The Transfer

Chapter 7: Beneath the Surface

3rd person's POV:

Lucy woke up the next morning, her body aching from the previous day. The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the room. She took a deep breath and sat up slowly, wincing as her thighs stung with pain. Pulling back the covers, she saw the unhealed wounds, angry and red against her pale skin. A wave of regret washed over her. Carefully, she covered them with gauze and adhesive pads, making sure they wouldn't leak through her pants. She also covered the bruises on her neck, arms and stomach.

She dressed casually and headed to the station. Once there, she made her way to the changing room, where she put on her uniform. As she adjusted her shirt, Angela walked in.

"Hey Lucy! How are you doing today?" Angela greeted her with a bright smile.

"Hey, Angela. I'm okay, just a bit tired." Lucy replied, forcing a smile.

As they chatted, Angela's eyes fell on the tattoo on Lucy's ribs when she lifted her arm to adjust her vest. "I always wondered about that tattoo. What's the story behind it?"

Lucy's heart skipped a beat. The tattoo, a grim reminder of Caleb's torment, was the date he had intended to kill her. She hesitated, not wanting to relive the trauma. "Oh, it's just something from my past. A reminder to live each day to the fullest", she lied, hoping Angela wouldn't press further.

Angela nodded, seemingly satisfied with the explanation. "That's a good way to look at it."

As they both left the changing room, before roll call started Tim approached Angela. He had been worried about Lucy ever since their encounter at her apartment. " Angela, can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Sure, Tim. What's up?" Angela said, noticing the serious look on his face.

"It's about Lucy. I went to her place yesterday, and it was... well, it wasn't good. There was broken glass, bloodstains, and weight loss pills all over the place. She said she tripped and knocked over a glass, but si think there's more to it." Tim explained, his concern evident.

Angela frowned, her concern deepening. "That doesn't sound right. Did you notice anything else? How did she seem?"

"She seemed really off, Angela. Fragile, not like herself at all. I saw bruises on her legs and neck. I don't know what to do. I don't want to betray her trust, but I also don't want to just stand by if something's seriously wrong." Tim said, his voice filled with worry.

Angela nodded, thinking it over. "We need to keep an eye on her. Support her without making her feel cornered. Let's be there for her, and maybe she'll open up if she feels safe."

Tim nodded. "Thanks, Angela. I just needed another perspective. I didn't want to overreact, but I can't shake the feeling that she's in trouble.

Angela placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "You've not overreacting. Let's just be there for her and take it one step at a time."

As they joined the others for roll call, Grey announced, "Today, we're switching duos. Chen, you'll be riding with Lopez. Bradford with West, and Harper with Nolan. Be safe out there."

Lucy glanced at Tim, who gave her an encouraging nod. She took a deep breath, hoping the change would help distract her from her thoughts.

As she and Angela headed to the shop, Lucy dropped her phone. She bent down to pick it up, but as she stood back up, she felt the cuts on her thighs tear. She winced, trying to hide the pain, but Angela noticed.

"Lucy, are you okay?" Angela asked, her voice filled with concern.

"I'm fine.", Lucy said quickly, but Angela wasn't convinced.