Ember X Wade oneshots

Police cases

Ember Lumen had always been a beacon of warmth and comfort in her community. Known for her kind heart and unwavering work ethic, she was the kind of person who would never turn away someone in need. Her family had instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility and love, and she carried those values with her every day, especially in her work at the Fireplace, the family-run hearth and repair shop. The Fireplace had been in their family for generations, a place where warmth was not just literal but emotional, a sanctuary for those seeking comfort and care.

One day, Ember was approached by a local police officer, Detective Mason, who had been a regular customer at the Fireplace. He knew Ember and her family well and trusted them implicitly. But today, his visit was not about a faulty heater or a broken chimney—it was about something far more sinister.

"Ember," Detective Mason said quietly, pulling her aside after she had fixed a client's hearth. "I need your help with something... delicate."

Ember frowned, sensing the gravity in his voice. "Of course, Detective. What's going on?"

Mason sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable. "We're working on a case involving a man who has been engaging in some deeply harmful behavior. It's a... it's a case that involves a child."

Ember's heart sank, her mind immediately racing to the worst possibilities. "What happened?"

"The man has been inciting harmful behavior towards the child, grooming them in an attempt to obtain consent for something deeply inappropriate," Mason explained, his voice thick with anger and sadness. "We've been trying to gather evidence, but it's been difficult. The man is cautious, manipulative, and unfortunately, the child's situation is complicated. We need to bring this guy to justice, but we're hitting walls everywhere."

Ember swallowed hard, feeling a mixture of disgust and fury rise within her. The thought of anyone harming a child made her blood boil. "How can I help?" she asked, her voice steady but with an edge of determination.

Mason looked at her, appreciating her resolve. "We believe that the man has been frequenting a local bar where your father's been doing some repair work. He might have seen or heard something without realizing it. If you could talk to your dad, see if he remembers anything unusual, it might give us the lead we need."

Ember nodded, understanding the importance of discretion. "I'll talk to him tonight."

That evening, as the family gathered around the dinner table, Ember gently broached the subject with her father, Bernie. She told him about the case, omitting the more graphic details but emphasizing the urgency of finding anything that could help the police.

Bernie listened carefully, his usually cheerful demeanor darkening as Ember explained the situation. "I'll think back on it, Ember. I know the place you're talking about. There was one guy who stood out... but I didn't pay him much attention at the time. Let me see if I can remember more."

For the next few days, Bernie kept to himself, mulling over his interactions at the bar. He recalled the man's strange behavior—how he always seemed too interested in what the younger patrons were doing, how he would buy drinks for the staff, asking too many personal questions. Bernie realized, with a growing sense of dread, that this man had been more than just an odd customer.

When Bernie finally shared his memories with Detective Mason, it was the break the case needed. The man had used the bar as a hunting ground, grooming his victims with false kindness and subtle manipulation. Armed with this information, the police were able to zero in on the suspect, eventually uncovering a trail of evidence that confirmed his predatory behavior.

As the investigation continued, Ember and her family were kept informed of the case's progress. The man was arrested, and though the process of bringing him to justice was long and arduous, it was necessary. Throughout it all, Ember remained a steadfast source of support for the detectives and the victim's family, offering them the same warmth and care she gave to everyone who crossed her path.

Ember's involvement in the case left a deep mark on her. She had always known that there was darkness in the world, but this case had brought it close to home. Still, she found solace in the fact that they had helped stop someone truly evil from harming anyone else. It was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the light and warmth they provided through their work at the Fireplace could help chase away the shadows.

And so, Ember with Wade's help continued her work, now with an even greater sense of purpose. She knew that the world was not always kind, but as long as she could help keep the fires of hope and justice burning, she would do everything in her power to ensure that the warmth of the Fireplace reached those who needed it most.