ᗴ᙭ᑭᒪOՏIᐯᗴՏ|ᵗⁱᵐ ᵇʳᵃᵈᶠᵒʳᵈ

𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑟| 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴.

"Detective Ryder?"

Looking up from her phone, she found Officer Chen standing in front of her, an unsure look on her face.

Since her arrival at the station half an hour ago, she had been texting with her partner about their 'secret mission' from Sergeant Grey. Apparently, Lopez knew about the possible promotion and tried to make an impression. Charlie was following them in a safe distance and watched their every move.

Now, a fidgety rookie officer stood in front of her. "Yes, officer Chen?"

She took her time to open her mouth again. "I have a question. A hypothetical question."

Hypothetical my ass.

Noticing how serious this was, Diana pocketed her phone and crossed her arms over her chest. "Shoot."

Chen took a deep breath. "Okay, ehm, hypothetically speaking, when a colleague or more like a superior tells you... no, if you know that this superior plan something-"

"Something like what," the Detective interrupted.

"Something that could destroy their career and whole life. What should I do?"

Diana sighed, not sure if she wanted to know about this or not. "Depends. What exactly do you know about the situation, will people suffer because of it, how determined is your superior and most importantly... is it worth kepping it a secret? Who would believe you? Officer Chen, you are still a rookie."

"Okay, but this is a hypothetical situation, so..."

"I'm sure it is, Officer Chen." Diana sighed again. "Listen, are they a good cop?"

The officers shoulders sank. "Yes."

"Do you know everything you need to know to understand the situation?"

"Yes."

"Will people suffer because of it."

"Yes."

"If you decide to talk about it, is there someone who would listen to and believe you?"

"I don't know."

"Chen."

"I don't think so."

Diana sighed yet again. She had been in situations like these before herself so she knew how Chen was feeling. "I left one question out earlier. This is truly the most important question you need to answer."

"Okay."

"Officer Chen, do you think you can stop them?" When she didn't answer, Diana continued. "And if the answer is yes, then what way are you gonna do it? Which way will most probably work on them?"

"Ma'm?"

Diana stared at her with a hard look. "After what happened yesterday and this morning, I read your file... I hope this won't be a problem... Chen, you studied psychology, you know what's going on inside peoples minds. So, after your more or less professional opinion, do you think you can stop them?"

"Yes.... no... I-I yes, I can do it." Her eyes were unfocused and she gestured wildly with her hands, mumbling words under her breath.

"Chen."

She nodded, more to herself than at the Detective. "I can do it. I can do it."

"Chen."

"I have to do it."

"Chen!"

Finally, the officer was able to focus again. She looked at the Detective determined, but Diana was still able to see the fear in her eyes.