Second Day

The next day, sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting a soft glow across the room. I woke up to Lucy's warmth beside me, her head resting on my chest. For a moment, I simply lay there, listening to the steady rhythm of her breathing.

Gently, I nudged her awake with a kiss on her forehead. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open. A sleepy smile spread across her face as she looked up at me.

"Morning," she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.

"Morning, beautiful," I replied, brushing a stray lock of hair away from her face. "Time to get up."

She sighed, stretching lazily before sitting up. "I guess we should get ready. Can't be late on our second day."

We both got out of bed and began our morning routine.

After a quick shower and getting dressed, I headed to the kitchen to make some coffee. Lucy joined me a few minutes later, looking fresh and ready for the day. We sat down with our mugs, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air.

"Do you think today will be as hectic as yesterday?" Lucy asked, taking a sip of her coffee.

"Probably," I said with a chuckle.

We finished our coffee and grabbed our gear. As we headed out the door, I couldn't help but look forward to today's challenges.

Lucy and I drove our separate cars to the station to avoid raising any suspicions about our relationship. When I arrived, the station was already buzzing with activity. Officers were gearing up, ready to hit the streets.

I headed to the locker room to store my personal items and put on my duty belt. After double-checking everything, I made my way to the briefing room, exchanging a quick greeting with Officer Lopez on the way. John Nolan waved to me, gesturing for me to sit beside him.

Sergeant Grey entered the room, his presence commanding immediate attention. Today, he looked very serious. He started by saying, "I just got a disturbing video. Prepare yourselves; it's horrific."

His words made everyone tense, but I could tell from Sergeant Grey's micro-expressions that he was amused. My hunch was confirmed as a video started playing. It was of John, his foot stuck between a fence gate while chasing a suspect, making everyone laugh.

After the joke, Sergeant Grey got serious again. He handed out BOLO papers with information on a fugitive named Lance Selby who had violated his parole and was wanted by the police. He warned us that Selby was dangerous and to call for backup immediately if spotted.

After the briefing, Officer Lopez and I prepared for today's patrol. I was driving, having passed Lopez's driving test.

We followed our usual patrol route. After some time, I hesitated and asked, "Aren't we going to try to find the fugitive?"

Lopez responded, "That's a detective's job. We stick to our patrol and respond when someone spots him."

The following hours were uneventful, with a few routine calls and traffic stops.

Around 11 o'clock, the radio crackled, informing us that John and Bishop had a lead on the BOLO suspect.

"Let's go!" Angela said, her voice tense but focused.

I immediately sounded the siren and sped to the location, calculating it would take us 10 minutes to get there.

Five minutes later, Lucy's voice came over the radio, "We've spotted the fugitive." Moments later, she added, panic in her voice, "Shots fired! Officer down, I repeat, officer down."

I understood that Tim had been shot and that they were in a shootout with the suspect. I forced myself to stay calm and drove as fast as I could.

Two minutes later, Tania and John arrived and joined the shootout.

We were 40 seconds away when the radio informed us the fugitive was fleeing on foot. I diverted the vehicle to intercept him and saw Lance Selby with a machine gun emerging from an alley.

He saw our vehicle and started shooting. I hastily stopped the car. Amid the bullets, Lopez and I got out, took cover behind the vehicle, and returned fire.

"Alex! Cover me," Lopez shouted.

I emptied my gun towards the fugitive, providing a distraction. Angela took the opportunity, aimed, and fired two bullets, hitting him in the chest and taking him down.

We quickly approached him, and Lopez checked his pulse. "He's dead," she declared.

Tim was sent to the hospital, and everyone involved in the shootout was given the rest of the day off. We returned to the station.

At the station, Sergeant Grey called John out and reprimanded him for leaving his partner, Officer Bishop, to deal with the fugitive's accomplice alone, nearly getting her killed.

In the locker room, changed into casual clothes, Lopez walked in and stared at me. "What happened, Officer Lopez?" I asked.

She extended her hand for a handshake. After a firm shake, she said, "My name is Angela Lopez. I grew up with four brothers in a two-bedroom. I was raised by a single mom. Everything I own was a hand-me-down from my brothers, so I care about what I wear and how I look. My dream has always been to become a detective. There's a detective position opening next year, and I plan to fight for it."

I was speechless. She added, "I just told you my secrets. Now you tell me yours so we can trust each other and have each other's backs."

I immediately began, "I'm Alex Hunter. My uncle is Rick Hunter, the LAPD Chief, and my aunt is Dee Dee Hunter. I want to be the best law enforcement officer and live up to my family's expectations."

She stared at me, shocked. "Dee Dee Hunter? Oh my God, Alex, you know Dee Dee Hunter? You have to let me meet her once. I'm her biggest fan."

I nodded, not surprised by her reaction. Aunt Dee Dee is idolized by many female officers. "Sure, I'll take you to meet her when the occasion comes."

She nodded, pleased.

After lunch, John, Lucy, Angela, Tania, and I went to the hospital to visit Tim Bradford. He had just come out of surgery. The doctor informed us he was fine and expected to return to duty in two weeks.