Never let go CHENFORD FF English version

Chapter 1 Preparations

"No, Lucy, I don't think you're ready to go undercover yet. Especially not for this operation. These are professionals; they'll unmask you in five minutes," Tim snapped at Lucy when she told him she might be part of an undercover operation to bust an entire network of criminals.

Lucy was supposed to play a crucial role and convince the top members to take her on as their new drug cook. However, the operation was expected to last a long time. It was unlikely that they would trust Lucy enough within a few days to give her such a significant task. She would also need to endure the time and pass all the questions and tests they would subject her to. This organization hadn't just appeared yesterday, and it was expected that Lucy would have to pass more than one test before being given any serious task. But still, she had been chosen and suggested for this mission.

"Listen, Tim," Lucy began calmly, "I was asked because I can do this. I can go undercover and pull this off. I've already proven it before. I don't understand why you don't believe in me. Besides, it would be a huge step for my career if I could prove myself here and show the right people what I'm capable of."

"Come on, the last time was just a one-hour thing, nothing compared to this. You'd be in there for weeks, months, or even years, living a different life. Look at Harper; it changes a person to go through something like this... if you even survive. Everyone else had years of training, practice, and much more experience beforehand. I'm not saying you'll never be able to do it, but not yet. You're barely not a rookie anymore," Tim replied seriously, with a hint of concern in his voice.

"Then who should go? The LAPD has no one else right now who fits this task exactly. That's why I have this extraordinary chance to prove myself so early. And if something happens, you'll get me out. Harper confirmed that I need to be careful, but I'll have a phone to discreetly report back," Lucy tried to reassure him.

Tim just shook his head and turned back to her, serious again, "What do you think these people are like? Do you think they won't notice if the new girl is constantly fiddling with a secret phone? You have to be careful. Vigilant every second. You can't just text or call. No chance, you'd be found out even quicker."

"You're never going to advise me to do it anyway. Why am I even talking to you? You don't trust me and what I can do," Lucy responded, disappointed.

"That's not it. I'd just like to see my ex-rookie a bit longer on the streets before I have to pick her up in a hearse," Tim replied sharply.

"I get your point. But that doesn't change my decision. I think I should get ready now. It's not long until the operation starts," Lucy ended the conversation before turning to head towards Harper to continue preparing for the mission.

Why couldn't he just support her and give her something useful instead of convincing her she couldn't do it? She knew about his past, his ex-wife, and her missions, and what happened afterward. But first, they were not a couple, and second, she would be making drugs, not taking them. She had to prepare for what was coming and not overthink things. That wouldn't help in the end. When the operation was over, she'd have plenty of time to deal with Tim and his stubbornness. Until then, there were more important things to do, and she couldn't let herself be unsettled. They'd notice, and that couldn't happen.

Harper had observed their conversation from the sidelines and could understand Tim. Lucy was incredibly young and inexperienced for such a mission. But who else could they send? Even though she had her own doubts about whether it was too early for Chen, she didn't want to unsettle her. She wanted to encourage and strengthen her. She knew from missions with Chen that she had extraordinary talent and abilities, and she could also accomplish this mission; she was almost sure of it. Chen just couldn't doubt herself. When Lucy reached her, she smiled encouragingly.

"Tim is just being himself. A tough guy who worries about his flock inside," Harper smirked to lift Lucy's spirits and lighten the situation.

"Yeah, probably. But his lecture still brings me down. Why doesn't he believe in me more? I proved to him last year what I can do and how much I can handle," Lucy responded with her head down.

"Hey, don't get discouraged. You'll do great; you're learning from the best," Harper laughed. "I'll take you to a friend this afternoon who'll explain more about the people you're getting involved with. If you get scared or uncertain, we'll call it off. You don't have to do it," Harper reassured Lucy with a serious look.

"But I will! I can do this. I'm sure. I want to help bring down this gang, and I won't get another chance like this. I'll be careful and make sure everything goes smoothly. I'm confident," Lucy insisted.

"Okay, I just want you to know there's a way out. You just have to say so," Harper clarified, "then let's go. We don't have much time to get you ready. In the next few days, your papers should circulate, and hopefully, the right people will see that a great cook has been released from prison. You'll live in a shabby area and contact no one. No matter what happens, you wait for the right people to approach you and bring you into the business, then show what you can do," Harper explained again how it should go.

Lucy nodded before they both set off together.

Tim was still standing where Lucy had left him. He had overheard and secretly hoped Harper would make more effort to talk Lucy out of this suicide mission. Now he was angry at both of them. Lucy, for not realizing how recklessly she was behaving, and Harper, who should have known better with her experience. But there was nothing he could change now. So he shook his head once more before returning to his paperwork. Yet, at that moment, he had already decided to keep an eye on Lucy and pull all the stops to save her if necessary.

So I hope you liked this first Chapter. Leave a comment if you have some ideas how the story could go on :)