GIRL WITH THE DENIM JACKET | R.DIAZ

TWO

Isla managed to get to work on time the next morning. Though she still felt rushed.

She sat down at her desk, taking off her jacket and logging onto her computer, noticing the business of the precinct so early in the day. She saw Jake already teasing Amy over something incredibly OCD she'd done. Charles was doing something weird in his desk, Gina was on her phone (shocker) and Terry was flipping out at some uniformed officers.

Isla smiled, seeing the precinct at its most typical took her back to the times when she first met all of them. They'd mostly been empathetic about her situation in being paired with Rosa, knowing she was about to go through hell, but Isla knew straight away this is where she belonged. There was a balance of crazy and calm, and there was an obvious amount of love.

Jake had brought Isla along for her first drug bust.

Amy had stayed late to help her finish a mountain of paperwork.

Charles insisted on taking her to lunch to show her the best sandwich places near the precinct.

Terry wouldn't let her leave for her first drug bust until he had checked she had been fully and safely equipped.

Gina gave her a spare shirt when she spilled coffee down it.

And when Holt arrived, he didn't immediately fire her.

That final thought made Isla's smile disappear. When she found out there was a new Captain coming along, she freaked out. New Captain meant of course, he was going to read over the files of his new Detective squad.

———

'Detective Novak, a word?' Holt quizzed, catching her as she walked back into the bullpen. Isla nodded, following the man back into his office. She was wary, but it was only a matter of time.

Isla sat down, watching Holt settle in his own seat.

'Isla, you undoubtedly know that with my arrival, I've done some background research into my new Detective squad, and yours found something interesting.' He explained, removing his glasses, and the room felt like it got 1000 degrees hotter.

'Yes, well- I can explain-' Isla needed to explain herself, she had to. 'My other bosses said that it has never affected my work performance.'

'I'm aware of the notes. You understand how something like this could conflict with the job you have?' Holt deadpanned, flipping through the file again.

It was pointless trying to argue.

'I understand, Sir.' This was it. Her career was over. Holt was a no-nonsense man, he could find someone better to replace her.

The two sat in silence whilst Holt was clearly thinking deeply. Finally, he spoke.

'Given what I've observed of you over the past several weeks, I'm not interested in what your past has to say, I'd rather let the work that you do in the future speak for you.' Holt explained, making eye contact. Isla screamed internally in relief. She was a good cop, and Holt believed in her.

Holt dismissed her, and she reached for the door handle.

'Don't let me down, Novak.'

'I won't.'

———

'Hey, you all good there?' Amy snapped Isla out of her trance.

'Yeah, just daydreaming. What's up?' Isla smiled quickly.

'I was just wondering if you felt like coming with me to this suspected drug deal downtown? Jake is busy and Rosa isn't around anywhere.' Amy shrugged.