The robbery scene was chaotic. Yellow police tape fluttered in the warm breeze as officers swarmed the small convenience store downtown. Bystanders gathered at the edge of the cordon, their phones out, documenting the scene as if it were just another day in L.A.
Lucy and Tim arrived with the calm urgency that had become second nature to them. Tim was already analyzing the situation, his sharp eyes scanning every detail: the shattered glass, the panicked cashier giving statements, and the suspect still inside, holding hostages. Lucy followed his lead, but she could feel her pulse quicken—this wasn't just routine.
"Two hostages," Tim muttered under his breath as they moved closer to the building. "Suspect's got a gun. We need to de-escalate."
Lucy nodded, already assessing her part in the plan. They'd done this before—countless times, in fact—but the stakes always felt higher when it was life and death. And lately, Lucy found it harder to compartmentalize her feelings. There was Tim, standing just inches away, his face a mask of composure, but she knew better. She could read him now in ways others couldn't. The small shifts in his posture, the way his jaw tensed ever so slightly when he was on edge.
"I'll try to talk him down," Lucy said softly. "You back me up."
Tim turned to her, and for a second, his professional facade cracked. "You sure? This guy's volatile. I don't want you taking unnecessary risks."
His concern was real, and Lucy felt a warmth spread through her chest. It wasn't the first time he'd been protective, but this felt different. It felt personal.
"I've got this, Tim," she replied, her voice steady but gentle. "Trust me."
He looked at her for a long moment, his eyes searching hers, and then gave a curt nod. "I always do."
They moved into position. Tim took up a spot near the door, his gun at the ready, while Lucy stood just out of sight, preparing to make contact with the suspect. She took a deep breath, steeling herself. Moments like these were when she felt most alive, the adrenaline sharpening her senses, but today, there was something more fueling her focus. It was knowing that Tim had her back, not just as her sergeant, but as something more.
"Hey, I'm Officer Chen with the LAPD," Lucy called out, her voice calm but firm. "Let's talk, okay? We don't want anyone to get hurt."
There was a pause, and then a voice from inside, shaky and desperate. "Stay back! I swear I'll do it! Don't come any closer!"
Lucy could hear the fear in his voice. This wasn't a hardened criminal—he was scared, cornered. She had to get through to him.
"I get it," she continued, her tone gentle. "You're scared. You feel like there's no way out, but there is. We can figure this out together, I just need you to put the gun down. No one has to get hurt today."
Another long silence. Lucy held her breath, waiting. The seconds stretched on, and she could feel Tim's presence behind her, a silent pillar of strength. She knew he was ready to intervene if things went south, but he trusted her instincts.
Finally, the suspect's voice broke the silence. "I don't want to go to jail..."
Lucy seized the opportunity. "You don't have to. We can help you, but you have to meet us halfway. Just let the hostages go, okay? We can talk after that."
There was movement inside, and then, miraculously, the door creaked open. Two terrified hostages stumbled out, and Lucy quickly ushered them to safety. The suspect, a young man in his twenties, stood in the doorway, the gun still in his hand but lowered.
Lucy moved closer, her heart pounding. "That's good. Now just put the gun down, and we'll figure the rest out."
For a moment, it seemed like he might listen. But then, in a sudden panic, he raised the gun again, his eyes wild with fear.
Before Lucy could react, Tim stepped in, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Drop it!" His tone was sharp, authoritative, leaving no room for hesitation.
The suspect faltered, his grip on the weapon loosening. And then, just like that, he let it fall to the ground with a clatter.
It was over.
Lucy exhaled, the tension in her body releasing all at once. Tim moved in, securing the suspect while she took a moment to gather herself. As soon as the cuffs were on, Tim's eyes found hers.
"You okay?" he asked quietly, his voice no longer commanding, but filled with concern.
Lucy nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yeah. Thanks for having my back."
Tim returned her smile, though it was brief. "Always."
