At the station

A week later, Jackson, Lucy, John, and Wesley were at the front desk of the station, processing unregistered weapons turned in by civilians.

Jackson took two firearms from a civilian and said, "Two firearms for two gift cards. Thanks for helping keep our streets safer."

Lucy looked skeptical. "So, we're just going to destroy these? What if one of them was used in a crime?"

Wesley replied, "Lucy, 'no questions asked' means exactly that. It's the best way to encourage people to turn in their unregistered weapons."

John added, "And the $100 gift cards are a good incentive. Speaking of $100, are you still paying Grey's daughter to keep quiet about him going on patrol?"

Wesley nodded. "Yep. I promised her I'd keep paying until the end of the month, and it's almost up."

Lucy shook her head. "I can't believe you're paying her."

Wesley shrugged. "I was looking out for Grey. He didn't want to tell his wife, so I agreed to keep his daughter quiet."

Wesley noticed a woman struggling with a heavy load and said, "I'll be right back, guys."

He kissed Lucy, who kissed him back, and then he walked over to help the woman.

As he approached, Wesley opened the door and said, "Let me help you with those."

The woman looked up, surprised. "Oh, thank you, Officer Wick."

Wesley smiled and asked, "And you are?"

The woman replied, "I'm Alma."

Wesley said, "Nice to meet you, Alma. Are all these items yours?"

Alma shook her head. "No, they were my father's. He was a paratrooper in World War II."

Wesley carefully lifted a heavy bag and placed it on the counter. "I see. When he came back from the war, he brought all this with him. I've been holding onto it since he passed in '74."

Wesley unwrapped a rifle and said, "This is in great condition. You could get a decent amount for this."

Alma said, "Oh, no. I wouldn't know where to start. I'm moving in with my son's family and don't want these around my grandkids."

Wesley continued unwrapping and revealed twin M1911 pistols. "Well, we're here to help."

Alma's eyes softened. "Oh, those were his pistols. He brought them from Germany to San Francisco. Maybe you should keep those, dear. I'm sure you could use them."

Wesley said, "Oh, ma'am, I couldn't. They're unregistered."

Alma said, "I'm sure you could get them registered somewhere."

Wesley set the pistols aside and said, "Okay, thank you for the pistols."

Alma said, "No problem."

Wesley then unwrapped a suspicious object and Alma said, "And that one there is Ginny."

Wesley unwrapped it to reveal a claymore mine. "Alma, is that a landmine?"

Alma nodded. "Yes, a claymore, I think. From his time in Vietnam."

Jackson quickly picked up the phone. "Can we get a bomb squad to the front lobby immediately?"

Wesley said, "I'm really glad you brought this in. These devices are highly unstable. Here's what we'll do: I'll stay here to handle the disposal of this. Officer Chen will escort you to a safe distance, and we'll get you those gift cards we discussed."

Alma asked, "What about the ones in my trunk?"

Just then, an explosion was heard, followed by car alarms going off. Everyone in the lobby flinched except Wesley, who remained calm.

Wesley turned to Alma and said, "I don't think you need to worry about those anymore. It sounds like they just went off."

The next day

Wesley and Lucy arrived at Zoe's apartment, carrying a couple of bags from their earlier outing. They were looking forward to a quiet evening, but as they entered the apartment, they noticed it was unusually quiet.

Lucy placed the bags on the counter and said, "It's odd. Zoe said she'd be here tonight."

Wesley nodded. "Yeah, I thought she'd be home by now. Let's check around and see if she left us a note or something."

They moved through the apartment, eventually finding a note on the kitchen counter. Wesley picked it up and read aloud:

Hey, Wesley and Lucy,

I had to head to the station yesterday. We've got a bit of a situation with some incoming reports. I'll be there for a while, so I'm not sure when I'll be back.

Help yourselves to anything here, and don't worry about me. I'll catch up with you both soon.

Zoe

Lucy glanced at Wesley. "Well, it looks like she's busy. I guess we're on our own for the night."

Wesley smiled and said, "Looks like it. How about we make the best of it? We could catch up on that movie we wanted to watch."

Lucy grinned. "Sounds perfect. Let's make it a cozy night in."

As they settled in, Wesley turned on the TV and Lucy started preparing some snacks. Despite Zoe's unexpected absence, the evening took on a relaxed and comfortable vibe. Wesley and Lucy enjoyed their time together, making the most of the impromptu change in plans.

As they were engrossed in their movie, both their phones buzzed simultaneously.

Wesley glanced at his phone and read aloud, "Mandatory emergency callback for all patrol units."

Lucy looked disappointed. "Seriously? We were just getting to the good part. I don't want to go."

Wesley chuckled and said, "Come on, missy. We've got to go."

Lucy groaned but reluctantly stood up with Wesley.

Wesley gently kissed her forehead and said, "It'll be alright. We'll catch up on the movie later."

Lucy looked at him with a playful pout. "Can you carry me to the car?"

Wesley grinned. "Of course."

He lifted her effortlessly and carried her out of the apartment. With a careful motion, he placed her in the passenger seat of his Mustang.

As Wesley closed the door and got into the driver's seat, he gave her one last reassuring smile. "We'll make this quick. Promise."

Lucy smiled back, settling into the seat. "Alright. Let's get this over with."

With that, Wesley started the engine and they drove off, ready to tackle whatever awaited them at the station.

At the station

In the briefing room

Zoe stood at the front of the briefing room, addressing the gathered officers. "Thank you all for coming in on your day off. The Vice President is making an unscheduled visit to our city, so it's all hands on deck. Agent Danvers."

Danvers responded with a smile, "Thank you, Captain. As always, the Secret Service appreciates the LAPD's assistance in clearing and securing 'Redwood's' route. Here are your Operation Plan Manuals. Each officer's name is listed under a specific quadrant and zone, along with your responsibilities. Your watch commander will liaise with me throughout the day as issues arise."

Wesley noticed Jackson was distracted by his phone and muttered, "Come on..."

Quickly, Wesley snatched Jackson's phone, pretending to type on it.

Grey, observing Wesley, asked, "Officer Wick, is there something you'd like to share with the group?"

Wesley caught off guard, stammered, "Uh, no, sir. I was just, uh— I had some plans and needed to cancel them since they were texting me."

Grey replied, "So did everyone else here, yet they're paying attention."

Wesley replied, "Sorry, sir. They just won't stop texting. I didn't mean to be disruptive during roll call."

Grey said, "Then how about you deal with it after roll call?"

Wesley quickly put Jackson's phone back in his pocket and said, "Yes, sir. Sorry, sir."

Grey addressed the room, "These assignments are your sole priority today. You will not field calls from dispatch—let the day shift handle that. Captain?"

Zoe took over, "Most of you know the routine. For our rookies, today is going to be challenging. Everything we do to ensure Redwood's safety will create significant gridlock. It's crucial to stay patient and vigilant. That's all. You're dismissed."

As everyone began to leave, Grey called out, "Officer Wick, you're assigned to ride with Officer Bradford and Officer Chen."

Wesley responded, "Got it, sir."

Grey continued, "Bishop and Nolan, Agent Danvers has a special assignment for you."

Wesley, Tim, and Lucy exited the briefing room, and Tim said, "Officer Chen, go grab our gear. I need to have a quick word with Officer Wick."

Lucy nodded, "Yes, sir," and headed off to get their equipment.

Tim turned to Wesley, "I need you to assist Officer Chen with today's orders. It's going to be a hectic day, and we need to stay sharp."

Wesley hesitated, "Are you sure that's a good idea? Last week, I questioned everything you told me to do, and you said it was a mistake to put me in charge if I wasn't going to follow your orders."

Tim replied, "I appreciate your input, but today is different. We need to be adaptable. Just follow my lead and focus on the mission. Understood?"

Wesley nodded, "Understood."

Tim said, "I'm heading to the shop. Make sure Officer Chen gets to the car."

Wesley replied, "Yes, sir."

Tim headed for the patrol car while Wesley walked over to Lucy and said, "Let's get going, Boot."

Lucy looked puzzled and asked, "Why are you calling me 'Boot'?"

Wesley explained, "I was told to be authoritative today. So, that makes you and Tim's 'Boot' for the day. Let's move it."

Lucy nodded, "Yes, sir," and followed Wesley, carrying the gear bags.

Wesley opened the trunk of the patrol car, and Lucy loaded the bags and shotguns into their designated spots.

Wesley said, "Nice job."

Lucy asked, "Does this mean I have to ride in the back of the shop?"

Wesley replied, "Do you want to?"

Lucy said, "Yeah, I do."

Wesley grinned and said, "Alright, let's go then, Boot," as he slid into the passenger seat and closed the door.

Lucy got in, closed the door, and settled into the backseat.

As Tim drove the patrol car away from the station, Lucy commented, "I don't get all the fuss. It seems like we're just getting a day of overtime to close roads and hang signs."

Tim replied, "That's like saying being drawn and quartered is a fun time with horses."

Wesley added, "We're literally creating traffic jams during rush hour on purpose."

Tim nodded, "Everything we do today is bound to upset someone."

Lucy shrugged, "We deal with angry people every shift. But a day of overtime means I can finally fix the air conditioning in my car."

Tim said, "Air conditioning makes you soft. You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. That's the job."

Lucy asked, "Is he serious?"

Wesley responded, "As serious as a heart attack, Boot."

Tim asked, "You grabbed all the extra gear, right, Boot?"

Lucy replied, "Yes, I got the tactical gear, including the riot batons and vests."

Tim said, "Perfect."

Wesley added, "Good job, Boot."

Lucy smiled and said, "Thank you, sir."

Tim replied, "Don't get all sappy, Boot. Just because he gave you some encouragement doesn't mean you need to kiss up."

Lucy said, "Yes, sir. Sorry, sir."

Wesley added, "I don't mind if she says it."

Tim said, "You only say that because you're dating her."

Later

As Tim drove, the patrol car rolled smoothly through the streets, navigating the early morning traffic. Wesley, Lucy, and Tim were engaged in conversation while keeping an eye on their surroundings.

Lucy asked, "So, what's the game plan for today, Tim? Besides the obvious road closures and setting up the perimeter?"

Tim replied, "We'll be managing traffic flow, ensuring there are no unauthorized vehicles or people in the restricted zones. The Secret Service will handle the close security detail for the Vice President, but we're the ones making sure everything around them runs smoothly."

Wesley said, "And we'll be dealing with all the irate drivers who'll be stuck in traffic for hours. Fun times."

Lucy laughed and said, "Yeah, and all those drivers who'll be convinced that their personal problems are our fault."

Tim said, "That's right. It's not just about managing traffic; it's about keeping everyone safe while dealing with the chaos."

Wesley glanced at Tim and said, "It's days like these that make you appreciate the quiet ones."

Tim chuckled and said, "You've got that right. But remember, Boot, it's all part of the job. Gotta take the good with the bad."

Lucy said, "Well, as long as we get through it without any major incidents, I'll consider it a win."

Tim nodded. "Agreed. We're almost at our first checkpoint. Get ready to set up and start making some noise."

Wesley looked out the window, spotting their location up ahead. "Here we go."

As they approached their destination, Tim turned on the patrol car's lights and signaled to pull over. They began to prepare for their roles, ready to face the day's challenges head-on.

As they stepped out of the patrol car, the sidewalk was crowded with homeless individuals.

Tim addressed the crowd, "Listen up, everyone! From now until 3:00 p.m. tomorrow, the stretch of Vine between Melrose and Franklin is off-limits."

Wesley added, "Sanitation services will be here in 20 minutes. You need to pack up before they arrive."

Tim signaled to a patrol officer behind them. "Rope off the block."

Wesley turned to Lucy. "Make sure everyone moves out."

Tim moved to another section to speak with some of the homeless individuals.

Wesley and Lucy noticed a man sleeping on the sidewalk. Lucy approached him. "Sir? Sir?"

The man stirred with the help of someone else. Wesley said, "Sorry to wake you, but we need you to start packing up, okay?"

Suddenly, a voice shouted, "Bitch, those are my sneakers!"

Another woman added, "Hey!"

Wesley glanced at Lucy. "What are you waiting for, Boot? Get over there and handle that situation. I'll check in with these guys."

Lucy nodded and headed toward the commotion. "Hey! Hey, hey! Stop it!" She intervened, placing herself between the two women.

Wesley continued speaking with the men, but his attention was quickly drawn back to Lucy when the scuffle escalated. The women pulled Lucy down with them, and they fell to the ground.

Wesley called out, "I'll be right there!"

He rushed over and shouted, "Hey! That's enough!"

Wesley grabbed one of the women pulling at Lucy and said firmly, "That's enough! Back off!"

Lucy, now on her feet, had successfully restrained one of the women. She was in the process of cuffing her. "Hands behind your back. Don't move."

As Wesley was about to help, he noticed something on Lucy's side. "Luce."

Lucy looked down and saw a needle embedded in her side.

Wesley's face went pale. "Officer Bradford! Over here!"

Tim ran over, immediately assessing the situation. "What's wrong, Wick?"

Wesley pointed to Lucy and said, "Look at her side!"

Tim saw the needle and quickly took charge. "Chen, Chen, Chen, stay calm!"

Lucy was stunned, staring at the needle. "I didn't see it. It was... it was on the ground, and—"

Wesley said, "It's okay. I need to pull the needle out."

Wesley put on rubber gloves and carefully removed the needle from Lucy's side. He placed it in a container and asked, "What's the procedure for an officer exposed to a needle on duty, Boot?"

Lucy took a deep breath and responded, "Collect the evidence. Take the officer and the item to the nearest hospital for testing."

Wesley asked, "And where's the nearest hospital, Boot?"

Lucy replied, "Shaw Memorial."

Wesley turned to Tim and the other officers. "Make sure someone is stationed here until the Vice President has passed through."

Tim addressed the officers, "You heard the man. Get to it."

The officers nodded and began their tasks as Wesley and Tim focused on ensuring Lucy got the care she needed.

Wesley glanced at Lucy and said, "Let's go."

Tim, Lucy, and Wesley climbed into the patrol car. Wesley caught the keys that Tim tossed him and quickly started the engine. He drove them to the hospital, focused on getting Lucy the care she needed as swiftly as possible.

Later

At the hospital

Wesley, Tim, and Lucy walked into the hospital.

Tim said to Wesley, "What were you thinking, letting her out of your sight like that?"

Wesley replied, "I was dealing with two homeless men when I saw Lucy and the other women hit the ground. I rushed over as fast as I could. I thought she had it under control. And don't act like you wouldn't have handled it the same way if you were in my shoes."

Tim sighed, "You're right. But she got hurt on your watch while I was dealing with something else. It's your responsibility to keep an eye on her, especially since you're her second T.O. today."

Wesley said, "I did my best, sir."

Lucy interjected, "Hey, don't blame Wes. Neither of us saw the needle. It's no one's fault."

Tim nodded, "Alright. Let's focus on getting you sorted out, Lucy."

Lucy, Tim, and Wesley approached the receptionist's desk.

Lucy said, "Hi. I need to get my blood tested. I was accidentally stuck with a used hypodermic needle."

The man behind the desk seemed flustered and said, "Oh, uh, yeah, just a moment."

Wesley noticed the man's nervous demeanor and suspected it was his first day on the job.

The man whispered, "Um, where did that—"

He quickly found a clipboard and handed it to Lucy. "If you could fill this out, please. Have a seat in the waiting room, and we'll get to you soon."

Wesley interjected, "You must be new. Experienced staff know that an armed officer should not be left in the waiting area with civilians. What if someone tries to grab her weapon?"

The man stammered, "I-I-I—"

Wesley, with a hint of frustration from his earlier confrontation with Tim, said, "Hospital protocol dictates that an armed officer be seen immediately. So, set her up in a room now and find a doctor."

The man quickly responded, "Yes, sir. Right this way."

As Lucy was led to the room, Tim said, "Are you alright?"

Wesley said, "I snapped at him, and I didn't mean to."

Tim replied, "Hey, look, I shouldn't have blamed you. If neither of you saw it, it must have been hidden."

Wesley nodded, "Yeah."

Tim added, "Good job on laying down the rules for the newbie. I'm sure he knows you didn't mean to be rude."

Wesley said, "Let's hope so."

Tim and Wesley followed Lucy to the room.

After a while

Wesley and Tim waited outside Lucy's room. After a while, the door opened, and the man from before stepped out.

He said, "She's all set. We're putting a rush on the tests. We should have results in a few hours."

The man sighed and added, "I'm sorry about earlier. I... I didn't know."

Wesley replied, "Hey, I'm sorry too. I snapped at you because I was already on edge after my T.O. yelled at me for letting Lucy get stuck with that needle. I shouldn't have taken it out on you. I didn't mean to add to your stress. I hope we can move past this."

The man nodded, "I understand. Thanks for saying that."

Wesley said, "Thanks, man."

He and Tim walked into Lucy's room, finding her engrossed in her phone.

Wesley gently took her phone and said, "Hey, falling down the WebMD rabbit hole isn't going to change your results."

Lucy looked up and said, "HIV is three times more common in the homeless community than in the general population. Hepatitis is five times more common—"

Wesley cut her off, "And cows kill more people each year than sharks. Facts can be misleading. The reality is, worrying won't change what's already happened."

Lucy said, "What if I get hep C from this needle, and then one day I get shot? What if you're trying to stop the bleeding and forget you have a cut on your hand? Or worse—what if a kid gets hurt, and I'm the one with the cut?"

Wesley replied, "Then you'll be a cop with hep C and a cut. You chose a job where your health is on the line, too. Dwelling on 'what ifs' isn't going to help."

Lucy sighed, her anxiety clear. She put her hands on her hips as Tim said, "I'll wait outside. You two need to talk."

Tim stepped out, leaving Wesley and Lucy alone.

Lucy looked at Wesley with a worried expression and said, "What if I'm diagnosed with something that strains our relationship? I mean, what if it changes things between us?"

Wesley sat down next to her and took a deep breath. "Lucy, whatever happens with your health, it's not going to change how I feel about you. We're in this together, no matter what. If it does put a strain on us, then we deal with it. We're strong enough to handle it."

Lucy's eyes searched his face for reassurance. "But what if it's hard? What if it changes how we live our lives, or how we work together?"

Wesley gently took her hand and said, "If it gets tough, we face it together. We support each other like we always have. We find ways to adapt and move forward. This isn't just about you; it's about us. We're a team."

Lucy nodded, still visibly anxious but finding comfort in his words. "Thanks, Wes. I needed to hear that."

Wesley smiled and squeezed her hand. "Anytime. Now, let's focus on getting through today. We'll deal with whatever comes next, together."

Lucy managed a small smile as they sat in silence, finding strength in their shared resolve.

Wesley smiled warmly as he wrapped her in a comforting hug and gently kissed her forehead. "I love you, Boot," he said softly.

Lucy chuckled, her anxiety easing a bit. "I love you too, sir."

Wesley said, "The lab results will take a few hours. Do you want to stay in the panic room, or head back to work? Maybe get that air conditioning fixed?"

Lucy wiped away her tears and said, "I thought air conditioning was supposed to make me soft."

Wesley smiled and replied, "That's Tim's opinion. But I can't solve all your problems today."

Lucy chuckled a bit. Wesley added, "Go splash some water on your face, love. Let's get back out there." He handed her phone back to her.

Lucy nodded and said, "Okay. I'll be back soon, sir."

Wesley left the room and joined Tim in the waiting area.

Tim asked, "Where's she headed?"

Wesley replied, "I told her to freshen up."

Tim smirked and said, "And she listened? She must like you."

Wesley laughed, "Yeah, yeah. Real funny."

Wesley watched Lucy walk down the hallway and then turned to Tim. "Do you think I was too hard on her in there?"

Tim shook his head. "No. You told her what she needed to hear. Sometimes, the truth isn't easy, but it's necessary."

Wesley nodded, appreciating Tim's perspective. "I just don't want her to feel like I'm not being supportive."

Tim put a reassuring hand on Wesley's shoulder. "You're being supportive by being honest. She needs to stay focused and strong. That's what she's going to remember. You did well."

Wesley exhaled slowly, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, Tim."

Tim smiled. "Anytime, partner. Let's get back to work. We've got a lot to handle today."

Later

Wesley and Tim waited outside the bathroom, both trying to keep their thoughts in check. Wesley sighed, glancing at the door. "I just hope she's okay."

Tim, sensing Wesley's concern, replied, "Don't dwell on it, Boot"

Wesley chuckled softly. "Sounds like you're reminding me I'm still the rookie."

Tim shook his head. "No, I'm reminding you to stay focused. Worrying won't help anyone, especially not Lucy. When the results come in, you'll deal with it together."

Wesley nodded, taking a deep breath. "You're right. Thanks, Tim."

Tim gave him a reassuring pat on the back. "You're doing fine. Just keep it together, and we'll get through this."

Then after a while they heard on the radio a voice that sounded like Lucy say "7-Adam-19 A to B, Tim, Wesley, I need you. Room 113."

Wesley exclaimed, "What the hell?"

Tim, staying focused, added, "Let's go. Room 113."

Without hesitation, the two sprang to their feet and rushed toward the room, a nurse following close behind. As they entered, they found Lucy facing off with a distraught woman.

"Okay, listen to me," Lucy urged, her voice steady despite the tension. "I know you're in pain, but this isn't your decision to make."

As the situation grew tense, Wesley and Tim swiftly drew their guns, aiming directly at the woman.

"Page a trauma surgeon and get an OR on standby," Wesley ordered the nurse. "We've got an incoming gunshot wound."

The woman, desperate, pleaded, "Please, you don't understand. Mike never had a chance to sign a DNR. He and my sister-in-law got married six months ago. She's his medical proxy, but she can't let him go. She doesn't realize she's only prolonging his suffering."

"And you think injecting him with that," Wesley shot back, nodding toward the syringe in her hand, "is a better option?"

"It's bleach, sir," Lucy informed him, her voice calm but urgent.

Wesley's tone turned firm. "Ma'am, put the needle down. This isn't your decision to make. If your brother had signed a DNR, that would be different. But he didn't, so you can't make this choice for him. Don't do something you'll regret, because if you do, I'll have no choice but to act."

Tim added with a warning edge, "I'd listen to my partner if I were you. He's got a bit of a hair trigger."

The nurse returned, her presence heightening the tension in the room. Lucy stepped forward, her tone now more forceful. "What you're talking about is murder. You have no right to decide whether he lives or dies."

The woman, eyes brimming with tears, whispered, "He's already gone."

Wesley, not willing to take any chances, muttered under his breath, "Damn it."

With a precise shot, Wesley fired his gun, the bullet curving just enough to knock the syringe out of the woman's hand. She gasped in pain as the needle flew from her grasp.

"Get on your knees, hands behind your head," Wesley commanded, his voice now ice-cold. "Don't make me shoot you. Please, don't."

The woman, trembling, slowly sank to her knees, her hands moving behind her head as tears streamed down her face. The syringe lay discarded on the floor, a stark reminder of how close things had come to tragedy.

Lucy stepped forward, her voice firm but with an undertone of empathy. "You're under arrest for attempted murder," she said, carefully placing handcuffs on the woman. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law."

The woman didn't resist, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "I just wanted to help him," she murmured, her voice breaking. "He's been in so much pain, and my sister-in-law... she just couldn't see it."

Wesley holstered his gun, exchanging a glance with Tim, who nodded slightly. "You can't take the law into your own hands," Wesley said, his voice softening just a bit. "I understand you were trying to help, but this isn't the way."

Tim moved to the door, signaling for the other officers to come in. "Take her to booking," he instructed as two uniformed officers entered the room, gently guiding the woman to her feet.

As they led her away, Lucy turned to Wesley. "That was close," she said, exhaling a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "Thanks for having my back."

"Always," Wesley replied, offering a brief, reassuring smile. "Let's make sure her brother gets the help he needs. And that his wife knows what's been going on."

Lucy nodded. "Yeah, she needs to know everything. It's going to be a rough conversation."

Tim looked at the nurse. "Make sure the patient gets the best care possible. We'll handle the rest."

The nurse, still shaken, nodded quickly and hurried out of the room to assist with the medical side of things.

Wesley, Tim, and Lucy stood in silence for a moment, the adrenaline still coursing through them, the weight of what had just happened settling in.

Finally, Wesley broke the silence. "We did the right thing."

Lucy nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we did."

With that, they walked out of the room together, ready to face whatever came next.

Later

As the officers led the woman to the patrol car outside, Tim glanced at his phone. "Grey's calling me back to the station," he announced.

Lucy looked at him, concerned. "Should we come with you?"

Tim shook his head. "No, you two stay here and wait for the results. I'll be back when I'm done."

Wesley hesitated. "Are you sure you don't need me?"

Tim met his gaze with a steady look. "I'm sure. You're in charge of Officer Chen, Wick. Make sure she stays out of trouble—we both know she's a magnet for it."

Wesley chuckled as Tim turned to leave.

Before he could go, Lucy called out, "Tim?"

He paused and looked back at them. "Yeah?"

"Thanks," Lucy said, her voice sincere.

Tim raised an eyebrow. "For what? Just doing my job?" Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, leaving them alone.

Wesley watched him go before turning to Lucy. "Come on, let's wait in the waiting room, Boot."

Lucy sighed, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Can you please stop calling me that when Tim's not around? It makes it seem like you don't care about what I'm going through."

Wesley's expression softened. "Of course I care, Lucy. But right now, we need to focus on what we do know, not the things we don't have answers to yet. So yeah, I'm sticking to the basics to keep us both grounded."

Lucy gave him a small nod, understanding. "Okay. Let's just get through this."

They walked toward the waiting room together, ready to face whatever came next.

Later

After a tense silence, Wesley's radio crackled to life, and John's urgent voice came through, "7-Adam-15, we have shots fired! Need backup and an ambulance, Code 3!"

Dispatch responded quickly, "Copy that. Be advised, nearest backup is 8 minutes out."

Lucy's eyes widened. "Eight minutes? That's a long time to wait without backup."

Wesley grabbed his radio. "7-Adam-19 to 7-Adam-15, what's your current location?"

John's voice came back, strained but clear. "7-Adam-19, we're behind the Ganja Garden dispensary."

Wesley's mind raced. "Control, how far is that from Shaw Memorial?"

Dispatch replied, "Approximately 8 minutes."

Wesley cursed under his breath as he put the radio down. "Damn it."

Wesley stared at the radio in frustration, his mind racing. "We can't help," he muttered, more to himself than to Lucy. "We're too far away. eight minutes... they don't have that kind of time. And it would be too long to walk there as well." 

He clenched his fists, the helplessness gnawing at him. Lucy noticed his tension and reached out, gently rubbing his leg. "Wesley, listen to me," she said softly, her voice calm and reassuring. "We can't be everywhere at once. John and Bishop know what they're doing, and help is on the way. We have to trust that they can hold on until backup arrives."

Wesley took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. Lucy's touch and words helped, grounding him in the moment. "You're right," he admitted, though the frustration still lingered in his voice. "It just kills me that we can't do more."

Lucy gave him a small, supportive smile. "I know. But we're here for a reason too. We have to stay focused on what we can do, right here, right now."

Wesley nodded, feeling a bit of the tension leave his body. "Yeah... you're right. Thanks, Lucy."

"Anytime," she replied, her hand still resting on his leg for a moment longer before pulling away. "Let's just be ready in case things change."

Wesley looked at her, a hint of gratitude in his eyes. "Let's stay sharp."

They both knew that the job came with tough decisions and moments of helplessness, but having each other's back made it just a little easier to bear.

Wesley felt a wave of gratitude for Lucy's calm presence, and without thinking, he reached over and pulled her into a side hug. He held her close, the warmth of her body against his bringing him a sense of comfort he hadn't realized he needed.

Lucy leaned into him, appreciating the closeness and the unspoken support they shared. Wesley gently tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, his fingers brushing her skin softly. For a moment, the chaos of their job faded away, leaving just the two of them in a quiet, shared space.

He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, lingering just a moment longer than usual. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes—about trust, about care, and about the bond they were forming, even amid their demanding lives.

Lucy looked up at him, her eyes soft and full of understanding. "We're going to be okay, Wesley."

He smiled, the tension easing further from his shoulders. "Yeah, we are."

For a brief moment, the world outside seemed distant, and all that mattered was the connection they shared, a silent promise to face whatever came their way together.

After a few minutes of quiet comfort, Jackson approached, a curious look on his face. "Hey, what are you two doing here?"

Wesley reluctantly pulled back from Lucy but kept his arm around her shoulders. "She got stuck with a hypodermic needle this morning. So now we're just... waiting."

Jackson's expression softened with concern. "I see. Mind if I wait with you guys?"

Without waiting for an answer, Jackson sat down next to Wesley. The three of them shared a brief, comforting silence before Wesley asked, "Is John okay?"

Jackson nodded reassuringly. "Yeah, he's fine. Don't worry."

Wesley let out a deep breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Thanks, Jacks."

Noticing something on Jackson's uniform, Wesley's brow furrowed. "Is that your blood?"

Jackson glanced down, shaking his head. "No, I'm fine. It's Freddy's. He got shot in the neck. He's in surgery now."

Wesley's tension eased a bit more. "Thank God."

Jackson smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "You worry too much, Wes."

Wesley shrugged, looking at both Jackson and Lucy. "You guys are my friends. Why wouldn't I worry?"

The three of them sat there, sharing a moment of quiet solidarity. Despite the chaos around them, they found comfort in each other's presence, knowing they could face whatever came next—together.

After a while, Jackson broke the silence. "I've been here before—waiting for news like this. Before we started the Academy, my brother, Marshall, was diagnosed with diabetic nephropathy. It's a kidney disease."

Lucy looked up, concerned. "I'm sorry, Jackson. Is he okay now?"

Jackson nodded a faint smile on his face. "Yeah, he's okay now. But at the time, it looked like he needed a kidney transplant, and I was the only match in the family."

Lucy rested her head against Wesley's shoulder, her voice gentle. "That's a lot to carry."

Jackson exhaled deeply. "I wasn't ready for it. I'd been counting down the days until I could start the Academy, and suddenly, I was staring down the possibility of putting it all on hold. I agonized over it. But Marshall said he could wait, that it wasn't that serious. So... I took the out."

Wesley leaned his head against Lucy's, his voice soft. "He was looking out for you."

Jackson's expression darkened. "Two months after we started, he suffered acute renal failure. He almost died."

Wesley looked at him in shock. "Why didn't you tell us?"

Jackson shook his head, a mix of guilt and regret in his eyes. "I was ashamed. I felt like it was my fault. Luckily, the hospital found another donor, and he got the transplant, but my mom still hasn't forgiven me."

Wesley connected the dots. "Which is why missing brunch was such a big deal. Speaking of..."

He handed Jackson his phone back, which he'd taken earlier. "Here."

Jackson chuckled softly, taking the phone. "Thanks for covering for me. You're the best, man."

Wesley smiled, his tone sincere. "That's because you're my best friend."

Jackson's smile faded slightly. "Thanks. But in my mom's mind, I chose the job over family. Again."

Lucy shook her head. "It's not the same, Jackson."

Jackson scoffed, but Wesley chimed in, "She's right, it's not. Deep down, your mom knows it too. Have you told her how much this has affected you?"

Jackson sighed. "She hasn't given me the chance."

Lucy encouraged him, "Then take it. Trust me, as hard as it's going to be, the waiting is so much worse."

Just then, a doctor approached them. "Officer Chen?"

Lucy stood up, along with Wesley and Jackson. "Yeah, that's me."

The doctor glanced at the papers on her clipboard. "I have the results of your test. If you come with me, we can set you up in a room to discuss."

Lucy shook her head quickly. "No, sorry. Can you just tell me now?"

The doctor nodded, understanding the urgency. "Okay." She looked at the clipboard. "Your initial test came back negative for any viral infections like HIV or hepatitis. However, your blood work indicated the presence of a staph infection."

Wesley, his arms still around Lucy's waist, asked with concern, "What does that mean?"

The doctor met his gaze. "We need to start intravenous antibiotics immediately. Some strains of staph are drug-resistant, so we'll need to monitor the wound closely for any signs of abscesses or cellulitis. But we caught it early."

Lucy whispered, "Okay..." trying to process the information.

Jackson stepped in with a supportive smile. "Go with the doctor. Wesley will call Tim, and I'll stay here and keep Wes calm, so he's not freaking out about you."

Wesley nodded, trying to reassure her. "Yeah. Tim will be here when you come out."

Lucy hugged Jackson tightly. "Thank you for staying with us."

Jackson returned the hug. "Of course. Don't worry about a thing."

Lucy glanced at Wesley, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Keep Wes calm for me."

Wesley smiled back, feeling the warmth of her words. Jackson grinned. "I've got it covered."

As Lucy pulled away from the hug, Wesley gave her a reassuring look. "I'll see you later, Boot."

Lucy nodded, her voice soft. "Sir." She walked off with the doctor, but not before giving Wesley one last smile.

As Lucy walked away with the doctor, Jackson turned to Wesley with a puzzled look. "Hey, why do you keep calling Lucy 'Boot'?"

Wesley sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's a long story. I'm her secondary T.O. today since Tim's out. I've been keeping up the tough-guy act because, well, it's what Tim expects from me."

Jackson raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So you're playing the hardass role for Tim's sake?"

Wesley nodded. "Exactly. Tim's always been a stickler for maintaining appearances, especially when it comes to discipline and hierarchy. I thought it'd be better to keep up the facade. But honestly, it's just a nickname. It doesn't mean anything personal."

Jackson chuckled. "Well, you had me fooled. I didn't realize it was part of the act."

Wesley shrugged, trying to lighten the mood. "Yeah, it's not exactly my favorite role, but it's what Tim expects. Just part of the job."

Jackson grinned, giving Wesley a supportive pat on the back. "Well, you're doing a good job keeping things together. And Lucy knows it's just a role. She'll be fine."

Wesley appreciated the reassurance. "Thanks, Jacks. I hope you're right."

Jackson nodded. "Of course I am. And don't worry, we've got your back too."

Wesley smiled, feeling a bit of the weight lift off his shoulders. "Thanks, man. That means a lot."

They stood together in the hallway, a shared sense of camaraderie easing the tension as they prepared for whatever came next.

Lopez walked over, a smirk on her face. "Wes, you're here."

Wesley nodded with a smile. "Yes, ma'am."

Lopez waved it off. "Hey, I heard from Tim that you're Lucy's secondary T.O. today. You don't need to stick to the formalities with me."

Wesley chuckled. "Oh? And tomorrow, will you expect me to drop the formalities?"

Lopez grinned. "Absolutely."

The trio shared a laugh at that.

Lopez continued, "Dispatch is sending another unit to watch our suspect once he's out of surgery. Looks like getting puked on was a lucky break for you."

Wesley's eyes widened. "Wait, what? You got puked on, Boot?" He turned to Jackson with a grin.

Jackson smiled back. "Yes, sir."

Lopez added with a chuckle, "You know, Wes, I think you'd make a great T.O. someday."

Wesley appreciated the compliment. "Thanks, Lopez."

Lopez then turned to Jackson. "And if you hadn't had that tactical vest on, that shot to your shoulder might have been a lot worse. You've come a long way, Officer West."

Jackson nodded, a grateful look in his eyes. "I have. Thanks to you and to you, sir," he said, glancing at Wesley.

Wesley looked curious. "And me? What did I do?"

Jackson responded earnestly, "You and your brother were there for me when I needed it most. You and Tim helped me face my fear of gunfire. I'll always consider you a mentor, sir."

Lopez teased Wesley with a grin. "Looks like you've got yourself a permanent 'Boot' for life, Wick."

The trio laughed heartily at the joke, the camaraderie among them palpable.

Later

At John's house

The four rookies were gathered around John's dining table, enjoying Chinese food at his house. Jackson looked up and asked, "All done now?"

John nodded, looking relieved. "All done. The house is now in the hands of a lovely young couple, their kids, and a French bulldog."

Lucy chimed in, "I'm sure they'll take good care of it."

John agreed. "Yeah."

Wesley observed, "You're still a bit upset about selling the house, aren't you?"

John shrugged, a touch of sadness in his eyes. "Just a little. But Bishop was right. I own the memories we made there. It's time to move on. What a day."

Jackson grinned. "Just wait until the President shows up. I hear it's twice as chaotic."

Lucy laughed skeptically. "That can't be true."

John nodded a hint of mischief in his voice. "Well, you missed all the drama."

Wesley pointed out, "Boot had her drama today. She got stuck with a dirty needle."

John looked at Lucy with a mix of sympathy and playfulness. "Ah, that's right. I forgot, sir. Tell me, Luce, is it too soon for jokes about that?"

Lucy gave him a sideways glance. "A little."

John quickly apologized. "Of course. My bad. How about now?"

Wesley and Jackson chuckled, and Lucy shot Wesley a look. "Sir, Officer Nolan is bothering me."

Wesley turned to John with a mock-serious expression. "Officer Nolan, do you want me to make your life a living hell?"

John paused, wide-eyed. "No, sir."

Wesley smirked. "Then I suggest you apologize and do 10 push-ups since I know you can't manage 20."

John sighed but grinned, accepting his fate. "Yes, sir."

The group laughed together, the camaraderie easing the day's tension and bringing a sense of normalcy back to their lives.

Ben walked in with a sheepish grin. "Hey, guys. Sorry, I'm late."

Wesley greeted him warmly. "Hey, Benny."

Ben held up a package. "Just got off the flight from Sedona. I found this outside the gate. I think it's for you." He glanced at John as he said this.

John stood up eagerly, took the package, and carefully began to open it. "It's from Henry. Can you hold this end for me?"

Ben held the end of the package as John slid out a piece of wood.

John's eyes widened with emotion. "It's the doorjamb from his room where I marked his height every year. This is incredible. I can't believe it. I could even tear down a doorjamb here and install this one."

Ben looked taken aback. "Uh, did I mention that this house was featured in Architectural Digest?"

John was already walking away, absorbed in his excitement. "Master bedroom."

Ben hurried after him. "John, no. How about just putting it in a shadow box?"

John headed upstairs, lost in his plans. Wesley turned to Ben with a grin. "Yeah, he's not going to listen. But honestly, what's wrong with making this place feel a little more like home for him, Benny?"

Ben shook his head with a smile. "You're probably right. It's just that, well, sometimes it's hard to balance keeping things elegant with personal touches."

Wesley patted him on the back. "I get it, but John's always been about making a space feel like his own. He's excited about this, and it means a lot to him."

Ben nodded, understanding. "I see that. I guess I can't argue with the sentiment."

As they chatted, John came back downstairs, still holding the doorjamb with a look of satisfaction. "Alright, I'm going to measure and see where I can fit this in. If anyone needs me, I'll be in the master bedroom."

Ben raised an eyebrow. "John, seriously. A shadow box might be a better idea."

John grinned. "Yeah, yeah. I know. But this feels right. It's like bringing a piece of the past into the present."

Ben sighed, conceding. "Alright, just make sure it doesn't clash with the decor."

Wesley chuckled. "Don't worry, Benny. John's got a way of making things work."

As John headed back upstairs, Wesley and Ben took their seats, settling into a more relaxed conversation. The camaraderie among the rookies and their friends was evident as they joked and shared stories, the day's events slowly fading into the background.

Ben glanced around the room, taking in the warmth and the sense of home that John and his friends had created. "You know, despite everything, it's nice to see how close you all are."

Wesley smiled. "Yeah, we've got each other's backs. It's what makes days like this a little easier."

Ben nodded, his gaze softening. "It does. And for what it's worth, I think John's making the right call. Personal touches like that, they matter."

As the conversation continued, the group enjoyed their time together, the house filled with laughter and the comforting feeling of shared history and friendship.

As the conversation flowed, Wesley's eyes twinkled with mischief. He turned to John, who was re-entering the room with a determined look.

"Hey, John," Wesley called out, "I seem to recall a little bet from earlier. I believe I owe you 10 push-ups for that little comment."

John paused, a grin spreading across his face. "Oh, is that so? Alright, I'll take my medicine."

Wesley added, with a playful tone, "And just for the record, Boot, you're going to be doing those push-ups right here."

John rolled his eyes but chuckled. "Fine, sir."

He dropped to the floor and began doing push-ups, counting out loud. Each push-up was punctuated by playful remarks from Wesley and Ben, who joined in with encouragement and light-hearted jokes.

"Good form, Boot!" Wesley teased. "Remember, no cheating!"

John huffed but managed to smile through the exertion. "Yes, sir."

As John completed the 10 push-ups, he got back up, wiping sweat from his brow. "There you go. All done."

Wesley clapped him on the back. "Nice work. You're not just a great officer; you're also a champ at push-ups."

John laughed, clearly relieved it was over. "Thanks, Wesley. I'll try to avoid making any more bets today."

Ben grinned. "Good call. But you know, you did a great job, John. Just maybe think about a shadow box for that doorjamb."

John laughed. "Sure thing. I'll see if I can fit both the doorjamb and a shadow box into the master bedroom."

Wesley and Ben joined in the laughter, the room filled with a sense of camaraderie and the easy comfort of friends who understood each other well. The day's events had been a rollercoaster, but they had managed to come together, support each other, and share a few laughs along the way.

To be continued...