The New Detective

CHAPTER 6 : First Case Together

Samantha's POV

If I thought the introductions were overwhelming, the briefing room was a whole different story.

Voight stood at the front, arms crossed, eyes sharp as he laid out the case. A string of armed robberies, escalating each time. The last one left a clerk injured. The offenders were getting bolder, sloppier, and more dangerous.

I listened, taking notes, trying to blend in even though I could feel the team sneaking glances at me. Not judgmental - curious. Like they were trying to figure out who I was beneath the "bridge girl" label.

Voight's gaze flicked to me more than once. Not long enough for anyone else to notice, but long enough for me to feel it.

"Walker," he said suddenly.

I straightened. "Yes, Sarge."

"What's your read?"

The room went quiet. Everyone turned toward me.

Great. No pressure.

I stepped forward, looking at the photos on the board. "They're escalating because they're desperate. They're not thinking long‑term. They're thinking survival. That means they're going to hit again soon - somewhere familiar, somewhere they think they can control."

Voight didn't react at first. He just stared at me, unreadable.

Then he nodded once. "Good."

Just one word, but it hit harder than a paragraph of praise.

Ruzek leaned toward Atwater and whispered, "She's sharp."

Voight heard it. He didn't comment, but the corner of his mouth twitched - the closest thing to approval I'd seen from him.

"Alright," Voight said. "We move. Burgess, Atwater - canvass the last location. Ruzek, you're with me. Walker-"

He paused.

I held my breath.

"You're riding with me."

Oh.

Oh.

The team exchanged looks - not surprised, but definitely interested. Burgess raised an eyebrow like she already saw something I didn't.

I grabbed my jacket and followed Voight out.

---

In the Truck - Voight's POV

He didn't say much at first. Just drove, jaw tight, eyes on the road. I could tell his knee was bothering him, but he hid it well.

Finally, he spoke.

"You handled yourself well in the briefing."

"Thank you."

"You trust your instincts."

"I try."

He glanced at me. "Don't try. Do."

I looked out the window, hiding a smile. "Yes, Sarge."

We pulled up near the suspected next target - a small corner store with a clear view of the street. Voight parked, turned off the engine, and leaned back slightly.

"You nervous?" he asked.

I shook my head. "No."

He studied me for a moment. "Good. Nervous gets people hurt."

I met his eyes. "I don't freeze."

"I noticed."

Something passed between us - quiet, unspoken, but real. A shift. A spark. Something neither of us acknowledged out loud.

Before either of us could say more, the radio crackled.

"Units, be advised - possible suspects spotted heading northbound."

Voight straightened instantly. "That's them."

He looked at me, eyes sharp.

"You ready?"

I nodded. "Always."

He gave a small, approving nod - the kind that said he believed me.

And just like that, we were in motion.