Unexpected Love

30. Protective

With a steely determination etched across his weathered features, Sergeant Grey drove towards the prison. His mind reeled with anger at the thought of Chris exploiting Lucy's vulnerability even from behind bars. He had always seen Lucy as the daughter he never had, and watching her suffer was more than he could bear.

As he strode through the cold, sterile corridors, he rehearsed every word he would say to Chris - each syllable laced with threat and promise of retribution. When he arrived at the visitation room, he didn't bother hiding his fury.

"What did you do to her?" he snapped as soon as Chris appeared on the other side of the glass partition. Chris feigned ignorance, but Grey saw the flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. "Lucy's been through enough" he growled, slamming his palms against the barrier. "Leave her alone or face the consequences."

Chris merely smirked, taunting him with his silence. Grey's blood boiled, but he refused to give the monster the satisfaction of seeing him lose control. Instead, he leaned closer, his voice low and menacing. "I'll make sure you rot in here, and if anything happens to her, I'll personally see to it that your life becomes a living hell."

The threat hung heavy in the air between them, and Chris finally spoke, "She's mine, Sergeant. Always has been, always will be." Grey clenched his fists, fighting the urge to reach through the glass and strangle him. "She's better off without you"

Upon exiting the visitation room, Sergeant Grey struggled to contain his rage. Chris's smug demeanor and possessive words had pushed him past his breaking point. As they walked back towards the cell blocks, he signaled to the accompanying officers.

"Officers, can I have a minute?" he asked through gritted teeth. They exchanged worried glances but obliged, stepping back and creating a small barrier between Grey and Chris. Without hesitation, Grey spun around and landed a powerful punch straight into Chris's jaw. The satisfying crack echoed through the corridor, and Chris crumpled to the floor, clutching his face.

"If you ever speak to her again or let those files go anywhere" Grey snarled, his voice barely recognizable as he loomed over the fallen man, "I'll make sure word gets out about the kind of scum you really are. I know plenty of people in this prison who hate wife beaters." The threat hung heavy in the air as Chris looked up at him, fear finally flickering in his eyes.

The officers stepped forward, ready to intervene, but Grey waved them off. He knew he had crossed a line, but the protective instinct surging through him wouldn't allow Chris to continue tormenting Lucy.

As Chris was dragged away, Grey stood tall, his breathing ragged and his knuckles throbbing. It was a small victory, but he hoped it would send a clear message - Lucy was under his protection now, and he wouldn't let anyone hurt her ever again.

Later that evening, Sergeant Grey arrived at Lucy and Angela's apartment, his face a mask of exhaustion and determination. The sight of Lucy startled in Angela's protective embrace tugged at his heartstrings, but he steeled himself for what he had to say. He approached them slowly, not wanting to alarm Lucy further.

"Hey" he said softly, crouching down so he was at eye level with her. "I spoke to Chris today." Lucy's eyes widened with fear, but he held up a hand to calm her. "He won't be bothering you again" he promised, his voice firm and resolute.

Relief flooded Lucy's features, and without a moment's hesitation, she launched herself into Grey's arms. He caught her easily, holding her tight as she buried her face in his shoulder and sobbed. "Thank you" she whispered brokenly.

Grey closed his eyes, emotion clogging his throat as he hugged her back. "*You don't have to thank me*" he murmured. "I just wish I could take away all the pain he's caused." Angela watched them from her spot on the couch, gratefulness etched on her face. "What about the files?" she asked quietly.

Grey nodded, his expression grim. "They're safe. I made sure of it." Lucy pulled away slightly, looking up at him with tear-streaked cheeks.

"You didn't... hurt him, did you?" she asked worriedly. Grey hesitated before answering truthfully, "Let's just say he understands the gravity of the situation now."

Lucy nodded, seeming to accept his words. As she settled back into Angela's arms, Grey couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for the strength she was showing. They still had a long road ahead, but he knew Lucy was a fighter - with Angela by her side and him watching over them, she could overcome anything.

After a few moments of silence, Sergeant Grey rose from his chair, his eyes filled with concern for the two women. "I have to go, but please, take care of yourselves" he said gruffly, trying to hide the emotions tugging at him.

As he headed towards the door, Lucy looked up at Angela with tear-filled eyes. Angela smoothed back her hair and pulled her close, whispering words of comfort. Once Grey was gone, Angela's expression turned serious.

"Now, Lucy," she began, her voice gentle but firm, "we need to get you into regular therapy, sweetheart. You've come so far already, and I know you can continue to heal. No more hurting yourself, okay?" Lucy nodded weakly, still clutching a tissue in her hand.

"I know" she whispered, fresh tears streaming down her cheeks. Angela held her tighter, rocking her gently back and forth. "You're stronger than you think," she continued, "and I'll be here every step of the way."

Lucy sniffled, her body relaxing further into Angela's embrace. They sat there for a while longer, the quiet hum of the city outside providing a soothing backdrop to their moment of healing.

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