*8 a.m. next morning*
Tim: *yawns as he shuts off the alarm* Well, it's been a while since we've had to wake up to this sound.
Lucy: *rubbing her eyes and turns on her side to face Tim* Tell me about it. Feels strange to be setting an alarm for work again.
Tim: *stretching* But a good kind of strange, right?
Lucy: *smiles* Definitely. I've missed the routine, the sense of purpose.
Tim: *nods in agreement* Me too. Alright, let's not keep the station waiting *he kisses Lucy*
Lucy: *kisses him back* it's going to be quite a surprise for the team
Tim: It will be fun to surprise them
*They get up to go have breakfast*
Tim: *as they sit down for breakfast* So, any nerves about today?
Lucy: *chuckles nervously* Maybe a few. It's been a while since we've been in the thick of things.
Tim: *reassuringly* We'll ease back into it, just like everything else.
Lucy: *smiles gratefully* Thanks, Tim. I think I needed to hear that.
*They finish their breakfast and get ready*
Lucy: *ready to go* Are you taking both crutches or just one today?
Tim: I'm only going to take one today, I feel good
*Lucy drives to Mid-Wilshire*
Tim: *as they arrive at the station* Feels strange to be back here, doesn't it?
Lucy: *nods* Yeah, but in a good way. Like coming home after a long journey.
Tim: *offers a smile* I like the sound of that.
*As they arrive at 9 a.m., they notice everyone is in roll call room*
Lucy: We should go wait for Grey in his office
Tim: No come on, let's go into the room, that way we surprise them all at once
Lucy: Okay
*They walk discreetly towards the roll call room, trying not to be noticed since the walls are glass*
*Tim opens the door. Gray is ready to anger the agents who arrive late until he notices it's Tim and Lucy*
Grey : *in a surprised tone* Tim, Lucy, what are you two doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at home ?
*Everyone turn around to face Tim and Lucy*
Tim: we're finally coming back, Sarge
Grey: coming back to work?
Lucy: absolutely
Tim: we're clear to come back but we still need to talk to you after roll call
Grey: yeah no problem, welcome back
*Everyone applaudes*
*Tim and Lucy sit next to Angela and Nyla*
*At the end*
Grey: okay guys, you can go, be safe out there
Angela: *to Tim and Lucy* How long have you known you can return to work?
Lucy: yesterday
Angela: Why didn't you warn us? You didn't even warn ME
Tim: we wanted to surprise you
Nyla: If you had warned us we could have prepared a little something
Lucy: That's also why we didn't tell you anything, Tim wouldn't have been against it but I'm not very comfortable with that
Angela: going back to patrol Tim?
Tim: nope, not yet unfortunately, as you can see, I still need a crutch
Angela: and you Lucy ?
Lucy: I have no medical contraindications but I don't feel ready yet, I prefer to resume slowly, I don't want to relive what I experienced several months ago during an intervention with Aaron
Nyla: You're right, you have to start again at your own pace.
*Grey was talking to an officer and now approaches Tim and Lucy*
Grey: so Tim, Lucy, you wanted to talk to me
Tim: yes sir
Grey: let's go have this conversation in my office
*They sit in the Sergeant's office*
Grey: how are you first ?
Tim: we're pretty good sir
Grey: that's good
Tim: *smiles* And we're back, Sergeant.
Lucy: But with a few conditions, as discussed with Tim's physiotherapist
Grey: *raises an eyebrow* Conditions? What kind of conditions?
Tim: *explains* Well, first, we need to stay at the station. No patrol duty for us, at least for now.
Grey: that means administrative work, interrogations, and you can help the detectives by staying at the station
Tim: absolutely
Lucy: *adds* And we'll need to adjust our hours, take regular breaks. We can't work for 12 hours like we are used to unfortunately. And that's what may bother you
Grey: *nods thoughtfully* I see. And don't worry, that shouldn't be a problem. We'll make it work. What I can offer you, it is to considerably shorten your shifts. You start by working from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a break from 12 a.m. to 2 p.m. And gradually we will increase these hours so that you return to your usual hours. What do you think ?
Lucy: that's perfect sir
Tim: I still have one last condition imposed by my physiotherapist
Grey : I'm listening
Tim: Twice a week I have to go to my rehabilitation sessions, and since I can't drive at the moment, Lucy has to take me there. And these sessions will certainly take place during our working hours, we have not managed to do otherwise
Grey: there's absolutely no problem, health before anything else
Grey: *after discussing their coming back* Alright, Tim, Lucy, you're officially back on the team. Welcome back.
Tim: *extends a hand* Thank you, Sergeant. It feels good to be back.
Lucy: *smiles* Agreed. We're ready to hit the ground running. And thank you very much for being so comprehensive and adapting our working conditions
Grey: *returns the handshake* I'm glad to hear it. And remember, if you ever need anything, my door is always open. Do not hesitate to come and talk to me
Tim: *gratefully* We appreciate that, sir. Thanks.
Tim: *as they leave the office* Well, that went better than expected.
Lucy: *smirks* I'd say so. Looks like we're officially back in business.
Tim: yes, let's go get changed into our uniforms
Lucy: We meet again after leaving the locker room
Tim: yes, see ya
*Lucy goes to the women locker room, and Tim to the men locker room*
Tim: *in his mind as he opens his locker* I can finally put my police outfit back on, it's been so long
Lucy: *in her mind as she opens her lockers* I hope everything goes well. I hope Tim won't want to push too hard on work and that he'll tell me if he's not doing well
YOU ARE READING
Chenford
FanfictionThe love story of Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford (Chenford) from The Rookie. When Lucy is abducted, everything will change in their life. It's my first story, so feel free to comment to give advices or what you think about the story. (I'm sorry if there...