4 Years Ago
Having never ridden in a police car, this was a interesting experience for you. And yet another way to distract yourself from your current nightmarish reality. Officer Barnes insisted you ride in the passenger seat rather than in the back behind bulletproof glass. You considered the possible number of drunk-tank-bound occupants and occasionally bleeding criminals seated back there over the months and years with a cringe, now especially grateful for your front row seat to the precinct.
The officer braked at a stop light, drumming his thumbs on the steering wheel.
"Is there anyone you need to call? Someone who can meet you at the precinct to take you home? I mean if not, we can make arrangements..."
"Oh, no, don't worry about that. I should probably call my roommate. If she's awake, she'll be worried sick. And I guess my boyfriend can pick me up. He's weird about his sleep schedule though...." you said, scrolling through your phone.
"I'm sure he'd understand, if he knew what you've been through."
"Yeah," you said in a noncommittal tone, bringing the phone up to your ear. "Wanda! Hey, sorry, did I wake you?" Pause. "Oh, I'm okay. Yeah. There was just a thing that happened so I won't be home in a little while." Pause. "I don't want to get into it over the phone, but I promise I'll tell you all about it." Long pause while you roll your eyes, noticing the officer smiling out of the corner of your eye.
"Wanda. WANDA. Yes, I promise we will go into depth dissecting every word he said and also what he didn't say on your date but first I have to handle this thing, okay? Alright." Pause. "Love you too, bye."
"How long have you two been roommates?"
"A year and a half. Met through a mutual friend. She's the closest thing I have to family in the city."
You brought your phone up to your ear again, the repetitive ringing grating against your frayed nerves. With a huff, you hung up.
"Went to voicemail. I'll try again a little later."
Pulling into a parking spot, Officer Barnes brought the cruiser to a stop and climbed out, approaching the steps with you following behind. The police station was a bustle of activity, even at this hour. The officer indicated for you to take a seat beside a small wooden desk.
"Can I get you some possibly terrible coffee?" inquired the handsome man in blue before you.
"What?" you asked, amused.
"Well, it depends on who made it, how recently, and how long it's been on the warmer. Just wanted to give you forewarning."
"Oh, I see. Well, I'll take my chances then."
With a nod, he walked across the room to grab you a cup. You unlocked your phone and dialed your boyfriend's number once again. An endless number of rings and then again you got his voicemail, but this time you left a message.
"Hey, I doubt you'll even get this til morning, but on the chance that you get it soon....something terrible has happened. I'm at the police station and...I mean, I'm fine. Mostly. I just need a ride home, really. Call me back. Love you."
The young officer returned with coffee in time to hear the tail end of your message.
"Still no answer?"
You shook your head, dropping the phone in your purse.
He gave a nod, removing his cap and jacket revealing the long-sleeved button-up uniform shirt underneath. You didn't need to use your imagination this time, clearly seeing the muscles of his biceps straining against the shirt's material. He took a seat behind the desk and pulled out his notebook.
"Ready?"
Taking a deep breath, you nodded and picked up the story where you left off.
After giving your statement, the sketch artist arrived. You focused desperately on those 5 second of time where the man's face was visible to you. His short dark hair, heavy brow, crooked nose as if it had been broken a few times, the goatee upon his face, and of course the wound to his left cheek. The artist showed you his work after your description and the sketch sent chills down your spine.
"That's him."
Standing to gather your things, you checked your phone only to see no new calls or messages.
"Still nothing?" asked Officer Barnes, who had sidled up next to you while you were distracted.
"Nope."
With a disapproving expression, he exhaled loudly, "I can give you a ride, if you want."
"Wait, aren't you working right now? I can call a cab or..."
"Actually my shift ended half an hour ago."
"Oh. I'm sorry for holding you up, really, I can find my own way."
"That's not what....I didn't mean that you were keeping me from anything. I just don't like to leave work left undone."
"Well, that's...very noble of you."
He smiled proudly, "Give me 10 minutes and I'll drive you."
A tired sigh exhaled past your lips, "Okay. Thank you."
Right on time, Officer Barnes walked up to you but no longer in his uniform. Instead he wore a pair of jeans that fit him just right, a snug dark grey sweater with a black leather jack on top, and a messenger bag slung over his shoulder. Oh, mercy. As much as you loved a guy in uniform, this was also a very, very good look for him.
"I'm ready."
You cleared your throat, reminding yourself you were taken, and responded, "Me, too."
The drive to your apartment building wasn't long. Officer Barnes drove an older, beat-up car but he kept it clean and well-maintained. He asked a little more about your background, also telling you an anecdote or two about his police work.
Almost too soon, he were parked outside your building, your fingers grasping the door handle.
"Thank you again, Officer. You made a truly terrible night....not so terrible."
He grinned from ear to ear, "Well, it was my pleasure. And my duty! You know...protect and serve. All that."
You smiled, climbing out of the car and closing the door behind you. He waited until you had opened your door before he rolled away from the curb. You offered a wave and entered the building, ready to be reunited with your pillow.
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YOU ARE READING
In the Arms of Justice
Fanfiction[Officer Bucky x reader AU] Reader is a witness to a crime, tying her to the investigation as well as the police involved. She never would have guessed how that one night would continue to change her life years later.