What if Tim had a daughter?

Part 15

Tim settled into bed, his thoughts still lingering on the conversation with Lucy. The warmth of their exchange made him smile as he turned off his phone and drifted off to sleep.
Throughout the night, Tim's sleep was interrupted by a few restless turns and the occasional glance at the clock. His mind kept returning to Olivia, making sure she was okay. Each time he checked, he found her sleeping soundly, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. He felt a wave of relief each time he saw that she was comfortable.
When the morning light began to creep through the curtains, Tim's alarm went off, jolting him awake. He stretched and groggily reached over to turn off the buzzing sound. After a quick shower and getting dressed, he made his way to Olivia's room.
Tim gently knocked on her door before opening it slightly.
Tim- Good morning, Livi. How are you feeling today?
Olivia stirred under the covers and blinked sleepily. She stretched and gave him a small smile.
Olivia- Morning, Dad. I'm feeling much better today.
Tim- That's great to hear. Do you feel up to going to school?
Olivia sat up and nodded, her enthusiasm returning.
Olivia- Yeah, I think I'm ready.
Tim smiled, relieved that she was feeling better and ready to go.
Tim- Alright, let's get ready then. I'll make us some breakfast, and we'll head out soon.
They both moved quickly to get ready for the day. Tim prepared a simple breakfast—scrambled eggs and toast. Olivia joined him downstairs, looking more energetic and ready for the day.
Tim- How's the breakfast?
Olivia- It's great! Thanks, Dad.
Tim- You're welcome. I'm glad to see you're back to your usual self.
As they ate, Tim glanced at the clock, noting the time.
Tim We should be able to get to school on time. After we finish up here, I'll drop you off.
Olivia nodded, finishing her breakfast and getting her backpack ready. Tim quickly tidied up the kitchen, and they headed out the door together. The morning air was crisp and refreshing, a nice change from the previous day's worries.
Tim dropped Olivia off at school, giving her a quick hug before she headed inside. As he watched her walk toward the entrance, he felt a mix of pride and relief. He hoped the day would go smoothly for her, and he looked forward to picking her up later.
With Olivia safely at school, Tim drove to the station, ready to face the day's work. His thoughts occasionally drifted to Lucy, wondering how her day was going and hoping they might get a chance to chat later.
Tim walked into the police station, feeling a sense of routine comfort wash over him. The hum of activity and the familiar faces of his colleagues were a welcome start to the day. He made his way to the locker room, the clatter of boots and the rustle of uniforms creating a rhythmic background.
As he was about to open the door to the locker room, he spotted Lucy coming down the hall. She had that friendly morning smile, the one that seemed to brighten up any room.
Lucy- Morning, Tim!
Tim- Morning, Lucy! How's your day starting?
Lucy- So far, so good. I'm just glad it's a little quieter today. How about you? Everything going okay?
Tim- Yeah, all good. Just hoping for a smooth shift.
Lucy- Well, let's hope the universe is on our side.
Tim laughed as he grabbed his gear and started changing.
Tim- That would be nice. I'm not sure how long we'll be lucky, though.
After a quick chat and some friendly banter, they changed and headed to roll call together. The briefing was typical, with updates on ongoing cases and reminders about the day's assignments. Tim and Lucy shared a nod, acknowledging their shared responsibility for the shift ahead.
Once roll call concluded, they headed out onto the streets for their patrol. The morning passed quietly, with only a few minor calls and routine checks. Tim appreciated the calm after the previous day's chaos.
Lunchtime came and went, and just as Tim was beginning to think they might actually have a smooth day, the radio crackled with a call for assistance.
They responded quickly, arriving at the scene to find a disturbance involving a few unruly individuals. The situation was tense, but manageable. Tim and Lucy worked well together, managing to defuse the situation and start handling the paperwork.
Just as they were wrapping up, one of the guys made a sudden move, causing Tim to twist awkwardly as he tried to restrain them. The pain in his shoulder flared up, and he winced.
Lucy- Tim, you okay?
Tim tried to play it off, but the pain was more than he let on.
Tim- I'm fine. Just a bit sore.
Tim and Lucy finished processing the suspect and were starting on the paperwork back at the station. The atmosphere was a mix of busy and routine, with the occasional buzz of radio chatter and the clatter of keyboards filling the room. Tim was focused on his reports, trying to ignore the persistent ache in his shoulder, but it was becoming increasingly difficult.
As Tim reviewed the incident report, Sargent Grey approached them. He had a serious look on his face that immediately put Tim on alert.
Grey- Bradford, I need to talk to you for a moment.
Tim looked up, his face showing a mixture of curiosity and concern.
Tim- What's up, Sarge?
Grey- I've been watching you. You're wincing and favoring that shoulder. I think you need to get it checked out at the hospital.
Tim started to protest, trying to downplay his discomfort.
Tim- It's really not that bad. I can manage with a bit of rest and ice.
Grey's expression remained stern.
Grey- I'm not asking. You need to get it checked out. You're a liability if you're not fully fit. And I don't want any arguments—go to the hospital.
Tim sighed, knowing that arguing further was pointless. He glanced at Lucy, who had been listening to the exchange with concern.
Tim- Looks like we're headed to the hospital.
Tim and Lucy made their way to the hospital, the ride in the patrol car a mix of silence and occasional radio chatter. Tim tried to focus on the more pressing matter at hand—his shoulder, which had started to throb with a persistent ache.
As they arrived at the hospital, Tim pulled up to the emergency entrance and parked the car. He turned to Lucy, who had been quietly observing him throughout the drive.
They headed inside the hospital, where Tim checked in at the emergency room. After a short wait, they were led to an examination room. Tim sat on the edge of the bed, trying to remain calm despite the discomfort. Lucy took a seat in the corner, flipping through a magazine while keeping an eye on him.
Tim- This is just a minor issue. I'm sure it's nothing serious.
Lucy- Well, better to be safe than sorry. Sargent Grey was pretty insistent.
Tim- Yeah, he can be like that. It's just his way of looking out for us.
Lucy- And it's a good thing he does. Besides, this place isn't so bad.
Tim chuckled, trying to ease his nerves. The door opened, and a nurse stepped in to take Tim's details. She went over his symptoms and briefly examined his shoulder before confirming that a doctor would be in shortly to perform a more thorough evaluation.
Tim- Lucy, could I ask you a favor?
Lucy- Sure, what do you need?
Tim- I'm supposed to pick up Olivia from school. Since I'm going to be stuck here, could you grab her for me? I know she trusts you and it would save her from having to deal with someone else.
Lucy nodded with a reassuring smile.
Lucy- Of course, Tim. I'll pick her up and bring her here.
Tim- Thanks, Lucy. I appreciate it.
Lucy- I'll be back in a bit.
Tim- Thanks again, Lucy. I'll keep you updated on how things go here.
Lucy headed out of the hospital and made her way to Olivia's school. As she arrived, she spotted Olivia standing near the front gate, her backpack slung over one shoulder. Lucy approached her with a friendly wave.
Lucy- Hi, Liv! Your dad had to go to the hospital to get his shoulder checked out. He asked me to pick you up and bring you to him.
Olivia's face showed a flicker of concern, but she quickly masked it with a determined nod.
Olivia- Is he okay?
Lucy- He's fine. Just a precautionary check. Nothing serious. Let's head to the hospital so you can see him.
They got into the car, and the drive to the hospital was filled with casual conversation to keep Olivia's mind off the situation. When they arrived, Olivia's worry seemed to ease a bit.
Lucy led Olivia through the hospital corridors and up to the examination room where Tim was waiting. As they approached the door, Olivia's steps quickened, and she pushed it open.
Olivia- Dad!
Tim looked up and saw Olivia running towards him. He held out his arms, and Olivia threw herself into his embrace, hugging him tightly.
Olivia- You're okay, right?
Tim smiled and gently patted her back.
Tim- I'm fine, Livi. Just a little sore. Wade insisted I get checked out. Nothing to worry about.
Olivia pulled back slightly and looked at him with a mix of relief and scolding.
Olivia- You should've taken it easy!
Tim chuckled softly, his heart warmed by her concern.
Tim- I know, I know. I'm sorry for worrying you. Everything is going to be okay.
Lucy, standing by with a quiet smile, caught Tim's eye and shared a look of understanding.
As Tim and Olivia embraced, Lucy watched with a soft smile. She could see the relief in Olivia's eyes and felt a quiet satisfaction in knowing she had been able to help.
Lucy- Have you heard anything from the doctor?
Tim shook his head, still holding Olivia close.
Tim- Not yet. The nurse said there was an emergency, so the doctor's running behind. I guess it's just a waiting game now.
Lucy nodded, her concern evident.
Lucy- Well, I hope it's nothing too serious. I'm sure he'll be here soon.
The minutes ticked by slowly, and Olivia seemed to be adjusting to the situation, though she still looked a bit uneasy. Tim, for his part, was trying to stay positive, but the ache in his shoulder was a constant reminder of the day's events.
After what felt like an eternity, the door to the examination room finally opened, and the doctor walked in. He was a middle-aged man with a calm demeanor, which was reassuring.
Doctor- Good afternoon. I'm Dr. Patel. I understand we're dealing with a shoulder injury?
Tim- Yes, that's right. It's been a little sore since this afternoon.
Dr. Patel nodded and began his examination. He asked Tim a series of questions about how the injury happened, its location, and the level of pain he was experiencing.
Doctor- Alright, let's have a look. Can you please take off your shirt so I can examine your shoulder?
Tim glanced at Lucy and Olivia, feeling a bit self-conscious under the Lucy's scrutiny. He hesitated for a moment, then slowly began to remove his shirt, leaving him in his white undershirt.
Tim's mind raced as he unbuttoned his shirt, each movement deliberate and slow. The sterile environment of the hospital, the seriousness of the moment, and the presence of Lucy to make him feel unusually exposed. As he slid the shirt off his shoulders, leaving only his white undershirt, he felt a strange mix of vulnerability and awkwardness.
He caught Lucy's eye again, her expression unreadable, but her familiar presence gave him a sense of comfort despite his unease. For a brief moment, he considered asking her to step outside, thinking it might make things easier.
As Tim stood there in his undershirt, the unfamiliar sensation of self-consciousness gnawed at him. It wasn't like him to feel insecure—at least, not in situations like this. He was used to being in control, confident in his actions and decisions, especially when it came to his work. But with Lucy, things were different. She had a way of making him feel things he couldn't quite explain.
Lucy had seen him in plenty of tough situations—during intense training sessions, in the middle of dangerous operations, even during the quiet moments when they were just catching their breath between calls. But this was different. There was something about the way she looked at him now, standing in this clinical setting, that made him feel exposed in a way he wasn't used to.
He realized that it wasn't just the physical exposure that bothered him; it was the emotional one. Lucy had a way of seeing through his defenses, understanding him in ways that others didn't. She didn't just see the tough exterior he showed to the world—she saw the man behind the badge, the one who worried about his daughter, who felt the weight of every tough decision, who sometimes doubted if he was doing the right thing.
Tim shook off the thoughts, trying to refocus on the moment. He needed to stay grounded, not get lost in his head. But even as he tried to push the feelings aside, he couldn't help but wonder if Lucy sensed his unease. Did she notice how his hands had trembled slightly as he unbuttoned his shirt? Did she see the hesitation in his eyes before he met her gaze?
Lucy's expression remained calm, almost reassuring, as she watched him. It was as if she knew exactly what he was feeling but chose not to mention it, respecting his space, yet still offering her silent support. This was one of the many things that made her different from anyone else he'd ever known—she always seemed to know when to push and when to pull back, when to challenge him and when to give him the room he needed.
Lucy of course noticed Tim's discomfort and tried to ease the situation.
Lucy- How about Olivia and I go grab a snack while you're getting examined? We can give you some privacy, and we'll be right here if you need us.
Olivia looked at her dad with a concerned expression, but Tim gave her a reassuring smile.
Tim- That sounds like a good idea. I'll let you know if I need anything.
Olivia- Okay, Dad. I'll be right back.
Lucy guided Olivia out of the examination room, giving Tim a supportive nod before closing the door behind them. As they walked down the corridor, Lucy spoke in a calm, soothing tone.
Lucy- Let's find something to eat.
Olivia- Yeah, I'm a bit hungry anyway. I hope Dad will be okay.
Lucy- He will be. It's just a minor injury. The doctor will take good care of him.
As Lucy and Olivia made their way to the cafeteria, Tim tried to calm the swirling thoughts in his mind and took off his t-shirt. Dr. Patel was thorough in his examination, asking Tim to move his arm in various directions to assess the range of motion and pinpoint the pain. Tim complied, feeling the twinge in his shoulder with each movement but trying to maintain his composure.
Doctor- It looks like a mild sprain. Your rotator cuff muscles are a bit strained, likely from the sudden movement during the incident. It's not too serious, but you'll need to rest that shoulder for a few days. Avoid heavy lifting and any strenuous activity. I'll prescribe some anti-inflammatories to help with the swelling and pain.
Tim nodded, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. He hated being sidelined, even for a minor injury. But he also knew he couldn't afford to push it and risk something more severe.
Tim- Got it, Doc. Thanks.
Dr. Patel- I'll also recommend some physical therapy if the pain doesn't subside in a week or so. But I'm confident you'll be back to normal soon if you take it easy.
Tim got dressed again, slipping his undershirt back on before buttoning up his uniform shirt.
Meanwhile, Lucy and Olivia returned from the cafeteria, Olivia carrying a small bag of snacks and a bottle of water, while Lucy had two coffees in hand. As they approached the examination room, Lucy glanced at Olivia, her expression gentle and reassuring.
They entered the room just as Tim was finishing up with Dr. Patel. Tim looked up, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he saw Olivia and Lucy walk in.
Tim- Hey, you two. Did you find something good?
Olivia- I got some snacks. And Lucy got you a coffee. Black, just like you like it.
Tim took the cup from Lucy, their fingers brushing briefly as he did. The simple gesture grounded him, easing the tension he hadn't realized he was holding.
Tim- Thanks, Liv. And thanks, Lucy.
Lucy- No problem. How's the shoulder?
Tim- Just a sprain. Doc says I need to take it easy for a few days, but I'll be fine.
Olivia- I'm glad it's nothing serious. You have to rest, though, okay?
Tim chuckled, pulling her in for a quick hug.
Tim- I promise, I'll rest. No more heroics for a few days.
Lucy watched the interaction with a soft smile, feeling a sense of relief herself. The day had been tense, but seeing Tim and Olivia together, knowing that he was going to be okay, brought a sense of calm.
Lucy- I'll help keep an eye on him, Liv. Make sure he follows the doctor's orders when he's at the Station .
Tim- Great, now I've got two of you on my case.
He said rolling his eyes, but there was a genuine warmth in his voice. As much as he valued his independence, he was grateful for their support.
Dr. Patel- Alright, I'll leave you to it. Remember, take it easy, and if the pain doesn't improve, come back for a follow-up.
Tim- Will do, Doc. Thanks again.
As Dr. Patel left the room, Tim took a sip of his coffee, savoring the familiar, bitter taste. He looked at Lucy, feeling a mix of gratitude and something deeper, something he was still figuring out.
Tim- Ready to head out?
Lucy- Whenever you are.
With their coffee cups in hand, Tim, Lucy, and Olivia left the examination room and headed out of the hospital. The cool evening air was a refreshing change from the sterile environment inside, and as they walked toward the parking lot, Tim felt a wave of relief wash over him.
As they reached the shop, Lucy took the keys and slid into the driver's seat, while Tim and Olivia got comfortable in the back. Olivia leaned against her dad, her small hand wrapped around his arm, and Tim couldn't help but smile down at her. Despite everything, he felt a deep sense of gratitude for moments like this.
The drive back to the station was quiet, the city lights flickering past as they made their way through the familiar streets. Tim stared out the window, his mind still processing the events of the day, while Olivia dozed lightly against him. Lucy kept her focus on the road, but her thoughts drifted to Tim, wondering how he was really feeling behind the calm exterior he always maintained.
When they arrived at the station, Olivia was fast asleep, her small hand still wrapped around Tim's arm. The quiet hum of the engine as they pulled into the parking lot did nothing to stir her from her slumber. Tim glanced down at her peaceful face, his heart swelling with affection. He knew she must be exhausted after the long day.
Lucy parked the car and turned off the engine, glancing over her shoulder at Tim and Olivia. She saw the way Tim looked at his daughter, the tenderness in his eyes, and she couldn't help but smile softly. There was something deeply reassuring about seeing Tim in this light, knowing that beneath the tough exterior, he was a father who loved his daughter more than anything.
As they got out of the car, Tim carefully unbuckled Olivia's seatbelt and gently lifted her into his arms. Her head rested against his shoulder, and she remained sound asleep, completely unaware of the world around her. Tim carried her with ease, despite the strain in his shoulder, his focus solely on making sure she was comfortable.
Lucy considered saying something about his shoulder, but she knew better. Tim was stubborn—Tim was fiercely protective you could say, especially when it came to Olivia. There was no way she could convince him to let someone else carry her, not when her comfort was at stake. And in a way, she admired that about him—his unwavering dedication to being there for his daughter, no matter what. Even though she worried about his shoulder, she understood that this was something he had to do.
Tim carried Olivia into the station, her small form nestled securely in his arms as he made his way to his office. Lucy followed close behind, her footsteps quiet on the polished floor. The station was calm, the afternoon hour reducing the usual bustle to a gentle murmur in the background.
Once inside his office, Tim carefully laid Olivia down on the couch, adjusting a pillow under her head and pulling a blanket over her. She stirred slightly, her eyelids fluttering before settling back into a peaceful sleep. Tim watched her for a moment, a soft smile playing on his lips, before turning back to his desk.
Lucy hovered near the door, her eyes briefly meeting Tim's. She could see the subtle strain in his posture, a reminder of his injury, but she knew better than to bring it up. Instead, she offered a supportive smile.
Lucy- I'll be at my desk if you need anything.
Tim- Thanks, Lucy.
With that, Lucy stepped out and made her way to her desk. The station was quiet, save for the soft tapping of keyboards and the occasional low conversation among the night shift officers.
Tim settled into his chair, pulling a stack of reports closer. He flipped through them methodically, his focus shifting between the pages and the thoughts swirling in his mind. The events of the day had been draining, but there was something comforting about the routine of paperwork.
The steady rhythm of the office's ambient noises was a soothing backdrop as Tim worked through the reports. Every so often, he glanced over at Olivia, ensuring she remained comfortably nestled on the couch. The hum of fluorescent lights and the distant chatter were his only companions.
As the minutes ticked by, Olivia began to stir. Her small movements, a gentle stretching of her arms and a yawn that she tried to stifle, signaled that she was waking up. Her eyes fluttered open, and she glanced around, slowly coming back to consciousness.
Seeing her dad at his desk, Olivia rubbed her eyes and sat up, the blanket slipping off her shoulders. She remembered the pile of schoolwork she had brought with her, the notebook and textbooks in her backpack, waiting for her. With a determined sigh, she began to gather her things. She knew that waiting for her dad to finish his shift was going to take a while, so she might as well make the most of her time.
Tim, noticing the slight movement from the corner of his eye, looked over to see Olivia now wide awake and preparing her school materials. He couldn't help but smile, touched by her ability to adapt and make use of her time. The sight of her diligently setting up her work reminded him of the quiet strength she had—something that made him proud.
Tim- Hey, Olivia. You're up. Need any help with that?
Olivia- No, I'm good, Dad. I just thought I'd get some homework done while you finish up.
Tim- If you need anything, just let me know.
Olivia nodded, her focus already on her schoolwork. She pulled out a textbook and started flipping through the pages, her brow furrowed in concentration. It was clear she was used to juggling school tasks with her father's schedule, a testament to her adaptability and maturity despite her young age .
The office was quiet, punctuated only by the rhythmic tapping of Olivia's pencil as she worked. She finished her homework quickly and then shifted her focus to preparing materials for her tutoring sessions. Despite being younger than her students, Olivia had earned their respect through her dedication. The few who didn't take her seriously were swiftly shown otherwise by her confidence, she treated them the same and things changed pretty quick after that and they respected her.
She set up her tutoring materials—lesson plans, worksheets, and notes neatly organized and ready for her students. Olivia reviewed the content, adjusting worksheets and refining her notes based on recent lessons and feedback. She found satisfaction in preparing for her sessions, knowing that her efforts made a significant difference to the kids she tutored.
Tim, absorbed in his paperwork, glanced up from time to time to check on Olivia. He admired her ability to manage schoolwork and tutoring with such dedication. The hum of the fluorescent lights and the soft buzz of office activity were a steady backdrop as Olivia worked diligently.
After a while, Tim finally took a break from his reports and looked over at Olivia, who was still busy with her tutoring materials. He had recently discovered her side hustle and was both curious and impressed by how she managed it all.
Tim- How's tutoring going, Liv?
Olivia looked up from her materials, a small, confident smile on her face as she prepared to explain to her dad just how much she enjoyed tutoring.
Olivia- Honestly, Dad, I really like doing it. Seeing them make progress, understanding things they were struggling with before—it's a good feeling. It makes all the work worth it.
Tim smiled as Olivia continued talking about her tutoring experience, clearly passionate about helping her peers. He listened intently, nodding in encouragement as she shared the satisfaction she felt in seeing her students' progress. It was moments like these that made him incredibly proud of the person Olivia was becoming—driven, compassionate, and wise beyond her years.
Tim- I'm proud of you for taking it so seriously. It's not easy juggling everything, but you make it look effortless.
Olivia- Thanks, Dad. It feels good to be able to help, even if it's challenging sometimes.
Tim- You're doing a great job. Keep it up.
Tim then turned back to his reports, wrapping up the last few pieces of paperwork. Olivia, satisfied with her preparations for the next tutoring session, tucked her materials back into her backpack and leaned back on the couch, content. The soft murmur of the office around them was calming, a reminder of the routine they both had grown accustomed to.
After a while, Tim finally stacked the completed reports neatly on his desk and stretched, feeling the strain in his muscles from a long day. He glanced at Olivia, who was now reading quietly on the couch, and decided it was time to call it a night.
Tim- Alright, Sweetheart. Let's head home.
They packed up their things and left the station, the evening air cool and refreshing as they stepped outside. On the way home, Tim decided that neither of them needed the hassle of cooking dinner after such a long day.
Tim- How about we order something to eat tonight?
Olivia's face lit up at the suggestion.
Olivia- Yes! That sounds awesome.
They settled on their favorite takeout place, and Tim placed the order as soon as they got home. While waiting for the food to arrive, Tim headed straight to the shower, washing away the stress of the day. A little after he finished, the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of their dinner.
They sat together at the kitchen table, enjoying the meal and talking about the little things that made up their day. The food was comforting, and so was the familiar rhythm of their conversation. After dinner, they moved to the living room, deciding to watch another episode of their favorite series. It was a bit of a tradition for them—unwinding with a show before bed.
As the episode ended, the clock inched closer to Olivia's bedtime. Tim glanced at the time and then at Olivia, who was beginning to look a little drowsy.
Tim- Alright, kiddo, time for bed.
Olivia- Okay, Dad.
She stretched as she got up from the couch, giving her dad a quick hug before heading to her room. Tim followed her a little later, making sure she was all set for the night.
Tim- Good night, Liv. Sleep well.
Olivia- Good night, Dad. You too.
Tim smiled, watching as she snuggled under her blankets. He gently closed her door and made his way back to his own room.
Once there, Tim settled onto his bed. He grabbed the remote, intending to watch a game he had recorded earlier, but found himself distracted by his phone. He scrolled through some messages, checking in on a few things.