim said quietly, his voice soft and gentle as he sat beside her on the bed. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," Lucy replied, her voice weak but warm. "Just... tired. So tired."

Tim took her hand in his, his thumb tracing the back of her hand in a comforting gesture. "I know. You've been through more than anyone should ever have to go through."

She looked up at him, her eyes filled with gratitude and affection. "You saved me, Tim. You came for me. I didn't think you would, but... you did."

Tim shook his head, a gentle smile on his lips. "I promised you I'd always protect you. And I meant it. I'll always come for you, Lucy. Always."

She squeezed his hand, a silent understanding passing between them. Tim wasn't just there to save her from Louis; he was there to save her from the fears and doubts that had plagued her for far too long. He was her protector, her anchor.

Outside the room, the sound of footsteps grew louder, and Tim's phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at it, his expression hardening when he saw the text message.

"Louis is behind bars. He won't be able to hurt anyone again."

Tim didn't respond, instead tucking the phone back in his pocket. For now, it didn't matter. What mattered was that Lucy was safe, and Louis would never have the chance to harm her again.

He looked back at Lucy, her face soft and peaceful in sleep. He leaned down and kissed her forehead gently.

"Rest now," Tim whispered. "You're home, and you're safe. We're going to be alright."

For the first time in a long while, Tim felt like everything was finally falling into place. Lucy was safe, and together, they could face anything that came their way. The nightmare was over, and a new chapter was about to begin.