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Chapter Text

A trill came through his phone and Tim rolled his eyes.

Ofc. McGrady: We have a new lead. :)

He didn’t mean to be competitive, but once Ashley teamed up with Harper, something switched in him. He was going to find the treasure first. Every childhood dream he held of wearing a wide-brimmed fedora, lasso in one hand, sacred statue in the other, fueled each brain cell. Although, the motivating factor he wouldn’t say out loud was the refusal to be bested by his former boot. 

Ashley was a typically mild woman. Collected and even-tempered in times of stress; a notable trait for an officer. However, despite not being particularly emotive, she was noticeably enthusiastic about beating the Tim/dad treasure hunting duo. Once she caught wind her dad was back in the saddle with Tim, she was buzzing. Her body hummed and she tried not to smile too broadly or too often after Grey appointed her to spearhead solving the puzzle with Harper.

“If you guys want to join our task force, I could probably get you in.” She invited with earnest. “It’ll be fun.” 

Stoic as ever, Tim stood with his arms crossed. “Cute. But your dad and I, we're gonna solve this with good, old-fashioned police work, not literary analysis.” 

Cute. Ashley rolled her eyes, meticulously rearranging her expression to hide the way her heart fell in disappointment. She’d try not to dwell too long, but she was already mentally drafting the text to her friend, Olive.

Jerry popped in, looking ready for a fight. “Damn straight. I'd love another shot at Stuart, smug little bastard.”

“Okay. Well— good luck.” Ashley clasped her hands. “It’s gonna be a tough one with the cold case, but I’m sure you guys can do it.” 

Tim and Jerry headed for the door. “Enjoy poetry club.” 

Though it was genuinely fun, Tim wasn’t sure if this treasure hunt was a good thing or a bad thing. There were real crimes being committed by real criminals, and here he was, dragging Jerry McGrady around town in hopes of finding gold. On top of feeling frivolous, he felt deceptive.

Jerry had given great intel as someone who was actually around when the case first broke, and Tim knew without Jerry they wouldn’t have ever known about changing the search grid. 

In a lot of ways, it would be easier if Jerry was bad at his job. 

“What’s the plan for tomorrow?” Jerry couldn’t stop grinning. This was the best day he had in over a decade. A chance to feel in the action again.

Battling internally, Tim knew he had to be a sergeant at some point. This was supposed to be easy. Jerry, thank you for your years of service. It’s time for you to focus on your personal responsibilities. The department will always be grateful. “Yeah, look, about that-“

“Jerry!” Tim turned to the unfamiliar voice calling from the lobby doors.

Jerry’s face lit up, confused but cheerful at the oncoming figure. “Lucy! What are you doing here?”

Looking at him confused, Lucy adjusted the strap of her bag. “Your car is in the shop. I told you I’d give you a ride home.”

Lucy. Tim’s eyes scanned over her, watching how the skirt she wore floated around w red in the wind and the way the leather belt accentuated her waist… and other attributes. Her hair flowed over her shoulder, mimicking the golden rays of the sun and her eyes like warm tea in the light.

He’d tell himself he was analyzing her due to a lifetime of military training and police procedures to assess all potential threats. Tim knew better though. This was no threat assessment. He was shamelessly checking her out.

“Ah that’s right. Been a busy day…” Jerry leaned close, giddy in a way that made him seem more like a seven-year old boy than a man facing forced retirement. “This is Lucy, my all too kind neighbor who is the reason I’ll fail my physical next year.”

Lucy laughed. “Showering you in baked goods is only one way I can express my love. I’ve also offered to kick your butt on a run.”

Jerry held his hands up. “No, no” he laughed. “Ashley gives me enough of that. I’ll accept the brownies.”

Noticing the unrelenting attention she was receiving under Tim’s gaze, Lucy held a hand out. “It’s nice to meet you…”

Arms relaxed by his sides, Tim leaned one of the rifles against the shop to shake Lucy’s hand. Definitely not protocol and Ashley would have politely jabbed him about it: never drop your weapon, boot.

“Tim Bradford.” Her skin looked soft, golden and glowing. The way the billowy white blouse enveloped her like clouds made her the visual embodiment of a California sky.

“Oh, Sergeant Bradford. You’re the one Jerry has been texting me about all day.”

“All good things of course!” Jerry added.

Their hands lingered, interlocked. “Hey, Luce. What do you think about Sergeant Bradford joining us for the shindig tonight?”

Slightly startled by Jerry’s forgotten presence, Lucy withdrew her hand. “Ah- yes. Yes. You should join us tonight. For dinner. As a thank you.” She wrung her hands together. “Jerry has actually said nice things about you and I hear you’re working on the treasure hunt from the news. I’d love to share some of my theories with you… if that’s appropriate.”

Regaining some semblance of composure, Tim picked the rifle back up. “I couldn’t.”

“Yeah, you can. We’re a man down since Ash is working the night shift and Lucy will leave all the leftovers with me.”

Lucy softly punched Jerry in the arm. “You need real food in your fridge. Old pizza and yogurt cups barely count. We will have a lot left though. I promise it’s good.”

“Sure. Yeah, sounds nice.”
—
“So… it’s just a bunch of riddles?” Lucy peered over Tim’s shoulders, leaning close enough that he could easily tell she showered recently with a sweet-smelling shampoo. “… a monument to rebels…”

Tim scoffed. “All of this is nonsense from a guy who wants chaos before he dies. Rebels could mean anything: political, James Dean, the rebel alliance.”

Lucy raised an eyebrow. “The rebel alliance? I assumed you were more of a sports guy.”

“I am a sports guy, but I do watch other things.”

Smirking, she moved close enough for Tim to feel her body brushing against his own, Lucy took over his phone and zoomed in closer. Tim’s heart was racing. I’m cool, I’m calm.

“You know, scientists were ahead of their time and could be considered as rebels… there’s this next part too: Follow in a great man's path, his First Law as your guide.” Lucy exclaimed with excitement. “You know what this means?”

Yes, the high level of energy was a bit juvenile, but Tim found it oddly endearing. “I don’t know what it means.”

“Well you said Ashley caught some kind of lead at the observatory? There’s an area on the front lawn with six prominent astronomers.” Lucy paused, giving Tim a chance to chime in, but he gestured for her to continue. “Sir Isaac Newton! Newton’s law. You need to start with that statue.”

Tim snorted, taking a swig from his beer with his free hand. “Nerd.”

Jerry entered the kitchen, several plates in hand. “Hey, don’t let him shame you, Lucy. That’s a great catch.”

Too soon, the wonderful closeness of Lucy removed as she rushed over to relieve some of the dishes from Jerry’s leaning collection. “Thank you, Jerry.”

“But what about the other parts? Something about next morning light, which is easy, that would be dawn, but I’m stumped with: Until darkness’ edge you find… what?” Jerry mused.

Rolling his eyes, Tim cleared the counter of the garbage left behind by some long gone guests, not that he really remembered when they’d gone… or who they were… or how many of them came…

Quiet for a moment, Lucy shot up from loading the dishwasher and brought her hands together with a thrilled clap. “A shadow! That’s why you have to start in the early morning light. Otherwise the shadow won’t be in the right place!”

“Another great catch, Luce. We might have to bring you into the case soon.”

“Only if she wants to do an actual investigation. With the amount of people losing their minds every day over this, there’s no time to spend playing with metaphors and word garbage.”

Lucy sucked in a cheek, looking smug. “I figured it out like that, Sergeant Bradford.” She said, accentuating her point with a snap. “Maybe you’re just not good at puzzles and that makes you uncomfortable.”

Tim leaned back, crossing his arms. “It’s a cute thought, but no. We’ll stick to real policing. Evidence, leads, witnesses. We’ll leave all this to you, Ashley and Harper.”

“Ashley is trying to solve the riddle?” Lucy inquired, receiving a nod from Tim and Jerry. “Hm. Care for a little wager? Who finds the treasure first?”

Lucy took a daring step forward, outstretching a hand much like before, but under less friendly circumstances. She was challenging him and he was not going to back down. “You’re on.” Tim gripped her hand. “If we win, I want six dozen of these. Hand-delivered, no help, and ready to go in the freezer.” Tim picked up a gingersnap, popping it into his mouth whole.

“And if Ashley’s task force wins… uh” she hadn’t fully considered what she wanted out of this. “You have to buy me dinner.” Blood rushed to her cheeks. “It’s not going to be cheap. Probably at least two, maybe three hundred dollars.” She attempted to recover the mystique.

Holding her hand with more determination, they officially shook on it. “Deal.”

Lucy looked up at Jerry. “You heard him. Jerry I’m going to trust that you’ll tell me who wins?”

Jerry crossed his heart. “I wouldn’t dream of lying to you. I’ll call Ash to let her know what we figured out.”

Though a piece of Tim felt compelled to stop Jerry from giving Ashley a hint, he was too caught up in his excitement to care. No matter what the result, Tim was guaranteed to see Lucy again. Even if it cost him a few hundred dollars, it would be worth it.

This might’ve been the first time Tim was looking forward to losing.

“You know…” Lucy slipped away from Tim, moving back to the sink. “Riding with you has been the highlight of Jerry’s year… hell, maybe the best day since I’ve known him.”

Tim moved beside her to help dry. “Yeah, I don’t get it. I thought maybe it had to do with Ashley, but he never mentions her when he talks about sticking around. In fact, he encouraged her to take on more dangerous career paths.”

Lucy nodded. “They’ve always been very synchronized about her career. He trusts her to make good decisions and to protect herself. I think it’s really wonderful that he’s not overbearing.”

“You know, most cops who stay on the job, they don’t have anything else waiting for them, but he has a community here. He has you.”

“What? You think I wait around to make Jerry food? I’ll have you know, my social life is very busy.” Lucy tilted her head. “I also make food for Ruth and Bill, sometimes I’ll bake with the Ramirez kids on Sundays, then there’s the neighborhood cat…”

Chuckling, Tim remained focused on the fragile wine glass in his hands, careful not to damage it. “That’s not what I meant.”

“I’m just teasing you.” She giggled. “Honestly.” Her voice dropped to a hushed tone. “The way he talks about the job… I think he sometimes regrets not retiring 15 years ago when he was still on the street… like his buddies.”

Tim murmured in agreement, thinking on what initiated this entire partnership.

“Tim.” Lucy spoke directly, her tone low. “Are you trying to get Jerry to retire?” She rested her hand on the edge of the sink.

Every intelligible word flooded out of his body. He was suddenly a rat inside someone’s house, pretending to be like the rest of them, but his charade was over. She spotted him. She saw him for what he was. A rat.

“Lucy… I-“

“Jerry is a good guy. A really good guy.” Lucy chewed her bottom lip. “All I’m going to say is: be kind with him, keep him safe, and-“ She paused, feeling her chest swell with nervousness. “I think the fact you’re taking him out for one last patrol is really honorable. You seem like a really good guy too.”

Tim gulped, nerves becoming undone. He tensed his jaw to ground himself. “You know… win or lose… when he retires, I’ll probably come around… you know, to check on him.”

Lucy leaned closer. “He’d like that, I’m sure.”

“And maybe… you and I could see each other too.”

“You mean when you take me to a fancy dinner?” She teased.

With the pace at which they were closing in on each other, Tim wondered about the appropriateness of it all. “I think you mean when you have to bake me a stockpile of cookies.” Their bodies were inches apart and they could feel the way their quickening breaths heated the space between.

“Ash told me to tell Lucy thanks for the tip and to tell Tim she’s looking forward to beating you with brains over brawn.” Jerry wandered in, eyes glued to his phone to ensure accuracy.

The two nearly leapt apart at the intrusion. Lucy eyed Tim mischievously, tension still lingering. They worked in mostly silence from that point on as Jerry continued chatting about the case, finding ample opportunities to talk about “the good old days.”

In his excitement, Jerry seemed oblivious to the way Tim and Lucy would steal glances; the way a pink tinge would rise to both of their cheeks when they caught the other looking; and the lingering brushes of fingertips as they passed items between one another.

Maybe it really was time for Jerry to retire.

Chapter Text

Tim pulled at his collar. Questioning why he chose a button down instead of wearing one of his tried and true collection of henleys and baseball tees. Gripping Kojo’s leash firmly in one hand, he held just as tight to the light blue airbuds case.

This is stupid, he thought as he glanced around the historic community lined with mature trees and cars parked on the street. Tim turned, ready to leave when the door to Jerry McGrady’s home swung open. “Tim?” Ashley stood there, hair braided to the side. “What are you doing here? Dad just left to pick up dinner. He won’t be back for at least an hour if you’re looking for him.” Please don’t be looking for him.

“No. I’m actually here for you. I-uh… you left this.” He started, handing her the case. Their fingers grazed while he released it to her. “I found it in the shop.”

Ashley bit down a smile. “Thanks, Tim. I could’ve gotten it in the morning… and sorry about that. I know we’re supposed to keep it clear of our personal belongings. I hope you won’t write me up over it.”

“I wouldn’t write someone up over something like this. I’m not that much of a hardass.” He said, not meeting her eyes. Too concerned with surveilling up and down the quiet block.

“It’s a joke, Tim.” She sighed. “No one ever gets my jokes.”

“I guess I’m just used to jokes being funny. I-I guess that’s why I got confused.” He bit back, full attention on her. “Thought you would’ve learned better by now, boot.” Tim smiled broadly, proud of the last part.

Ashley’s heart was racing. “So… how’d you know to come here and not my apartment? Its not like this is any closer to your place.”

“It’s Tuesday.” He said matter-of-factly. “You always go to your dad’s house after work on Tuesday. I’m a cop, Ash, and we’ve known each other for years now. You think I wouldn’t notice that?”

Ashley’s mouth twitched into a hidden smile. “No, no. I just didn’t think you’d care to remember.” Tim was here. Actually here. And he was here for her. Ashley’s mind raced. From the moment she saw him, she couldn’t help but notice how handsome he was. Chiseled jaw, tall, blue eyes, protective nature. Tim had been hard on her. Really hard on her, and it felt like he was always trying to force a reaction out of her. Tim tests as others warned her about.

When she confided to her father, he reminded her that Tim had to be that way as her T.O and it was part of his job. To challenge her and make her a better cop, and it worked. Despite Tim’s harsh nature, Ashley never took his behavior personally. She grew up around guys like Tim. Hardened from the job, hardened from the military, hardened from life. She understood, she accepted this was who he was, and she would happily deal with a lifetime of this just to be near him.

Ashley loved the way Tim stood stoically at the front of roll call with an unreadable expression, but moments later in the shop he’d be hollering excitedly about a Dodger’s run; she loved how he’d run down a suspect or clothesline one, but then he’d be volunteering to help with a children’s event; she loved how he barked orders at everyone, but he’d calmly ask for her opinion on something. She simply loved him.

Reaching out to touch his arm, Ashley felt emboldened. “Tim, I-“ her words were cut off by the sudden intrusion of Kojo’s deep growls, warning her to keep her distance.

“Whoa. Hey! Kojo. Knock it off.” Kojo continued growling, long after she withdrew. “Kojo.” Tim said firmly, seeming to get his attention this time. “Sorry, he’s just a little protective.”

Eyes refusing to leave Kojo, Ashley considered this to be the first point of contention they’d discuss if they were together. A girlish fantasy to think of them as together, but nevertheless, one she dared to dream. “Ah… How long have you had him?”

She’d never seen Tim grin this big. “Remember that partnership the LAPD did with the humane society?”

“Mhm. A little. Honestly, I ended up staying in the back to go through applications and left early. Animals aren’t really my thing.”

Crouching down, Tim gave Kojo a hearty rub on his head. “Well, Kojo wouldn’t stop following me around. Apparently he’s a real sweetheart to a lot of people. Someone else was interested and planning to come by after the event, but I charmed the organizers into letting me have him instead.” Tim stood back up. “Went back for him right after my shift. He’s just not familiar with you. Here. Why don’t you just put your hand out.”

Dogs were unpredictable. Powerful biting machines marketed as “man’s best friend.” But they are less forthcoming with the part where they can attack a person at the drop of a hat. Ashley tentatively moved back, as Kojo maintained an uncomfortably trained gaze on her. “It’s okay. Ah… we can do it another day.”

“Sure.” Tim was surprised by her response, but decided not to push and tugged on Kojo’s leash letting him know to follow away from the house.

“You know, you can stay if you’d like. For dinner.” Grimacing, she gestured at Kojo. “Your dog is welcome too. He can hang out in the backyard. My dad loves dogs.”

Taking another step back towards the sidewalk, Tim shook his head. “Thanks, but we can’t. I promised Kojo we’d go to the dog park and he likes it better when it’s still a little bright out.”

It was unreasonable to feel at fault for plans already made, yet Ashley couldn’t fight the feeling of disappointment that said maybe if she did like dogs, the results would be different. She told him she understood and forced an understanding smile. A smile Tim has never been able to distinguish from the genuine ones.

What she wouldn’t know is that Tim also fought a small tinge of disappointment. As he loaded Kojo into his car, he kept hoping to catch a glimpse of Lucy. He had a plan too. He’d jog up to her, pretending Kojo pulled him over, and then strike up conversation. Tim started up his car bringing the ignition roaring to life and ending his imaginary meet-cute.

He should’ve just asked for her number. Tim turned on the street towards the dog park, cursing himself for missing his shot. Kojo perked up, wagging his tail. “You are the smartest boy.” He ruffled his ears. “Almost there, bud. Only five more minutes.”

Kojo’s low whines grew louder with every turn, and hit a high as Tim parked his truck. When Tim crossed over to open the door, Kojo nearly bowled him over in his effort to leap directly into the park. “Kojo, wait!”

Tim chased after him with the leash. Kojo was too fast though, he had already darted through the people walking on the trail and sat anxiously at the gate to the dog park. Aside from the judgmental stares and murmurs, Tim was thankful it wasn’t the most eventful time they ever had at the dog park.

Kojo hopped after other dogs happily, and egged Tim on to throw a ball. “Are you actually going to bring it back this time?” Kojo sat patiently and let his happy dust the space behind him. “Okay. Fetch!” The ball hurled through the sky and Kojo watched it, taking off like a bullet. It bounced once before landing in his sloppy jaws.

Tim clapped. “Good boy, Kojo! Now, return!” Kojo chewed on the ball, deciding a better move was to run in a circle. “Kojo. Come.” Tim was getting annoyed. Neither of them have apparently learned their lesson.

“Maybe he’d come to you if he was actually your dog.” Tim spun around and was shocked. It’s her. Idling up, her skin glistening under the setting sun and her face still red from what seemed to be an intense run. “When they told me they went with another applicant, I told off the poor shelter volunteer because I put a hold on him. But now I have the unique opportunity to tell off the thief too.”

“You were the person coming in to see Kojo?”

Lucy held up a corrective finger. “Uh-uh. I was the person who met Kojo the day before, put a $50 hold on him, and was planning to pick him up after work.” She bent down and, as if conspiring to prove her point, Kojo came darting back and dropped the ball at her feet. “See? My dog.”

“He has chewed through two pairs of my sneakers and anytime he gets a toy it’s like a bomb has gone off. Maybe you can have him.”

Scoffing, Lucy pulled Kojo close protectively. “You would abandon him so easily? Kojo, first of his name, king of canines, destroyer of chew toys? Clearly you don’t deserve him.” Tim shoved his hands in his pocket, taking in the sight as Lucy spoiled Kojo with belly rubs. “So what are you doing here? I run past the dog park every day and I’ve never seen you here before.” She asked without looking up.

I was actually coming to try and find you in a non-creepy way and didn’t know where you live so I gave up and went to this dog park before Kojo ate the center console. “Ashley left her airpods case in the shop. I was bringing it to her.”

Lucy arched a disbelieving eyebrow. “Ashley lives like 15 miles in the other direction.”

“Yeah, I know. She’s at Jerry’s on Tuesdays for dinner.”

Rising back up, she continued to pat Kojo who snuggled at her side. “You remembered her standing dinner plans? That’s really sweet, Tim.”

Tim rolled his eyes. “This again. I’m a cop, we’ve been riding together for a while. Ashley and Jerry would talk about it at the station. I’m not that dense. It was kind of obvious.”

“Kind of obvious. You must care about her to notice and to remember.

It felt like his jaw was about to become completely unhinged at the thought. “I would never consider dating Ashley. She’s in my chain of command.”

“So it’s just that she’s in your chain of command?” Tim stammered, trying to find a response. “All I’m saying is people might talk. After all, you’re a boy and she’s a girl…”

“A handsome boy.” Tim shot back. “But people know better than to speculate about us. At the very least, most people would know that I’m not going to date another cop.”

Lucy paused for a moment, considering how she wants to phrase her question or if she even wants to ask it. “Another cop? Should I assume you have a type? Blonde, beautiful, protector of justice.”

His mind raced to Isabel. Not exactly a subject he was ready to breach, yet here he is. “Ah- well. She was blonde and a cop, but that’s not necessarily my type. We were married, met at the academy. She was an undercover detective and… well, she’s better now and there was too much history for us to make it work.

Feeling she overstepped, Lucy faced Tim fully, her eyes broadcasting an apology. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have made a joke about it. It’s not my business.”

“It’s okay. It has been a few years now. I’m good.”

“That’s good.” The banter was gone. Lucy directed most of her energy onto Kojo. “I actually need to head home. It was great seeing you, Tim.” She gave a final pat to Kojo and then raised it as a soft farewell gesture.

Tim nodded, muttering a goodbye, but as she passed him he was compelled to take a chance. He was not about to miss the moment which, whether you believe in fate or not, seemed like it was destined to happen. He caught her hand in his, surprising her. “Wait. It’ll be dark by the time you get back. Can I drive you home? For safety, of course.”

Looking between their hands and Tim’s face, Lucy wet her lips. “For safety? You know, it could be considered dangerous to willfully show a strange man where you live.”

“I’m an officer of the law. My sworn duty is to protect and serve.”

A smile crept over Lucy’s face like a vine. “Okay. Lead the way, Sergeant Bradford.”

Kojo had been sprinting after another dog when Tim called after him and this time, Kojo actually listened. Tim had never leashed Kojo up so fast, nor had he ever been so thankful for Kojo to comply. As Tim and Lucy walked close, fingertips occasionally touching with each step, he made a mental note: buy Kojo new chew toys.

Chapter Text

The smell of eggs and salmon wafted in the air, lulling Lucy from her sleep. She was not a one-night-stand kind of girl and absolutely not the type to let a stranger spend the night. Yet, within the comforts of her terracotta sheets and canopied bed, a stranger's presence was most certainly found. A trail of unfamiliar clothes disappeared around the corner and Lucy was sure it would lead to two neatly placed boots at the front door.

Tiptoeing out of her room, Lucy watched Tim hover over the stove and Kojo sit expectantly at his feet. “Smells great. Salmon?”

Tim turned his head to watch her enter the kitchen, taking a second to appreciate the sight of her with an oversized shirt and only the oversized shirt. “And eggs.” He said, returning to cooking.

“Maybe you can keep Kojo if you feed him like this.” Lucy stood beside him, watching ingredients scramble around the pan. “You do owe me another salmon filet. That was my dinner.”

“Sorry for using things from your fridge without asking. Kojo has a sensitive stomach and me and my dog walker will be paying for it all day if he doesn’t get a good breakfast. I’ll drop off some replacements after my shift. Maybe something that’s not expiring today.” He leaned closer, inhaling her scent, but unsure how much intimacy was awarded to the day after. His typical M.O. for sleep overs would be to wake up early, shower, and leave. But Lucy’s house was flooded with warmth and lingering scents of vanilla and orange, and who was he to deny himself the pleasure of staying? “Could I make it up to you and take you out for breakfast?”

“Hm… do we have time?” She mewed. “I wanted to take a shower.”

Looking at his watch, Tim nodded. “I think so. My shift doesn’t start until nine. Should be plenty of time.”

“Guess it depends on how long I take then.” She watched him suggestively, drawing her finger down his arm as she headed off to the bathroom.

Staring back at the dish that was now getting a hint of brown, Tim’s mind turned over her words as he locked eyes with Kojo who turned his head inquisitively. “Maybe we won’t have time.” He quickly tossed the food onto a plate for Kojo and took off down the hall, turning back to warn Kojo: “Hey. Be good. Alright? This isn’t our house, so stay off the furniture.”

Kojo watched Tim disappear and returned his attention to scarfing down breakfast. Obviously, as the bestest boy, he would be good. Once every morsel was successfully consumed, Kojo looked around the empty space. Despite Tim’s last command, Kojo couldn’t help but become enticed by the soft teal cushions only a few feet away, and after a full meal, he was in need of a nap. He slowly pawed his way over, steps lighter than ever before. Kojo peered around, cautiously awaiting Tim’s re-emergence before he took a daring hop to take his post-meal rest on Lucy’s couch.

By the time Tim made it into the station, he ended up only having five minutes to spare before roll call. There was a definitive liveliness in his step and each time he tried to reform his gaze into the hardened Sergeant Bradford, the tiniest prick of joy teased the corners of his mouth in remembrance of the night before and only a few hours earlier. 

In fact, he was in such a good mood that he even smiled when Smitty made an off-hand joke during roll call, and he was happily ignoring John’s unfortunate choice of union representative slogan: Honest, Integrity, Vision. Tim assumed someone else would tell him about the acronym. Someone kinder. Probably Ashley or Bailey.

Smitty ran up, offering waters. “Hey, Sergeant Bradford. This is our year.” He said with a large grin, holding out a suspicious Stick with Smitty bottle.

“No.” Was all Tim needed to say and Smitty was already skipping off to harass the next victim who passed his table. Tim didn’t have time for that today, or any day for that matter. After all, he wasn’t in that good of a mood.

John and Ashley were already getting their war bags ready when Tim approached the kit counter, and John gestured with annoyance towards the table of Smitty-branded water bottles. “He can’t really believe he can buy votes with water bottles. I mean, not when I have a real message. A message of change.”

Ashley tilted her head with a sympathetic smile. “John, your message is so inspiring… but, I talked to a few people and I think Smitty’s approach is working.”

John’s mouth couldn’t hang lower. “I’m losing to Smitty?”

“Oh that’s embarrassing.” Tim said, not looking up from loading his war bag.

Watching Tim, John lit up. “You know what would really help?” Time to slather on the small town charm. “An endorsement from someone respected within the department.”

Immediately defensive Tim waved him off. “No. Don’t drag me into this.” He said, progressing instead to pluck a body cam from the wall. “No. I have never endorsed a candidate and never will. Voting is a private matter.”

“C’mon, Tim. It’s John. We know John would be a great union rep.” Ashley intruded, reaching past him to grab a body cam as well.

Narrowing his eyes, Tim stood his ground. “I said no. Let’s go, Officer McGrady.”

Ashley mouthed an apology to John as she chased after Tim. “Hey. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

Tim sighed as they walked to the parking lot. “No, I’m sorry I snapped. I’ve been asked by a lot of guys to endorse them over the years. Nolan would make a good union rep. It’s just a personal choice I’ve made to keep my vote private.” Ashley nodded along.

The two approached the shop, only for Tim to become distracted by a figure walking towards them. “Genny?”

A tall woman with auburn hair and the most familiar blue eyes approached. “Sergeant Bradford.” She greeted, immediately embracing Tim. “You look skinny. Have you been eating?”

“Every day.” He didn’t miss a beat and she responded with a disbelieving sound. It was clear they knew each other and the level of evident intimacy made Ashley’s stomach churn with uncertainty as her attention darted between the two, trying to read the relationship. “This is a restricted area. How’d you get in here?”

Genny gestured towards the bottle in her hand that had Smitty’s face plastered proudly on it. “Oh, the guy who’s handing out waters let me in.”

“Okay. Yeah, don’t drink that.” He said, snatching the bottle. “Um… so what are you doing here?” Tim asked.

Smirking as if the answer was obvious, Genny laughed lightly. “I just wanted to see my big brother.”

Tension flooded away from Ashley’s body and she felt her shoulders relax. Brother. “Oh, hi. I’m Ashley McGrady. It’s nice to meet you.”

“So you just wanted to see me? I didn’t even know you were in town.”

Eyes widening slightly with frustration, Genny huffed and shoved her hands in her pockets. “So you’re not just not returning my calls. You’re also ignoring messages telling you I’m coming to town.”

Meeting her energy, Tim huffed in a very similar manner that led Ashley to wonder whether it was genetic and how many in the Bradford line carried the mannerism. “Because I know why you’re here and I’ve made my position very clear.”

Genny stood firmly. “We have to talk about it.” She said in the way he always hated because it made him feel like he was her third son.

“Look. I gotta get to work. Maybe we can have dinner tonight.” He said, eyeing Ashley to get ready to jump in the shop and presumably speed out of the lot faster than what is traditionally allowed.

Stubborn as ever — stubborn as Tim, maybe another Bradford trait— Genny refused to be pushed aside. “So you can blow me off at the last minute? No.” Seeing the shops made her eyes sparkle with mischief. The type of spark that made Tim nervous. “Why don’t I do one of those ride-along-thingies? That way we could have the whole day to catch up.”

Tim leaned back, gripping his duty belt like his life depended on it, and maybe it did if it was the difference between Genny being in the shop or far away in a hotel somewhere. “Yeah, see, you gotta get permission to do a ride along. It’s a long process, a ton of paperwork…”

Trailing his gaze to Ashley for support, she jumped in. “Yeah. A lot of paperwork. Like so much. And police work is serious business…”

“I’m not leaving until we talk about dad.” Genny pushed her foot so far into the concrete, she thought she might break through.

The water bottle in Tim’s hand crinkled in his grasp and he moved to his standard crossed arm stance. “Oh, you are impossible!” He complained, rolling his eyes. 

“I’m impossible? Ashley, who is being more difficult? Me or Tim?”

Ashley muttered a few words, afraid of upsetting either one of them, but also feeling pressure to respond. “Of course she’s going to pick me!” Tim threw his arms up in an adorably childish way that distracted Ashley enough from her discomfort to bite back a smile.

“Because you are the most stubborn person alive! Which is, by the way, the reason you spend every night alone!” The escalating voices were beginning to draw a crowd as people around them shamelessly watched the event. Ashley was always told not to rock the boat, respect the law, respect the process. But right now, they were most certainly rocking the boat and no amount of gentle grimaces and waves would distract the onlookers.

Tim grit his teeth, physically holding back what he wanted to say. “Okay. First of all, I’m not, and second—“

Ashley’s heart stopped in an instant. Wait. He’s not alone every night? Maybe he means he’s with friends. That didn’t seem to be what Genny was implying. “Are you seeing someone?” She blurted out. The moment the words left her mouth, regret took their place.

“This is insane. We need to go.” Tim said, walking to the shop.

Feeling like the window was closing, Genny stretched her hand towards him. “Wait. Tim. Listen, I’m going to be in town for a while to try and sell dad’s place. It’s got good bones and we could make some money if we put in a little effort.”

Stopping as he put his hand on the handle of the vehicle, Tim sighed. “What’s the point? It’s a tear down. Just sell it.”

Her face fell at the response. “I don’t want to tear it down. It was my childhood home. I want another family to live there and make happy memories.”

“That makes sense. When I think of home, it’s still my dad’s place. I’m lucky I get to go over so often.” Ashley added, hoping to lighten the mood.

Genny’s expression softened, tired of fighting. “Tim? Look. I know you don’t feel the same way I do, but our childhood wasn’t all bad-“

Releasing the handle, Tim stormed back to Genny and his ferocity genuinely surprised her. “Stop. Alright? Are you really getting nostalgic over that place? What-what do you want? A family to cuddle up under the broken plaster where dad slammed my head against a wall?”

Stammering, Genny tried to find the right things to say. She knew it was hard, but with all the chaos of their upbringing, having resolution meant the world to her. “Dad had a lot of demons…”

“Dad was a monster” Tim sneered.

The two were locked in a heated exchange, both unrelenting with their gazes on each other and Ashley tried to motion to others who considered intervening to stay away. “You haven’t seen him in 20 years. He’s changed.” Genny said.

Shaking his head, Tim put his hands on his hips. “The only thing that’s changed is that the drinking caught up with him. Okay? He can’t throw a punch, but he’s the same guy underneath.”

Genny chewed on her lip for a moment, trying to build up the courage to bring up her real intention. “Tim. I had to move dad out of assisted living last month. He’s in hospice. He’s dying.”

Part of him couldn’t help but feel relieved that the bastard would finally go. The world would certainly be better off without him. “We really do need to go out on patrol now.”

“Tim. I know he did a lot of terrible things to you… things you should talk to a therapist about. I’ve been seeing one and it’s really helping me come to terms with everything that happened to us when we were kids. It could help you, too.“ Genny’s heart was breaking to see Tim so angry. So bitter. So hurt. 

Tim’s lips were pressed in a tight line, acting as a fierce barrier to any emotions spilling out. “I’m good.”

“You really don't think you carry some trauma from what he put you through? When you were seven years old, he dropped you in Griffith Park with a compass and made you find your way home.”

Ashley couldn’t stop herself from mumbling the connection: “a Tim test.” She looked up and for the first time, she saw hurt flash in his eyes. It was a blink and you’d miss it, but it was undeniably there.

“A what?” Ashley tried to scramble her way to a response, but Ginny shook her head, not really caring. “Tim. All I’m saying is I want you to be okay, like actually okay, and I could really use your help with everything. I’ll text you where I’m staying and I hope to hear from you.”

Tim’s voice was practically a whisper. “Yeah. Okay. I’ll text you.”

Though Genny wasn’t positive he’d really reach out, she felt hopeful as she watched Tim’s shop pull away. She knew it would be a hard road, and her chest felt like a pit of grief for the life her brother had endured. But, in the end, all she could do was continue to offer her hand and hope he’d take it.

Chapter Text

Falling back after partially redressing, their exposed skin glowed with sweat hinting at their activities. “When you said you needed to see me, I didn’t completely expect that.” Lucy said as she curled up on Tim’s chest.

Lifting Lucy’s wrist, he noticed the red finger marks traveling up her forearm and kissed each of them. “Sorry. I-I should’ve given you more warning.”

“It’s okay.” Guilt contorted his features. Tim was the masculine type with lots of bravado, but Lucy was starting to see maybe he was actually a softie deep down. “Are you okay, Tim?”

Nodding, but not returning her gaze, Tim stared forward at the tapestry across from the bed. Lucy was completely fixed on him, trying to read his blank expression. She spent a lifetime under her parents as a mini-psychiatrist learning to read and understand people, and though he spent a lifetime of being in the military and police training to not show emotion, her training was superseding his own. Sitting up abruptly, she sat on her knees to look at him more directly. “What’s wrong, Sergeant Bradford?”

Tim couldn’t help but take in how her body curved as she sat before him in only her bra and panties, or how she breasts spilled forward as she leaned closer. Tim gulped. “N-nothing. There’s nothing going on.”

“Liar!” Lucy sat back. “I’m going to put all of this away unless you tell me the truth.” She said, gesturing at herself.

He was completely hypnotized and, against his practical self, his lizard brain would do anything to maintain the view. “Fine. My sister is in town fixing up our childhood home and wants me to help.”

“Are you going to?”

Tim shrugged. “I’ll get dinner with her, give her some money for repairs, but no. I am not going to help her. She’s asking for too much. And she’s trying to guilt me into doing things because-” Tim stopped himself, his jaw tightening.

Lucy held Tim’s hand, tracing circles on his palm. “Because… “

“Because my dad is dying.” His voice cracked, whether it was due to sadness or rage, neither were sure. “She thinks I need to go see him and I keep telling her no. She’s been calling me for months about it to the point I’ve just blocked her.”

“It seems like she really cares for you… and your dad.”

“My dad was a terrible guy. Tuning me up regularly, making me do things to learn lessons. When I was ten, he tied me up in my room to teach me how to undo knots under duress. I was there for over 6 hours.”

“And your sister? Had she moved out during this time? Is that why she has a different impression?”

Tim shook his head. “No. Genny’s younger than me. She was there. Dad never tested her like that—he was old school. Boys learned the hard lessons. The only times she got into trouble is if she tried to help me.”

“So Genny watched it all… that’s gotta be hard too.”

“Yeah… I guess so. I haven’t really thought about it.” Tim turned his hand over in hers. “It still doesn’t explain why she’s trying to make it seem like our childhood wasn’t too bad or that we had good times. He was an actual monster.”

Lucy’s tongue darted out to lick the corner of her mouth. “I-I realize I’m overstepping here, but just hear me out. It’s clear you got the worst of it, but she lived through it with you. Instead of arguing about how bad your dad was or wasn't, maybe— a-as children of abuse, you would be better off just supporting each other.”

Silence floated through and Tim’s body stiffened. The bubbling insecurity told Lucy she had indeed overstepped and for several minutes she shifted uncomfortably in front of him, rehearsing some ways to right the moment. “Yeah. I’ve been unfair to her.” He admitted, surprising her. “I’m not going to see him, but I can be there for Genny, help with the house... Actually, one of the guys at work used to be a contractor. I’m sure he could help us out too.”

“Us.” Lucy edged closer. “Are you becoming Tim the Builder?”

Tim leaned in, his breath hot on her face and his hands already roaming over her body, knocking down the straps that have been eager to fall since she first put it on. “Oh hell no. I’m letting Nolan and Genny lead the way. I’m just there as a yes-man who can pick up heavy things.” Tim leaned down, sucking lightly on her shoulder in a way that sent a tingle straight through the rest of her body.

“It’s too bad I won’t be able to see you in action.” She purred as he continued to nip lightly along her skin, moving his hands around to fully undress her. “I suppose you could give me a preview.” She said, drawing her hands from his shoulders down to grip on his biceps.

Tim grabbed her hips roughly, pulling her onto his lap. He leaned close, pulling her hair to the side to bury himself into her neck once more and breathed heavy into her ear. “I can do that.”

The ride in the shop was relatively quiet. It always was. Tim liked his silence and Ashley could appreciate that. However, something about this particular ride felt… different. While the only words spoken in the vehicle were from those crackling over the radio, Tim was humming. In fact, he had been humming all day. The same song about a beautiful morning. “Tim, is there anything on your mind?”

Snapping out of his daze, Tim shook his head. “No. Not really.”

“I don’t mean to pry… it just… feels like maybe there is? I kind of assumed you’d be in a bad mood with all this stuff over your dad’s house, but…” Ashley turned to watch the scenery fly by, the wind picking up a few strands of loose hair. “It’s nothing. Never mind.”

“I’m seeing someone.” Tim said bluntly.

Ashley felt like her ears were ringing and a flush raced to her cheeks. “Oh. That’s… um… that’s really great.”

Tim nodded. “Yeah. It hasn’t been long, but it’s been really nice.” Stab, stab, stab.

“That’s great to hear. Really great.” Ashley felt like every word she had ever know was slipping away and she couldn’t stop the outpouring of greats. “I know you like to keep these things private, so thanks for sharing and I won’t bother you again.”

“No, no. We’ve been riding together a long time now and you’ve had my six when I needed help the most. I… want to be more open. You’ve been honest with me and I feel like you deserve it.”

Ashley’s head was spinning and she was doing everything she could to not let her eyes explode out of her head. “It’s fine Tim, really. I’m fine with our relationship, you don’t need to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”

“No. I want to share. You’ve been a great friend-” Stab. “-and this feels serious and I’d like to share with you… if that’s okay.”

“Uh—okay.” She was not okay. She was literally about to melt down.

He grinned widely. The type of look you don’t see often. It hurt to not be the cause, but she still loved to see it. “Well, it’s actually funny because—“

“Tim! Your phone is buzzing. It’s Nolan.” Thank god for John Nolan.

Squinting, Tim confirmed the ID and answered. Seconds later, John’s face took over his phone, dirt caked onto his sweat everywhere his mask hadn’t covered. “Nolan. What’s going on? Is Genny alright?” At the mention of her, Genny popped out from the background and waved sheepishly. “Did something happen? I told you that place was a teardown.”

“Ah—well. Actually the house is in better condition than we thought. We just…” John sighed, deciding it best to cut to the chase. “We found a gun in the wall. The serial number was sawed off which tells me it’s criminal.”

Any inkling of happiness emanating from Tim was gone in an instance. Even if what he was sharing was hard to hear, Ashley hated to see the way his body locked up to hold in any bit of emotion that could seep through if he wasn’t ready to show it. Which, in her experience, seemed exclusively reserved for Dodgers and Rams games.

“Bring it in. I’ll run ballistics.” Tim said flatly. “McGrady and I will meet you at the station.”

Genny jumped closer to the camera, overtaking John. “Tim, how long is it going to take? Can’t someone else do it? You said you’d be here in an hour.”

“It won’t take long. Even if it does, I was going to come by in the morning as well.”

Ashley could empathize deeply with Genny’s disappointment. Her dad gave her plenty of experience with learning how to cope when the job took precedence, especially when it overshadowed moments that really mattered to you. However, as much as it killed her to see Tim inflict the same pain on Genny, Ashley chose silence.

Genny spoke significantly quieter than before. “It’s fine. I’ll just see you whenever you have time, I guess.”

Ashley watched Tim mutter a goodbye and waited till he hung up. “I can run it for you. I don’t mind staying a bit later and you can go to your sister.”

Shaking his head, Tim gripped the wheel tighter. “No. A good sergeant doesn’t create work for his officers.”

“I’d be happy to do it… “ She replied, earning a firm no. “Tim…your sister needs you and I don’t know if maybe the house is stirring up some emotions for you, but—“

“But nothing. It has nothing to do with that. It’s just a house.” Tim said. The chill wafting from him was palpable as he mentally drifted away from her and his eyes became fully locked on the road ahead. What she’d give to hear him happy and humming that dumb song again.

Ashley cracked each knuckle uneasily. This was most certainly not the type of day she was expecting, and any time Tim behaved erratically it pulled her straight to that moment she caught him at Isabelle’s apartment in her rookie year. Thankfully nothing happened, but it was close enough that she was always worried he’d cross over from acting like a rogue cop to being a rogue cop. 

Muffled voices seeped through the door. Even if you couldn’t make out a word, you didn’t need to hear it to know the conversation was tense. Tim had been that way all day and seemed to be going out of his way to prove his father was as evil as he always believed and then worse. An actual murderer. When the truth was revealed, she wasn’t sure if he was relieved or disappointed, thought it leaned towards the latter.

Hearing the door click, Ashley sat up from the wall, tentatively meeting Tim in the middle of the hall. “How’d it go?”

“Fine. He was protecting her. He never did anything to protect us, but his mistress? Broke half a dozen laws for her.” Tim looked around, unable or unwilling to focus on Ashley’s tender gaze.

Casting her eyes down, Ashley wasn’t sure she could handle being the object of Tim’s disappointment anymore. “They picked her up. She's being processed right now. I don't think the DA is gonna prosecute your dad on his deathbed.”

Tim frowned, but was accepting of the news. “Doesn’t matter. He’ll get judged soon enough.” Tim’s body tensed and he stared at Ashley with such intensity she could feel the hairs stand up on her neck and couldn’t do anything but meet his icy gaze. “The Tim tests—“ his voice cracked. “They don’t make me like him.”

Ashley’s blood ran cold. Why would I say that? She berated herself with every criticism conceivable and willed time to rewind. Touching the edge of his arm, Ashley once again found it easier to study the carpet fibers than the pain in Tim’s face. “I-I’m so sorry for saying that. It seemed similar at the time, but- I I don’t actually think that about you.”

Tim nodded, still finding it difficult to shake the hurt. “It’s fine.” He pulled away to check his phone. “I actually need to see Genny.”

“Yes, of course.” Ashley pulled back her hand, embarrassed for letting it rest on his bare forearm so long. “I can get a ride back to the station and-“

Tim caught Ashley’s arm soothingly. “We’ll ride back together. Thank you for seeing this through with me. It was a lot and… well, I’m glad you were at my six… again.” He smiled softly. The first one in hours.

Ashley’s eyes lit up. “Of course. I was really glad you wanted me here.” She said, trying her best not to maintain her reserved exterior.

The ride back to the station was quiet as always, but the gentle smiles exchanged when they met each other's eyes was unmistakable. They may not have said another word beyond farewells when they parted ways, but they didn’t have to. Serenity was restored, and it finally felt that after many years of remaining steadfast in her relationship with Tim, her silent cheerleading was being rewarded.

Chapter Text

Lucy leaned on the lifeguard station railing, blowing out an exasperated puff of air due to the disappointment of yet another text chime not arriving from the phone of the suddenly elusive Sergeant Tim Bradford.

“Sergeant daddy cop still hasn’t responded?” Tamara said from below, surprising her by the intrusion.

“Shouldn’t you be in school? It’s still not too late to have you arrested for grand theft auto, you know.” Lucy responded as she rounded the stairs to greet Tamara with a hug.

“Half day. I thought I could study here with my favorite lifeguard.”

Lucy’s eyebrows knit together. “I love spending time with you Tamara, but wouldn’t it be easier back at your cousin’s house? Or the library? There’s not much for seating or a desk up here.”

“It’s okay. The library is hosting an event and all the quiet rooms were booked, and my cousin-“ Tamara groaned. “My cousin is being weird again. He’s been having a lot of friends coming around and they stay around pretty much all day. I’m trying to limit my time to just sleeping there.”

“Tamara, my offer still stands. You’re always welcome to move in.”

Though Tamara knew Lucy was earnest in her offer, she hated the idea of taking even more from her. They could laugh about how Tamara pawned Lucy’s beloved car, but deep down, it’s something she wished she could take back and regularly regretted how she took advantage of Lucy’s kindness — definitely not something she was willing to do again. Tamara tossed her backpack into the station, adding to a growing pile of clutter. “Yeah, we’ll see if it comes to that. I think I want to live closer to the university in the fall and there’s a housing scholarships for misfits like me…” Noticing Lucy’s eyes dart down to the evil glowing screen in her hands, Tamara snatched it from her. “Oh my god, you’re going to give yourself an aneurysm waiting for this guy!”

“I know, I know. It just… felt right, y’know? One second it’s all “let’s get breakfast” and romance, and then it’s “this isn’t the right time for me. I understand if you can’t wait.” Lucy sighed, staring out at the ocean. “That was over a week ago and I said I was still interested, but he never responded.”

Tamara took a few steps to stand beside Lucy. “Emotionally unavailable is super sexy, but you could always, I don’t know… go along with what he said? You’re too hot to wait around.”

Lucy laughed. “Yeah, maybe— “ Rapidly escalating voices of a nearby scuffle caught her attention. “Wait here.” She commanded, grabbing a first aid kit and taking off towards the elderly couple caught in a screaming match with a group of teens. “Hey!” Lucy tried to call out a warning, but they were too steeped in their own drama to notice or care.

The older man stepped into one of the youth’s space. “You kids have no respect these days!” He shouted and threw his arms up in the air in disgust.

A kid around Tamara’s age stepped between the old man and another boy from his group. “Hey man. We didn’t mean to mess up your lunch. You need to back off.”

Scoffing, the man turned to his wife. “I need to back off? You thugs trampled all over us and my wife’s arm is bleeding.”

Grabbing her husband, she tried helplessly to calm him. “George. It’s alright, I’m fine. See? It’s not even bleeding anymore.” Lucy was already rifling through the kit and applying care while they continued to ignore her threats for them to stop.

“See. She’s fine.”

Angered, George grabbed the nearest object and swung it harshly at the group. Reflexively, the boy stepped out of the way, revealing a knife and swiped back at the couple. Before he could come close, Lucy tried to dissuade him, only to have her words ended by a knife slashing down.

A high pitched scream echoed in her ears as the blood dripped below her, leaving tiny stains in the sand that were quickly absorbed. Tamara’s voice sounded distant. She knew better and was sure every instructor she ever trained with would be screaming at her: apply pressure! Instead, she was fully mesmerized by the bright red slithering down her arm, melding with her uniform.

Two hands guided her to the ground, wrapping something soft around her arm and holding it firmly in place. The pressure bringing her back. At least someone remembered. “Hey, hey! Help is on the way.” Lucy blinked at the man hovering over her. Tamara frantically searched for reassurance from her as she dug through Lucy’s kit, but Lucy could only mutter a few I’m fine’s as she remained distracted by the mysterious man before her.

“Luce! Are you alright?” Will stooped down and took over first aid from Tamara who gladly redirected her nervous energy to berating everyone involved. “Bad day to be late for a shift.”

Attempting to reach out, the boy who caused the injury was prevented from coming any closer. “I’m so sorry. Is she going to be okay? I never meant for anyone to get hurt. I wasn’t thinking. Ya gotta believe me.”

Lucy couldn’t help but feel for the boy, likely no older than 17. It wasn’t just his youth that garnered sympathy. He was also completely alone. His “friends” had long abandoned him the moment they had the chance, the slowest one still just a small blip in the distance. Yet, despite the repercussions, he stayed.

“You can tell my office all about your good intentions, I’m sure. You made a mistake assaulting this woman with a deadly weapon. With an L.A. ADA as a witness no less.”

Once someone who was the subject of gratitude, quickly found himself in the crosshairs of her annoyance. “He said it was an accident.” Lucy’s voice was low, still attempting to recover.

“Lucy!” Ashley moved to the side to allow an EMT to rush past her. “When I got the beach call, I didn’t actually expect you. Are you okay? What happened here?”

Tamara relayed the story in detail with Ashley needing to threaten George several times to keep his animated and borderline racist comments at bay while she spoke. “Okay, I’m going to need everyone down at the station, and Thomas-“ Lucy sighed. Thomas. The poor kid. “You’re under arrest.”

“I-I don’t want to press charges. He’s just a kid…”

Ashley’s eyes, ever blue, ever filled with pity. “I’m sorry, Lucy. He committed a violent crime and there are multiple witnesses. I’ve gotta do this.”

Watching Ashley cuff Thomas was gut wrenching. Even as the EMT walked Lucy into the ambulance, she ignored whatever they were telling her as she was fully engrossed in every, heartbreaking second of Thomas being read his rights and carted away. “Hey!” She called out to the ADA who was tapping away on his phone after a brief discussion with Ashley. “You’re a lawyer for the city? What will happen to him?”

“Yes. Chris Sanford.” He introduced himself, though Lucy was not interested. “He’ll be processed, likely charged with assault with a deadly weapon, and my office will probably take it to trial. Multiple credible witnesses saw it. Plus, he’s old enough to know better, so there’s a chance he’d be tried as an adult. If he’s smart, he’ll make a deal, but anyone dumb enough to commit an act like this won’t receive lenience, and they shouldn’t.”

“He’s just a kid.”

Not hesitating for a moment to correct her, he argued back: “He’s a criminal. A violent criminal.”

“He just made a mistake in a bad situation.” Chris wasn’t buying it. Arguing back about the number of similar cases he’d seen. Lucy knew this was bad. She silently pleaded with the EMT to wait a moment longer, even though they were growing thin on patience trying to get going. “What if- what if I wrote a letter or something? Or testified on his behalf.”

“You don’t know the kid. He committed a crime with a knife. Against you. And you’re going to need stitches for what he did.” The EMT nodded from behind her. “Why would you want to do that? And please don’t quote studies about the still-developing brains in men under 21.”

Licking her lips, Lucy picked at the lint of the gurney. “He’s just… all alone. I saw him. Making an example out of him won’t help him or discourage his friends from doing something like this again. He needs to know there’s good out there.” Chris looked unmoved, his face statuesque; frozen and lacking emotion. 

The EMT apologized unconvincingly about needing to go as she started to shut the doors. Lucy’s heart sunk and she laid back on the gurney when the doors were suddenly obstructed by an arm. Sitting up, she watched as a business card fluttered onto her lap. “I took this job to protect the city. To protect people. People like you from people like him… but… I find you frustrating.” Chris said, caught between the doors. 

Lucy rolled her eyes. “Gee, thanks.” She gestured to the EMT to go who happily obliged and started shoving him away.

“Frustrating and compelling. It’s a compliment. If you want to talk. My personal number is on my card. I hope to hear from you, Lucy.” He stepped off the ambulance, raising his arms as a sign of peace to the irritated EMT. Chris stood back with a deep, handsome albeit cocky, smirk and his face was quickly replaced by the metal interior of the ambulance finally underway.

Laying back again, she toyed with the card with the hand of her uninjured arm. Rubbing her thumb over the embossed lettering. Chris Sanford. She smiled, content that she would make him regret opening the door to talk about this. 

Chapter Text

Tim tapped his foot mindlessly, one arm wrapped around a case reading: BEER WERKS - SUNNY PALE ALE. It had been over two months since Tim received the last tempting, innocuous text that captioned an image of an elaborate series of multicolored tunnels, ramps, and giant tires acting as arches: New obstacle course at the park. :)

He knew what the natural response was: Kojo would love that. On our way now. By the way, I’m a dumbass and I might be in love with you? Many late nights Tim stared deeply into the photo. Typing and erasing responses, none of which ever reached the quality worthy of tapping the mocking, blue send arrow.  He hadn’t given up on her, but as each day went by and inspiration still refused to stop at his doorstep, his hope of reconnection fizzled into a sad speck. That was until Ashley said five words that lit up his world. “Dad’s retirement party is Saturday.” And Tim couldn’t spit out the words can’t wait fast enough. And he really couldn’t.

There was no way Lucy would miss it, but by his luck, he was worried he missed her. The 4-7pm party was well underway and he was only just arriving. Stopping for beers after his shift was already later than expected might have been a mistake, but they were from a brewery Tim and Lucy talked about visiting together. A place he told her about and she was dying to try. A place that might be the exact spark needed to mend things.

“Tim!” The door flew open, and Ashley’s blue eyes were sparkling with excitement. Blue, not brown. Her slender, long limbs clad in cool pastels, resembling a J. Crew model fresh from a shoot on a yacht and not at all like a cozy cafe that lured you in with warm, vintage fabrics and chai. Disappointing. “Glad you could make it! I heard traffic was awful.”

“It was alright.” It was the worst. “Sorry I’m late. I had to close out a few things for Grey since he was out most of the day.”

Ushering him in, Ashley touched his arm softly. “Don’t apologize. Thanks so much for coming. It means a lot to my dad that his very last partner is here.” Examining the case, Ashley popped up, feigning shock. “Mr. All-American, Tim Bradford is not sticking with Budweiser? Are you becoming a hipster?”

Raising the case up, he drew a pointed finger to the label. “I like to get the best when there’s a time to celebrate. Which happens to be from a brewery near Anaheim. Your dad said he wanted to visit more local breweries now as a retiree and I thought I’d help him with his goals.” Not a total lie. They had spoken at length about favorite dive bars and breweries.

Leaning back, arms crossed, the kindness of the gesture was almost too much to bear. “Tim, that’s really sweet. Dad will appreciate it…” Her expression softened, looking down for a moment before meeting his eyes again under lashes so long and delicate that it was almost unfair to all the other folks attaching false lashes one painstaking lash at a time. “Y’know, I really appreciate you too. For the beers, but you did an amazing thing for dad. It meant a lot to him to go out one last time, on the streets. A real case. He’ll remember it forever.”

“It’s what every good officer deserves.”

Jerry rounded the corner, bringing his arm around Ashley. “Sergeant Bradford! So happy you made it. Been too long since we last saw each other!” He pulled Tim’s attempted handshake into the kind of hug only an excited dad could give. Not a familiar feeling. “You’d think with all the paperwork I did at the end of my tenure that I’d have known there’d be a ton to finish before being officially retired. But, now it’s official and we can finally celebrate!”

“No problem, Jerry. Also, It’s just Tim.”

Placing his hands on his hips, Jerry couldn’t resist throwing in a dad joke. His god-given right for procreating. “Well, just Tim, some of my buddies are here and I’d love for you to meet them. They’re all eager to talk to you and you can tell ‘em how we blew that case outta the water.”

The excitement in his graveled voice was infectious and a smile flooded Tim’s face. “I’ll make sure they know you did all the hard work. I’ll drop this in the kitchen first.”

Jerry marveled at the gift. “Great selection. I’ve been there once, years ago now. Make sure to get those in the fridge! We’ll be in the backyard.”

Though he tried not to be too apparent in his search, there was definitely a target in mind. After Ashley reported back about Lucy’s attack, the best he did was draft a stupid text. “Heard what happened. Hope you recover well,” which was deleted hastily. He could have sworn a typing bubble appeared while he struggled, but it was gone in a flash and he chalked it up to wishful thinking.

Once Jerry and Ashley moved to the backyard, the house was completely silent. Only the muffled voices of people outside were vaguely entering the space. Then, when all seemed lost and the self-directed insults bubbled over in his mind, he saw her. The unmistakeable tangle of chocolate hair, tamed back in a ponytail. After all this time of thinking, waiting, hesitating, here she was. Standing in the kitchen with her back to him, completely immersed in her phone.

Taking a tentative step in, Tim considered clearing his throat, but underestimated the integrity of the wood floors and a loud crack shouted through the room as the board bent under his weight. Shit. Lucy squeaked a surprised yelp, jumping around to face him. Her phone bounced across the wood, sliding to his feet. “Jesus, Tim. You scared the hell out of me.”

“Sorry. I should’ve let you know I was here.”

Cupping her hands around her face, Lucy breathed in deeply to calm her nerves. “No, it’s okay. I was clearly way too distracted.” She laughed. “It’s a party. Not even my party. I shouldn’t be surprised that other people are here.”

The sight of her, flustered and smiling made Tim twitch ever so slightly with joy. Unfair, stupid, but hopeful. “How’s the injury?” Small talk. He could do this. Small talk. Baby steps.

Lucy tenderly stroked the healing trails of previously ripped through flesh running from her hand to her forearm. “It’s good. Overall, fairly superficial. Tamara was really scared, but hands have lots of blood in them so I think it just looked worse than it was.”

“Yeah, I cut my finger really bad while cooking… Almost as much blood got on the potatoes as when I was shot.”

“Did you eat the potatoes?” She asked curiously. “I’ve heard the iron flavor adds great depth to cooking.” Tim stared at her, horrified and she cackled victoriously. “I’m messing with you!”  

Tim cleared his throat in an attempt to reset. “Thank god. I thought I’d have to arrest you.”

“I’m sure you would’ve enjoyed that.” The corners of Tim’s mouth deepened downward as he feigned being thoughtful and added a rueful maybe to the conversation that was beginning to settle into an awkward silence.

“Hey, so I got the beers from that place I told you about. I actually hoped you’d be here to try one.” They exchanged a few words of interest in his selections and compared other breweries, but the conversation never hit that magical high he was seeking. It was obvious small talk was not working. Abandoning the passive route, Tim went with his gut and was direct: “Listen, I wanted to say that I’m sorry for being weird. I’ve been trying to work through my… issues.”

Lucy pressed her lips together into a line. The type of expression that let Tim know she had a lot to say, but was choosing peace. “No. It’s okay. You don’t have to apologize. It was fun, and then it was over, which sucked, but… we weren’t a thing and you were clear, so you don’t owe me anything.”

“Except, I do…” he set the beers on the counter and plucked Lucy’s phone from the floor as he moved closer. “Lucy, I really like you. You’re an incredible person and I-I had some things going on with my dad… I didn’t want you to see me like that and needed to feel normal before trying anything again. I’ve thought about how to say that a lot and I’m worried I missed my chance.”

Though someone whose expression was reliably broadcasted for all to see, Lucy was unusually unreadable. “I hear you. I-I just wish you would’ve said something sooner.”

“I know, I was an idiot. You can think about it and I respect if the answer is no, but I would never forgive myself if I didn’t ask you to at least consider giving me an undeserved second chance.” Lucy watched him, chewing on her bottom lip. It wasn’t an outright no and Tim’s hope was slowly refueling. However, before she could formulate a response, her forgotten phone vibrated in his hand and he instinctively looked down.

Caleb: We both know you’re making a big fucking mistake.

“I-it’s from Caleb.” Her eyes were like saucers. Massive and filled with shame. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to read it.” Tim glanced down in a belated gesture to respect her privacy.

Blushing was no longer an issue. All the blood had drained from her face and her chest was filled with lead. “It’s okay.” She said, snatching the phone back. “I-it’s natural… y’know… My fault really. I was clumsy and dropped it.” Lucy plastered a pained smile on her face. Tim hadn’t known her long, but with a woman who exudes sunshine, it was easy to pick the fake smiles from her real ones.

“I scared you. No need to apologize. I should keep apologizing.” A cold pit grew in his stomach. He knew something was wrong. Every ounce of him as a police officer, a soldier, a human, told him something was wrong.

Lucy’s phone buzzed again. “I’m sorry, I actually need to run. Nice seeing you again!” She said, the plastic smile returning to her face.

She attempted to rush by, but Tim, compelled by something, caught her as she passed. “Lucy.” His voice carried a tenderness he had only used when begging Isabel to come home. “Are you in danger?”

A million thoughts flashed through Lucy’s head. Nausea swirled in her stomach, but that feeling was swiftly buried under heavy layers of masking. The corners of her lips twitched up and she placed a reassuring hand on Tim’s arm. “Of course not.”

“I saw the text. I’m a cop, Lucy. I’ve seen how that goes. I can help.”

Lucy laughed softly, not at all the way she had before when she was nestled between his arms in bed, or when they stood in this kitchen solving riddles with Jerry. It was in a way that attempted to convince him, and probably herself, that things were okay. The kind of laugh that told Tim to back off. “Caleb’s just my coworker giving me a hard time about a bad Rams bet. He’s intense and can be a dick sometimes.” Lucy pushed back a strand of hair that had escaped from its hair tie prison.

“Lucy…”

Yanking back, Lucy squared her shoulders. “Thank you for the concern, Sergeant Bradford. Really though, everything is fine.” The Cheshire smile still adhered strongly. Slipping away, Tim stood frozen in place. Listening absent-mindedly while she said her goodbyes to the group. None of them detected the slight strain at the top of her voice, but he did. He noticed everything about her.

”What are these still doing out? And what are you still doing in here? They’re drooling waiting for you.” Ashley said, picking up the case and placing it in the fridge. “You alright?”

“Ah… yeah.”

Not entirely convinced, Ashley moved near him, tentatively resting her hand on Tim. They’ve been together for years in all levels of intensity. She was positive something was wrong. Tim looked at how her slender fingers wrapped around him. Only moments before, it was Lucy’s hand. “What’s going on?”

Unsure whether or not to reveal what he saw, Tim chose his words carefully. “How well do you know Lucy?”

Surprised at the question, Ashley released her hold. “Hm… not too well… she’s nice… gives my dad way too many things that hurt his cholesterol. I think she inherited her house from her grandma or a great aunt or something. She was kind of a recluse, so we never saw much of anyone before Lucy moved in a few years ago… why are you asking me this? Did Lucy do something?”

“No. Nothing like that. She got a text and seemed upset about it. Do you know anyone named Caleb?”

“No. I’ve only ever met the relative who used to live there, and even that was brief. Pretty sure her name wasn’t Caleb and no neighbor I’ve met is named Caleb. Do you think something is going on?” Ashley asked. “Dad loves the heck out of her. If she’s in trouble, we should do something.”

Tim pressed his hand against his forehead, soothing his muscles as he dragged his hand down his neck. “The text was from someone named Caleb. I asked her about it and she said it was nothing. Just a bet with a coworker.”

“And you don’t believe her?” Tim shook his head. “Well… we know how nothing can go…” Ashley watched Tim’s face tense, his eyes staring right through her. “I can keep a look out when I’m here… I won’t share details, but I can also ask dad to watch out for her too. It’s the best we can do, y’know? Unless she actually wants help, our hands are tied.”

He was nodding along, but couldn’t fight the feeling it wasn’t enough. “Yeah.” He finally agreed.

Ashley joined her hands together as an unwelcome thought occurred. “Tim… I was just wondering… ”Tim waited expectantly for what she was about to say. Curious, but typically suspicious of anyone who starts conversations and trails off. “About the treasure… outside, dad was telling the story… again… and I heard you had a bet… “ Ashley scrunched her nose. “…with Lucy… Is that why you’re weird about all of this?”

”I’m weird about this because I’ve been doing this a long time. I know when someone’s scared.” Tim sniffed. “The bet— the bet was nothing. We had some beers with your dad and all of us got competitive.”

A smile spread across Ashley’s face. It was a smile that came easy and she was relieved in a lot of ways. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to make things… well, weird.” She said, curling a piece of hair around her finger.

“It’s okay. I actually need to head out soon. I better go outside and meet your dad’s friends.”

Ashley watched Tim go, a pang in her heart lingering. Longing. From the window, she could see her dad pat Tim on the back, no doubt stewing happily once more in his last ride and how if not for good police work, it would have remained unsolved. Not a complete truth; excellent puzzling would’ve worked too. Her and Nyla were mere steps behind them, busy cuffing a criminal.

She couldn’t let go of this feeling. This felt right. Her dad and Tim in the backyard, enjoying a beer, Tim’s eyes crinkling with laughter under the bright California sun. This could be her life. Their life.

Chapter Text

Boots sinking — no — getting sucked into the ground beneath him with every inch moved closer, Tim tsked with venomous irritation. Oblivious to his ongoing battle with each granule of sand, Ashley stared dreamily into the crashing waves. “I hate beach calls. Getting this close to the beach without needing to dive in is torture.”

“Not for me.”

Ashley squinted towards Tim, her shoulders relaxed. “C’mon Tim. The beach is one of nature’s greatest gifts. There’s no way you can hate it.”

Glaring at her, he shook his head, and continued his trek toward the water. “I don’t hate the beach. I’m just not a fan of the ocean.”

“I’ve heard that fear of the water equates to a fear of not being completely in control of your environment which… you know…”

“What, officer McGrady? What do I know?” Tim turned on his heels to stare her down.

Ashley stumbled over herself with many uh, uhm starts. “You’re a control freak, Sergeant Bradford.” Lucy joined them, stealthily hopping from the stairs of the lifeguard tower down to the sand before them. “When I called for the cops, I didn’t think they’d send their best.”

Grateful for the intrusion, Ashley mouthed a silent thanks behind Tim’s back. Not that he noticed. As much as Lucy may have been surprised to see them, he was also surprised to see her. Tim struggled to formulate the right words to spawn some kind of response — ideally one in his favor — based on their conversation at Jerry’s house a few days prior. However, as words failed and the one second pause to respond turned into a grueling five, Ashley cut in. “Uh, so you called about a…”

Lucy kept her eyes on Tim until she jerked her head at the shore and motioned for them to follow. “Washed up an hour ago. A couple of kids found it.”

Unable to hold back a gag, Ashley averted her gaze before potentially contaminating a crime scene. “Oh, gross.”

“That's why I don't swim in the ocean. It's a dumping ground for sewage, narcotics, and human remains. Still feel like going in?” Ashley shook her head and confirmed she may never swim in open water for the rest of her life. “You’re going to need to meet us at the station for a statement. There’s also going to be some paperwork related to your discovery.” He spoke with authority, reminding her he was here as Sergeant Bradford and not Tim Bradford who makes salmon and eggs every morning for his dog.

Lucy trotted back and picked up her bag that was nestled within the supports. “I need to call my boss for back up….”

“Take your time. We still need statements.” Ashley said as she went off to talk to the teenagers who found the hand. Tim nodded in agreement, pulling out his radio to call it into the station and request officers to secure the scene. He probably could’ve done it himself, but why not take advantage of the perks of being a sergeant to avoid babysitting rotting flesh.

Lucy silently stepped behind him, giving a small greeting to alert him of her presence. Something he wished he had done during their last encounter. “I’m good to head out now, so I guess I’ll see you all in a bit.” 

There were better responses, Tim was certain of that. Anything would have been more impactful than the primitive grunt he made to acknowledge her update.

What they thought might be fast turned into a 40-minute waiting game before they were relieved from the scene. Ashley peered suspiciously at Tim, waiting for a test, discussion about the case, or a confession — hah — while they headed back to the shop. He wordlessly tossed her the keys and passed over to the passenger seat. An action she hadn’t seen since her plain clothes day. It didn’t take a cop or even someone who had known him for years to tell that Tim’s mind was heavy with thought. Their ride was not the normal quiet, it was tense. Once they entered the building, he didn’t give so much as a classic curt nod to Nolan for his win as union delegate, beelining to his desk instead to get started on paperwork.

“Hey. I heard about the hand that washed up.” Chris slowed his pace near Ashley, leaning an arm against the supply counter.

Ever vigilant, Ashley ensured Tim was still out of earshot. “It was pretty gross.” She dropped her voice to a whisper as if her phrase was worthy of being perceived as a secret

Understanding the memo, Chris moved closer and met her hushed tone. “You got any theories?”

Ashley shook her head in denial. Of course she considered a few. This was a super weird case. But none she thought of felt solid enough for her to feel comfortable discussing with a coworker in the workplace no less. “None from me. There’s still too much we don’t know.”

“I have a couple.” Lucy bounded in, diverging momentarily to announce the shocking amount of paperwork over a small body part. “At first, I was thinking maybe human trafficking, maybe the boat capsized, took someone's hand off, but then I realized that the way the hand was severed spoke more to some type of torture.” Noting Ashley’s horrified expression, Lucy apologized away her theories. “Sorry. I watch a lot of true crime.”

Chris’s mouth drew back with a wide, shining smile. “Oh, me, too. I'm actually thinking it's a "Gone Girl" gone wrong scenario.” Excitedly chiming in, the two expounded on Chris’s theory.

“Hey, can we talk about something else? Like anything else… maybe something with less murder plots… “ Ashley wracked her brain and ran through the tree of related topics, relieved to quickly find a connection to the beach. “Actually, speaking of the beach. My friend, Olive, won four tickets to that beach dining experience, Osia, and now I actually have all four.”

Lucy’s jaw dropped and she gripped Ashley in disbelief. “No way. I was dying to get tickets, but they sold out so fast!”

Nodding, Chris affirmed a similar scenario, mentioning how his foodie friend would die with jealousy. “Well since you’re both into it, would you want to join me? We’ll still have an extra ticket though…”

Chris clicked his tongue, but then excitedly waved Tim over. “Hey, Bradford. We need a fourth for a fancy dinner thing.”

“What’s a fancy dinner thing?” He asked, dropping his paperwork at the sight of them — really her — and appreciating the excuse to engage.   

Ashley let Tim enter their circle to stand between her and Lucy. “It's called Osia. It's an exclusive pop-up on the beach in Malibu — one night only, 12 fusion courses, wine pairings included. An experiment in molecular gastronomy."

Unwavering in his expression, Tim shrugged. “I’ll think about it.”

Noticing Tim’s hesitance and also knowing for things out of his routine that I’ll think about it really means I thought about it and no, Ashley tried backing out of the invitation, murmuring that it’s not a big deal to find one more person.

“What’s there to think about?” Lucy challenged. “Or are you really saying the control freak in you can’t handle a little spontaneity?”

“I’m not a control freak.” His voice hitched, unable to conceal the lie. He plastered on a smile to prove how open he was and how he was not a grump, and turned to Ashley to let her know he’d “happily” agree to join. “C’mon McGrady, we have actual work to do. I’ll see you both later.” Tim wasn’t completely sure how this grouping would work, and if he was honest, he was also feeling suspicious (see: jealous) about how familiar Chris and Lucy appeared. Have they met before? He wondered absent-mindedly. Whatever their situation, it didn’t matter that much to him. He was eager to get another chance with Lucy. Even if it would be as friends.

Ashley followed Tim dutifully, listening close as he relayed Lopez’s updates. She kept pace, never flinching as they encountered a series of odd findings — more limbs to her dismay, concerning research, and ramblings of a madman. Regardless of the chaos that seemed to pounce at every opportunity, if any of her friends asked how the day was going — like really, truly going — she’d tell them it was great and she was absolutely buzzing. It was happening. She was going out with Tim. It would be a double date. Of course, there was the chance he wouldn’t see it as a date and she could live with that. Whatever you want to call it, she was really going out with him. For the first time, in an intimate setting, no other cops. And just maybe, he’d see her in a new light.

Her heart skipped a beat anytime he brought it up. He seemed excited too, and she sensed a tinge of nervousness from him. In all the years they’d ridden together, she could count on one hand the amount of times Tim asked her for personal advice, but in a single day he had asked her four times about clothing ideas and what to expect.

“Is seven alright?” Ashley jumped at Tim’s voice, stammering a mild, embarrassed request for him to clarify. “To pick you up for dinner.”

Blood rushed throughout her body at the thought. “N-no that’s alright. I can drive myself.”

“I’ve seen you drive before. I know you can. You’ve been talking about all of the things you want to try tonight all day and I wouldn’t want you to miss out on any of the wine pairings or for you to take any risks while intoxicated. We’re held to a higher standard and you know that all it takes is one bad night.”

“It’s going to be fun. I wouldn’t want you to miss out looking out for me.”

Tim snorted. “Yeah, those aren’t really for me. It won’t be a loss.” Smiling warmly, Ashley agreed and the two went about planning the logistics of their evening. Their evening, she recited to herself.

Though many in the station and within Tim’s life were quickly put off by his gruff nature and tendency to dismiss someone’s enthusiasm with his own inability to conform or entertain things he deemed as frivolous, Ashley was different. Never once in their partnership had she hinted that she didn’t accept him for exactly who he was. In fact, beyond minor disagreements about things as simple as lunch locations, the two always seemed to be on the same wavelength. She trusted him fully.

Thinking back, Ashley was Tim’s only rookie who didn’t put up a fight about wearing long sleeves past the probation period. He fully expected her to and week by week he’d drop hints at how much longer it would be before settling on threatening the long sleeves until she was a P2. Even then, there was only understanding. She told him she respected his order and would accommodate as his trainee — née boot. When the August LA heat hit, he was sure he’d see her blood boil along with the scorching temperatures, but Ashley surprised him. She pushed on without a word and Tim nearly turned his back on his own order out of pity.

There were no doubts in his mind. Ashley wasn’t like others he had trained. She was special. Different. Someone he knew would always have his six, which is why it was a no-brainer to select her as his go-fer. Many in the department took note of how smooth their partnership was and were unsurprised by his selection. Tim only needed to utter a word and she could fully interpret the meaning without ever asking for clarification. If there could be a physical embodiment of a person’s right hand, you’d find Ashley McGrady.

Perhaps the deep connection through professional settings is why Tim was surprised by Ashley’s appearance once they arrived at the restaurant. The sight of Ashley’s hair tousled, her skin warmed by the torches around them, her eyes sparkling from the light. Traffic was already bad by the time he got to her place; he had barely spared a second to greet her as he flickered his attention between his GPS and the road. But now he had a moment to notice she was actually quite pretty. “You look really nice, by the way.”

Ashley hid a smile behind her hand that crossed over to push hair behind her ear. “Thanks. You look nice too. It’s always good to see you out of uniform.” Her face caught fire and she felt like lighting herself with one of the nearby torches. She pulled her shawl tight, unable to meet his face. “Oh no, I just meant to see you casual. In not-work attire.”

Tim laughed. “I know what you meant.” Looking forward, he waved his hand at Chris who had spotted them quickly. “We’re over there.” He said, gesturing to a table in the center of the dining area. Ashley paused for a moment, caught off-guard when a gentle hand pressed momentarily against her back guiding her forward. “After you.”

Helping Ashley sit first, Tim sat opposite her and next to Lucy. The two smiled awkwardly at one another as the group settled into what was promised to be an exclusive evening that would serenade your eyes and ears with nature and your tastebuds with exquisitely unique flavors and textures. That’s what the ad said anyway. “I’m sorry, but who puts a restaurant on the beach? I mean you’re just asking for sand in your food.”

Chris shrugged, scooting back a bit as the server laid down the first of many dishes. “For your first course, we have Chef Celine Barris' take on blinis and caviar — a savory enoki pancake with fruit of the forest roe, and smoked Himalayan salt espuma. Enjoy.”

Leaning in secretively, Tim’s mischievous smile unveiled itself. “Was any of that English?”

A fork magically jumped across his plate. “Let me translate: all you need to know is that that pancake is made of mushroom, which I know is not your favorite, so I'm just—“ Lucy said, unbothered as she gifted herself an item from Tim’s plate. A gift he gladly gave, happy to be rid of the pancake and nervous to have Lucy so close.

Ashley watched food pass between Tim and Lucy and was shocked. In all their time together, how had she missed it? When did Lucy learn about it? What did she mean by I know. How could she know? “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you don’t like mushrooms…” She rifled through the mental archives of every meal or snack they had together, and shamefully recalled several times when she had dropped off various foods at Tim’s desk that contained mushrooms. Was he picking them out? Did he just throw them away? Why didn’t he tell her?

”Oh. I’ve avoided them my whole life. It’s okay you didn’t know.” Tim tried to cheer up Ashley’s clearly deflated spirit. “At least you aren’t doing lunch runs as my boot anymore. Then it wouldn’t be okay.”

“I'm not the most adventurous eater, either. But once on vacation in Jamaica, I did have curry goat.” Chris added. Oh yeah, Chris is here. Ashley had barely noted his presence despite him sitting right beside her.

Tim elbowed Lucy and she was already rolling her eyes with expectation for what was coming next. “Was his name Gerald?” It was clearly an inside joke limited to one side of the table, and to Ashley’s disappointment it was decidedly not her side. Lucy playfully begged Tim not to tell the story, but he ventured on regardless. Alternating between listening as Tim relayed how they stumbled across a petting zoo and the animals happened to escape while they were there which resulted in a goat sitting in Lucy’s car, Ashley couldn’t help but wonder: when did this happen? When did Tim and Lucy have inside jokes?

The way they bantered, the looks they exchanged, had she truly been this blind? She was mildly suspicious at her dad’s party, but now? It was as if there was a constant fog that became so familiar it was unnoticed and it dissipated with every bite, every piece of information Lucy seemed to know about Tim, until the scene was abundantly clear leaving Ashley to feel the burden of her naivety. When the server placed their desserts, Tim looked at the table once more, hovering close again to undoubtedly make a sly comment about the food. “This is a joke, right? I mean, people don't actually enjoy eating this food, do they?”

She couldn’t keep it in and her demeanor became tense. Ashley faced the sad reality. It wasn’t the fact that Tim made no efforts to hide that he was suffering through this dinner of too fancy foods and theatrical plating. She didn’t expect him to like it. What sucked the air out of her lungs and sat heavy on her chest was the heart clenching conclusion that his endurance wasn’t for her. It was for her. For Lucy.

Realizing he may have hurt Ashley’s feelings for making too many comments about the experience, Tim tried to offer an apology. “Excuse me. I need to use the restroom.” She said, smiling politely and leaving the three in an awkward silence.

Lucy’s eyes moved from her dessert, to Ashley’s direction, back to Tim. Silently telling him to go after her. “What.”

Stabbing her spoon into the mango dome, Lucy huffed with annoyance. “You need to go after her.” She stated, frustration growing when Tim stupidly responded with a why. “Because she clearly cares about you, Tim. I’m surprised you don’t see it.” Chris nodded in agreement.

“We’ve been through a lot together. Of course she cares.”

“Not like that, Tim.” He stared ant her, the cogs moving at an annoyingly stunted pace. “Are you really a cop?” She sneered, happy to have a sugary treat to rebuild happy feelings. “Just go after her. You’ve been rude about dinner all night.”

Finally relenting, either due to understanding or fear, Tim set after Ashley.

At the speed she was maintaining, Ashley reached the parking lot at a record pace, pulling up a rideshare app to hopefully get a car in an equally speedy time. Then, she heard her name, spoken with the softest intonation. Something she craved and made her heart sing in most circumstances. But now? It hurt. “Tim, you can go back. I’m not feeling great and I’m waiting for my ride.” She lied. She hadn’t requested it yet.

“Ashley, I’m sorry I was an ass and that I ruined your dinner.”

Ashley shook her head appeasingly. “It’s alright. I know this isn’t your thing.” She said, tapping through the selections till the last submit button would bring someone to help her finally make her an escape.

“No. I was a jerk and should’ve tried to make the best of it instead of making bratty jokes.” He insisted. “Lucy is right. I was rude about the whole thing.” Hearing her name was another knife. He didn’t even come out for her. He came out because of her. It’s all because of her. Again. “I promise, no more comments. Let’s go back in.” Tim stood uncomfortably as Ashley pondered his request. Thankful for the clattering of dishes and traffic to prevent the lack of response from becoming too stifling.

When Ashley finally spoke, she fought the stinging tears and the wind threatening to blow them just over the edge. “Did you know I got an offer to move to Hollywood? No night shifts and I could’ve worked close with the detectives.” She said suddenly to Tim’s surprise.

“I didn’t. That could’ve been a great opportunity… why didn’t you take it?”

“Because of you, Tim.”

“Ashley…”

“With my dad… with everyone really. I feel like I need to wear a mask.” She clutched her phone tightly by her side. “It never felt like that with you. You care about what I have to say and you trust me when I have nothing to say. Everyone respects you because you’re decisive, intimidating, but when I see you, I see someone who cares deeply about his fellow officers and doing what’s right. I see someone who was hurt but continues helping others. I see someone who has always pushed me to be better and makes me comfortable with who I am. You get me in a way nobody else does…”

He searched his brain for any conclusion but the obvious one. “Ash, I… I don’t know what to say.”

Losing her nerve, Ashley fixed a bright smile on her face. “You don’t need to say anything. I’m alright. I just want you to know that I really value our…” she paused for all but a second to decide how to proceed. “… friendship.” She finished, the romantic in her kicking herself.

“I appreciate you for sharing that.” Tim rocked back on his heels, feeling a wave of relief that he and Lucy must have misinterpreted things. “I value you too, and selfishly, I’m glad you didn’t take the Hollywood post. The detectives there are a bunch of jerks and I’d miss you around the station.” He added with a wide grin that could’ve convinced her to do nearly anything. His eyes shot around, observing the still lifeless parking lot. “Your car isn’t here… it’s not too late to finish the evening.”

It felt stupid. She was a grown woman. A cop no less. But she found herself biting back a smile like a schoolgirl getting a compliment from an “older boy,” ruminating in the way he called her Ash. Tim wanted her to stay at Mid-Wilshire. He actually wanted her to stay. The blue-tinged light shone upon Ashley’s face as she watched the small car icon edge closer and the 6min annotation turn to 5min. “Okay. Let’s go back.” She said resolutely, ending the request.

Tim took a step toward the edge of the sidewalk, wanting to ensure she would actually return. “After you.” He was satisfied only when she passed him and began leading her towards the table in a way that resembled when they first entered.

The exceedingly apparent reality was that the way she felt for Tim may always be one-sided. Though she returned to the meal with a declaration to herself to enjoy it as a group of friends, she wouldn’t deny that her heart swelled each time Tim sent her a sly smile intended just for her, or that when he laughed with his whole body, there was no greater vision. Unrequited love was not what she imagined for herself, but here she was: enjoying dinner with a colleague, the man she loved, and the woman the man she loved clearly held affection for. Whether Tim actually loved Lucy or someone else, it didn’t matter. Ashley was content to have Tim by her side in any sense of the word. Perhaps one day she would find someone who looked at her the same way, and perhaps it could even be Tim, but right now it was enough to enjoy the sweetness that came from feeling in love and to have an excuse to dream.

Chapter Text

Tim sat pensively, hunched thoughtfully over a stack of papers. Two gentle knocks against the doorframe brought his attention up. “Hey. How’s it going in here?” Ashley asked, moving swiftly to the side. “This office kind of suits you.”

Grasping at the nearby mug of coffee on his - no, thankfully still Grey’s - desk, he groaned with disdain at the thought. “I don’t know how Grey does it. I’ve been counting the seconds until he gets back.”

Stifling a laugh, Ashley attempted to provide some words of reassurance. “I think you’d be an excellent watch commander. I’ve heard others say so too.” 

“Doesn’t sound like you’ve been talking to the right people. I’ve rejected three requests for overtime and vacation, and they were all crystal clear that they’re just as eager as I am to get Grey back.”

“Maybe. A lot more of us want someone who cares than someone who just grants a bunch of PTO. Smitty would be the next watch commander if that were the case.”

Crossing his arms, Tim mused for a moment about what it could be like with Smitty as the watch commander. A most chaotic consideration indeed and one better left to the imagination. “Let’s just hope that never happens.” He concluded. “So… Officer McGrady. What’s up?”

“Oh. Right.” She gestured her hands in a pointed manner towards the bullpen. “Lopez has something for us related to the Dim— Jake Butler case.”

A growl escaped as Tim flung himself from the seat. After a full day of dealing with officers, paperwork, and his least favorite part, senior officers, the last thing he wanted to worry about was anything that had to do with the dumbass everyone else — certainly not him — thinks is his doppelgänger.

The march to Angela’s desk felt like a walk to the gallows and the wicked smirk that stretched her lips thin made her his executioner. “You’re gonna love this.” She stated, pulling back from her chair and motioning for him to sit which he did with a healthy amount of suspicion.

Immediately, Tim rolled his eyes. On the screen was Dim—Jake—shirtless on a boat with what was sure to be a group of other idiots. “What am I looking at?” Angela widened her eyes towards the screen, urging him to take a second look. It was only when Ashley murmured an oh my god that he took it seriously. “Is that… Lucy?”

What the hell was Lucy doing with Jake? Tim analyzed the photo closer and moved within inches of the image. He scoffed with disgust and perhaps a tinge of envy to see Dim clutching Lucy’s thigh tight and the way her leg draped seductively over Dim’s pelvis. Although it certainly helped elicit some memories — not that Dim looked that much like him. “That’s not Lucy.” Angela announced. “That’s Jake’s girlfriend, and her name-“ she pushed a finger past Tim’s face to tap on the monitor. “-is Sava Wu. The “old lady” Hajek was talking about.”

Taking a clue from Angela’s telling eyes, Tim shook his head in protest. “No. There’s no way we’re bringing Lucy into this. She’s a civilian.”

“Obviously. Lucy and Juicy are going to stay out of this one.” Harper started, proud of the nickname she came up with. “But, be that as it may, we’re expecting the call from Hajek any time now and he’s expecting you to have a female partner — Jake’s M.O. for all of his jobs. So we thought we’d dig around a bit more.” She said with a devilish grin that made Tim squirm. “You’re really going to enjoy this.” Based on the newest finding, he really didn’t think he would.

Harper walked towards the interrogation rooms confident that the shuffling feet behind her belonged to the morbidly curious minds of Tim and Ashley. Tim’s anxiety was building based on the way Nyla and Angela couldn’t stop giggling to themselves like a couple of middle-schoolers pulling a prank. Tentatively, Ashley and Tim followed them in and peered at the window. Ashley gasped in horror. “Oh my god. That is disturbing.” She said, taking in the appearance of a glittery, scantily clad version of herself.

“Helloooo! Losers. Can I go now? I have a match to get to.” She said, rushing against the glass and banging it incessantly.

“This is Elle Darling. I.e., Killer Darling, roller derby star, and…” Angela’s lips quirked up. “Jake’s hook up.”

Nyla put her arms lazily over Tim and Ashley’s shoulders. “Guess who’s going undercover with Dim.”

Tapping her chin to feign thoughtfulness, Angela turned curiously back to the three. “Now what did we settle on? Crashley or Smashley?”

Observing Elle, she suddenly produced a can from her purse, elegantly shotgunned it, and crushed it against her head. Nyla tsked. “Definitely Smashley. Some context: Elle helped Jake as a getaway driver multiple times — she tells us it was never knowingly of course.”

“And now you want us undercover? Undercover as like… a couple?” Ashley asked.

“No. Elle and Jake had a falling out over an expensive vacation that Elle paid for, but didn’t go on. Turns out it was a gift from Jake to Sava. From what Elle says, they had a very public separation.” Nyla clarified. “Jake owes Elle about $8000. Our story is that she’s going to accompany him and make sure they both get paid.”

Tim nodded along thoughtfully, concluding the proposal with an okay. “Let’s hope they call soon.”

“C’mon, Ashley. You’ll be with me. You don’t have much experience undercover and we need to prepare. We’ll work on your stories later too.” Nyla said, leading the way out. Ashley followed along, casting a final glance towards her doppelgänger, unable to conceal the shudder as Elle shamelessly picked at her teeth up close to the two-way mirror.

After the door clicked shut, Angela sidled up to Tim, peeking down at his phone when she noticed the swiftest smile come and go from his lips. “Lucy?” She asked knowingly. “How’s that going?”

“We’re friends.” He stated, leaning back and resting his phone on the table behind him.

With an unconvinced uh-huh, Angela elbowed into him playfully. “We’re friends. If you look at your phone like that whenever I text you, Wesley might need to worry.”

Tim shrugged. “You’re you. It’s different.”

“Wow. If I wasn’t happily married, I might be offended.” Angela placed her hands on her hips, noticing Tim’s fingers twitch as his phone vibrated against the metal surface inches away. “You want to get that?”

The edges of his mouth turned down deeply and he shook his head, staring up at a corner of the room. “Nope. We need to focus on the case.” Another buzz sounded through the room and Tim fought the urge to reach back, crossing his arms coolly as a means of physical restraint.

“Seems important.” Angela mused, pursing her lips and taking the tiniest of steps toward him.

Straightening up, Tim weakly attempted to prevent Angela’s forming plan. “Don’t even think about it.” He warned, perceiving the spark in Angela’s eyes seconds too late as she darted across him and snagged the device before he could blink.

“Here’s your coffee” Johnnie crouched in the too low window, passing an ordinary white cup surrounded by an equally ordinary brown sleeve. No adornments or branding. The perfect cup he thought as he took in his first, glorious sip. Thankful to be free of the coffee water he had been restricted to over the last few days of being station bound.

“Fancy seeing you here.” Tim looked up, and like many times before, there Lucy was. Unexpected, but appreciated nonetheless. “Bill’s Coffee.” She read off the side of the truck. “Coffee truck, no flourish. Very on brand for you.”

Tim smiled, taking another sip. “This is where I get my coffee every morning. No oat milk mafia hipsters writing screenplays. Buck for a coffee and you go to work.” He eyed Lucy’s cup. “No matcha here either.”

“You’re too young to talk like that, you know?” She joked momentarily before her expression turned more serious. “I’m actually happy to see you. I’ve been meaning to ask you for some time to get together. Like in person… I’ve just been busy and I didn’t really know what to say…”

“It’s fine. I get it. Also, you have Chris.”

Lucy recoiled, looking confused. “I don’t have Chris.”

“You two obviously knew each other before dinner the other night and I saw you went home together. Then all the times you’ve met him at the station… I just assumed…”

Smirking lightly at what was clearly a jealous Tim, Lucy alleviated his worry. “I didn’t think you noticed when I dropped in.” Tim’s face tensed, feeling the burn of embarrassment. “Chris and I are just friends and he’s been helping me out with some legal advice.” She said as she brushed a few stray hairs back. “I mean, I won’t lie. We did go out once, but it seems the most interesting conversations for us are analyzing cold cases and serial killers which is not the best foundation for a relationship” She sighed. “Turns out we’d be better matched as either true crime podcasters or maybe a serial killer duo.”

“Noted. I’ll make sure to keep an eye on you two either for when you become famous or to detain as suspects.” Tim steeled his expression into a casual smile, but he was sweating internally. So much in fact that he absent-mindedly ran a hand against his brow to ensure none of his internal pressure was leaking out. “So… If you’re not with Chris then… “ Afraid of assuming too much, Tim did what came completely unnatural to him: let someone else lead.

Unable to directly meet his gaze, Lucy fixated on a crack in the concrete sidewalk where nature dared to attempt to root within. “Tim, I think you’re a great guy, and there are a million women who’d be lucky to be with you.”

“But you’re not one of them?” He interjected.

Lucy laughed. “No. I would absolutely be one of them.” She admitted to his great satisfaction.

“Then why not make us two lucky people?” Seeing as Lucy sucked in one of her cheeks to bite down a smile, Tim was emboldened. He practically glided across the concrete and then dipped his head down into her space, pulling her attention up. “Would you like to get dinner sometime?”

A pink tinge lit up Lucy’s cheeks. “Yes.” She blurted out. However, his excitement was short lived as she just as quickly backed out. “No-I-I mean…” she groaned. “It’s just right now… things are complicated. More complicated than I’d like if I’m honest, and I can’t drag you into all of my drama.”

The protector within Tim ignited. Any levity he held melted away into a stern expression as Tim’s fist clenched tightly at his side. “Is this about Caleb and whatever Chris is helping you with?”

Shifting uncomfortably, she dug at her nails. “Yes.” She said in a quiet voice as if this ghoulish Caleb could pop out at any moment.

Tim took a tentative step, shrinking the gap between them to mere inches. ”If you’re not safe… if he’s threatening you in any way… I can help you.” His free hand swayed in her direction, his fingertips electric as they grazed against her palm.

“Yeah, yeah. I know… And I’m really grateful for that…” She swallowed hard as she fought to fully intertangle her hand with his as their fingertips danced against the other. “It’s been over for a while between me and Caleb and I think he gets that now. I just want to end things right, you know? For closure. I promise that after this weekend it’ll be like over over… and maybe… you could ask me again—After—later.” She stumbled through the last part, waffling in the most endearing way.

“Deal. Are you seeing him this weekend? Caleb?” He asked, receiving a nod and low mhm. “I’m assuming some things here, but do you need me to accompany you? It doesn’t seem like a safe situation.”

Lucy shook her head. “Caleb has always been… insecure, paranoid, jealous.” She said as a nervous giggle escaped her at saying the words out loud. “I know. It’s a terrible combination. I just also know that if Caleb figured out you were there, things would be ten times worse because he would think it confirmed a bunch of things.” Suddenly, Lucy gripped Tim’s hand, finally allowing them to connect. “I’ll text you when I’m done. Then, maybe I’ll go to your place after… see my dog?”

Smiling, Tim gave her hand a squeeze. “Kojo and I would like that. I’m station bound right now and usually don’t get home till seven. I’ll let my dog walker know to leave her key for you if you want to get some one-on-one time with my dog who lives with me, eats the food I make him…”

“Wow. I didn’t expect you to be so petty.” She teased, their bodies close enough to enjoy the forest-scent of his body wash inhabiting the air around her and for Tim to inhale the vanilla notes that seemed to naturally pour out of her. They lingered like that for a moment, one long enough for a curious Johnnie to poke out of the coffee truck, though not long enough to disturb the traffic of any passerbys. Before she’d be tempted to stay, Lucy peeled back. “I’m meeting Caleb on Saturday at 2:00pm. We’re going to a coffee shop — nice and public. And then… you and I can talk.”

Tipping his head, Tim raised his coffee towards her. “I’m looking forward to it.” Lucy was the first to walk away and Tim watched her go, taking a swig of his now cooled coffee. While the last time he saw her leave there was a pang of regret, this time, Tim was assured that he’d do things right and wouldn’t waste his chance.

Chapter Text

| Lucy: No problem! We’ll plan something when you get back. Don’t forget to text me this time. ;)

Tim snorted, relieved to be at a stage they could joke about the fact he ghosted her, though sparks of shame still lingered. This time, he was quick to respond.

| Tim: Never again. You’ll be the first to hear from me.

“Satisfied?” Lopez stood in the doorframe with a wry smile. “If you need, I can always give a second opinion. Make sure you don’t screw things up again.”

Tim swiftly sidestepped Lopez’s prying hands and dropped his phone into the bag she had been holding open for his personal items during the op. “Nope. I’m good.” He said, regretting the reflex to touch his hair which left his fingertips covered in the cheap grime of whatever expired gel Harper dug up from the lost and found. “Ugh. Why did my doppelgänger have to be so greasy?”

“It’s actually surprising how easily you turn skeevy. Hey, maybe you can keep up the attitude and see if Lucy’s into it.” Angela added an eyebrow wiggle at the end.

Tim scowled the most familiar of scowls. “No way. The moment this op is over, it’ll be a hot shower and not another ounce of this.” He gestured towards his hair. “Luckily we’ll never find out.”

“Find out what?” Ashley asked.

Not quite willing to back down from the staring contest he suddenly entered with an extremely amused Lopez, Tim brushed off Ashley’s question. “It’s nothing.” He said, turning to her. “You good?”

“I’m basically a first-grader’s art project and I’m second-guessing Harper’s call that these shorts were essential for authenticity, but yeah. I’m good.”

Aaron observed her, taking in the copious amounts of sparkles dripping to the ground. “Wow, super sparkly, Smashley.”

“Thanks? I’m not sure how Elle wears this much glitter every day.” As Ashley considered all the ways she and Elle differed, her train of thought came to an abrupt end at the sight of Tim. Finding it shocking to see the typically stoic, meticulously constructed Tim so… sloppy.

Not feeling in any mood to accept the additional commentary that Ashley was certainly about to contribute, Tim raised a finger at her. “Not a word from you.” He warned.

“It really is uncanny.” Angela admired, giving Tim’s cheek a light tap in the process and zipping the bag with their belongings with a flourish. “Everything is ready to go.” Before another thought could be verbalized, the obnoxious ring of Jake’s phone cut through. “Show time” she announced quietly.

“Yo. Are we doin’ this or what?” Tim rallied his best impression, staring around the room and feeling embarrassed of the persona.

A deep voice crackled over the line. “We are. Meet my guys at Whittier Air Strip. 30 minutes.”

Faces in the room lit up with concern. Lopez was already going through the mental checklist of a possible cross-state or even cross-border investigation. “Air strip? I thought this job was local.”

“It’s not. Is that a problem?”

“Uh. Yeah.” Ashley spoke up. “I require three suitcases minimum. I don’t go anywhere without my gear.”

“Tough. I’m paying you to drive, not play. So get your ass to the air strip or hope you can skate your way out of a hit.” Hajek snarled, leaving the dropped call chime to punctuate his threat.

Angela backed off first, checking in with Tim. It was a risky play and not one she’d quickly commit to, especially not when Tim and Ashley would be in the sights of danger.
“We got to call it off.” She decided resolutely.

“What’s the problem?” Aaron questioned, assuming they could meet up after getting the word wherever they landed.

The metal table creaked under Tim’s weight as he leaned in. “Once we’re in the air, no backup, no surveillance. Things go sideways, we’re completely on our own.” Tim added, thinking about what other potential plays they had. Although he wouldn’t deny there was part of him that was relieved at the idea he could potentially exchange a high-stakes mystery op for seeing Lucy the next evening.

“Plus.” Angela joined in. “We’ll have no idea where they’re going and Ashley is on her first real UC op. It’s not worth the risk. I’m pulling the plug.”

Unwilling to lose the first real chance she ever took in her career, Ashley was quick to offer solutions. “I promise, I’m good. Also, the pilot has to file a flight plan. You could follow along in the LAPD plane.”

“The paperwork to file that will take all day. And you’re wheels up in an hour.”

“I mean…” Aaron began, ready to give Lopez a creative alternative to her statement. “I could get a private jet there in 45 minutes.” He said, earning widening, hopeful eyes in response. Taking the mood shift as confirmation he was already searching contacts to make the call. “Also what caviar do you guys like?” He wondered for a moment, deciding soon that specificity didn’t matter. “I’ll just get an assortment.”

Angela watched Aaron dial, pleased that she’d be traveling in style. A lifestyle she’d grown accustomed to since extending her name to become an Evers. “Alright then. Let’s go, Dim and Smashley.”

Ordinarily, the clattering of dishes, people speaking too loudly on remote conference calls, and nearby gossiping friends would force the cafe into the category of worst places to have serious discussions. However, Lucy’s bouncing knee and racing heart was thankful for the intrusions. Intrusions meant people. People meant witnesses. Witnesses meant Caleb would be on his best behavior.

7 minutes late. Only one year ago, she would’ve been worried if Caleb was anything more than two minutes. Now she was relieved. Willing 7 minutes to turn into 8 and then into 15 and then into a: “something came up, let’s reschedule” text or better, “let’s handle this over a call/email/text/anythingthat’snotinperson.”

A large, warm hand gripped her shoulder. “Luce.” Caleb’s deep, familiar voice spoke her name and her heart skipped. Not so lucky after all.“It’s good to see you. I’ve missed you.”

“Mmhm.” She vocalized, unable to form any actual words. If she had lied, he would’ve noticed. “How have you been?”

Caleb sat across from her, smiling broadly. “I’ve been well. Busy as usual. Who could’ve guessed a medical supply company in the heart of Los Angeles would be the target of so many robberies?” His eyes lit up when he saw her anxious exterior crumble the slightest bit at the joke. Caleb rested on the table, allowing the edges of their hands to meet. “I’d rather talk about you. You look tired.” He stated plainly. “Up late watching reality tv?”

Lucy giggled nervously. He always had this way of knowing her. “Yeah… I know I watch too much. But I can’t help it.” She whined. “Especially not after they started filming episodes of Real Housewives right next to my gym.”

“Have you been listening in to them?” Caleb wondered.

“Maybe. Sometimes I like to do my stretches outside, y’know?”

“And if you happen to appear in the background and get some insider information, so be it.”

“So be it.” She mirrored. Tearing away from his gaze, Lucy checked out the people enjoying their beverages and couldn’t hide a pout of disappointment. It had been ages since she ordered and she saw multiple people who definitely came well after.

Without missing a beat, Caleb leaned closer. “Have you been waiting here long?”

She raised an eyebrow, recalling back to when they first met in a loud dive bar. “What month is it?” Lucy recited sadly to Caleb’s satisfaction. And as she did, she couldn’t fight the sadness, the grief, that rushed through her bones. Their eyes lingered on one another’s, unspoken comfort passing between them. The familiar presence of someone you deeply loved and were deeply loved by. As much as a future with Tim — anyone, even just herself — felt necessary, before things were bad, everything with Caleb was easy. Just like now.

Lucy couldn’t remember the exact moment when their hands came together. Though once she became conscious of what was happening, she immediately pulled back, the smile melting away from Caleb’s face and bringing forth a deep frown “I see how it is. Alright”. He cleared his throat. “I’m assuming you want to talk about the rental? I haven’t changed my mind about keeping it, Luce. We’d be stupid to sell off any real estate that’s paid off in L.A. It’s been great passive income, and you know it.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know you’re right.” Lucy smoothed her skirt, picking at the fibers. “I just- I don’t know how it can work with both of us running the rental and I lived there for so long that I think I’m ready to let it go.”

Caleb was considering how to protest, but fell into his thoughts as he pressed his back further in the seat. “How about this?” He said, lengthening his back to his full seated height. “The business side has always stressed you out. I can be responsible for that — bills, taxes — you can manage the upkeep. We’ll be partners.” He laid his palm open on the table once more with the invitation.

“Caleb… I don’t- I don’t think I can do that… with you. This is only forcing us together and we need our time apart.”

He scoffed. “You mean you need your time apart.”

It was true and Lucy battled internally whether to tell him the truth at risk of igniting his temper. “Caleb. We need space to grow as individuals.” She started strong. “I’m not who I want to be when we’re together, and I know you’re not either.”

He shook his head, scrunching his chin as he frowned. “No. You’re wrong. We’re great together. Everyone says so. My friends, my parents, your friends, your parents — who by the way, don’t like many people. They all love us together.”

“They don’t know you.” She said quietly. “The real you.”

“Now you’re just trying to hurt me. You’ve been watching too much garbage. You think this is some scripted reality nonsense? Get real, Lucy. I’m not the villain here. There is no villain. We’re going through a rough patch like any other couple.”

Lucy’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Caleb… you were tracking my car… you threatened Jack.”

“You were flirting with him. I saw it. And don’t give me the training bit again. I’ve seen you train plenty of people before and you never act like that and you never wear the bikini except when you worked with Jack.”

“Oh my god. How many times can I say it? When you dropped by, my regular suit tore so I had to wear the two-piece. And if I was extra chatty or whatever you perceived as flirting, I didn’t mean it. He’s married with two kids. Happily. And how do I know? Because he worked them into every non-work conversation. We only worked three shifts together before he chose to go to Malibu. All of which you knew before you nearly assaulted him in the parking lot.”

Caleb laughed bitterly. “Yeah. That’s all pretty convenient.”

“Well it’s true.”

“Jack said he found you attractive.”

Lucy rolled her eyes, willing every deity in the universe to take pity on her and end the conversation or make her poof into smoke. “You were literally threatening him with a tire iron and-“ she stopped suddenly, raising her hands before pressing them together under her chin. “I can’t do this. I got a lawyer, Caleb.”

He looked at her like she was crazy, folding his arms tight across his chest. “Seriously, Luce? Who’d you call? You don’t do research. Did you just find some sleazy person on a billboard.”

“No. He’s a great lawyer actually. And, as he pointed out, the property is still mine.”

Now it was Caleb’s turn to look shocked. His mouth hung open a moment before his eyes narrowed. “You wouldn’t have been able to afford that place without me. We paid it off. And if we’re getting real here, I contributed more than half.”

“And I’ll split the earnings with you. If you want more, you can have it. I just… don’t need your permission to sell.” She said, losing a bit of her nerve as she diverted her attention to picking at her nails.

The two quieted, alongside what felt like the entire restaurant as other patrons and employees fell to hushed tones as the interaction escalated. “Are you sleeping with him?” Caleb asked. Lucy immediately perked up, confused. “Don’t give me that doe-eyed innocence. Are you sleeping with him? The lawyer?”

“No.” She fumed. “I’m not sleeping with him. God, Caleb. Can’t you see this is part of the problem?” Now she couldn’t care less about the attention. She couldn’t blame their morbid curiosity to suck in every detail from the train wreck in progress.

“Then it’s somebody else.” He moved in close over the too small bistro table. “You’ve been fine with our arrangement with the rental for nearly a year, Lucy. Now, suddenly you want to sell? I’m not stupid. You’re fucking someone else and can’t be bothered to tell the truth.”

Lucy took a deep breath, knowing that it was up to her to maintain any semblance of peace and civil behavior. “Caleb.” Her voice was soft, careful not to push him over the edge. “I’m not lying. I’m not seeing anyone right now. I haven’t been on a date in weeks, and even that was just one lunch date. Nothing happened before or after.”

Caleb’s jaw tensed and he nodded along as she spoke. “Yeah. Sure.” He shot up, the metal chair screaming across the floor in his wake. “Just enjoy bending over for whatever barbarian who wanders by with a dick. We had a good thing and if you ever come to your senses, I might forgive you for all this.”

“Wait, please.” She murmured, touching his arm lightly. “I don’t want it to end like this, Caleb.”

“If you wanted a different ending, you shouldn’t have done this.” He roughly pulled his arm back, leaving her hand hovering in the air at the absence. “Do whatever you want with the condo. The pharmaceutical industry is just a little more lucrative than lifeguarding.” Caleb threw in sarcastically. “I don’t need the money so just keep it to set up whatever better life you think you have.”

Storming out, several patrons watched Lucy attempt to regain her composure following the dramatic spiral. “Sorry, miss, for the wait.” A waiter spoke awkwardly, placing two drinks on her table. “Um… I also brought you some treats…” he said, delicately placing a small box on the table. She peered at the pink box, reading a note scrawled on the top in thick black marker: Hope this makes you smile.

“Oh-“ Lucy raised a sleeve to dab her nose and hold in any tears attempting to make a break from her eyes. “Thank you… I appreciate it a lot.”

The waiter dropped his head slightly. “I didn’t mean to listen in, but… I think you’re doing a good thing and you deserve so much better. I can tell.”

Lucy’s mouth moved to one side of her face in a contorted, forced half-smile. “Thank you.” She said again, quieter this time as the waiter retreated back to the kitchen.

| Tamara: How’d it go? You ok?

The message was a welcome distraction from the events that had transpired and Lucy quickly responded to meet up alongside a picture of her gifted treat box.

| Tamara: 100%. I’ll see you at your house!

With a deep breath to re-inflate herself to movement once more, Lucy gathered her things, sure to drop a tip in the jar on her way out. Her mind was still swirling well after she’d climbed back into her car. However, as painful as the encounter had been, Lucy found herself turning on playful music and tapping along to the beat against the leather steering wheel. The weight was gone and Lucy was free. There was no doubt that the evening would hold plenty of tears with Tamara to grieve the past and the person who was lost for so long. But now, there was hope. And for the first time in a while, she felt in control of her future.

Chapter Text

Tim splashed a shockingly cold, yet necessary burst of water at his face. It had been four hours since they first made contact with Hajek’s men, and he wished his doppleganger was a man of more refinement and discipline with each glance at a reflection and subconscious, greasy swipe against his hair. That would be easier to impersonate. He had a long history of concealing his emotions. Except now, with high stakes, he had to channel any anxieties through Jake’s carefree persona and feign pretending to not catch on to things.

Three light knocks on the bathroom door sent Tim into defense mode. Fully expecting Lyon or one of the others to come bursting in, he gripped the counter. “Tim.” Ashley exhaled, rushing in and locking the door behind her.

“What’s wrong?” He came close, speaking low to maintain secrecy. “Are you compromised?”

She shook her head. “No-no… it’s nothing like that. Rosalind Dyer escaped. Nolan was on her detail and all I heard was that an officer got killed. Could it be-“

Unwilling to entertain the idea, Tim stopped the spiral. “Lopez is waiting for us to check in. She’ll tell us if there’s something we need to know about.” Tim softened under her fearful gaze. “Last time we saw Rosalind she got under your skin and took some personal shots at your dad. If knowing she’s out is too much and you’re not 100% in the game, it’ll get you killed.”

“Yeah- I know… I just-“ Ashley began her slurry of excuses, locked onto his worried blue eyes. “I’m fine. I can do this.”

He searched for a sense of hesitation, but couldn’t find one in her newly found determined stare. “Okay. If you change your mind, just say the word.”

Vigorous knocking rumbled the door and a gruff voice called over the symphony of slot machines and Vegas patrons. “Yo, finish up. Lyon’s got the keys and doesn’t like waiting.”

Tim raised an eyebrow, jutting his thumb towards the door curiously. “What’s that about?”

Pulling her lips inward, Ashley retrained her eyes on the checkered bathroom tiles. “I told them seeing you on the job always got me hot…” Turning quickly for the door, she waved him off. “Sorry. It was just the first excuse I thought of.”

“Wait.” Tim grabbed her arm. “We’re supposed to be hooking up in here. You bathed in glitter and lipgloss, there’s no way I wouldn’t have gotten that on me.”

“Oh…” Ashley looked up at him, suddenly wishing they’d discussed this possibility before going undercover.

He awkwardly pulled her in, pressing their bodies together. “Sorry, this might be… touchy.” He said, his chin pointed up respectfully at first while his hands roamed over her arms. “We should also… uh… you know…”

Ashley’s eyes widened. “Oh- right. Yes.” She agreed as they leaned in tentatively and pressed their lips together. The kiss was sweeter than she had expected it to be, softer, and her hands crept up absent mindedly into his slick hair. His hands continued caressing around her shoulders, intentionally untucking the back of her shirt in the process as he pushed his mouth forward with more force. 

“Okay” Tim pulled back, brushing his shoulder to knock the sleeve further down his arm and smearing some of the lipgloss residue further along his jaw. “That’s good. Yeah-“ he checked out Ashley’s appearance, satisfied with their level of disheveled. “Yeah. Let’s do this.”

“Uh-okay.” She mumbled still dizzy from what just happened and pushing down any and all feelings she may still have.

“About time you two showed up.” Lyon grunted. Sway stood a few feet behind, mouthing a nice with an encouraging hand signal. “Room keys.” Lyon waved several cards in his hand and began passing them out. “Wisco and I are on either side of you. Sway's across the hall. We have some time, so rest up.”

Ashley raised her arms joyously, “Who sleeps in Vegas? We’re hitting the clubs like old times, right Jake?” Tim played along, pulling Ashley in at her waist, understanding the potential cover to meet Lopez later.

Resembling a strict parent, Lyons wagged a finger at them. “No. You’re staying close. You’re staying sharp.” He warned.

Before either could protest, a long-haired cocktail waitress stormed up to the group, settling her tray haphazardly on a nearby slot machine. “Jake!” She began calling out. Lyon hadn’t noticed her yet, but Ashley and Tim were already cautiously eyeing her approach. Nowhere in their research had someone who looked like her come up, but here she was, shouting his name.

When she was finally in his face, Tim looked to Ashley who gave a subtle shake of her head to let him know she also didn’t recognize the petite woman. “Uh- hey girl!” He greeted in a voice he had literally never heard from himself before.

With a spiteful hand on her hip, Melanie could barely contain the venom she wanted to unleash on him. “Oh, don’t “hey girl” me. You weren’t even going to look at me.” She fumed, poking at his chest. “Didn't I tell you the next time I saw you I'd light that greasy hair of yours on fire?” She gestured at his hair and then trailed to his waist. “You lost a lot of weight, huh?” She slapped the back of her hand against his abs.

“Oh. Hey, hello. Back off.” Ashley pushed between them, using her height to intimidate her away.

Unimpressed, Melanie simply examined her nails and pushed right back. “You must be the new skank.” She said with a short laugh punctuating her words.

Never in her life had anyone called her a skank and Ashley felt genuine irritation at the sentiment. “Excuse me?” She asked, about to escalate the situation till Lyon stepped between them.

“That’s enough.” He said, letting Wisco know to escort Melanie away. Lyon turned to Ashley and Tim, unsettled by the attention. “You two need to keep a low profile. The last thing we want is for you to get arrested over some B.S. with an ex.”

Tim attempted to defuse the situation, wrapping an arm around Ashley. “We’ll be on our best behavior. Scouts honor.”

Not believing the chaotic duo, Lyon shoved a room key at them. “Please. Just… stay out of trouble.”

Expecting another key, but not receiving one, Ashley spoke up. “Uh- where’s mine?”

“You two can figure it out. I assumed after the bathroom incident, it wouldn’t be a problem.”

“Yo. No problem… “ Tim moved in. “But my main girl, Sava… she wouldn’t like it if she knew I shared a room with Elle. Y’know. Bad blood and all that.”

Lyon patted Tim’s shoulder. “Don’t tell her then. And some advice: keep it in your pants the rest of the night.”

Ashley hung on to Tim. “Sounds like we’ll have some quality time tonight. Let’s hit the casino and see if we can get lucky three times.” She purred, pulling Tim away to the tables.

She gripped his arm tight while they crossed the room, her nerves finally bubbling to the surface. “Mind if we sit in?” Tim asked Angela as they already began taking a seat.

“It’s a free country.”

The dealer began handing out the cards and Angela slid a burner to Tim along with them. “Target’s Leonard Madris.” He confirmed.

Angela nodded subtly, organizing her cards. “Madris knows where everything in Roman Krupka’s operation is buried— and everyone.” She added with an eyebrow raise. “Where is he? I’ll have Vegas P.D. pick him up.”

“They haven't told us. We make our move first thing in the morning. We won't know anything until we're en route.”

Struggling to fully focus on Madrid, Ashley was compelled to check in on the troubles back home. “What happened with Rosalind? Is Nolan okay?”

“Nolan’s fine. Rosalind hired a psychopath lawyer who helped her kill a deputy and escape.” Angela preemptively reassured what she knew to be Ashley’s main concern. “We already have your dad at the station and protective details on everyone we think Rosalind might be after.” Angela gave Tim the side eye. “If you need to pull the ripcord, I understand.”

Tim looked at Ashley for confirmation, unsure of her needs, but trusting her judgment. “I’m good.” She said.

“Okay. I'll contact Vegas P.D., and with any luck, they'll get a location on Madris tonight so we can snatch up your crew before bullets start flying.”

Tim helped Ashley up, leaning toward Angela for a final message. “And if you don’t catch him in time, we’ll get creative.” He whispered close to Ashley. “Remember: our priority is saving lives, even if we lose Madris.” With a final nod, Tim led Ashley away, toying with a few slot machines under the eyes of Lyon who had them tightly in his view.

“He doesn’t trust us.” Ashley breathed, glancing up to Tim’s brightly illuminated face.

He smiled broadly and hollered at her excitedly as a small flood of change erupted. “Stay cool. Don’t let them catch you off guard.” He said, never breaking his grin.

Gathering up the change, her eyes looked between the questionable floor and their observers. “Right. Right. I’ve never been surveilled like this before… it’s unsettling.”

“Yeah. I know.” Tim pulled her close to his body with a firm hand on her waist and dipped his head against her neck, obscuring his mouth within long, silky blonde curls. “Let’s go up to the room. We'll check for bugs, but we can strategize easier there.” His voice echoed into her flesh, the warmth bringing a shiver to her body.

Tim guided Ashley through the crowded room, one hand intertangled with hers and the other clutching their cup of meager winnings. Lyon was trained on them, acknowledging them as they passed. “Finally ready to give up on trouble?”

Giving Ashley’s hand a gentle squeeze and pressing a sweet kiss to her knuckles, he raised his eyebrows suggestively. “Just getting up to a new kind of trouble. See you in the morning.”

Lyon waved them off with irritation. “Just don’t stay up too late.”

“Yo. I swear we’re legit professionals.” He said as the elevator doors opened to welcome them in.

As the elevator rumbled around them Tim dropped Ashley’s hand and blew out a long, anxious breath. Once they’d entered the lush room, Ashley felt she could finally breathe as well and Tim resorted to his creature comforts, turning on whatever game or post-game show he could find.

However, while the leather sofa offered the comfort he desired, even within the confines of their room, Tim felt watchful eyes upon him. At first he ignored it, assuming anxiety. But after Lopez’s call confirming they’d located Madris, he expected the tension to subside. “You okay?” He asked, turning back to Ashley.

“Tim-“ she wrung her hands together. “Can we talk about it?”

Lines emerged across Tim’s forehead as he muted the tv and he stood, resting his hands on his belt. “Talk about what? Madris? Lopez said they had it covered. They’ll be here soon.”

“No. Not that… The bathroom at the casino, at the slot machines… I-I dont know… it just doesn’t feel like pretend. Not to me…” she admitted shyly.

Memories raced through and Tim cursed himself for every event that led to now, thinking back to the night at the restaurant. Her name began to form in his mouth when a vicious knock demanded their attention. Cautiously approaching, he checked through the peephole while Ashley stood by.

“Hey, Jake!” She rapped again. “Hey, Jake! I know you’re in there.”

He had barely unlocked the door, expecting the biggest problem to be preventing what was likely a rightfully scorned woman from pulling too much attention to them. Instead, Tim was sent tumbling to the ground. “Hey buddy.” Lyon greeted with a swift kick to the side, rolling Tim to his stomach to zip tie his hands. “This girl says you’re not Jake.”

From the corner of his eye, Tim saw a sliver of blonde hair whisk around the corner. Getting her service weapon. Smart. “Go find the girl. Don’t kill her yet.” Lyon growled.

“No, you got this all wrong. Chick hasn't seen me in forever. I lost weight. So what?” He argued loudly beneath Lyon and Sway.

“She said you guys hooked up three weeks ago. You had quite the gut.” Lyon was a smart guy. You had to be to achieve the level of responsibility and respect he had. However, more than smart, Lyon was also brutal. Another necessary trait, and the one Tim was more concerned about.

Before this moment, he never regretted not developing more charisma. However, in situations like this one, all you had were words and they completely failed him. Staring dumbfounded at Lyon, Tim struggled to channel Nolan, but as the stars aligned in his favor, gunshots rang out and blood burst from Sway and Lyon, both of whom crumpled quickly and groaned in pain. “You okay?” Ashley advanced with her cuffs, sweat streaked from her forehead leaving bare skin rivers snaking through the glitter.

“I’ll live.” Tim groaned, taking a moment to gather his senses and question the lifestyle he chose.

“Hands behind your back! Do it now! Hands behind your back!” Ashley flickered between her target and Tim. She was of course relieved he was okay, however she wouldn’t deny that she selfishly felt grateful about their discovery and for Jake’s cross-state flings. The premature event meant she could return home, distance herself from her mortifying confrontation, and bathe until every sparkly speck was eliminated.

Saturday 2:47 pm
Lucy: Well, it’s done. I’m honestly a mess, so maybe it’s better you didn’t see me today.

Lucy: Not that it means I’m hung up on him…

Lucy: Was that weird?

Lucy: Never mind. I’m pulling into my driveway now and hanging with Tamara tonight. Looking forward to talking in person!

Sunday 8:08 am
Lucy: I saw a dog today who looked just like you. I’m bummed I didn’t get a picture.

Lucy: Ah! I forgot you don’t have a phone! Sorry for the spam. Hope everything is going well with whatever it is you’re doing!

“Tim, I love you. Let’s run away together.” Lopez said dreamily, reminding Tim why he ever needed a no personal business rule. “You two seeing each other tonight?”

Peering up at the digital clock, he shook his head. “No. It’s already past midnight.” Sensing Lopez’s opposition, he worked quickly to alleviate any concerns. “I’ll call her tomorrow. You should focus on getting back to your family, I’ll catch you in the morning.”

“You better. I know where you live.” Lopez said, pointing at her own eyes and then back at him menacingly.

“Actually, Lopez. Did you see Ashley?”

“Yeah. She took off pretty quick.” Lopez narrowed her eyes. “Did something happen while you were undercover?”

Too tired to come up with an excuse, Tim decided to tell the truth of everything that happened from when they first stepped on the plane till the moment Hajek’s men burst into the room, leaving out the unintentional double date. “It seemed like she wanted to talk about it.”

Lopez shrugged. “It’s possible… it’s also possible she got caught up in the moment and never wants to talk about it again. You should let her decide and try not to kiss her again.”

With an eyeroll and a curt goodnight, he waved her off with a lazy hand, one hand formed loosely around his bag’s strap. The station was shockingly at ease. Even if night shifts were objectively the worst, there were plenty of times when Tim could appreciate the slow moments — dare he say: quiet.

Luckily, the calm of the station was also true for his commute home and, in a record-breaking 21 minutes, his truck was once more securely tucked within the boundaries of its concrete bed. With every action that carried him closer to sleep, he felt his weight become heavier. If he hadn’t been so tired, he might’ve sprinted inside the moment the doorknob turned, allowing the cool A/C to wash over the threshold.

Tim turned instinctively to lock the door and his brain slowly caught up with him. It wasn’t locked. His blood ran cold. Tricia had never forgotten to lock up in the hundreds of times she’s come over to check on Kojo.

Senses returned with heightened awareness and his eyes swept the minimally illuminated entry. Kojo. He realized the furry terror was nowhere to be found which was extremely unusual for any prolonged absence, but especially one that lasted several days. Tim quieted his breathing and stealthily drew his service weapon to check out the rest of the home.

He went on, clinging tight against each wall before swiftly turning a corner, seeing the alarm was also disabled. A soft light radiated from around the corner confirming his suspicion. Someone is here.

Tim steeled his nerves during the final advance, seeing two sneakers crouched behind a pantry, rifling through items. “Show me your hands!” He shouted, gun firmly trained on the suspect. As intended, the invader fell back in surprise, raising their hands in the air and ducking their head down. Then Tim saw it. A glint off of their finger. Not an intruder. “Lucy?”

Flipping a switch on with his non-gun hand, the room lit up to show it was in fact, not an invader or a suspect. “Tim! You scared the crap out of me.” Lucy exhaled anxiously and removed her AirPods. “I guess I scared the crap out of you too. Didn’t Tricia tell you?” She asked as Kojo popped his head over the side of the couch.

With raised eyebrows, Tim finally felt his body relax once more, setting the weapon aside carefully. “Clearly not. You know this is a no dogs on the sofa house.”

“Kojo is a son. He’d always be welcome on my sofa.”

Tim chuckled. “Oh he knows.” He said, sliding down beside her. “So what did you do with Tricia?”

“She’s sick and gave me a call after she couldn’t reach you. She thought since you were okay giving me a key, it would be quicker than doing a bunch of background checks on replacements.”

Tim swiped through his messages, reviewing a few buried texts to see Tricia had in fact given him a heads up. “Sorry.” He turned her hand over in his. “I never want to point a weapon at you again.”

“No no no. It’s okay. You were trained to react like that. I was the one trying to steal a snack from you so maybe it was warranted.” Lucy joked.

Pulling her close, Tim rested on the top of her head. “It’s nice to see you. Even if you are a thief.” After a brief pause, he murmured low. “I thought about you— us — a lot —and I’m all in if you’re ready to give it a try.” A uneasy lump grew in his throat when Lucy didn’t answer the moment the words escaped him. “What do you think?”

“I think…” she sat up and drew out the suspense, bringing a finger to her chin and tapping lightly. “I think you were going to ask me something.”

The corners of Tim’s mouth pulled down. As retribution for her torment. “I can’t remember.” He lied.

Leaning closer, Lucy hummed. “Don’t make me hurt you.”

As if she could truly take him on, but Tim conceded to her demands nonetheless. “Do you want to go out on a date?”

Lucy’s lips bunched at the corner, previous terror forgotten, and soon transformed into a smile. “Yeah, I do.”

Chapter Text

“Bradford.” Grey tossed a bag on Tim’s desk, a delicious scent wafting as it collided. “Breakfast sandwich from that place Marshall picked for the sergeant’s meeting. You’ll thank me later.”

Grease stains already formed at the base of the bag. A sure sign of an unhealthy, but delicious start to his morning. “Appreciate it. Did I miss anything important?”

“Not really. People are overworked, we need more resources, Ned was going on again about some outdated software.” Grey crossed over, sitting on the edge of Tim’s desk. “What I’d like to know is how you missed a meeting for the first time because of traffic.”

Tim’s jaw tensed and he stuttered through his excuse in a hushed tone. “I was coming from Lucy’s house.”

Grey’s eyes sparkled, pleased with the reason. “So you really like this girl.”

Unlatching his clasped hands, Tim unrolled the enticing, crumpled brown bag. “Yeah. I do.”

Ashley walked towards the two, distracted from her earlier path by the scent. “Wow. My dad would love that.”

With each piece of foil pulled back, strong scents of bacon, eggs, and other tasty odors of the best carbs and fats were released. “Maybe I’ll have to treat him to one.” Tim replied, feeling his mouth water as he inched closer.

With a light laugh, Ashley shook her head. “Definitely not. He basically ate only high fat foods and carbs. Went from a six-pack to, well, what he is today by 45. Plus the cholesterol buildup in his heart has gotten so bad and-“

Tim and Grey peered at their respective guts as they listened to Ashley rattle off all of her dad’s ailments. Sighing, he tossed the sandwich aside. “You know. I don’t feel so hungry.” Tim pushed back and started his stride towards his shop. “McGrady, ready to roll?” He asked rhetorically, only slowing his speed when he failed to hear her follow. “What?”

“Actually, Tim… I-“ she wound her hands tight together.

“Officer Thorsen will be riding with you today.” Grey interjected. “He’ll benefit from learning from an experienced patrol officer.”

Hesitating for a moment, he conceded. Tilting his chin up Tim located Thorsen, motioning for him to follow. “I’ll see you later.”

Grey crossed his hands as a sigh drifted from his body, watching the two disappear. “He needs to know.”

“I know. It’ll come from me.”

“Good. Sergeant Bradford has always been honest with you. He deserves the same.” Grey advised as he returned to his office.

Thoughts swirled in her mind and she could only utter a weak yes, sir. Of course Tim deserved to know and she should have told him already. But, the anxiety that mounted anytime she came close to sharing the truth left her wondering if it would be better to say nothing at all.

“What’s on your mind, Thorsen?” Tim asked, eyes trained on the road.

Aaron’s posture was uncomfortably straight as he remained on high alert, never daring to allow his vision to cross Tim. “Uh-nothing. Sir.”

Tim had ridden with a lot of rookies in his time, and at one time— a long time— most of the time— he reveled in their discomfort. Now? Maybe he was just having a good day, but he was feeling oddly… sympathetic. “I know I’ve been a hard ass, but you can relax. You’re no good on the streets if you’re all wound up.”

Nodding furiously, Aaron willed a topic to come to mind. “Cool, cool… So… How’s Lucy?” He asked and immediately regretted it, remembering the first rule of riding with Tim was no personal chatter.

“It’s good.” Tim responded to Aaron’s surprise.

Taking advantage of the moment, Aaron pressed further. “How long has it been now?”

“Three months and a few days. Lucy has this quarterly check-in plan set up to see how we’re doing and what we’d like to try or need to improve. We’re getting together tonight to celebrate and go over it.”

Aaron’s eyes were wide at the fact he learned more about Tim’s current personal life directly from Tim in the last two minutes than he had in the last 6 months. “Well that sounds… incredibly healthy.”

“Yeah. Her parents were psychiatrists.” He replied, his voice becoming distant at the sight forming before him. “Burglary. 10:00.” He alerted. “7-Adam-100. We got a burglary in progress. 4-9-1-9-2.” In what felt like seconds, Tim transitioned from relaying the situation to pursuing a suspect on the street, calling after him.

Sounds of sirens echoed ahead to cut off the thief and Ashley emerged, ready to block as Tim swiftly tackled him. “Get off of me!” The thief demanded, which Tim shockingly complied with through several exclamations of pain.

“It’s okay, it’s okay. I got it.” Ashley said while grabbing her cuffs. “Are you alright?” It was impossible not to be worried to see his breathlessness and the sweat along his brow, which, after hundreds of takedowns and chases, Ashley knew couldn’t be attributed to the short scene she witnessed.

Tim held his hands firmly on his duty belt, taking sharp, short breaths. “Yeah. Yeah. I’m fine. Just tweaked my back on the takedown.” His posture unconvincing as he leaned forward in an attempt to gain relief. To his dismay, lightning ran along his spine with the movement, sending him flying upright with a yelp.

“You’re not fine.” Ashley said in a forceful voice. “You’re in agony. We’re taking you to the hospital.” The moment the handcuffs clicked, Ashley was already rushing to assist Thorsen. “We need to take Tim to the hospital. I’ll meet you there after I help process these guys.” Ashley said, walking back to the suspect who was still belly down. “Take care of him.” She added quietly.

Aaron nodded, jogging back to Tim to offer an awkward, supporting arm to help him into the shop. Despite assuring he didn't need the assistance, Tim was doing himself no favors with the myriad of groans that escaped with each movement no matter how big or small. They barely made it down the street when Nolan’s voice carried through the radio to request additional units at St. Stephen’s. “Turn the shop around, Thorsen. We’re going to St. Stephen’s.” Tim commanded.

Looking between his superior officer and the road, Aaron filled with uncertainty. “Uh-sir. We should get you to the hospital like right now. Shaw is closer and-“

“We’re going to St. Stephen’s.” Tim repeated with a growl. Without further need to argue, the tires squealed under the weight of the shop taking a sharp U-turn.

With every bump in the cracked blacktop and debris strewn on the road, Tim questioned his insistence on driving ten minutes further. If not for the constant ache, Tim might have leapt with relief when they finally arrived. “Nolan.” 

“You okay?” Nolan asked, not missing the exceptionally strained expression on Tim’s face.

Waving his hand, he tried to convince others, and perhaps himself, it was no big deal. “What—What’s the lockdown status?”

“Uh- we got everything checked off the list, but— sorry. Are you actually okay?” Nolan pushed.

Before Tim could lie object again, Aaron jumped in. “Sergeant Bradford is actually here as a patient. You need to call Sergeant Grey and let him know we’ll need someone else here as a supervisor.”

“I’m fine-“ he could barely get the words out as a shout took over. “Oh, okay-“ he faltered, allowing Aaron and Nolan to ease him into a chair. “-okay. I’m not fine. Get me a doctor.” Celina moved swiftly to alert nearby medical personnel who were already suspicious about the events. “Aaron. Do me a favor.” He said as the nurses wheeled him away. “Don’t let anyone call Lucy. This is probably just-“ his body shook involuntarily. “-a muscle spasm. It’ll pass and I don’t want to worry her.”

“Uh- yeah. Yes, sir.” Aaron agreed, watching Tim get taken to the back before retreating to join Nolan.

Waves of pain ebbed and flowed, but one thing was certain. The “spasms'' weren't receding as hoped. He was vaguely aware of conversations around him and only focused enough to consent to various drugs, exams, and other scans. By the time they brought him to a patient room, he was really sure of how much time had passed. Only that the suspect was still on the loose, and here he was: useless in a bed with some low-dose painkillers.

“Hey. Just looking for bad guys… How are you doing?” Ashley called out softly.

Tim raised the bed to face her more easily. Finding himself a little embarrassed to be bed bound alongside his former boot. “Well, it’s all clear here.” He joked. “And, I’m fine… So, Nolan’s leaving a cop on every floor?”

“Yes. We’ve been cops for a little longer than ten seconds. We can handle this.” Ashley bit back with unfamiliar grit. “Tim. I’m sorry, I didn’t-“

Completely oblivious to any conversations, the doctor strode in with his eyes glued to the iPad he had gripped firmly in one hand. “Hey doc. What’s the word?” Tim greeted.

“When we took that bullet out a few years back, there was a fragment that was too complicated to remove.” The doctor began, opening a file while he spoke. “The pain you’re experiencing is because the fragment has migrated closer to your spinal column and is pressing up against a nerve. We’ll need to do surgery to remove it.”

Surgery. Spinal. The weight of what his doctor was saying swirled, but the growing sensation in his back compelled Tim to push forward without hesitation. “Okay-uh-when?”

“Tim. You’re not going to ask about potential complications?” Ashley questioned gently.

The doctor nodded supportively. “Well, we are talking about the spine. So… yes. It’s risky. But, it’s laparoscopic. So if all goes well, he’ll be home by dinner.”

The conditional point raising alarm for all in the room suddenly announced itself by a new voice. “If?” Lucy. Tim stared forward, brown eyes that glowed with warmth held something a little different. Fear perhaps, and certainly a tinge of annoyance.

The doctor shifted to the left, making room for Lucy. “I know it’s scary.” He soothed. “But leaving the fragment in place is much riskier.”

Lucy rocked in her heels, nibbling the bottom of her lip. She was sure the doctor was right, but his assurance did little to quell her anxiety. Tim’s eyes shifted to the doctor to respond resolutely about the surgery and then flickered back to Lucy. “You should’ve told me.” She whined. “You’re lucky I remembered where my spare key was. If I missed seeing you before surgery, I might’ve hit you the next time I saw you.” Lucy said, exasperated.

Tim raised a quizzical brow. “You would’ve hit me? Right out of surgery?”

Against her better judgment, seeing him in the hospital bed, she decided to herself to take it easy on him and pulled her lips inward to physically restrain any kind of sassy response.

“Uh-I’m going to get back to the search.” Ashley announced, stepping backwards toward the door and stopping to squeeze Lucy’s arm on the way out. “It’s going to be okay. Especially now that he’s got you.” Her eyes shone sympathetically.

Lucy covered Ashley’s cool hand with her own. “Thanks for calling.” She said as Ashley released her gentle grasp, disappearing to continue patrol. “So… is this from the time you were shot and it was “no big deal.””

“It wasn’t. I was fine.”

Lucy made her way to the edge of Tim’s bed. “Clearly not. And it’s not cool to say it wasn’t a big deal when Ashley saved your ass that day. Her first day. It was a huge deal.”

Tim smiled broadly, preparing something in response when Ashley’s call for help echoed through the room. Reflexively, he reached to pull back the sheets only to have a hand roughly push him back down. “You need to stay here. I’ll go check it out.” Lucy commanded.

Before he could protest, Lucy had already sprinted out of view and Tim cursed himself for not stopping her. Thankfully, Lucy’s long, dark waves made their appearance soon after and urgent voices of hospital staff emerged from around the corner. “What’s going on?”

She stood smirking. “Ahh… you’re about to find out.” Tim watched her, barely having a moment to consider the scenarios when all was revealed: Grey, clutching his abdomen and groaning as two nurses loaded him onto another bed in Tim’s room along with a bag of IV fluids prepped.

“What happened?”

Grey rolled back and forth, holding still barely long enough for the nurse to successfully place the IV. “Food poisoning.”

“Ah. Good thing I missed the meeting then. Food poisoning is no joke.”

On the brink of vomiting, Grey did all he could to restrain himself. “Marshall can never pick the breakfast place ever again.” He said, feeling nausea creep up from his stomach. “Never.” He croaked, curling to his side.

Lucy resumed her positioning at Tim’s side, looking between the two, sorry men and then up at Ashley who had come back to check in on Grey. “This is kind of fun. It’s like a sleepover.”

Unsure whether the right or left side offered more relief, Grey’s moans and shifting continued in a feeble attempt to help his nausea subside. “Should I call the nurse?” Ashley asked, reaching forward.

“No, no, no. You need to get Janssen on the phone right now and put him in charge. If he doesn’t answer, you need to find him and make sure he knows.”

Ashley stared blankly, uttering a string of what’s before Tim and Grey took pity to fill her in. “Because if we’re both out of commission…”

“Based on seniority…”

Tim gritted out the final piece that sent Ashley clamoring for her phone and rushing back out. “Smitty’s in charge.”

Observing the heightened stress, Lucy mused. “He can’t be that bad, right? I mean… didn’t you say he’s been on the force forever?”

“He is. And he has been.” Grey said. “Actually, maybe if he did work as acting sergeant for a day, he’d retire.”

Horrified by the notion, Tim shut down the thought. “No. We’d all be in tropical shirts and trading our service weapons for t-shirt cannons.”

Grey sighed. “Yeah, I know. He’s never going to retire.”

“Are you thinking of retiring?” Ashley asked directly, surprised at the conversation she stumbled into. “I mean, I guess with your injury, you could retire right now if you wanted.”

Before Tim had a chance to respond, Grey was already nodding along. “Are you trying to get rid of me?” He asked, offended.

Toying with the phone in her hand, Ashley reflected on her father’s retirement. “My dad waited too long to call it quits. He can’t do any of the things he planned on.”

Tim felt himself drifting to the edges of the conversation as Grey and Ashley went on about the logistical advantages of retirement. And though he could admit it seemed like a good deal given the circumstances, there was something that didn’t feel right.

A voice called his name and Tim gazed down at Lucy. “Is this something you want?” She asked. “I know you love this job.”

“I-I don’t know. I haven’t decided.”

Recognizing Tim’s rising anxiety, Grey changed the subject. “Did you talk to Janssen?”

“Uh-yes, sir. He was about to return to patrol, but is working with Smitty now.”

“What do you mean “working with Smitty.””

“Janssen didn’t think he could do it all on his own and said he would split the work with Smitty…” Ashley’s voice trailed as she thought about the implications. “I should go.”

Raising his brows, he confirmed her suspicion. “Yeah. You should.” Grey said, sending Ashley flying out the room once more. As the room settled, a noticeable tension lingered. “You know, Tim. She’s one of the best surgeons in the country.” Grey broke the silence, his voice taking on a fatherly characteristic.

“I’m not worried.” Betraying his words, his hand tightened reflexively around Lucys.

Squeezing back, Lucy searched his face for any other cracks in his exterior. “It’s okay if you are.”

“Eh, it’s just a little spinal surgery. Might be fine. Might paralyzed for life. Excited to find out which.” He stated sarcastically and then hissed as he attempted to stand. “I’m gonna go stretch my legs while I still can.”

Lucy made an effort to help him up, which he tried to resist. “I’ll go with you.”

The nerve in his back willed him to submit to her soft insistence, but Tim couldn’t allow it. “No. It’s fine.” He said, beginning to hobble away and trying to recoup some dignity. “And who knows, maybe it’ll be my last walk alone.” Tim added darkly.

Gripping the billowy hem of her sleeve felt like the only way to prevent physically reaching out to Tim. “He’s always been like this. Actually, he has relaxed over the years if you can believe it.” Grey said suddenly. “When we first met, he was just a rookie. Rule abiding, stoic, never smiled except when he was—well, that’s not important.”

“When he was with Isabel.”

”Yeah.” Pulling together whatever energy had been recovered, Grey inched himself further up on the pillow. “Even when they were together, he acted with a lot of restraint…. I think you’ve helped him open up. It’s been good for him. You have been good for him.”

“Thanks for saying that. I know Isabel leaving was… hard. He doesn’t talk about her much.” Lucy fell into a swarm of imaginings of Tim in a previous life. A life with Isabel. She considered taking advantage of the alone time she had with Grey when metal clattering across tiles and echoes of grunts sounded through the hall. “What was that?” Lucy was already taking quick strides, her hair whipping around the corner.

“Wait. Lucy. There’s a suspect in the hospital. I can’t let you go out there.” He feebly tried to call, dragging himself after her.

“Oh my god. Tim!” Moving on instinct, Lucy ran at Tim who was slumped over helplessly, putting herself right in the path of the towering suspect who, despite his injuries, bowled her over with ease causing her to collide roughly against the hard ground.

Grey cradled his still aching stomach as he inched closer, only to be slammed into the wall and crumpling to the floor alongside Tim and Lucy. “It’s the shooter.” Tim groaned to his doctor, any other words exchanged registering as white noise. “Where’s Lucy? Is she okay?” He asked, looking around with the minimal mobility he was granted.

Falling to his side, Lucy hovered cautiously. “I’m here, I’m here. I’m okay.” Tim looked at her relieved for the most fleeting moment before collapsing back at the wall. “I’m going to go call Ginny and I will be right back.” She pressed firmly into the cold ground and tore herself from the scene. The sounds of the doctor’s urgent decisionmaking and Tim’s agony made taking even a few steps in the opposite direction heartbreaking.

The phone rang for less than a second when Ginny picked up with a shaky greeting, already suspicious of what the call would hold. “Tim’s being prepped right now for emergency surgery. There was an accident and the fragment migrated closer to his spine. I’m not sure how long it’ll be. You should come down when you can.” Lucy said.

Ginny took a sharp breath in an attempt to soothe her frazzled state. “I-I can’t. I’m meeting my ex tonight to let the boys have dinner with him. It’s an hour away and they’d be crushed... I won’t be able to get there until the morning.” Her voice was higher than normal, clear with nerves. “God. I knew I shouldn’t have believed Tim was he said he’d be back by tonight.”

Lucy hushed her soothingly. “It’s okay. Tim will understand. He’ll probably be pretty tired after surgery. Morning will be great.”

“Lucy. Please stay with him… he can’t wake up alone… again.” Ginny’s voice drifted. “When he was shot a few years ago… back then, he was a hardass. More of a hardass. He didn’t have many people close to him. Talia and Angela visited when they could, Grey too. But when I got there—a full day after his surgery—I was his first visitor. I-I can’t let that happen again.” She cleared her throat, speaking with more authority. “I need to know you’ll be there. Please.” Her voice cracked with desperation beginning to leak out.

Eyes searching for signs of familiar doctors or, more ideally, an unusually tousled and slightly buzzed haircut, Lucy nodded resolutely. “Of course. I’ll be here.”

Vague beeping sounds and cool air flowing through his nose slowly came into focus. As his eyelids were finally willing to open, the sight of light blonde waves hovered close. “The doctor said they got the bullet fragment. There’s nothing to worry about.” She reported.

”That’s great. Never thought I’d be so happy to feel pain in my life.” He breathed out. He knew the joke was minimal, but was surprised by her reaction and the stress that seemed to roll off of her. “You okay?”

Momentarily surprised by his concern, Ashley shrugged. This would be the moment. “No. There’s something I have to tell you... You know, my dad was so proud I wanted to be a cop. But, after the academy, I knew it wasn’t right for me. I was going to quit and I told him that and he was supportive… but… then I met you and it made it feel worth it.” Ashley tightened her hands into fists. “Tim, I-I love you. I’ve been… in love with you. And, I’ll probably be in love with you longer than I’d like…” Once her confession started, she knew her nerve would never be stronger even if only rejection was waiting. “I-is there… any chance you feel the same.”

Buzzing with what she was sharing, Tim was speechless. Shocked and feeling like this was a strange dream. Only in dreams, he knew the scratchy sheets, sharp incision pains, and the scared expression on Ashley’s face wouldn’t be so tangible. “Ashley… I- I’m sorry… I-“

Nodding sheepishly, she didn’t need to hear it out loud. “It’s okay... I didn’t think so.” She admitted with a sad laugh. “Today was my last day at Mid-Wilshire.” She said with a shaky breath. “I’m going to take some time off… see what’s next.” Ashley looked at him sympathetically, the beeps and tubes reminding her of poor timing. “Can I get you anything?… Before I go?” She asked, while collecting her things.

Tim shook his head, unsure how to handle what he was hearing let alone make a request of her—especially after everything she just shared. He barely registered her farewell through the fog and all the thoughts that competed for attention: Ashley leaving Mid-Wilshire, her confession, what will recovery look like. Then, the most glaring observation that made his heart sink, and he along with it deeper into his pillow, as his eyes began to glisten. She’s not here. Tim tried to push away the reminders of every other time he found himself at the hospital and how Isabel just… never came. Even before her addiction. There was no reason to believe it should be different.

But, in a twist of fate, it was. “Tim. You’re awake!” Lucy said, rushing beside him. She’s here. She was actually here. Her eyes were full of worry and she brought a soft touch to his arm. He felt like he could breathe. “How are you feeling?”

Despite the recovery pain radiating from his surgical site, Tim couldn’t help but grin sincerely. “I’m good. I’m good. Doctor said I’m going to make a full recovery.”

“That’s good. You know, your sister has been a wreck all day waiting to hear.” She said while tapping a message to Ginny. “She’s probably going to kill me because I wasn’t here when you first woke up.” Lucy scooched a chair closer and pocketed her phone. “Ginny really wanted to be here.” 

Tim’s face fell a bit, feeling as though he understood why she was really here — responsibility. “Luce, I know you didn’t want to spend a whole day here. I appreciate you looking out for me since Ginny couldn’t come, but… Don’t worry about me. You should go home, get some rest, maybe a real meal.”

Rustling a plastic bag that somehow escaped Tim’s perception, Lucy sat up. “I have a real meal — some lentils for you too when you’re ready… And… I’d rather be here. Keeping you company.” She said as she continued to dig into her bag of treats and pulled out a veggie burger. Lucy unwrapped the paper slowly, something clearly on her mind. “Tim… I don’t know what happened with Isabel or what it was like with her or what it’s been like since, but…” abandoning the food to rest on her lap, Lucy grabbed Tim’s hands securely within her own, luring him completely into whatever she was about to say. “You’re not alone. I want to be here for you and I don’t want you to ever feel like you’re a burden… because you’re not.”

Satisfied that her point was made, Lucy happily tucked into her dinner. As he watched the way her hair cascaded down her shoulder and how her head drifted side to side in a small happy dance with each bite, a contented smile grew across his face and every inkling of discomfort faded. This was the woman he was growing to love, perhaps even did love already, and just as she was here for him now, he looked forward to taking every chance to show he’d be there for her too.

Chapter Text

The only thing faster than the speed Lucy’s feet were carrying her across the dew-soaked forest, was her racing heart. She wasn’t sure how she got into this situation — alone — hunted. But she wouldn’t go down as a helpless damsel and with determination, she banished any semblance of helplessness.

Noticing a nearby tree that was heavily shrouded with dead vines, she crawled in and ignored as small twigs and thorns poked and scraped through her clothes. Once she was securely placed in the brush, she finally had a moment to steady her breath and observe her surroundings.

The environment was silent and, in other circumstances, it was even serene; the smell of trees, the sounds of birds, the gentle breeze. Lucy cursed herself for getting into such a situation and perversing the purity of nature. As she scoped the scene, heavy footsteps taking careful, intentional steps a-roaches atop barely perceptible crunchy leaves that whispered the person’s entrance.

As the figure moved closer, camouflaged clothing came into focus. Lucy waited several moments, not daring to breathe until they were firmly in her sights and then she fired two deliberate shots that sent the target stumbling back. Touching where pellets collided against his chest, he cursed under his breath. “Okay, you got me!” He cried out, smearing the bright blue splotches off his glove. “I’m hit!”

Jogging up, Tim kept his weapon close, surveying the area for enemy players. “Luce.” He peered around, unable to spot her, but knowing she must be close based on the man soaked in blue walking away.

Tentatively, she unveiled her position and moved towards him. Tim gave her a hand signal which, if she was honest, she had no real clue what it meant beyond follow me, but she nodded in acknowledgement and took light steps behind him, staying on guard. “Watch out!” In a swift movement, Lucy leapt forward and delivered a leg sweep to disarm a would-be attacker.

Only moments behind, Tim took three decisive shots over her shoulder splattering paint across the opponent’s abdomen.

“Team Delta has been eliminated!” A speaker boomed. “Team Echo is the winner!” Tim made a victorious fist, excited and restrained.

“So, to relax after a long day of getting shot at you like to get… shot at.” Lucy teased, walking close enough to him that their shoulders brushed with every movement.

Tim scoffed, bumping playfully into her. “It’s not really getting shot at. It’s just pretend. You know, you surprised me out there, Chen. You’ve got some moves.”

“I took karate growing up and have a 2nd degree black belt.” Tim’s eyes rose and Lucy blushed, tapping him lightly as a warning to not react. “Now now, I—god it’s embarrassing to admit—I stopped training when I was 21 as the beginning of my rebellion to my parents. I’m pretty out of practice now, but I did love it.”

Staring with his jaw hanging open, he barely mumbled through an okay. “Guess I’ll have to be careful not to piss you off.”

Throwing a few light punches to Tim’s arm, she warned him with a laugh. “That’s right. And, you have the perfect opportunity to stay on my good side by taking me out for lunch.”

“After the beating you just gave me, I’ll do anything.” Tim said while tossing their bags into the bed of his truck. “Just try not to do that too much in public. People might think you’re a bad girlfriend.” He added with a clanging snap of metal on metal from the tailgate closing.

At the silence that followed and a realization of the claim he made, Tim’s felt his chest flood with cool anxiety. Girlfriend. He just called her his girlfriend. As an added sting, the first time he called her that, it was calling her a bad girlfriend. His teeth clamped together in an attempt to ground his body in any way possible and he continued to grip the edge of his truck with white knuckles, fearful of what he’d see when he turned to face her. There was no way she missed that… right? Several seconds — or was it actually hours? — passed and Tim had almost convinced himself his proclamation went unheard. Almost.

“Girlfriend?” She quoted back to him. “You know, Bradford. Who said you could call me your girlfriend? Seems a bit presumptuous.”

Any reasonable semblance of an excuse drained from his body as he stammered through a few ways he could recover from the situation. “I-I didn’t mean… well…” he cleared his throat, closing space between them. “If I were, theoretically, to call you my girlfriend. What would you think?”

Smells of sweat, dirt, and cheap paint rolled off of him. A shower was most definitely needed and with the way his breathing caught as she pressed against him, it was also an activity they were sure to look forward to. “I would think… “ she tapped her chin thoughtfully, unintentionally leaving a faint blue mark behind. “I’d think: wow, this guy is calling me his girlfriend, but never really asked.”

As they hovered near one another, their proximity dared only the slightest wind to be the final push to bring an end to their game. “Lucy Chen. Would you like to be my girlfriend?”

She could feel his breath on her as he spoke, the hairs on her neck tingling in response. “I might have to sleep on it.” Lucy loved how his jaw tensed when she teased him and how the more time they spent together, the more she got to know the micro expressions embedded in his stoicism. Even if it would be fun to draw out the conclusion, she was just as eager as he was for the answer. “Of course, Tim. I want to be your girlfriend.”

He knew she was joking, but even the slightest chance that she could have said no sent him on edge and, in another life, maybe even with another person, he would’ve teased her back. Said something about the offer being expired. But right now, Tim was too excited that she felt the same and there was no hiding the wide grin stretching across his face.

Pressing into her tenderly, he cradled her head and walked them closer to the vehicle till the hard metal cooled the slightest bit of skin peeking from her back. Lucy’s eyes traveled his features, taking in his chiseled lines, the most prominent of which at this moment being the ones that formed at the edges of his mouth and the ones that crinkled with love at the corners of his eyes.

Over the years, Tim had dated a fair number of women; not as many as one might expect due to the overwhelming presence of Isabel for much of his history, but enough to know how Lucy was different. Special. Capturing her lips in a gentle kiss, Lucy pushed forward into it, sighing when Tim responded assertively and gently to bring her head back to rest on the vehicle. “You wanna skip dinner?” She spoke into his kiss.

Breathing heavily into her mouth, barely disconnected, Tim swirled a lock of her hair around his finger. “No. I’m hungry.” he said while he painfully retracted himself from her, opening the passenger door and giving her an assist into the truck as a minor form of retribution. “And you’re gonna need that fuel for later.”

Any measure of disappointment was quickly washed away by his threat and replaced with excitement and an appreciative raise of her brow. “Okay, Sergeant Bradford. Where to?”

Tim scoffed, offended that she’d even ask. Of course he’d take her for sushi. Before her, he’d gone on a few dates to get it, but Isabel was really a female version of him in a lot of ways, and one of those ways was in the “I’ll take a burger and a beer any day” kind of way. Not the best for heart health, but it did make it easier to stay in his comfort zone. The thought of what Tim of five years ago would think about his current adventurous eating lifestyle could only be summarized as shock. Although, he was also fairly certain that, should past Tim get one opportunity to talk to Lucy, he’d understand how expanding his world made sense.

Groaning, Lucy pushed items around within the small bag on her lap. “Lose something?”

Dejected, she pouted and fell back on the seat. “My wallet.”

“Oh- we can go back and look for it.” He said, scouting out opportunities to turn around, irritated by the stream of U-turns crossed out and debating whether or not the ramifications of an illegal u-turn could be justified.

Lucy shook her head. “No. I left my bag in the center console the whole time. I must’ve left it at my house.” Grimacing while she prepared to inconvenience Tim, she prepared her best doe eyes. “I’m so sorry; I wanted to buy tonight. Can we swing by my place real quick?”

“Absolutely not.” Seeing Lucy’s mouth begin to open in protest, Tim hushed her promptly. “If we stop before, we’re not going to be quick and I’ve already worked up an appetite once today. I need to eat before we—you know. Have naked time.”

“Are you threatening hangry Tim?”

Tim grunted. “I’m a grown man. I don’t get “hangry.” I am acknowledging the fact you can’t use that much energy without replenishing the calories lost.”

“Yep. You’re actually starting to sound hangry to me right now.” Refusing to give any credibility to her, Tim maintained full control of the wheel, his gaze fixed on the road. “I literally can’t let you buy again though and I know you’d never let me pay you back” She complained. Sensing his lack of fear, she knew she’d need to raise the stakes. “I need to insist you take me back to my house or… I’ll tell Tamara you took me hostage.”

Lucy’s face was stiff with determination and Tim gulped, succumbing to her demand with a grumbling fine. The only way he could recover in his own mind was by justifying the fact her house was only a few extra minutes out of the way and that he had an emergency stash of protein bars hidden in his truck that could hold him over from becoming not-hangry-but-reasonably-annoyed Tim.

During the drive, Lucy chatted happily about the menu options, but abruptly went quiet as they approached. “What are they doing here…” she uttered, all levity gone. “I’ll be right back.” Unbuckling her seatbelt, she instructed Tim to wait in the truck while she handled whoever sat in the silver Toyota RAV-4 whose mere presence seemed to shake her.

Perhaps it was the need for food, but more likely it was Lucy’s increasing animation at the passenger window and both mystery members of the vehicle about to step out that compelled Tim to ignore her request and hop out as well. “This is what you wore on a date?” An older Asian woman Tim recognized as Lucy’s mom, Vanessa, stated in a tone that was clearly not supportive. A bolt of annoyance shot through the moment Vanessa turned her sights to him. “And you must be the police grunt. Now really, Lucy. You leave a nice man who works a steady safe job in pharmaceuticals for someone who enjoys taking out his aggression on civilians. Yet another inspiring decision.”

“Mom. You don’t know Tim. You definitely didn’t know Caleb if that’s what you think of him, and you barely even know me. Like I said: you can tell me why you’re here or you can leave.” A wave of regret came over her at the severity of her words. “Please.”

Patterns started forming as Tim saw similarities between Lucy and Vanessa. Albeit, the features on her mother were stricter, colder, and uncomfortably trained on him. “We ran into Caleb at the auto shop. When we invited him to dinner he informed us that you two were no longer together. Then we heard you were dating a police officer. Of course, we were worried and drove over to make sure you hadn’t completely lost your mind.” Her voice softened ever so slightly as she touched Lucy’s crossed arm. “Lucy. First you forgo your state licensure to become a beach bunny and now.. throwing away a man who could give you security for… other pursuits.” She said, staring at Tim for the latter part.

Patrick approached with caution, his distrust of law enforcement evident. “You’re in your 30s Lucy. You’re too old to chase dreams wildly or go after fantasy men in uniforms.” Looking at Tim’s narrowed expression he rushed through a short no offense though offense was clearly intended and received. ”This isn’t the strong, independent daughter we raised.”

“That’s enough.” Tim’s blood was boiling. This was not the introduction he had hoped for — not that he had seriously imagined their meeting quite yet — but formalities be damned. If they wouldn’t respect Lucy, he had no desire to respect them. “Your daughter is the kindest woman I’ve ever met. You don’t deserve her time if this is how you treat her.” Only a small-voiced call of Tim stopped him from escalating further.

Lucy stood wide-eyed and deflated. “I think it’s best that you two leave…” Lucy said in a saddened tone as she looked at Tim with an expression that made his heart ache for her. “I’ll come over for dinner this week and we can talk.”

Patrick and Vanessa looked wordlessly at each other, clearly acknowledging a previous decision they had made before confronting Lucy. “Are you set on this?” Patrick asked, waving his hand from the house across to Tim. “You’ve decided to defy us a final time?”

Her mouth hung open, feeling as though she was being transported back to the day she got her neck tattoo, which, admittedly, was an act of defiance. “I-it’s not defiance… I’m trying to live my own life.”

Vanessa looked again to Patrick for confirmation, engaging once more in a secret conversation using a non-verbal language perfected over the years spent together. “We can respect that.” She said icily. “But don’t bother coming over for dinner… or ever again.” Lucy felt her body spin and knives scoring deep cuts, reopening wounds she had believed had long healed. “We hope you find your happiness. However, can’t stand by while you make these decisions.” Vanessa stated resolutely with Patrick adding a curt nod in agreement. “Goodbye, Lucy.” Casting a final glance at the house, Vanessa shook her head disapprovingly as she re-entered the vehicle. “Auntie Amy would be disappointed to have left her home to the type of person you’ve become.”

Her mother’s spiteful words and her parents' seeming abandonment were manifesting the one thing she had long feared: she wasn’t good enough. Lucy’s vision became blurry and she stood frozen in place, barely registering Tim’s warm hands pulling her close or realizing as hot tears poured into his chest. Neither aware of the exact amount of time that had passed, or the amount of neighbors meandering out to bear witness to the event. Right now: it was only the two of them. And, it was only when the buzzing street lights flickering to life and a faint rumble in her belly that she became aware of one more failure. “Oh no.” She said, wiping her eyes aggressively with her hands.

“What?” Tim asked, catching her hands to see her face. The skin around her eyes was red and puffier than before, and tear trails left streaks through the dirt caked on from paintball. Maybe they should’ve planned to shower before dinner.

“You never got to eat.”

Tim laughed. “That’s what you care about?”

“How about we order in? Take a shower while we wait.” Lucy was already walking them up to her bungalow while she spoke and Tim could only float steps behind, entranced. It might be desperate, but all she needed was to feel close to someone. Feel loved.

“Fine. But only because you stink. I wasn’t going to say anything before, but the restaurant probably wouldn’t have let you in.” Lucy turned and punched Tim on the arm, laughing for the first time since she laid sight on her parents. Smiling absently, a question remained in his mind. “Why didn’t you tell them you were accepted and already in a program for your doctorate?”

Lucy shrugged. “They think I’m a failure anyways. At first I didn’t want to give them another reason to be disappointed if I failed and didn’t get my PhD after all. But now… It’s petty… I didn’t want to give them the satisfaction that they could have anything to do with what I’m doing.” She chuckled, falling silent for a moment in reflection. “Thank you. By the way. For staying. I know it was a lot and it would’ve been easy to walk away… still is easy to walk away.” 

“You’ll have to try harder than that.” Tim drew her in, tightly holding her and pressing a reassuring kiss to her head. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Chapter Text

Gentle movements and vanilla scents greeted Tim as his tired eyes willed sleep to last a few moments longer. As he rolled to the side, Tim pulled Lucy’s body closer until he was fully entangled in her hair. A welcome sensation of both smell and touch, and one that he was becoming increasingly familiar with as part of his morning routine.

“What time is it?” Lucy’s eyelids remained firmly fastened and she spoke with a raspy voice in desperate need of her morning chug of water.

Calculating the time to himself was simple enough. He was a man who loved his routines and whose natural body also followed patterns. “It’s 5:48.”

With a sleepy groan Lucy nestled closer to her very own soft, human radiator. “Mmm. Too early.”

With a lazy arm and a squeeze, Tim popped up. “You sleep. I’ll give you another wake up call before I head out.”

Lucy grasped his shirt, tugging him gently back to the bed, not ready for him to go so soon. “Nooo. It’s still early. You can cuddle a little longer.”

Tim grasped her hand, appreciating how their fingers interlaced before pressing his lips tenderly to the top then palm of her hand, traveling lightly to her wrist as well. “Sorry. Not today. I have to finish some paperwork from a case yesterday. The earlier I can make it in, the better.” The bed creaked in equal protest to him leaving when Tim finally stood to get dressed. “What time is your shift over today? I was thinking I could make you dinner tonight. Pick up some salmon since it is my specialty.”

“Ah, sorry. My shift ends at four, but I can’t tonight. Did I forget to tell you? Tamara is coming over for a girls night. I’m heading back to my house right after I clock out.”

Looking confused for a moment, Tim shook it off and pulled on one of his tried and true heathered henleys. “No. You told me. I must have gotten the date wrong. Not a problem.” He said as he leaned down and pecked her on the head.

“How about tomorrow night? I’ve blocked out my morning for study time, but I’ll be in desperate need of a break after.”

Lucy hung on Tim’s arm and he couldn’t help but admire how the worn, thin t-shirt clung to her so well and, if not for extensive time developing exceptional levels of discipline, he might’ve thrown away all intentions of being early and accepted the inevitability of being late. “I’m not sure about tomorrow night. I’ve got a pickup game after work and losing team always buys dinner. You could come over after if it’s not too late for you.”

“Oh, no. That’s okay. I’ve been here a lot lately, a few nights back home will be good. Remind the neighbors who I am.” She laughed and rested on one elbow as she observed Tim complete his daily prep like a scientist lovingly watching their favorite test subject. “Is this the infamous fire versus police rivalry with your arch nemesis, Emmett?”

“First of all: I don’t have an arch nemesis. I’m a regular adult. Not a cartoon character. Second: it’s not really a rivalry. We just… take it seriously.”

Lucy’s eyes suddenly came alive with excitement. “You should sell tickets. People would definitely go. I mean, I’d definitely pay to see it. Firefighters are hot!” Tim scowled deeply in response and Lucy was quick to scurry to the end of the bed and hug him tight. “Obviously you’re hotter.”

He loved the way Lucy squeezed him fully. The tightness releasing the most pure of endorphins. Returning her affection, he wrapped his arms around her, resting his hands under her shirt to feel the soft skin of her back and sides. “In two days then. Lunch at Treats of Vietnam?”

“Perfect. I’ll be there at one. My final shift to say goodbye to beautiful shorelines ends at 12:30.” 

“Great…” He trailed off, looking down at her messy hair, glowing face. Tim cupped her chin delicately as he came to the realization that confirmed every he absolutely suspicion: he absolutely loved this woman. “Lucy. I-“

Lucy watched him curiously, searching the depths of his blue eyes for some clue as to where he was trying to take them. “Tim?”

Suddenly, the unrelenting beeps of his alarm burst through the moment and raised his mental blockades. Memories of I love you’s exchanged with the last woman he was brave enough to tell flooded through him. Tim was reminded of the outcome. The night he told Isabel he loved her before she took all the cash in the house and walked out for two years. The hurt. The ultimate catalyst to why he rebuilt and reinforced every wall torn down after his tours in the army. And as those beeps sounded and provided an exit ramp, he took it. “I-I need to head out.” He gave Lucy a kiss and drew his lips up to kiss her forehead as a punctuating farewell.

Waving goodbye, Lucy waited until she heard the click of his lock to flop on the bed. Kojo, also eager for the sound, bounded in and snuggled up beside her. She caressed his silky ears absent-mindedly to Kojo’s great delight. “Well, Kojo… what was daddy really wanting to say…” Whether intuition or hopefulness, Lucy did in fact have a good sense for what he was about to say and, as she mused about the situation, she came to the conclusion that she loved him too.

The small bar of Tim’s open document blinked programmatically as if to keep track of every second that passed where he wasn’t actually completing the report he had committed to finishing earlier that morning. Allowing himself to procrastinate for what he told himself would only be a few additional moments, he re-read the texts from earlier that day, dwelling and regretting.

Today 8:32 AM
Lucy: Leaving now. I was thinking about it and I’ve seen you every day for the last two weeks since… well. You know. I hope you don’t forget me. :)
Tim: Who is this?
Lucy: Wow. You have 5 minutes before I come down to the station and get arrested for assaulting an officer.
Tim: OK, Lucy.
Lucy: OK, Tim.

And just like that, the paperwork didn’t get finished and, like this incessant bar on the document screen, a similar blue bar mocked his attempts and deletions to be funny, then serious, then sincere until he found himself at the end of shift with no response and not wanting to interfere with Lucy’s girls night.

“By my watch, you’re about to step into unapproved OT. Head home, Bradford. The reports will still be here for you in the morning.”

Tim swiveled in his chair to face Grey who stood over him in his typical crossed-arm stance. “Yes, sir. I was-uh-I was just finishing up.”

In the years since Grey and Tim had first met, Grey felt a high level of confidence in reading Tim. That, paired with the fact Grey had noticed a standard field still not filled out from the last time he passed Tim’s desk, he knew there was something distracting the otherwise diligent sergeant. “We both know that’s not true. What’s really going on?”

With a deep exhale, Tim conceded the truth. “I-I didn’t know how to reply to Lucy earlier and now it feels… awkward.”

“Timothy. Are you having trouble talking to a girl?” Angela bounded up, slinging her bag high over her shoulder with mischief sparking off of her. “As a girl and your bestie, you should’ve called me in sooner. Luckily I’m here now. Maybe it’s not too late to save you.” Ignoring Tim’s eye roll, in fact, not even needing to look at his face to know he was rolling his eyes, Angela snatched his phone skillfully from the desk not that he put up any fight. He knew better than to try. “Oof. Sarge. OK, Lucy; OK, Tim?”

Nolan’s mouth pulled back with a hiss as Angela’s decision to recite Tim and Lucy’s texts stole Nolan and Nyla from their path towards the parking garage. “That’s…now that’s bad. When are you seeing her next?” He asked with concern.

“Yeah. I would’ve dumped yo’ ass.” Nyla asserted.

Tim threw his hands up, leaning back in his chair. “Great. Just great. Thank you Angela for broadcasting it for everyone.”

With a Cheshire’s grin, she tucked his phone closer to her chest and slipped her bag off, letting it fall with a plop beside Tim. “Don’t mention it.” Angela reached over him to snag an expo marker from his desk and marched to a nearby glass wall. To Tim’s dismay, she began to scrawl out his texts from the day. “Here’s what we’ve got.”

“Don’t you have a baby and a Wesley to get home to?”

“Actually, Nyla, Angela and I were about to head out for dinner.” Nolan said, stepping closer to the circle with an apparent discomfort as he read the words on the glass to himself. Nyla cleared her throat, cocking an eyebrow alongside Angela. “I mean… I was going to treat these lovely ladies to dinner as they imparted all of their wisdom to help plan the engagement party.”

Happy with Nolan’s admission, Nyla and Angela agreed this was a more important investment of time. “So, how are you going to respond to this?”

Staring deeply at the texts, Nolan rested on the desk in thought. “Maybe she’s just making fun of Tim’s weird text. No offense.”

“No. If that were true, she would’ve said something to follow up so it wouldn’t be weird.” Angela looked back at Tim with a judgmental brow. “You know. Like a normal person.”

Externally agitated by the attention, Tim was secretly relieved to have a group of sympathetic minds and decided to added one key detail that left the team in a sea of groans and yikes. “She actually… I saw she started typing back… then it stopped… and then a few minutes later it started again… and then… stopped.”

“Oh yeah. She’s upset. You send her two texts and neither hints at all that you’re into her. You gotta go make things right, like… right now.”

Unable to argue, Tim shook his head in defeat. “Can’t. She’s having a girls night. It’s been on the books for a while and it’s a big deal. Not something I can interrupt.”

“Okay. How about tomorrow? Give her an apology and go see her after your shift.” Grey offered.

“I have a basketball game tomorrow. I could go after that.”

Angela, Nolan, and Nyla were bubbling over in equal disbelief as Nolan and Nyla exclaimed with a near identical phrasing of: “Skip it!”

Recognizing that Tim was still his superior, Nolan made some attempts to back track while relaying concern over his priorities. “Sorry. Sir. What I mean is-uh-don’t you think that uh—your relationship—Lucy, is more important than a game?”

“What Nolan is too nice to say is that you need to get your head out of your ass before we kick your ass. You better not be telling me that a game with the boys is worth throwing away a good thing.”

Angela tapped her chin lightly in remembrance. “Wait… Is this the LAFD game?” She asked and Tim sheepishly nodded in agreement to a chamber of understandings. “Okay. No. You’re going to play that game and win because I will not go to another scene with the LAFD. All they do is talk about what they’ll be ordering for dinner after the next game because the LAPD team has let them win for seven straight games. It’s time we remind them where they belong. No offense.” She said, adding the last part with a glance to Nolan.

“Guess we’ll have to write the best apology ever and then a great follow up date… How does she feel about horses?” Nolan asked, his mind whizzing through every apology he has ever given, both good and bad.

Finally receiving his phone back, Tim clutched it tight in his hand, sure that there would be small indentations from how he held it and accepting that any minor discomfort was well worth the pain to keep it from falling in Angela’s possession again. “Listen: I appreciate your concern—all of your concern. But, I need to write this. I’ll send her the text tonight and, after we beat the LAFD, I’ll shower and take her out for a nice, romantic dinner.” Pleased with his plan, a smug smile crossed his face, possibly the only smile since the dreaded OK, Lucy. “Uh-what are you doing?”

Leaning close, Angela slowly walked her chair towards Tim, eyes narrowed and locked on him for the whole time it took to roll over. “I’m staring into your soul. I want it to know that if you fail to do what you’ve promised, I will put a curse on you so that everything you drink will taste like ash.” She warned, an otherworldly essence coming off her in waves before she snapped up with a smile. “And now you know. C’mon Nolan. I need a burger and a cocktail.”

Grey clapped a hand on Tim’s shoulder in support. “Have a good night. For all of our sakes, sleep well. If you think the LAFD is bad at scenes, regular meetings with the chief is one hundred times worse.”

Nyla gave a curt nod, walking out with Angela after they wiped away any trace of Tim’s misdeeds from the glass. Nolan shot up, afraid to fall behind after what he witnessed. “Right behind you. Uh-Tim…” He stammered, realizing it was just the two of them left and finding it difficult to leave without saying one more thing. “Everyone is making jokes and giving you a hard time, but truthfully: we think Lucy has been good for you. And, if she’s as great as you’ve made her out to seem and from what some of us have seen so far then… Everything will be okay. We just want you to be happy. You deserve to be happy.”

“Thanks, Nol-John. Really.”

“Of course. Night…” Nolan took a few steps out, his retreat leading Tim to dare to reopen his phone again to type out an actual response. “Oh and one more thing, Tim. Don’t tell Bailey but… kick LAFD’s ass. Okay. That’s it. Good night.”

Tim chuckled as John retreated. As much as they could get on his nerves, Tim was grateful to have them on his side. Loyalty is one thing. In the military, on the force—it’s crucial to the job. But this was more than that: he had friends. Real friends who were looking out for him. And Tim knew however he made things up to Lucy or however things ended up for them, those friends would be by his side keeping him on track or picking him back up.

The next day

For 17 consecutive mornings, waking up could be defined as sweet, comforting, and warm in all senses of the word. Today, as Lucy’s bleary eyes struggled to focus through the wild haze of the previous day, she let her head loll to the side in exhaustion, appreciating the heat of the rising sun on her face.

As she mentally shook off the final latch that allowed her aching muscles to determine her state of consciousness, there was only one question and one name on Lucy’s mind that finally jolted her awake: where’s Kojo?

Creaking floorboards under soft steps set her on high alert. Unlike that time in the forest, the fear was real. There was no Tim. There was no referee standing watch for dangerous, illegal plays. It was her—alone and trapped—and the figure approaching.

“Oh hey, you’re up.”

Chapter Text

The previous morning

Tim: OK, Lucy.

Lucy snorted as she read Tim’s no-nonsense response. Though it would have been fun for his response to encourage a bit more than zero banter, she was not surprised. After all, Tim always leaned serious; dare she say: emotionally unavailable. From the moment she met him, and by all accounts from those who knew him longer, there was never a major shift in his behavior to suggest anything other than this truth.

But, that didn’t mean she couldn’t have her fun. Lucy’s lips bunched to the side in deep thought. Even if he was a bit of a curmudgeon and even if she was trying a bit harder than normal to be cute and clever, she was intent upon crafting the perfect response that would rile him. And, as her car engine roared to life, inspiration struck alongside a devilish grin. As she typed that two word message, her eyes darted up to Tim’s to make sure it was identical, otherwise the intent would be lost.

Lucy: OK, Tim.

Giggling to herself, Lucy began imagining how she’d follow up the blow via text once she arrived at work. Would she continue to torment him through imitation? What was most likely is that she would follow up with a disarming lol and an apology, but the scenarios that played in her mind may have been tempting enough to try.  

A frantic “Hey! Wait!” Shattered her fantasies and in a flash, a young woman ran up to her car, her frizzy ponytail flapping behind her. Lucy jumped in her seat at the sight, thankful to have come to a complete stop as opposed to the rolling stops she’d become accustomed to taking in this neighborhood—not that she’d ever admit that to Tim. 

“Are you alright? Can I help you?” Lucy’s eyes remained fixed on the frantic woman while she pawed around to grab her phone, ready to dial 911.

The woman breathed heavily. Her pink jacket hung loose down one shoulder and she looked as though she had been chased. “I-“ she huffed and began attempting to regain a normal breathing pattern. “I just saw-your dog? I think your dog? A dog. I’ve seen him in the neighborhood before. Cody? Anyways, he just headed down Morrison.”

Staring back, fear rippled through Lucy’s body as she spotted the nearby cross signs stating Morrison St. “Oh no. That leads to a busy road.”

“Right. I tried to catch him-but-sorry. He was too fast.”

“Ah-okay. Thank you!” In the seconds after Lucy was sure the woman was safely out of her path, she threw the gear into reverse and headed back to hunt for Kojo before he found more trouble.

Lucy leaned over her wheel, keen to spot any sign of the runaway pup. “Kojo, you are not getting any special treats when I find you.” She muttered in a low, threatening tone that would never materialize once Kojo was actually found. Not too deep inside, she already knew that once he was back in her arms he’d be back to being spoiled with belly rubs and pats. 

“Hey!” A man waved her down. “You lookin’ for a dog?”

“Yes! I am!” 

The man raised his arm to point towards the park. “Just saw a tan and white dog like that run in. He might’ve been chasing something. Good luck!” 

Carter Park. Lucy breathed a sigh of relief. The dog park they frequented was in there and she felt like face palming herself for not thinking of it sooner. Parking haphazardly in a way that she just knew anyone who would park near her would curse her at best or leave a nasty note at worst, Lucy decided spending any precious seconds correcting her position would be a waste.

Lucy nearly tumbled out of her car and broke into a jog down the path, hoping to grab any sign of her furry son. “C’mon, boy. Kojo! Kojo! Kojo!” She called out, the eerily quiet park echoing back her words. 

Sighing, Lucy nibbled her bottom lip and worry grew at the idea that maybe it was another dog that was on the loose or maybe it wasn’t a dog at all and she had been wasting her time here. Images of Kojo on the side of the road flashed and she pushed them aside immediately. She had to. Worst-case-scenarioing would not bring him home.

Lucy interlaced her fingers with the metal chain link fence to the dog area, wishing in vein that the empty dog park would magically manifest Kojo if she imagined it vividly enough.

“Shit. I need to call Tim.” Lucy patted her pocket for her device, only to find her pocket was flat. A memory from the past reconstructed in her mind to see her phone still securely plugged into her car and sitting in a cupholder. Shit, shit, shit.

When Lucy had all but given up, the sweetest music drifted from only a few yards away: Kojo. Lucy sprinted towards the sounds of deep, playful barks. She absolutely knew that sound as how he barked when he had just located a squirrel or a rabbit. “Kojo?” A wall of thick brush was all that stood between her and more playful barks right on the other side. “Mama’s comin’.”

With extreme determination, Lucy pushed past every twig, thorn, branch, and other sharp nature thing that scraped against her. Nothing would keep her from finding Kojo. “Ah, Kojo. What are you doing back here?” Lucy pushed back last thick branch, crouching and turning her body to squeeze through. “You are going to be in so much trouble when we get home. You made me late for work!” She said, swatting the last obstacle of vines and thin branches out of the way.

“Don’t worry about that. They’re not expecting you.”

Lucy’s chest swelled at the sight of Caleb holding a speaker emitting Kojo’s barks, now hitting an ominous loop. “Caleb.”

Present day

The day could not have gone by slower, and for an extra punishing blow, the Read status sat on, what he thought to be, an exceptionally heartfelt apology and eager attempt to right any wrongs. Hell, even Angela was shocked by the sincerity and admitted she didn’t think he would do so well on his own.

Tim scoured every ridge in his brain to understand how things had taken such a terrible turn. Was this him being ghosted? He tried to shake the suddenness of it all and relived moments in their relationship. He had always been a little rough, an ideal demeanor for an army sergeant, but admittedly less ideal as a romantic partner. Maybe she’s over it is the self-loathing conclusion he always found himself at in the end.

“Bradford. You thinkin’ about how you’re going to explain an eighth consecutive loss to Mid-Wilshire tomorrow?” Emmett flashed a bright white smile, checking a basketball at Tim. “I’d be lookin’ nervous too if I were you.”

Tim reflexively caught and checked the ball back at Emmett. It was a good thing the game was tonight. He needed an outlet to burn off his stress, because without it, he was positive all the tension from Lucy and the events of the day he had would have killed him. “The only thing I’m thinking about is how to embarrass you more than you already have done for yourself. Getting an outdoor court during a heat wave is a rookie move.” Tim retorted, putting on a mask of arrogance.

“Yo, I told you that wasn’t my fault. I know I booked the indoor court.”

Tim responded with a disbelieving uh-huh and redirected himself to a water station. “I’m going to refill this and I’ll meet you all out there. Enjoy the last moments of your lucky streak.”

“Winning streak. And I’ll look forward to extending it. Again.” Emmett emphasized as he walked out the doors to the courts.

The smell of sweat, metal, and plastic was thick in the air. Other than the lack of A/C, Tim had to admit that playing outdoors was definitely preferable to this environment. Mentally there was already a lot to process—why would Lucy leave him on read? How many people saw that stupid cop-cake poster? Could he threaten Smitty with bodily harm and not receive a reprimand? Would Smitty actually care?

“Tim?” A streak of blonde hair jumped into his view. Light blue eyes staring curiously. “What are you doing here?”

Startled at the sight, Tim felt cool water overflow onto his hand and he quickly yanked the bottle away from the over-eager water refill. “Ashley. I-we’re playing our LAPD - LAFD game tonight.”

“Oh. Nice… nice… what are you doing here? I thought you played at the gym near Mid-Wilshire?”

“Yeah. Emmett got the date wrong for booking the court and this was the next closest for our group.” Tim swallowed awkwardly, realizing the last time they spoke, she — the woman he trained and then took on as a go-fer; the woman he sat beside with danger flying at them for years — had just confessed her love for him and he swiftly rejected any hopes she could have held for them. “Uh- how have you been? Why are you at a cop gym? Thought you were living a new life now.”

Ashley laughed, toying with the AirPods in her hand. “Old habits I guess. But you guys are the ones with reciprocity here. I am a paying member of the public.”

Light laughter soon melted into a thick silence and Tim wasn’t sure whether he should be thankful that the overwhelming social discomfort had momentarily erased every insecurity and annoyance he had been battling. “So… how’s life without the 12-hour shifts and constant threat of bodily harm?”

Ashley’s fingers twitched involuntarily, nearly dropping her AirPods. “I-uh-if you can believe it, I’m actually enrolled at UCLA for a second baccalaureate. I’m going to be an elementary-school teacher.” 

“Wow. That’s great. You’ll be great. You always had a special way of working with kids. Pretty sure they all preferred you when we hosted those Trunk or Treats.”

”Pretty sure?” Ashley placed a hand on her hip in disbelief at what she believed to be a generous estimation of those events. “They definitely preferred me. You stared at them menacingly and refused multiple kids candy. If I wasn’t your partner they absolutely would’ve graffitied the shop.” 

Relenting, Tim laughed along. “Fine. They might have definitely liked you more.” 

in a strange twist of fate, their chance encounter had unlocked something new that warmed them both. Friendship. Something that Tim wouldn’t have had the words to describe, but the thing he actually grieved since she left the station. 

A gentle, rhythmic buzzing on his watch reminded Tim of the time: 6:20. “I need to head to the court to warm up. These guys can be very superstitious about starting right on time.”

“Sure. Uh-tell Lucy I said hello. And Tim: it really was great to see you.“ she said and waved Tim a lazy goodbye.

Ashley took off in a light jog towards the track, her mind too clouded to remember to even resume her playlist. That was not at all like the speeches she wrote and burned. Somehow it was better. Every fear and regret from admitting her feelings that night was lifted. She took her chance and missed it, but now it seemed like she could have her friend back after all. 

Present day, earlier that morning

A bright, cheerful sound chimed through the van and Lucy’s vision slowly regained some focus to see the blue light of her phone illuminate Caleb’s face, and to her horror, and clicked open. Betrayal in all shades shot through her numbed body. Her eyelids felt heavy and the only thing she could feel was the wiry rug beneath her, irritating her skin and a tight, burning sensation from some kind of cord that had her wrists bound together. 

Blue light filtered in and a tear gathered at the corner of her eye. Less than 24-hours before, under this same morning light, the world was so different. Why didn’t I just tell him I loved him? If only she had seen Tamara sooner. She would’ve set her straight and reminded her that it wasn’t the 1950s anymore. Women could in fact make the first move.

A deep chuckle echoed around the room, bouncing off the wood paneling and playing tricks on her woozy mind. Were there more people? Caleb stood in a nearby doorframe and scrolled through her messages, reciting the newest one that amused him to no end. “Listen to this: Hey, Lucy. Sorry about the text earlier. What I should’ve said and how I really feel is that I miss you. I miss you every moment I’m not with you. The second best thing that ever happened to me was failing to convince Jerry to retire. You’re of course the first best thing. I’m really looking forward to seeing you later. Miss you.”

She clawed uselessly at the ground beneath her, knowing her fingers were only making the tiniest, weakest of scratches. She had to do something; Tim would be disappointed if she let herself be taken without any kind of fight.

“I think it’s cute your crush misses you.” Caleb said dismissively, crouching over her with the phone reflecting a gray colored block of text that she couldn’t fully make out on her own.

A surge of either adrenaline or rage — maybe both — rushed through her to move with some intention. In one elegant arc, Lucy’s bound arms flew up, striking Caleb across the face and sending him barreling to the side.

She shook off the fact her body ached and felt like liquid sand and she stumbled into an exhausted gallop out of the house. She was so tired. It was like a bad dream where all she needed to do was run only her real-life sleeping body made it impossible.

Wrenching the door open and shouting a hoarse help were monumental tasks until she laid sight on the vast nothingness waiting for her and she realized the amount of work truly ahead. Lucy looked back into the house, despite the hopelessness and the unending hills of dirt and sparse trees waiting for her, she would not go down easily. She would not let Caleb win. 

She ran as fast as her legs could carry her, hoping that the isolation was deceiving and if she could just make it down the road there would be another house. One not occupied by a psychopath. 

For a fleeting moment, Lucy believed she may have actually been dreaming. Her body soared without warning, but the glistening tripwire, crash, and small pebbles embedding in her skin at impact reminded her that this was a reality. There was no time to wallow or cry. Gravel crushed deeper into the dirt under Caleb’s feet. She assumed a defensive stance, ready to fight. 

While she was prepared for physical blows, she was not ready for the chemical spray that burned her eyes and affected her breathing. Even so. She would not go down like this. Her arms swung wildly. He would not win.

Caleb stood close, only stepping back when he felt the need to avoid one of her attacks. However, his carelessness once more proved dangerous when he was roughly struck and could feel the blood pooling in his mouth.  “Lucy, seriously?” He asked, more prepared this time for her offense, kneeing her in the gut and using her momentum to toss her to the ground. 
 

She wanted to fight. Truly. But her body was finally done and all she could do was stare uselessly while he approached. Peering at her captor, Lucy watched as his angled brow and wrinkled nose softened from rage to one that resembled, in a past life, a look she craved to see from him—love.

“Oh, Lucy. I never want to hurt you, you know.” He gestured to her fresh injuries, turning her bloodied hand over in his own, knowing she was too weak to pull back. “You made me do this.” He sighed. “But, you’re a fighter. I’ve always loved that about you.” He leaned close, tucking a section of hair out of her wary face. “Not a great trait for right now though.” Caleb reached into a black pouch tucked in his back pocket, retrieving a syringe.

Lucy mumbled a few pleas as the needle neared her arm and the sharp tip pricked at the skin. “Caleb, no. No. No. Please. Don’t do this. People will be looking for me. Tamara will be looking for me.”

“Nobody will be looking for you. Baby, you don’t need to worry. I’ve taken care of all that for you.” Noticing Lucy’s brows pull together, Caleb anticipated her worry. “Tamara is fine. She just won’t be expecting you for another week and by then, I think our lives will be different.”

“What? But-“ 

“I changed the date in your phone.” He explained and tsked disapprovingly. “It’s an exam week and she had a final tonight. She never would’ve had the time. Remember? Probably not. You’ve been too preoccupied with Bradford to even think about anyone else. You really haven’t been a good friend, but once you come to your senses, I know you will be.”

Caleb’s words stung. He was right. In some ways at least. Since she started dating Tim, her visits—even her communications—with Tamara had been almost nothing. “Tim will-“

At the mention of Tim’s name, Caleb’s anger was reinvigorated. “Tim will what? Find you? Hah. I don’t think so. You two set it up pretty well with these texts on your own. He’ll think you just blew him off. And before you start believing he’ll come looking after that apology, don’t worry about that either. I’ve made sure Tim will be too pre-occupied to look after a girl who ghosted him.”

“What does that mean?” She was getting desperate for any delays. She needed time. Time for the current dose to wear off, time to think of a better plan. “Caleb, please. This isn’t you.” Because you’ve never proven to be a sociopath before.

At her words, the needle was withdrawn and Lucy felt cautiously optimistic she’d be released from the haze soon. That they would both be released from whatever strange reality they were trapped in.

“Oh Lucy. No. This isn’t you. You’re the one who hasn’t been acting yourself.”

Before she could properly even panic, the needle was plunged back into Lucy’s vein, this time with much more force, causing blood to splatter out from the intrusion. Lucy yelped in pain and soon felt the cool drug course through her body.

Present evening

Sweat filled along Tim’s brow and droplets slipping down his temple, absorbed after their brief journey by a white towel that had seen better days.

Emmett made his way to Tim with a less enthusiastic, but still broad grin. “Gotta say: well played, Bradford.” Tossing his own much more stylish and certainly newer grey microfiber towel over his shoulder, Emmett extended his hand to Tim. “Gave you guys a good run for a while.”

Tim accepted the offering as a sign of good sportsmanship. “Sure did.” He forced a smile and took a swig of much-needed hydration. “I’ll see you around.” He said suddenly. Tim grabbed his bag and slung it around his shoulder..

Surprised by Tim’s retreat, Emmett walked alongside him, matching his quickened pace with ease. Even in every game the LAFD won, Tim had always been sure to attend. And, in the most recent losing streak, he was always sure to taunt the LAFD about how expensive he’d be once they won. “Where are you off to? Aren’t you in bragging mode.”

“I can do that at work. Tonight, I’ve got somewhere else to be.”

A hearty laugh broke from Emmett’s chest as he followed close behind, barely squeezing through the metal walls of the court to trail Tim to the parking lot. “I heard you had a girl. Didn’t realize you’d be one to be leashed.”

Had the ground not been a gritty concrete, one would’ve heard the squeal in Tim’s shoes from the speed he turned to face Emmett. “What did you say?” Even if Emmett had been a jerk on the court, Tim was in no mood to tolerate backwards stereotypes about a woman he loved - yes, loved - and respected.

Recognizing his error, Emmett raised his hands defensively to diffuse the situation. “Hey man. Sorry, alright? I didn’t mean anything by it. Guess I’m still feeling sore about the loss. No hard feelings?”

Tim paused. Emmett was an ass, but he always proved to be an ass who could learn from his mistakes and move on. “No hard feelings.” He finally agreed.

“Cool. How ‘bout tonight yo enjoy time with your lady who I assume is beautiful and smart and successful. Then, I buy you a beer next time around. Even when you do lose.”

The jangle of Tim’s keys and a low, agreeable laugh filled the quiet night. “Hah. You’ll be buying more than that.”

“Watch out Bradford. I might take it-“ words slipped from Emmett’s mouth and his body slowed. “Oh my god… is that-”

The parking lot was mostly well-lit, but in the area around Tim’s car, the street lamp was peculiarly dark and the adjacent ones were flickering unreliably.

Tim spun to face what Emmett was having a hard time comprehending. The object of his attention was a metal bench situated in a walkway island, cars on either side. Even in the dark, Tim could have recognized the light blonde hair and slim frame slumped forward anywhere. “Ashley.” He breathed and broke into a sprint alongside Emmett.

Emmett rounded the bench and dropped to his knees to assess her. “Tim, I need a towel—any kind of cloth in your bag. She’s bleeding out.” Tim rustled through his bag, tossing an LAPD sweatshirt Emmett’s way and taking a hand towel to tightly bind Ashley’s other forearm.

The light grey sweatshirt and white towel stood no chance to the task and immediately transformed into a deep crimson. “Hey, Ashley. Remember me? It’s Emmett. We ran together sometimes? Never could keep up with you.” Emmett checked her face for any signs of consciousness while Tim frantically called it in. “Help is on the way. We’ll get you taken care of soon. We just need you to hold on a while longer.”

“Bus is five minutes out. I need to call her dad.” Tim tightened his hold of the towel to maintain pressure and looked at his phone that carried multiple traces of bloody fingerprints.

Tim balanced the phone between his shoulder and his ear, urging Jerry to pick up each time the dial tone threatened otherwise. His stomach turned as her blood soaked through and began to stain their hands, their clothes, everything in close contact. 

“Tim! So good to hear from you. It’s been so lon-“

“Jerry. It’s Ashley. We found her unresponsive and bleeding in the parking lot of Southcoast Gymnasium - North Hollywood.” Tim worried at the sounds of Jerry’s breath which came in short bursts. Ashley always spoke of his poor heart and Tim became acutelg aware that the news could have sent him over.

it was only when the breathing was accompanied by rustling and the sound of car keys that Tim felt he could continue relaying the information. “You need to meet us at Shaw Memorial. We’ll be there as soon as we can.”

Stuttering a few shaky yes’s as his ignition turned, Jerry struggled to find any way to ground himself. “T-Tim. She’s supposed to be an elementary school teacher… She was done with the violence. How could this happen?” A sob rose in his tone and Tim’s blood pressure increased alongside Jerry’s breaking heart.

Jerry, the cheeriest man you could meet at the station. A man who always had something encouraging to say. He was so broken and here Tim sat feeling useless as he applied what he hoped to be enough force to try to keep Jerry’s most precious person—most precious thing in his life—alive.

“I-“ Sirens wailed and flickering lights reflected brightly in Tim’s eyes. What the hell is happening. “I don’t know.”

Chapter Text

An unexpected but unsurprising truth you learn on the job is that the hospital becomes your second home away from home. If you’re lucky, the causes for visits include suspect checkups, interviewing hospital staff, or even a required health evaluation after getting into a particularly bad scuffle. And, if you’re profoundly unlucky, you’re visiting because a colleague, friend, or loved one is there.

Today was one of those profoundly unlucky days. Tim went into autopilot once he entered the hospital. Doctors hounded him with questions and he had never felt so useless. He didn’t have an answer to anything beyond her full name, date of birth, and blood type. Then, once Jerry arrived, all he could do was sit in silence with the perpetually smiling man whose heart was shattered in every second that passed without an update.

Nyla approached Tim, weary and solemn in the hospital waiting room. Still clad in basketball shorts, a muscle tee, and an LAPD jacket, Nyla hadn’t seen him in such a disheveled state in the years she had known him. “Hey, Tim. I’m here to get your official statement… for the investigation. Can you walk me through the events? Leading up to when you found her?”

Broken from his daze, Tim registered her presence, half expecting it to have been Angela — wishing it was Angela — but appreciative to have a friendly face nonetheless after dealing with the less familiar night shift officers. “Yeah. Ah… I was walking with Emmett and… he saw Ashley first. We ran and she was there… unconscious. Bleeding. She regained consciousness for a moment in the bus and said something like “help,” a few mumbles, and “find her.” Then she was tired and…“ Tim gulped hard, his voice catching in his throat.

The fluorescent lights bore mercilessly down on him, carrying a dark shadow over his face and highlighting his exhaustion.

“If this isn’t a good time, I can come back later. We have Emmett’s statement already… or Angela can take it if that’s easier. She’s on her way.”

For the first time in hours, Tim took a good look at his clothes. Formerly bright red and now burgundy splotches stained his shorts and small smatters decorated the tops of his white socks. When he had scrubbed the blood — Ashley’s blood — from his arms, he had been so consumed by the swirling, reddened water that he hadn’t considered changing.

“I… is Jerry alright?” His reddened, tired eyes finally looked deeply into hers.

Nyla sighed and shrugged. “I hope so. Webb let me know he dropped him off at home. Jerry-“ she laughed softly. “Jerry had them stop for pancakes on the way to his house. Webb said he told him some stories while they were there. I think he just didn’t want to be alone.”

Tim smiled. Jerry was always a warm guy and a great storyteller. Although, the reminder of Jerry brought a dark expression to his eyes. “Nyla, she’s gone.” Tim’s final words came out as a whisper. “She’s really gone.”

Without a second thought, Nyla pulled Tim tight against her. Though she had never been close with Ashley, they had spent enough years together and she was deeply valued by enough people Nyla loved to make Ashley’s loss fall heavy on her. “Tim, are you going to be alright? Can I drive you home?”

He had barely raised his arms to gently embrace her back before his mind raced to answer her question. Will I be alright? “Yes and no. It’s alright.” It will be. With a sudden rebound in focus, Tim’s hand clenched into a tight fist. It will be alright and someone will pay for this. “What do we know so far? Any leads?” He asked with a stronger tone.

Nyla licked her lips. Typically assured, she hesitated for a moment, concerned for her friend’s mental wellbeing. “Tim… we’re pretty sure it was Rosalind.” She said cautiously, observing every twitch in Tim’s face. “I’m not going to show you the video right now and it’s grainy. But it showed who we believe is Rosalind, ambushing Ashley on the way to her car. She placed Ashley on a bench and, well… she… did it while staring directly at the camera. Smiling.”

“She wanted us to know it was her.” Tim stated. It was the obvious conclusion, but the adrenaline and exhaustion played at each other to the point that he was unable to contain his thoughts. “What now? Do we have a location on her?” He might have failed to save her, but Ashley’s last words were a request for him to get her killer and he wouldn’t fail twice.

“No. We found a letter addressed to Nolan in Ashley’s car that said “See you soon.” We can assume we’ll see more of her and we all need to be on high alert.”

Tim nodded, his eyes widening with more concern as Nyla’s words sunk into his tired brain. “Nyla, we need-“

She placed a soothing hand on his shoulder. “Already done. We placed a protective detail on your sister. She’s a little freaked out, but okay.”

“And Lucy?”

“Lucy?” Nyla blinked curiously as she tried to place the name. “Oh… no. I’m sorry, we prioritized family… I never considered it. We’re short staffed, but I’ll coordinate with North Hollywood for the detail.” She cursed herself, not typically one to miss important details, she was already consumed with her contacts list to find the right person to make it happen. “Please excuse me.” Nyla said as she raised her phone close, shuffling down a hall.

The hardened floor shone an unnatural blue hue and Tim kicked his shoe against it. His burning eyes boring holes in the tile. How could this happen? Why didn’t Rosalind stay lost?

When Ashley’s eyes drew closed and she mumbled about how tired she was, Tim still had hope. He assured Jerry that he’d have a chance to talk to her. And when Jerry needed him, no words of encouragement came. All he could do was sit in the quiet waiting room while muffled sounds penetrated the doors from frantic doctors and nurses working on the other side.

He knew things were bad when he attempted for an update and a nurse physically pushed him back out. They knew what could happen. Jerry realized it too. His eyes were wet and wide when Tim was roughly shoved towards him. Jerry never even asked how she was. He muttered prayers to himself, but Tim only heard Jerry ask for a miracle, and a quieter prayer for peace.

It only took a gut-wrenching twenty minutes before a bloodied ER doctor took a solemn walk to the waiting room. Jerry didn’t even stand, knowing that his legs wouldn’t have ever held up under the weight of the news. As the doctor delivered the reality with painstaking precision to quickly put them out of their misery, Jerry weakly attempted to prevent himself from melting into the floor—the chair nearly proving to not be enough after all. The words would etch permanently in his mind until the day he died: “Ashley died while we worked on her. She lost too much blood and there’s nothing more we can do. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

The nurses worked diligently to prepare her in a way that Jerry could stomach. Remembering her as she was, not as she may seem now is always the advice. They shielded her gruesome injuries and cleaned away the blood. Tim however, declined to see her again. He saw enough in the parking lot; on the ride over; briefly in the ER. Any view of her in a cleaner state would’ve felt disingenuous.

What he did do was see Jerry out. Listen with grace as Jerry spoke low and with a distance about how she looked as though she were sleeping. They sat together for several hours and Jerry would periodically tell a story about her. Some stories Tim already knew, but many reminded Tim of what a vibrant person she was and pangs of guilt struck him as he learned new things like her fear of ladybugs or obsession with Ancient Greece. Had it not been for the personal-free zone he strictly enforced, perhaps his partner of so many years would’ve shared these stories as joyously as her father.

“Tim.” Angela’s brows were fiercely knit together. She had undoubtedly been woken up after possibly not getting much sleep anyways. “How are you doing?” Her glassy gaze held strong on him, urging Tim to look at her.

“Ang.” Tim’s jaw clenched tight with determination. “We’re going to find Rosalind.”

Angela rose up, tugging on his shirt with increased force as he began to resemble a stubborn boulder. “C’mon. You’re staying with us tonight. No arguments. Wesley is already setting up the sleeper sofa, and before you complain, remember we have a trust fund: that shit’s nicer than any bed you or I have ever owned.” She said slyly in hopes to snap him out of his spiral. “Grey would tell us to go home and he’d be right. We’re not catching Rosalind. Let’s get a few hours of sleep and get to it when it’s light out.”

To her satisfaction, Tim snorted with amusement. “I’m sure you’re right. On the bed and going home.” He affirmed, giving in and rising from his seat to walk with her. “Thanks, Angela. I don’t think I could do this without you.”

Smirking, Angela wrapped her around to hold Tim to her side as they walked. “Trust me. I know.”

Stars shinin' bright above you
Night breezes seem to whisper, "I love you"
Birds singin' in the sycamore tree
Dream a little dream of me

Sweet lyrics encouraging sweeter memories wormed through Lucy’s mind and before she could even comprehend her actions, she was sleepily mumbling along to the words.

“I always have loved it when you sing. The house is a lot quieter without you around.” Caleb hovered close, a faint buzzing sound starting and a familiar, vstinging sensation came into focus along her ribs.

Lucy’s head snapped up and horrified to see Caleb etching something on her body. “Caleb, what are you doing?” She strained her neck to make out the words. “What’s DOD?”

Too focused on his actions, Caleb didn’t utter a word. His grip remained firm around the tattoo gun while he completed the date. “Date of death.” He said, leaning back to review his handiwork. “That’ll do it.”

“What-Caleb. What are…” Lucy gulped to ground herself. “Caleb, are you going to kill me?”

To her surprise, he laughed and placed a hand on her thigh. “No, silly. That’s not for you. It’s for us.” He lifted his grey shirt to reveal reddened skin surrounding a similar tattoo on himself albeit with a shakier application. “It marks the day we shed who we were and face the future. Death. Rebirth. Together.” Caleb patted her leg and brought his hand up to caress Lucy’s hair. “You’ll understand.”

“Why did you do all of this? How did you do all of this? Did-did you have help?” The thought suddenly made her sick to realize that there could be some cohort of psychos plotting together and imagine who else could be hurt in all of this.

“I did this for you. You needed a wake up call, Luce. Here it is. Here we are.” He said, standing and walking towards the kitchen. “I’ll make us something to eat.” Caleb took a few steps, pausing in the doorframe. “I want us to start over with honesty, so… yes. I did have help. Actually, you can thank Chris for that. I never would’ve found the Dye Hards without him.”

Realization dawned on Lucy and her tone became stern. “Caleb. Are you working with Rosalind Dyer? She’s dangerous. Whatever she told you is a lie. Is she here?”

Caleb sighed and turned, his knuckles turning white from his grip on the wood trim. “She wants to help us, Lucy.”

“She’s a psychopath. She doesn’t care about you or us.”

A chill unleashed from her past trauma as a darkened expression overcame Caleb and his posture stiffened. “You don’t know anything. You’re always like this. Psychoanalyzing everything. This is why you settled for being a lifeguard.” Softening at her startled appearance, Caleb’s mood shifted and he smirked. “You gotta get out of your head. Besides, she got something in return.”

“What?”

“She has unfinished business with the LAPD. She got her chance to make things right.” Uninterested in further conversation, Caleb’s footsteps disappeared further into the house.

Lucy gripped the edges of the rickety chair arms and blinked tears away. Caleb’s words taunted her, but she couldn’t let him win. Not again. And, as she considered her options, she wasn’t sure which she hoped for more: Tim to find her or a chance to warn him of the dangers that were waiting.