Archive of Our Own ^beta

Carlos felt like he was losing his mind.  He had spent countless hours going over evidence, both his father’s and his own.  He was barely sleeping or eating.  It felt like he couldn’t, not yet, not until he found something that would lead him to his father’s killer.  His mind was in an odd state of being completely muddled but at the same time laser-focused on his task.  Thoughts of his mother, who had to witness her husband die in front of her in their home made him want to break down.  But they also made him focus, because this investigation wasn’t just for his sake.  It was for his mother, his sisters, his father, and him.  They all deserved justice and closure.  And whoever did this deserves to be put away.  For life, preferably.  

The door to the loft slid open, startling Carlos even though TK was trying to be quiet.  TK looked at Carlos, who was more or less in the exact same spot as when he left for a shift this morning.  Carlos could see the sadness in TK’s eyes from the couch, and he knew his fiancé wanted him to take better care of himself.  He was trying, and TK had been his lifeline throughout this ordeal.  TK got him to eat and sleep a bit, and never left nor tried to make Carlos feel guilty about anything.  Not his need for justice, not his inability to do much else, and not for postponing the wedding.  They were still getting married, they just had to wait a little longer.  But it would happen.  

TK took off his shoes and put his stuff away, then walked over to the couch.  “Do you want help?” he offered as he sat next to Carlos.

“Just you being here is help enough, baby,” Carlos replied.  He was getting into some upsetting stuff, and didn’t really want TK to see it.  

“Okay.  Did you eat anything today?”

“A little,” he ate something that TK had prepared for him the night before, but that was several hours ago.

“Good.  I put some food in the fridge from dinner today, it’s yours if you want it.  Paul cooked,” TK spoke softly, then failed to suppress a yawn.

While Carlos couldn’t deny he wanted some company, he knew TK needed to go to sleep.  “You should go to bed, TK.  You have another shift tomorrow.”

“I don’t want you to be alone.”

“I’m not, you’ll be in the next room.  You need sleep.”

“Hypocrite,” TK huffed goodnaturedly as he stood up.  “When was the last time you slept?”

“Uhh…” Carlos actually couldn’t remember.  That probably wasn’t good.  At the look TK gave him, he continued, “I’ll try, babe.  Just not right now?”

“Okay, I’m trusting you.  How about you try to be in bed by 3:00?”

Looking at the clock, that gave him just under five hours.  “Okay,” he agreed.  He really was going to try.  

As TK got ready for bed, Carlos continued his search.  There were some absolutely awful cases of corruption in the rangers that his dad was following, with most of them settled through long internal investigations.  He was incredibly proud of his father, even if he still had his issues with the Texas Rangers as a whole.  

“Goodnight, baby,” TK said from the doorway of their room.  

“Goodnight, sleep well.  I love you.”

“I love you too,” he replied, shutting the bedroom door halfway.  

Carlos spent the next couple hours sorting through notes and pictures and adding his own.  Even if that first lead was less than a breakthrough, it gave him something.  He just had to piece together a few more details before he would have a lead he could follow.  He could feel how close he was.  

At around 1:30, he heard light footsteps in the hallway that paused outside his door, then a shuffling sound.  He carefully and quietly got up and went to the door.  The footsteps retreated.  Looking down, he saw a catalog envelope on the floor with the writing “Officer Reyes” on it in large handwriting, which must have been delivered by the mystery person.  

Thinking it best not to touch it, he grabbed a cloth from the kitchen and moved it to the table with the other evidence.  He decided that he would not open it with TK there, just in case.  Though he did want to know what was in there, he had to be careful.  Carlos was also exhausted, and knew he needed some rest.  If he at least tried to get some sleep, he would not be tempted to open the envelope.  He would resume his work whenever he woke up, which was most likely going to be in a few hours.  Tomorrow he could even bring it to the station and see if forensics can get anything from it.

He got ready for bed quickly, and climbed into bed next to TK, careful not to wake him.  Carlos spent a few moments simply watching TK.  He took in all his features he had memorized long ago, thinking about how lucky he was to have him as his fiancé.  He settled next to TK, hoping to get at least some restful sleep.  

Carlos woke to TK getting ready for his shift, which meant that it was around 6:00 in the morning.  He was pleasantly surprised with the amount of sleep he got.  It would be easier to focus today and he had a lot to do.  Getting up, he went over to the bathroom to brush his teeth.  

“Oh, did I wake you?” TK asked when he saw Carlos.

“No babe,” Carlos said.  TK really didn’t, as he was sure he’d have been up soon anyway.  Plus, he was eager to follow this new clue wherever it led. 

“I’m glad, you could use the sleep.”

“Yeah,” Carlos went to get dressed.  “I’m going to the station today, not sure how long I’ll be.”

“Okay,” TK said with a soft smile.  Based on previous times, that meant Carlos was getting somewhere, or at least thought he was.  TK gathered his keys and wallet and headed to the door.  “My shift ends at 7:00.”

“Alright, be safe.”

“You too,” TK gave him a kiss and was off to the firehouse. 

When Carlos finished getting ready, he carefully packed up the necessary evidence and went over to the precinct.  His friends at the APD were understanding and helpful, and he was incredibly grateful to them.  He couldn’t trust the Texas Rangers, and only trusted a handful of people at the APD, but it was enough to keep him going.  His partner Mitchell, a couple other patrol officers he was close with, Detective Washington, and one of the evidence technicians he had gotten to know were all valuable to his investigation.  They helped when they could, and sometimes even gave him a little push in the right direction if protocol said they couldn’t.  

Parking his car out of the way in the lot, he entered the precinct and made his way straight to the evidence room.  Some of his colleagues were surprised to see him, as he was taking a leave of absence.  Luckily he found who he was looking for easily.  Tate Eskildsen, who generally just went by his first name, was doing paperwork.  Carlos had met him a couple years ago on a case, when Tate and the rest of the evidence team did their jobs after the officers cleared a house.  It was a simple drugs case, but he and Carlos had talked a bit and got along well.  Tate had helped Carlos in a few of his “investigations” and was now one of the many people suggesting he take the detectives exam.  He had thought about it, but now was not the time.  Carlos knew Tate would be willing to help him, so he went over to his desk.

“Hey, Tate,” Carlos greeted.

“Hey man, how’s–,” Tate cut himself off, and looked at what Carlos was holding.  “Have you got something for me, then?”

Carlos handed him the envelope, which was protected by a plastic bag.  “I was hoping you could help me with something.  This was delivered to my home late last night, around 1:30.  I don’t know who sent it, but I figured I should have evidence take a look at it to see if there's anything you can find.  I did not touch it.”

“Smart.  Never know what could be on these things.  Or in them, for that matter,” Tate took it and started for the evidence room.  “I’ll see what I can do, and let you know.  I would assume you want this kept private, but are you sure you want me to see what’s in it?”

“You already know enough about my investigation, and I am assuming it has something to do with it.  Just be careful.”

“Always,” he replied with a smile.  “This might take some time, especially if I get called to a scene.  I’ll call you when I have finished.”  He then went into the evidence processing room to get started.  Carlos admired how dedicated Tate was to his job, and how good he was at it.  That, and he seemed to really enjoy it.  Most cops wouldn’t admit it, but the evidence technicians were a vital part of how the APD worked, as without them lots of hard work from the officers and detectives would go to waste.  

Carlos wasn't quite sure what he should do.  On one hand, he wanted to be here as soon as Tate was done, but on the other he wanted to go home and use the time spent waiting to wrap up what he was doing yesterday.  

He ended up going back home.  Nothing was out of the ordinary in the loft, no more envelopes or other clues for him to pick up.  Carlos got back to work after making sure everything was locked up.  

It took hours for Tate to call him.  Carlos flinched at his ringtone; he had turned up the volume to be sure he wouldn’t miss Tate’s call.  

“Tate?” He answered the phone.

“Yeah.  Dude, you should-” he sounded worried.  Tate took a deep breath and tried again,  “You should come down here.  There were no fingerprints, nor anything harmful in or on the envelope.  But you need to see what’s in it.”

Carlos didn’t need to be told twice.  He was up and putting on his shoes as he continued the conversation.  “I’m on my way.  What’s wrong?”

“Not trying to freak you out, but I do not want to tell you over the phone.”

“Okay, I’ll be there in a few,” Carlos put his phone away and got into his car.  Unfortunately, he was freaked out.  There was no way this was good.

When he got to the station, Tate quickly ushered him into a small room no one was using.  On the table, the envelope and some of its contents were laid out.  

“First, there were no usable forensics on it or the contents that would tell us who gave it to you.  Second, no one but me saw what was in it.  You need to look at it, there was a note and some pictures.  I kept the pictures inside in case anyone came in here,” Tate explained.  He sounded even more anxious than he was on the phone. 

Carlos looked at the note first.  It read:

Officer Reyes,

You are clearly a very clever man, and as such we expect you to comply with what is written here.  We do not normally do this sort of thing, but sometimes drastic measures are necessary.  We are sure you are aware of the target you have put on your back, but did you know you have also placed a target on someone else?  The investigation you are unofficially working on is putting your family at risk.  If you do not want your fiancé to end up like your father, you will call off your engagement and cease your investigation.  As long as he is associated with you, he is considered a fair target.  If you tell your fiancé what this is about, if you go to the rangers, or if you bring this investigation into public view, well, you get the idea.  You have 36 hours to comply.  Trust that we will know everything you do.

Putting down the letter with unsteady hands, Carlos looked at the envelope.  He really did not want to see what was in it.  But he knew he had to.  He glanced at Tate, who looked angry and like he was going to throw up at the same time.  He understood the feeling.  

The envelope felt heavy in his hands.  He opened it, sliding out the papers that were inside.  Photos now covered the table, all of TK during various parts of his day.  There were several of him at the firehouse.  In one he was laughing with Nancy and Mateo.  One picture showed him next to Paul, cheering in the stands of the roller derby rink.  Another had him in a bar, talking to Marjan and his dad, with Nancy on the dancefloor in the background.  TK was even on a call in some.  There were so many pictures.  Some were of him alone, on a run, or going grocery shopping.  The one that made Carlos feel even more sick was one taken of TK through the window of their home.  Why were there so many?   It hadn’t been that long since he started looking into his father’s murder.  How long had these people been trailing TK?  

“I don’t– What do I do?”  Carlos closed his eyes.  What could he do?  He had to protect TK, but calling off the engagement would devastate both of them.  But if he had to do it to keep TK safe, he would.  TK would hate him, but at least he’d be alive.  

“Okay, okay.  Shit.  Okay.  You said this was delivered at about 1:30 AM, right?  That gives you, like, 24 hours.  Right?  Right.”  he was talking fast, and Carlos wasn’t entirely sure if Tate was talking to him or himself.  “I’m- I’m going to call Mitchell.”

Carlos didn’t register Tate calling his partner.  He was staring at the picture of TK through the window in the dining room, a cup of tea in his hand.  TK couldn’t go back there.  Where else would he go?  Would he have to get a hotel?  Then he’d be alone.   Carlos couldn’t have TK be alone.  His dad’s?   Carlos looked through all the pictures, looking for if any of them were at or near his dad’s house.  He hadn’t been over there much recently, as he insisted on looking after Carlos as much as he could.  Carlos had encouraged him to go to his dad’s or go out with the 126, but he apparently hadn’t gotten around to going over to Owen’s.  Good, that means he’ll be safe there.   Hopefully, at least.  TK wouldn’t be alone, and that was a decent protection in itself.  TK would never agree to this.  Oh God, was he going to have to somehow kick TK out?   

Several minutes must have passed, because the next thing he knew, his partner was walking in the room.  She glanced at the table, taking things in, and placed a hand on Carlos’s shoulder.  Lexi Mitchell had been his partner for many years, and they had a bond not only as partners but also as friends.  He knew he could count on her, and trusted her with his life. 

“We need a plan,” she stated.  “Carlos, this is going to suck, but you have 24 hours to at least seem like you’re following their instructions.”

“What?”

“Look, we might be able to get a protective detail on TK, but we both know we shouldn’t go around trusting everybody.  I don’t think it’s reasonable to get him to a safehouse on such short notice, and again, the trust thing,” Lexi explained.  “I know we don’t have substantial evidence of them in the APD, but I’d rather not take the risk.  These people knew you were working the case somehow.  He can’t go home, as these people clearly know where you live.”

“So what do I do?”

“Is there any place he can go that these people don’t yet know of?”

“His dad’s, I think.”

“Okay, you’ll have to get him to go there.  And you have to make it look real.  You also have to look like you’re stopping this investigation.  That part you might want to do now.  What time is TK off work?”

“7:00, which gives us less than six hours until he goes back home,” Carlos told her.  “How do I pretend to stop working this?”

Tate spoke for the first time in a while, “Take pictures of what you can and send them to us, then fake getting rid of the evidence you have so far.  I have an idea, but it could be difficult if you’re being watched.”

“Try it.”

Tate explained to Lexi and Carlos his idea, which was that Carlos discreetly takes some fake evidence out of the precinct and switches it out for the real evidence at his apartment.  He takes pictures of what he can, and then hides everything.  He then goes outside and destroys the fake evidence, acting as if he is attempting to hide what he is doing.  Then he has to break it off with TK.  Anything that can’t be photographed he hides on his person, and brings it to Lexi and Tate, who will be at Lexi’s place.  

Lexi suggested that he make a stop in between telling TK and going over to her place, and they all agreed.  Carlos would go to a bar and pretend to drown his sorrows before calling Lexi to pick him up.  Then it would be reasonable to assume he passed out on her couch if he was to be followed.  

“Are you sure you want them to potentially know where you live?” Carlos asked her.

“Not really,” she admitted, “but I want them to kill you even less.  Plus, once we weed them out it won’t matter.”

They all knew she was being optimistic with that sentiment, but none of them mentioned it.  

“How am I supposed to break up with TK?  The letter said he can’t know why.”

“Is he really that bad at keeping a secret?” Tate asked, half-jokingly.

“No, but he works with someone who was Sherlock Holmes in another life.  One of his coworkers – and close friends – is freakishly good at figuring stuff out.  I’m afraid it will come out accidentally, and I can’t risk that,” Carlos loved Paul, but his ability to find stuff out with the bare minimum of information was at best, a little weird, and in this case, an inadvertent danger. 

“Well, man, it looks like you’re going to have to do this for real,” Tate said, almost casually.  While Carlos would know that it was not real, TK wouldn’t, and he will be pissed.  

“Um, slight problem,” Carlos began.  He had almost forgotten about this little issue, “I can’t actually kick him out, we’re co-owners of the loft.”

“Damn it.  Then you’re going to have to do this the hard way, partner,” Lexi looked at him sympathetically.  “You are going to have to make him mad enough that he doesn’t want to be near you.”

“How on earth am I supposed to do that?” They all thought for a moment.

“You could say you were cheating on him?”

“No!” was Carlos’s immediate reaction.

Tate put his hands up defensively, “I’m just saying, that would probably get him mad enough to leave.”

He, unfortunately, was right.  But it could also get him to do something besides leave.  Carlos sighed, he didn’t want to tell them, as it was TK’s personal business, but he had to explain somehow why what was probably the best plan would not work.  “I don’t really feel comfortable telling you guys this, as it’s not mine to share.  But, several years ago, the man TK proposed to admitted to cheating on him for six months.  Shortly after receiving that news, TK overdosed, and nearly died.”

“Jesus.”

“Okay, so that’s a no-go,” Lexi said.  “Is there anything you can think of that would get him angry with you?  An old argument, a longstanding issue?”

“No, we tend to work through our stuff.”

_______________

By the time they had sorted out their plan, Carlos had 22 hours.  The hardest part would be getting TK to not go back to the loft, and it was suggested he just change the locks.  As a co-owner, TK could simply walk down to the building maintenance and get a new key, but hopefully it would deter him for a bit.  They really just needed him out of danger for a while, until whoever was threatening him was convinced they were not together.  Though the three of them were well trained and good at their jobs, they had no idea how long solving this would take.  

Carlos went home, and proceeded to carry out the plan.  All the curtains were drawn, so hopefully no one could see him.  Photographing what he could and sending them to Lexi took a fair bit of time.  He made sure all the pictures were legible and well-lit, then hid away the evidence.  What he couldn’t photograph he hid until later so that he could hide it on his person when he went out.  Carlos switched everything for a paper bag full of faked evidence, which included empty folders, mock incident reports, and even a blank VHS tape from the precinct.  

He went outside and burned the fake evidence, hoping he was doing a convincing enough job of looking like he was trying to be sneaky.  He then went back in and changed the lock on their front door.

All that took a couple of hours, and now the hardest part was what he had to wait for.  He had to break TK’s heart and hope he wasn’t going to do irreparable damage to the man.  What he felt bad about earlier, but now worked in his favour, was the few missed messages he had from TK.  TK had texted him throughout the day, checking in, asking if he ate, and telling him he’s coming right home after his shift.  

While he was waiting, he gathered some of TK’s stuff in a bag.  He collected some clothes, his toothbrush, and some other small things that would fit.  It would make it seem more real, and Carlos doesn’t think he could handle having TK collect his stuff, thinking Carlos didn’t love him anymore.  He knew he had to make it seem real, in case there was someone watching or listening to them.  He had to do it, even if it killed him a little.  This is for TK he kept having to remind himself.  TK is better off heartbroken than dead .  He had to believe that.  What if this causes him to overdose again?  Then he’d be both.  Carlos had to shake his head to get rid of that train of thought.  TK was doing so well with his sobriety, he was coping with things better than ever before, and he really wanted to keep it that way.  Carlos didn’t know what he would do if he took that away from him.  All he could do is hope.

Placing the packed bag by his feet, he waited on the couch, attempting to keep his thoughts from spiraling.  After a bit, he heard TK walk down the hall.  Carlos knew it was him, he could tell from his footsteps and the way his keys jingled as TK took them out of his pocket.  This was probably the last time Carlos would hear it.  He had to do this, no matter how much it hurt.

TK tried to unlock the door.  It didn’t work.  TK tried again.  Carlos heard him mutter something as he walked over, bag in hand.  He unlocked the door and slid it open only part way.

“Oh good, you're here.  I think the lock is jammed or something, my key wouldn’t go in,” TK said as he put his keys away.  He was about to walk forward when Carlos placed the bag at his feet.  TK gave him a confused look.  “Babe, is everything okay?”

“You need to go,” Carlos didn’t know how else to start.  He had thought about what he was going to say, but now, seeing TK’s confused - and hurt - face, it all felt too difficult.  

“Carlos what’s wrong?  Are you in trouble?” Now he sounded worried too. 

“No.  I just can’t marry you.”

“I know, baby, we already agreed we’d postpone it.  I’ve started t-”

“I mean ever, TK.”

“What?” TK’s voice was barely above a whisper, so much hurt and disbelief behind that one word.  

“I can’t get married to you,” Carlos reiterated.  “You need to leave, TK.”

“Carlos, what the hell?”

“I changed the lock,” he said, gesturing to the door.  He nudged the bag toward TK with his foot.  “And packed some of your stuff.”

“Look, if something is going on, you can just tell me and we can work it out,” TK sounded worried and desperate.  Carlos didn’t want worried, worried made people stay.  Carlos needed TK to be angry.  TK leaned a bit closer, meeting Carlos’s gaze.  “When I said I wasn’t going anywhere, I meant it.”

And Carlos knew he meant it.  He meant it then, and he meant it now.  TK would not leave.  Not without very good reason.  Fuck.  He was going to have to do this.  “I’m seeing someone else.”

TK’s worry mixed with anger.  “What?”

Angry was good.  “I’m in love with someone else.”

“You’re lying,” TK’s expression betrayed that he really didn’t know if it was a lie.  “Who?”

“His name is Tate, you’ve met him before,” Carlos knew this was going to hurt TK.

“Since when?”

“I’ve been seeing him for a while now,” Tate was, in fact, straight, but he was pretty sure TK didn’t know that.  Plus, he was the only other person Carlos could come up with right now.  “A few months,” that was a low blow, considering what had been going on with his ex.

“Tate, the evidence technician?” TK was getting angrier.  That’s what Carlos needed.  

“Yes.”

“A few months?  Why wouldn’t you say something earlier?” TK was fighting back tears.  So was Carlos, though he hid it better.

“I didn’t want to bother.”

“Didn’t want to– Carlos, we were planning a wedding!  What the hell were you going to do?  Not show up?”

“Yes.”

“That was your idea of how to break the news?  Leaving me, and our friends and families waiting at the wedding?  Tell me how that makes sense.”

“I’m sorry, TK.  You’re just not worth it,” an even lower blow.

“No, you don't get to say that to me.  After everything we’ve been through together, you expect me to believe you really feel that way?”  Carlos could see the tears in TK’s eyes begin to fall.  He hated himself for doing this. 

“Things change.  It’s how I feel now.”

“Fuck you,” TK shook his head and took a step back, putting some distance between them.  Carlos noticed how his voice was more heartbroken than angry. 

“You should leave.”

TK wiped the tears from his eyes, “Fine.  I don’t want to be here.”

“Bye, TK,” was all Carlos could say as he shut the door on the love of his life.  He listened to TK walk away with what was left of his heart.  His chest hurt.  Carlos took a moment to break down at the loss of his soulmate, finally letting his own tears fall.  He hoped TK would go to his dad’s.  He took another moment to collect himself, though it didn’t work.  It didn’t matter, he had to go to a bar and finish the plan.  The plan to save TK’s life, he reminded himself.  It didn’t help.  

_______________

TK was pissed.  And heartbroken.  Heartbroken beyond belief, actually.  But it was less painful to focus on the anger.  His chest felt hollow.  He threw the bag Carlos had packed him into the backseat of his car.  Where was he supposed to go?   TK wasn’t sure, but he started driving anyway.  

When he realised he was going twenty over the speed limit, he pulled over.  He found a mostly empty parking lot, not far enough away from the loft for his liking, but he knew he had to stop.  It wasn't good to drive angry.  Or heartbroken.  Or under any type of emotional distress.  What the hell was he supposed to do?  He wanted his mom, the thought brought forth even more emotions that he didn’t want to be dealing with.  He should call Cooper.  Cooper was the only other person - besides Carlos - that TK talked to when he was feeling this bad.  And he hadn’t felt this bad in a while.  Sure, he had good days and bad days like everybody else, but the last time he spiraled this dangerously was when he found out his mom passed.  He could barely think, but he got out his phone to call Cooper.  It took him three tries to get to his number.  

Cooper picked up after the first ring, “TK, what’s going on?”

TK tried to speak, but found that he couldn’t get any words out.  All he could do was breath shakily.

“Hey, take your time.  I’m here.”

It took a minute for TK to compose himself enough to talk.  “Something happened,” was all he could say.

“Do you want to talk about it, or something else?”

That broke what little composure TK had managed to gain.  He broke down, not even trying to stop himself from crying.  “Carlos just called off our engagement.  Permanently.  And confessed to cheating on me.”

“Oh.”

“I don’t know what the fuck I’m supposed to do, Cooper.”

“You could try talking about it.  Only if you want to, though,” the concern in Cooper’s voice was evident.  TK knew he was a believer in talking through things to help people think more rationally.  It also distracted people from any unhealthy coping mechanisms they might have.  

“I think I can try,” TK started.  He was able to talk through it eventually, with great effort.  He told Cooper of Carlos’s strange behaviour, the changed lock, and the packed bag.  It did help a bit, though the hollow feeling in his chest never went away.  When he got to the part when Carlos admitted to cheating on him, he broke down again.  Just thinking about it hurt his heart.  But he got through it.  He told Cooper he was currently in his car, and why he pulled over.

“I’m so sorry, TK.  If you need a place to stay...”

“Thanks, Coop.  But I think I’m going to go to my dad’s.”

“That’s good.  You better hang up while you’re driving, but I’m always here.”

“I know, thank you.”

“Take care of yourself,” was Cooper’s usual way of saying goodbye.

“You too.”

Feeling a bit more in control of himself, TK called his dad to let him know he was coming over.  He didn’t want to surprise him if Kendra was there.  His dad asked what was wrong, but TK really didn’t want to go over that with his dad right now.  He told him they’d talk about it in the morning.  Owen informed him Kendra wasn’t there, and he had a guest bedroom already set up.  He also offered to pick TK up, which he declined.  TK thanked him and hung up.

TK felt okay enough to drive, luckily.  He was careful with his speed and focused on just getting there.  It had gotten a bit late after his call with Cooper, and there weren’t many people on the roads.  It took a lot of work to stop his mind from wandering, but eventually he was pulling into his dad’s driveway. 

Owen met him at the door and gave him a hug.  “Son, are you sure-”

“I already talked to Cooper, dad.  I’ll be okay for tonight, I really just want to sleep.”

“Okay.”

Despite wanting to sleep, as soon as TK got ready for bed and lay down, he found he couldn’t sleep.  It wasn’t very surprising, but he still didn’t like it.  The events of the night kept replaying in his head.  He had had a pretty good day, nothing out of the ordinary at work, and there was no drama between anyone at the 126.  Then his life blew up in a matter of minutes.  Funny how that works.  

He didn’t even get to go home at the end of the day.  Carlos wouldn’t let him in the loft, and had even packed him a bag.  That’s how much he wanted TK gone.  At first he was mostly confused, and a bit concerned at the sudden change in behaviour.  Carlos had never let on that he was having issues in their relationship, which frustrated TK, as he thought they were doing well working through any problems that arose.  They hadn’t been in many arguments recently, and they worked it out quickly whenever there was a disagreement.  But then Carlos had refused TK entry into their home, and basically kicked him out with only a few of his belongings.  

Carlos’s words swirled around in his head.  ‘I can’t get married to you,’ ‘I’m in love with someone else,’ were things he had heard before.  That didn’t make it any less painful.  In fact, it made it worse.  He didn’t notice that he had started crying.  The one that kept popping up was ‘You’re just not worth it.’   Every word Carlos said had chipped away at his heart, but that was what shattered it entirely.  How could he say something like that to TK?  

Maybe he’s right.  Maybe you’re not worth it.   Perhaps he wasn’t.  The two people you would have married found someone better.  There’s a common denominator.  The hollow feeling worsened.  

_______________

At the bar, Carlos was miserable.  He ordered a drink, and sat at the far end, in a spot where he could easily see the doors and most of the patrons.  When someone talked to him, he would politely converse for a bit, even though talking to strangers was just about the last thing he wanted to be doing right now.  What he wanted was to solve his father’s murder.  And be with TK.  He didn’t know if either of those things would happen.  He has not given up on his father’s case, but it could be a long time before it was solved, especially without help from the APD or Texas Rangers.  Well, and now the active hindrance of whoever sent him that note.  It would be even slower going since he had to act like he gave up.  While Lexi and Tate wanted to solve the case and would help him, they had lives too.  The three of them could not dedicate every waking hour to this, it wasn’t reasonable.  On top of that, he had to assume he was being watched no matter where he went.  Maybe even in his home.  

Moreover, TK definitely hated him.  There was no way TK would forgive him for what he did.  He wouldn’t forgive himself either.  Carlos hated what he said to TK, but TK was safer away from Carlos.  He wouldn’t be able to live with himself if TK got hurt - or worse - because of him.  Yet, he had to find a way to live with himself after breaking his soulmate’s heart.  Carlos knew that the breakup hurt TK at least as much as hurt him, probably more because TK didn’t know that it was all a lie, that Carlos didn’t mean any of it.  TK’s expression when Carlos claimed to be cheating on him was burnt into his mind.  

After a couple hours passed, Carlos went outside to call Lexi.  He still had things to do today.  It took a few minutes for her to pull up, acting as the concerned friend driving a drunk person home.  But Carlos was not going to her place to sleep off one too many drinks, he was going to work the case until he couldn’t.  He had to find something.  Something to get justice for his dad, something to ensure TK’s safety.  Lexi drove the long way to her home, taking inconspicuous steps to determine if they were being followed.  After they were reasonably sure they weren’t, she went the more direct route.

Tate was already at Lexi’s, just as they planned.  Carlos filled them in on the events of the night.  He told them he had to say he was cheating on TK, and that he threw Tate under the bus for that one.  Tate was only a little indignant, but they understood.  Lexi and Tate assured him that TK would understand once he explained everything, but they weren’t there.  They didn’t see the devastated look on TK’s face.  Carlos hated that he was the reason for that look.  They told him he had to say those things to get TK to leave for his own safety.  Carlos knew that was true, but it didn’t stop him feeling bad about the awful things he said.  No one should have to hear that from someone they love.  

After making coffee, they got to work, Carlos adding the evidence he came with to the pile on the dining room table.  Lexi and Tate had printed the pictures Carlos had sent them, and even started working on it without him.  Carlos pushed all other thoughts from his mind and focused on the case in front of him.  

They worked until the early hours of the morning.  They talked through theories and tried many different angles, most ending up going nowhere.  Though none of them were detectives, they were all dedicated and good at their jobs.  Carlos appreciated how much faster it was with help.  Tate was the first to need sleep at around 2:00, but he assured them he’d get back to it after he woke up.  Lexi and Carlos continued without him until Lexi retired a couple hours later.  Carlos didn’t bother looking at the clock, as he knew it was so late it was early.  Getting the amount of sleep he got last night allowed him to stay up nearly the full night.  He got somewhere between one and two hours of sleep before he was back to work.  Tate woke up only a little later and rejoined him at the table.  Lexi got up a short while after Tate and made more coffee for them.  

At a quarter to eleven, Lexi announced, “I’ve got to kick you out at 11:00.  I’ve got a shift later, and I think that’s a reasonable time to kick out a hungover friend.”

“Okay,” Tate agreed.  “I’ll leave after you.”

“All right,” Carlos complied.  He didn’t want to stop, but he knew they had to keep up appearances just in case.  He didn’t want Lexi to be in any more danger than she already probably was.  

They tidied up and then Lexi drove herself and Carlos back to the bar to retrieve his car from the night before.  Luckily, it was still in the lot and not towed or stolen.  Carlos said goodbye and thanked her again, before both drove off to their homes.  His plan was to continue working when he got back, knowing he wouldn’t be able to do much else even if he wanted to.  Even during the car ride, he was lost in thought about the case.  The only time he stopped thinking about it was when he opened the door to the loft.  With a different key.

He slid the door open to no TK waiting for him.  The wave of sadness that hit him almost knocked him to the ground.  He was going to have to get used to TK not being there when he got home.  He was going to have to get used to TK hating him.  The few times he let his mind wander from the case, his thoughts always drifted back to TK.  He ached at the thought of doing this without him – of doing anything, everything without him.  The reminders of the lack of TK weighed heavily on Carlos as he fetched the hidden evidence from its secure spot.  He tried to clear his head and simply work on the case, but found he couldn’t.  

He looked around.  He remembered walking through that door with TK to show him their new home.  That was after the house fire, after the breakup, and after the hypothermia.  It all felt so long ago.  The last time TK came through that door was just the other day.  So was the last time he slept in their bed.  It’s been a little over 24 hours since Carlos and TK last got ready for their days together.  Carlos walked to the bathroom  Most of TK’s stuff was still there.  TK would want it back, but hopefully not soon; it was still unsafe for TK to be there.  Carlos walked back out to the living area.  The couch that TK had sat with him on, comforting him and helping if he could.  The couch that held a lot of conversation previously, good news and bad news, many game nights and movie marathons.  The dining room, where they’d eat with each other, enjoying themselves with no one else around.  Where they hosted their families and friends for many gatherings featuring home-cooked meals.  Where they first announced their engagement to their friends.  That brought Carlos to the kitchen.  They’d both cook, preparing things for the other if they knew a long day was ahead.  Working together to cook a more complicated meal, talking and laughing as they did.  Carlos cooking and TK “helping” by tasting everything as he went (Owen told him TK has done that since he was a child).  One of them cooking solo to surprise the other after a shift.  All the memories were too much.

Carlos had to sit down.  He wondered if he’d get the chance to make new memories with TK in the loft.  Of course not, he hates you.  You can’t expect to say stuff like that to someone and then be forgiven for it.  He knew that, but he was holding onto the slim hope that when he explains that it wasn’t real TK would forgive him.  Even if he does forgive you, he won’t trust you again.  That thought took Carlos by surprise.  He hadn’t thought about trust until now.   His brain was right though, Carlos destroyed the trust TK had in him.  There’s no coming back from that.  Even if TK forgives him, they are not going to get back together.  He had to make peace with that fact.  

Just before he could try to get to work, there was a loud knock on the door.

_______________

TK was still awake.  Hours had passed since he got to his dad’s.  The question that haunted him most was When?   When had he stopped being worth it to Carlos?  When had Carlos given up on them being together?  

When they didn’t know what they were when they first met, Carlos showed him immense care and understanding even when TK was being a bit of a dick.  Or getting arrested after bar fights.  So it wasn’t then.  It wasn’t when he had an existential crisis after being shot.  It wasn’t when Carlos’s townhouse burnt down with them in it.  It wasn’t even when TK had broken his heart after that.  To Carlos, TK was still worth waiting for when he finally got his shit together after his hypothermia-induced coma.  It wasn't when his mom died, Carlos was nothing but supportive during that nightmare.  Not when they had the little misunderstanding about Cooper.  After their dispute when Iris went missing, they had decided it was a good idea to work on communication, and it had been working well.  It wasn’t after Carlos got kidnapped and almost died.  During TK’s spiral about potentially having Huntington’s disease, Carlos never wavered.  He promised TK that he would be there through it all.  He said that they were soulmates.  So what changed?  Hell, it wasn’t even after Carlos’s dad passed.  He had been distraught, of course, but TK never once thought he had any doubts about their relationship, just the timeline.  It wasn’t — It wasn’t. 

Oh my God.  It wasn’t ever.  TK sat up with a start.  He almost laughed when he looked at the clock, reading 3:22 AM.  It never happened.  Carlos was lying.  

TK was mad at himself for not seeing it before, but then he thought that was probably how Carlos wanted it.  Or needed it.  When he called off the engagement, Carlos was saying all the right things to get TK to want to leave.  Telling him they can’t ever get married, telling him that Carlos was cheating on him, telling him he wasn’t worth it.  All of that was what Carlos knew would hurt TK the most.  He was right, it hurt like hell.  And it made him mad.  Mad enough to need to leave.  

But the change in behaviour was too sudden.  

In the moment, TK was so upset  that he didn’t realize Carlos felt unsafe in their home, which he had never shown signs of during his investigation.  TK remembers Carlos scanning up and down the hall while they argued.  He doubted Carlos realised he was doing it.  He looked like he was expecting the walls to jump out at him.  Carlos wanted TK out of there as quickly as possible, that’s why he packed him a bag.  That’s why he tried to just change the lock and tell TK to leave.  It was when TK insisted on staying that Carlos said he was cheating.  Carlos was desperate.  Desperate enough to break TK’s heart in the cruelest way he could think of.  

What in the world made him do that?  It had to have been something serious.  Something related to his father’s murder, most likely, as that was the only case he’d been working on.  I hope he’s not still at the loft.   If there was a threat to their home, he hoped Carlos went somewhere else so he’d be safe too.  

Why didn’t he just tell me?  He probably couldn't.  The only logical conclusion is that Carlos had been under some kind of duress.  Was there someone in the loft, threatening him?  TK didn’t see anyone, but Carlos had only opened the door part way.  There could have been someone there.  TK doesn’t think so, because from what he could tell Carlos looked like he was worried about someone getting into the loft, not out.  

TK hadn’t noticed anything off about their building.  No suspicious people, or loiterers he didn’t recognise.  Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.  There was nothing questionable in their mail either, no threatening letters or strange packages that TK noticed.  TK usually got the mail now, which was a lot of condolence letters among the usual stuff.  They hadn’t received anything odd recently. 

Still, someone was getting to Carlos.  Bad enough to make him think this was his only option.  TK really hopes he’s not going this alone.  Carlos has been overly distrustful lately, but he has close friends in the APD that would probably be willing to help him.  

TK needed some help of his own.  He wrestled with himself on what to do.  It was too late to call the 126 or wake his dad, but  if Carlos needed help then how could he not do something?  He decided on waking his dad.  At least to talk it through, to make sure he was being reasonable about this.  

He hesitates only a moment outside his dad’s door, but the thought of Carlos going through this alone made him knock on the door.  His dad would forgive him.  

Owen didn’t answer, so TK knocked louder.  He heard his dad shift in bed, and a few seconds later the door opened.  He looked concerned, “What’s wrong, son?”

“I think someone is threatening Carlos.”

Owen frowned.  “Want to start at the beginning?” his confusion was evident.  If Carlos was in trouble, why was TK here? 

“Yeah, okay.  It’s a long story,” they made their way to the living room and sat down.  

“TK, what’s going on?” Owen prompted.

“Carlos called off the engagement and kicked me out of the loft.”

“He what?” 

“Sorry, probably not the best place to start.  He didn’t want to.”

Owen looked skeptical.  “So why did he?”

“Ugh, I thought this would be easier to explain.  Okay, so you know how Carlos has been investigating his father’s death?”

Owen nodded.

“Well yesterday he got a new lead, and went to the station to start following it.  He ignored all of my texts, which he hadn't done much before, and then when I got back home I had found him there, with a bag packed for me.  He also changed the lock to the front door.”  Before Owen could say something, TK continued, “He didn’t let me in, and kept telling me to leave, and that he was calling off the wedding permanently.  He also said he was cheating on me.”

The protective instinct Owen felt briefly overrode his logic. “He was what?” 

“No, dad.  He was lying.  It was only after I had told him I wasn’t leaving when he ‘confessed’ to cheating.  He was saying things he knew would get me upset enough to leave.”

“Okay, that’s a lot,” Owen said.  TK was well aware.  “So in order to get you to leave the loft, he hurt you?”

“Yes.”

“How do you know he was under duress?”

“Because I know him, dad.  He wasn’t totally present, and he looked like he was expecting the walls to come to life.  And, because he was trying to hurt me.  When I said I wouldn’t leave, that’s when he said the things he knew would make me upset.  Upset enough to leave.  He wanted it to turn out that way.”

“But you still left,” it wasn’t a question, as TK obviously had left, but he could understand the underlying inquiry in his dad’s words.

“I didn’t realise what was going on until just now.  That’s why I woke you up.  I was so heartbroken in the heat of the moment that I didn’t realise how much didn’t add up.  Not until I really thought about it.” 

“Carlos wanted you away from the loft.  That must mean he thinks it is unsafe.  Do you trust that he’s right?”

“Absolutely,” TK responded immediately.  He trusted Carlos and his instincts wholeheartedly.  If Carlos thought something was wrong, it was.  

“Well if that is the case, we don’t want him there alone.”

“Yeah.  Oh God, I really hope he left too.”

“Is it too late to call everyone?  I think we’re going to need some help.”

“Probably, but it is an emergency,” if they didn’t answer, TK would try again in the morning.  But the 126 was oddly good at figuring stuff out, so if he wanted to ensure Carlos’s safety and find out exactly what was going on, he’d have to interrupt everyone’s sleep.  He’ll make it up to them.

TK and Owen called the usual suspects of the 126.  Everyone answered, except Tommy.  TK would guess it has something to do with taking care of kids on top of working long shifts.  They did not call Judd, as he was already going through a family emergency.  Actually, Mateo didn’t technically answer, as he was with Nancy, who answered her phone for both of them.  They all agreed to meet at Owen’s.

“What if I’m wrong?” TK had barely thought about that possibility.  All he knew was that Carlos was in trouble and he needed to help.  But what if…

“I really don’t think you are, son.  You know Carlos well enough to tell that this is more than it seems.  Trust your gut.”

“But-,” TK started before getting cut off.  

“Hey, we already called everyone, and they’re on their way.  We’ll all work it out together, and if you are wrong, then we’ll work that out too.  But if you're right, which you probably are, then Carlos needs all the help he can get.”

“Okay.”

Nancy and Mateo arrived together, followed by Marjan, then Paul a few minutes later.  TK filled everyone in on as much as he could.  He went over Carlos’s behaviour and words.  How he wouldn’t let TK get past the door, how he purposefully said things to hurt him.  He also told them what he thought, that someone was threatening them over the case Carlos was working.  After he went over it all, they got to talking. 

“I think Carlos is scared for you, man,” Paul concluded.  “He already knows he’s in a fair amount of danger by just looking into this.  I don’t think it’s a threat to both of you.  Just you.”

“Great,” TK said unenthusiastically.  “Then why didn’t he just tell me?”

“He probably couldn’t for some reason.”

“Yeah, you said he kept looking around.  He probably thought someone was watching you guys,” Nancy added. 

“And If he was willing to go to such lengths, I’d say there’s a good chance someone was,” Paul pointed out.

“It’s like when a superhero has to do something dangerous and keep the love of his life in the dark for their own protection.  Like Daredevil!  Or Spider-Man!” Mateo compared, with a bit too much excitement given the current situation.

“Not helping,” Marjan scolded.  “But he’s right.  Sort of.  Carlos needed it to seem real so whoever is on to him thinks you’re no longer in his life.  Probably because you being with him right now puts you in danger.”

“Yeah, and I would also bet it’s about his father’s murder case.  It is the only one he’s been working on recently, so there are limited options,” Paul decided.  

“Is there anything we can do to help without making this worse?”  TK asked the group.  “I don’t want him to be in more trouble,”  They thought for a bit.

“As far as we can tell, you’re the only other person that was threatened.  None of us are on that list.  And after a break up that bad, who wouldn’t expect your friends to pay your ‘ex’ a visit?” Marjan suggested.  

Paul grinned at Marjan’s idea, “That’s a good point Marj.  Assuming Carlos is at the loft tomorrow, we can pretend to be angry friends while offering our help to him.”

“How are you going to do that?” 

“Could give us some note cards.  We write down a few things beforehand, and in case anyone is listening we show him those while feigning anger,” Nancy proposed.  

“That’s such a good idea, babe,” Mateo said.  

“Okay, but when?  Are you all just going to storm through the door?  We would need to work out some logistics to get this to work,” Owen told them.  This was a delicate situation, and they needed to plan to make it convincing.  

They all continued like that for a while, throwing ideas and speculations around until they came up with a decent plan to get more information from Carlos and try to help him.  The main things were to keep up appearances of mad friends, and not let anyone know who didn’t need to.  No one could say if the firehouse was safe for TK, but he insisted on continuing to work, and he would be staying with Owen until this is over.  They debated on whether or not to tell Tommy and Judd, as they had already been dealing with a lot recently.  They decided Owen would tell them privately if they started asking questions.

Everyone left when it was all settled.  They would have to act like the break up was real, and that they were pissed at Carlos.  After their shifts were over, they’d go over to the loft.  Luckily for them, medical and fire’s shifts lined up tomorrow.  They could all go.  Owen would not go for the first time, pretending to be the voice of reason.  But if they needed backup, he would go at another time.  Once they managed to talk to Carlos, they’d figure out what to do next.  They just hoped that they actually could help.  

_______________

Carlos jumped at the loud knock, reaching for his service weapon.  

Another harsh knock.  It was followed by Marjan’s voice, yelling through the door, “Carlos, open up!  I swear we will break this door down if you don’t!”  

He put his gun away.  The clock read 4:37.  After her shift, which he knew happened to line up with both medical and fire.  Carlos knew that the 126 would find out what happened, but he was hoping he’d be able to deal with it all a little later.  But news travelled fast, especially in that firehouse.  Especially if TK showed up to shift as heartbroken as he left the loft last night.   Carlos sighed and walked to the door, which was still being pounded on by Marjan.  She said “we,” so Carlos assumed she was with at least one other member of the 126.

He was proven right upon sliding the door open partially, not wanting to let them in.  Marjan, Paul, Nancy, and Mateo were all standing in the hall, looking pissed.  Carlos was suddenly worried that they might actually kick his ass.  

“You have a lot of explaining to do!  How could you do that to TK?” Marjan was still yelling, but a little quieter now that Carlos was right there.  

“Yeah man, what the fuck?” his attention was turned to Paul, who was holding a note card inconspicuously.  The partly covered card had ‘Let us in’ written on it.  

Carlos did his best to hide his confusion, though he’s certain Paul noticed.  When he didn’t do anything, Marjan spoke again.

“Do you really want to have this conversation in the hallway?” she still sounded mad, but her expression said otherwise.  So did the note in her hand.  ‘We’re here to help.’

Carlos begrudgingly let them in, “Don’t cause a scene.”

As soon as the door was shut, both Paul and Marjan laid a bunch of note cards on the counter.  Marjan pointed to one.  ‘We know.’  Know what, exactly?

“Why did you call off the engagement?” Nancy spoke loudly, but she wasn’t yelling.  She also pointed at a card, ‘Can we talk freely in here?’  Carlos was pretty sure they could, as long as they didn’t yell.  He had spent some time going through the entire place in search of bugs or anything like that.  There was no evidence of people entering their home.  Yet.

Though he was a bit lost, Carlos answered quietly, “I think so.” 

“Oh good,” Marjan matched his volume.  “That was a bit harder than I thought it was going to be.”

“Marj, you were oddly excited about this, and now you don’t want to do it?” Paul also quieted his voice. 

“Well, I do want to help, and I also thought it would be fun.  Like acting.”

“It was acting,” Mateo observed unhelpfully.

“Yeah, but-”

“Guys, what is this about?” Carlos interrupted.  He loved them, but he also needed to fully understand what was happening here, though he got the main points.  

“Oh, right.  Sorry,” Paul took a breath.  “The most important things are: TK is safe, he doesn’t hate you, and we all want to help.  In any way we can.”

“What?” Carlos didn’t know which part he wanted explained first.  

Nancy sighed, “Look, late last night TK figured out what you were doing.  He will be staying at Owen’s for now.  We all want to make sure he’s safe and to help you, but you need to fill us in.”

“He figured it out?”

“Yeah, but only we know.  And Owen.  We are keeping up the act.  He thought someone was threatening you, but I think the threat’s against him, correct?”  Paul asked.  

“Yeah,” Carlos couldn’t get his voice above a whisper.  He picked up the envelope from the other night and handed it to Paul.  If they already knew most of what was going on, it wouldn’t hurt.  Plus, he could use any help they could give.  He wondered if he could get them together with Lexi and Tate.  Maybe then they’d have a shot at solving this in a timely manner. 

The three others read the letter over Paul’s shoulder, Marjan stifling a gasp.  Mateo hesitantly took some of the photos out, showing them to the others.  They all looked sick.  

“Holy shit, this is creepy.  I can see why you did it,” Mateo said.  

“I need to keep him safe.”

“We know, Carlos.  But you are not doing this alone.  We will help,” Marjan looked at him with great determination.  

“Hang on, please tell me you were not working on this alone,” Paul said.

“No,” Carlos shook his head.  “Two of my good friends from the APD are helping when they can.”

“Good.  Now you let us help,” Nancy said.  It was not a suggestion.

Carlos told them about the cases his father worked on and the leads he had.  He went quickly, not wanting them to spend too much time there in case he was being watched.  They took pictures of the evidence, promising to go over it on their own.  Eventually they left, with some more of TK’s stuff, both to make it look more like they were angry friends getting belongings back and so TK would have more of his own stuff at his dad’s.  

“And we will be coming back!” Mateo yelled down the hall as they left.  Carlos shut the door and smiled.  They were all very dedicated to helping, and keeping up appearances.  He doesn’t know why he expected anything else.  

Now that he was alone again, his thoughts drifted once more.  This time, when he thought of TK, he was a bit lighter.  Knowing that he hadn’t irreparably damaged their relationship was an immense weight lifted from him.  He would still be making it up to TK, but for now, knowing that TK was safe and didn’t hate him made him feel so much better about this whole fucked-up situation.  

He was able to focus much better now.  He toiled away, using what Lexi and Tate found and adding them to his other notes, reorganising, and looking at new angles.  He even ate something.  Hours went by, and his focus was now on a corruption investigation of the Texas Rangers that resulted in three suicides and five arrests, from only a few years ago.  It was gruesome.  And rather sophisticated.  The only reason the five rangers were arrested was because one of the aforementioned three left a suicide note, that was found by none other than his dad, detailing what the eight were up to.  They had their hands in just about anything illegal.  It disgusted Carlos.  They had even gone so far as to murder people who they thought could give them up.  The total body count for that case, including the three suicides, was 29 people dead.  Plus many more lives changed forever.  According to the notes and other evidence he had, this specific investigation took around two years to complete.  But his dad still thought there was more to it.  Written in some of the case notes were annotations highlighting things that didn’t quite add up, things that weren’t beyond reasonable doubt.  Carlos noted those separately and continued digging.  Then he found something very strange: Brian Sweeney, one of the three suicides, was the lead on the case before his dad took it over.

After a few more hours, he had a pretty good start on uncovering what was wrong with the corruption case.  He wanted to inform his friends, but for caution’s sake decided to wait to do it in person.  He did text Lexi and Tate about his discovery, using the secure app they had all downloaded at the beginning of all this.  It was a way for them to quickly communicate without being at risk if one of their phones is compromised.  And eliminated something suspicious like a burner phone.  He also told them of the newfound help they had.  He fought back the urge to text TK.  

Carlos retired for the night, wanting to try to get a few hours of sleep.  He was meeting with Lexi and Tate again tomorrow afternoon.  While this lead could be promising, they would still have to cross-reference case reports and check records and police databases and the like.  Just because this was a partially ongoing case doesn’t mean it had anything to do with his dad's death.  

As he got ready for bed, he let his mind wander a bit.  His thoughts inevitably drifted to TK.  While he knew TK was smart, it was still surprising how quickly he figured it all out.  Carlos was proud, even if TK came to a slightly wrong conclusion.  TK always worried about others before worrying about himself, a trait that Carlos loved, though it scared him a little.  TK would probably be a lot safer if he worried about himself a bit more, but then he wouldn’t be TK.  

Plus, TK should be safe now, away from Carlos.  He’s well away from danger as long as he keeps his distance from Carlos, and keeps up the act of a messy breakup.  He still gets to work and see his friends.  When this is all over, they’ll definitely need to have a talk, but Carlos somehow knew it would work out.  He hadn’t felt this good about, well, anything, in weeks.  Carlos went to sleep, still thinking of TK.

The sun from the one open curtain in the loft woke him up in the morning.  The day went how most of his were going recently, working the case, and having little will to do anything else.  He went over to Lexi’s that afternoon, eager to find what she and Tate had learned.

When they were all settled, Lexi shared her findings.  “One of the three Rangers that committed suicide during the corruption case we were looking at seems off.  Brian Sweeney, age 41, had a wife and two children when he died.  His wife filed for divorce only two months prior, and they were living separately at the time of his death.  And did you guys see that he was the lead on the case up until three months before he killed himself. “

“I didn’t know about the divorce,” Carlos said.

“Why is that strange?  Isn’t it normal for the suspect to be taken off the case?” Tate asked.

“The case was closed only five months after his death,” Lexi explained.  

“Oh, God.  Lexi, I think you’re right,” as if Carlos didn’t already feel sick over this case.  “My dad had lots of notable inconsistencies on this case, including on his suicide note.”

“Christ, you two really are partners,” Tate said, mostly to himself.  “Care to fill me in?”

“If Brian was the lead on the case, and also one of the main perpetrators, then it should have taken a lot longer to solve the case,” Lexi told him.

“He would have had the opportunity to hide things and cover for himself,” Carlos continued.

“Ah, so why would he actually work the case?  Then he gets suspended and his wife leaves him, so he kills himself.  That does sound awfully convenient,” Tate makes the connections.

“And because of the note, no one looks into him any more.  But my dad wrote down that the note seemed incomplete.  No one else thought so, and he couldn’t definitively prove it, so the case was closed after the arrests.”

“The other two suicides also came after the arrests.  Brian’s was very early,” Lexi added.  

“According to the notes, the APD was helping the rangers with this case as we had already been looking into some of the murders before finding out they were connected.  The APD should have evidence, or at least copies of it,” Carlos informed them. 

“We need to find out who was working the case with your dad, then,” Tate suggests.  “I can see if the evidence is still in storage.  It should be, as it hasn’t been closed long enough for procedure to dictate getting rid of it.  If it’s not there, then that is also some sort of evidence I suppose.”

The three were practically vibrating with nerves as they worked some more, doing what they could outside of the precinct.  Were it not such a horrible case, it would have been more exciting to be finally getting this far in it.  A potential murder of a Texas Ranger made to look like suicide was bad enough, plus this could all be connected to his dad’s death.   But it was still important to make sure the case was actually solved, even if it had nothing to do with his father’s murder.  If that happened to be true, he would work on both cases until the truth was found.  

Once they had a clear idea of what they needed to look for, they went to the APD precinct.  Tate went to evidence storage, as Lexi and Carlos went to records.  There was a mix of paper and online records for Brian and the case, so they worked together on those.  After a couple hours, they regrouped. 

The evidence from the case was still there, which was good.  Lexi and Carlos found many reports from the case, including write-ups and interview notes from the arrests.  Lexi organized the written notes while Carlos printed out some digital reports.  They brought what evidence they could together, and spent some time just getting a good grasp on the order of events.  Sharing what they found, they cross referenced with their own evidence and notes.  The interview notes were interesting and extensive.  Carlos recognised his dad’s handwriting for three of the interviews, but was surprised to also find the other handwriting familiar.  

“Hey, do either of you happen to know my dad’s partner on this case?  The handwriting on the other interview notes looks vaguely familiar, but I don’t know a Ranger Daniel Cameron,” Carlos asked.  

“Doesn’t sound familiar.”

“You recognise the handwriting but not the name?” Tate reached for the notes.  “Let me take a look.”

Carlos handed him the interview notes he was looking at.  Tate studied them for a few moments.  “We- we should go.  Let’s make photocopies of what we can,” Tate kept his voice quiet.  Carlos got the idea.  Tate knew the handwriting, and there was a chance people would catch on to what they uncovered if they stayed here.  

“Sure, it’s getting late anyway,” Carlos spoke normally.  It was barely evening.

“Okay,” Lexi caught on, “let’s pack this all up.”

They worked casually to photocopy some more evidence then put everything away as it was.  They left together, talking about made-up dinner plans.  Carlos was sure everyone there knew he was working his dad’s case, but if the wrong person found out he got a promising lead, that could spell disaster.  Not just for him, either.  

When they were all in the car and started toward Lexi’s, Tate told them what he thought, “I am not one hundred percent positive on this, but to me, Ranger Cameron’s handwriting looks suspiciously similar to the handwriting of the note that was delivered to you, Carlos.”

“You’re kidding,” Lexi said, eyes still on the road.  Carlos could tell how hard she was gripping the steering wheel. 

“We’ll have to compare them better when we get back, but no.  Unfortunately, I am not kidding.”

“Do you think he’s still a ranger?” Carlos wondered.  “My dad never mentioned him that I recall, but if he is the writer of the note, then he clearly has resources.”

“I don’t know.  We will have to check that too.”

The rest of the drive was in tense silence, each lost in their thoughts.  Corruption cases were always bad, but this one had a high body count, and was possibly connected to his dad’s death.  That was looking more and more likely now.  Carlos was also even more worried for TK.  If this man was still a Texas Ranger, then who knows how much he had gotten away with or still could get away with.  And no one’s caught him yet, which means he is good at whatever his role is.  

The three got to Lexi’s and crowded around the notes.  They each took a few minutes to compare the handwriting, all coming to the same conclusion: it was the same person’s writing.  Handwriting usually isn’t definite proof, but it is a start.  

“Shit,” Lexi muttered.  “Carlos, you cannot go home.”

“What?  Wh–,” Oh.  Carlos did not finish his question.  A ranger’s life falling apart before he kills himself.  The image of Brian Sweeney lying dead in his own home with a supposedly self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head haunted Carlos.  Sweeney got suspended, then his wife filed for divorce and moved out, separating him and his children.  Carlos’s dad being murdered, taking a leave of absence from the APD, then a ‘break-up’ with his fiancé.   If it were to look like he took his own life, not many people would question why.  It probably wouldn’t be investigated.  Even if the 126 vouched that it was a fake break-up, there would be little evidence to prove it if the wrong person looked at the scene and was able to dispose of the evidence they put together.  If the rangers knew Lexi and Tate were helping him, then they could be next as well.  There was no telling what lengths someone in this position would go to to cover themselves.  Usually, there is not much a corrupt person wouldn’t do to save their own skin. 

Carlos stayed the night at Lexi’s.  They decided they would all go the next day to pick up some of his stuff from the loft, and he could stay at Lexi’s for the time being.  He would not go home alone at all, and Lexi would tell the 126 of why the loft would be empty.  God, he wanted to talk to TK.  But he couldn’t take that risk.  Carlos could deal with himself being a target, but not TK, especially since TK was only a target because of him.  

In the morning they went to the loft and grabbed the necessities, not wanting to stay for long.  Carlos and Tate went back to Lexi’s but she went to the 126 to update them on the new information.  She would also give them a warning to look out for Ranger Daniel Cameron.  They had no idea what his plan was here, and it was better to be cautious. 

_______________

TK was trying very hard to not think about Carlos.  He still did his job, he hasn’t been so preoccupied that it has affected his work, but every spare moment his mind wandered back to Carlos.  He hoped Carlos was doing okay, and that he was being safe.  Or as safe as he could be.  He was comforted by his friends, all acting as normal as possible, with the occasional check-in to make sure he was doing alright.  They were all also looking at some evidence that Carlos gave them, trying to see if they could help to solve it.  The case was a bad one, and apparently one Gabriel was still looking into before his death.  

Nancy parked the ambulance in the bay, and the paramedics got out to start restocking things that were used throughout the day.  They still had a bit to go in their shift, but so far nothing extraordinary had happened.  Routine calls were a nice distraction for TK.  

As TK got out of the back of the rig, Marjan and Paul were standing there watching it.  They looked nervous, then relieved when they saw him.

“What’s up, guys?” he asked them.

“We had a strange visitor a little while ago.  Glad to see you’re okay,” Marjan answered.

Nancy walked up from behind him, “A strange visitor?”

“Yeah, this guy came in asking for you,” Paul looked at TK, “by name.  We told him you were on leave.  He was carrying a concealed weapon.”

“Hmm.  Well, that can’t be good.  Is Carlos Okay?”

“We don’t know.  Haven’t heard from him all day,” Paul said.

“Dude, he’s probably fine,” Nancy told him.  “He’s not at the loft and he’s with people he trusts.”

“Okay,” TK knew that was the logical way to look at things.  She was probably right.

“We think you shouldn’t be down here, just in case someone comes looking for you again,” Marjan glanced outside.

“I can’t just lea–”

“Tommy and I can handle restocking the ambulance.  We haven't used much today anyway,” Nancy interrupted before he could insist on helping.

“Fine.”

“Good, and when you guys get called out, please be careful,” Paul requested.  His attention was then caught by someone walking into the firehouse.  “Lexi just showed up.”

Oh no, did something happen to Carlos?  They all turned to greet her as she entered the firehouse, looking around before focusing on the group in front of her.  

“Before you ask, Carlos is perfectly fine,” she addressed TK.  Then she addressed the group, “But we are taking the precaution of him not going back home.  None of you should go back there either.  Also, we have a name of someone we think is a big part of all this: Daniel Cameron, who is a Texas Ranger.  Be on the lookout.”

“Does this Daniel Cameron happen to be about 6’ 1” and have brown hair?  Maybe around 35?” Paul asked Lexi.

“No, he’s in his late 40s and is about 5’10.  He does have brown hair, though.  Why?”

“We had an unwelcome visitor asking for TK,” Marjan informed her as they all walked a bit further into the firehouse.

“Shit.  Would they really try something here?” It was a rhetorical question, as none of them knew what these people were willing to do to protect themselves, but the frustration in Lexi’s voice was mirrored in the feelings of everyone else.  “We are thinking we’re on the right track with what we’ve got, but any help you guys can offer would be very much appreciated.  We all really want this to be over.”

“Same here,” Nancy told her.  “Is there somewhere we could meet?  We’ve found some stuff that might be helpful.”

“Yes, we have a safe spot,” Lexi looked at TK again.  “But, TK…”

“Yeah, I know.  I wouldn’t want to risk me being followed and giving you all away either.  I’ll talk to my dad and we’ll figure something out for after shift,” while Carlos was at the forefront of his mind, he knew this was the safest option for all of them.  He’ll see Carlos when this is over.  

They quickly worked out the logistics of when and where to meet.  Medical had an earlier shift than fire, so Nancy would be the first to meet the others.  They would also inform Mateo and Owen of the plan.  Everyone else will time their arrivals so it’s not obvious they are all going to the same place.  

They all separated, going back to their jobs and Lexi leaving.  TK went to his dad’s office to tell him about the new developments.  They talked for a bit and decided it would be best if he was taken off shift, but stayed at the firehouse until Owen was done with his shift.  Explaining what was happening to Tommy was easy, except she was only slightly mad that they didn’t tell her sooner.  

TK stayed out of the bay in case someone came looking for him.  He was there for a couple more hours, making himself useful where he could and distracting himself from the current situation.  Eventually his dad got off shift and they went to Owen’s.  There wasn’t much to do there besides worry, so TK passed the time by listening to music and cooking for him and his dad.  They made conversation, but both were overshadowed by concern for how this would turn out.  They ate in relative silence, and TK got a text from Carlos.

“TK, what is it?” Owen could tell something was up.

“Carlos just texted.  He said they have something.  And that he loves me.”

“That’s ominous.”

“I’m going to text him back.”

_______________

With the addition of Marjan, Nancy, Paul, and Mateo on the investigation, they were making good progress.  They all worked together nicely, and it was less frustrating than it could have been.  Eventually they figured out that it was most likely Daniel Cameron as the leader within the rangers, and they got a few other names of interest.  There were several names that kept popping up across paperwork, and inconsistencies and clerical errors were found with a lot of them.  All together, the suspects were Cameron, four other rangers, two members of the Ranger Reconnaissance Team, a border security team member, and a forensic imaging specialist.  

“We have got to get this to someone who can actually open up a proper investigation,” Lexi said.  “We can’t do this all below-board and risk it not being viable evidence.”

“You’re right, but who the hell do we report the Texas Rangers to?” Mateo asked.

“Would the APD be able to do anything?  I wouldn’t trust an internal investigation just yet,” Paul asked.  

“I think that’d be our best bet,” Carlos answered.  “We have enough friends there that I think it will get done.”

“Can you report it to multiple precincts?” Nancy asked.  “If we get multiple stations opening up the investigation at the same time then it’s less likely that stuff gets hidden or ‘overlooked.’”

“And by the time they realise they have the same case, they’ll all have made some progress.  Which hopefully means this gets done quicker,” Marjan added.

“We can deliver at least some of this evidence to the APD, ” Tate told them, “then we can call other precincts with anonymous tips.  If we can give them some reliable evidence, they’re more likely to believe us and handle it quickly.”

As they went about sorting what evidence goes where and giving the tips, Carlos got a call.  On the burner phone his dad was using.  

He watched it ring for a moment.  Everyone else did too.

Carlos picked up the phone.

“Officer Reyes,” came a voice he didn’t recognise, “I think it’s about time we had a chat.  I’ve sent you a location.  Come alone and unarmed, or you will be putting your friends at risk.”

The call ended.

Carlos looked at the messages on the phone and saw the location the voice was talking about.  It was away from the city centre and not a very populated area.  

“Lexi, can you call this in?” it wasn’t really a question, as she was already looking at the message and about to report it.  “I have to go.”  He had learned his lesson about not calling things in before checking them out, and he did not want a repeat.

“Like hell you do,” Paul said.  “There’s no way you can go to some place with one of these guys alone and unarmed!”

He wasn’t surprised they heard the call.  Lexi was calling it in.  “I can’t put you guys at risk any more than I already have.  It’s called in; I won’t be there for long.”

“Carlos-” Lexi started.

“You guys have done so much for me already, and I can’t bear to have more people get hurt over this.  I’m going.”

“You know this is a bad idea, right?” Lexi’s tone indicated she already knew the answer.

“Yes.  I know all the things that could go wrong, too,” Carlos replied, making his way to the door.  

Lexi sighed.  “Don’t get killed.”

“I’ll try,” Carlos gave a slight laugh, returned by Lexi.  They had done this before, they knew each other well enough by now to trust the other’s instincts and help where they could.  Lexi had helped by calling it in.  Now it was up to Carlos to make sure no one else dies over this.  Hopefully, including himself.

“That’s it?  You’re letting him go?” Mateo asked Lexi.

“Surprisingly, I trust him.  He thinks it’s the right move, and I won’t be able to stop him anyway.  I’m going to go to the precinct, though, and make sure he has backup,” Lexi told him as Carlos left.  She grabbed her keys.  “Stay out of trouble,” she called back as she left.

She caught Carlos just before he left, gave him a hug and a warning of how mad she’ll be if he got hurt, and told him to text TK.  Lexi knew he'd been wanting to this whole time, and now there wasn’t too much risk, as they had already called stuff in and she was going to deliver some evidence.  

Carlos sat in his car for a minute to text TK.

We have something big, babe.  I love you.

I love you too.  Have what? 

A big lead: a suspect.  I’m going to check it out.  It’s been called in, don’t worry.

I will worry.  Be safe.  

Carlos chuckled at TK’s message.  He knew TK would worry no matter what, but he wanted to at least try to alleviate some of it.  He put his phone down and started the drive to the address in the message.  This had the potential to go horribly, but he had little choice if the threat was real, which he had to assume it was.

In time Carlos pulled up to what seemed like an old office building.  It was vacant now, and Carlos scanned around before going in.  He looked through the rooms he passed, keeping an eye out for anything that looked strange.  He made his way into the building, stopping in a meeting room with some chairs and an old projector.  The one large window in the room was set in the cement wall on the outside of the building, offering no view except more office buildings and storage facilities.  

Carlos heard the door open and shut.  He got a bad feeling about who it was.  When Daniel Cameron walked in, Carlos was unsurprised.  

“Hello, Officer Reyes,” Cameron greeted casually.  “I was wondering when I’d see you or your fiancé.”

Carlos hated the way he was so nonchalant, as if he were discussing lunch plans and not his intent to murder Carlos or TK in their own home.  

“Since you started on your father’s murder case, we’ve been keeping an eye on you.  I must say, I am surprised with how quickly you connected your dad’s investigation to his death.  It’s quite impressive, really.  Not even the rangers thought there was more to that case,” he unholstered his service weapon and glared at Carlos.  

“My dad did.  That’s why you killed him, isn’t it?” Carlos wasn’t trying to antagonise him, but he needed to know.  

“Yes, we had thought your dad would be the last one.  But, then you had to get involved.  And you couldn’t just leave it be and quit when you were told.  It would have been so much simpler for us.  No one would have questioned it when you were found dead in your home after your father’s death and your fiancé leaving you,” he sighed, almost wistfully.

“Just like Brian Sweeney?”

“Exactly like Brian Sweeney.  It was unfortunate, he was a good ranger.  Ultimately that’s what got him killed.  You,” he gestured to Carlos with his gun, “however, are not a ranger.  Some things must have rubbed off from your old man.  We were convinced you dropped the case, for a few days anyway.  You are very smart, I’ll give you that.”  He kept the gun trained on Carlos.

“So you must know I already handed the proof of corruption over.  Killing me now isn’t going to do anything except add to your sentence.”

“My sentence is already so long,” the man had an odd edge to his voice that did not bring Carlos any comfort.  He was most certainly not in his right mind.  “If only Brian hadn’t written that note…  I don’t want to go to jail.  I have a wife, you know.  And two kids.”

Carlos was unsure of how to approach this situation.  He feared a wrong word would get him killed.  “Then put the gun down,” He said slowly, trying to gauge whether or not that was the right thing to say.  “If you cooperate, you could get your sentence reduced.”  Unlikely, but it seemed like the best thing to tell him. 

“Oh, I doubt anything I do now will help me.  You’ve seen everything I’ve helped accomplish!  It was going so well, then your father had to look into it,” Cameron started to pace, but never stopped pointing the gun at Carlos.  “Though the Texas Rangers officially closed the case, Reyes never gave up.  When I learned he was working on it on his own time, I knew it would be soon before the rest of us were found.  The only option was to kill him.”

That made Carlos angry, though he said nothing.  This man saw no issue with taking a man away from his family.  More than once, actually.  There was his father of course, but there was also Brian Sweeney, and 26 other people who had lives and families and things to live for.  Carlos did not have any sympathy nor understanding for Cameron.  He wanted to tell him as such, but he did not.  Now was definitely not the right time.

“And then you had to pick it up,” Cameron continued, unprompted.  Carlos really hoped someone got here soon.  It felt like he was running out of time.  “We thought it would all be over if we just got rid of you.  Then there would be no more deaths, just us going about as usual.  But, no.  You just wouldn’t give up.  Even after the threat to your fiancé.  You should know, we would have kept our end of the deal had you quit.  If you had stopped working on the case, he would have remained unharmed.”

Carlos felt panic try to rise into his chest.  Did they hurt TK?  TK has been almost exclusively at the firehouse and his dad’s.  He should be fine.  There was no evidence to suggest otherwise.  He had to remain calm.  “No one else has to get hurt.  The APD knows I’m here.  Put the gun down and you can walk out of here with me.”

“And walk where, exactly?  Into a jail cell, I presume.  Disgraced and loathed by the Texas Rangers.  No, that won’t do,” he had a frantic tone, matched by the look in his eyes.  

This was not going to end well.  There was nowhere for Carlos to go, he couldn’t put any useful distance between them or hide behind anything.  Carlos did not look away from Cameron.  

He steadied his hand, his service weapon aimed at Carlos.

Carlos thought he was about to pull the trigger, but before he could react, Cameron turned the gun on himself and discharged it.  

The shot rang around the small room.

Though Carlos had heard gunshots before, this one seemed impossibly loud and drawn out.  He blamed it on the small space and the fear for his life.  

Blood spatter on the wall opposite him contrasted with the grey cement.  It was about all he noticed as he walked over to Cameron, checking his pulse just in case, though he knew the man was dead.  After getting no pulse, Carlos walked out of the room.  There wasn’t much else he could do now, he was on leave from the APD and couldn’t do anything except replay the conversation in his head.  He would have to be prepared to answer a lot of questions as the sole witness to Daniel Cameron’s suicide. 

When the APD finally arrived, he did have to answer many questions, just as he suspected.  He did so, wanting this to be over and to be able to see TK again.  If they were right and Cameron was the leader, he and TK should be out of harm’s way while a more thorough investigation is conducted.  He agreed to let officers sweep the loft and keep an eye on it until they deemed it safe.  Carlos was pretty sure it was safe, but it never hurt to be careful.

As soon as he could, he left, driving straight to the firehouse.  TK should still be on shift, and while he didn’t want to distract him from his job (more than the situation had already), he wanted TK to know they were safe as soon as possible.  

When he got to the firehouse, luckily no one was on call.  He walked in, running into Mateo first.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

Before Carlos could answer, Paul joined them and understood immediately.  “No way, you got him?”

“Well, sort of.  He shot himself.  In front of me.”

“Damn, that's rough, I’m sorry man.  TK should be around here somewhere,” he said, looking around for the paramedic.  “Oh, there he is!”

Carlos barely let him finish the sentence before he was all but running over to TK, who was busy moving things to the rig.  He heard Paul get TK’s attention, and when TK looked over and spotted Carlos his expression lit up so much it could have rivalled the sun.  

Paul explaining what happened to Mateo faded into the background, as did all other noise from the firehouse.  TK put what he was holding down on the nearest flat surface, and made a beeline for Carlos, meeting him in the middle.  They immediately hugged, Carlos wrapping his arms around TK’s waist just like he always did, and TK hugging his shoulders.  If they stayed like that for longer than necessary, no one said anything.  

Carlos broke the silence with a whisper so only TK could hear, “Babe, I’m so sorry.”

“Carlos, you have nothing to be sorry about.  You did what you had to,” TK was also whispering.  And, oh, he sounded like he really believed what he said.

Carlos pulled away, only a little so he could see TK’s face.  “TK, what I said… I don’t understand how you can not be upset with me.”

“Did you mean it?  Did you mean anything you said during our argument?”  TK's voice was suddenly intense, but still quiet.

“What?  No, no of course not,” Carlos knew that TK knew what was going on, so why—?

“See baby?  It wasn’t real.  There’s nothing that you did that I would blame you for.”

“TK–”

“Was what you said a bit harsh?  Yes.  Was I mad about it?  Definitely.  But I’m not upset anymore, I promise.  You were trying to keep me safe, and I love you all the more for it.”

“Okay, I can accept that,” Carlos wasn’t actually sure if he believed TK wasn’t upset, not because he thought TK would lie, but because he never expected to be forgiven, let alone this easily.  

“One thing, though,” TK whispered after a brief pause.

“Yeah?”

“Please never do that again.”

Carlos laughed, “Never.”