Unexpected 8: Stand Proud

Chapter 35: Bed or couch

"Buck?" Street called

"Look!" he snapped, turning around to face him,  "Just...don't hit the dog!"

"Talk to me, man!" Street demanded

"Alright. You didn't hear it from me, you understand?"

Street nodded quietly, as Buck gestured towards the car. Both men stood next to it as the younger officer leaned his back against the passenger door, arms crossed over his chest.

"The other night, Chris called. She wanted to know how our meeting went and we talked some. I sensed something was off and called her out: she wanted to quit the program. She admitted it so, saying she loved having a home more than anything the job could offer. Said being away from you and the boy was getting to her and she'd had enough...plus they were making it 10 times harder on her. I spoke to her, reminded her about her beginnings at SWAT, but she kept saying things are different now." he paused

Street was beginning to understand there was a trend happening. First Hondo, now Buck. Why didn't she tell him?

"Said something about shrinks getting to her...so I asked her what helped her through SWAT rookie days. She said the guys and...thinking about the good memories with her K9. She'd even swing by and see him, from time to time. Now that he wasn't here, she didn't have anything to hold on to."

Street listened attentively, as now Buck was pacing the floor.

"So, she called the day we were at the park and at some point the dog crossed the street. There was a commotion and Rubio went after it. Saved the pup's life! Chris was in the phone when it happened. She told him to take the dog home. Said it was a spare of the moment. She knew he would help her cove with the anxiety of the program, plus the kid's shrink said having a routine with discipline and responsibility could help him with his learning condition. She told him her k9 saved her when she was about to quit SWAT, maybe this little guy can save her now. So, they made a deal."

"A deal?"

"Yeah. Boy had to stay and take care of the dog while she took care of him and you downtown. Said if he ran away a car could impact him or the dog. By the way, she told me about him running in the middle of the night and about the psychotic episode. " he paused, "So, from that moment on, he had to send her a picture of the dog three times a day:  when he wakes up here, during the day and one just before going to bed. That way she makes sure the kid is always home."

"Why didn't she tell me?"

"She said she would. I guess...you two haven't talked yet, huh?"

Street shook his head, quietly.

"Listen, that dog is not just a dog. It's the therapy that both she and the kid need. If you put a hand on it, you will lose them both!"

"I won't!"

"He's probably really upset, which may prompt him to run" Buck said gesturing to the building

"I'll talk to him."

"You do that... and tell him the truth! He's a teenager, he understands stuff, Jim. Be straight with him."

"Like you were with me?"

"Yeah" he said nodding his head once

Buck placed a hand on his shoulder, nodded and turned to the car. He went around the car. "Just...try to keep the peace. Want my advice? If it bothers you so much, just sleep in the couch!" he said slamming the door.

"Hey buddy!" Street said shyly, from behind the teenager's closed bedroom door, "Can we talk?"

Silence.