With Wesley

At night

Wesley and Lucy were paired up again for another shift, with Tim taking another personal day.

It was late, and the two were staking out a quiet neighborhood, the streets illuminated only by the occasional streetlight. The silence of the night was only broken by the soft hum of the car engine and the occasional distant bark of a dog.

Wesley glanced at Lucy just in time to see her stifle a yawn. "You didn't nap, did you, honey?" he asked, a knowing smile on his face.

Lucy shook her head, her eyelids heavy. "I didn't have time. I've got to find a new place to live."

Wesley raised an eyebrow. "I offered you a chance to crash at my apartment, Boot. Napping is the key to surviving the midnight shift. Tim drilled that into me. No shorter than 20 minutes, no longer than 40. But hey, if you're comfortable ignoring my institutional wisdom..."

Lucy sighed, clearly frustrated. "I'm getting evicted."

Wesley glanced at her with concern. "And whose fault is that?"

"Not mine. They're turning my building into condos."

Wesley shook his head sympathetically. "That's what happens when you gentrify a working-class neighborhood."

As they continued their conversation, Lucy yawned again, unable to fight the exhaustion any longer. Wesley noticed her head slowly leaning back against the headrest, and within moments, she was asleep.

Wesley chuckled softly. "And the Boot is out for the count. The crowd goes wild," he murmured, amused as he picked up a magazine from the console.

An idea began to form in his mind, his lips curling into a mischievous grin. This was the perfect setup for a prank, and Wesley couldn't resist. After all, how often did the opportunity present itself so perfectly?

Wesley picked up the radio, a sly grin on his face, and said, "7-Adam-19 to any officers on duty who are friends with Officer Bradford. If you're out there, switch to channel 6."

A brief pause followed before a voice crackled over the radio, "7-William-7 here. What's up, 7-Adam-19?"

Wesley leaned back, glancing at the peacefully sleeping Lucy beside him. "You got any other buddies working the night shift tonight?"

"Yeah, plenty. Why, what's going on?"

Wesley's grin widened. "I'm thinking of pulling a little prank on my Boot here. You think you and your friends might be interested in joining the fun?"

There was a moment of laughter on the other end before the officer responded, "Oh, absolutely. Send me your location, and we'll make it happen."

Wesley chuckled as he keyed in the coordinates on the patrol car's computer, sending them over. This was going to be one memorable night.

Later

Three patrol cars pulled up, their headlights cutting through the darkness. A tall officer stepped out of the lead car, approaching Wesley with a friendly nod. "Hey, I'm Officer Wilder—the one you spoke with on the radio."

Wesley exited his car and extended a hand. "Good to meet you, Officer Wilder. Appreciate you coming out. So, who's part of your crew?" He glanced over at the five other officers who were getting out of their vehicles, curious about the team Wilder had assembled.

Wilder grinned and gestured towards them. "Meet Officers Mitchell, Sanchez, Evans, Parker, and Lee. They're always up for a little fun during the night shift."

Wesley smiled, already envisioning the prank's success. "This is going to be great. Let's give Lucy a wake-up call she won't forget."

Wesley grinned and said, "Alright, everyone, let's light her up. Surround our shop with your patrol cars and crank up the headlights."

Wilder raised an eyebrow, chuckling. "You sound like you've been planning this for a while, man."

Wesley smirked. "Maybe Boot needs to learn that sleeping on the job isn't the best idea."

Wilder laughed, nodding. "Fair point."

The other officers followed Wesley's instructions, positioning their cars in a circle around Wesley and Lucy's shop, headlights blazing straight at the passenger side window. The beams illuminated Lucy, who was slumped in the seat, fast asleep.

Wesley peeked inside and snickered. "Dude, she's drooling."

The group of officers burst out laughing, quickly snapping pictures of the scene. Wesley, unable to resist, grabbed the PA mic from Wilder's patrol car. As Lucy stirred awake, she was greeted by the sight of several officers surrounding her, all grinning.

Wesley's voice boomed through the PA system, "Welcome to the midnight shift, Officer Chen!"

The other cops laughed as Lucy groggily covered her face, rubbing her eyes in disbelief. Wesley put the mic back, walked over to Lucy's side, and snapped a picture with a satisfied grin.

"No, no!" Lucy protested, but it was too late. The camera shutter clicked, capturing the moment with a bright flash.

Wesley burst into laughter, sliding back into the driver's seat. "Thanks for the fun, everyone. I had a blast."

Wilder gave him a thumbs-up. "So did we."

Leaning down to the window, Wilder grinned at Lucy. "Word of advice, Boot: don't fall asleep on shift. Sounds like Officer Wick here will do just about anything to keep himself entertained."

As the officers walked back to their cars, Wesley chuckled, enjoying his small victory.

As the three patrol cars pulled away, their headlights fading into the distance, Lucy turned to Wesley with a mix of confusion and exasperation.

"What the hell was that?" she asked, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

Wesley couldn't help but grin, leaning back in his seat as he put the car into drive. "Just a little midnight fun, Boot. You know, to keep things interesting."

Lucy shot him a glare, though there was a hint of amusement behind it. "Midnight fun? You mean a full-on ambush of lights and cameras while I'm trying to catch a few winks?"

Wesley chuckled. "You were out cold, Chen. Drooling, even. I figured you could use a wake-up call, and a lesson: don't fall asleep on the job, especially when you've got me as your T.O."

Lucy shook her head, a small smile creeping onto her face despite her best efforts to stay annoyed. "You're impossible, you know that?"

Wesley shrugged, still grinning. "Maybe, but you've got to admit, it was a pretty good prank."

Lucy sighed, finally giving in to the humor of the situation. "Alright, alright. It was kind of funny. But don't think I won't get you back for this, Wick."

Wesley raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Oh, is that a challenge, Boot?"

Lucy smirked. "You bet it is. And I always rise to a challenge."

Wesley laughed as he drove them back onto the patrol route, the tension from earlier gone. "I'm looking forward to it, Chen. But for now, let's finish up this shift without any more naps, alright?"

Lucy chuckled, leaning back in her seat. "Deal, but you better keep your guard up. Payback's coming, and it's gonna be epic."

Wesley chuckled, glancing around with a teasing smile. "Oh, that's cute, Boot. Do you think you can out-prank me? Good luck with that." He gave her a playful wink, clearly amused by the idea.

The next day

Lucy and Wesley walked into the station, the morning sun filtering through the glass doors. John trailed behind them, a grin already forming on his face.

"Hey," John greeted. "Happy to be back on days?"

Lucy let out a deep, relieved sigh. "God, yes."

She was about to explain the rough night they'd had when John suddenly opened his flannel shirt, revealing a t-shirt underneath. Plastered on the front was the photo of Lucy, groggy and half-awake, the one Wesley had snapped during their stakeout.

"Wesley had shirts made," John announced, grinning from ear to ear.

Lucy's eyes widened in disbelief as she turned to Wesley. "You made shirts? You jerk!" She playfully smacked his arm.

Wesley chuckled, clearly pleased with himself. "Come on, how did you not see that coming?"

Lucy narrowed her eyes at him, half-amused, half-annoyed. "I'm supposed to be your girlfriend, not just your rookie."

Wesley's expression softened as he looked at her. "But you are my rookie. And I still love you. Anyone would be crazy not to." He leaned in a bit closer, his voice lowering. "But I promise, it's just a harmless prank. Nothing more."

Lucy couldn't help but smile, shaking her head. "Fine, but next time, I'm getting you back."

Wesley grinned, unfazed. "Looking forward to it, Boot."

Lucy glanced at John, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Just you wait, Officer 'In Bed By Ten.' Your time's coming."

John shrugged, unfazed. "What can I say? I'm a morning person."

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "Mm-hmm, sure."

Wesley chimed in with a mischievous grin. "Oh, I've got plans for both Jackson and John if I ever become their T.O. It's going to be legendary." He turned to Lucy, his tone mock-serious. "But you better keep that to yourself, Boot."

Lucy smirked, leaning closer to Wesley. "Your secret's safe with me... for now."

As they made their way further into the station, they caught up with John, just as Jackson approached them with a cheerful, "Good morning!"

John smiled. "You're here bright and early."

Jackson nodded confidently. "Hey, if you're not early, you're late."

Lucy rolled her eyes. "That's the dumbest saying."

Jackson glanced between them, confused. "What's her problem?"

John grinned, pulling open his shirt to reveal the prank T-shirt. "Maybe this?"

Jackson laughed. "I wore mine too!"

Lucy groaned. "It's not just the shirt—although it is infuriating. I can't find a place to live."

Jackson turned to Wesley. "Didn't you offer for her to live with you?"

Wesley smirked. "Yeah, Boot. Didn't I say you could move in with me?"

Lucy sighed. "I just want to find my own place."

Jackson shrugged. "You could crash at Nolan's. He practically lives in a mansion."

John shook his head. "It's not a mansion; it's a guest house of a mansion. But you're welcome to the couch if you need it."

Lucy shook her head. "Thanks, but I'm determined to find a nice, clean, affordable place to live, even if it kills me."

Wesley smiled softly. "Well, I hope it doesn't. I love you too much."

Lucy shot him a look, then pointed at John's shirt. "You sure have a funny way of showing it."

With that, she started to walk away. Wesley called after her, "Boot, wait! It was supposed to be a prank! I'm sorry!"

As Lucy walked away, Jackson shook his head with a small chuckle. "She hates you now."

John nodded in agreement. "Yeah, pretty much."

Wesley watched Lucy's retreating figure with a mix of regret and concern. "I hope not," he said quietly, almost to himself.

Jackson patted Wesley on the back. "You'll be fine, man. Just give her some space."

John added with a smirk, "And maybe lay off the pranks for a bit. You don't want to push your luck too far."

Wesley sighed, nodding. "Yeah, you're right. I'll make it up to her. Somehow."

Jackson grinned. "Good luck with that. She's got a long memory when it comes to payback."

Wesley shook his head, a slight smile returning to his face. "I guess I'll just have to be on my best behavior then."

Wesley spotted Tim across the room and decided to approach him. As he got closer, Tim turned around, revealing that he, too, was wearing one of the shirts with the picture of Lucy waking up on it.

Wesley burst out laughing, "You too, Bradford?"

Tim smirked and said, "Couldn't resist. It's too good of an opportunity."

Wesley shook his head, still laughing. "Man, I thought you'd be the last person to get in on this."

Tim shrugged, a rare grin crossing his face. "Sometimes, even I enjoy a good prank. Plus, it's not every day you get to see Lucy this riled up."

Wesley chuckled. "Just wait until she sees you in that. I'm not sure if she's going to be more mad at me or you."

Tim's grin widened. "I can handle it. Besides, it's worth it just to see her reaction."

Wesley, still amused by Tim's unexpected participation in the prank, said, "Hey, do me a favor. Can you thank the guys who helped out last night? Wilder and his crew. They came through."

Tim nodded, his expression shifting slightly more serious. "Yeah, I'll let them know. They're a good bunch, always up for some fun—especially when it involves messing with a Boot."

Wesley grinned, "Appreciate it. You know, it's all in good fun, but I still can't believe Lucy didn't see this coming."

Tim chuckled. "She'll get over it. Besides, it's a lesson in staying alert, even when she thinks she's off-duty."

Wesley laughed. "That's one way to look at it. Just make sure she doesn't find out you're the mastermind behind spreading the shirts."

Tim gave a knowing smirk. "Don't worry. I can handle Chen. But you better watch your back, Wick. She's probably plotting her revenge as we speak."

Wesley nodded, still smiling. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

Wesley and Tim made their way to the locker room, still riding the wave of their earlier banter. As they entered, the room was buzzing with the usual pre-shift activity: officers gearing up, lockers slamming shut, and conversations about the day ahead.

Wesley opened his locker, pulled out his uniform, and glanced over at Tim, who was already halfway through changing. "You know, I think you wearing that shirt might've just set a new standard for Training Officers everywhere."

Tim smirked as he removed the shirt with Lucy's picture and tossed it into his locker. "I figured it was time to mix things up. Gotta keep the rookies on their toes."

Wesley chuckled, slipping into his uniform shirt. "I'm surprised you didn't take it a step further. Maybe print out a few more photos and plaster them around the station."

Tim shot him a look, half-serious. "Don't give me ideas, Wick. I'm already trying to keep this under wraps so she doesn't kill me in my sleep."

Wesley laughed. "I'm in the same boat, man. But it was worth it—seeing her face when she realized what was going on."

Tim nodded, pulling on his duty belt. "Yeah, that was pretty priceless. But don't forget, she's sharp. She'll bounce back, and when she does, you might be the one getting pranked."

Wesley shrugged as he laced up his boots. "Fair enough. I'll be ready for whatever she throws my way."

Tim finished getting dressed and closed his locker. "Just make sure you keep your eyes open. Chen's got a lot of spirit. She's not going to let this slide easily."

Wesley grinned, locking his locker. "Bring it on. I wouldn't want it any other way."

They both headed out of the locker room, ready to face the day, with an unspoken understanding that the playful rivalry between rookies and their Training Officers was far from over.

Tim glanced at Wesley as they made their way down the hall toward the briefing room. "You know, it's wild how you're still a rookie, but you carry yourself like you've been a T.O. for years."

Wesley shrugged with a slight smile. "Yeah, it does feel a bit surreal."

Tim nodded thoughtfully. "You enjoy working with Chen?"

Wesley smiled wider. "Yeah, I do. It's great getting to spend time with her at work, but I have to keep my focus. Can't let it show too much, you know?"

Tim gave him an understanding look. "Yeah, I figured that'd be the case. It's a balancing act." They continued down the hallway, the buzz of morning activity filling the station.

As they approached the briefing room, Tim offered, "You wanna sit with me and the other Training Officers?"

Wesley hesitated, surprised by the offer. "I thought rookies had to sit up front?"

Tim smirked. "But you're not just any rookie, Wick. Come on."

With a nod, Wesley followed Tim into the briefing room, where they took seats alongside the other T.O.s. It was a small gesture, but one that made Wesley feel like he was starting to earn his place among the more seasoned officers.

Grey noticed Wesley sitting with the other T.O.s and raised an eyebrow. "Officer Wick, any particular reason you're seated with the Training Officers?"

Tim immediately spoke up. "I invited him, sir."

Grey crossed his arms, his tone firm but curious. "And it didn't occur to you to ask me first?"

Tim met his gaze evenly. "I figured you'd be okay with it, sir. Wesley's been a solid T.O. during my time off. He's handled it well."

Grey studied Wesley for a moment, then gave a curt nod. "Alright, Officer Wick. You can sit with the T.O.s for now. But remember, you might be acting like a T.O., but you're still a rookie. Keep performing like this, and you won't be a rookie much longer. I've been considering promoting you to P2 ahead of the others."

Jackson, who had been listening, chimed in, "Why not just do it, sir? He's an excellent T.O."

Grey turned his attention to Jackson, intrigued. "And how would you know that, Officer West? You haven't been partnered with him."

Jackson stood his ground, respect evident in his tone. "He and Nolan helped me a lot back at the academy, sir. I've always seen him as a mentor."

Grey's expression softened slightly, acknowledging the comment. "Good to know. Keep that in mind, Officer Wick. You've got people noticing."

John walked in, heading towards his usual seat, only to find Grey sitting in it.

"Officer Nolan," Grey said, "you'll be leading roll call this morning."

John chuckled, thinking it was a joke. "Sir?"

Grey's expression remained serious. "I didn't stutter. Get up there."

John hesitated, glancing around as his fellow officers mockingly cheered him on. Reluctantly, he made his way to the front of the briefing room.

"So, uh, what now?" John asked, unsure of how to proceed.

Grey pointed towards the clipboard. "The clipboard."

John picked it up and began reading aloud. "'Memo to all divisions from the Chief of Police. Complaints about police officer entitlement have risen sharply during the last few months...'"

He noticed Grey raising his hand and paused, looking at him. "Sir?"

Grey asked, "Do you know what that means? Police officer entitlement?"

John replied, "I assume it refers to unauthorized perks. Free food, things like that."

"And what is LAPD's policy on gratuities?" Grey pressed.

John recited, "No officer shall receive a gratuity, gift, favor, or promise thereof, as it may result in, or be perceived as, payment in exchange for influence, bias, or direction of an investigation or enforcement of punishable offenses."

Grey nodded approvingly. "Nicely done," he said, giving a brief clap. "Chen, West, join Officer Nolan up front."

As Lucy and Jackson walked up, Jackson asked, "Is Wick gonna join us?"

Grey turned to Wesley. "You wanna join them, Officer Wick?"

Wesley glanced at Lucy first. "Do you want me up there, Boot?"

Lucy nodded. "It would be nice, yeah."

He then looked at Jackson. "And you, Boot?"

Jackson agreed. "I'm with Lucy."

Wesley smiled, finally turning to John. "You, Johnny?"

John grinned. "We started this together. We should stick together."

With a smile, Wesley stepped forward. "Guess I'm joining in."

As Wesley made his way to the front, the room erupted into cheers and applause from the officers. The sound of their approval filled the briefing room, creating a sense of camaraderie and respect.

Wesley couldn't help but grin as he approached John, who was already standing at the front. He gave his brother a quick nod before turning to stand beside him. The cheers grew louder, with a few officers playfully clapping him on the back as he took his place.

Standing next to John, Wesley looked out at the sea of familiar faces. The energy in the room was palpable, a blend of good-natured teasing and genuine respect for the rookies who had earned their place up front.

Grey, observing the scene with a small smile, allowed the moment to linger before raising his hand to quiet the room. The officers gradually settled down, though the air remained charged with the sense of unity.

"Alright, alright," Grey said, his voice cutting through the lingering murmurs. "Let's get back to business."

Wesley exchanged a glance with John, both of them feeling the weight of the moment. They had started this journey together, and now they were standing side by side, not just as rookies, but as brothers and officers who had earned the respect of their peers.

Grey asked, "Have your training officers discussed this policy with you?"

The four rookies answered in unison, "Yes, sir."

Grey continued, "And what's your takeaway?"

Lopez spoke up, "Sir, if I may?"

Grey raised an eyebrow and said, "Sounds like a little CYA."

Lopez replied, "No, sir. Boot and I stick to the rules. Businesses often appreciate having cops around, and a half-priced meal now and then is just part of community relations."

Tim added, "It doesn't mean we show favoritism. Like how Officer Wick treats Officer Chen—he's fair and makes everyone earn their stripes. I respect that about Officer Wick as a Training Officer."

Grey turned to Bishop. "You agree, Officer Bishop?"

Bishop said, "I've accepted a free coffee here and there, but it's rare and not something I rely on."

Grey then addressed John. "What about you, Officer Nolan?"

John responded, "I joined this job to help people, not to take advantage of freebies."

A few officers chuckled, and Grey said, "Nice line. But..."

John looked puzzled. "It's not a line, sir."

Grey asked, "Really? Do you pay full market value for that beach house you live in?"

John answered, "No, sir. But I act as a caretaker for the main house when Ben is away, so technically I'm exchanging services for my rent."

Grey pressed, "And what happens if that exchange falls short? If your buddy gets a ticket or something worse?"

John replied, "Then he'd have to face the consequences."

Grey nodded. "Alright. Favors and freebies can be a slippery slope. As police officers, you wield power—not just the kind on your side, but the power your badge represents. It's important to understand both the letter and the spirit of the law. That's it for now. Stay safe out there."

Wesley then asked, "Sir, are we heading out together, or am I on desk duty today?"

Grey said, "Desk duty? No way, kid. You're not getting off that easy. I'm looking for a T.O. to take Officer Wick along as a secondary T.O..."

Wesley looked confused. "Wait, what?"

Grey said, "You're doing an excellent job, teaching the rookies the ropes according to the handbook."

Tim chimed in, "I'll take him. Officer Chen seems to work well with him."

Grey nodded. "Alright, Tim. Officer Wick will be your secondary T.O. to Officer Bradford."

Wesley responded, "Yes, sir."

As everyone started to file out of the briefing room, Wesley and Tim looked over at Lucy, who was already heading for the door.

Lucy glanced back and said with a smile, "I know, get the gear, Boot."

Tim chuckled and said, "Hey, that's our line!"

Wesley grinned and added, "Looks like Boot's taking over, Tim."

Lucy gave a playful wink. "Just keeping you on your toes."

Tim shook his head with a grin. "Alright, alright. Let's get to it."

Wesley and Tim followed Lucy out, the three of them heading toward the locker room to grab their gear.

On patrol

As the trio drove through the city, with Tim at the wheel, Dispatch crackled through the radio:

"7-Adam-19, we've got a break-in reported at Westside Fertility Clinic."

Wesley grabbed the radio and responded, "7-Adam-19, copy that. We're en route."

Tim adjusted the wheel and headed towards the clinic. Lucy glanced over at Wesley, her expression focused.

Tim said, "Looks like it's going to be a busy shift."

Wesley nodded. "Let's make sure we handle this quickly and efficiently. Everyone ready?"

Lucy replied, "Ready as always, Boot."

Wesley gave her a sideways smile and said, "Just remember, stay sharp. We don't know what we're walking into."

Tim accelerated, heading towards the Westside Fertility Clinic.

Tim said, "And remember, Officer Chen, 'Boot' is reserved for rookies. We're your T.O.s, so let's keep it professional."

Lucy said, "But Wesley's still a rookie."

Tim replied, "He's a secondary T.O. now, not just a rookie."

Lucy nodded and said, "Understood, sir."

Later

Once they arrived at the clinic, the trio entered cautiously, scanning the surroundings. As they moved further in, Lucy broke the silence. "We haven't received a single freebie since I've been with you. So why did you defend that to Grey?"

Tim, ever composed, replied, "Because rigid rules like that don't always apply. Our job isn't black and white. Context matters. Circumstances dictate actions, not the other way around."

Wesley stepped into a room with shattered glass scattered across the floor. "Police. Anyone here?" he called out.

A woman emerged from a nearby office, her face pale with stress. "Yes. We had a break-in."

Wesley glanced at the broken window. "I can see that. There's been a string of burglaries in this area lately—mostly addicts looking for quick cash."

The woman shook her head. "This wasn't an addict. They took embryos."

Tim raised an eyebrow. "That's a new one."

Lucy, ever the note-taker, asked, "Should I report this as a burglary or an abduction?"

Wesley turned to her, eyebrow raised. "You want to issue 50 Amber Alerts, Boot? It's a burglary."

The woman, her anxiety growing, interrupted. "Officer, those embryos are on a ticking clock. Without the right conditions, they'll be compromised."

Lucy jotted down notes and then asked, "Any idea who could've taken them?"

The woman hesitated before speaking. "It's tied to a nasty custody battle. A lesbian couple. The embryos were from one of the women—Marilyn Tenni. Her ex is suing for custody, even though she has no biological connection."

Wesley nodded, his tone serious. "We're going to need names and addresses for both women."

The woman quickly agreed. "Of course. But when I called Marilyn to inform her, she got really upset—said she was going to kill her."

Wesley exchanged a knowing glance with Tim. "Well, we know what that means."

Tim nodded in agreement. "Yeah."

Lucy looked between them, confused. "What does that mean?"

Wesley sighed, "Boot, it means she thinks her ex is behind this."

Lucy's eyes widened in realization. "Oh."

Later

The trio arrived at an apartment complex, their ears immediately catching the sound of two women shouting inside.

Wesley, ever vigilant, instructed, "Boot, keep your head on a swivel."

Lucy responded with a firm, "Yes, sir."

Inside, the argument grew more heated.

"I can't believe you took—" Abby's voice was filled with rage.

Marilyn cut her off, screaming, "Those are mine!"

"They are not yours! They're mine, too!" Abby shot back.

"Give them to me! Give them to me right now! Don't you dare hit me again!" Marilyn threatened.

As they approached the apartment door, they noticed it was slightly ajar. The voices of the two women echoed through the hallway. Tim knocked firmly, announcing their presence, "LAPD. We're coming in."

They stepped inside, the tension thick in the air. A blonde woman, Abby, turned towards them, her voice trembling. "They're mine too."

Wesley immediately took control of the situation. "Hey, hey. Put down the weapon."

Marilyn, clutching a small statue, was frantic. "Those are my embryos. She stole them from the clinic."

Abby, her eyes filled with betrayal, retorted, "No, they're your eggs. We fertilized them together with a sperm donor. You remember?"

"Yeah, and the judge ruled that I get to use them. Do you remember that?" Marilyn fired back, her voice laced with desperation.

Abby's face twisted in anger. "Not if they're gone!"

Seeing the situation about to escalate, Wesley swiftly moved, disarming Marilyn before she could strike. "Officer Chen, secure her," he commanded, his voice steady.

As Lucy restrained Marilyn, Wesley turned his attention to Abby, his tone firm yet compassionate. "Ma'am, hand me the tubes."

Abby hesitated, clutching the tubes tighter. "No."

Marilyn's voice cracked as she pleaded, "Please. Those are my last chance to carry my baby. Please, don't take that from me."

Abby's tears flowed freely now. "We were supposed to have kids together. I stood by you through your cancer treatment. And then you leave me for a yoga instructor?"

Wesley quickly interjected, "Wait, wait, wait. Listen to me. I understand you're angry, and you have every right to be. But this? It won't fix what's broken. It won't bring your marriage back. But if you go through with this, you'll end up hating yourself. Please, put the tubes back in the container."

Abby, overwhelmed by emotion, slowly complied, placing the tubes back in the container. Wesley gently took the statue from her hand and set it aside.

With a calm but resolute demeanor, Wesley took out his handcuffs and secured Abby's wrists. The situation was under control, but the emotional toll was evident on everyone's faces.

At the station

Wesley, Tim, and Lucy walked down the hallway toward the bullpen, the tension from their last call still lingering.

Lucy broke the silence, her voice tinged with concern. "It doesn't seem fair to lock up Marilyn. She was just trying to protect her embryos."

Wesley sighed, knowing the complexity of the situation. "I get it, Luce. But she committed assault. There's nothing we can do."

Tim added, his tone firm, "Domestic violence laws are strict for a reason."

Lucy raised an eyebrow, recalling their earlier conversation. "What happened to 'circumstances dictate actions'?"

Tim didn't miss a beat. "This is one rule I stand by completely. Cemeteries are filled with women who might still be alive if the police had been forced to cuff their spouses the moment they laid hands on them."

Lucy looked at him, slightly surprised by his response. "That's a very enlightened attitude."

Wesley couldn't help but smirk. "You sound surprised, Boot."

Lucy smiled, "Sir, he surprises me every day."

Wesley chuckled, leaning in to kiss her temple gently. "Uh-huh. Go gas up the shop."

As Lucy headed off, Tim turned to Wesley, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "So, how many days have you worked for me as Chen's backup T.O.?"

Wesley shrugged, "Just the two days."

Tim nodded thoughtfully, "Okay."

Wesley glanced at Tim, curious. "Why do you ask?"

Tim paused for a moment before answering, his expression unreadable. "Just getting a feel for how you're handling it. It's not every day a rookie gets pulled into a T.O. role, even as a backup."

Wesley nodded, understanding the weight of Tim's words. "It's definitely a balancing act. Keeping things professional with Lucy while making sure I'm not letting the rookie side of me slip."

Tim smirked slightly. "You've been doing well. But don't get too comfortable. Being a T.O. is about more than just knowing the rules. It's about instinct, experience, and being able to read people in a split second. You've got potential, but you're still green."

Wesley raised an eyebrow. "Is this your way of saying I'm not as good as you?"

Tim gave a short laugh. "No one's as good as me, Wick. But you're getting there. Just keep your head on straight, and remember, you're learning from the best."

Wesley couldn't help but smile at the backhanded compliment. "I appreciate the vote of confidence, Tim."

Tim's expression softened slightly, showing a rare glimpse of camaraderie. "Just keep up the good work. We need more T.O.s who can handle the job without letting it get to their head."

Wesley nodded, the weight of the responsibility settling in even more. "I hear you. I won't let you down."

Tim gave a slight nod before they both turned their attention back to the task at hand, ready to face whatever the day would throw at them next.

Wesley's phone buzzed just as he was about to follow Tim into the briefing room. Glancing at the screen, he saw Zoe's name and quickly answered.

"Hey, babe, what's up?" Wesley asked, keeping his voice low.

"Wesley, it's happening. The twins are coming! I'm going into labor right now," Zoe's voice was filled with urgency and a hint of panic.

Wesley's heart skipped a beat. "Wait, right now? Are you sure?"

"Yes, Wesley, I'm sure!" Zoe's voice trembled slightly. "I need you to be here."

Wesley ran a hand through his hair, torn between his duty and the situation unfolding with Zoe. "Zoe, I'm about to be called in for a briefing. I don't think I can leave until my shift ends."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and then Zoe's voice came back, softer, but with a touch of resignation. "I understand, but please, Wesley, try to be here as soon as you can."

Wesley sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. "I will, Zoe. I promise I'll be there as soon as I can. Just hang in there, okay?"

"Okay," Zoe replied, her voice shaky but understanding. "I'll see you soon."

Wesley ended the call, staring at his phone for a moment before shoving it back into his pocket. Tim, noticing the serious look on Wesley's face, raised an eyebrow.

"You good?" Tim asked, his tone serious.

Wesley nodded, though his mind was elsewhere. "Yeah, just... family stuff. Let's get to the briefing."

In the briefing room

In the briefing room, tension was thick as everyone focused on the man at the front, his voice steady yet intense. "I've been undercover inside La Eme for almost a year," he began, his eyes scanning the room. "I've worked my way close to an offshoot in Boyle Heights called Ocampo Loco. They control the cash flow, bundling the drug money and shipping it back to Mexico."

Wesley leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "How much money are we talking about?"

The man, Officer Ortiz, locked eyes with Wesley. "Right now, at least a million. The word is they're planning to ship it tonight. I was just about to report it when my cover got blown by Matthew Rodriguez. He tried to kill me, so I shot him in self-defense. You know the rest."

Grey stepped forward, his voice commanding. "Officer Ortiz has bravely volunteered to go back in, maintain his cover, and set up our tactical operation."

Ortiz nodded, his expression grim. "Last time I was at the house, four halcones were guarding the money. Heavy hitters."

Grey looked around the room, making sure everyone was paying attention. "We're going to gear up heavy, position ourselves down the street, and be ready to initiate a full-blown raid on the house once Ortiz gives us the signal."

The Acting Captain stood up, eyes on the rookies. "This is your first high-level tactical operation. Let's make sure we're prepared."

With that, the Acting Captain exited the room, and the rest of the officers followed, the weight of the upcoming operation hanging over them.

As the officers began to file out of the briefing room, Wesley lingered, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He glanced at his phone, the text from Zoe flashing across the screen: The twins are coming.

Taking a deep breath, Wesley made his way to Grey, who was already strategizing with the other training officers. He waited for a break in the conversation before speaking up.

"Sir, I need a moment," Wesley said, his tone serious.

Grey turned to him, noting the urgency in Wesley's voice. "What is it, Officer Wick?"

Wesley hesitated for a second, then said, "Zoe... she's going into labor. The twins are coming."

Grey's expression softened for a moment, but his voice remained firm. "That's big news, Wick. But you know we've got a critical operation tonight."

"I understand, sir. I just wanted to let you know. I'll stay focused on the mission, but I need to be there for her as soon as possible."

Grey nodded, understanding the weight of the situation. "After we make the bust, you can head straight to the hospital. But until then, I need your head in the game."

Wesley nodded, relief and resolve to mix in his chest. "Yes, sir. I'll be ready."

Grey gave him a steady look. "Make sure you are. Your family will need you at the end of this, but right now, so does your team."

Wesley straightened determination in his eyes. "I won't let anyone down, sir."

"Good," Grey said, turning back to the others. "Let's gear up. We've got a job to do."

Wesley hesitated for a moment before asking, "Sir, could Lucy come with me after the bust?"

Grey let out a sigh, considering the request. After a brief pause, he nodded. "Yeah, she can go with you."

Wesley felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Thank you, sir. I'll gear up now."

Grey gave a firm nod, his tone steady. "Good. Let's get this done."

Later

Wesley approached Tim and Lucy as they gathered their gear, noticing the Entry Ram among the equipment.

He nodded toward it and asked, "You know the specs of this gear, Officer Chen?"

Lucy, without missing a beat, replied, "Yes, sir. That's a Blackhawk Dynamic Entry Special Op Ram."

Tim handed her the Ram and asked, "And how much does it weigh?"

"60 pounds, sir," Lucy responded confidently.

Wesley gave her a steady look. "Hold it tight. You'll be the one breaching."

Tim smirked and added, "Yeah, and you owe us a round for every swing it takes to knock that door down."

Wesley chuckled lightly. "Maybe on a different day. Lucy and I have somewhere to be after this op."

Tim's expression shifted slightly as he asked, "This about that phone call earlier?"

Wesley's face grew more serious. "I can't think about it right now. Gotta stay focused."

Tim gave a curt nod. "All right, let's roll."

At the Op location

At the location, the tactical team was geared up and ready, tension thick in the air as they prepared for the breach.

Grey's voice crackled over the radio, steady and authoritative. "All units, we're 30 seconds out. Get ready. Stay sharp. Be safe."

As the vans screeched to a halt, the officers poured out, moving swiftly and silently to line up against the fence, poised for action. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation.

Grey approached the front, giving precise orders. "Officer West, you do the 844. Stand by to initiate."

He then moved to the rear, his voice calm as he announced, "Ortiz is in."

Seconds later, Grey's voice came through again, more urgent this time. "That's the signal. Initiate."

Wesley, positioned just behind Jackson, fell in line behind Tim and Lucy as they advanced. The trio moved with practiced precision, navigating through the civilians on the street with focused determination.

Reaching the door, Jackson knocked forcefully and shouted, "Police! Open the door! We have a search warrant!"

When no response came, Lucy stepped forward, swinging the Entry Ram with practiced force. The door flew open, and Tim was the first to breach, shouting, "Suspect ran for the back!"

The rest of the team flooded in, their voices echoing through the house. "LAPD!"

Wesley quickly moved up to Lucy's position and was relieved to see her handcuffing two men. He exhaled, thankful she was safe, and stepped in to help her secure the second suspect. "You're under arrest," Lucy stated firmly, her voice steady.

Once the scene was under control and the suspects were in custody, Grey addressed the group. "Officers Wick and Chen, you're clear to leave. I know you both have somewhere important to be."

Wesley nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, sir."

As they exited the scene, Lucy looked at Wesley, curiosity in her eyes. "Where are we going?"

Wesley glanced at her, a mix of excitement and urgency in his voice. "Hospital. Zoe's in labor."

Lucy's eyes widened. "What? Let's go!"

At the hospital

Lucy and Wesley rushed through the hospital doors, the urgency in their strides matched by their anxious expressions.

At the reception desk, Wesley asked, "Excuse me, we're looking for Zoe Andersen. Can you tell us where she is?"

The receptionist glanced up from her computer, offering a sympathetic smile. "Yes, Captain Andersen is in Room 312. But... I should let you know, she's already given birth."

Wesley's heart sank, and he glanced at Lucy, who looked equally distressed. "Already given birth?" Wesley asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

The receptionist nodded. "Yes, she had the twins about an hour ago. They're in the nursery right now."

Lucy's face fell, and she clenched her jaw. "We missed it?" Her voice was tinged with frustration and sadness.

Wesley nodded, his disappointment clear. "Yeah, Boot. We did."

Lucy took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Let's go see Zoe. She's still going to need us."

Wesley nodded, leading the way to Room 312. As they approached, he opened the door gently and stepped inside. Zoe lay in the hospital bed, looking exhausted but radiant, holding the tiny twins in her arms.

Zoe's eyes lit up when she saw Wesley. "Wesley! You made it," she said softly, her voice tinged with relief and happiness.

Wesley moved to her side, taking her hand gently. "I'm sorry we missed it, Zoe. But we're here now. How are you feeling?"

Zoe smiled weakly, her eyes filled with love for the babies. "I'm doing okay. It was tough, but they're here, and they're perfect."

Lucy stepped in behind Wesley, her concern shifting to Zoe. "Congratulations, Zoe. I'm sorry we couldn't be here sooner."

Zoe gave her a warm smile. "Thank you, Lucy. I understand. You guys were doing important work."

Wesley looked at the twins, his eyes softening. "They're beautiful, Zoe. I can't wait to meet them properly."

Zoe nodded, tears of joy brimming in her eyes. "I'm just glad you're both here now."

Lucy looked at Wesley, giving him a reassuring nod. "Let's give them some space to rest. We can come back later to spend more time with them."

Wesley squeezed Zoe's hand gently. "We'll be here for you. You're not alone in this."

As they left the room, Wesley and Lucy shared a quiet moment of reflection, the weight of the day finally settling in.

As Wesley and Lucy stood quietly outside Zoe's room, the nurse entered, gently pushing a cart with the twins. She smiled warmly at them.

"Would you like to see the babies now?" the nurse asked.

Wesley and Lucy exchanged a glance, nodding eagerly. "Yes, please," Wesley replied.

The nurse carefully lifted the babies from the cart and brought them closer. "This is your baby girl," she said, holding up the little girl first. She was wrapped snugly in a pastel blanket, her tiny fingers curled into little fists. "She was born first, and this is her brother."

The nurse then showed them the little boy, equally bundled and adorable. His tiny face was a mirror of the little girl, though his features were still settling into place.

Wesley's eyes softened as he looked at the twins. "They're incredible," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lucy smiled her emotions a mix of happiness and tenderness. "Welcome to the world, little ones."

The nurse, observing their reaction, said, "Would you like to hold them for a few moments? Zoe would love to see you with them."

Wesley looked at Lucy, then at the nurse, his heart swelling with pride and love. "Yes, I'd like that."

"We haven't named them yet," Zoe said, her voice still full of exhaustion but also excitement. "We wanted to choose names together when we saw them."

Wesley looked at the little girl, his heart swelling. "I've been thinking... I'd like to name her Nora."

Zoe and Lucy exchanged glances, then Zoe smiled. "Nora. I like it. It suits her."

Lucy, holding the little boy, nodded in agreement. "Nora's a beautiful name. But what about him?" She looked down at the little boy, who was peacefully sleeping in her arms.

Wesley thought for a moment. "What about Mason? I think Mason would fit him well."

Zoe's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "Mason is a strong name. I think it's perfect for him."

Lucy smiled warmly at Wesley and Zoe. "Mason and Nora. I love it."

Wesley gently placed Nora back in the bassinet and turned to Zoe. "So, it's settled. Nora and Mason."

Zoe nodded, her eyes full of tears of joy. "Nora and Mason. I couldn't be happier."

Lucy took a deep breath, her emotions settling into contentment. "It's perfect. They're going to have wonderful names."

The nurse came in to check on them, and Wesley and Lucy filled out the official paperwork with the names of the twins. As they finished, Zoe looked at Wesley and Lucy with gratitude. "Thank you for being here. I'm so glad you're part of their lives."

Wesley squeezed Zoe's hand gently. "We're just getting started. Nora and Mason are going to grow up surrounded by so much love."

The room was filled with a sense of calm and happiness as the new family settled into their roles, ready to embark on this new chapter together.

The next day

The next morning, Wesley, Zoe, and Lucy were still in the hospital room, the first rays of sunlight filtering through the window. Wesley had fallen asleep in a chair next to Zoe's bed, exhausted but content. Zoe was awake, propped up with pillows, while Lucy was curled up on a cot in the corner, also catching up on some much-needed rest.

As the morning light gradually brightened the room, Zoe stirred and gently reached out to touch Wesley's hand. He woke up slowly, blinking in the soft light and immediately focusing on Zoe's peaceful face.

"Good morning," Wesley whispered, his voice tender.

"Morning," Zoe replied softly, her eyes meeting his with a smile. "How did you sleep?"

Wesley stretched, his tiredness evident but overshadowed by his happiness. "Not great, but it was worth it. How are you feeling?"

"Better," Zoe said, her smile widening. "I'm just really happy. It feels so surreal that they're finally here."

Wesley nodded, leaning over to kiss her forehead. "They're beautiful. I'm so glad we were able to choose names together."

Lucy, now awake, sat up on the cot and stretched, yawning. "Morning," she said, her voice still a bit groggy.

"Morning, Lucy," Wesley and Zoe replied in unison.

Lucy stood up and walked over to the bassinets, peering in at Nora and Mason. "They're so tiny," she said with a warm smile. "I'm glad I could be here for you both."

"Thanks for being here, Lucy," Wesley said. "It means a lot to us."

Lucy smiled and then looked at Zoe. "How are you holding up?"

Zoe nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude. "I'm doing well. Just a bit sore, but overall, I'm great. It's been an incredible night."

Wesley stood up and stretched, then walked over to the bassinets. "I'm going to call the family and let them know the good news. They'll want to come by and meet the twins."

"Good idea," Zoe said. "And I think we'll need some time to rest before everyone comes. It's been a long couple of days."

Lucy nodded in agreement. "I'll make sure everyone knows to give you some space to recover."

As Wesley made the calls, Zoe and Lucy shared a quiet moment, watching the babies sleep peacefully. The room was filled with a sense of tranquility and joy, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Wesley stepped out of Zoe's hospital room to make a phone call. He dialed John's number, waiting for his half-brother to pick up.

When John answered, his voice sounded weary. "Hey, Wesley."

"Hey, Johnny. How are you holding up?"

John sighed, "Not great. I wanted to let you know that Jackson, Tim, Lopez, and I are under suspension. They're saying $250,000 is missing from the bust yesterday, and they're pinning it on us."

Wesley's expression tightened with concern. "What? That's insane. You four would never do something like that."

"I know, but they're not listening right now. We're suspended until they figure it out."

Wesley paused, thinking quickly. "Don't worry, John. I'll talk to Zoe and Lucy. We'll figure this out and clear your names. Just hang in there, okay?"

"Thanks, Wes. I appreciate it."

"Of course. We'll get to the bottom of this. Take care, Johnny."

As Wesley hung up, he took a deep breath, already planning his next steps to help his brother and their friends.

After hanging up with John, Wesley headed back into Zoe's hospital room. Zoe was sitting up in bed, looking tired but content, while Lucy was gently rocking Nora. Mason was asleep in the bassinet nearby.

"Hey, Zoe, Lucy," Wesley began, his tone more serious now. "I just got off the phone with John. He, Tim, Jackson, and Lopez are all under suspension."

Zoe's smile faded as she turned to him. "Suspended? For what?"

Wesley took a seat beside her, lowering his voice so as not to wake the babies. "They're saying $250,000 is missing from the money we recovered during the bust yesterday. They're blaming them for it."

Lucy's eyes widened in shock. "That's ridiculous! They would never do something like that!"

"I know," Wesley agreed, "but the higher-ups aren't listening right now. They've suspended all four of them until they can investigate."

Zoe leaned back against her pillows, her mind already racing. "This is a mess. We can't just sit by and let this happen. Wesley, I need you and Lucy to do whatever you can to help them out of this. Use any resources, any connections. Talk to Grey, gather evidence—whatever it takes."

Lucy nodded, determination flashing in her eyes. "We'll figure it out, Zoe. We'll clear their names."

Wesley squeezed Zoe's hand reassuringly. "We're on it. You focus on recovering and taking care of our twins. Lucy and I will handle this."

Zoe gave him a grateful smile, her trust in him evident. "Thank you, Wesley. I know you'll make things right."

With that, Wesley and Lucy exchanged a look of mutual resolve. They were ready to do whatever it took to get John, Tim, Jackson, and Lopez out of this mess.

As Wesley and Lucy drove to the station, the mood in the car was tense but focused. They were both determined to get to the bottom of the situation and help clear their colleagues' names. The cityscape blurred past as Wesley concentrated on the road, while Lucy was deep in thought, going over the details of the case in her mind.

Suddenly, Wesley's phone rang. He glanced at the screen and saw Tim's name. "It's Tim," Wesley said, putting the call on speaker so Lucy could listen in.

"Hey, Tim. We're on our way to the station. What's going on?" Wesley asked, keeping his tone steady.

"Just wanted to see if you and Lucy could help with this suspension mess," Tim's voice came through the speaker, sounding tense. "We need all the help we can get to clear our names."

"Of course," Lucy replied immediately. "We're with you, Tim. We'll do whatever it takes."

But before Tim could respond, his voice dropped lower, laced with concern. "Wesley, something's not right. There's a black SUV that's been tailing me for the last few blocks. Now it's right on my ass."

Wesley and Lucy exchanged a worried glance. "How close?" Wesley asked, his tone sharp.

"Close enough that I'm about to get out and have a word with the driver," Tim said, trying to keep his voice calm, but the tension was clear.

"Tim, be careful," Lucy warned. "It might not just be some random driver."

Before they could say anything else, there was a loud bang on the other end of the line. Tim's voice came back, more urgent now. "Wesley, the SUV just rammed into me. I'm trying to keep control, but they're pushing me off the road!"

"Tim, get out of there!" Wesley yelled, his heart racing. He gripped the steering wheel tighter, feeling a surge of adrenaline.

"I'm trying!" Tim shouted, and then there was another loud crash. The sound of metal scraping and glass shattering filled the line.

"Tim!" Lucy called out, panic rising in her voice. "Tim, are you okay?"

There was a brief moment of silence, then Tim's voice came back, strained but still steady. "I'm still here. They clipped my rear bumper, but I'm managing. I think they're trying to force me off the road completely."

"Where are you?" Wesley asked urgently, already preparing to change course.

"Near Griffith Park Drive," Tim replied quickly. "I'm going to try and lose them. I just passed Mineral Wells Trail."

"We're on our way," Wesley said, his voice firm. "Stay on the line, and don't let them force you off the road."

Lucy was already pulling up the map on her phone, finding the fastest route to Tim's location. "We'll be there as soon as we can, Tim. Just hang on."

Tim's breathing was heavy, but he managed to keep his voice calm. "Thanks, guys. Just hurry."

Wesley's heart skipped a beat when he heard a sudden thud through the phone. His grip tightened on the steering wheel. "Tim? Tim, can you hear me?" he called out, his voice tense.

The silence on the other end was broken by the unmistakable sound of gunshots. Wesley's blood ran cold.

Lucy's eyes widened as she turned to Wesley. "Floor it," she demanded, her voice urgent.

Without hesitation, Wesley slammed his foot on the gas, the engine roaring as the car surged forward. They were heading straight for Griffith Park Drive, where Tim was in danger. Wesley's mind raced, focusing on getting to Tim as fast as possible.

"Hold on, Tim. We're coming," Wesley muttered, pushing the car to its limits as they sped through the streets, the urgency of the situation driving them forward.

Later

At Griffith Park Drive

Wesley navigated the winding road, eyes fixed ahead when Lucy suddenly spoke up. "We don't see his truck anywhere."

Wesley's concern deepened. He quickly grabbed his phone and dialed Grey. "Grey, this is Wesley. Do you copy?"

"Hello?" Grey responded promptly.

"Sarge, Tim's in trouble. Someone tried to drive him off the road on Griffith Park Drive. Lucy and I are en route and pulling up now."

As Wesley spoke, Lucy's gaze shifted forward. "There it is," she said, pointing to the road ahead. Tim's truck was stranded in the center, encircled by several SUVs blocking all passage.

Wesley squinted, assessing the situation. "Looks like about four SUVs, all parked and out of the way. They appear empty, but something's off."

Grey's voice came through the phone, tinged with caution. "Be careful out there."

Wesley exchanged a determined look with Lucy before responding. "Four SUVs are blocking the road. They look empty, but Lucy and I are going to investigate."

"Stay safe," Grey advised.

"Yes, sir," Wesley and Lucy replied in unison, their resolve unwavering.

Wesley brought the car to a controlled stop behind the obstruction, his senses heightened. "Alright, let's approach this cautiously," he whispered to Lucy.

Lucy nodded, her hand instinctively resting on her sidearm. "Ready when you are."

Together, they moved forward, every step deliberate, prepared for whatever awaited them beyond the barricade.

Lucy and Wesley drew their guns, moving cautiously as they approached the SUVs. They methodically checked each vehicle, confirming they were all empty.

With the immediate threat seemingly neutralized, Wesley quickly rushed to Tim's truck, peering inside. His heart sank when he spotted Tim's phone lying abandoned on the floorboard.

Wesley pressed his phone to his ear, "Grey, the SUVs are empty, and Tim's phone is on the floor of his truck. Something's wrong."

Grey's voice was tense. "That's not good. Backup is eight minutes out."

Wesley didn't hesitate. "Request an airship to our location too."

"Copy that," Grey responded swiftly. "I'm requesting an airship to Griffith Park Drive—Officer in trouble. Be advised, two plainclothes officers are already on scene."

Dispatch confirmed the request through Wesley's phone. "Airship 3 is five minutes out, sir."

Grey's voice came through again, reassuring but firm. "Hang tight, Wesley."

"Copy that," Wesley replied, scanning the area. His eyes locked on a trail leading deeper into the park. "I see a trail that Tim might've been taken down. Lucy and I are gonna follow it."

"Understood. Be careful. Keep me updated," Grey instructed before ending the call.

Wesley turned to Lucy, determination in his eyes. "Luce, come on," he urged, taking off toward the trail.

Without hesitation, Lucy fell in beside him, ready for whatever they might encounter as they raced against time to find Tim.

Wesley and Lucy hurried through the dense underbrush, their senses heightened. As they approached a tree stump, Lucy glanced around, scanning for any signs of movement. "Which way?" she asked, her voice low and tense.

Wesley took a moment, his sharp eyes searching the area. He noticed a smear of blood on the tree stump, and his gaze shifted downward to the ground. A broken stick, stained with fresh blood, caught his attention. "This way," he said with certainty, pointing in the direction the blood trail seemed to lead.

Lucy hesitated for a brief moment, her brow furrowed. "Are you sure?"

Wesley gave her a determined nod. "There's a trail of blood, Boot. We're on the right path."

"Right," Lucy replied, her resolve solidifying.

They both took off in the direction of the broken stick, their footsteps quickening as they followed the grim trail deeper into the woods, every second counting in their search for Tim.

Later

Lucy and Wesley sprinted through the dense woods, their breaths coming in sharp bursts. Suddenly, the crack of gunfire echoed through the trees, freezing them both in their tracks.

Wesley grabbed his radio and barked into it, "Shots fired, northwest of our last position. Moving in."

They darted toward the source of the gunfire, their senses on high alert. As they pushed deeper into the forest, they spotted a figure bolting through the trees. Wesley immediately shouted, "Hey!"

The man didn't stop, prompting Wesley and Lucy to take cover behind a nearby tree. "Police! Don't move!" Wesley commanded.

The suspect turned and fired a shot in their direction, forcing Wesley to react. He quickly returned fire, hitting the man in the thigh. The suspect crumpled to the ground with a groan.

Wesley and Lucy rushed over, guns still drawn. "Do not move! Stay on the ground!" Wesley ordered, kicking the gun away from the suspect's reach. He pulled out his handcuffs and handed them to Lucy. "You got this, Boot?"

Lucy nodded, "Yeah."

"Good," Wesley replied, his focus already shifting. "I'm going after Tim."

Wesley sprinted through the bushes, his heart pounding in his chest. He came to a halt when he spotted Tim, who was on top of another man, pinning him down. Wesley let out a relieved sigh. "Nice work."

Tim, breathing heavily, looked up at him. "You got cuffs?"

Wesley nodded and handed over his last pair. "Yeah, here."

As Tim secured the cuffs on the suspect, he smirked, "What took you so long?"

Wesley rolled his eyes, half-smiling. "Seriously, dude? You ran into a forest full of trees and obstacles. What did you think was gonna happen?"

Tim chuckled as he finished cuffing the man. "Good to see you, Wick."

Wesley grinned back. "Good to see you too, Bradford."

At the hospital

At the hospital, Wesley, Grey, Lucy, Tim, Bishop, Lopez, and Jackson made their way to Zoe's hospital room. Wesley felt a mix of exhaustion and elation as they approached the door.

The group entered the room, where Zoe lay in bed, looking tired but happy. The twins were peacefully asleep in a bassinet next to her.

Wesley walked over to Zoe, gently taking her hand. "Hey, Zoe. How are you feeling?"

Zoe smiled weakly. "I'm doing okay. It's been a long day, but I'm just glad they're here."

Lucy and Tim moved to the bassinet, peering in at the newborns. "They're beautiful," Lucy said, her voice soft with admiration. "You and Wesley did good."

Wesley nodded, still holding Zoe's hand. "Thanks, Luce."

Grey, standing a bit behind Wesley, cleared his throat. "Congratulations, Wick. And, Zoe, I'm glad to see you're doing well. I appreciate everyone's patience today."

Wesley glanced at Grey, understanding the unspoken gratitude for their support during the hectic day. "Thanks, Sarge."

Jackson, trying to lighten the mood, joked, "So, have we decided on names yet, or are we waiting for the next round of drama?"

Zoe chuckled, her eyes brightening. "We've actually settled on names. Nora for the baby girl, and Mason for the baby boy."

Tim raised an eyebrow, "That's a solid choice."

Bishop, who had been quietly observing, added, "They're good names. Congratulations, Wesley."

Lopez nodded in agreement. "Yeah, congrats, man. Glad you're all right and that things worked out."

Wesley smiled, feeling a surge of relief and happiness. "Thanks, everyone. I'm just glad to be here with all of you."

The group gathered around the bassinet, looking at the twins with a mix of awe and affection. Wesley felt a deep sense of contentment as he watched his friends and family share in this special moment.

To be continued...