Partners In Crime (Sanders Sides AU)

Chapter 1 - The Break In

A lone figure stood behind the till, pulling out a key before slotting it into the lock and turning it until it gave out a satisfying click. Slipping it into his back pocket, he hummed a tune as he made his way to the front door, saying goodbye to the remaining animals that were still awake.

"Night guys, gals and creatures of... other... genders- Goodnight, Patton!"

The man gasped when the Papillon bounded towards him, yapping all the way. He rubbed Patton behind his ears.

"Who's a good boy? You're a good boy! Now, bed." He cooed before pointing towards the corner of the store, where a blue and yellow dog bed lay. Patton sped over and settled down, eyes already drooping in fatigue. The man smiled lovingly before being distracted by the vibrating of his phone. He furrowed his eyebrows, but relaxed when he saw the contact name. Swiping, he put the phone up to his ear.

"Hey Babe, what's up?"

"Are you coming home soon? I'm getting lonely."

"Relax, Emile, I just closed up. The voice on the other side of the phone signed in relief at his words. Locking the door to the shop, the male turned and began walking down the street, thankful to finally be outside after being cooped up all day.

"I'll be home in ten."

"Good. How's Patton?"

"He's doing well, doc. Ever since his cast came off, he's been the bouncy little puppo he was before!"

"For the last time, I'm not a doctor-"

"Then how come you're so good at making me feel better, hm?"

Silence.

"... Touché."

They chatted for a period, Emile mentioning that there was a new recruit to the police department, until he suddenly stopped. The man stopped walking.

"Emile?"

"How much money did you take with you?"

Visibly relaxing, he leaned against the nearest lamppost.

"I only took half, Babe. Chill."

Incoherent muttering followed through the speaker and he started walking again.

"You know how dangerous it is to carry money with you these days; especially if I'm not with you-"

However, the man interrupted him.

"Oh my God, you're not my mum. Besides, I can protect myself. Just because guns are illegal, doesn't mean I can't carry something just as effective."

Emile sighed.

"I guess you're right."

"No. I am right. Now I'm gonna hang up because my phone's almost dead. Bye!"

"Wai-" Too late. He hung up before sticking his phone in his jacket-

"Wait, wha- ah shit... Guess I gotta go back now." He realised he'd forgotten his jacket and switched direction immediately, sending a quick text to Emile.

'Forgot my coat and I'm going back to get it~'

It was only a couple of seconds until he got a reply.

'K babe. Keep me updated x'

He made steady progress, retracing his steps.

~

The shop was almost in sight. But his smile dropped when he heard smashing of glass coming from the same direction. His pace increased until he was practically running, turning the last corner to see broken glass across the street with several animals staring, wide-eyed, from the other side of the window.

"Oh my God..." he gasped, pulling out his phone once more and dialling a familiar number. It ringed a once before Emile picked up, amusement in his voice.

"Babe, I thought your phone was almost dead?"

"It's them. They were here and they've broken into the shop." he unlocked the door with shaky hands and raced to the till, already noticing it open with no money in sight.

"The money's gone?"

"Y- Yeah. And my jacket." he replied, remembering his jacket was on the table next to the till when he left.

"Calm down, remember; deep breathes."

"No, Emile, I will not calm down! We need to call the police, we need to-"

He paced, but went silent when his eyes fell on the animals.

"Babe? Remy, what is it?"

"They took Patton."