The Missing Number(A Person of Interest Fanfic)

II

John arrived at the base. Immediately, Bear walked over to him, wanting some attention. John acknowledges this.

"Good morning, Bear. Had a good breakfast?"

Bear barked in reply. John scratches Bear's neck.

"That's thanks to me", said Shaw.

Good old Shaw. He didn't know why but every time he saw her, he got this...feeling. He couldn't describe it . At least not yet.

"Oh Mr. Reese! Good you're here. And so is Ms. Shaw", said Finch.

"Yea Finch. You called us, remember? Who's the number?"

Finch went to his computer & pulled up a picture. John immediately recognized it.

"No. No, that's impossible."

"Yet, there she is. Detective Joss Carter.

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*One year ago

"John..."

"I'm here, Joss. I'm here."

"John, please. Don't let this be...."

It was on that Wednesday night that John lost everything. 

His passion.

His dreams.

His best friend.

Going up against HR was no walk in park. In fact, it was one of the most dangerous missions he's been on. But it wasn't too bad. Not when Carter was there. John's worked with many people. And he's always had an effect on women. While he never wanted anything too serious since Jessica's death, he always did care for Carter. Their 1st meeting wasn't ideal, he remembered. Back then, she was just trying to arrest him. But since that day, they've been through so much. Whether it was getting information or even helping take down crime gangs, she was always by his side. Plus, Carter's proven to be one bad-ass cop. And John. Well, John loved it.

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*Present Day

The picture buzzed on the screen. 

The woman smiled in the photo, proud to be serving her home state, New York. 

Proud to be a valuable member of society. 

Proud to be a mother.

Proud to be a part of something incredible.

The room fell silent. John saw the photo and all the grief from the murder came spiraling back. Of course, he refused to show it.

"What's this, Finch? Some kind of joke?"

"I assure you Mr. Reese. If I wanted to be comical, I wouldn't stoop this low."

Shaw saw the picture, too. And unfortunately, Shaw was Shaw about it.

"Wait. Isn't she dead?"

Both men turned towards Shaw with sadness and anger on their faces.

"Sorry." She walked out the office, with Bear right behind her.

John looked back at the screen.

"Finch, what does this all mean? I was there, Finch. You were there. She died. Right in my arms", said John.

"I know that's why known of this makes sense."

BUZZ BUZZ

Finch's phone buzzes. He picks it up & looks at the name. It reads "Unknown." He answers it.

"Good morning , Harold." Root. Why did it have to be Root?

"Ms. Groves. Forgive me. But I wasn't expecting a call from you this early. Or at all for that matter."

"That's fair. Are the kids nearby?"

"How many times must I tell you, Ms. Groves? John and Shaw are not 'kids'. They're grown adults."

"Oh so they are there. Good. The Machine told me about the new number. Seems like the team is coming back together."

At this point, Finch had his phone on speaker. John heard everything. 

"Root. What are you talking about?", he asked.

"Ugh, do I have to spell it out for you?"

The room was silent. Shaw poked her head inside the office. John saw her and motioned for her to come inside. Bear did, too. Everyone was tuning in. But no one was prepared for what she said next.

"She's here, Harold. Carter's alive. And she's in danger."