The Missing Number(A Person of Interest Fanfic)

I

It was 7:00 on that Wednesday morning. But Finch has been up since 4. Being a professor is NOT easy. Between grading papers & staying vigilant with the numbers, Finch finds it difficult to juggle it all. "A professor. Out of all things, why a professor?", he thought. He made his way to his desk with his morning coffee & papers.

Suddenly, he heard some rustling. It sounded like paper. Then he realized. "Oh, Bear."

The beloved dog was going through the papers again. It was the 3rd time this week. "Well, that's what I get for hiding the treats at the same spot", Finch thought.

"Bear come on, back to your bed."

The dog left to go back to his little doggy bed right next to Finch's desk.  As Finch annoyingly began picking up the papers, he came across an old picture. It revealed a young woman, smiling in her prestigious NYPD uniform. While Finch never did like feeling any sadness, he couldn't stop the tears from falling.

"Oh, Joss.", he said.

It's been a year since the young detective was gunned down outside the police station by Simmons. A year since the team has been without her. While Finch never admitted it, he always admired her. She was strong, fierce, and intelligent. "A true friend", he thought. As if on cue, Bear walked towards Finch. The dog saw the picture and softly whimpered.

"I know, boy. I miss her, too."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

John woke up to have breakfast at his favorite place, Fusco's. It wasn't really a cafe, just the doughnut always on his partner's desk. He grabbed it & made his way to his desk. 

"Good morning, hotshot."

"What's wrong, Lionel? Lost your breakfast?"

"Surprisingly, no. Made an omelet this morning at home. Believe it or not, I'm a very good cook."

"Wait, so you didn't buy this doughnut."

"No."

Immediately, John set the doughnut on his desk. His senses were on high alert. Just then, he heard a voice in his ear.

"Enjoyed your breakfast, John?"

Relieved(and annoyed), John answered.

"Jesus Christ. Shaw don't do that. You got me thinking someone was trying to poison me or something."

"Good morning to you too, John."

John chuckled. Shaw was very elusive. It's unlike her to be so...nice. Not that she wasn't nice. She was, if you didn't try to shoot her first. John opened up his computer & started to get to work. Just then, his phone rang. He answered it. 

"Riley."

"Good morning, detective. I'm afraid I have a new number."

"So early in the morning, professor?"

"Forgive me. I know you aren't what they call a 'early bird'. But trust me when I say this new number is quite.....peculiar."

"What do you mean, Finch?"

"It's better if I tell you here. Meet at the base in 15 mins."

"On my way, Finch."

"Excellent. I'm contacting Ms. Shaw now."

Lionel noticed John getting up. Usually, he doesn't care. But now, thanks to the Machine John is working as a NYPD Detective. And Fusco was his partner. It felt weird at first because his only other partner was, well gone. He broke out his daze and looked at John,

"Woah woah woah. Where do you think you're going?"

John looked at Fusco. Then he said, "Relax. I'm going to the bathroom."

"Oh."

John went towards the men's room. And then as he approached the door, he made a sharp right turn. Right out the NYPD station.